US20060287102A1 - Administrator tool of an electronic gaming system and method of processing gaming profiles controlled by the system - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spaced preferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locates oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. A computer-based controller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety of games to any one table. The player is then free to choose what game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. The gaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. A software-based administrator tool operates preferably through a user interface for the control of at least one gaming profile type by the deletion, editing and creation of various gaming rules.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application 60/683,810, filed May 23, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application (Ser. No. Not Available; Atty. Docket No. 60,667-091), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to an electronic gaming system and method of operation and more particularly to an administrator tool of the system and method of creating and editing gaming profiles controlled by the electronic gaming system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Games, particularly, games of chance and skill where one or more players play and place wagers on a desired and/or predicted outcome can be played in a variety of ways and in a variety of places, including at a casino or other venue or on the Internet. Of the various forms of games that are available for play, many utilize playing cards. Of these, poker is arguably the most popular.
• Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several players wagering paper or coin money on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck of fifty-two cards. This deck is comprised of four suits at thirteen cards per suit. This form of poker requires a human dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, wagering, folding, and the like. In “social” card games, especially poker, the players take turns acting as the dealer, but in licensed commercial gaming establishments, such as casinos, the dealer is typically a non-playing employee. Unfortunately, traditional poker is potentially prone to human dealer error. Moreover, human dealers in casino type establishments must be trained and paid a salary sufficient to retain them.
• One alternative form of gaming, with particular reference to poker, has flourished on the internet. Internet gaming has become quite successful in that it provides many choices for the players. In particular, internet gaming is fast and convenient, with registration, betting and payouts available from almost any computer with internet access and with payments typically arranged via a credit card. Yet further, poker or other card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar to slot machines.
• One major drawback of internet and stand-alone type games is the lack of the human element. Many people prefer to play poker against other players face-to-face, because of the drama associated with “live” gaming. Undoubtedly, an elevated level of competition exists when people compete directly against one another and face-to-face. In gaming establishments, experienced players are trying to hone strategy and read other players' intentions through their movements and style of play to be more competitive.
• In U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US 2005/0090304 A1, filed Sep. 13, 2004, and disclosed herein by reference in its entirety, an electronic gaming system and method of displaying and obscuring electronic playing cards is disclosed and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention. Generally, this electronic gaming system replaces the human dealer with a computer capable of simulating the deal and simulating the playing cards via video displays. The system has a plurality of tables with each table having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas or stations (EPIA's). An individual interested in playing a particular game can locate oneself in front of a particular station of a table (or can be assigned) and upon logging-in, can play the game.
• Unfortunately, known gaming rules can not easily be altered, updated or created by qualified casino employees. For instance, rules related to timing parameters, jackpots and distribution, and other gaming parameters can not be easily changed to meet the changing demands and wants of a player, or to satisfy the interests of the casino.
• The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spaced preferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locates oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a particular game. A computer-based controller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety of games to any one table. The player is then free to choose what game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. The gaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. A software-based administrator tool operates preferably through a user interface for the control of at least one gaming profile type by the deletion, editing and creation of various gaming rules.
• The software based administrator tool is displayed on the user interface and includes at least one gaming profile type. Preferably, the gaming profile type has a timing profile heading, a jackpot profile heading and a game profile heading. Each heading is capable of providing a user with the ability to create, edit and delete specific profile attributes of any one of a plurality of games. Generally, the timing profile heading is associated with events in a game that are timed, and thus determines how fast or how slow the game proceeds within the gaming system. The jackpot profiles heading enables adjustment of various amounts of money or awards regarding jackpots, and the game profiles heading allows the creation and saving of games each with unique parameters or gaming rules.
• A method of operating the administrator tool for controlling the plurality of games includes selecting one of the plurality of gaming profile headings displayed in an options field of the administrator tool. Once the appropriate heading is selected, a unique profile of any one of the profile headings can be chosen from a plurality of lists selectively displayed in an information field of the administrator tool for editing, deletion, and generally creation.
• Benefits and advantages of the present invention include an automated electronic gaming system that does not require a human dealer of cards that could be prone to mistakes and other human frailties such as sickness. Yet another advantage is the ability to efficiently meet the changing needs and daily demands often found on the gaming floor of a casino by handling and processing a wide array of games and related gaming profiles by selected users or casino employees having pre-arranged security clearances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a gaming system embodying the present invention and in a casino environment;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic poker table of the gaming system;
• FIG. 3 is a top view of the electronic poker table ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 4 is a front and back view of an electronic playing card;
• FIG. 5 is a plan view of a player interface of an electronic player interaction area of the system with hole cards of the electronic playing cards hidden;
• FIG. 6 is a plan view of the player interface ofFIG. 5 with the hole cards revealed;
• FIG. 7 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated with one poker table;
• FIG. 8 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated with a plurality of poker tables;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electronic player interaction area in a module form with headphones;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified electronic player interaction area embodied in a hand-held module with headphones;
• FIG. 11 is a block diagram of software components of the gaming system;
• FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram of the gaming system;
• FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the gaming system with a host console;
• FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the gaming system;
• FIG. 15 is a first table tab image displayed on a video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 16 is a second table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 17 is a third table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 18 is a fourth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 19 is a hand dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 20 is a minutes dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 21 is a fifth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 22 is a sixth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 23 is a seventh table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 24 is an eighth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 25 is a first wait list tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 26 is a ninth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 27 is an account number dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 28 is a time limit dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 29 is a tournament chop page image displayed on the video screen of the host console;
• FIG. 30 is a first image display on a video system of an administrator tool and displaying a timing profile;
• FIG. 31 is a second image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 32 is a third image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 33 is a fourth image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 34 is a fifth image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 35 is a sixth image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 36 is a seventh image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 37 is a eighth image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 38 is a ninth image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 39 is a tenth image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 40 is an eleventh image display of the timing profile;
• FIG. 41 is a first image display of a jackpot profile of the administrator tool;
• FIG. 42 is an image display of a create jackpot profile prompt of the jackpot profile;
• FIG. 43 is a second image display of the jackpot profile;
• FIG. 44 is a third image display of the jackpot profile having an update jackpot profile prompt;
• FIG. 45 is a fourth image display of the jackpot profile;
• FIG. 46 is a fifth image display of the jackpot profile having a delete confirmation prompt;
• FIG. 47 is a create game profile prompt of an image display of a game profile of the administrator tool;
• FIG. 48 is a first image display of a game profile of the administrator tool;
• FIG. 49 is a first image display of an update game profile prompt of the game profile;
• FIG. 50 is a second image display of the game profile;
• FIG. 51 is a third image display of the game profile;
• FIG. 52 is a second image display of the update game profile prompt;
• FIG. 53 is a fourth image display of the game profile;
• FIG. 54 is a fifth image display of the game profile;
• FIG. 55 is a sixth image display of the game profile;
• FIG. 56 is a seventh image display of the game profile;
• FIG. 57 is a first image display of a tournament game profile of the game profile;
• FIG. 58 is a first image display of a create blind structure prompt of the tournament game profile;
• FIG. 59 is a second image display of the create blind prompt;
• FIG. 60 is a second image display of the tournament game profile;
• FIG. 61 is a first image display of a create payout structure prompt of the tournament game profile;
• FIG. 62 is a second image display of the create payout structure prompt;
• FIG. 63 is an image display of a ring game profile;
• FIG. 64 is a first image display of a create rake structure prompt of the ring game profile; and
• FIG. 65 is a second image display of the create rake structure prompt of the ring game profile.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
• In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown inFIGS. 1-4, anelectronic gaming system10 and method of operation embodies the present invention. Thesystem10 utilizeselectronic cards76 or electronic chips andelectronic playing cards76 to provide an automated card game for play by one or more players. It should be noted that the description that follows is directed towards agaming system10 which utilizes electronic cards and chips (for wagering). However, thesystem10 may also provide a non-wagering (without electronic chips) automated card game. Preferably, a human dealer is not required, thus thesystem10 handles all dealer functions. For the purposes of illustration, the system will be described as applied to an electronic poker game known as Texas Hold'em. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular card game.
I. The Game
• Referring toFIGS. 3-6, in Texas Hold'em, each player at an electronic gaming or poker table18 is electronically dealt a number of cards, e.g., two cards, face down. These are known as a player's “hole”cards28 and are generally placed directly in front of the respective players. A number of cards, e.g., three or five, are dealt face-up and displayed in acommon display area26. These are known as community orcommon cards30. A player's hand, thus, consists of the player'shole cards28 and thecommon cards30. At the end of play of a particular hand, whichever player holds the highest poker hand is the winner of that round or hand of poker.
• Theelectronic playing cards76 may be used in any sort of electronic card game, and even in such games where the player chooses when to reveal theirhole cards28 to themselves or to the other players. The electronic poker tables18 are preferably capable of playing any variety of card games. Each card game, whether poker or otherwise, will generally have its own set of rules, including the number of cards, how the cards are dealt, the number of betting rounds, the structure of permissible wagers, and the like. Thus, while the present invention may be described below in the context of an electronic poker game (and more specifically, with respect to a player'shole cards28 in a Hold'em style poker game), the present invention is not limited to such a card game.
• Furthermore, the poker or card game can be a timed game wherein the players have a predetermined time period to complete each turn. For example, the players have a set period of one minute to complete each turn. Furthermore, this period of time may vary; for instance, the first turn may have a period of completion of one minute, while the second turn may have a shorter or longer period of completion. During a given betting round, the players have a predetermined period of time to either fold, check, or make a wager. If no action is taken during the predetermined time period, a default action is taken where the player preferably must fold or check. Generally, the time period for response during a betting round will decrease as the hand of the electronic poker game progresses. Parameters, such as the predetermined time period for each betting round may be automatically modified by thesystem10.
• More specific to theelectronic playing cards76, as best shown inFIG. 4, each card has visual image or graphical representation of afront side76A and aback side76B. Theback side76B of eachcard76 has an identical pattern or image such that the cards cannot be individually identified with respect to any other card when viewing theback side76B. Theelectronic playing card76 is typically one of a set or deck of standard playing cards. The deck may be a standard deck of fifty-two cards, with each card having an individual designation. The designations have a first component being assigned values of two through ACE, and the second component being four groupings or suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades). The value and suit of each card is indicated on thefront side76A of eachplaying card76.
• In a traditional card game with physical cards, the player's hole cards are dealt “face-down” so that they are not revealed to any other player. The dealt player must then discretely view their own hole cards without revealing them to other players. To do this, the player typically lifts the hole cards close to their bodies, fanning them out, and shielding them with their hands, so only the dealt player can see the front side of their cards. Alternatively, the dealt player may leave the cards face down on the table and lift one side or corner revealing at least a portion of the front side, while shielding the cards with their hands. Similarly, and withelectronic hole cards28 of cards76 (as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6), lifting of the corners of thecards28 can be computer simulated upon a triggering event initiated by the respective player.
• The image displayed on theback side76B of the playing cards may be a logo, a random image (chosen from a set of predetermined images), or may be advertising directed at the player. The image may include a video or a cycling through of a set of predetermined images. Alternatively, the image may be selectable by either a player or an employee of acasino12.
II. The Casino
• Referring toFIG. 1, thegaming system10 is preferably situated in a gaming environment, such as acasino12. Typically, thecasino12 is divided into specialized or designated areas such as a poker room orpoker area14 each containing a plurality of tables18, or five tables as illustrated. Thepoker area14 is often cordoned off by, for example, arailing16. While thecasino12 is one example of an environment for thegaming system10, the present invention is not limited to any such location or environment and may also include a generally virtual casino environment and the like.
III. The Table
• Referring toFIGS. 2-3, each table18 has a table top20 supported by at least onebase42 at floor level, and a plurality of substantiallyvertical legs44 projecting between the base42 and the table top20. The table top20 includes a playingsurface22 and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA)24 for in-part the display of therespective hole cards28. Each table18 seats a plurality of players, and for example and as illustrated, is preferably capable of seating a maximum of ten players, hence, each table includes ten EPIA's24A-24J and ten chairs40 (seeFIG. 1). For the game of Texas Hold'em, the table top20 also preferably includes one central or common display area (CDA)26 for the display of thecommon cards30.
• Although the EPIA's24 andCDA26 are generally computer generated visual displays, thus authentic playing cards are not utilized, the electronic poker tables of thegaming system10 are aesthetically designed to convey and retain the overall sense and ambience of a standard poker room with non-electrical poker tables. The playing surface area not taken up by the EPIA's24 and theCDA26 is preferably covered in a traditional material such as felt having any variety of colors. Moreover, logos, game information, or other information may be printed on the material. Alternatively, the EPIA's24 and theCDA26 is a single display that covers a substantial portion or all of the table top20. The EPIA's24 and theCDA26 can be set apart from the rest of the table top20 by virtual or computer generated borders. The areas of the display around the EPIA's24 and theCDA26 are preferably used to simulate the playingsurface22 of a standard poker table by, for example, providing an electronic image of a felt material. Furthermore, logos, game information, other information, advertisements, announcements, pictures, videos, or other information may be displayed and rotated, cycled, or shown for a limited period of time on the table top20.
IV. Electronic Player interaction Areas
• Referring toFIGS. 3 and 5-6, eachEPIA24 has aplayer interface54 used to convey game information directly to a player assigned to therespective EPIA24, and to effectuate interaction or input from the player to thesystem10. EachEPIA24 can be part of one large display monitor, such as a LCD or plasma monitor, that includes theCDA26, or the EPIA's preferably have separate and distinct monitors and computers networked together as required to play the game. The player interfaces54 can be implemented on the table top20 or in a module34 (seeFIG. 9). Alternatively, theplayer interface54 may be implemented on a hand-helddevice58, such as a personal data assistant (seeFIG. 10).
• With reference toFIGS. 2 and 5-6, theplayer interface54 of theEPIA24 is preferably a touch-screen display. Eachdisplay54 is preferably housed inrespective modules34. In one embodiment, eachmodule34 incorporates a fully-functional computer (not shown) and is thus easily removable and replaced from the poker table18. The computer includes a processor capable of running an operating system, such as Windows XP or Windows CE, both available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. Alternatively, the EPIA's24 may be driven by one or more computers (not shown) located in the proximity of the table18 with a server orserver computer50 or within the table18.
• a) Card Reader and Player Account:
• Referring toFIG. 9, themodule34 preferably has acard reader36 for reading a player tracking card (not shown). A player may log into thegaming system10 through theEPIA24 preferably by swiping the card through thecard reader36. Additionally, thecard reader36 may be integrated into the bezel (not shown) located around themodule34. TheEPIA24 may also require entry of a personal identification number into an attached keypad or virtual keypad displayed on theplayer interface54. Alternatively or in addition, the player may log-in using a biometric parameter, such as a fingerprint, sensed by a sensor and a RFID card or chip. Once a player's identity is established, the player can access a preferably required player account and purchase chips using an account balance communicated over a network. The player account may have an associated balance that contains a dollar amount based on an amount of money deposited by the player and/or any winnings that they have collected, either through poker or some other game. Additionally, information regarding the player's play at the table18 may be tracked and recorded to the player's account.
• In one aspect of the present invention, thegaming system10 may utilize a cashless system, such as Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO), that is constructed and arranged into eachEPIA24. Alternatively, a preferably bar-coded ticket, magnetic card, RFID card, or some other media jointly referred to as a TICKET) may be inserted in theEPIA24. The TICKET may have an associated value that is either printed and/or encoded thereon or that is associated with the TICKET in thegaming system10. Additionally, once the player decides to leave the table18, any remaining chips they have, may be instantly converted back into dollars and stored in their player account and/or a new Ticket preferably generated at the table18.
• b) Controller
• A controller that is either themodule34, the personal computer (not shown), the hand-helddevice58, theserver50 or a combination thereof, controls the player interface54 (i.e. controls the information components of the player interface54), detects touches if theplayer interface54 is a touch-screen display device, and interprets the touches as trigger or touch events. The controller preferably controls thedisplay device54 including obscuring or hiding the player'shole cards28 such that the player may controllably display and view the cards, while maintaining them secret from the other players.
• c) Visual Player Interface
• Referring toFIGS. 5-6, preferably theplayer interface54 includes agraphical representation56 of a poker table. Each player in the poker game is represented by a user graphic oricon62 that lists their names as well as their chip totals. The pot of the current hand may be represented in the center of thepoker table representation56 by stack(s) ofchips64 and/or anumber66 representing the value of the current pot. Each player's contribution to the pot may be represented by stack(s) ofchips68 and/or anumber70 adjacent theiruser graphic62.
• In one embodiment, not only is theEPIA24 capable of controllably displaying and/or obscuring a player's hole cards, theEPIA24 is also capable of providing an indication of the player's current highest hand based on the player's current hand and thecommon cards30. The highest hand may be shown textually, e.g., two-pairs, and/or graphically, pictures of the five cards which make of the highest hand. The highest hand may be triggered and shown using the same trigger event associated with thehole cards28. Alternatively, a separate trigger event, such as a touch-event on another location on theEPIA24 may be used to show the highest hand.
• Theplayer interface54 preferably includes a series ofplayer buttons72 and a series ofgame buttons74. Theplayer buttons72 include, for example, a sit-inbutton72A, aleave table button72B, and anoptions button72C. Generally, only one of the sit inbutton72A and theleave table button72B would be active at any time. Theoptions button72C allows the player to access an option menu or screen (not shown) that allows the player to modify certain parameters of theplayer interface54, such as for example, to choose between different formats of the player interface54 (i.e. graphical display or text display). Theplayer buttons72 are preferably implemented on thetouch screen display54, or alternatively, can be embodied in electromechanical switches or buttons (not shown).
• Regarding theleave table button72B, a player may decide to activate this feature when the player decides to change seats or move to another table altogether. For example, if another player or players have left the table18 leaving fewer players at the table and the player does not like to play at a table with that few of players, the player may request through theEPIA24 another seat assignment.
• The series ofgame buttons74 allow the player to signal their game play decisions to thegaming system10 during the play of the game, and thus preferably include afold button74A, acall button74B and araise button74C. Thegame buttons74 are active when it is a player's turn in the poker game and preferably inactive when it is not. Moreover, theEPIA24 only activates thosebuttons74 that are appropriate, given the rules of the game being played, during the current turn. For example, if the maximum number of raises for a particular game has already been made, then the wager or raise button would be inactive. Theraise button74C may be replaced with one or more buttons (not shown) which allow the player to make a wager of a predetermined or allowed amount, e.g. $10. In addition or alternatively, a keypad (not shown) may be provided which allows the player to key in a wager amount.
• Preferably, theEPIA24 provides a player with virtual buttons that summon or direct specific employees of thecasino12. For example the player may request a host/hostess to order a drink. Additionally, the player may anonymously request that an employee review something that occurred or is occurring at the table18 (e.g. possible collusion).
• Preferably, theplayer interface54 also displays thecommon cards30. Other information that can be displayed on the player interface include, but is not limited to, an indication (visual icon and/or audio) of the player whose turn it is to act, a total of chips for each player, any cards of the other players that are face-up, and/or messages to the player, such as advertising.
• Moreover, in thecasino12 environment, preferably a portion of each pot goes to the house for running the poker game. This portion of the pot is known as the rake and is preferably displayed on eachEPIA24. The rake may be shown as an amount in dollars and may include a graphical representation of virtual chips. Similarly, theEPIA24 preferably displays a graphical representation of the chips and/or a dollar amount indicative of the amount of chips each player at the table has remaining and the amount of the current pot.
• In addition, or alternatively, to thecommon cards30 displayed by theCDA26, each EPIA preferably includes a graphical representation of the common cards in the middle of thegraphical representation56 of the poker table18. Graphical representations of the other player's card may also be shown (face-down during the current hand and face-up at the end of the hand). Thecommon card30 displayed in thegraphical representation56 are preferably smaller than the display of thehole cards28 for the player of thespecific EPIA24. The display of thecommon cards30 in theCDA26 are preferably larger than the display of thecommon cards30 in theEPIA representation56.
• Other attributes of the EPIA's24 may include:
• • utilization of Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen technology
  • utilization of Multi Touch touch screen technology
  • a secure process for returning a player to a game after missing a number of blinds by pressing the button that temporarily removes the player from the game
  • method to obscure player pre-selection of one or several bet options (Poker is a sequential game. Situations exist where a player will know what action they want to take prior to it being there turn. Allowing the player to make that decision in advance of their turn in a way that allows players seating close to observe this action would provide an unfair advantage to some players and not others. This feature allows a player to make a pre-selection while observing his hole cards in such a way that other players will not be able to observe that pre-selection.),
  • ability to display live and pre-recorded video, and
  • ability to replay a previous hand (may be limited to showing the end result of the last hand and may only be available for a short period of time).
• d) Audio Player Interface:
• Preferably, theEPIA24 includes a player sound generation device that generates sounds audible to the player assigned to theEPIA24. The player sound generation device may be implemented as an earpiece (60) or headphones (seeFIGS. 9 and 10) or one or more speakers. Player sounds are generally meant to be heard by a specific player alone and may include a reminder or indication of a player's turn or if the game is timed, an indication of the time remaining or that time is running out, an audible signal indicating the player'shole cards28 or the highest hand of the player or a winning percentage associated with the player's hand. The audio signals or sounds can be any series of beeps, chimes, a simulated voice, and the like.
• e) Physical Structure of the EPIA:
• As best illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, themodules34 are removably mounted to the table top20, and preferably such that the touch-screen display54 is substantially parallel and flush with the playingsurface22 of the table top20. Moreover, the playingsurface22 of the table top20 can be an overlay with selected cut-outs or openings for exposing the player interface or touch-screen display54. The overlay preferably covers the outer edge of the display for aesthetic appearances. Moreover, the touch-screen display54 can be mounted at an angle with respect to the table top20 and below the playingsurface22 thus partially shielding the player'shole cards28 from adjacent players. Similarly, thedisplay54 can be mounted at an angle with respect to and above the table top20 wherein the angle can be adjustable for player viewing convenience.
• V. Central Display Area and Audio
• As best illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 5-6, theCDA26 is used to display information such ascommon cards30 for all players to see and is thus located further from the players than their respective EPIA's24. Consequently, the display of thecommon cards30 is preferably larger than the display of thehole cards28. That is, thehole cards28 are displayed at a first predetermined ratio from the standard size playing card, and thecommon cards30 are displayed at a second predetermined ratio from the standard size playing card. Preferably, the first and second ratios may be defined such that thecommon cards30 are displayed larger than thehole cards28. Alternatively, the first and second ratios can be the same.
• As previously described, theCDA26 is preferably separate from the plurality of EPIA's24, and is implemented preferably utilizing a LCD or plasma monitor or similar device. TheCDA26 preferably indicates which player's turn it is and which player is the designated “dealer” for the current hand. These indications are provided by respective visual signals such as an icon, arrow or the like, and/or an audio signal such as a beep, musical tone, and/or voice message. This indication of a player's turn anddealer designation CDA26 can also be in addition to the indication provided on therespective EPIA24. With audio indication, theCDA26 can utilize integrated “transducer sound emitting technology” thus eliminating the need for separate speakers.
• In other card games other than Texas Hold'em,common cards30 may not exist, hence, during play of these games, theCDA26 can be used to display advertising messages instead. The advertising messages may be from the casino or third parties and may consist of graphics, pictures, animations, video and/or audio. The advertising may be presented at predetermined locations on the central display38 for varied durations as the CDA cycles through a plurality of advertising messages.
• In general, theCDA26 is preferably capable of displaying and/or animating:
• • blinds,
  • common cards30,
  • bets placed and player chip stacks,
  • an indication of players who have folded and not folded,
  • winning hands,
  • wining hand percentage estimates in situations where all remaining player hold cards are exposed, and
  • rake in dollars or virtual chips.
• Preferably, the gaming table18 includes a table or system sound generation device (as oppose to the player sound generation device previously described) that is used to generate sounds audible to all the players. The table sound generation device may be implemented by one or more speakers mounted to the table18. Alternatively, the table sound generation device may include one or more speakers adjacent to or integral with eachEPIA24 as previously described. For example, system sounds may include sounds imitating the shuffling of cards, the dealing of cards, chips thrown into the pot, sounds related to the winning of the jackpot. Player sounds may include a reminder or indication of a player's turn or if the game is timed, an indication of the time remaining or that time is running out. Generally, player exclusive sounds will not be played through the system sound generation device.
VI. Server Computer
• As best illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, eachEPIA24, in the illustrated embodiment, preferably includes a dedicated computer (not shown), and theCDA26 has adedicated CDA computer52. Both the EPIA computer and theCDA computer52 for any given table18 communicate with theserver computer50 that preferably plays/controls the card game, and preferably over anEthernet network48. Thesame server50 communicates or is networked in a like manner to preferably all of the tables18. One skilled in the art would now know that more than oneEPIA24 could operate off of one computer or that thecomputer52 for theCDA26 could also control the EPIA's24 and/or replace theserver50 altogether. However, having a multitude of dedicated computers simplifies software and maintenance issues and due to the relatively inexpensive costs of computers, reduces manufacturing costs of thegaming system10.
• Theserver50 is preferably used to implement and facilitate player tracking, ticket in ticket out (cashless) wagering, assigning player's to theseat40 at a particular table18, tournament play, table set-up (including turning the tables on and off and modifying table parameters), and progressive jackpots. In general, theserver50 runs the game wherein theserver50 electronically “shuffles” the playing cards, deals the cards, controls the players' turns, receives the player's inputs and acts accordingly; tracks, manages, and awards the pot, and tracks the rake. Game data is stored in a database preferably of theserver50 with each input, wager, play, and the like stored in the database. Other functions implemented by theserver50 are:
• • electronically shuffling theplaying cards76
  • dealing cards,
  • controlling players' turns,
  • receives the player's data input,
  • player tracking,
  • cashless wagering,
  • defining and modifying table parameters, including, turning the tables18 on and off, setting the poker game being played at the table18, setting wager parameters, and the like,
  • defining and managing jackpots, including the house percentage or rake,
  • defining and managing progressive jackpots,
  • establishing and managing a queue for players and assigning players toseats40 and/or specific tables18 from the queue, and
  • establishing and managing tournament play, including assigning player seats, collapsing tables, and the like.
• In addition, other devices may be connected to theserver50 for providing additional features and/or functions. For example, a queuing system can be provided utilizing its own dedicated computer. However, in some systems these additional features or function could be provided, at least in part, by the server(s)50.
VII. Host Console
• With particular reference toFIGS. 7-8 and13, thesystem10 preferably has a host console102 in electrical communication with theserver computer50 for configuring the EPIA's24 and/or theCDA26 and for establishing parameters of the electronic poker game. Preferably, the host console102 is embodied in a separate computer, such as a personal computer, connected or networked (wired or wirelessly) to theserver computer50. The host console102 may be integrated into a console, such as a kiosk. The host console102 may also be embodied in any type of suitable device, such as a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), notebook or laptop computer, or tablet computer. Preferably, the host console102 provides interaction with a host or floor manager of thecasino12 via ahost interface120 of the host console102 that is preferably a touch-screen similar to theplayer interface54.
• In general, the host console102 is an administration device that can be used to create and edit game profiles including setting the game type, limits, play timing, and/or number of required players. The host console102 allows the host or casino employee to start, pause, and stop games and to monitor table play. Additional electronic tables18 can be activated or opened, and ring or tournament games (see below) can be easily started. Preferably, the host console102 provides the ability to turn any one or all of the poker tables18 on and off by communicating with the EPIA computers andCDA computer52 via theserver50.
• The host console102 may enable a casino employee or host to:
• • select or change one of the plurality of poker games to be played on one or more of the electronic poker tables18,
  • select the betting or wager structure to be used (For example, the poker games may have one of a limit, no-limit, or pot-limit wagering structure. The host console102 enables the employee set the wagering structure for a given electronic poker table18.),
  • select or change other parameters of the electronic poker games, including, but not limited to time parameters, wager limits, amounts associated with a big blind and a little blind,
  • select whether the electronic poker game is a timed game or a non-timed game,
  • modify the predetermined time period for each betting round in a timed game,
  • monitor the number of drinks ordered by a player through theEPIA24,
  • add notes with information related to a specific player,
  • initiate a replay of a previous hand graphically, textually or numerically,
  • lock out and remove one of the players from the electronic poker table18,
  • adjust the stack of electronic chips for one or more of the players (Possibly for correcting any deficiencies and/or settle any disputes with regard to operation of the electronic poker table18 or play of one of the other players).
• Other functions may be provided by the host console102. For example, as discussed above, players may be assigned to one of the EPIAs24. Thesystem10 may require that the assigned player log-in to the assignedEPIA24. Thesystem10, possibly through the host console102 or theserver computer50 allows the host to define a trigger event based on a particular player. The host console102 may monitor the players who log on, and produce a signal if a designated player logs on. Thus, an employee, in response to the signal is aware that the designated player is currently located and playing at therespective EPIA24.
• The host console102 is preferably used to monitor play at any one of the electronic poker tables18 and establishes a value associated with the rate of play of hands at the associated table18. This may be done by establishing when a hand of the electronic poker game is dealt and the time a winner is determined and the pot awarded to the winner. If the rate of play of hands is below a predetermined value, then the employee via the host console102 can be signaled via a message or alert (audio and/or visual) on the host console102. In response, the host may wish to observe play at the electronic poker table18.
• Additionally, the host console102 allows the casino host to pause play at one of the electronic poker tables18, for example, to allow the host to discuss any issues any of the players have with regard to the electronic poker game and/or one of the other players. The employee may re-start the electronic poker game when finished. In another aspect of the present invention, the host console102 may allow the host to restart the electronic poker table18 after a fault or fault condition. For example, the host console102 may allow the host to restart the EPIA's24 and/or theCDA26. Additionally if the EPIA's24 include a separate computer or a separate computer is provided to drive thecentral display area26, the host console102 may be adapted to restart or reboot these computers.
• Preferably, a player may create an alert to the host console102 through theirEPIA24. The alert may be anonymous, and is a request for the host to come and observe a table18. The alert appears on the host console102. If the alert is anonymous, there will be no indication of which player created the alert on the host console102. Preferably, the host console102 enables the host to “hibernate” a game. This may be used for example, to pause a game until the next day. A hibernated game may be re-started at the same or any other table.
• Referring toFIG. 15, the host console102 is programmed with two main sections referred to on thetouch screen120 of the host console102 as atable tab122 and await list tab124. When activating or booting-up the host console102, or when the host selects thetable tab122 if the console is already activated, a default or home screen of thesystem10 generally depicts graphically the tables18 as table representations180 (seeFIG. 18). This depiction generally marks the beginning of all the table pages126 generally programmed under thetable tab122 option. Selection of thewait list tab124 displays a wait list page128 (seeFIG. 25). Each one of thepages126,128 on the touch-screen120 provides a multitude of options for the host to select. When selected, thehome pages126,128 will generally change the display configuration providing additional information for the host and often additional options to choose from. For the sake of explanation, and although eachpage126,128 may have a multitude of screen displays, all the screen displays with respect to thetable tab122 will be referred to as onecommon table page126. Similarly, each screen with respect to thewait list tab124 will be referred to as one commonwait list page128.
• With particular reference toFIG. 15, each table18 may be selected and diagnostic information and options are shown on thetable page126 that includes atable component list130, acomponent parameter list132, areset connection button134, arestart software button136, areboot button138, a calibratescreen button140, aback button142, and arefresh button144. Because thetable page126 is preferably one of many screen displays linked to that illustrated inFIG. 15, the back and refreshbuttons142,144 provide the host with the ability to generally scroll through various screen displays of thetable page126 such as that also illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17.
• Thetable component list130 includes a list of all components of the selected table18, each personal computer50 (i.e., the “Table Client”) and each module34 (i.e., the individual seats).Table Client2 is a backup toTable Client1 and is optional. Selection of one of the components of the table18 in thetable component list130 displays information regarding the selected component in thecomponent parameter list132.
• The table componentlist parameter list132 preferably includes a:
• • 1. Description Field (e.g., “Table 13,Seat 4”);
  • 2. Client Type Field (e.g., Player or Table);
  • 3. Client Status: (Active or Inactive);
  • 4. Connection Status: (Connected or Disconnected);
  • 5. Seat Number (where appropriate);
  • 6. Seat Status (e.g., Open, Reserved, Active);
  • 7. Player Name (when available); and,
  • 8. Player Status (e.g., Active or In-Active).
• Thereset connection button134 is active when the connection between theserver computer50 and the component selected in thecomponent list130 is disconnected. Selection of thereset connection button134 may be used to “ping” the selected component and attempt to restart the connection therebetween. Therestart software button136 may be used to restart the software on the selected component if the component is inactive. For example, either the client software or the operating software may be restarted, i.e., a soft reboot. Thereboot hardware button138 may be used to restart the selected component, i.e., turn off the selected component and turn the selected component back on.
• Because theplayer interface54 of theEPIA24 is preferably a touch-screen display, it requires running of a calibration routine for first time use and periodic calibration routine re-runs thereafter. The selection of the calibratescreen button140 will run the calibration routine for the selectedEPIA24. Selection of theback button142 will return thescreen120 to a previous state or view. Selection of therefresh button144 will refresh all of the information contained on the current screen.
• Thetable page126 also includes a stop/pauseparameter selection area146, amove game button148, apause game button150, astop game button152, an autodeal check button154, a closedseating check button156, a use waitlist check button158, an information/status area, a pair of navigation buttons, and aclear alert button164. The stop/pauseparameter selection area146, located toward the lower left hand corner of the screen, is used with either of thepause game button150 or thestop game button152 if the host wants to pause a game or electronic table18 to make a change or perform some other function. The stop/pauseparameter selection area146 includes the three options of “No Delay,” “Minutes,” and “Hands.” The game or table will be resumed when the host is finished. A stopped game ends the play at the table typically at the end of the day.
• In the lower right hand corner of the screen illustrated inFIG. 15, the autodeal check button154, the closedseating check button156, and the use waitlist check button158 are used to turn on/off the corresponding function. The information/status area160 provides additional information about the selected component or a just completed action. Thenavigation buttons162 may be used to cross between messages in the information/status area160. Theclear alert button164 is used to clear alerts generated by players at their respective EPIA's24A-24J.
• Referring toFIG. 16, thetable page126 displays the game history of a selected table of the plurality of tables18A-18J preferably displayed in alist166. Thelist166 includes a line item for each action that has occurred on the selected table with a time stamp.
• Referring toFIG. 17, thetable page126 also displays information regarding the game being played at the selected table of the plurality of tables18A-18J. Preferably, the tables18A-18J are used to provide a variety of electronic card games, such as poker, and the host console102 provides a list of the predefined or selected card games. When providing game information, thetable page126 preferably has ageneral section168, agame play section170, arake section172, and a liveaction setting section174. Thegeneral section168 includes the current game and a description of the current game being played on the selected table of the plurality of tables18A-18J and any other needed information associated with the current game. InFIG. 17, the selected game is “Limit Hold'em $1/$2”. Thegeneral section168 includes: type, variation, stakes, and jackpots. Thegame play section170 describes parameters that affect game play. In the illustrated embodiment, thegame play section170 includes: maximum raises per hand, action time limit, minimum number of players, and maximum number of players. Therake section172 includes information regarding the current rake. Thelive action section174 includes information regarding wagering. For example, the defined game is “Limit Hold'em $1/$2” and thelive action section174 includes information related to the blinds, permissible wagers, and the minimum and maximum stakes allowed.
• Referring toFIG. 18, the seventable representations180A-180G of thetable page126 is illustrated and preferably includes:
• • 1. The name of the table shown;
  • 2. The game being played at the table (e.g., Limit Hold'em $1/$2 or no game);
  • 3. The number of hands being played per hour.
• Eachgraphical table representation180A-180G may also include the status of eachEPIA24, for example inactive (indicated by a red “X” or marked as “No Game”), active, reserved or out. Areserved EPIA24 or seat, means that it has been assigned to a player and can only be used by that player. The player must log in to the reserved or assignedEPIA24 to begin playing. Typically, the player has a predetermined amount of time to log-in to the assignedEPIA24 or theseat40 becomes available again.
• Referring toFIG. 23 and more particularly to pausing and/or stopping a game via the host console102, the stop/pauseparameter selection area146 is used to select how the game will be stopped or paused. To do so, there are three options: “no delay,” “by minutes,” and “by hands.” If “no delay” is first selected, then if thepause button150 or thestop game button152 is selected, the game is immediately paused or stopped, respectively. Once a game has been paused, thepause button150 will be replaced with aresume button150′. Alternatively, if “by minutes” is selected, then aminute dialog184 is displayed (seeFIG. 20). Theminute dialog184 allows the host to enter when the game will be paused or stopped (in minutes) after the appropriate buttons are selected. Yet again, if “by hands” is selected, then ahands dialog186 is displayed (seeFIG. 19). Thehands dialog186 allows the host to enter when the game will be paused or stopped (in number of hands of play) after the appropriate buttons are selected.
• As best illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22, eachtable representation180A-180G of the tables18 can generally be zoomed in upon to display additional or more particular information. Thescreen120 has azoom button188 and a second set ofnavigation buttons190. With particular reference toFIG. 21, with thegraphical table representations180 being displayed, a selected table is highlighted by a colored oryellow banding182. Thenavigation buttons190 may be used to cycle or move through thetable representations180. To zoom in on atable representation180 of a table18, the host preferably double-clicks on the desiredtable representation180 or selects thezoom button188 to zoom in on the selectedtable representation180.
• Referring toFIG. 22, once a table representation is zoomed in on, thetable page126 displays a larger and more detailed graphical table representation ortable enlargement192. Thetable enlargement192 has acentral information area192A and a plurality ofplayer information areas192B. Thecentral information area192A generally includes information about the actual table18, which may include: table identifier, status, game type, pending status, average pot, hands per hour, average wait time to get a seat at the table, and a start time of the current game. Theplayer information areas192B generally include the seat number, the status (reserved, occupied, etc.), player name (where appropriate), the player's stake, the player's wins/losses for the current game, and the time player entered the current game.
• Referring toFIG. 26, thetable page126 preferably includes a reserve (or reserve for player)button194, agame info button198, ahistory button200 and adiagnostics button202. Selection of thegame info button198, thehistory button200, and thediagnostics button202, will result in game information, history information, and diagnostics information being displayed. As shown inFIGS. 26-28, thetable page126 may also include a reserveempty button204, an unseat button206, and a penalizebutton208. The reserveempty button204 may be used to reserve a seat without designative a specific person. The unseat button206 may be used to remove a player. The penalizebutton208 may be used to adjust a player's stack or otherwise penalize a player. An adjustpot button230 may be used to adjust the pot of the current hand.
• Thereserve button194 allows the host via utilization of the host console102 to reserve aseat40 for a specific player. In order to use this button, the use wait list check box has to be off and the restricted seating check box has to checked. This allows the host to place the specific player ahead of those players on the wait list, while not opening theseat40 to anyone who may attempt to log-in or use the unoccupied seat. When thereserve button194 is selected, anaccount number dialog210 is displayed (seeFIG. 27). Theaccount number dialog210 allows the host to enter the account number of the person for whom they are reserving theseat40. After the account number has been entered, atime limit dialog212 is shown. The time limit dialog212 (seeFIG. 28) allows the host to designate how long the reservation will last before the player logs into theEPIA24 to secure theseat40. Once a seat has been reserved, the reservation and the player's name will be reflected at the corresponding graphical representation (seeFIG. 26 that showsseat7 reserved for “Greg”).
• Typically, a player who has left the table to take or break or for any reason may return as long as they pay any missed blinds. However, the other players may want another player to sit in. The unseat button206 allows the host to remove a player from the table after the player has left their seat for an amount of time or a number of hands (without logging out).
• With particular reference toFIG. 24, thescreen120 includes a drop down list214. The drop down list214 includes a list of all games which may be played on the tables18. Selecting “all” on the drop down list will display graphical representations of all of the tables18. Selecting one of the games in the drop down list214 will display graphical representations of only those tables which are playing that selected game.
• With particular reference toFIG. 25, thewait list page128 includes aninformation section216 for each type of game that may be played on the tables18. Eachinformation section216 includes information related to the game and the wait list for that game. In the illustrated embodiment, the information section includes:
• • 1. the number of tables playing the game;
  • 2. the number of players sat in a given interval; and,
  • 3. the number of players in the queue (i.e., the wait list).
• Theinformation section216 may also include a queue active check box and an allow entry check box, which allow the employee to turn the wait list on/off for given game and to allow/disallow additional players to be added to the wait list for a given game, respectively.
• With particular reference toFIG. 29, a tournament chop page218 is illustrated which is used only during tournaments and allows the host to stop tournament play prematurely, i.e., before only one player is left, and split the remaining pot or table stakes. The tournament chop page218 includes a series ofcheck boxes220 that allow the host to designate how the pot or jackpot will be split. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three options: split manually, split even, or split by table stakes. If split manually is chosen, the corresponding amounts are entered in a virtualkey pad222. The tournament chop page218 may also include a refundrake check box224. A cancelbutton225 allows the employee to cancel the current operation and return to a previous screen. A stop & chop nowbutton226 stops the current tournament and splits the pot as designated.
• Additional features of the host console102 are described in the following concurrently filed U.S. patent applications all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety:
• • U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.60,667-063);
  • U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.60,667-064);
  • U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.60,667-065);
  • U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.60,667-066);
  • U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.60,667-067); and
  • U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.60,667-068).
VIII. Administrator Tool
• Referring toFIGS. 30-65, thegaming system10 preferably has aadministrator tool300 that is software based or a computer readable media and communicates with the host console102 andserver50 for configuring the settings of the electronic poker tables18 and games. Theadministrator tool300 enables, for instance, a floor manager of thecasino12 to conveniently and quickly adapt to the constant changes that occur within the poker room orarea14, because new games can be created, configured and stored for easy access. Preferably, theadministrator tool300 is accessed by selecting an administrator tool icon (not shown) from a dedicated computer with a dedicated interface, monitor, electronic tablet orscreen301 and preferably a mouse or touch screen. Alternatively, theadministrator tool300 could be run from the game computer94 (seeFIG. 12), the host console102, or the sever computer50 (seeFIG. 13). Access to the administrator tool icon is preferably limited to a pre-approved floor manager or employee of thecasino12 who may or may not be a host employee. This depends upon internal security and operational procedures of the casino.
• Referring generally toFIGS. 30 and 31, when the icon (not shown) is initially selected, theadministrator tool300 displays three options or settings designated asgaming profile types302,table setup304 andhost administration306 in anoption field308 preferably at the left of thescreen301. Theoption field308 is adjacent to aninformation field310 on the right and atool bar312 preferably toward the top of thescreen301. By selecting a “+” symbol adjacent togaming profile types302, the list is expanded and a plurality of profile types or headings are displayed; they preferably are: timing profiles heading314, jackpot profile heading316 and game profile heading318. The timing profiles heading314 is associated with events in a game that are timed, and thus determines how fast or how slow the game proceeds within thesystem10. The jackpot profile heading316 enables adjustment of various amounts of money or awards regarding jackpots, and the game profiles heading318 allows the creation and saving of games each with unique parameters.
• a) Timing Profile:
• The timing profiles heading314 functions to perform the following:
• • create new timing profiles,
  • edit an existing timing profile, and
  • delete a timing profile.
• Referring toFIGS. 30-31, when theadministrator tool300 is used to create a new timing profile, the timing profiles heading314 in the expanded list underprofile types302 is first highlighted by the floor manager preferably without selecting the “+” symbol adjacent to the timing profiles heading314. Highlighting of the timing profiles heading314 causes the display ofbasic timing information320 in theinformation field310. The floor manager then selects anew icon322 in thetool bar312 that causes a new timing key324 to appear in theinformation field310. Referring toFIG. 32, the “+” symbol adjacent to the highlighted timing profiles heading314 is then selected by the floor manager that preferably revealsbasic timing326 and new timing key328 as sub-options under the timing profiles heading314 in theoptions field308. Similarly, the new timing key328 is then highlighted and a “+” symbol adjacent to the highlighted new timing key328 is selected by the floor manager. Theadministrator tool300 then automatically reveals a sub-option identified asevents330. When the floor manager selectsevents330, anupdate value icon333 appears in thetool bar312, and anevent list332 is displayed in the information field310 (seeFIG. 33) wherein a predetermined timing value is shown for each uniquely identified event in thelist332.
• To create new timing, the floor manager then selects an event from theevent list332 for editing. Referring toFIG. 34, this selection causes an overlay window or time prompt334 to appear for entry of the new time value preferably in seconds. After the new time is entered, the floor manager selects the “ok”box336 and commits the change by selecting arefresh icon338 in thetool bar312. Referring toFIG. 35, by selecting therefresh icon338 the floor manager is prompted by theadministrator tool300 to rename the event selected via an overlay window or name prompt340 that automatically appears with space provided to enter a new name. Once entered, the floor manager selects an “ok”box342 of the name prompt340 that completes the creation of a new timing profile process.
• Referring toFIGS. 36-38, when theadministrator tool300 is used to edit a timing profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably are the timing profiles heading314, the jackpot profile heading316 and the game profile heading318. The timing profiles heading314 is then highlighted by the floor manager from the plurality ofprofile types302 and the adjacent “+” symbol is selected to reveal profile types or sub-options in theoptions field308. These sub-options are preferablybasic timing326,ring game timing344, andtournament timing346. Selection of the “+” symbol adjacent to the timing profiles heading314 also causes theadministrator tool300 to automatically reveal the respective display ofbasic timing information320,ring game timing348, andtournament timing350 in theinformation field310. As an illustrative example, the floor manager then selects a “+” symbol adjacent to thetournament timing346 in theoptions field308 that reveals asubcategory events352. When the floor manager highlights or selectsevents352, the events list332 appears in theinformation field310.
• From theevents list352, the floor manager then selects the desired event for editing. Referring toFIG. 38 and as illustrated by example, the event identified “between split award”354 is selected causing theadministrator tool300 to reveal an overlay window ortime prompt356. The floor manager then enters the desired time in the available data field358 of the prompt356 and when finished selects an “o.k.”box360 of the prompt356. To commit the new changes, the floor manager then selects therefresh icon338 in thetool bar312, thus completing the editing process.
• Referring toFIGS. 39-40, when theadministrator tool300 is used to delete a timing profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably are the timing profiles heading314, the jackpot profile heading316 and the game profile heading318. The timing profiles heading314 is then highlighted by the floor manager from the plurality ofprofile types302 and the adjacent “+” symbol is selected to reveal the profile types or sub-options in theoptions field308. These sub-options are preferably thebasic timing326, thering game timing344, and thetournament timing346.
• From theoptions field308 or from theinformation field310, the floor manager, by way of illustrative example, then selects or highlights thering game timing344 or348. Once selected, the floor manager selects thedelete icon362 in thetool bar312 causing theadministrator tool300 to automatically reveal an overlay window or delete confirmation prompt364 that requests confirmation of the selected deletion. Once the floor manager confirms the deletion by selecting a “yes”box366 in the prompt364 the deletion process is completed.
• b) Jackpot Profile:
• The jackpot profile heading316 can be added to any game profile and further functions to perform the following:
• • create a new jackpot profile,
  • edit an existing jackpot profile, and
  • delete a jackpot profile.
• Referring toFIGS. 41-42, when theadministrator tool300 is used to create a new jackpot profile, the “+” symbol adjacent the profile types302 is selected and the jackpot profile heading316 is selected or highlighted from the subsequent drop-down list. Once highlighted, the administrator automatically reveals ajackpot list368 in theinformation field310. The floor manager then selects thenew icon322 in thetool bar312 that causes a jackpot profile overlay window or jackpot prompt370 to appear (seeFIG. 42).
• Preferably, thejackpot prompt370 has the following fields for the floor manager to enter data:
• • description field372
  • minimum pot field374
  • fee percent field376
  • fee increment field378
  • maximum fee field380
  • fixedfee amount field382
  • jackpot account field384
  • payout amount field386
  • jackpot rule field388
  • minimum players field390
• Thedescription field372 assigns a name to the jackpot profile such as for example “Royal Flush” or “Bad Beat.” Theminimum pot field374 determines the minimum amount required in the pot before it is awarded, and assigns that amount in the space provided. If a casino fee is desired, thefee percent field376 takes a percent of each pot. If a fee percent is desired, thefee increment field378 is used to enter an incremental fee amount preferably in dollars. Preferably, the fee increment would match a chip value such as fifty cents or one dollar. Themaximum fee field380 sets a cap on the dollar amount taken out of each pot, if so desired. The fixedfee amount field382 sets a specific cents or dollar amount fee for each pot. Use offield382 alleviates use offields376,378 and380. Thejackpot account field384 is the name of the account where the funds established byfield376 orfield380 is deposited. This field preferably has a default name of jackpot. The minimum players field390 sets the minimum number of players that must be playing for a jackpot to be awarded.
• With the jackpot profile heading316 chosen, each of the fields372-390 are listed ascolumn headings392 of thejackpot list368 in theinformation field310. When all applicable fields372-390 of the prompt370 are filled in by the floor manager, an “o.k.”box394 of the prompt370 is selected and the jackpot profile is then available for selection when updating or creating a game profile.
• Referring toFIGS. 43-44, when theadministrator tool300 is used to edit a jackpot profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably are the timing profiles heading314, the jackpot profile heading316 and the game profile heading318. The jackpot profile heading316 is then highlighted or selected by the floor manager from the plurality ofprofile types302 in theoptions field308. This selection causes theadministrator tool300 to display thejackpot list368 in theinformation field310. From thejackpot list368, the floor manager chooses the appropriate jackpot profile for editing.
• Referring toFIG. 44 and by way of illustrative example, a ring badbeat jackpot profile396 of thejackpot list368 is selected by the floor manager. This selection causes theadministrator tool300 to display an update jackpot profile prompt398 that preferably has the same fields372-390 as the create jackpot prompt370 (seeFIG. 42). When all desired fields for editing are changed by the floor manager, the floor manager selects an “o.k.”box400 of the prompt398 thus completing the editing process of a jackpot profile.
• Referring toFIGS. 45-46, when theadministrator tool300 is used to delete a jackpot profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes theadministrator tool300 to reveal the plurality of profile types orheadings314,316 and318. The jackpot profile heading316 is then highlighted or selected by the floor manager from the plurality ofprofile types302 in theoptions field308. This selection causes theadministrator tool300 to display thejackpot list368 in theinformation field310. From thejackpot list368, the floor manager chooses the appropriate jackpot profile for deletion.
• From theinformation field310, the floor manager, by way of illustrative example, then selects or highlights the jackpot profile identified as “ring bad beat”396. Once selected, the floor manager selects thedelete icon362 in thetool bar312 causing theadministrator tool300 to automatically reveal an overlay window or delete confirmation prompt402 that requests confirmation of the selected deletion (seeFIG. 46). Once the floor manager confirms the deletion by selecting a “yes”box404 in the prompt402 the deletion process is completed.
• c) Game Profiles:
• Referring toFIGS. 47-48, the game profiles provides the floor manager with the ability to create and save games with each game having a unique set of parameter. These parameters may include such setting as:
• • game type (ring or tournament)
  • stakes (limit or no limit)
  • betting requirements (small and big blind values)
    For example, the floor manager can create two different game profiles for Texas Hold'em with different small and big blind values. A game profile is preferably assigned to an electronic table18 before starting the game with the specific game profile at that table.
• The game profiles heading316 further functions to perform the following:
• • create a new game profile,
  • edit an existing game profile,
  • clone an existing game profile, and
  • delete a game profile.
• When theadministrator tool300 is used to create a new game profile, the game profiles heading318 in the expanded list underprofile types302 is first highlighted by the floor manager preferably without selecting the “+” symbol adjacent to the timing profiles heading314. The floor manager then selects thenew icon322 in thetool bar312 that causes a create game profile prompt406 to appear (seeFIG. 47). Preferably, thegame prompt406 has the following fields for the floor manager to enter data and make selections:
• • description field408
  • game field410
  • wait lists field412
  • time outfield414
  • ring field416
  • singletable tournament field418
  • multi-table tournament field420
  • hi field422
  • hi/low field424
  • ante field426
  • bring infield428
  • smallblind field430
  • bigblind field432
  • small wager field434
  • big wager field436
  • limit field438
  • pot limit field440
  • nolimit field442
  • minimum stakes field444
  • suggestedfield446
  • maximum stakes field448
  • maximum raisesfield450
  • minimum rebuy field452
  • minimum rejoinfield454
  • rejointimeout field456
  • minimum players field458
  • maximum players field460
  • time limit field462
  • auto deal field464
  • game timing field466
  • zerobalance timeout field468
  • number oftables field470
  • buy-infield472
  • initial stakes field474
  • increment field476
  • unit field478
  • rakeaccount field480
  • availablejackpot profiles field482
  • assignedjackpot profiles field484
• Thedescription field408 ofprompt406 enables the floor manager to enter the distinct name of any new game.Game field410 allows entry of a specific game such as for example Texas Hold'em. Selecting the check box of thewait lists field412 activates the wait list feature of thesystem10 for a particular game. Not selecting the wait lists field412 will cause the particular game not to appear on the waiting list of thesystem10. Provided the waitinglist field412 is selected, the time outfield414 enables entry of a time-out value preferably in minutes, which provides a prospective player that amount of time to log into the game before the waiting list chooses the next available player. Selection of thering field416 as a type of game profile allows a game to be continuous in the sense that it enables a revolving set of players. Selection of the singletable tournament field418 as a type of game profile restricts the game to a single table that has a finite set of players. Each player may continue to play until the initial buy-in is depleted and only one player remains in the game (i.e. the tournament winner). Selection of themulti-table tournament field420 is similar tofield418 but entails multiple tables. Thehi field422 allows the floor manager to choose the option where the highest hand in the game wins the pot. Selection of the hi/low field424 is an alternative to thehi field422 wherein the player with the lowest hand preferably has a stake in the pot.
• With regards to betting requirements, theante field426 of thegame prompt406 prescribes the amount posted by all players at the start of a hand. Preferably, this amount is entered in dollars. The bring-infield428 sets the minimum amount of money that a player must bring into the game. The smallblind field430 is the minimum amount of money that the player immediately to the left of the dealer button must post at the beginning of a hand. The bigblind field432 as an alternative to the smallblind field430, is the amount of money that the player immediately to the left of the dealer button must post at the beginning of a hand (i.e. no more and no less). The small andbig wager fields434,436 are the respective minimum and maximum amounts of money for an acceptable raise in betting.
• With regards to stakes requirements, thelimit field438 sets a maximum limit to betting in each round of game play. Thepot limit field440 is chosen to allow a betting structure that permits players to bet up to the amount of the pot. The nolimit field442 is preferably an alternative tofields438,440 and permits a player to wager any or all of their chips in one bet. The minimum andmaximum stakes fields444,448 allow entry of respective minimum and maximum amounts of money that a player must bring to the game.Fields444,448 are disabled if thetournament field418 or420 is selected. The suggestedfield446 is optional and suggests the amount of money that a player should bring to a game.Field446 is disabled iftournament field418 or420 is selected. The maximum raisesfield450 set the maximum number of raises permitted per round of play. Theminimum rebuy field452 sets the minimum amount of money that a player must bring back into a game after achieving a zero balance in the game and while still being seated and logged into the game. The minimum rejoinfield454 set the minimum amount of money that a player must bring into a game to resume play after the player has previously logged out. Preferably, the rejoin amount is the same as the minimum stakes amount. The rejointimeout field456 sets the minimum amount of time that a player must wait in order to rejoin a game for less than what they left the game with. Preferably,field456 has a default time of about sixty minutes.
• With regards to game options, the minimum and maximum players fields458,460 set the respective minimum and maximum number of players that must be present before a game can begin. Preferably, the maximum number of players per table18 forsystem10 is about ten but can be decreased by the floor manager. Thetime limit field462 sets a time limit, preferably in seconds, within which a player must act before thesystem10 completes an action automatically. When selected, theauto deal field464 causes thesystem10 to automatically deal each hand after the prior hand is complete. If not selected, the system will wait for an employee or floor manager to manually select auto deal from thescreen120. Preferably, theauto deal field464 is selected when creating a game profile because auto deal can be temporarily disabled utilizing thescreen120. When selecting thegame timing field466, a drop down list is provided by the administrator that lists all of the available timing profiles. From this list, the floor manager chooses a timing profile for the game profile. The zerobalance timeout field468 provides a player with a specified amount of time after achieving a zero balance to rebuy into the game. If the player does not rebuy into the game within the time specified, thesystem10 will automatically remove the player from the game. This time is preferably entered in seconds and thefield468 generally acts to free up chairs that can otherwise be used by active players.
• With regards to tournament play, the number of tables field470 sets the number of tables for a game profile during tournament play. Preferably,field470 has a default setting of one table. The buy-infield472 allows entry of a dollar amount that a player must pay to enter the tournament. Theinitial stakes field474 enables entry of an amount of virtual chips that a player receives for a tournament. The stakes are not necessary equal to the buy-in amount. In tournaments, all players will preferably begin with the same amount of stakes or chips. Theincrement field476 is dependent upon theunit field478 and enables setting of the amount of hands or elapsed minutes before the blinds are increased by thesystem10. Theunit field478 is associated with theincrement field476 and when selected provides of drop-down list of units (i.e. number of hands, and minutes) for the floor manager to choose from.
• With regards to rakes and jackpots, therake account field480 allows entry of an account in which the rake is deposited. As illustrated inFIG. 47, the current rake account is “houserake.” The availablejackpot profiles field482 is preferably a scrolling list of available jackpot profiles. One or more of these profiles can be selected by the floor manager and upon selection ofarrow key486 of the prompt406, the selected jackpot profile(s) are eligible whenever the game profile is being played. The assignedjackpot profiles field486 is a scrolling list of jackpot profiles assigned to the game profile. Selection of any one of the assigned jackpot profiles and selection ofarrow key488 will remove the selected, assigned, jackpot profile from the assignedjackpot profiles field486.
• When all applicable fields408-484 of the create game profile prompt406 are filled in by the floor manager, a “save”box490 of the prompt406 is selected and the game profile is saved for future use.
• Referring toFIGS. 48-49, theadministrator tool300 can edit a game profile at any time. However, any game profile changes preferably will not affect a game being played at the time of the change. When theadministrator tool300 is used to edit a game profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably are the timing profiles heading314, the jackpot profile heading316 and the game profile heading318. The gaming profiles heading318 is then highlighted by the floor manager from the plurality ofprofile types302 and the adjacent “+” symbol is selected to reveal a listing of available game profiles492 in theoptions field308. Thegame profile492 that requires editing is then highlighted or selected causing each of the fields408-484 as previously described for prompt406 to be listed ascolumn headings494 in theinformation field310 and the parameters/data496 of the selectedgame profile492 to appear in theinformation field310 below the associatedcolumn headings494.
• When the floor manager selects anupdate icon498 in thetool bar312, an update game profile prompt500 appears (seeFIG. 49). Prompt500 is substantially the same as the previously described create game prompt406 (seeFIG. 47), hence, like fields shall have the same identifying numerals. Once displayed, the floor manager makes the desired changes to any one of the fields408-484. When finished, the floor manager selects a “save”box502 of the prompt500 and the updated game profile can then be assigned to an electronic table18.
• Referring toFIGS. 50-53, cloning of a game profile is an efficient and relatively simple means of creating a new game profile that closely resembles a game profile that has previously been created. When theadministrator tool300 is used to clone a game profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably are the timing profiles heading314, the jackpot profile heading316 and the game profile heading318. The gaming profiles heading318 is then highlighted or selected by the floor manager revealing the listing of available game profiles492 in theoptions field308. Thegame profile492 that requires cloning is then highlighted or selected causing each of the fields408-484, previously described, to be listed ascolumn headings494 in theinformation field310 and the parameters/data496 of the selectedgame profile492 to appear in theinformation field310 below the associatedcolumn headings494.
• When the floor manager selects aclone icon504 in thetool bar312, the word “CLONE” is appended to the game profile name preferably in both theoption field308 and theinformation field310 as part of the data496 (seeFIG. 51). As illustrated, the clone of the originally selectedgame profile492 appears preferably at the bottom of the drop-down listing of game profiles and is highlighted. The selected game profile to be cloned remains in the listing, however, it is no longer highlighted by theadministrator tool300.
• To make changes to the game profile clone, the floor manager then selects theupdate icon498 in thetool bar312 and the update game profile prompt500 appears (seeFIG. 52). Once displayed, the floor manager makes the desired changes to any one of the fields408-484 (seeFIG. 47). When finished, the floor manager selects the “save”box502 of the prompt500 and the game profile clone appears in highlighted form in the game profile listing with the new name preferably entered by the floor manager into prompt500 (seeFIG. 53). For instance and as illustrated, the game profile name “Hold'Em $2/$2 (CLONE)” indescription field408 of the prompt500 has been changed by the floor manager to “jackpot Hold'em $2/$2” as appearing inFIG. 53.
• Referring toFIGS. 54-55, when theadministrator tool300 is used to delete a game profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes theadministrator tool300 to reveal the plurality of profile types orheadings314,316 and318. The game profile heading318 is then highlighted or selected by the floor manager from the plurality ofprofile types302 in theoptions field308. This selection causes theadministrator tool300 to display the drop-down listing of game profiles492 in theoptions field308. From the drop-down list, the floor manager then chooses theappropriate game profile492 for deletion. Once selected, the floor manager selects thedelete icon362 in thetool bar312 causing theadministrator tool300 to automatically reveal a delete confirmation prompt506 that requests confirmation of the selected deletion (seeFIG. 55). Once the floor manager confirms the deletion by selecting a “yes”box508 in the confirmation prompt506 the deletion process is completed.
• d) Tournament Game Profiles
• Tournament game profiles are created generally as any other game profile is created and as previously described. As best shown inFIG. 47, selection of the singletable tournament field418 of create game profile prompt406 designates a game profile as a tournament game. Generally from the option andinformation fields308,310 the floor manager may modify a tournament game profile in terms of creating:
• • a blind structure510 (seeFIGS. 57 and 58),
  • a payout structure512 (seeFIG. 62), and
  • a rake structure514 (seeFIG. 65, also applicable for ring game profiles).
• Blind structures510 is a way of increasing blinds associated with the hand or minute increments previously entered infield476 andfield478 of the create game profile prompt406 (seeFIG. 47). Payout structures512 generally designate an amount or percent of money paid out to players at the end of a tournament and dependent upon their final placement with regards to the other tournament players. For instance, a player who wins first place will likely receive a greater award than a player who wins second place. Therake structure514 preferably applies to both tournament and ring game profiles and generally varies the percent of a pot or percent of a buy-in dependent upon the pot size or total buy-in amount collected for a particular tournament.
• Referring toFIGS. 56 and 57, when theadministrator tool300 is used to create ablind structure510 for atournament game profile492, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 in theoption field308 is first selected by the floor manager, then the “+” symbol adjacent to the game profiles heading318 is selected. Selection of heading318 causes the drop-down listing of game profiles492 to appear. The floor manager then selects the tournament game profile to be modified. When the “+” symbol adjacent to the tournament game profile is elected, theadministrator tool300 reveals a drop-down listing that preferably listsoptional selections516 for theblind structure510, the payout structure512 (seeFIG. 61) and the rake structure514 (seeFIG. 64).
• Selection of theblind structure510 of theselections516 for a particulartournament game profile492 causes blind structure information to be listed in theinformation field310. The floor manager then selects thenew icon322 in thetool bar312 that causes a create blind structure prompt518 to appear (seeFIG. 58). Preferably, the blind structure prompt518 has the following fields for the floor manager to enter data:
• • level field520,
  • ante field522,
  • bring-infield524,
  • smallblind field526,
  • bigblind field528,
  • small wager field530, and
  • big wager field532.
• Fields520-532 of the blind structure prompt518 correspond to column headings534 in theinformation field310 when the blind structure in theoptions field308 is highlighted. Inprompt518, the floor manager enters an integer number representing the level being created in thelevel field520. Then a money amounts are entered in the small and bigblind fields526,528. The amount for the smallest acceptable bet is entered into thesmall wager field530 and the largest acceptable bet is entered into thebig wager field532 for that particular level in thelevel field520. As illustrated inFIG. 59, an acceptable level is 1, an acceptable small blind is 50.00 (representing dollars), an acceptable big blind is 100.00, and acceptable small wager is 100.00 and an acceptable big wager is 100.00. After selecting the “save” box533 in the prompt518, this process is repeated for eachblind structure510 that the floor manager wants to create.
• Referring toFIGS. 56 and 60, when theadministrator tool300 is used to create a payout structure512 for atournament game profile492, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 in theoption field308 is first selected by the floor manager, then the “+” symbol adjacent to the game profiles heading318 is selected. Selection of heading318 causes the drop-down listing of game profiles492 to appear. The floor manager then selects the tournament game profile to be modified. When the “+” symbol adjacent to the tournament game profile is elected, theadministrator tool300 reveals another drop-down listing that preferably lists theoptional selections516 for theblind structure510, the payout structure512 and therake structure514.
• Selection of the payout structure512 of theselections516 for a particulartournament game profile492 would cause payout structure information to be listed in theinformation field310 if any exists at the time (seeFIGS. 56 and 60). The floor manager then selects thenew icon322 in thetool bar312 that causes a create payout structure prompt536 to appear (seeFIG. 61). Preferably, thepayout structure prompt536 has the following fields for the floor manager to enter data:
• • place field538,
  • percent field540, and
  • amount field542.
• Fields538-542 of the payout structure prompt536 may correspond to column headings (not shown) in theinformation field310 if previous payout records existed when the payout structure in theoptions field308 is highlighted. Inprompt536, the floor manager enters an integer number representing the winning placement of the player in theplace field520. For example, if there are only first and second place winners that are awarded money, then the floor manager would not enter a three which would designate a third place winner. As best illustrated inFIG. 62, the floor manager enters a one designating the first place winner then selects thepercent field540 to enter the percent of a pot received by the first place winner. The floor manager then selects a “save” box544 of the prompt536 to same the first place setting. The process beginning with selecting thenew icon322 is repeated for each placement of winners (i.e. second place and so on).
• Alternatively to a percentage of the pot, each placement of winners could win a pre-designated sum of money. This is done by selecting theamount field542 of the payout structure prompt536 instead of thepercent field540. Preferably, once either the percent or amount fields540,542 are selected for one placement, that field must apply to all winning placements.
• Referring toFIGS. 63-65, when theadministrator tool300 is used to create a rake structure512 for a tournament orring game profile492, the “+” symbol adjacent to profiletypes302 in theoption field308 is first selected by the floor manager, then the “+” symbol adjacent to the game profiles heading318 is selected. Selection of heading318 causes the drop-down listing of game profiles492 to appear. The floor manager then selects the tournament game profile to be modified. When the “+” symbol adjacent to a tournament game profile is selected, theadministrator tool300 reveals another drop-down listing that preferably lists theoptional selections516 for theblind structure510, the payout structure512, and therake structure514. When the “+” symbol adjacent to a ring game profile is selected, theadministrator tool300 reveals another drop-down listing that preferably lists only therake structure514.
• Selection of therake structure514 of theselections516 for a particular tournament orring game profile492 causes the listing of rake structure information546 in theinformation field310 if any exists at the time (seeFIG. 64). The floor manager then selects thenew icon322 in thetool bar312 that causes a create rake structure prompt548 to appear (seeFIG. 64). Preferably, therake structure prompt548 has apot size field550 and arake amount field552 for entry of data by the floor manager.
• Thepot size field550 and therake amount field552 of the rake structure prompt548 preferably corresponds tocolumn headings554 in the information field31. For a tournament game profile, the floor manager enter the total buy-in amount for all the players into thepot size field550. For a ring game profile and as illustrated inFIG. 65, the floor manager creates the rake structure for each increment of the rake. For example, if the pot size is ten dollars, the rake may be one dollar, if the pot size is twenty dollars, the rake may be two dollars, and so on. Therake structure514 depends then on the maximum, possible pot size and/or the maximum amount raked.
• For each rake increment of thering game profile492, the floor manager enters the pot size in thepot size field550 of therake structure prompt548, then the amount to be raked is entered into therake amount field552. As illustrated inFIG. 65 for example, the floor manager is creating a ninth record or increment for a pot size of $55.50 and a rake amount of $6.00. The floor manager then selects a “save”box554 of the rake structure prompt548 to save the settings. The process is generally completed after this first iteration for tournament game profiles, and is repeated beginning with the selection of thenew icon322 for each increment of a ring game profile.
VIII. General Process and Software
• With particular reference toFIG. 14, in another aspect of the present invention, amethod110 provides an electronic poker game to a plurality of players on at the electronic poker table18 using the host console102 and theserver computer50. In afirst step112, the host console102 preferably configures the EPIA's24 and thecentral display area26 and establishes parameters of the electronic poker game. In asecond step114, the electronic poker game is administered by theserver computer50 using electronic cards and chips.
• In operation, thegaming system10 will implement a player-account based cash in/cash out system. Thesystem10 will create a user account for each player. Once an account is established for the player, the player is issued a Player Card having an associated personal identification number or PIN. Once the player has been issued a Player Card, their account may be funded. The Player Card is used to identify the player at the tables18. The player may fund their account by bringing cash to a cage, where the cash is accepted and credited to the player's account. Printed receipts are given to the player and maintained by thecasino12. To bring electronic chips to the table18, the player sits down at aseat40, swipes their Player Card and enters their PIN. Thesystem10 informs the player of their account balance and allows them to convert all or a portion of the account balance to electronic chips to bring to the game.
• From a software perspective, thegaming system10 may be implemented using six program groups: a table server, a game engine, a table client, a player client, a table manager, and a cage manager. The table server implements the network communication, control and authentication as well as inter-table functions (seat reservations, multi-table tournaments). The game engine is responsible for all game functions, e.g., electronic playing card deck generation, dealing, betting, determining winners and awarding pots. The table client is the graphical control for theCDA26. The player client implements the user interface for theEPIA24 and the logic for capturing player input and communication the player input to the table client server. The table manager contains the host interface for setting user, network, and game parameters, for starting, pausing, and stopping games, and for monitoring game activity and responding to system or user generated alerts. The cage manager provides the ability to create and fund player accounts and to create the Player Cards.
• If there are noseats40 available, the player is placed in a queue, until a seat opens up. In one embodiment, players are taken off of the queue and assigned a seat on a first come, first served basis. However, thesystem10 may allow thecasino12 to implement special rules for players to bypass the queue or list. For example, the casino may present vouchers to players under certain conditions, such as a win in a tournament, to be placed at the head of a queue.
• In one aspect of the present invention and as stated above, thesystem10 tracks each transaction, wager, card dealt in a database. Thesystem10 also tracks the players which are playing at each table18. This information is stored in the database, summarized, and may be presented in any numerous forms of reporting formats. Any information regarding the player's, the games, and how each hand is played may be tracked. This available data may also be analyzed for purposes of determining the frequency of poker hands (per hour) for a table or all games in which a particular player or players played or detecting, e.g., collusion between players.
• Thesystem10 allows jackpots, i.e., progressive jackpots, to be generated by and won across multiple hands and/or multiple tables. A progressive jackpot may increase based on the amounts wagered and/or won at the included tables. The progressive jackpot may continue to increase until won under a set of predetermined conditions. Alternatively, it may be active until only for a predetermined time period. The conditions for winning the jackpot that it is won by one or more players at the end of the time period.
• Thesystem10 allows a progressive jackpot to be funded in multiple ways. The way in which a progressive jackpot is funded may be funded through a computer program application on theserver50 or other device. For example, the progressive jackpot may be funded by taking a set percentage from every jackpot, every other jackpot, or every n^thjackpot. The amount of the progressive jackpot may be displayed on theCDA26 and/or a remote display.
• The progressive jackpot may be initiated randomly, under certain definable conditions, and/or for a specific event, i.e., a marketing event. The progressive jackpot may be a single hand, a predetermined number of hands at one table or across multiple hands, for a predetermined time period, and the like.
• Preferably, after a jackpot is won by a player, one or more government reporting forms may be presented to the player on theirEPIA24. The form may accept the player's electronic signature (if permissible) or may notify the player of the requirements and direct them to a location where they can fill out the form. The device may be a personal, notebook, or tablet computer, handheld computer, PDA, or other suitable device.
IX. Tournament Play
• Thesystem10 facilitates tournament play. In a tournament, a predetermined number of tables18 having a predetermined number of players are involved. A buy-in, e.g., $100 is required. Typically, after a player loses all of their money, they are eliminated from the tournament.
• Under predetermined rules, players may register for a tournament and be assigned to seats at a table. During play, under predetermined rules, tables may be broken down and the players distributed to other tables. Thesystem10 facilitates the tournament by providing one or more of the following features:
• • a) registration
  • b) tracking tournament information
  • c) display of tournament information on central display and/or remote display
  • d) tournament set-up, e.g., buy-in
  • e) re buy-in
  • f) tournament jackpot, cash or entry voucher for entry another tournament (specific tournament or expiration date)
  • g) Process for breaking tables:
    • (1) message that table is breaking
    • (2) convey new seat assignment
    • (3) determination of breaking order
    • (4) display of breaking order
  • h) display information on status of other tables and players at other tables
  • i) System to monitor and adjust hands per hour of an individual table during a tournament: During a poker tournament it is important that each table play roughly the same number of hands per hour as all other tables. This can be accomplished by pausing a game and/or slowing a game down with out pausing.
  • j) multi-site tournaments
  • k) system for automatically paying players tournament winnings based on tournament pay tables and their final position in the tournament
  • l) automatic posting of blinds and method to turn on and off of automatic posting of blinds/missed blinds
  • m) method for automatically calculating allowed bet amounts in pot-limit and no-limit betting structures
  • n) automatic varying of rake based upon number of players, time of day, type of game and/or other criteria
  • o) ability to offer rake discounts to individual players
  • p) transferring a player from one seat to another at the same table, or to another: Situations exist where are forced to (“must move”) or desire to move seats. This feature provides automatic notification and movement of player information from one seat to another.
  • q) database and network architecture allowing single and multi-site networking and management of a plurality of automated poker
  • r) tracking and reporting of player statistics: Data and method of display over the internet and/or other methods for player to analyze their previous play statistics. In another embodiment date and method of display is utilized to determine player rankings for a given game and/or over a given time period
  • s) ability to view available tables and register for live tables and/or tournaments via a remote connection such as the internet or an automated voice response unit
  • t) options adjust speed of play(speed of card shuffling, dealing, discarding, betting, etc.)
  • u) electronically transfer money from an account to the table
  • v) electronically transfer money to another
  • w) use of “cash card” to bring money to the table
  • x) ability for operator to view details of any and all tables
  • y) ability for operator to view details of any and all players
X. Virtual Gaming
• In one aspect of the present invention, remote or virtual games may be provided by thesystem10. The remote or virtual games may be provided on wireless devices and may be played at predetermined locations.
• Virtual games may also be provided through the EPIAs24. For example, the virtual or remote games may be played by the poker players when it is not their turn. The virtual or remote games may be another poker hand, played against other players, at the table or at other tables, or played against virtual players. Alternatively, the remote or virtual games may be other types of games, including, but not limited to blackjack, keno, slot machines, and the like.
• In addition to running other casino games onEPIA24 or other terminals, system can be run on other gaming devices throughout the casino. For example, a virtual poker game can be run on an existing electronic bingo terminal or an electronic race book terminal.
XI. Alternative Embodiments
• While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presently preferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (35)

1. An electronic gaming system for control of a plurality of games being selectively played by a plurality of players, the system comprising:

at least one game table having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas for player communication and player input, wherein each one of the plurality of players is located adjacent to a respective one of the plurality of electronic player interaction areas; and

a first computer being in communication with the plurality of electronic player interaction areas, the first computer having a user interface for managerial control of the at least one game table; and

a software based administrator tool operated through the user interface for the control of at least one gaming profile type associated with at least gaming rules.

2. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 wherein the user interface is a touch-screen display.

3. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 2 wherein each one of the plurality of electronic player interaction areas has a second computer being in communication with the first computer.

4. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 further comprising the at least one gaming profile type having a timing profile heading having a new timing key displayed on the user interface and for entering a time for at least one event of a new game of the plurality of games.

5. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 4 wherein the new timing key has an events sub-option that when selected lists a plurality of timing events specific to the new game.

6. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 5 further comprising a time prompt of the administrator tool displayed by the user interface when any one of the plurality of timing events is selected.

7. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 6 further comprising a name prompt of the administrator tool displayed by the user interface after entry of a time in the time prompt for naming the new game.

8. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 wherein the timing profile heading has a plurality of sub-options each having a unique list of timing events for editing.

9. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 8 wherein the plurality of sub-options has a basic timing key sub-option, a ring game timing sub-option, and a tournament timing sub-option.

10. The electronic gaming system set forth in8 further comprising a delete icon of the administrator tool displayed on the user interface for deleting a selected one of the plurality of sub-options of the timing profile heading.

11. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 further comprising the gaming profile type having a jackpot profile heading having a jackpot profile prompt displayed on the user interface and having a plurality of fields for entry of jackpot parameters.

12. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 11 wherein the plurality of fields has a description field and a minimum pot field.

13. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 11 wherein the jackpot profile heading is available for editing or creating a game profile.

14. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 further comprising the gaming profile type having a jackpot profile heading having a jackpot list displayed selectively on the user interface when the jackpot profile heading is selected.

15. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 14 further comprising an update jackpot profile prompt of the jackpot profile heading displayed on the user interface when any one of at least one unique jackpot profile of the jackpot list is selected, the jackpot profile prompt having a plurality of fields for entry of data related to monetary parameters of the gaming rules.

16. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 14 further comprising a delete icon of the administrator tool that when selected deletes a unique jackpot profile of the at least one unique jackpot profile pre-selected from the jackpot list.

17. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 wherein the at least one gaming profile type has a game profile heading having settable parameters of the gaming rules including game type, stakes and betting requirements.

18. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 further comprising the at least one gaming profile type having a game profile heading displayed on the user interface for at least creating a unique new game profile, editing a unique existing game profile, and deleting a unique existing game profile of the at least one game.

19. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 further comprising:

the at least one gaming type having a game profile heading displayed on the user interface; and

a create game profile prompt of the game profile heading displayed selectively on the user interface and having a plurality of fields for entering new game data of the gaming rules.

20. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 19 wherein the plurality of fields of the create game profile prompt has a description field and a game field.

21. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 19 further comprising an update game profile prompt of the game profile heading displayed selectively on the user interface and having a plurality of fields for entry of data to edit the gaming rules.

22. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 21 further comprising a clone icon of the administrator tool displayed on the user interface and for selectively cloning a unique game profile of at least one game profile of the game profile heading.

23. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 21 further comprising a delete icon of the administrator tool displayed on the user interface and for selectively deleting a unique game profile of at least one game profile of the game profile heading.

24. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 19 further comprising:

the game profile heading having a tournament profile sub-option displayed selectively on the user interface; and

a table tournament field of the plurality of fields of the create game profile prompt for designating tournament play.

25. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 24 further comprising a blind structure prompt of the tournament profile sub-option displayed selectively for tournament play and having a plurality of fields for entering tournament play data of the gaming rules.

26. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 24 further comprising a payout structure prompt of the tournament profile sub-option displayed selectively for tournament play and having a plurality of fields for entering tournament play data of the gaming rules.

27. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 24 further comprising a rake structure prompt of the tournament profile sub-option displayed selectively for tournament play and having a plurality of fields for entering tournament play data of the gaming rules.

28. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 1 further comprising:

a timing profile of the at least one gaming type associated with events in each respective one of the plurality of games that are timed;

a jackpot profile of the at least one gaming type associated with monetary parameters regarding a jackpot of each respective one of the plurality of games; and

a game profile of the at least one gaming type associated with the creation and storing of a new game of the plurality of games.

29. A method of operating an administrator tool for controlling a plurality of games comprising the steps of:

activating a computer of a gaming system;

displaying the administrator tool on a user interface of the computer;

selecting one of a plurality of gaming profile headings displayed in an options field of the administrator tool;

selecting a unique profile of one of the plurality of profile headings from a plurality of lists selectively displayed in an information field of the administrator tool for editing or deleting.

30. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth inclaim 29 comprising the further step of selecting a delete icon displayed in a tool bar field of the administrator tool for deleting the selected unique profile.

31. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth inclaim 29 comprising the further steps of:

creating a new timing profile of the plurality of profile headings by selecting a refresh icon displayed in a tool bar field of the administrator tool before selecting the unique profile, wherein the unique profile selected is an event from an events list of the plurality of lists;

filling in data fields including a new file name in a time prompt automatically displayed as a result of selecting the unique event; and

selecting a refresh icon displayed in a tool bar field of the administrator tool.

32. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth inclaim 29 comprising the further steps of:

creating a new unique profile by selecting one of a jackpot profile heading and a game profile heading of the plurality of profile headings without selecting any one of the unique profiles in the plurality of lists;

displaying a respective prompt of the selected one of the jackpot profile heading and the game profile heading by the administrator tool; and

filling in data fields of the respective prompt.

33. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth inclaim 29 comprising the further steps of:

editing the selected unique profile by selecting a refresh icon displayed in a tool bar field of the administrator tool before selecting the unique profile, wherein the unique profile selected is a timing event from a timing events list of the plurality of lists;

filling in data fields, without including a new file name, in a time prompt automatically displayed as a result of selecting the unique event; and

selecting a refresh icon displayed in a tool bar field of the administrator tool.

34. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth inclaim 29 comprising the further steps of:

editing the selected unique profile wherein the selected unique profile is a jackpot profile selected from a jackpot list of the plurality of lists; and

filling in data fields of a jackpot prompt displayed by the administrator tool as a result of selecting the unique profile.

35. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth inclaim 29 comprising the further steps of:

editing the selected unique profile wherein the selected unique profile is a game profile selected from a jackpot list of the plurality of lists;

displaying game parameters of the game profile in the information field;

selecting an update icon in an options field of the user interface; and

filling in data fields of a game prompt displayed by the administrator tool as a result of selecting the update icon.

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