CA2345315A1

CA2345315A1 - Automated system for playing casino games having changeable displays and play monitoring security features

Info

Publication number: CA2345315A1
Application number: CA002345315A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Randy D. Sines; Michael J. Kuhn; Randy A. Gregory
Original assignee: Digideal Corporation; Randy D. Sines; Michael J. Kuhn; Randy A. Gregory
Current assignee: Digideal Corp
Priority date: 1998-09-23
Filing date: 1999-09-23
Publication date: 2000-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-23
Also published as: CA2762073C; WO2000016868A8; AU6262999A; WO2000016868A2; CA2762073A1; CA2345315C

Abstract

Systems (60) and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays (102, 103) on presentation units (100) which portly virtual playing cards (107, 108, 142) or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor (90) which perform quickly and without manual cards. The invention allows casinos fast play with cheating while maintaining the ambiance of a live table game.

Systems (60) can be configured as multi-user slot machines with game processors (90) assigning symbols either with virtual playing cards or as symbol cards (1161-3). The participant symbol subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded for winning symbols.

Claims

1. A system for playing a game involving wagering by at least one player playing with a dealer, said dealer and said at leant one player being live persons forming a playing group of participants who attend and participate in the game about the system at a Live game location, comprising:

a plurality of virtual symbols defining a virtual symbol set, a plurality of said participants being assigned a plurality of virtual symbols during play of the game in the form of assigned participant symbol subsets;

a plurality of participant displays which provide a plurality of changeable participant display images, the plurality of participant display images including virtual symbol images which are displayed by the plurality of participant displays to indicate the nature of the virtual symbols assigned to the participants during play of the game;

at least one game processor for processing data to perform functions which include providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the game, assigning virtual symbols from the virtual symbol set to the participants, instructing the participant video displays to display virtual symbol images depending upon the virtual symbols assigned to the participants, said plurality of partidpant symbol subsets being compared against a predefined payoff list which indicates whether an assigned participant symbol subset is a winning group;
at least one dueler control which is activated by the live dealer to control action of the game;

whereby said at least one player may naive a payoff in response to a winning group being assigned to the at feast one player.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said live game location is within a single room.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said live game location is about a gaming table.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said live game location is about a gaming table, and said plurality of participant displays is contained within a presentation unit which is supported by said gaming table.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one game processor additionally performs the function of recording game action for the game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer controls.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe.

8. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe having at least one dealing shoe display for displaying visual images to the participants.

9. A system according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one chip senses for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player.

10. A system according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting dips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

11. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one participant displays provide participant display images which include information indicating potential payoff to said at least one player.

12. A system according to claim 1 wherein the system includes a presentation unit which is a retrofit unit supported upon an upper surface of a gaming table.

13. A system according to claim 1 end further comprising at least one participant identification reader for reading identification of at least one participant.

14. A system according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one participant identification reader for reading identification of at least one participant using a sensor which detects biological information detected from a body of the participant.

15. A system according to claim 1 wherein the dealer has a dealer display which is assigned symbols which are aligned in common with said at least one player.

16. A system according to claim 1 and further comprising a bonus chip detector for detecting placement of a bonus chip by said at least one player to selectively indicate the player would like to qualify for having a bonus symbol added to the assigned participant symbol subset.

17. A system-according to claim 1 claim further comprising an additional wager chip detector for detecting placement of an added wager chip by said at least one player to selectively increase the amount being wagered.

18. A system according to claim 1 and further comprising:
a bonus chip detector for detecting placement of a bonus chip by said at least one player to selectively indicate the player would like to quality for having a bonus symbol added to the assigned participant symbol subset;

an additional wager chip detector for detecting placement of an added wager chip by said at least one player to selectively increase the amount being wagered.

19. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one game processor is capable of being adjusted to vary the symbols contained in the virtual symbol set whereby the odds for obtaining one or more of the winning groups is affected.

20. A system according to claim 1 wherein the payoff list includes both a player payoff list which has at least one wining group associated with participant symbol subsets assigned to said at least one player, and a dealer payoff list which has at least one winning group associated with participant symbol subsets assigned to said dealer.

21. A system according to claim 1 wherein the payoff list includes both a player payoff list which has at least one winning group associated with participant symbol subsets assigned to said at least one player, and a dealer payoff list which has at least one winning group associated with participant symbol subsets assigned to said dealer.

22. A system according to claim 1 wherein the payoff list includes both a player payoff list which has at least one winning group associated with participant symbol subsets assigned to said at least one player, and a dealer payoff list which has at least one winning group associated with participant symbol subsets assigned to said dealer, and wherein a winning group associated wish said dealer payoff list leads to payoffs to plural players.

23. A slot machine system for playing a game involving wagering by at least one player playing with a dealer, said dealer and said at least one player being live persons forming a playing group of participants who attend and participate in the game about the system at a live game location, the system inducting slot symbol displays that show images representative of virtual symbols assigned to the dealer and said at least one player in the form of assigned participant symbol subsets, said assigned participant symbol subsets including assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignment with at least one other participant.

24. A slot machine system according to claim 23 wherein said assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignment, are shared in common with the dueler.

25. A slot machine system according to claim 23 wherein said assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignment, are shared in common with the dealer and another player.

26. A slot machine system according to claim 23 wherein said assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignment, are shared in common with another player.

27. A slot machine system according to claim 23 wherein said live game location is about a gaming table, and said slot symbol displays are contained within a presentation unit which is supported by said gaming table.

28. A slot machine system according to claim 23 and further comprising a game processor which performs a function of recording game action to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

29. A slot machine system according to claim 23 and further comprising at least one dealer control which is activated by the live dealer to control action of the game.

30. A slot machine system according to claim 29 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe having at least one dealing shoe display for displaying visual images to the participants.

31. A slot machine system axording to claim 23 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player.

32. A slot machine system according to claim 23 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

33. A slot machine system according to claim 23 and further comprising a bonus chip detects for detecting placartamt of a bonus chip by said at least one player to selectively indicate the player would like to receive a bonus symbol added to the assigned participant symbol subset.

34. A slot machine system according to claim 23 and further comprising a bonus chip detector for detecting placement of a bonus chip by said at least one player to selectively indicate the player would like to receive a bonus symbol added to the assigned participant symbol subset, said bonus symbol being shared in a common assignment with at least one other participant.

35. A slot machine system for playing a game involving wagering by a plurality of participants the system including slot symbol displays that show images representative of virtual symbols assigned to said plurality of participants in the form of assigned participant symbol subsets, said assigned participant symbol subsets including assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignment with at lead one other participant.

36. A slot machine system according to claim 35 wherein said assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignement, are shared in common with a dealer.

37. A slot machine system according to claim 35 wherein said assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignment, are shared in common with a player.

38. A slot machine system according to claim 35 wherein said live game location is about a gaming table, and said slot symbol displays are contained within a presentation unit which is supported by said gaming table.

39. A slot machine system according to claim 35 and further comprising a game processor which performs a function of recording game action to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

40. A slot machine system according to claim 35 and further comprising at least one dealer control which is activated by a live dealer to control action of the game.

41. A slot machine system according to claim 40 wherein said at least are dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe having at least one dealing shoe display for displaying visual images to the participants.

42. A slot machine system according to claim 35 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one participant.

43. A slot machine system according to claim 35 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one participant; said at least one chip sensor being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

44. A slot machine system according to claim 35 and further comprising a bonus chip detector for detecting placement of a bonus chip by said at least one player to selectively indicate the player would like to receive a bonus symbol added to the signed participant symbol subset.

45. A slot machine system according to claim 35 and further comprising a bonus chip detector for detecting placement of a bonus chip by said at least one player to selectively indicate the player would like to receive a bonus symbol added the assigned participant symbol subset, said bonus symbol being shared in a common assignment with at least one other participant.

48. A slot machine system for playing a game involving wagering by at least one player, including slot symbol displays that show images representative of virtual symbols assigned to said at least one plays in the form of assigned participant symbol subsets, said assigned participant symbol subsets including at least one virtual symbol which is assigned to said at least one player on a selective basis dependent upon whether the at least one player has placed a bonus symbol ante.

47. A slot machine system according to claim 46 wherein said assigned participant symbol subsets include assigned virtual symbols which are shared in a common assignment with at least one other participant.
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48. A slot machine system for playing a game involving wagering by at least one player, including slot symbol displays that show images representative of at least three virtual symbols assigned to said at least one player in the form of assigned participant symbol subsets, said at least three virtual symbols being assigned in at least two stages to allow an additional wager to be placed prior to display of remaining virtual symbols contained in the assigned participant symbol subsets to the at least one player.

49. A slot machine system according to claim 48 and further comprising an additional wager chip sensor for detecting whether an additional wager has been placed.

50. A system for playing a game involving wagering by at least one player with a dealer, said dealer and said at least one player being live persons forming a playing group of participants who attend and participate in the game about the system at a five game location, comprising:

a plurality of virtual symbols defining a virtual symbol set, a plurality of said participants being assigned a plurality of virtual symbols during play of the game in the form of assigned participant symbol subsets;

a plurality of participant displays which pre a plurality of changeable participant display images, the plurality of participant display images including virtual symbol images which are displayed by the plurality of participant displays:

at least one game processor for processing data to perform functions which include providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the game, assigning virtual symbols from the virtual symbol set to the participants, instructing the participant video displays to display virtual symbol images depending upon the virtual symbols assigned to the participants, at least one dealer control which is activated by the live dealer to control action of the game:
a presentation unit which mounts said plurality of participant displays, said presentation unit having a changeable presentation unit corner which can be replaced to change games for which the game system is being used:

and wherein the at least one game processor is capable of being reprogrammed to change games for which the game system is being used.

51. A system for playing a game involving wagering by at least one player playing with a deal, said dealer and said at least one player being live persons forming a playing group of participants who attend and partidpate in the game about the system at a live game location, comprising:

a plurality of participant displays with provide a plurality of changeable participant display images:

at least one game processor for processing data to perform functions which indude providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the game, and instructing the participant displays to display images;

at least one dealer control which is activated by the five dealer to control action of the game;

a presentation unit which mounts said plurality of participant displays, said presentation unit having a changeable presentation unit cover which can be replaced to change games for which the game system is being used;

and wherein the at least one game processor is capable of being reprogrammed to change games for which the game system is being.

52. A method for playing a live game involving wagering by a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants being five persons who personally attend the game at a live game location, comprising:
displaying a plurality of changeable participant display images from at least one participant display;
processing data using at least one game processor to perform at least the following functions:

providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;
defining a set of virtual symbols for use in playing the game;
assigning virtual symbols from the set of virtual symbols to the dealer and at least one player to provide participant symbol subsets thereto;

instructing the participant displays to display symbol images indicating the virtual symbols assigned to tip participant symbol subsets;

comparing the participant symbol subsets to a pre-defined payoff list which indicates whether an assigned participant symbol subset is a winning group;
displaying participant symbols assigned to the participant using the at least one participant display;

controlling play of the game using at least one dealer control operated by the at least one dealer;

awarding payoffs to players who receive a winning symbol group.

53. A method according to claim 52 and further including recording game action to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

54. A method according to claim 52 and further including reversing game action to delete the effects of one or more actions taken in playing the game.

55. A method according to claim 52 and further including sensing betting chips.

56. A method according to claim 52 and further including sensing betting chips for purposes of indicating an additional wager.

57. A method according to claim 52 and further including:
displaying at least two virtual symbols assigned to said at least one player in the participant symbol subset;

providing said at least one player an opportunity to view said at least two virtual symbols;
determining whether said at least one player has placed an additional wager;
after said determining, displaying at least one additional virtual symbol assigned to said at least one player.

58. A method according to claim 52 and further including:
displaying images of the participant symbol subset assigned to said at least one player, providing said at least one player an opportunity to view said images of the participant symbol subset assigned to said at least one player, determining whether said at least one player has placed a bonus symbol ante providing a bonus symbol to the participant symbol subset for a player who has placed a bonus symbol ante;
redefining the participant symbol subset for a player who has placed a bonus symbol ante if said bonus symbol provides an improved payoff.

59. A method according to claim 52 and further including sensing the value of chips placed by the players.

60. A method according to claim 52 wherein said comparing includes comparing the participant symbol subset of said at least one player.

61. A method according to claim 52 wherein said comparing includes comparing the participant symbol subset of said at least one dealer.

62. A method according to claim 52 wherein said comparing includes comparing the participant symbol subset of said at least one dealer, and said awarding payoffs to players is supplemented by awarding all participating players an added payoff if the participant symbol subset of said at least one dealer is a winning group.

63. A method according to claim 52 wherein said comparing includes comparing the participant symbol subset of both said at least one player and said at least one dealer.

64. A method for playing a slot machine game involving wagering by at least one participant, comprising:

displaying a plurality of changeable participant display images from at least one participant display;
defining a set of virtual symbols for use in playing the game;
assigning virtual symbols from the set of virtual symbols to the at least one participant to define an assigned participant symbol subset;
instructing the participant display to display symbol images indicating the virtual symbols assigned to the participant symbol err;
displaying images of the participant symbol subset assigned to said at least one participant;
providing said at feast one player an opportunity to view said images of the participant symbol subset assigned to said at least one participant:
determining whether-said at least one participant-has-placed a bonus symbol ante;
providing a bonus symbol to the participant symbol subset for a player who has placed a bonus symbol ante;

comparing the participant symbol subset to a pre-defined payoff list which indicates whether an assigned participant symbol subset is a winning group;

redefining the participant symbol subset for a participant who has placed a bonus symbol ante if said bonus symbol provides an improved payoff;

awarding payoffs to participants who receive a winning symbol group.

65. A method for playing a slot machine game involving wagering by at least one participant, comprising:

displaying a plurality of changeable participant display images from at least one participant display;
defining a set of virtual symbols for use in playing the game;

assigning virtual symbols from the set of virtual symbols to the at least one participant to define an assigned participant symbol subset;

instructing the participant display to display symbol images indicating the virtual symbols assigned to the participant symbol subsets;

displaying at least two virtual symbols assigned to said at least one participant in the participant symbol subset;

providing said at least one participant with an opportunity to view said at least two virtual symbols;

determining whether said at least one participant has placed an additional wager, after said determining, displaying at least one additional virtual symbol assigned to said at least one participant.

comparing the participant symbol subsets to a pre-defined payoff list which indicates whether an assigned participant symbol subset is a winning group;
awarding payoffs to participants who receive a winning symbol group.

66. A method for playing a five game involving wagering by a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at feast one dealer, said participants being live persons who personally attend the game at a live game location, comprising:
displaying a plurality of changeable participant display images from at least one partidpant display;
defining a set of virtual symbols for use in playing the game;
assigning virtual symbols from the set of virtual symbols to the dealer and at least one player to provide assigned participant symbol subsets thereto, at least one of the virtual symbols assigned being shared between at least one dealer and at least one player, instructing the participant displays to display symbol images indicating the virtual symbols assigned to the participant symbol subsets;
comparing the partidpant symbol subsets to a pre-defined payoff list which indicates whether an assigned participant symbol subset is a winning group;
displaying participant symbols assigned to the participants using the at least one participant display;
controlling play of the game using at least one dealer control operated by the at least one dealer;
awarding payoffs to players who receive a winning symbol group.

67. A system for playing a five card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:
at feast one presentation unit which is supported by the gaming table and has a viewing face which is available for viewing by the participants attending the game about the gaming table;

a plurality of participant video displays forming part of said at least one presentation unit for providing a plurality of changeable participant display images therefrom, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
at least one game processor processing data to perform at least the following functions:
providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;
defining a stack of virtual playing cards having one or more decks of virtual playing cards included therein for use in playing the card game;
shuffling the stack of virtual playing cards to produce a stack sequence which determines the order of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the participants;
dealing virtual playing cards to participants from the stack according to the game rules;
instructing the participant video displays to display at least playing card images indicating virtual playing cards assigned to the participants, said virtual playing cards assigned to the participant forming the participant's card hand;
at least one dealer control which includes at least one dealer control sensor which is activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants.

68. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one game processor additionally performs the function of recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

69. A system according to claim 87 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors.

70. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which control dealing of the virtual playing cards and substantially control action of the card game.

71. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for controlling dealing a hit card to a player.

72. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for indicating that a player has chosen to stand without further cards being dealt.

73. A system according to claim 87 wherein said at hat one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for indicating that a player has chosen to double down.

74. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for indicating that a player has chosen to split the player's card hand.

75. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one-dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for controlling the initiation of dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants.

76. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one deafer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe which has a stack display which displays a stack image which simulates the stack.

77. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one dealer control is provided in a simulated dealing shoe which has a stack display which displays a stack image which simulates the stack.

78. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one dealer control is provided in a simulated dealing shoe which has a stack display which displays a stack image which simulates the stack, said stack display being a touch screen display which allows a player or dealer to touch the touch screen display to cut the stack.

79. A system according to claim 67 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player.

80. A system according to claim 67 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said plurality of chip sensors including optical detectors.

81. A system according to claim 67 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said plurality of chip sensors including weigh cells for detecting the presence of betting chips resting thereon.

82; A system according to claim 67 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player to indicate that an insurance bet has been placed.

83. A system according to claim 87 and further comprising a plurality of chip tensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips,

84. A system according to claim 87 aid further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting drips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

85. A system according to claim 67 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which include a dealer card image which shows at least one dealer upcard.

86. A system according to claim 67 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which include a player hand count number.

87. A system according to claim 67 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which include a player hand count number and a dealer hand count number.

88. A system according to claim 67 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which include a border portion of the display which indicates outcome of the players hand.

89. A system according to claim 67 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which includes a display portion which indicates outcome of the players hand when viewed by a monitoring camera.

90. A system according to claim 67 wherein said presentation unit is a retrofit unit which is supported upon an upper surface of the gaming table.

91. A system according to claim 67 and further comprising at least one participant identification reader for reading identification of at least one participant.

92. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a plurality of different shuffling processes.

93. A system according to claim 67 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck.

94. A system according to claim 87 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffing function using a shuffing process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck, the reordering being performed after excluding any cards which have been dealt and are currently in the hand of a participant.

95. A system for playing a live blackjack card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the cans game about a gaming table, comprising:
at least one presentation unit which is supported by the gaming table and has a viewing face which can be viewed by participants attending the game about the gaming table;
a plurality of participant video displays forming part of said at least one presentation unit for providing a purality of changeable participant display images therefrom which are viewable along said viewing face, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants:

at least one game processor for processing data to perform at least the following functions:
providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;

defining a stack of virtual playing cards having one or more decks of virtual playing cards included therein for use in playing the card game;
shuffling the stack of virtual playing cards to produce a stack sequence which determines the order of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the participants;
dealing virtual playing cards to participants from the stack according to the game rules;
instructing the participant video displays to display at least playing card images indicating virtual playing cards assigned to the participants, said virtual playing cards assigned to the participant forming the participant's card hand;
at least one dealer control which includes:
a plurality of dealer control sensors which are activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants;
a simulated dealing shoe which has a stack display which displays a stack image which simulates the stack.

96. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one game processor additionally performs the function of recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

97. A system according to claim 95 wherein said stack display being a touch screen display which allows a participant to touch the touch screen display to cut the stack.

98. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for Indicating that a player has chosen to stand without further cards being dealt.

99. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for indicating that a player has chosen to double down.

100. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for indicating that a player has chosen to split the player's card hand.

101. A system wing to claim 95 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for controlling the initiation of dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants.

102. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe which has a stack display which displays a stack image which simulates the stack.

103. A system according to claim 95 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player.

104. A system according to claim 95 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said plurality of chip sensors including optical detectors.

105. A system according to claim 95 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one play, said plurality of chip sensors including weigh cells for detecting the presence of betting chips resting thereon.

106. A system according to claim 95 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips.

107. A system according to claim 95 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player to indicate that an insurance bet has been placed.

108. A system according to claim 95 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

109. A system according to dim 95 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which include a dealer card image which shows at least one dealer upcard.

110. A system according to claim 95 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which include a player hand count number.

111. A system according to claim 95 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which includes a player hand count number and a dealer hand count number.

112. A system according to claim 95 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which include a border portion of the display which indicates outcome of the player's hand.

113. A system according to claim 85 wherein said plurality of participant video displays provide participant display images which includes a display portion which indicates outcome of the player's hand when viewed by a monitoring camera.

114. A system according to claim 95 wherein said presentation unit is a retrofit unit which is support upon an upper surface of the gaming table.

115. A system according to claim 95 and further comprising at least one participant identification reader for needing identification of at least one participant.

116. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a plurality of different shuffling processes.

117. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck.

118. A system according to claim 95 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck, the reordering being performed after excluding any cards which have been dealt and are currently in the hand of a participant.

119. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:
at least one presentation unit which is supported by the gaming table and has at least one viewing face which is available for viewing by the participants attending the game about the gaming table;
a plurality of participant video displays forming part of said at least one presentation unit for providing a plurality of changeable participant display images therefrom, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
at least one game processor for processing data to perform at least the following functions:
providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;
defining a stack of virtual playing cards having one or more decks of virtual playing cards included therein for use in playing the card game;
shuffling the stack of virtual playing cards to produce a stack sequence which determines the order of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the participants;
dealing virtual playing cards to participants from the stack or otherwise assigning playing cards to the participants according to the game rules;
instructing the participant video displays to display at least playing card images indicating virtual playing cards assigned to the participants, said virtual playing cards assigned to the participant forming the participant's card hand;
at least one dealer control which includes at least one dealer control sensor which is activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants;
a stack display which displays a static image which simulates the stack.

120. A system according to claim 119 wherein said stack display is a touch screen display which allows a participant to touch the touch screen display to cut the stack.

121. A system according to claim 119 wherein said at least one game processor additionally performs the function of recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis a replay.

122. A system according to claim 119 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which control dealing of the virtual playing cards and substantially control action of the card game.

123. A system according to claim 119 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including touch keys for controlling action of the card game.

124. A system according to claim 119 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including a touch key for controlling the initiation of dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants.

125. A system acing to claim 119 wherein:
said stack display is a touch screen display which allows a participant to touch the touch screen display to art the static;
said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe which has said stack display therein, said stack display being capable of showing a cut card which indicates the card selected by a participant when the stack is cut using said touch screen display.

126. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:
at least one presentation unit which is supported by the-gaming table and has at least one viewing face for viewing by the participants attending the game about the gaming table;
a plurality of participant video displays forming part of said at least one presentation unit for providing a plurality of changeable participant display images therefrom, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
at least one game processor for processing data to perform at least the following functions:
providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;
defining a static of virtual playing cards having one or more decks of virtual playing cards induced therein for use in playing the card game;
shuffling the static of virtual playing cards to produce a static sequence which determines the order of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the participants;

dealing virtual playing cards to participants from the stack according to the game rules;
instructing the participant video displays to display at least playing card images indicating virtual playing calls assigned to the participants, said virtual playing cards assigned to the participant forming the participant's card hand;
a plurality of dealer vontrots which include dealer control sensors which are activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants;
a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips.

127. A system according to claim 126 wherein said at least one game processor additionally performs the function of recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

128. A system according to claim 128 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player to indicate that an insurance bet has been placed.

129. A system according to claim 128 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including a detectable identification code.

130. A system according to claim 126 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including a detectable identification code which coded by optically discernible coding.

131. A system according to claim 126 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including a detectable identification code which is programmable.

132. A system according to claim 126 and further comprising a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including a detectable identification code which is by an electronically programmable circuit.

133. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of five participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:

a plurality of participant video displays for providing a plurality of changeable participant display images therefrom, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
at least one game processor for processing data used in playing the live card game using the plurality of participant video displays; said at least one game processor additionally functioning to record game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis.

134. A system according to claim 133 wherein said at least one game processor additionally functions by allowing replay of game action which has been recorded by the game processor.

135. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising;
a plurality of participant video displays for providing a plurality of changeable participant display images therefrom, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
at least one game processor for processing data used in playing the live card game using the plurality of participant video displays;
a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips.

136. A system according to claim 135 wherein said plurality of chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

137. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants; said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:
a plurality of participant video displays for providing a plurality of changeable participant display images therefrom, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the five participants;
at least one game processor for processing data used in playing the live card game, said at least one game processor being capable of recording game action;
a plurality of chip sensors for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said chip sensors being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

138. A system according to claim 137 and further comprising a plurality of betting chips which include an electronically programmed identification circuit therein which can be read by said chip sensors.

139. A method for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants; said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:
providing at least one presentation unit which is supported by the gaming table and has a viewing face which is available for viewing by the participants attending the game about the gaming table;
displaying a plurality of changeable participant display images from at least one participant video display which forms a part of the at least one presentation unit, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
processing data using at least one game processor to perform at least the following functions:
providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;
defining a stack of virtual playing cards having one or more decks of virtual playing cards included therein for use in playing the card game;
shuffling the stack of virtual playing cards to produce a stack sequence which determines the order of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the participants;
dealing virtual playing cards to participants from the stack according to the game rules:
instructing the participant video displays to display at least playing card images indicating virtual playing cards assigned to the participants, said virtual playing cards assigned to the participant forming the participant's card hand:
controlling play of the card game using at least one dealer control which includes at least one dealer control sensor which is activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants.

140. A method according to claim 139 and further including recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

141. A method seconding to claim 139 and further including displaying a simulated stack.

142. A method according to claim 139 and further including sensing placement of chips by a player for purposes of indicating participation in the card game.

143. A method according to claim 139 and further including sensing placement of chips by a player for purposes of indicating an insurance bet being placed in the card game.

144. A method according to claim 139 and further including sensing the value of chips placed by the players.

145. A method according to claim 139 and further including communicating instructions from the players to the dealer to indicate playing decisions being made by the player in carrying out play of the card game.

146. A method according to claim 139 wherein said shuffling step is performed using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck.

147. A system according to claim 139 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck, the reordering being performed after excluding any cards which have been dealt and are currently in the hand of a participant.

148. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about the system at a gaming table, comprising:
at least one participant video display providing a plurality of changeable participant display images;
virtual playing cards having playing card images which indicate the virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
slot symbols which are associated with virtual playing cards in a manner which varies during play of the card game, said slot symbols being presented to participant so as to provide participant slot groups which vary between winning slot groups and losing slot groups when virtual playing cards and associated slot symbols are assigned to the live participants during play of the card game;
at least one game processor for processing data to perform at least the following functions:
providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;
defining a stack of virtual playing cards having one or more decks of virtual playing cards included therein for use in playing the card game;
shuffling the stack of virtual playing cards to determine the order of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the participants;
selecting slot symbols from a total set of slot symbols which are available for selection;
associating slot symbols to virtual playing cards;
dealing virtual playing cards to participants from the stack according to the game rules;
instructing the participant video displays to display at least playing card images indicating the virtual playing cards assigned to a participant, said virtual playing cards being assigned to a participant to form the participant's cards hand;
displaying any participant slot symbols assigned to the participants during play of the card game;
at least one dealer control which includes at least one dealer control sensor which is activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants;
whereby a participant may receive a jackpot in response to receiving a winning slot group, or may receive a payoff in response to a winning card hand defined by the virtual playing cards dealt to the participant.

149. A system according to claim 148 further comprising a pay line display for performing said displaying any participant slot symbols.

150. A system according to claim 148 further comprising a pay line display for performing said displaying any participant slot symbols, said pay line display being a part of said at least one participant video display.

151. A system according to claim 148 further comprising at least one pay line display for performing said displaying any participant slot symbols, said at least one pay line display including a secondary pay line display which is separate from said at least one participant video display.

152. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one game processor additionally performs the function of recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

153. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors.

154. A system according to claim 148 where said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including at least one touch sensor controlling one or more of the following functions:
indicating a player has chosen to receive a hit card;
indicating a player has chosen to stand;
indicating a player has chosen to split the participant's card hand; or, indicating a player has chosen to double down.

155. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe which has a static display which displays a stack image which simulates the stack.

156. A system according to claim 148 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor including optical detectors.

157. A system according to claim 148 and further comprising:

at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor including an optical detector;
at least one background optical detector for sensing ambient light.

158. A system according to claim 148 and further comprising at least one ante sensor for detecting when a player has placed an ante bet which optionally qualifies the player to play for a winning slot group.

159. A system according to claim 148 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor being capable of reading the value of the betting chips.

160. A system according to claim 148 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

161. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one participant video display provides participant display images which include a player hand count number.

162. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one participant video display provides participant display images which include a player hand count number and a dealer hand count number.

163. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one participant video display provides participant display images which include a border portion of the display which indicates outcome of the player's hand.

164. A system according to claim 148 wherein the system includes a presentation unit which is a retrofit unit supported upon an upper surface of the gaming table.

165. A system according to claim 148 and further comprising at least one participant identification reader for reading identification of a least one participant.

166. A system according to claim 148 and further comprising at least one participant identification reader for reading identification of at least one participant using a sensor which detects biological information detected from a body of the participant.

167. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a plurality of different shuffling processes.

168. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck.

169. A system according to claim 148 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck, the reordering being performed after excluding any cards which have been dealt and are currently in the hand of a participant.

170. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about the system at a gaming table, comprising:
at least one participant video display providing a plurality of changeable participant display images;
virtual playing cards;
playing card images which indicate the nature of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
slot symbols which are associated with virtual playing cards in a manner which varies during play of the card game, said slot symbols being presented to the participants so as to provide participant slot groups which vary between winning slot groups and losing slot groups when virtual playing cards and associated slot symbols are assigned to the live participants during play of the card game;
at least one game processor for processing data involving the virtual playing cards and slot symbols;
at least one dealer control which includes at least one dealer control sensor which is activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants;
whereby a participant may receive a jackpot in response to receiving a winning slot group, or may receive a payoff in response to a winning card hand defined by the virtual playing cards dealt to the participant.

171. A system according to claim 170 further comprising a pay line display for displaying participant slot symbols.

172. A system according to claim 170 further comprising a pay line display for displaying slot symbols, said pay line display being a part of said at least one participant video display.

173. A system according to claim 170 further comprising at least one pay line display for displaying participant slot symbols, said at least one pay line display including a secondary pay line display which is separate from said at least one participant video display.

174. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one game processor additionally performs a function of recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

175. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors.

176. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors, said dealer control sensors including at least one touch sensor controlling one or more of the following functions:
indicating a player has chosen to receive a hit card;

indicating a player has chosen to stand;
indicating a player has chosen to split the participant's card hand; or, indicating a player has chosen to double down.

177. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one dealer control includes a plurality of dealer control sensors which are provided in a simulated dealing shoe which has a stack display which displays a stack image which simulates the stack.

178. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player.

179. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor including optical detectors.

180. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising:
at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor including an optical detector;
at least one background optical detector for sensing ambient light.

181. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising at least one ante sensor for detecting when a player has placed an ante bet which optionally qualifies the player to play for a winning slot group.

182. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor being capable of reading the value of the betting chips.

183. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising at least one chip sensor for detecting betting chips placed by said at least one player, said at least one chip sensor being capable of reading the value of the betting chips as a result of the betting chips including an electronically programmed identification circuit.

184. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one participant video display provides participant display images which include a player hand count number.

185. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one participant video display provides participant display images which include a player hand count number and a dealer hand count number.

186. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one participant video display provides participant display images which include a border portion of the display which indicates outcome of the player's hand.

187. A system according to claim 170 wherein the system includes a presentation unit which is a retrofit unit supported upon an upper surface of the gaming table.

188. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising at least one participant identification reader for reading identification of at least one participant.

189. A system according to claim 170 and further comprising at least one participant identification reader for reading identification of at least one participant using a sensor which detects biological information detected from a body of the participant.

190. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a plurality of different shuffling processes.

191. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck.

192. A system according to claim 170 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck, the reordering being performed after excluding any cards which have been dealt and are currently in the hand of a participant.

193. A system for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:
a plurality of participant video displays for providing a plurality of changeable participant display images therefrom;
virtual playing cards, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images which include playing card images indicating the virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the live participants;
slot symbols which are associated with virtual playing cards in a manner which varies during play of the card game, said slot symbols being presented to the participants so as to provide participant slot groups which vary between winning slot groups and losing slot groups when virtual playing cards and associated slot symbols are assigned to the live participants during play of the card game;
at least one game processor for processing data involving the virtual playing cards and slot symbols.

194. A system according to claim 193 wherein said at least one game processor additionally functions by allowing replay of game action which has been recorded by the game processor.

195. A system according to claim 193 wherein said at least one game processor additionally functions by allowing reversal of a previous game action which has been recorded by the game processor.

196. A method for playing a live card game involving a plurality of live participants, said live participants including at least one player and at least one dealer, said participants personally attending the card game about a gaming table, comprising:

displaying a plurality of changeable participant display images from at least one participant video display, said plurality of participant video displays providing participant display images;
processing data using at least one game processor to perform at least the following functions:
providing game rules which at least partially administer play of the card game;
defining a stack of virtual playing cards having one or more decks of virtual playing cards included therein for use in playing the card game;
selecting slot symbols from a total set of slot symbols which are available for selection;
associating slot symbols to virtual playing cards;
shuffling the stack of virtual playing cards to produce a stack sequence which determines the order of virtual playing cards dealt or otherwise assigned to the participants;
dealing virtual playing cards to participants from the stack according to the game rules;
instructing the participant video displays to display at least playing card images indicating virtual playing cards assigned to the participants, said virtual playing cards assigned to the participant forming the participant's card hand;
displaying any participant slot symbols assigned to the participants during play of the card game;
controlling play of the card game using at least one dealer control which includes at least one dealer control sensor which is activated by the dealer to control action of the card game including at least dealing of virtual playing cards to the participants;
awarding jackpots to players who receive a winning slot symbol.

197. A method according to claim 196 and further including recording game action for the card game being played to enable subsequent analysis or replay.

198. A method according to claim 196 and further including reversing game action for the card game being played to delete the effects of one or more actions taken in playing the card game.

199. A method according to claim 196 and further including displaying a simulated stack.

200. A method according to claim 196 and further including sensing placement of chips by a player for purposes of indicating participation in the card game.

201. A method according to claim 196 and further including sensing placement of chips by a player for purposes of indicating an insurance bet being placed in the card game.

202. A method according to claim 196 and further including sensing an ante chosen by a player for purpose of indicating optional qualification of the player to be awarded a jackpot for receiving a winning slot symbol.

203. A method according to claim 196 and further including sensing placement of at least one ante chip by a player for purposes of indicating optional qualification of the player to be awarded a jackpot for receiving a winning slot symbol.

204. A method according to claim 196 and further including sensing the value of chips placed by the players.

205. A method according to claim 196 and further including communicating instructions from the players to the dealer to indicate playing decisions being made by the player in carrying out play of the card game.

206. A method according to claim 196 wherein said shuffling step is performed using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck.

207. A method according to claim 196 wherein said at least one game processor is capable of performing said shuffling function using a shuffling process which reorders the stack after each card is dealt from the deck, the reordering being performed after excluding any cards which have been dealt and are currently in the hand of a participant.