A-Straight	1	35/1
B-Split	2	17/1
C-Street	3	11/1
D-Square	4	6/1
E-Line	5	6/1
F-Line	6	5/1
G-Dozens	12	2/1
H-Columns	13	2/1
I-High orLow	18	1/1
J-Black or red	18	1/1
K-Even orOdd	18	1/1

Sample locations for each of the above-identified bets are marked on the lower table[0037]54 with the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, respectively. Thus, it can be seen that the roulette game of the present invention may be played in the conventional fashion, placing bets on the ending location of a single ball into one of thepockets22.

The addition of the[0038]

upper playing field

56 permits new possibilities previously unknown in a roulette-type game.Upper field56 is the same aslower field54, but with the addition of two additional betting

boxes

58 and60. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, four balls are in play, andbox58 permits a bet of any three of the four balls falling within a single pocket. Similarly, bettingbox60 envisions a four ball game with the bet covering all four of the balls falling within any single pocket. Obviously, the method of this game is equally applicable on games having either fewer or more balls in play, but with a minimum of two balls in play. In a two ball game, the upper layout would be utilized to cover both balls falling within the range of pockets allowed by the type of bet. Thus, if the bet were “straight up” both balls would have to fall within the same pocket. If the bet were “split” then the two balls would have to fall within one or both of the two pockets covered by the bet. Similarly, in a two ball game, bettingbox58 would cover “any one of two” and bettingbox60 would cover “any two of two”.

In general, in games with “n” balls in play, betting[0039]

box

58 would cover a bet for “any n−1 of n”, whilebox60 would cover bets on “any n of n”. The estimated payment rate for some possible bets on the upper playing field would be as follows, where 4 balls are used in the game:



	Name ofBet	Payment Ratio

	4 of 4 straight up	1,500,000/1
	3 of 4 straight up	10,000/1
	Any 3 of 4	250/1
	Dozens	80/1
	High orLow	15/1
	Black orRed	15/1
	Even orOdd	15/1

In addition, while the preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a single roulette wheel with a plurality of balls in play, the method of the invention would work equally as well with a plurality of separate roulette wheels, each wheel having one or more tracks. The excitement in the game is the possibility of betting on a plurality of balls simultaneously, rather than merely on a single ball for each spin of the wheel.[0040]

In use, patrons will gather around each of tables[0041]42,44,46, and48, associated with each of theballs26 to be utilized in the game. Patrons will then place allowable bets on the upper and/or

lower playing fields

54 and56 on their particular table. Croupiers then will put the fourballs26 into motion, one after another. Preferably, the balls are placed into motion in a direction counter that of the rotation of the roulette wheel. As each ball loses momentum, it will spiral and bounce downwardly to finally fall within one of thepockets22 ondisk12. Thesensors52 will detect the presence and location of eachball26, and display the location on the associated

post

50a,50b,50c,and50d.

After the simultaneous display of the four numbers, a croupier at each table will designate the appropriate number on the[0042]

lower playing field

54, and proceed to remove losing bets and payout winning bets. The process then begins again.

The method for determining the payout ratio for a particular bet in the improved quadroulette game, where either a plurality of balls are simultaneously propelled, or a single ball is propelled in a series of sequential spins, is the basis of a new method for playing a game of chance of the present invention. In order to determine the payout ratio for the upper playing field, it is first necessary to determine the house advantage and cumulative house advantage for the game. The house advantage for any playing field in a game of chance is determined by the proportionate number of possible conclusions in a trial in the game upon which a player's bets are restricted. For example, an American roulette wheel includes two locations on the wheel into which the ball may fall, but upon which a bet is greatly restricted. Thus, on any given spin of a 38 pocket roulette wheel, the house advantage is equal to 2 divided by 38 or 0.0526.[0043]

The probability of winning on a bet on any particular number on the roulette wheel must be adjusted to take this house advantage into consideration. Since two of the numbers are greatly restricted in the “betting poor”, the actual probability for the bet must be adjusted to take the house advantage into account. The house advantage of 0.0526 must be factored into the single ball probability to obtain the actual payout to a player, where a house advantage is present.[0044]

In the upper playing field of the present invention, a plurality of balls are simultaneously set into play, each of those balls being subject to a house advantage. For this reason, to determine the upper layout payout ratio, the cumulative house advantage for all of the balls must be determined. The cumulative house advantage is equal to the number of unrestricted “bettable” positions divided by the total number of positions on the wheel, this quantity then being multiplied by itself with the exponent equal to the number of balls in the game. In the quadroulette game disclosed herein, the cumulative house advantage would be equal to (36/38)[0045]⁴, which is equal to 0.805518681.

If the game is played with a single ball on a roulette wheel, this exponent would be equal to the number of sequential spins of the wheel, rather than the number of balls simultaneously propelled. Similarly, other games of chance would substitute the number of ‘trials’ for the exponent in this equation.[0046]

The next step in determining the payout ratio for a winning bet includes the step of determining the single ball bet probability for a particular bet. As noted above, the single ball bet probability is equal to the total number of spaces that encompass the bet divided by the total number of spaces available on the wheel. Thus, if the bet is for a single number on a conventional American roulette wheel, the single ball bet probability would be equal 1/38. If the bet is for “dozens” the single ball probability would be 12/38.[0047]

The single ball bet probability is then multiplied times itself with the exponent equal to the number of balls in the game, in order to produce a multiple ball bet probability. A payout variable is then determined by inverting the multiple ball bet probability to form a fraction where the variable is equal to 1 divided by the multiple ball bet probability. This payout variable is then multiplied by the cumulative house advantage to form a product that is the numerator of the payout ratio. The denominator of the payout ratio is 1.[0048]

In the example of a bet on “dozens”, the payout ratio would be determined as follows. First, the single ball bet probability is equal to (12/38)[0049]⁴which equals 0.009945. When inverted, this results in a payout variable of 100.55634. As noted above, the cumulative house advantage for the American style roulette wheel is equal to 0.805518681. Multiplying the cumulative house advantage times the payout variable results in a product of 81, which rounds to a payout ratio of 80/1. Technically, it is more accurate to subtract the one dollar bet from the variable before multiplying it by the cumulative house advantage. Thus, the more accurate payout ratio for a “dozens” bet would be (100.5563271−1)×0.805518681=80. Thus, if all four balls in the upper field are located in the particular 12 locations forming the “dozens” bet, the player would win a payout ratio of 80/1.

Obviously, this method could be used with other games of chance having different house advantages and different probabilities of winning, so long as the game of chance includes a plurality of gaming trials, with each trial including a plurality of possible conclusions.[0050]

At present, there are two typical roulette wheels common to casinos, namely, (1) the Single Zero roulette wheel, otherwise known as the French Wheel, and (2) the Double Zero roulette wheel, otherwise known as the American Wheel. House odds for each of these wheels are as follows:[0051]



	Even Money Bets	Remainder

	5.26%	5.26%

For the double-zero wheel, 2/38 equals 0.0526; and for the single-zero wheel, 1/37 equals 0.027. When the single-zero wheel utilizes an “en prison” rule, landing on that single zero effectively causes any even-money bets to lose only half of the bets placed; thereby reducing the odds further on even-money bets, to 1.35%. The single-zero wheel and en prison rule is believed to be the primary reason why roulette is so popular in Europe and other international territories.[0052]

Referring now to FIG. 4, a modified roulette wheel is designated generally at[0053]70, and includes 38pockets72 of a size to receive

balls

26a,26b,26c,and26dtherein, in the same fashion as thedisk12 of the first embodiment of the invention. Anouter ring74 extends around the circumference ofpockets72, and has a flat upper surface upon which thenumbers 0 and 1-37 are printed or engraved, adjacent to each of thepockets72. Thepockets72 and portions of the flat ring adjacent each of numerals 1-36 are preferably alternating red and black in color, with the numerals arranged in a random arrangement such as that shown in FIG. 4. The 0 pocket is preferably colored differently, such as green. In this embodiment of the invention the 37 pocket may replace the 00 pocket of the American Wheel, and is preferably a striking color arrangement, to make it stand out.

In the method of use of the modified wheel, the same layout of the tables shown in detail in FIG. 2 is used. Thus,[0054]

roulette wheel

70 is located generally centrally among the four radially projecting tables42,44,46, and48, with the tables preferably having a colored top matching the color of the particular ball. Each table42,44,46, and48 includes alower playing field54 and anupper playing field56, upon which bets are placed for the roulette game. Playing

fields

54 and56 are identical on each table. Eachupper playing field56 is utilized for placing bets on the plurality ofballs26, while eachlower playing field54 is utilized to place bets on thesingle ball26 which is associated with that particular table.Lower playing fields54 are arranged in the same way as those shown in FIG. 2, except that the 00 area may replace the 37 numeral.

In the method of use, on the lower playing fields, any time the slot of number “37” or “00” is “hit” by a ball landing in that pocket on the wheel, the even-money bets are considered a straight PUSH for that round only. In other words, there are no wins or losses for even-money bets. For this circumstance, there is essentially no penalty for any even-money bets for that round. It is as if a round has not taken place for even-money bets on the lower playing field, when the slot number “37” or “00” hits on that playing field.[0055]

It should therefore be clear that the modified[0056]

wheel

70 shown in FIG. 4 combines the advantages of both the American and French roulette odds while simultaneously eliminating inherent disadvantages.Modified roulette wheel70 permits sequential probabilities inherent to the method of the first embodiment of the invention to remain influential to its design. Yet the most noteworthy marketing implication is that there is the capability to advertise roulette odds as low as 1.35%. It can be seen that the house odds for playing the game using the deifiedwheel70 are as follows:



	Even-money bets	Remainder

Upper Layout Bets	19.5%	19.5%
Lower Layout Bets	1.35%	5.26%

Today's gaming customers are well versed to house advantages, and are always looking for those games with the best odds (the highest odds in the customer's favor).[0057]

Yet a further possible modification of the playing environment of the present invention is the addition of illumination to the betting surface of the tables. More particularly, once all balls have come to a resting position in the wheel, then the individual slots on the betting layouts which are considered winning bets for that round only, are illuminated until the next round begins. This aids both the croupier and patron alike. It is generally accepted that a casino loses about 4% of its drop to dealer error that occurs while resolving bets. Not only would there be little confusion as to which bets are winning ones and which are not, but this illumination also allows for faster play. Enabling gambling patrons to be less intimidated by understanding the game better, allows for a more satisfied customer.[0058]

Whereas the invention has been shown and described in connection with the preferred embodiment thereof, many modifications, substitutions and additions may be made which are within the intended broad scope of the appended claims.[0059]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for playing a roulette game of the type having a plurality of at least three balls, and a roulette wheel with a plurality of numbered pockets, each pocket capable of receiving all of the balls, comprising the steps of:

providing a playing field for betting on at least one pocket which will be the ending location of each of the plurality of balls;

the playing field restricting bets on at least one pocket to create a house advantage for the playing field;

placing a bet as to the ending location of the balls at the outcome of a round;

propelling all of the balls along tracks on the wheel;

identifying the pockets in which each of the balls resides at the outcome of the round; and

determining winning and losing bets.

2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the step of determining the payout ratio for a winning bet, comprising the steps of:

determining the house advantage for the playing field;

determining a cumulative house advantage for the playing field;

determining a single ball bet probability;

multiplying the single ball bet probability times itself with an exponent equal to the number of balls in the game to produce a multiple ball bet probability;

determining a payout variable by inverting the multiple ball bet probability to form a fraction having 1 as the numerator;

determining a payout ratio numerator by multiplying the payout variable by the cumulative house advantage; and

designating the payout ratio denominator as 1.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the step of determining the payout ratio numerator includes the step of subtracting 1 from the payout variable prior to the step of determining the payout ratio numerator.

4. A method for playing a roulette game of the type having a ball and a roulette wheel, the wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets for receiving the ball, comprising the steps of:

providing a first playing field for betting on the pocket which will be an ending location of the ball;

placing a bet as to ending locations of the ball at the outcome of a plurality of sequential spins;

initiating the plurality of sequential spins without permitting any bets to be added or changed during the plurality of sequential spins;

identifying the pocket in which the ball resides at the outcome of each spin; and

determining winning and losing bets at the conclusion of said plurality of sequential spins.

5. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising the step of determining the payout ratio for a winning bet, comprising the steps of:

determining the house advantage for the playing field;

determining a cumulative house advantage for the playing field;

determining a single spin bet probability;

multiplying the single spin bet probability times itself with an exponent equal to the total number of sequential spins in the game, to produce a multiple spin bet probability;

determining a payout variable by inverting the multiple spin bet probability to form a fraction having 1 as the numerator;

designating the payout ratio denominator as 1.

6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the step of determining the payout ratio numerator includes the step of subtracting 1 from the payout variable prior to the step of determining the payout ratio numerator.

7. A method for playing a roulette game of the type having a ball and a roulette wheel, the wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets for receiving the ball, comprising the steps of:

providing a first playing field for betting on the pocket which will be the ending location of the ball;

the playing field not permitting a bet on at least one pocket, to thereby create a house advantage;

placing a bet as to the ending locations of the ball at the outcome of a plurality of sequential spins;

initiating a plurality of independent spins of the roulette wheel in a first direction;

propelling the ball along a track on the wheel in a second direction opposite the first direction after each spin initiation;

identifying the pocket in which the ball resides at the outcome of each of the spins;

determining winning and losing bets at the conclusion of said series of spins.

8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising the step of determining the payout ratio for a winning bet, comprising the steps of:

determining the house advantage for the playing field;

determining a cumulative house advantage for the playing field;

determining a single spin bet probability;

designating the payout ratio denominator as 1.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the step of determining the payout ratio numerator includes the step of subtracting 1 from the payout variable prior to the step of determining the payout ratio numerator.

10. A method for playing a game of chance which includes a plurality of gaming trials, each trial including a plurality of possible conclusions, comprising the steps of:

providing a first playing field for betting on the conclusions of the plurality of gaming trials, wherein the playing field restricts bets on at least one of the plurality of conclusions of each trial, to thereby create a house advantage;

placing a bet as to the conclusions of each of the trials prior to initiating any of the plurality of trials;

initiating the trials without permitting any bets to be added or changed during the plurality of trials;

identifying the conclusions of each of the trials; and

determining winning and losing bets at the conclusion of said series of trials.

11. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising the step of determining the payout ratio for a winning bet, comprising the steps of:

determining the house advantage for the playing field;

determining a cumulative house advantage for the playing field;

determining a single trial bet probability;

multiplying the single trial bet probability times itself with an exponent equal to the number of trials in the game to produce a multiple trial bet probability;

determining a payout variable by inverting the multiple trial bet probability to form a fraction having 1 as the numerator;

designating the payout ratio denominator as 1.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the game of chance includes a roulette wheel with at least one ball associated with the wheel, wherein each trial is a spin of the wheel and propelling the ball around a track on the wheel, and wherein each conclusion is the ending location of the ball on the wheel after a spin.

13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the game of chance includes a roulette wheel with a plurality of balls associated with a plurality of tracks on the wheel, wherein each trial is the propelling of a ball around the tracks, and wherein each conclusion is the ending location of each of the bails on the wheel after a spin.

14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the trials occur with a single spin of the wheel while the balls are propelled on the tracks of the spinning wheel.

15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein said roulette wheel includes 38 locations around the perimeter of the wheel into which a ball may come to rest at the conclusion of a trial, and wherein each said location is individually numbered 0-37.