- Hands dealt per unit time
- Identification of when a service call should be made
- Automatic service call generation
- Jam detection/recovery and reports of jams/clears in real time to main controller
- Rounds of play/unit time
- When cards are scanned for rank/suit, the value of the hand can be automatically ranked and the payout can be displayed, eliminating dealer errors.
- When cards are scanned for rank/suit and the correct payout is displayed, reports of dealer error/cheating are generated when wrong payouts are made.
- The signal from the bet sensors may be input into the shuffler itself to enable the shuffler to deal only the number of hands needed to cover the bets, speeding play of the game.
- The signal from the bet sensors can be transmitted directly to the central controller to collect betting data.
- The table controller will communicate with the player tracking system, permitting the system to measure player bets placed, player efficiency (how far the player deviates from “optimal” strategy), time at the table, frequency of visiting property, etc.
- The table controller will continually pole the chip tray to verify that the correct number of chips is in the tray. Count of chips on the table can also be determined by sensors and included in the total count. Balances are fed to the central computer in real-time so that errors in paying are detected immediately.
- Data on the amount of time the table is in use, the time of day the table is in use, the table identification number, the table location, the times when the tables are most filled and the times when the most bets are made may be collected by the table controller and transmitted to the central controller so that management can optimize usage of personnel, the arrangement of equipment and choice of games/equipment. Management can determine when table should remain open, and when it should be closed.
- Data on a hand pitched game vs. the same game dealt through an automatic shuffler (at equivalent locations in terms of table usage/min and max bets, etc.) can be compared to measure productivity improvements gained through automating a table or automating the shuffling process.
- Dealer identification number or name may be input into the table controller at the beginning of a shift. The dealer can be asked to sign out at the end of shift. Verification of hours worked, and associating data collected during this period of time with a particular dealer. Data can be used to detect dealer cheating, dealer training needs and for implementing dealer recognition awards and special compensation for rewarding and/or recognizing exceptionally good dealers that are reflected in higher holds and longer retention at the table.
- An identification number corresponding to the shuffler can be inputted into the table controller to track the location of each shuffler. This i.d. information can also be transmitted to the main controller directly from the shuffler or into the table computer and then to the main controller.
- Reports on shuffler swap outs (replacements when performance of a shuffler is less than optimal) can be generated, to assist service personnel in servicing the right shufflers, and to improve the chances that back-up units are in working order.
- The central controller will generate reports such as rounds of play/shift, the number of players/shift, the average amount of time spent at the table/player, the handle, player reports that assist management in determining rating of a player, analysis/reports to use for player comping, etc.
- The table controller can be programmed so that it will alert the dealer and pit boss via the central controller that a card counter is playing on the table. When the system is reading the rank and value of each card, the table controller will know the count of each hand. If player bets increase when the shoe is rich in10 and Ace value cards, the system will alert the dealer and management that the player is counting cards.
- Data collected at each table controller can be transmitted in real time to the central controller, allowing management to thwart card counting, cheating schemes, dealer mistakes, etc. as the events occur.

InFIG. 1 shows agame table system10 for a game table20 on which a live card game is played. Thesystem10 uses a central controller. The system can be applied to any of the non-limiting following list of known or conventional table games: Baccarat and variants such as Grand Baccarat, Mini Baccarat, Midi Baccarat, Chemin de fer and Puncto Banco; Blackjack and variants such as Progressive Twenty One, Triple Action Blackjack, Super Seven's Blackjack, Spanish Twenty One, Vingt et un and Pontoon; Big Wheel, Big Six and variants, In Between and variants such as Red Dog and Catch-A-Wave; Poker and variants such as Caribbean Stud® Poker, Caribbean Draw® Poker, Let It Ride® poker, Tres Card Poker, Pai Gow Poker, and Wheel and Deal, Three Card Poker, Four Card™ poker. Oklahoma Three Card™ stud poker, etc. The form, type, and variation of the game played on table20 are immaterial to the teachings of the present invention and does not limit the teachings contained herein.

The game table10, in one general exemplary embodiment, is adapted for Let It Ride Bonus® stud poker and, inFIG. 1, sevenplayer positions18athrough18gare shown. At each player position is acard position19athrough19g, respectively, and three individual

player betting positions

22a,22band22c. A side bet (e.g., jackpot or bonus)wagering position23athrough23gis shown at each player position. A position for dealers orcommunity cards21 is shown in front of the dealer'sposition20.

A card shuffling orcard randomizing device32 is provided on, next to or beneath the upper surface of the table10. The shufflingdevice32 preferably has its own separate computer/microprocessor33 integral with or electronically associated with theshuffler32. Thetable controller37 controls the operations of the shuffler in another example of the invention. Acard delivery shoe35 is shown, from which shuffled cards, randomized cards, randomized hands or shuffled hands (not shown) are provided to the dealer to distribute. Asensor36 is shown within thecard delivery shoe35, although it may be positioned elsewhere within the card shuffler, as is well known in the art. A sensor or sensors (not shown) may also be positioned on the table10 so that cards are read and a unique status signal are provided to one of the computers (33,37 and39, or as later identified) to provide information for analysis. Thegame computer37 or game controller is shown as associated with akey pad system20. The key pad system contains a key pad74 (supported by attachingelement34 to the table) for entering data, various rows of

buttons

72 and78 for inputting data, and playerposition indicator buttons76 for assigning data input to specific player positions (although other identification systems for individual player positions are within the choice of the ordinarily skilled artisan). The side bet wagering positions23athrough23gare provided with sensing or counting devices B at the sidebet wagering sites23athrough23g. In another form of the invention, the base

game bet sensors

22a,22b,22care also equipped with electronic bet sensors and/or counting systems.

The side bet detection device B (as well as the devices located at

positions

22a,22band22c) may be any sensing system such as, but not limited to a proximity detector, magnetic card reader, photo-optic or acoustic detector, RF responsive indicator/sensor, optical scanner, weight sensing device or the multiple security system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,002. Thecard reader36 is shown to be located in the shufflingdevice32 ofFIG. 1 on the game table10, but could also be located on the surface of the table10 or any suitable location including in theshoe element35 of theshuffler32, inside the shufflingdevice32 when cards are moved one-at-a-time within the shuffler, or in any other strategic location near the gaming table10.

Any commercially available card reader, especially those adapted for the gaming industry, could be utilized under the teachings of the present invention to read player data, available credit and any other information carried on player tracking cards. Each card reader may form part of an array of card readers that are responsible for the collection of programmed data present on a card-based magnetic strip or in reading the images or other data on the cards. The present technology is not limited to magnetic or bar code card readers and it is to be expressly understood that the card utilized could be a smart card and that the device could write data into a smart card. Furthermore, any equivalent device could be utilized under the present invention which at least reads player identification data from a data medium carried by the player.

Thegame table computer37 serves as an intelligent processor and communications hub for the game table10. Thegame table computer37 contains software and coordinates all recognition, display, mathematical, diagnostic and communication routines and functions associated with the transfer of data between itself and the other table-based and distal components as will be explained in the following. The table-basedcomputer37 may also interface with computer-based systems (e.g.,33 and39) remote from the game table10, and in one example of the invention, also communicates with other table-based computers on the property, or between properties via a network connection.

FIG. 1 also shows a dealer'skeypad74 atdealer location14, which serves as a communication device between the dealer and thesystem10 of the present invention. It enables the dealer to enter commands and/or selections of commands from predefined menus. Also at thedealer location14 may include a dealer visual interface (not shown, may be located on the table10 or on the shuffler32) that displays game information, chip tray inventories, personnel identification, casino chip values, and wager values summed byplayer position18athrough18g. In addition, component status and/or miscellaneous messages from the

computers

33,37 and39 and/or remote computer-based systems can be displayed.

In the practice of the present technology, commercial components and subcomponents may be used to build the architecture of the system. For example, in use and operation, the invention may include processor boards, intelligent boards, unintelligent boards, a main board, microprocessors, a graphics system processor, an audio processor, the boards and components including memory in the form of ROM, RAM, flash memory, EPROM, NVRAM and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). The central gaming control computer or the table game controller computer may include a system event controller, the random number generator, a win decoder/pay table, status indicators, a communications handler, encryption system for signals, hardware and peripherals (e.g., lights, displays, buttons, coin acceptors, key switches, doors switches, change systems, credit validators, play reporting systems, currency validators, hopper controls, diverters, lamps, auxiliary outputs, printers, handles, magnetic strip readers, optical scanners, credit card scanners, joy stick, touchpad, light wand, signal system, and other active or interactive controls). Software may be provided with any operating system, either proprietary, public, open key or closed key such as the many variations of Windows® operating systems, Mac operating systems (e.g., MAC OS), LINUX, UNIX, and the like.

In one example of the invention, theshuffler32 is a single or double deck batch shuffler. A “batch” shuffler for purposes of this disclosure is a card randomization device that randomizes all cards in a set of cards used to play a game at the conclusion of each round of play. For example, a single-deck hand-forming shuffler would be a desirable choice for providing cards for the game of Let it Ride® stud poker. The structure and function of this type of shuffler is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/060,627, filed Apr. 15, 1009, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,154, the content which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. Another batch shuffler that could be used to practice the present invention is a single or double deck batch shuffler that delivers a randomized set of cards for hand-dealing, such as the shuffler disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/967,502, filed Sep. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,981.

The particular signal that causes a state change when a new round is identified is typically the same signal that causes the card feeder to begin feeding cards. Other signals may be used, such as the signal which causes the cards to unload, followed by a signal causing cards to reload, with a maximum defined time interval there between.

As shown inFIG. 2, an example of one signal that represents a shuffling cycle is a shuffler state signal that is transmitted when the card feeder begins operation, i.e.—the cards are placed in the card infeed tray and the shuffler commences feeding either automatically or in response to a dealer input. The beginning of the shufflingcycle100 commences when a unique event such as the activation of thecard feed rollers102 begins. In response to cards being fed, the microprocessor generates a signal unique to the commencement of card feeding. The shuffler broadcasts this signal either directly to an external computer with an associated data storage system, or to a host computer.

Use of a Shuffler as a Round Counting/Hand Counting Data Acquisition Module

In the examples of the invention described above, a central controller coordinates the activities of the table monitoring system. In another example of the invention, the intelligence is decentralized, and only data (as opposed to commands) travels from the shuffler to an external computer. Similarly, no commands are received from a central computer to the shuffler, except initialization and set up commands, and the like.

The displays used on the various components may be in the form of monitors (i.e., CRT displays), plasma screens, light emitting diode (LED) panels, semiconductor displays, liquid crystal displays, and the like.

Multiple intelligent data collection modules (consisting of at least one data collection device and an associated G-Mod) act as finite state machines. Each G-Mod or microprocessor and associated memory is communicatively interconnected with a sensing device to collect data, date stamp the data and send it to a central data repository via a direct line (as in the case of the use of a microprocessor) or via a network (when a G-Mod is used). The processing unit, referred to in this application as a “G-Mod” in one example of the invention is a microprocessor with associated memory that is capable of being programmed, and is capable of broadcasting data over a network (wired or wireless). In another form, the G-Mod is a hard wired as a FPGA (field programmable gated array). The G-Mod/data acquisition unit performs data acquisition; date stamps and sends sensed data via a direct line or network such as an Ethernet to an external computer that contains a database. In contrast to systems that provide an exclusive main computer to command all or most individual sensors and peripherals, in the presently described technology, the G-Mods detect activity in the sensors and peripherals. The G-Mods date stamp and broadcast the information over an Ethernet to a central database. One preferred mode of communication is UDP but others such as TCP and TCP/IP are alternate communication protocols. In a preferred form of the invention, the G-Mods broadcast information over a network but do not issue commands to other G-Mods to perform operations. Less powerful techniques (as compared to typical main processor systems used in gaming apparatus) may be distributed to monitor each peripheral. The use of these separate intelligences for each peripheral eliminates the need to reprogram old modules as new modules are added, and allows the manufacturer to offer customized hardware and software packages capable of collecting only the information that the casino operator wants to collect.

Casino table card games can be provided with a wide variety of sensors. One such sensor is an optical position sensor for detection signal initiated by a dealer to indicate approximate beginner or final completion of a round of play of a casino table card game. The dealer's round count sensor is located at the dealer position. The dealer covers the sensor with the cards at the conclusion of a round of play, for example. The sensor is read by the distributed intelligence table subcomponent (a G-Mod) that has a time/dating capability. The signal is time/date stamped (referred to herein as “Date Stamping” or “date stamping” for simplicity. The date stamped data is then transmitted generally through a communication line to an external computer that contains database management software and a database interface. The number of rounds stored in the database then increments by one round. This cumulative value is typically stored in the database but can also reside in memory associated with the G-Mod or microprocessor. The data in the database can then be accessed by programs used to analyze the data, if needed. The database interface allows casino management to extract the data in a usable form. The collected data retains its date stamping at least through storage, analysis, data entry or other treatment of the data after transmission away from the table, and the date stamping is typically provided by the separate intelligence, although in some cases may or may not be provided by the sensor itself.

FIG. 3 shows a casino card gaming table200. The table200 has asurface204 with seven player positions206 (three positions labeled206)208,210,212 and214 thereon. Around sensor216 may be provided for thedealer cards218. Thesensor216 is connected by a communication system (preferably a wire system, but RF or other wireless systems could be used) to a finite state machine222 (a G-Mod) for the table200. Thefinite state machine222 is on acommunication line224 to a data collector (not shown). The G-MOD may also perform as a microprocessor that performs the specific task of date stamping upon receiving any status signal, forwarding the date stamped status signal directly to a database as previously described.

The table200 also includes anautomatic card shuffler226 with its own associatedinternal processor227. Theprocessor227 is in communication with an associated G-Mod228. G-Mod228 transmits data through

data line

230,224 or both, either directly to a central database or via a network connection to a central database.

In one form of the invention, when theshuffler226 is activated, the change in state is sensed by the G-Mod. The G-Mod time/date stamps the data and transmits the “round” increment information to a data repository. When the shuffler is capable of delivering only the number of hands of cards needed for a round of play (i.e. when there are only three players present at the table), a signal corresponding to the number of hands delivered is also sensed by the G-Mod. The G-Mod228 senses the value and sends this data to the database. The database then increments the cumulative number of rounds by 1 and the cumulative number of hands by 3. It may also have the capability of identifying the particular round as having three players. In one example of the invention, the total cumulative number of rounds counted is stored in the G-Mod memory and is used as a comparison value to detect errors in counting.

In the event of a card jam or other interruption on operation, and after the shuffler has broadcast a state signal indicative of a new round, the shuffler can be programmed to detect a fault and broadcast another signal that represents a failed attempt at a round, causing the round count in the database to decrement by 1. Similarly, the hand count, if it is being recorded is similarly decremented.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of data transmission in the system ofFIG. 1. The components of a casino table gaming apparatus might include a coin acceptor, bill validator, a drop box capable of sensing the input of currency, ticket in/ticket out sensing/reading, lighting, video displays, card reading sensors, chip counters, security sensing, dealer input controls, player input controls, dealer identification card scanning, player tracking, round counting, hand counting, shuffle counting and the like. In the present technology described herein, a round counting system is also described, wherein the number of rounds of plays are determined (one round at a time) by a determination of when a dealer's play has been completed, as by complete removal of cards from the dealer's position. The sensor at the dealer station is active300. When there is no activity, ambient light is sensed302. After a round of play, the dealer collects all cards and places the stack on the sensor, blocking304 the ambient light. A signal representing blocked light is sent306 to a central computer (now shown), amicroprocessor308 or a G-Mod (not shown) and the data is time stamped and transmitted310 to the database where it is retained312.

In the practice of the described technology, communication to a data collection system with at least some peripherals may be performed by general broadcast communication of game status (which may also be referred to as generated information or data) over a table-specific network, from more than one distributed intelligence source within the system, each of which is associated with at least one peripheral. Each distributed intelligence (a local processor) sends its own the game status communication over the network, but does not respond to game status information of other G-Mods. Each local processor (hereinafter G-Mod)) is capable of sending date stamped information to a database where the information is stored and can be accessed by the same computer that holds the database or by another external computer. This is a significant element in the practice of the invention, as that information may be generally sent (essentially at the same time as a single, generally dispersed signal) over a network from multiple distributed intelligences.

In one form of the invention, the state of each G-Mod is broadcast over a network that contains all of the sensors and G-Mods associated with one gaming table. As the state of each G-Mod changes, the signals being broadcasted to all of the G-Mods is changed, and each G-Mod independently transmits information to the central data collection point.

One conceptual way of visualizing or understanding a method of implementing an intelligence system for the operation of a gaming system according to the present invention is as decomposing the tasks of previous constrained (central processor commanded) systems into orthogonal or unrelated sensing events running on independent processors. The term “orthogonal” for purposes of this disclosure means no commonality in function. The provision of orthogonal or independent intelligence functionality and individual performance capability allows the various system components to operate independently, and timely transfer the date stamped data to a database for further processing. Such a system functions more efficiently because there is no central processor prioritizing the execution of functions.

As noted above, there are many different elements of the gaming system that can be considered as peripherals or data acquisition devices. Some more important examples of table-game related peripherals include: bet presence, bet recognition, bet separation, shuffling, hand counting, round counting, card identification, card tracking, player tracking and employee tracking. Other components might include (in addition to those described above) random number generation, I/O detection and response, audio signals, video signals, currency handling, coin acceptors, bill acceptors, paperless transactions, ticket-in and ticket-out crediting, security systems, player accounting functions, door locks, signal lighting (change/assistance), player input (e.g., button controls, joy sticks, touch screens, etc.) and any other functions that my be provided on the gaming apparatus.

The units (which may be elsewhere referred to herein as gaming modules or G-Mods) are operated substantially independently of each other, although some interdependencies could exist. In the event of interdependencies, they are not subject to the classic control model but operate by finite state machine changes that are broadcast and then react with intelligence. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “finite state machine” (or a FSM) is a theoretical device used to describe the evolution of an object's condition based on its current state (or condition) and outside influences. The present state of an object, its history, and the forces acting upon it can be analyzed to determine the future state of an object. Each state then may have a “behavior” associated with it. An FSM is a very efficient way to model sequencing circuits. Ultimately the table game control system is nothing more than a complex sequencing unit, branched as appropriate for the game functions. All finite state machines can be implemented as hardware, software running on a processor or combinations of the two.

By assigning specific data collection controls to local architecture, the design of the system places system tasks into lower computing power manageable units. The manageable units (e.g., the peripherals) can then be each handled (or small groups handled) by dedicated controller modules. Some design care should be taken to combine control of peripherals under a single intelligence to assure that such accumulating demands for processing power are not being required as to merely reconstruct a main processor in a different physical location with the system. The intelligence requirement for such an assistance function is so low that its addition to almost any other function would be barely noticed. In the distributed intelligence structure, the G-Mods or individual intelligences have enough intelligence on board to handle the details of how the G-Mod itself handles the details of operation of the peripheral device.

Although this specific example of the generic concepts described herein has been described largely in terms round-counting and hand counting modules that send date-stamped information to a central database, it is to be understood that multiple modules could be present in one system to send collected data to a data repository. In a preferred form of the invention, the data stamped data is broadcasted over an Ethernet specific to the table game, and that the data in this format is collected and recorded by the central data repository.

Each G-mod is collecting, date stamping and transmitting data as the data is collected from the table to a central database, but the G-Mods are not influencing the operation of one another. The database does not issue commands to the G-Mods, except to reset, reboot and send and receive configuration information. In effect, each G-Mod is a freestanding microprocessor that runs independently of the any other intelligence, except that it receives limited operational information from the database computer and state signal information from other G-Mod's.

A card swipe module could be added to the table system, for example, with an associated G-Mod. This G-Mod could not only transmit time-stamped data to the data repository, but could also transmit player I.D. information to the player tracking system residing in the casino computer system, and possibly broadcast a state to the other G-Mod's indicating a player position is active.

One or more sensors could sense information transmitted through an output data port of a shuffler, for example, or a keypad control used to issue commands to a shuffler. The shuffler would have it's own G-Mod and is capable of transmitting date stamped information such as number of cards per hand, number of hands per hour, number of cards dispensed per unit time, number of cards re-fed into a continuous shuffler per unit of time, number of promotional cards dispensed per unit of time, the number of rounds per unit of time, the gross number of rounds played, etc. At the same time, another indicator attached to a G-Mod could transmit date stamped data about bonus awards granted at a certain time, and the like. This information could be collected in a central database.

It is important to note that in a preferred form of the technology, all of the G-Mod's are in communication with the same database. Also, the data repository does not issue commands to the G-Mods, with the possible exception of requesting configuration data and resetting/rebooting the G-Mods. The central database merely organizes the data in a manner that allows for easy access and analysis by external computers or another application program residing on the same computer as the database. In this respect, the G-Mod's are self-executing and do not require central intelligence to perform their individual functions. The data may be analyzed and used to make decisions about awarding redeemable points and free rooms to players, etc., scheduling pit labor, promoting pit personnel, closing and opening tables, determining optimal betting limits for given periods of time and other important managerial functions.

Each G-Mod may be in data communication with an interface device such as one or more specialized circuit boards to allow the data from multiple G-Mod's to be fed into a standard port of the computer that serves as the data repository. Also, multiple sensing modules may be fed into a single G-Mod if the particular G-Mod has the capacity to process the extra information.

A software interface can be provided to directly access data in the data repository and to manipulate and organize the data so that it can be outputted onto a display, written report or formed into a data stream so that the data can be further manipulated. In one example of a software interface program, the operator can obtain reports of rounds of play per hour per actual table, per pit, or per property, as determined by the user.

The information in the form of a data stream may be further analyzed. In one example, the data is fed into a host computer or can be analyzed in the same computer system where the database and interface resides or on a host computer. For example, the data from one or more of the round counting module, the shoe sensor, the card swipe, card reading module, the shuffler data port sensor, and the bet interfaces can be used to create a report of rounds played per unit of time, the number of players at the table per unit of time, the number of hands played at each round, the maximum bet per player in a given unit of time, the average bet per player in a unit of time, the number of shuffles per unit of time, the number of cards removed from and placed into the shuffler in a unit of time, hand composition and other information considered important to the casino manager.

Because all of the G-Mod's work independently, the casino operator can choose the modules and resulting data that is most important to them for a given environment, and only purchase those modules. For example, one casino might want to reconstruct individual hands, track betting and associate the information with a particular player on a high stakes table, while tracking only rounds and the identification of the employees on low-stakes games.

By using a modular approach to intelligent data collection, only the equipment and reports that are wanted can be provided at the lowest possible cost. Since none of the G-Mod's are issuing direct commands to one-another, it is not necessary to rewrite any code when additional modules are added.

Applicants have discovered that there are potential inaccuracies in data that is transmitted prior to date/time stamping. When signals are stamped in by the main computer, this is merely indicative of when the signal arrived. Also by providing the stamping function at the receipt site (such as the main processor, or central gaming location), the information is more easily subject to manipulation or change by an operator. Also, when there is a line breakdown (e.g., some casinos may still use telephone line connections which can be busy or interrupted, or the communication system to the main computer breaks down), the accuracy of the stamping is adversely affected. The value of the data decreases in some necessary transactions and casino oversight if the time data is inaccurate. A gaming system with different architectural structure and informational structure would be desirable if it could reduce these issues.

As noted earlier, round counting is one service or data component that can be important to a table. For example, round completion can be important for evaluating rates of play at tables, player rate performance, dealer rate performance, and even disputes over time of completion of hands at different tables or different casinos where priority might be an issue (as in competitive events or qualifying events).

Round counting requires some form of signal generation at a table that is indicative of approximate completion of a round and preferably absolute completion of a round. This can be done in a number of ways for signal generation. For example, video cameras can be placed to observe the dealer's hand. When the motions of a dealer or the dealer's cards indicate that the dealer's cards have been removed from the playing area, a signal is sent “round completed” or “dealer's hand removed” or some functional equivalent. A sensor can be placed on the table over which the dealer's cards are placed. It is preferred that this sensor not be as movement limiting as the sensor in U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,808, where cards appear to have to be specifically fitted into at least a right angle abutment with a card reading ability. Upright extensions on the card table can interfere with card movement, can interfere with chip movement, can cause accidental disclosure of cards, and are generally undesirable. A sensing system with a relatively flat or slightly indented or slightly raised surface is more desirable. The system could comprise a transparent or translucent panel approximately flush with the table surface that allows light (e.g., ambient light or specially directed wavelengths of light for which a sensor is particularly sensitive) to pass to a sensor. The absence of light in the sensor for a predetermined period of time and/or intervals of time can be the original signals themselves, which are interpreted by an intermediary intelligence on the table that has the time sensing capability for evaluating the signal. The original signals are then time stamped before being forwarded to the central database and can be analyzed by accessing the collected data.

Particularly in games where batch shuffling is used, such as poker or even single deck blackjack, the signal could also be originated by cards being placed in a shuffler and a shuffling process initiated, the shuffler sending a start-shuffling signal to the date stamping component on the table. The dealer could even activate or press a button provided on the table, but this would tend to leave the results under the control of the dealer, which could be manipulated by the dealer to improve results on dealer play, or could suffer from forgetfulness.

The application of this technology to gaming tables follows similar architecture and application of design and performance. Gaming tables would include typical casino tables such as those used for blackjack (Twenty-One), baccarat, roulette, poker, poker variants (Let It Ride® poker, Three-Card Poker® game, Caribbean Stud® poker, etc.), craps, and the like. These latter systems, unless they are completely electronic without any physical implementation (such as physical playing cards, dice, spinning wheel, drop ball, etc.) will need sensing and/or reading equipment (e.g., card reading for suits and/or rank, bet reading sensors, ball position sensors, dice reading sensors, player card readers, dealer input sensors, player input systems, and the like. These would be the peripherals in the table systems. Also, newer capabilities are enabled such as moisture detection (e.g., for spilled drinks), smoke detection, infrared ink detection (to avoid card marking), shuffler operation, dealer shoe operation, discard rack operation, jackpot meters, side bet detectors, and the like.

The description above is to be considered examples of the invention, and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention.