ROULETTE GAME

Abstract

A game layout modifying the traditional game of Roulette includes an additional betting region defining a winning bet for Red & Even, together with a specified payout ratio, and another winning bet based on a single number result, advantageously "0" or "00", also with a specified payout ratio. The payout ratios are adjusted prior to play by the game operator, advantageously to either ensure an expected payoff ratio for the player, or a slightly higher House advantage for the new region. Another corresponding region defines a winning bet for Black & Odd. The Red & Even and Black & Odd regions are placed next to existing areas marked "Even" and "Odd", respectively. The regions are adapted for either Single Zero or Double Zero layouts.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the game of Roulette, and more particularly to improvements thereto which provide additional wagering options to increase both interest for players and revenue opportunities for operators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A modified game of Roulette is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,442 to Orselli, et al., in which a Roulette layout is modified to include additional squares representing the numbers 0-36 and 00, all in one color, without an option for parity. A player may place a bet not only on a conventional Roulette layout, but also on the additional squares. A random number generator selects a random number from among those represented by the additional squares. If the Roulette wheel, random number, and bet placed on the additional squares all match, a "large payoff" is made.

[0003] Another modification to the game of Roulette is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0102119 to Kling et al., incorporated by reference herein, in which an additional betting area comprised of ten positions marked as numbers 0-9, and optionally a black or red "even", and black or red "odd" spaces. The game is played conventionally, however an additional bet may be placed on the additional betting area, wherein the additional bet is also resolved by the Roulette wheel associated with a conventional layout. In Kling, a number selection on the additional betting area designates a group of winning numbers that end with the number selected.

[0004] For background information on the game of Roulette, in general, the reader is referred to the Kling reference, or to the Wikipedia page on the subject, which may be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roulette.

[0005] Electronic versions of Roulette are known in the art, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,993, in which a conventional Roulette game is emulated using a computer and video output devices.

[0006] The art described in this section is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is "prior art" with respect to this invention, unless specifically designated as such. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 CFR §1.56(a) exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with the invention, two additional bet layout regions are added to an existing double or single zero Roulette layout. In a first aspect of the invention, one region pays for all numbers which are both red and even, and another region pays for all numbers which are both black and odd. Payout for this aspect is symbolically represented as "s-t", where values for "s" and "t" are chosen to provide a desired payout for a winning bet placed on the region, for example "3-1".

[0008] The new regions additionally contain a second aspect; specifically, an additional number bet representing a specific payout for a single numerical result. The specific number result is represented in the illustrations by the letter "x", and the payout ratio for this result is represented as "y-z", these symbolic references provided to indicate that the winning number and the payout ratio may be determined by the game operator according to convenience and desired profitability. For example, the specific number result may be the number "0", and a possible payout is the value "3 to 2".

[0009] The House advantage using these new regions may be calculated using the formula House Advantage (HA)=((37*1)-(8*s/t)-(9*1)-(1*y/z))/37 for a Single Zero layout, and HA=((38*1)-(8*s/t)-(9*1)-(1*y/z))/38 for a Double Zero layout.

[0010] Additional number bet "x" comprises an additional roulette number, and an associated payout which is paid if the additional number and the play result correspond. Conversely, a bet placed on this region loses if the play result is neither Red+Even or Black+Odd, as indicated in the region, or if the play result does not correspond to the specific number in the additional number bet area.

[0011] While any Roulette number or numbers may be used in the additional number bet aspect, there are certain advantages to using the values "0" or "00". More particularly, experienced players and casino staff are accustomed to there being an "action" associated with the numbers "0" or "00", and thus more easily adapt to evaluating the new regions should the play result be one of these values.

[0012] Additionally, a result of "0" or "00" is traditionally always a loss for the player, however by selecting one or both of these values for the additional number bet, a distinct new winning possibility is created, thereby increasing interest in the game.

[0013] The invention thus introduces two novel playing regions to the game of Roulette, enabling a wager on all numbers that are both Black and Odd simultaneously, or Red and Even simultaneously, combined with another pre-selected number, or numbers. As such, the invention in such a manner enables offering odds in the payout structure, for this bet, that would be better than the House advantage of 2.7% when using a `single zero` wheel, or greater than the House advantage of 5.26% when using a `double-zero` wheel.

[0014] Similarly the invention introduces to the game of Roulette a single proposition combined bet which, included the betting on all numbers that are both Red and Even simultaneously, or Black and Odd simultaneously, combined with another pre-selected number, or numbers, in such a manner as to be able to offer odds in the payout structure, for this bet, that would be better than the House advantage of 2.7% when using a `single zero` wheel, or greater than the House advantage of 5.26% when using a `double-zero` wheel.

[0015] All forms or manifestations of the game of Roulette may be adapted to incorporate the invention, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. Winning numbers can be identified through the physical coming to rest of a ball, as in `traditional` games of Roulette found in casinos, or via a random number generator within a computer based implementation of the game.

[0016] In one embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a substantially planar panel or display containing printed or visible indicia, the indicia including the traditional aspects of the American, European, or French style layout of the game of Roulette, where the game layout is usable with a means of generating a chance numerical result corresponding to the traditional aspects of the style of layout included. The game layout additionally contains indicia comprising a first betting region visibly defined upon the layout, disposed adjacent to a traditional betting area visibly indicating "even";

[0017] a first betting aspect visibly indicated upon the first betting region, defining a first winning bet group defining a chance result of an even red number, the first winning bet group having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the defined first winning bet group, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and

[0018] a second betting aspect visibly indicated upon the first betting region, defining a first winning bet number "0" if the traditional layout included is a single zero style layout, or a first winning bet number "00" if the traditional layout included is a double zero style layout, the first winning bet number having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the first winning bet number, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and

[0019] a second betting region visibly defined upon the layout, disposed adjacent to a traditional betting area visibly indicating "odd";

[0020] a third betting aspect visibly indicated upon the second betting region, defining a second winning bet group defining a chance result of an odd black number, the second winning bet group having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the second winning bet group, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and

[0021] a fourth betting aspect visibly indicated upon the second betting region, defining a second winning bet number the same as the first winning bet number, the second winning bet having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the second winning bet number, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, a Roulette table apparatus comprises a substantially planar panel or display having a plurality of predefined indicia portions thereon, each indicia portion having a printed or visible indicia therein, a rigid support element which supports the panel or display in a raised condition, and a roulette wheel which is rotatably mounted on the panel or display and adjacent to the said indicia, the indicia portions and associated indicia defining a first layout portion providing for traditional American, European, or French roulette when used in combination with the roulette wheel, and a second layout portion which is distinct from the first layout portion and which comprises a first even indicator region adjacent to the first layout portion and having a first predefined even red group portion and a second predefined zero or double zero group portion dependent on the said traditional American, European, or French Roulette selected being a single zero style layout or a double zero style layout, and a second odd indicator region which is distinct from the first even indicator region and which has a third predefined odd black group portion and a fourth predefined same group portion which is equivalent to the second predefined zero or double zero group portion.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a Roulette apparatus comprises a substantially planar panel or display having a plurality of predefined indicia portions thereon, each indicia portion having a visibly defined indicia therein, a rigid support element which supports the panel or display in a raised condition, and a random number generator which is on or in communication with the panel or display, the indicia portions and associated indicia defining a first layout portion providing for traditional American, European, or French roulette when used in combination with the random number generator, and a second layout portion which is distinct from the first layout portion and which comprises a first even indicator region adjacent to the first layout portion and having a first predefined even red group portion and a second predefined zero or double zero group portion dependent on the said traditional American, European, or French Roulette selected being a single zero style layout or a double zero style layout, and a second odd indicator region which is distinct from the first even indicator region and which has a third predefined odd black group portion and a fourth predefined same group portion which is equivalent to the second predefined zero or double zero group portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a prior art American Roulette layout used with a Double Zero wheel;

[0026] FIG. 2 depicts the layout of FIG. 1, modified in accordance with the invention, symbolically representing payout as "s-t", a winning number as "x", and payout odds as "y-z";

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a prior art French Roulette layout used with a Single Zero wheel;

[0028] FIG. 4 depicts the layout of FIG. 3, modified in accordance with the invention, symbolically representing payout as "s-t", a winning number as "x", and payout odds as "y-z";

[0029] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate the layout of FIG. 2, with a payout of "3-1" indicated for "s-t", a winning number of "0" selected for "x", and different payout odds for "y-z" in each of the Figures;

[0030] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the layout of FIG. 4, with a payout of "3-1" indicated for "s-t", a winning number of "0" selected for "x", and different payout odds for "y-z" in each of the Figures, wherein FIG. 9 represents a House advantage of 8.1%, FIG. 10--6.75%, FIG. 11--5.4%, and FIG. 12--4.05%;

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a prior art European Roulette layout used with a Single Zero wheel;

[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates the layout of FIG. 13, modified in accordance with the invention, symbolically representing a winning number as "x" and payout odds as "y-z";

[0033] FIG. 15 depicts a prior art Single Zero Roulette wheel; and

[0034] FIG. 16 depicts a prior art Double Zero Roulette wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The invention improves the game of Roulette, a game of chance played extensively throughout the world. Through the introduction of strategic novel wagering/betting options, the invention provides greater enjoyment to the player, while concomitantly increasing the profitability in the form of House advantage for the game operator/house. The invention may be advantageously carried out it in all manifestations of the game of Roulette, including but not limited to double zero ("American") and single zero ("European") formats, in traditional mechanical and electronic forms, in traditional casino forms, consumer game forms, and in single player or network (including LAN, cable, satellite, or broadcast TV) or internet enabled forms of the game, whether implemented for example on a desktop, laptop, handheld, or cell phone platform.

[0036] The invention defines a Roulette game layout that includes the traditional aspects of the American, European, or French style layout of the game of Roulette, and adds the regions defined herein. The layout may be rigid or flexible, and fabricated using any known or to be developed materials, including fabric, felt, cardboard, wood, metal, composite, or glass, or may be displayed on a CRT (cathode ray tube) screen, LCD (liquid crystal digital) screen, computer monitor, or as a projected image. A layout in accordance with the invention may include a rigid support element operative to support the panel or display in a raised condition, facilitating a view of same. In one embodiment, the Roulette wheel may be connected or mounted in association with the layout.

[0037] Depending on the style of layout incorporated into the layout of the invention, a Single Zero or Double Zero wheel may be used, or any other means of producing a chance numerical result, including mechanical or electronic devices. It is desired that the chance numerical result be reasonably random, wherein reasonable is defined as beyond the ability of a prospective player or an associate to determine during play, as is understood by those skilled in the art.

[0038] In the interest of brevity, the reader unfamiliar with the game of Roulette is referred to the sources cited in the Background, above, for general information. This specification assumes a basic knowledge of Roulette, and limits detail regarding traditional aspects of the game to information which may be helpful in understanding the invention.

[0039] Prior art layouts include the double zero layout 100, shown in FIG. 1, used with a corresponding double zero wheel 212 shown in FIG. 16, and alternative single zero layouts 102, 104, shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, respectively, used with a corresponding single zero wheel 210 shown in FIG. 15. While left handed layouts are depicted in the drawings, right handed layouts are known in the prior, the distinction including the positioning of the outside bet area. As will be understood from the description herein, the instant invention may be carried out with all layouts. As color is not available in this document, in the figures, a single underline denotes the color red, a double underline indicates, typically, the color green or yellow, and no underline indicates the color black.

[0040] With reference to the figures, in accordance with the invention, two additional single proposition combined bet layout regions are added to an existing double zero layout as 202, 204, or to an existing single zero layout, as 202A, 204A. The difference between the double and single zero French layout with respect to regions 202/202A and 204/204B is limited to a change from the English language to the French language, and therefore all further references to regions 202, 204 may be considered to apply equally to the French regions 202A, 204A, except as specifically noted otherwise.

[0041] In a first aspect of each Region 202, 204 in accordance with the invention, Region 202 pays for all numbers which are both red and even (12, 14, 16, 18, 30, 32, 34, 36), and region 204 pays for all numbers which are both black and odd (11, 13, 15, 17, 29, 31, 33, 35). Payout for this aspect of either region 202 or 204, is symbolically represented as "s-t", where values for "s" and "t" are chosen to provide a desired payout for a winning bet placed on Region 202, 204.

[0042] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, "s-t" represents a payout of 3:1, or three times the amount wagered. This particular ratio is illustrated in FIGS. 5-12, because it represents a typical expectation of most players, and provides a reasonable return for the game operator. Additionally, with a distribution of 18 even numbers (9 red and 9 black), then odds of 3:1 would be commensurate with other House advantages expected to be found for European, American and French versions of the game, that being 2.7% for European and French versions, and 5.26% for the American version. As explained herein, other payout ratios may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0043] Regions 202, 204 additionally contain a second aspect; specifically, an additional number bet 218, 220, representing a specific payout for a single numerical result. With reference to additional number bet 218, 220 in FIG. 2, the specific number result is represented by the letter "x", and the payout ratio is represented as "y-z", to indicate that the winning number and the payout ratio may be determined by the game operator according to convenience and desired profitability. Specific examples are shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 9-13, in regions 218A-D and 220A-D, wherein the numerical result of "0" has been selected (for "x"), with payouts of 1 to 1, 3 to 2, 2 to 1, and 5 to 2 illustrated in each of FIGS. 5-8, respectively, for "y-z". It is advantageous for simplicity, but is not necessary, to have the payouts be the same in both regions 202 and 204, with respect to "y-z" as well as "s-t". House advantage for each illustrated payout is as follows, for Single and Double Zero wheel layouts:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Single Zero Wheel House House advan- advan- Bet tage Bet tage Red, Even numbers pay 8.10% Black, Odd numbers pay 8.10% 3-1, Zero pays 1-1 3-1, Zero pays 1-1 Red, Even numbers pay 6.75% Black, Odd numbers pay 6.75% 3-1, Zero pays 3-2 3-1, Zero pays 3-2 Red, Even numbers pay 5.40% Black, Odd numbers pay 5.40% 3-1, Zero pays 2-1 3-1, Zero pays 2-1 Red, Even numbers pay 4.05% Black, Odd numbers pay 4.05% 3-1, Zero pays 5-2 3-1, Zero pays 5-2

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Double Zero Wheel House House advan- advan- Bet tage Bet tage Red, Even numbers pay 10.52% Black, Odd numbers pay 10.52% 3-1, Zero pays 1-1 3-1, Zero pays 1-1 Red, Even numbers pay 9.21% Black, Odd numbers pay 9.21% 3-1, Zero pays 3-2 3-1, Zero pays 3-2 Red, Even numbers pay 7.89% Black, Odd numbers pay 7.89% 3-1, Zero pays 2-1 3-1, Zero pays 2-1 Red, Even numbers pay 6.58% Black, Odd numbers pay 6.58% 3-1, Zero pays 5-2 3-1, Zero pays 5-2

[0044] House advantage is defined as the percentage in the house favour for any bet offered as gambling and varies from game to game, and also from bet to bet within the games on offer. The House advantage in Table 1 is calculated according to the formula:

[0045] Assuming "s-t" values of 3-1, and "y-z" values of 1-1, for example, House advantage is calculated as follows, for a Single Zero layout:

House Advantage (HA)=((37*1)-(8*s/t)-(9*1)-(1*y/z))/37 or

((37*1)-(8*3)-(9*1)-(1*1))/37=3/37=8.1%.

[0046] For Table 2, the formula for House Advantage when using a Double Zero layout is calculated as follows:

House Advantage (HA)=((38*1)-(8*s/t)-(9*1)-(1*y/z))/38, or

((38*1)-(8*3)-(9*1)-(1*1))/38=4/38=10.52%.

[0047] With respect to the ratios "s-t" and "y-z", the use of the symbolic representation of "s-t" and "y-z" in FIGS. 2, 4, and 14 is for the convenience of the reader in understanding that the values for "s" and "t", or "y" and "z" may be different in the various possible embodiments of the invention, and that the letters "s-t" or "y-z" would normally, though not necessarily, be replaced by actual numerical values in physical embodiments of the invention.

[0048] While two values "s" and "t", or "y" and "z", are illustrated, separated by a dash, any other form for representing a numerical ratio may be used, including a single number decimal equivalent, or values separated by other indicia, for example a colon (":"), a slash ("/"), or any other character or characters which help the player to understand the payout ratio to be applied to a winning bet. It should be understood that, where the value "t" is the number 1, the value "t" may be omitted, and the missing numeral 1 simply understood to represent a single monetary or betting unit.

[0049] In the Illustrations, the value "x" is depicted with a double underline, to indicate the color green or yellow. This reflects the likelihood for a selection of the number "0" for the value "x". However, should another number be selected, its color would logically, but not necessarily, reflect the color of the number elsewhere on the layout.

[0050] While it is advantageous to depict values for "x", "s" and "t", and or "y" and "z" directly upon the layout, as illustrated, these values may be published elsewhere, for example on a sign or display proximate the play area, or in a publication available to players. Alternatively, the values may be visible upon one or more signs removably attached to the play area.

[0051] Further in accordance with the invention, only one of regions 202 and 204 may be defined. Similarly, only one of the first (red-even/black-odd), or second (additional number) aspects need be provided in either region 202 or 204. It is advantageous to define both areas, and both aspects, however, as doing so increases the play opportunities and thus interest in the game, and offers the potential for increased revenues for the operator, at no significant additional cost.

[0052] Additional number bet 218, 220 comprises an additional roulette number, and an associated payout which is paid if the additional number and the play result correspond. Conversely, a bet placed on area 202 or 204 loses if the play result is neither Red+Even or Black+Odd, respectively, or if the play result does not correspond to the specific number in the additional number bet area.

[0053] Variations showing different payout odds are shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 9-12 as additional number bets 218A-D and 220A-D. These illustrations are representative of an advantageous combination of numbers and odds. Other variations representing alternative winning number(s) and different odds are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0054] The payout amount specified in additional number bet 218, 220 is advantageously visibly defined within the layout region, and is advantageously fixed throughout play. Alternatively, the payout amount may be changed at any time prior to bets being placed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, while a single number is illustrated, that being "0", other numbers, or more than one number, may be designated as a winning number, in additional number bet 218, 220.

[0055] While any Roulette number or numbers may be used within additional number bet 218, 220, there are certain advantages to using the values "0" or "00". More particularly, experienced players and casino staff are accustomed to there being an "action" associated with the numbers "0" or "00", and thus more easily adapt to evaluating the new regions 202, 204 should the play result be one of these values.

[0056] Additionally, a result of "0" or "00" is traditionally always a loss for the player, however by selecting one or both of these values for additional number bet 218, 220, a distinct new winning possibility is created, thereby increasing interest in the game.

[0057] Further, the placement of regions 202, 204 favor training due to their proximity to the players. Specifically, dealers, croupiers, and other casino staff are accustomed to evaluating bets closest to the players when a result of "0" or "00" is obtained. For example, in the prior art European format, the bets lose half. As staff is already evaluating this area of the layout for an "action" corresponding to "0" or "00", training for a layout in accordance with the invention is greatly simplified, particularly in a live casino environment.

[0058] The invention thus introduces two novel playing regions to the game of Roulette, enabling a wager on all numbers that are both Black and Odd simultaneously, or Red and Even simultaneously, combined with another pre-selected number, or numbers. As such, the invention in such a manner enables offering odds in the payout structure, for this bet, that would be better than the House advantage of 2.7% when using a `single zero` wheel, or greater than the House advantage of 5.26% when using a `double-zero` wheel.

[0059] Similarly the invention introduces to the game of Roulette a single proposition combined bet which, included the betting on all numbers that are both Red and Even simultaneously, or Black and Odd simultaneously, combined with another pre-selected number, or numbers, in such a manner as to be able to offer odds in the payout structure, for this bet, that would be better than the House advantage of 2.7% when using a `single zero` wheel, or greater than the House advantage of 5.26% when using a `double-zero` wheel.

[0060] In accordance with the invention, training materials are provided which emphasize the difference between a prior art version of Roulette and the game as improved by the instant invention. The materials provide materials for the new or experienced player, enabling them to quickly learn and enjoy the game. In addition, materials are provided for the croupier and casino staff, emphasizing how to leverage their existing skill set to effectively operate the game to the greater enjoyment of their guests, while increasing profits to the game operator.

[0061] All forms or manifestations of the game of Roulette may be adapted to incorporate the invention, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. Winning numbers can be identified through the physical coming to rest of a ball, as in `traditional` games of Roulette found in casinos, such as are depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, or via a random number generator within a computer based implementation of the game. In all manifestations, a "chance result" is a chance number result corresponding to a number on an associated layout, generated either by spinning a wheel and ball, or by any other known or to be developed means.

[0062] In accordance with the invention, electronic and mechanical aspects of the game of Roulette of the invention may be combined. For example, a mechanical Roulette wheel may be recorded and broadcast, as in a video of the actual wheel, or a simulation of the wheel, for use with physical layouts in accordance with the invention, or electronic displays of layouts in accordance with the invention. Further, or in addition to the foregoing, the numerical result of a spin on a mechanical wheel may be encoded using known sensors and other means, whereby an electrical or electronic signal is emitted by the wheel, either wirelessly or by a cable or other means, the signal being transmitted to a remote playing environment, or captured by a computer for analysis of play, or for further retransmission, including transmission over a LAN or WAN, including the Internet. In accordance with the above, the Roulette wheel need not be located proximate to a layout in accordance with the invention. Further, layouts in accordance with the invention, and a wheel or other number generator, may be displayed on separate display devices.

[0063] Illustrations of layouts in accordance with the invention, shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-8 and 14, illustrate region 202 as disposed between an "Even" region, and a "Red" region. Similarly, region 204 is shown disposed between a "Black" region and an "Odd" region. This is advantageous because these positions are logically related to the adjacent familiar regions, and relatively less mental effort would be required to recognize regions 202, 204 on the part of experienced players and staff, particularly during spirited play. It is not necessary, however, for regions 202, 204 to have these particular locations, size, or shape, in order to carry out the invention. For example, with respect to the French Roulette layout of FIG. 3, it is not possible to arrange the new Regions with the same logic as applies to other layouts; however, the layout of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 reflects a consideration of the convenience of the players as well as the operator.

[0064] While the regions 202, 204 depict a combination of Red & Even (8 numbers), and Black & Odd (8 numbers), it is within the spirit and scope of the invention to provide an alternative embodiment which combines Red & Odd (10 numbers), and or Black & Even (10 numbers). This would have the effect, however, of increasing the odds in favor of the player, and thus it would be logical to decrease the odds from, for example 3 to 1, to 5 to 2, to preserve the same House advantage. Similarly, the odds for the "y-z" aspect of regions 202, 204 might logically be changed, as well, to maintain a commensurate "value for bet". For example, to achieve a House advantage of 8.1%, then "y-z" would be set at 3 to 1.

[0065] Similarly, in the previous alternative embodiment, should an operator wish to change the ratio for "s-t" to 2 tol instead of 3 to 1, as in the illustrations, then the payout for "y-z" can be changed to 9 to 1 in order to restore an overall House advantage of 8.1%. Thus, ratios "s-t" and "y-z" may be changed in concert, to achieve a net desired House advantage.

[0066] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0067] All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. There are many different features to the present invention and it is contemplated that these features may be used together or separately. Thus, the invention should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the invention. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention might occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A Roulette style game layout usable with a means of generating a chance numerical result, comprising: delineated betting regions visibly defined upon the layout, including a series of black and red numbered squares, and row and column headings associated with the numbered squares; two additional delineated betting regions visibly defined upon the layout, each including (i) a first betting aspect visibly indicated within the betting region, defining a winning bet group corresponding to a chance group numerical result selected from the group consisting of an even red number, an odd red number, an even black number, and an odd black number, the winning bet having a payout ratio associated therewith, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play and (ii) a second betting aspect visibly indicated within the betting region, defining a winning bet number corresponding to a chance single numerical result selected from a Roulette number included in the layout, the winning bet having a payout ratio associated therewith, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; wherein a payout is earned based on either the chance group numerical result or the chance single numerical result, for a bet within a delineated betting region; and the chance group numerical result selected for the first betting aspect of one delineated betting region is different than the chance group numerical result selected for the first betting aspect of the other delineated betting region.

2. The game layout of claim 1, wherein in the first betting aspect, the winning bet group is either an even red number or an odd black number.

3. (canceled)

4. The game layout of claim 1, wherein said winning bet group of said first betting aspect of one delineated betting region is even and red, and said winning bet group of said first betting aspect of the other delineated betting region is odd and black.

5. The game layout of claim 4, wherein said betting region is disposed adjacent to a betting area visibly indicating the word "even", and said second betting region is disposed adjacent to a betting area visibly indicating the word "odd".

6. The game layout of claim 1, wherein said winning bet number is either "0" or "00".

7. The game layout of claim 1, wherein said game layout is fabricated using a material selected from the group consisting of: fabric, felt, cardboard, wood, metal, composite, glass, crt screen, lcd screen, computer monitor, projected image.

8. The game layout of claim 1, wherein said payout ratio of said first aspect is visibly indicated upon the betting region as a single number, corresponding to a ratio of the single number to a unitary amount bet, or a pair of numbers separated by a symbol, corresponding to a ratio of payout to an amount bet.

9. The game layout of claim 1, wherein said payout ratio of said second aspect is visibly indicated upon the betting region as a single number, corresponding to a ratio of the single number to a unitary amount bet, or a pair of numbers separated by a symbol, corresponding to a ratio of payout to an amount bet.

10. The game layout of claim 1, wherein said payout ratio of said first aspect and said payout ratio of said second aspect are visibly indicated upon the betting region.

11. The game layout of claim 1, wherein the winning bet group of said first aspect is indicated using the words "red", "black", "odd", "even", "rouge", "noir", "pair", or "impair", the words corresponding to the chance group numerical result selected, and the language format of the traditional layout included.

12. The game layout of claim 11, wherein the words "red", "even", "rouge" and "pair" appear in the color red, and the words "black", "odd", "noir" and "impair" appear in the color black.

13. The game layout of claim 1, wherein the winning bet number appears in a color that corresponds to the color of the same number elsewhere on the layout.

14. The game layout of claim 1, wherein the chance group numerical result and chance single numerical result are generated using a means selected from the group consisting of: wheel and ball, mechanical number generator, electronic number generator, and wherein the term chance denotes a reasonably random result limited to the Roulette numbers on the layout.

15. A Roulette style game layout usable with a means of generating a chance numerical result, comprising: delineated betting regions visibly defined upon the layout, including a series of black and red numbered squares, and row and column headings associated with the numbered squares; a first delineated betting region visibly defined upon the layout; a first betting aspect visibly indicated within the first betting region, defining a first winning bet group corresponding to a chance numerical result of either an even red number or an odd red number, the first winning bet group having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the defined first winning bet group, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and a second betting aspect visibly indicated within the first betting region, defining a first winning bet number corresponding to a chance single numerical result selected from a Roulette number included in the layout, the first winning bet having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the defined first winning bet, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and a second delineated betting region visibly defined upon the layout; a third betting aspect visibly indicated within the second betting region, defining a second winning bet group corresponding to a chance numerical result of either an odd black number if the first winning bet group is an even red number, or an even black number if the first winning bet group is an odd red number, the second winning bet group having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the second winning bet group, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and a fourth betting aspect visibly indicated within the second betting region, defining a second winning bet number corresponding to a chance numerical result selected from a Roulette number included in the layout, the second winning bet number having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the second winning bet number, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play wherein a payout is earned based on either the chance group numerical result or the chance single numerical result, for a bet within a delineated betting region.

16. The game layout of claim 15, wherein the second and fourth betting aspects are not different winning bet numbers.

17. The game layout of claim 15, wherein the second and fourth betting aspects define a winning bet number of either "0" or "00", corresponding to the inclusion of a traditional single zero, or double zero layout, respectively.

18. A Roulette style game layout usable with a means of generating a chance numerical result, comprising: a first betting region visibly defined upon the layout, disposed adjacent to a betting area visibly indicating "even"; a first betting aspect visibly indicated upon the first betting region, defining a first winning bet group defining a chance result of an even red number, the first winning bet group having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the defined first winning bet group, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and a second betting aspect visibly indicated upon the first betting region, defining a first winning bet number "0" if the traditional layout included is a single zero style layout, or a first winning bet number "00" if the traditional layout included is a double zero style layout, the first winning bet number having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the first winning bet number, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and a second betting region visibly defined upon the layout, disposed adjacent to a traditional betting area visibly indicating "odd"; a third betting aspect visibly indicated upon the second betting region, defining a second winning bet group defining a chance result of an odd black number, the second winning bet group having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the second winning bet group, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; and a fourth betting aspect visibly indicated upon the second betting region, defining a second winning bet number the same as the first winning bet number, the second winning bet having a payout ratio associated therewith visibly indicated adjacent to the second winning bet number, the ratio defined prior to the commencement of play; wherein a payout is earned based on either the chance group numerical result or the chance single numerical result, for a bet within a delineated betting region.

19. The game layout of claim 18, wherein the payout of the first and third betting aspects are the same, and the payout of the second and fourth betting aspects are the same.

20. The game layout of claim 18, wherein the payout of the first betting aspect is 3 to 1, and the payout of the second betting aspect is 3 to 2.

21. The game layout of claim 1, wherein the series of black and red numbered squares range from 1 to 36, with squares corresponding to the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, and 36 are red and the remaining numbers in the series are black, and a column heading is the number 0, and wherein a player of the game has 9 chances of a winning bet.

22. The game layout of claim 1, wherein the house odds are higher with the inclusion of said two additional delineated betting regions than they would otherwise be without said two additional delineated betting regions.

Images