CN101044523A - System and method for providing a card tournament on more electronic card tables - Google Patents

Abstract

A system is provided, which is used for providing a plurality of players with electronic card games on a first and a second electronic card table. A table top, a plurality of electronic player interaction areas and a server computer are arranged on each electronic card table. A bench top is positioned on the table top. The plurality of electronic player interaction areas is arranged on the periphery of the table top, and each electronic player interaction area is provided with a user interface for interacting with one of the players. The server computer is connected with the electronic player interaction areas of the first and the second electronic card tables, so as to manage a first card game of a first player group on the first electronic card table and a second card game of a second player group on the second electronic card table.

Description

System and method for providing electronic poker games at multiple electronic poker tables

related application

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/939772, filed September 13, 2004, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/610262, filed September 16, 2004 , both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to electronic poker tables, and more particularly to a system for providing electronic poker games on two or more electronic poker tables.

Background technique

Gambling is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Gambling, especially gambling of luck and skill in which one or more people take part and bet on its outcome, can be played in a variety of ways, including in casinos or other venues or on the Internet. Many of these various forms of gambling that can be played are played with poker. Of these games, poker appears to be the most popular.

Typically, poker is played at a table with several players betting with bills, coins or chips on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck of 52 cards. A deck consists of 4 suits of 13 cards each. This form of poker requires someone to act as the dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, betting, folding, and so on. One problem with regular poker is that it is subject to the possibility of human/dealer error. In "social" games, especially poker, the players take turns acting as the dealer, but in licensed commercial gambling establishments such as casinos, the dealer is usually a non-participating employee. Thus, another problem associated with conventional poker games in this context is dealer training and maintenance.

An alternative form of gambling, specifically poker, has flourished online. Online gambling has been very successful and it offers players many opportunities. In particular, online gambling is fast and convenient, and its registration, gambling and payment can be realized through almost any computer with Internet access, and its payment is usually settled through payment services such as PayPyal.

Video poker or other card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar to slot machines.

One of the major flaws of the online and single-player genres is the lack of a human element. Many people prefer to play poker face to face with other players, in part due to the thrill of "live" gambling. Undoubtedly, there will be a higher level of competition when people compete directly with each other. In gambling establishments, experienced players work hard to hone strategy and understand other players' intentions from their actions and gambling style in order to be more competitive.

Electronic card games, such as electronic poker games, have been offered which allow players to compete face to face but eliminate the dealer and physical cards. However, one problem associated with electronic cards is maintaining the confidentiality of each player's cards, which are usually displayed on a monitor in close proximity to the player. In general, prior art addresses this issue by providing several types of guards or other physical barriers. However, these types of devices have several inherent problems such that they are prone to failure due to their positioning where the player's cards are visible. Additionally, these units are bulky and easily extend upwards from the monitor. This detracts from the overall look of the environment and can be damaging to the player.

The present invention aims to solve one or more of the problems described above.

Contents of the invention

In a first aspect of the present invention, a system for providing an electronic poker game to a plurality of players at first and second electronic poker tables is provided. Each electronic poker table has a table top, multiple electronic player interaction areas, and a server computer. The tabletop has a countertop. The plurality of electronic player interaction areas are disposed around a periphery of the tabletop. Each electronic player interaction area provides a user interface for interacting with one of the players. The server computer is connected to the electronic player interactive area of the first electronic poker table and the electronic player interactive area of the second electronic poker table to administer the first poker game and the second electronic poker game for the first group of players on the first electronic poker table A second poker game for a second group of players at the table.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a system for providing an electronic poker game to a plurality of players is provided. The system includes a first plurality of electronic poker tables and a second plurality of electronic poker tables. Each electronic poker table has a table top, a plurality of electronic player interaction areas. The system also includes a server computer. Each tabletop has a countertop. The electronic player interaction area is positioned around the periphery of the tabletop. Each electronic player interaction area provides a user interface for interacting with the player. A server computer is connected to the electronic player interaction areas of the first and second electronic poker tables for administering poker games on the first and second plurality of electronic poker tables.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a method for providing an electronic poker game at first and second electronic poker tables is provided. Each electronic poker table has a table top, multiple electronic player interaction areas, and a server computer. The tabletop has a countertop. The plurality of electronic player interaction areas are disposed around a periphery of the tabletop. Each electronic player interaction area provides a user interface for interacting with one of the players. The server computer is connected to the electronic player interaction area of the first electronic poker table and the electronic player interaction area of the second electronic poker table. The method includes managing, by the server computer, a first poker game for a first group of players on a first electronic poker table, and managing, by the server computer, a second poker game for a second group of players on a second electronic poker table.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, an electronic poker table for providing an electronic poker game to a plurality of players is provided. Such an electronic poker table includes a tabletop, a printer, multiple electronic player interaction areas, and a gaming computer. The plurality of electronic player interaction areas are disposed around a periphery of the tabletop. Each electronic player interaction area provides a user interface for interacting with one of the players. the gaming computer is connected to the printer and the plurality of electronic player interaction areas for administering the electronic poker game, determining a winner from among the players and awarding the pot to the winner, and monitoring the value or cumulative value of the pot awarded to the player, And automatically print the official report form on the printer if the value of the pot awarded to one of the players or the value of the pot accumulated exceeds a predetermined value.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for providing an electronic poker game at an electronic poker table is provided. The electronic poker table includes a table top, a plurality of electronic player interaction areas, and a gaming computer. The tabletop has a countertop. The electronic player interaction area is positioned around the periphery of the tabletop. Each electronic player interaction area provides a user interface for interacting with one of the players. The method includes the steps of: administering an electronic poker game via a gaming computer, determining a winner from among the players and awarding the pot to the winner, and monitoring the value or cumulative value of the pot awarded to the player, and determining if the pot is awarded to the player. An official report form is automatically printed on the printer when the value of a player's pot or the cumulative value of the pot exceeds a predetermined value.

Description of drawings

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, as they will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system for providing an electronic poker game at one or more electronic poker tables in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the tabletop of the electronic poker table of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic diagram of the table top of the electronic poker table of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the system in Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a second block diagram of the system of FIG. 1 including elements of an electronic poker table in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic poker table according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a top view of the electronic poker table of Figure 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electronic poker table in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a first screenshot displayed on the electronic player interaction area of the system of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a second screenshot displayed on the electronic player interaction area of the system of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows the electronic player interaction area embedded in the portable device in the system of Figure 1;

What Fig. 12 represented is the front side and the back side of the electronic playing card;

Figure 13A is a block diagram of the software components of the system of the present invention;

13B is a simplified block diagram of a system for providing electronic poker games according to one embodiment of the present invention;

14A is a block diagram of a system for providing an electronic poker game on first and second electronic poker tables according to one embodiment of the present invention;

14B is a block diagram of a system for providing electronic poker games on a plurality of electronic poker tables according to one embodiment of the present invention

Figure 15 is a flowchart of a method for managing an electronic poker game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Referring to the drawings and in operation, the present invention generally relates to a system 10 and method for providing and relating to electronic poker games such as electronic poker. Referring specifically to FIG. 1 , the system 10 is designed to be located in a gaming environment such as a casino 12 . Typically, such a gaming environment 12 is a dedicated or designated area in a casino 12 , such as a poker room or poker area 14 separated by a fence 16 . While mentioned above is one possible implementation or location in which system 10 may be used, the present invention is not limited to any location or implementation. Additional details of the system can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. N/A (Docket No. 60,667-007), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-008), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-009), N/A (Docket No. No. 60,667-010), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-011), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-012), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-013), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-014), N/A (File No. 60,667-015), N/A (File No. 60,667-017), N/A (File No. 60,667-018), N/A (File No. 60,667-019), N/A (File No. 60,667-020), N/A (File No. 60,667-021), N/A (File No. 60,667-022), N/A (File No. 60,667-023), N/A (File No. 60,667-024), N /A (Document No. 60,667-025), N/A (Document No. 60,667-026), N/A (Document No. 60,667-027), N/A (Doc. -029), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-030), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-031), N/A (Docket No. 60,667-032), hereby incorporated by reference.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 provides an automatic poker game for two or more players using electronic chips and electronic playing cards. In one aspect of the invention, no human is required to be the dealer. System 10 can handle all bookmaker functions.

System 10 may be used to play any variation or version of any poker game. However, for purposes of illustration, the system 10 will be described as being suitable for implementing a version of poker known as Texas Hold'em.

In one aspect of the invention, the system 10 may handle assigning players to seats, providing electronic chips, accepting wagers and distributing the sum of the wagers to the winner. The system 10 electronically shuffles a deck of electronic playing cards, then deals the electronic playing cards to the players and any community cards to the electronic card or poker table 18 . The system 10 can also handle betting, folding, player calling, and can limit this based on the player's turn.

In another aspect of the invention, the card or poker tables 18 in the system 10 are networked and connected to one or more servers (see below). The server can be used to enable and facilitate player tracking, ticket-in ticket-out (cashless) betting, assignment of players to seats at specific tables, tournament play, table setup (including turning tables on and off and modifying table parameters ), and progressive jackpots.

As in the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a plurality of electronic poker tables 18 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, system 10 includes five electronic poker tables, although the invention is not limited to a particular number of electronic poker tables.

A simple but typical layout of the table top 20 of the poker table 18 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

In the top view of tabletop 20 shown in FIG. 2 , tabletop 20 includes table top 22 and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the poker table 18 is capable of seating up to ten players simultaneously, and thus includes ten electronic player interaction areas 24A-24J.

In the top view of the tabletop 20 shown in FIG. 3 (where like elements are designated with reference numerals), the tabletop 20 includes a deck 22 and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIAs) 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the poker table 18 is capable of seating up to ten players simultaneously and thus includes ten electronic player interaction areas 24 . Desktop 10 also includes a central or common display area (CDA) 26 .

In one embodiment, each electronic poker interaction area 24 is used to communicate game information directly to the players assigned to a particular electronic player interaction area 24A-24J, and to implement a player user interface (below) to complete input from the player. interaction or input. A central or common display area 26 is used to display information for all players.

For example, in one embodiment, the system 10 is used to play a version of poker known as Texas Hold'em. In Texas Hold'em, each player is dealt a certain number of playing cards, say 2 cards, face down. This is called the player's hole card 28. A certain number of playing cards, such as 3 or 5, are dealt face up and displayed in the public display area 26 . These are called community 30s. In this way, the cards in the player's hand include the player's hole card 28 and the community card 30 . At the end of each hand of the remaining players, the player with the highest set of cards in their hand is the winner of that round or hand of poker.

In one aspect of the invention, the hole cards 28 are displayed face down on each electronic player interaction area 24 and the community cards are displayed in the central display area 26 . Hole cards 28 are displayed at a first predetermined scale and community cards 30 are displayed at a second predetermined scale. The first and second predetermined ratios may represent standard sized playing cards or predetermined default sizes. In one embodiment, the first and second ratios are the same. In another embodiment, the first and second ratios are different. For example, the first and second ratios may be defined such that the community card 30 is shown greater than the hole card 28 .

Referring to FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8 , in one embodiment, the electronic player interaction area 24 is implemented using a separate display device, such as a touch screen display 32 . Each display 32 may be embedded in a removable module 34 .

Module 34 may incorporate a full-featured computer. The computer includes a processor capable of running an operating system such as Windows XP or Windows CE, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington. In one embodiment, module 34 includes a card reader for reading player ID cards (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, module 34 is mounted to table top 20 such that touch screen 32 is parallel to table top 20 . However, the touch screen 32 may be mounted at an angle relative to the table top 20 . Optionally, module 34 may be adjusted to provide an adjustable viewing angle of touch screen 32 .

In one embodiment, the central display area 26 is implemented in a separate display, such as an LCD or plasma monitor or similar device.

The rest of the tabletop can be covered with a material such as felt, or more specifically green, blue or red felt. Logo graphics, game information or other information may be printed on this material.

In an alternative embodiment, electronic player interaction area 24 and central display area 26 may be implemented on a single display, wherein the display covers a majority of the desktop. Electronic player interaction area 24 and central display area 26 may be separated from the rest of desktop 20 by a virtual border. The electronic player interaction area 24 and the display area surrounding the central display area 26 can be used to simulate a standard poker table, and images of materials such as green felt can be displayed. Additionally, logos, game information, other information, advertisements, announcements, images, video, or other information may be displayed, rotated, cycled, or displayed for a limited period of time on the tabletop 20 and/or electronic player interaction area 24.

As discussed below, the system 10 and poker table 18, while electronic, are designed to convey and preserve the overall feel and environment of a standard poker room with non-electronic poker tables. Each electronic poker table 18 is surrounded by a plurality of poker chairs 40 . The number of poker chairs 40 is equal to the number of electronic player interaction areas 24 on the electronic poker table 18 .

Referring specifically to Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the poker table 18 has an oval shape and can seat a maximum number of players. For example, poker table 18 may be sized to accommodate a maximum of 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 players, although the invention is not limited to any particular size poker table. As noted above, between the electronic player interaction area 24 and the central or public display area 26, the table top may be covered with a material such as green felt or an analog thereof, if provided. The poker table includes one or more bases 42 to which one or more legs 44 are attached. Legs 44 support the table top. A fence or bumper 46 surrounds the outer circumference of the table top 20 .

Referring specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5, the system 10 may include one or more electronic poker tables 18, as described above. In one aspect of the invention, poker tables 18 are networked together using, for example, Ethernet 48 . One or more servers 50 may be used to provide the functionality of system 10 . For example, server 50 may be used to perform various functions, including but not limited to:

- start and stop table 18 during the game,

- data and player tracking,

- cashless betting,

- define and modify table parameters, including opening and closing the table 18, setting the poker games played on the table 18, setting wagering parameters, etc.,

- define and manage jackpots, including house fees, i.e. rake,

- define and manage progressive jackpots,

- establish and manage player queues and assign players from queues to seats and/or specific tables, and

- Set up and manage league games, including assigning player seats, folding tables, and more.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5 , in one embodiment each poker table 18 includes ten electronic player interaction areas 24 implemented in a computer-based module 34 . Each module 34 is connected to a server 50 through a network 48 . Another computer 52, such as a personal computer running on Windows XP, may also be connected to the server 50 via the network 48, as shown. The basic function of the PC 52 is to control and drive the central display area 26.

In one embodiment, the server 50 runs a poker game at each table 18 . The basic function of the module 34 is to operate the electronic player interaction area 24 for displaying and operating the user interface.

In another embodiment, a poker game or portion of a poker game may be performed or run by the module 34 and/or the computer 52 .

In another aspect of the invention, the system 10 will implement a cash-in/cash-out system based user account. The system 10 will create user accounts for each player. Once an account is established for a player, the player will be issued a game card with an associated personal identification number or PIN. Once a player is issued a game card, their account will be funded. The game card is used to identify the players at the table 18. The player may fund the account by bringing cash to the cash drawer, which is accepted and credited to the player's account. The printed receipt is given to the player and kept by the casino 12. To bring electronic chips to the table 18, players take their seats, swipe their gaming cards and enter their PIN. The system 10 will report the players their account balance and allow them to convert all or part of the account balance into electronic chips to bring into the game.

Referring specifically to FIG. 13A, from a software point of view, the system 10 can be implemented using six program groups: game engine 82, table server 84, table client 86, player client 88, table manager 90, and cash drawer manager. 92. Table server 84 implements network communication, control, authentication, and table-to-table functions (seat reservation, multi-table tournament). The game engine 82 manages the electronic poker game and is responsible for all game functions, such as regeneration of electronic poker decks, dealing cards, placing bets, determining winners, and dealing pots. The table client 86 is a graphical control of the central display area 26 . The player client 90 implements the user interface for the electronic player interaction area 24 and implements the logic for capturing player input and communication from the player input to the table client server. The table manager 88 includes a user interface for setting user, network and game parameters, a user interface for starting, pausing and stopping a game, and an interface for monitoring game activity and responding to system or user generated alerts. The cash drawer manager 92 provides the ability to create and fund user accounts as well as the ability to create game cards.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 9 and 10 , each electronic player interaction area 24 implements a user interface 54 . User interface 54 may be implemented on desktop 20 (as above) or in module 34 . In another embodiment, the user interface 54 may be implemented on a handheld device 58 such as a personal digital assistant (PDA).

The user interface 54 may be graphical in nature (as shown in Figures 9 and 10), or may take other forms such as simple text format. In one embodiment, the electronic player interaction area 24 provides the player with the option to choose between several user interfaces 54, such as a graphical representation of an electronic poker table 56 or a textual interface.

Returning to FIGS. 9 and 10 , in one embodiment, the user interface 54 includes a graphical representation of a poker table 56 . Each player in the poker game may be represented by a user graphic or icon 62 which may list their name and their chip total. The total wager for the current hand may be represented in the center of the poker table 56 by a stack of chips 64 and/or a number 66 representing the current total wager. Each player's contribution to the total wager may be represented by stacks of chips 68 and/or numbers 70 adjacent to their user graphics 62 .

The user interface 54 may also include a series of player selection buttons 72 and a series of play buttons 74 . For example, player selection buttons 72 may include join button 72A, leave table button 72B, and select button 72C. Generally, only one of the join button 72A and the leave table button 72B can be activated at any one time. Selection button 72C allows the player to access a selection menu or screen (not shown) that allows the player to modify certain parameters of user interface 54 , for example for selecting between different formats of user interface 54 . This series of game buttons 74 allows players to signal their game play decisions to the system 10 during game play. The game buttons 74 may include a fold button 74A, a call button 74B, and a raise button 74C. These are usually only activated when it is that player's turn in the game. In one embodiment, the buttons 72 are implemented on the touch screen display device 32 . In an alternative embodiment, button 72 is embedded in an electromechanical switch or button (not shown).

In one embodiment, the user interface 54 may also include the community cards 30 . Other information that may be displayed on the user interface includes, but is not limited to, indicators of the players whose turn it is, each player's total chips, other players' face-up cards, and/or such as advertisements sent to The player's message.

In another aspect of the invention, the user interface 54 includes a graphical representation of one or more electronic playing cards 76 (see FIG. 12). Each electronic playing card 76 has a front side 76A and a back side 76B. The backside 76B of each card has the same pattern or image so that the electronic playing cards 76 cannot be discerned when viewing the backside 76B. Electronic playing cards 76 are typically a set or deck of standard playing cards. The deck can be a standard deck of 52 cards, each card having a value. The numerical value is two components: the first component is 1 of 2 via ACE, and the second component is one of 4 sets (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades). The value of each card is displayed on the front side 76A of each playing card 76 .

The image displayed on the backside 76B of the playing card may be a logo, an arbitrary image (selected from a predetermined set of images), or may be an advertisement for the player. The image may include video. In one embodiment, the images displayed on the backside 76B of the playing card may cycle through a predetermined set of images. The image may be selected by a user who may be a player or a casino employee.

In one embodiment, the electronic playing cards or electronic cards 76 are the player's hole cards in an electronic poker game. However, the electronic poker cards 76 may be used in any type of electronic poker game where it is desired to controllably show/hide a player's cards. Thus, although the invention may be described below in the context of electronic poker games (and more specifically, with respect to a player's hole cards in a Hold 'em style poker game), the invention is not limited to this type of card game.

In poker games using physical cards, where a player's cards are dealt "face down" and not revealed to other players, players can look at their own cards in an effort to keep other players from knowing about them in several ways . For example, a player can hold the cards close to their body, spread them out, and cover them with their hands so only that player can see the front side of their cards. Or players can place the cards face down on the table, lifting one side or corner to reveal only at least a portion of the front side, while covering the cards with their hands.

The controller, which may be a module 34, a personal computer 52, a handheld device 58, a server 50, or a combination thereof, is used to control the user interface 54, i.e. control the information components of the user interface 54 displayed on the electronic player interaction area 24, detect and touch screen display Contacts by device 32 (when used) then interpret these contacts as trigger or touch events (below). As discussed below, the controllers 24, 52, 58, 50 can control the display or hiding (cloaking) of the player's hole card electronic poker cards so that the player can controllably display and view the cards while keeping the cards from being seen. other players see. As if the player were playing physical poker, the player thus has the opportunity to cover their cards with one or both hands before revealing them.

A system and method for controllably showing/hiding a player's hole card is disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 10/939,772, filed September 13, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In one aspect of the invention, each electronic player interaction area 24 is assigned to a player. Once a player is assigned to a particular seat on the poker table 18, the associated EPIA 24 can be set to be inactive or locked, and the assigned player's name can be indicated. Once EPIA 24 is locked, the assigned player must log into EPIA 24 (below).

Once the player logs in, the EPIA 24 is activated and the user interface 54 is displayed. And, since the EPIA 24 is active, the player can enter or participate in the game played on the table 12, or adjust/modify any available options by actuating the selection button 72C.

In one embodiment discussed above, EPIA 24 may be implemented using a single or modular computer 34. In one embodiment, the modular computer 34 includes a display 32 which may be a touch screen display 32 . The touch screen display 32 displays information (text and/or graphics) related to game play and implements buttons or selectable areas on the EPIA 24 for user input.

Players may log into the system 10 or the table 18 through the EPIA 24. In one embodiment, a player may log into the system 10 using a player tracking card. EPIA players insert or swipe their player tracking cards through the card reader 36 . The EPIA 24 may also require PIN entry to an additional keypad or a keypad implemented on the touch screen display device 32. Alternatively or additionally, players may log in using biometric parameters such as fingerprints, sensed by sensors and RFID cards or chips.

In one aspect of the invention, the EPIA 24 includes sound generating means for generating sounds audible to players assigned to the EPIA 24. The sound producing means may be implemented as earpieces or earphones, or as one or more speakers. The generated sounds can be classified into system sounds and player sounds. System sounds include sounds intended or suitable to be heard by every player, including other players and non-participants. Player voices include, but are not necessarily limited to, sounds intended to be heard by the player. For example, system sounds may include sounds simulating shuffling, dealing, betting chips, or winning a jackpot. Player sounds may include reminders or indications that it is a player's turn, or whether the game is in sync, time remaining or time is up. Player-specific sounds are sounds that can or should only be heard by that player, and can indicate audible signals that indicate a player's hole cards or a player's highest hand, or winnings associated with that player's hand fee.

In another aspect of the invention, the EPIA 24 can be implemented via a touch screen display device 32. The device 32 may be integrated with a computer in a module. Alternatively, the touch screen device 32 may be a separate device controlled by one or more separate computers 52 or servers 50 on the poker table 18 .

In many gaming environments 12, such as poker rooms in casinos, a portion or percentage of the pot is paid to the house for operating the poker room. This portion of the bet is called the rake. In one embodiment, the amount of rake corresponds to the current wager displayed on each EPIA 24. The rake may be displayed as a dollar amount and may include a graphical representation of the electronic chips.

In one aspect of the invention, system 10 utilizes both electronic chips and electronic playing cards. In one embodiment, the EPIA 24 may include each player's remaining chips at the table and/or a graphical representation indicating the dollar amount of those chips. Additionally, the EPIA 24 may include chips for the current pot and/or a graphical representation indicating the dollar amount of those chips. The pot may be displayed in the center of the graphical representation of the poker table.

In one embodiment, each EPIA 24 may also include a graphical representation of the community card at the center of the graphical representation of the poker table. Graphical representations of the other players' cards are also displayed (face down during the current hand, face up at the end of the current hand).

As discussed above, the system 10 may require the player to log into an EPIA 24 that is open or has been assigned to the player. This login can be accomplished in a number of ways (see above). However, once a player's identity is verified, the player may access the user account and use the account balance to purchase chips. Additionally, information related to the behavior of players at the table can be tracked and logged to user accounts.

The EPIA 24 can be equipped with earpieces or headphones to provide the player with sound (above) or other signals.

In one aspect of the invention, the sounds provided by EPIA 24 (above) are provided using analog sounds.

In one aspect of the invention, the system may use a cashless system such as Ticket In Ticket Out or (TITO) (below).

In one embodiment, system 10 may require each player to have a user account. The user account has an associated balance that includes a dollar amount based on the currency the player has deposited and/or any winnings they have amassed through poker or other games. Once the user is authenticated by EPIA 24, the player can download a certain amount of dollars and purchase chips to play.

Alternatively, a ticket (eg barcode), magnetic card, RFID card or some other medium (collectively TICKET) can be inserted into the EPIA 24, card table 18 or kiosk. The TICKET may have an associated value printed and/or encoded on or associated with the TICKET in the system 10 .

Additionally, once a player decides to leave the poker table 18, any remaining chips they have can be immediately converted to dollars and stored in their user account and/or new tickets can be generated.

In another aspect of the invention, each EPIA 24 can provide an indication of whose turn it is to act. If it is the player's turn associated with the EPIA 24, the EPIA 24 may provide an appropriate signal, such as an icon next to their name or anywhere on the EPIA 24, a sound such as a signal tone or music, and/or voice information. If it is another player's turn, the EPIA 24 may indicate which player's turn is with an icon and/or, for example, flashing text next to his name.

As discussed above, the EPIA 24 includes a set of player option buttons 72 that allow a player to take an appropriate action, such as placing a bet, folding, or calling a card when it is the player's turn. In one embodiment, the EPIA 24 activates only those appropriate buttons 72 in the current round, given the rules of the game being played. For example, if the maximum number of raises has been made for a particular game, the bet or raise button will not be activated. Additionally, none of the buttons 72 are activated when it is not the player's turn.

As discussed above, each seat or EPIA 24 is assigned to a specific player. Players may be assigned to seats by using the queuing system to exit the electronic shortlist, or may be assigned by casino employees using the system 10 . However, in certain circumstances a player may wish to change seats or move to another table. For example, if one or more other players have left, the table has fewer players, and the player does not want to play with so few players at the table, then the player can request another seat assignment via EPIA 24 .

The present invention includes methods for displaying and/or hiding a player's hole cards (as above). Additionally or separately, the EPIA 24 may be adapted to provide an indication of a winning commission based on the player's current deck and community cards. The profit commission may be displayed textually as eg 55% and/or graphically eg as a pie chart or bar chart. Winning fees can be triggered and displayed using the same triggering events associated with hole cards. Alternatively, a separate trigger event such as a touch event elsewhere on the EPIA 24 may be used to display the winning commission.

The present invention includes methods for displaying and/or hiding a player's hole cards (as above). Additionally or separately, EPIA 24 may apply to an indication of the player's current highest deck based on the player's current deck and the community cards. The highest deck may be displayed textually as, for example, a double pair, and/or graphically as an image of the 5 cards leading to the highest deck. This highest deck can be triggered and displayed using the same triggering event associated with the hole cards. Alternatively, a separate trigger event such as a touch event elsewhere on the EPIA 24 can be used to display the top deck.

As discussed above, the poker table 18 may include one or more EPIAs 24. For example, each poker table may have 11 seats and accommodate up to 11 players. Each EPIA 24 may have one or more of the attributes described in IV.

In one embodiment discussed above, the EPIA can be implemented using a single or modular computer 34 . In one embodiment, the modular computer 34 includes a display 32 which may be a touch screen display 32 . The touch screen display 32 displays information (text and/or graphics) related to game play and implements buttons or selectable areas on the EPIA 24 for user input.

In one aspect of the invention, the poker table 18 includes a poker table sound generating device for producing sounds audible to players. The table sound generating means may be implemented on one or more speakers mounted to or integrated with the table 18. Optionally, the poker table sound generating means may include one or more speakers next to or integrated with each EPIA 24. Generally, the sound generating device plays system sounds or player sounds appropriate for each player to hear.

For example, system sounds may mimic the sounds of cards being shuffled, cards dealt, bets thrown in, or jackpots won. Player sounds may include reminders or indications that it is a player's turn, or whether the game is in sync, time remaining or time is up. Generally, player-specific sounds are not played through the player sound generating device.

Common displays such as LCDs or plasmas take a rectangular shape. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, its overlay can be integrated with the table top 20 and can include cut edges. The overlay covers the peripheral edges of the display. Only the portion of the display on the inside of the cutout is visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the cut edge may have, for example an oval shape, similar to the shape of a poker table.

As discussed above, rake is defined as a portion or percentage of the total wager that goes to the venue for operating the poker game. This part of the bet is called the rake. In one embodiment, the number of rakes corresponding to the current pot is displayed on the central display area 26 . The rake may be displayed as a dollar amount and may include a graphical representation of the electronic chips.

In another aspect of the invention, the central display area 26 may provide an indication of which player's turn it is to take an action. In one implementation, the central display area 26 may provide appropriate signals such as icons, such as arrows or other symbols, sounds such as beeps or music, and/or voice messages. The indication of the player's turn can be added to the indication on the EPIA 24.

During a poker hand, even at a standard poker table with a human dealer, one player is designated as the "dealer" to facilitate the order in which the cards are dealt and the order in which bets are placed. In one aspect of the invention, the central display area 26 may provide an indication of which player has been designated as "banker" for the current hand. In one embodiment, the central display area 26 may provide suitable signals such as icons, such as arrows or other symbols. This indication of a player's turn may be added to that of EPIA 24.

As discussed above, hole cards 28 are displayed face down on corresponding electronic player interaction areas 24 and community cards are displayed on central display area 26 . In one aspect, the community cards 30 are displayed at a larger size than the hole cards 28 .

In one aspect of the invention, the poker table 18 offers players a poker game such as Texas Hold'em. In one embodiment, the poker game provided is a timed game, ie players complete each round within a predetermined period of time. For example, a player has a 1 minute period to complete each turn. Alternatively, the time period may vary, for example based on a first round completion period of 1 minute, while a second round may have a shorter or longer completion period. Optionally, each player may have time savings. The time spent completing each round can be deducted from their time savings.

In another aspect of the invention, the central display 38 may be used to display advertising messages. Advertising information may come from the casino or third party parties and may include graphics, images, animations, video and/or audio. Advertisements may appear at specific locations on the central display 38 and may vary over time, ie, cycle through a set of advertisement messages.

Referring specifically to FIG. 13B , in one embodiment, the game engine 82 is implemented or runs on a game computer 94 . If the electronic poker table 18 is an isolated table, the electronic poker table 18 may include its own gaming computer 94 . Alternatively, gaming computer 94 may be server 50 networked to multiple electronic poker tables 18 .

In one embodiment, game engine 82 includes any number of generators or RNGs (not shown). At the start of each hand of a video poker game, the RNG is used to shuffle a deck of 52 electronic cards and determine the order of the deck. One of the players is designated as the dealer.

If Texas Hold'em is being played at a poker table 18, the player to the left of the dealer (usually designated by the dealer button) is called the "Small Blind" and the player to the left of the Small Blind is called the "Big Blind". At the start of a hand, a player called the big blind must post a predetermined amount to the pot, such as $1, $5 or $10. This amount is also known as the big blind. Prior to this, the player known as the small blind must also post a predetermined amount to the total bet, usually 1/2 of the big blind. This number is also known as the small blind. Typically, the game engine 82 will automatically deduct the big and small blinds from the corresponding player's stack and add them to the bet total.

After the blinds have been posted, the game engine 82 will deal two cards, the hole cards of the two players, face down to each player. These cards are displayed face down on each player's electronic player interaction area 24 . As mentioned above, each player has a controllable look at their hole cards.

After the hole cards are dealt, the game engine 82 manages the game. The first betting round starts with the player to the left of the big blind. Generally, each player is given an appropriate set of choices in the form of game buttons 74 . In one embodiment, the game button 74 is only displayed during the player's turn. Also, only the appropriate play buttons 74 are displayed according to the rules of the poker game being played.

After the first betting round, three community cards, the "Flop Cards", are dealt face up by the game engine 82 and displayed. In one embodiment, community cards are displayed on each electronic player interaction area 24 as shown. If the central display area 26 is used, community cards may alternatively or additionally be displayed on this area.

This is followed by the second betting round. After the second round of gambling, a fourth community card, the "Flop Card," is dealt by the game engine 82, followed by a third round of gambling.

After the third betting round, the fifth and final community card, the "River Bottom", is dealt face up. This is followed by the fourth and final betting round. If more than one player remains after the final betting round, the player with the highest hand is determined to be the winner of the hand.

If after any of the first through third betting rounds, only one player remains, the remaining player is automatically determined to be the winner. Since one or more community cards have been dealt, the rabbit button 72D on each electronic player interaction area 24 is activated or displayed as described above.

In one aspect of the invention, the plurality of poker tables 18 in the system 10 are networked and connected to one or more servers 50 . Server 50 may be used to enable and facilitate player tracking, ticket-in ticket-out (cashless) wagering, assignment of players to seats at specific tables, tournament play, table setup (including opening and closing tables and modifying tables) parameters), and progressive jackpots. Each table 18 may have one or more EPIAs 24. The poker table 18 and EPIA may have one or more of the attributes described below.

Additionally, other devices may be connected to server 50 to provide additional attributes and/or functionality. For example a queuing system (below) may be provided. The system can be implemented using a single computer capable of this function. The separate computer may also implement other attributes or functions of the system. It should be noted, however, that in some systems these additional attributes and functionality may be provided, at least in part, by server 50 .

In one aspect of the invention, server 50 runs the game. In other words, the server 50 electronically shuffles playing cards, deals cards, controls players' turns, receives player input and acts accordingly, tracks, manages, awards pots, tracks rakes, and the like. Game data is stored in a database. Every input, bet, game, etc. is stored in this database.

In one aspect of the present invention, a queuing system for assigning players to seats at a poker table 18 is provided. The queuing system also enables electronic candidate lists if no seats are available. In one embodiment, one or more devices, such as a personal computer, notebook, or tablet computer, handheld computer, or PDA, may be accessed by one or more employees of the casino. The device allows employees to enter a customer's name or player ID or swipe a player's ID card. If there is an available seat at the table 18, the player may be assigned that seat.

If multiple seats are available, in one embodiment, the employee may select one of the seats (with or without player input). Alternatively, the device may use a predetermined set of rules to select seats.

If no seats are available, put the player in the queue until a seat opens. In one embodiment, players are taken from the queue and assigned seats on a first come, first serve basis. However, system 10 may allow casinos to implement special rules to bypass queues or lists. For example, a casino may present a player with a voucher to put him at the top of the queue under certain conditions, such as winning a tournament.

In one aspect of the invention, the server 50 provides an interface that allows authorized or designated employees, such as those in the casino, to set up new tables 18 or modify the parameters of existing tables 18 . The interface can be implemented on the server 50 or on other devices networked to the server 50 .

The interface may provide one or more of the following attributes: the ability to turn the table on/off, and the ability to change game parameters, such as allowed bets, games in progress, rake, and the like.

In one aspect of the invention, the system 10 tracks every transaction, bet, dealt card in the database, as described above. The system 10 also keeps track of who is playing at each table 18 . This information is stored in a database, summarized, and can appear in a variety of reporting formats. Any information related to the players, the game and how each hand is played is tracked. These useful data can also be analyzed in order to determine the poker deck (per hour) or the frequency of all games at the table, where a particular player or players are cheating, and to detect, for example, collusion between players fraud.

As discussed above, in one embodiment, each player must belong to a player's club and have an assigned player ID card to log into the EPIA 24 to play poker at the table 18. Each player has an account in the player tracking club. Tracking a player's account in a club tracks the amount of cash or bankroll a player has available to play poker games. The player's account also tracks the player's play at the poker table 28, including the amount wagered and the amount won.

System 10 allows for progressive jackpots to be created and won over multiple hands and/or multiple tables, ie progressive jackpots. Progressive jackpots may increase based on the number of bets and/or wins at the included tables. The progressive jackpot may continue to increase until a predetermined condition is won. Alternatively, it can only be activated for a predetermined time limit. A winning condition for winning the jackpot may be that one or more players win before the time limit expires.

System 10 allows progressive jackpots to be funded in a number of ways. The method in which the progressive jackpot is funded may be via a computer program application on the server 50 or other device. For example, progressive jackpots may be funded by drawing a set commission from each pot, every other pot, or every nth pot.

Progressive jackpot numbers may be displayed on the central display 38 and/or the remote displays.

Gradual jackpots can be initiated at will under certain defined conditions and/or for certain events, ie buying and selling events. The progressive jackpot can be a single hand (across multiple hands), a certain number of hands at a table or across multiple hands, for a predetermined time limit, and the like.

In another aspect of the invention, one or more official reporting forms may be presented on the player's EPIA 24 after the player wins the jackpot or the player withdraws or the winner exceeds a predetermined number, or at any other suitable time. The form can accept the player's electronic signature (if allowed) or the player can be notified of the requirement and directed to where they can fill out the form. The device may be a personal computer, notebook, tablet computer, handheld computer, PDA or other suitable device.

In one aspect of the invention, one or more employees of the casino may be assigned to manage multiple tables. One of the employees may manage the queuing system (in casinos equipped with queuing systems). Devices networked to the server can be equipped to provide a variety of functions to these employees. The device provides a dashboard application to allow employees to manage various aspects of the poker table 18 .

In one aspect of the invention, employees can view various data related to the current state of the table, including but not limited to players, pots, wager information, community cards, and the like.

For example, in response to an in-person inquiry or an inquiry through EPIA 24, an employee may review the tracked data for evidence of collusion between two or more players. For example, an employee may determine whether two or more people are in the habit of playing simultaneously at a particular poker table and determine whether there is a discernible pattern in the game that provides evidence that they are acting together without permission.

In one aspect of the invention, each EPIA 24 may provide the player with buttons to summon or direct specific employees of the casino. For example a player may ask a waiter/waitress to order a drink. Additionally, players may ask employees to review what has happened or is happening at the poker table 18, such as possible collusion. This can all be done anonymously.

As mentioned above, the device that allows players to manage the poker table 18 may also allow employees to automatically or manually assign players to specific poker tables and/or seats and/or EPIAs 24.

In one embodiment, server 50 controls advertisements on central display 38 . Advertisements may also be provided on the EPIA 24 and/or on remote displays associated with the poker table 18. Server 50 may control the content, frequency and/or rotation of advertisements.

In one aspect of the invention, a player may refrain from participating in one or more hands, or walk away from the table and not participate in one or more hands. However, if a player decides to participate in subsequent hands, that player will be indebted for a predetermined amount of the current total bet, which is the "missed blind" for each hand missed. In one embodiment, if the player decides not to participate in one or more hands, the system 10 tracks the number of hands missed and automatically deducts a value equal to the number of hands missed times the blinds when the player decides to participate in another hand. The amount obtained.

As discussed above, the system 10 records each transaction, card dealt or played, wager, etc. in a database. This allows 10 to recover from any glitch and bring the game into the same state.

System 10 can facilitate league games. In a tournament, a predetermined number of tables 18 with a predetermined number of players are involved. For example, a buy-in of at least $100 is required. Usually, after a player loses all their funds, they are eliminated from the tournament.

Players can register for a tournament and be assigned a seat at a poker table under predetermined rules. During a tournament, tables may be terminated and players assigned to other tables under predetermined rules. System 10 facilitates tournaments by providing one or more of the following attributes.

a) Registration

b) Track league information

c) Show league information on central display and/or remote display

d) League settings, such as buy-in

e) buy again

f) League jackpots, cash or entry vouchers into other leagues (specified league or end date)

g) The process of closing the table

(1) Notify that the table is closed

(2) Pass the new seat assignment

(3) Determine the closing sequence

(4) Display shutdown order

(h) display status information about other tables and players at other tables

(i) A system for monitoring and hourly adjustment of hands at corresponding tables during a tournament: During a poker tournament it is important that each table plays exactly the same number of hands per hour as the other tables. This can be done by pausing the game and/or slowing down the game without pausing.

(j) Multi-Location Leagues.

(k) A system that automatically pays out tournament prizes to players based on the tournament payout form and the player's final position in the tournament.

In one aspect of the invention, remote or virtual gaming may be provided by system 10 . Remote or virtual gaming can be provided on a wireless device and can be played at a predetermined location.

Virtual games are also available through EPIA 24. For example, a virtual or remote game can be played when it is not the poker player's turn. The virtual or remote game may be another hand of poker played against other players or virtual players at the table or other tables. Alternatively, the remote or virtual game 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 on the EPIA 24 or other terminals, the system 10 can also run on other gaming devices throughout the casino. For example, the virtual poker game can be played on an existing electronic betting terminal or an electronic competition gaming terminal.

14A-14B, in another aspect of the present invention, the system 10 provides electronic poker games on a plurality of electronic poker tables 18 102, 104, 106.

Referring specifically to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, the system 10 includes first and second electronic poker tables 102A, 102B. As discussed above, each electronic poker table 102A, 102B includes a tabletop 20 and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas 24 . The table top 20 has a top 22 . The electronic player interaction area 24 is disposed around the periphery of the table top 20 of the respective poker table 102A, 102B. Each electronic player interaction area 24 provides a user interface 54 for interaction with one of the players.

The server computer 50 is connected to the electronic player interaction area 24 of the first electronic poker table 102A and the electronic player interaction area 24 of the second electronic poker table 102B in order to manage the first poker games of the first group of players on the first electronic poker table 102A. Game and a second poker game for a second group of players on a second electronic poker table 102B.

In one embodiment, the server computer 50 administers the first poker game by processing a deck of electronic cards for the first poker game and displaying the electronic cards on the electronic player interaction area 24 of the first poker table 102A. game. The server computer 50 administers the second poker game by processing a deck of electronic cards for the second poker game and displaying the electronic cards on the electronic player interaction area 24 of the second poker table 102B.

As discussed above, in one embodiment, each hand of the first and second poker games includes at least one betting round. The server 50 may allow players to use electronic chips and place wagers through the electronic player interaction area 24 during at least one betting round. The first 102A and second 102B electronic poker tables may include a central display area 26 centrally located on each table 20 . In one embodiment, the server 50 administers the first and second poker games using electronic chips and electronic cards, and displays the electronic cards and/or chips on the electronic player interaction area 24 and/or the central display area 26 .

The server 50 may also determine a winner of a first poker game and award a first pot to the winner of the first poker game, then determine a winner of a second poker game and award a second pot to the winner of the second poker game.

In one embodiment, the first 102A and second 102B electronic poker tables are co-located. In the second embodiment, the first electronic poker table 102A is located at a first location and the second electronic poker table 102B is located at a second location.

Referring specifically to FIG. 14B, in another aspect of the invention, a first plurality of electronic poker tables 104 are located at a first location and a second plurality of electronic poker tables 106 are located at a second location. While only three poker tables 104A, 104B, 104C, 106A, 106B, 106C are shown at each location, any number of poker tables 104, 106 may be located at each location.

At least one server computer 50 is connected to the electronic player interaction area 24 of the first and second electronic poker tables 104, 106 for administering poker games on the first and second plurality of electronic poker tables.

In one embodiment, server computer 50 may be located at one of the first and second locations or at a third location.

In another aspect of the invention, system 10 may include printer 120 connected to gaming computer 94 or server 50 . The gaming computer 94 or server 50 can monitor the value of the jackpot or the accumulated value awarded to the players, and if the value of the pot or the accumulated value awarded to one of the players exceeds a predetermined value, automatically on the printer. Print the official reporting form. The form can then be presented to the player.

Referring specifically to FIG. 15, there is shown a method 110 for providing an electronic poker game at an electronic poker table. In a first step 112, the gaming computer 94 administers the electronic poker game. In a second step 114, a winner is identified from among the players and a stake is awarded to that player. In the third step 116, the value of the pot value or the cumulative value awarded to the player is monitored, and if the value of the pot value or the cumulative value of the pot value awarded to one of the players exceeds a predetermined value, the value is automatically displayed on the printer 120. Print the official reporting form.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teaching. The invention may be used other than as expressly described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (52)

1. A system comprising: first and second electronic poker tables each having a table top having a table top and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas disposed around the periphery of the table top, each electronic player interaction area providing a user interface for interaction with one of the players ;as well as A server computer connected to the electronic player interactive area of the first electronic poker table and the electronic player interactive area of the second electronic poker table to manage the first electronic poker game and the second electronic poker game for the first group of players on the first electronic poker table A second electronic poker game for a second group of players on the electronic poker table. 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein The server computer 50 manages the first electronic poker game by processing a deck of electronic cards for the first electronic poker game, and displaying the electronic cards on an electronic player interaction area of the first electronic poker table, and wherein the server computer controls the first electronic poker game by Handling a deck of electronic cards for a second electronic poker game and displaying the electronic cards on an electronic player interaction area of a second electronic poker table manages the second electronic poker game. 3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each hand of the first and second electronic poker games includes at least one betting round, and the server computer allows the player to use electronic chips, and during the at least one betting round, electronically Players interact with the area to place bets. 4. The system as recited in claim 1, the first and second electronic poker tables include central display areas centered on the respective table tops. 5. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the server computer administers the first and second electronic poker games using electronic chips and electronic cards, and displays the electronic cards and/or chips in the electronic player interaction area and/or centrally displayed on the area. 6. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 4, the central display area being implemented in a central display unit, each of the first and second electronic poker tables comprising a central display unit connected to and used to drive the central display unit display computers, each central display computer is connected to a server computer. 7. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electronic player interaction area is implemented using a separate display device embedded in a computer-based module, the central display area being implemented in the central display device, the electronic The poker table includes a central display computer connected to and used to drive a central display unit, each central display computer is connected to a server computer, the gaming computer may be located on the electronic poker table or remotely located, the central display computer and computer-based modules are networked to gaming computer. 8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the server computer determines the winner of the first electronic poker game and awards the first wager to the winner of the first electronic poker game, then determines the winner of the second electronic poker game and The second pot is awarded to the winner of the second electronic poker game. 9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the electronic player interaction area is implemented using a separate display device. 10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the display device is a touch screen display. 11. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the display device is embedded in computer-based modules, each computer-based module being connected to the server computer. 12. The system as claimed in claim 1, the server computer being located at the electronic poker table or being remotely located. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second electronic poker tables are co-located. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic poker table is located at a first location and the second electronic poker table is located at a second location. 15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the server computer is located at one of the first and second sites or at a third site. 16. A system comprising: A first group of a plurality of electronic card tables, the desktop of each electronic card table has a table top, and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas arranged around the periphery of the table top, each electronic player interaction area provides a user interface for interaction with players; A second plurality of electronic poker tables, each electronic poker table having a table top having a table top and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas disposed around the periphery of the table top, each electronic player interaction area providing a user interface for interaction with another player ; At least one server computer is connected to the electronic player interaction areas of the first and second electronic poker tables for administering electronic poker games on the first and second plurality of electronic poker tables. 17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one server computer processes a deck of electronic poker games composed of electronic cards and displays the electronic cards on an electronic player interaction area of a corresponding electronic poker table, Manage electronic poker games on each electronic poker table. 18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein each hand of the electronic poker game includes at least one betting round, and the server computer allows the player to use electronic chips and place bets through the electronic player interaction area during the at least one betting round. Note. 19. The system as recited in claim 16, each electronic poker table including a central display area at the center of the respective table. 20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the server computer uses electronic chips and electronic cards to manage the electronic poker game, and places the electronic cards and/or chips in the electronic player interaction area and/or at the corresponding electronic poker table displayed on the central display area. 21. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 19, the central display area of each electronic poker table being implemented in a respective central display device, each electronic poker table comprising a of central display computers, each of which is connected to a server computer. 22. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 19, wherein the electronic player interaction area is implemented using a separate display device embedded in a computer-based module, the central display area of each electronic poker table within the central display device To be implemented, each electronic poker table includes a central display computer connected to and for driving a corresponding central display device, the central display computer and the computer-based modules being networked to the server computer. 23. The system of claim 16, wherein the server computer determines a winner of the electronic poker game at each electronic table and awards the first wager to the winner of the electronic poker game at the corresponding electronic table. 24. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the electronic player interaction area is implemented using a separate display device. 25. A system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the display device is a touch screen display. 26. A system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the display device is embedded in computer-based modules, each computer-based module being connected to the server computer. 27. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the server computer is located at one of the first and second sites or at a third site. 28. A method for providing an electronic poker game comprising: First and second electronic poker tables are provided, each electronic poker table has a table top having a table top, and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas disposed around the periphery of the table top, each electronic player interaction area providing user interaction with one of the players interface; and providing a server computer connected to the electronic player interaction area of the first electronic poker table and the electronic player interaction area of the second electronic poker table; administering, by the server computer, a first electronic poker game of a first group of players on a first electronic poker table; and A second electronic poker game is managed by the server computer for a second group of players on a second electronic poker table. 29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the steps of managing the first and second electronic poker games include processing respective electronic poker game decks of electronic cards. 30. The method as recited in claim 28, wherein the steps of administering the first and second electronic poker games include the steps of determining a winner from among the players and awarding a pot to the winner. 31. The method as recited in claim 28, wherein the step of managing the first electronic poker game comprises the steps of: dealing with a deck of electronic cards for a first electronic poker game; displaying the electronic card on the electronic player interaction area of the first electronic poker table; Dealing with decks for a second electronic poker game consisting of electronic cards; and The electronic card is displayed on the electronic player interaction area of the second electronic poker table. 32. A method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein each hand of the first and second electronic poker games includes at least one round of betting, the method comprising allowing the player to use electronic chips and passing during the at least one round of betting Electronic player interaction area to place bets. 33. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first and second electronic poker tables include a central display area centered on the respective table tops. 34. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein electronic chips and electronic cards are used to manage the first and second electronic poker games, the method comprising placing the electronic cards and/or chips in the electronic player interaction area and/or in the corresponding The steps are displayed on the central display area of the electronic poker table. 35. A method as claimed in claim 33, the central display area being implemented in a central display unit, each of the first and second electronic poker tables comprising a central display computer connected to and for driving the central display unit , each central display computer is connected to a server computer. 36. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the electronic player interaction area is implemented using a separate display device embedded in a computer-based module, the central display area being implemented in the central display device, each electronic table comprising A central display computer connected to and used to drive the central display unit, the gaming computer may be located on the electronic poker table or located remotely, the central display computer and computer-based modules are networked to the gaming computer. 37. The method of claim 28, wherein the server computer determines the winner of the first electronic poker game and awards the first wager to the winner of the first electronic poker game, then determines the winner of the second electronic poker game and The second pot is awarded to the winner of the second electronic poker game. 38. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the electronic player interaction area is implemented using a separate display device. 39. A method as claimed in claim 38, the display device being a touch screen display. 40. A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the display device is embedded in computer-based modules, each computer-based module being connected to the server computer. 41. A method as claimed in claim 38, the server computer being located on the electronic poker table or remotely located. 42. The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second electronic poker tables are co-located. 43. The method of claim 28, wherein the first electronic poker table is located at a first location and the second electronic poker table is located at a second location. 44. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the server computer is located at one of the first and second sites or at a third site. 45. Electronic poker tables for providing electronic poker games for multiple players, including: an electronic poker table with a table top; printer; a plurality of electronic player interaction areas positioned around the periphery of the tabletop, each electronic player interaction area providing a user interface for interaction with one of the players; and a gaming computer connected to the printer and the plurality of electronic player interaction areas for administering the electronic poker game, determining a winner from among the players and awarding the pot to the winner, and monitoring the value or cumulative value of the pot awarded to the players, And automatically print the official report form on the printer if the value of the pot awarded to one of the players or the value of the pot accumulated exceeds a predetermined value. 46. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 45, the electronic poker game comprising electronic chips and electronic cards, the gaming computer for displaying the electronic cards and/or electronic chips on the electronic player interaction area. 47. The electronic poker table as claimed in claim 44, further comprising a central display area positioned at the center of each table top so as to display information for players, the electronic poker game includes electronic chips and electronic cards, the gaming computer is used to display the electronic cards and and/or electronic chips are displayed on the electronic player interaction area and/or the central display area. 48. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 45, wherein the gaming computer administering the electronic poker game is adapted to administer one or more rounds of betting. 49. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 45, wherein the electronic player interaction area is implemented using a separate display device. 50. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 49, wherein the display device is a touch screen display. 51. An electronic poker table as claimed in claim 49, the display means being embedded in computer-based modules, each computer-based module being connected to the gaming computer. 52. A method for providing an electronic poker game at an electronic poker table having a table top, a plurality of electronic player interaction areas, a central display area, and a gaming computer, the poker table having a table top and peripherally disposed around the table top electronic player interaction areas, each electronic player interaction area provides a user interface for interaction with one of the players, the central display area is positioned at the center of the tabletop to display information for the players, the gaming computer is connected to the plurality of electronic player interaction areas, the Methods include: administer electronic poker games through gaming computers; Determine the winner from among the players and award the total stake to the winner; Monitoring the value of the pot or the cumulative value awarded to the players and automatically printing an official report form on the printer if the value of the pot awarded to one of the players or the cumulative value exceeds a predetermined value.

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