EP2475439A1

EP2475439A1 - Betting game with side betting options

Info

Publication number: EP2475439A1
Application number: EP10814799A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Craig Duffy
Original assignee: International Software and Investment Services Pty Ltd
Current assignee: DUFFY INVESTMENT GROUP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-09-08
Filing date: 2010-09-07
Publication date: 2012-07-18
Also published as: ZA201202410B; EP2475439A4; AU2010292971A1; US20120165090A1; CN103547323A; SG178884A1; CA2773559A1; AU2010292971B2; WO2011029135A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a betting game suitable for being incorporated into a card game involving community cards. Players qualify for a round of the betting game and have the option of placing side bets based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. A dealer takes the side bets from qualified players exercising their option and then deals the community cards. Successful side bets are awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and rules governing the side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round of the betting game.

Description

BETTING GAME WITH SIDE BETTING OPTIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a side bet game for betting games which utilise community cards. More specifically, the present invention relates to a betting game suitable for being incorporated into a card game involving community cards.

Discussion of the Background Art

Community card games refer to any card games that use community cards (otherwise known as "shared cards" or "window cards"). Community cards are cards shared by all players and usually dealt face up or exposed during game play. In these types of games, each player is dealt a private and incomplete hand of cards, which are then combined with the community cards to make a complete hand. Rules of each game determine how community cards may be combined with each player's private hand of cards. The most popular community card game of our days is Texas hold 'em, originating sometime in the 1920s. Other less popular, but well known community card games include, but are not limited to, Omaha, Pineapple, and Manila to name a few.

For the purposes of clarity and conciseness, discussion of the background art will refer to Texas hold 'em as an example of a traditional community card game. In a traditional community card type game, such as Texas hold 'em, each player is dealt two private cards (facing down) after which there is a betting round. Then three community cards are dealt facing up to form the "flop", followed by a second betting round. A fourth community card known as the "turn" is dealt followed by a third betting round, and a fifth community card known as the "river" is dealt and followed by a final betting round. At showdown, each player plays the best five-card hand using a combination of none, one, or two of the cards in his/her hands combined with the relative number of community cards to make a five-card hand. In other words, each player has total number of seven cards from which to make a five-card hand. One of the issues faced with a traditional community card game, such as Texas hold 'em, is that once a player decides to drop out of the game, that player must sit and wait for the betting round to complete with no involvement in the game at all. If a player was to be dealt a poor set of hands for a couple or a few rounds in a row, that player could find himself/herself waiting for several minutes before having the opportunity to participate in betting and be entertained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention provides additional opportunity for participation in a side bet game which is dependent on the community card game irrespective of involvement in the community card game.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for playing a betting game that uses community cards during play. The method comprises the steps of allowing players to qualify for a round of the betting game and providing an option for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. Side bets are taken from each qualified player exercising their option and community cards are dealt during play. Each successful side bet is awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for facilitating a betting game using community cards during play. The apparatus comprises a side bet tray for providing qualified players with a location to place an optional side bet being based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. A successful side bet is awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for facilitating a betting game using community cards during play. The system comprises a casino chip tray, a plurality of player seats, and a side bet tray. The side bet tray comprises a plurality of betting slots with the number of slots corresponding to the number of player seats in a predefined ratio. The betting slots represent at least one side betting option. The side bet tray provides qualified players with an opportunity to place an optional side bet. The optional side bet is based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. A successful side bet is awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer based betting game executed by one or more processors. The one or more processors allow players to qualify for a round of the betting game and provide an option for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. The one or more processors also allow for side bets to be taken from each qualified player exercising their option and community cards to be dealt during play. The one or more processors award each successful side bet according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round. In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions. The instructions are executed by one or more processors adapted to allow players to qualify for a round of the betting game and provide an option for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. The one or more processors are also adapted to take side bets from each qualified player exercising their option, and deal community cards during play. The one or more processors are also adapted to award each successful side bet according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an internet based betting game executed by one or more remote servers. The one or more remote servers cause one or more player terminals to allow players to qualify for a round of the betting game and provide an option for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. The one or more remote servers further cause one or more player terminals to allow for side bets to be taken from each qualified player exercising their option and community cards to be dealt during play. The one or more remote servers further cause one or more player terminals to award each successful side bet according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round. In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises."

BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top view of a system for a betting game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective side view of a player betting slot of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 3a is an illustration of a computer device based betting game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3b is an illustration of the components used in a computer device used in the betting game described with reference to FIG. 3a.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Variations of community card main games The betting game of the present invention can be incorporated into any one of many original/existing games or any variation(s) of well known games so long as they involve community cards. For example, the betting game of the present invention can be incorporated into:

• Texas hold 'em;

• Omaha;

• Pineapple;

• Manila;

· 5-Card Stud; or

• 7-Card Stud.

Further variations of community card main games

In addition to the above-listed community card betting games, the betting game of the present invention can be incorporated into the following variations of community card games:

Pineapple - no throw away

This is a variation of Pineapple with modified rules. Unlike the standard Pineapple game, players are not allowed to throw away any of the three private cards. A winning hand must be formed using up to two of the three private cards in combination with one or more of the community cards.

One card hold 'em - must use card

This is a variation of Texas hold 'em where a player is dealt two private cards but the player must use at least one private card, which must be used to form a winning hand in combination with up to four of the community cards.

One card hold 'em - don't have to use card

This is a variation of Texas hold 'em where a player is dealt only one private card. The player can choose whether or not to use the private card to form a winning hand. In other words, a player can use four or five of the community cards. Two card hold 'em - must use two cards

This is a variation of Texas hold 'em where a player is dealt two private cards. Both private cards must be used to form a winning hand in combination with three of the community cards.

Two card hold 'em - must use one card

This is a variation of Texas hold 'em where a player is dealt two private cards. The player must choose one of the two private cards to form a winning hand in combination with four or three of the community cards respectively.

Four card hold 'em

This is a new game where a player is dealt four private cards. Under one variation of this new game, the player must use 1 of the private cards to form a winning hand in combination with four of the community cards. Under another variation of this new game, the player must use two of the private cards to form a winning hand in combination with three of the community cards. Under yet another variation of this new game, the player must use three of the private cards to form a winning hand in combination with two of the community cards. Five card hold 'em

This is a similar game to the Four card hold 'em game described directly above with one variation in that a player is dealt five private cards. A player can use none, one, two, three, four, or five private cards combined with five, four, three, two, one or none of the community cards respectively to form a winning hand.

Six card hold 'em

This is a similar game to the Four card hold 'em game described directly above with one variation in that a player is dealt six private cards. A player can use none, one, two, three, four, five, or six private cards combined with six, five, four, three, two, one or none of the community cards respectively to form a winning hand.

Five card Omaha This is a variation of Omaha where the player is dealt 5 private cards and must use two of the private cards to form a winning hand in combination with one or more of the community cards. Six card Omaha

This is a variation of Omaha where the player is dealt 6 private cards and must use two of the private cards to form a winning hand in combination with one or more of the community cards. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the betting game will be described as being incorporated into a traditional poker game, such as Texas hold 'em. The apparatus 10, which here is in the form of a side betting tray in Figs. 1 and 2 is shown to be removably attached to a standard casino chip tray 12. On commencement of each round of the betting game, each player 14-1 ... 14-n is presented with the opportunity to qualify for participation in a round of the betting game. Qualifying for a round of the betting game can include placing an initial bet, commonly known as "blind or anti". In return for the initial bet (blind or anti), a qualifying player is dealt two private cards 13. Once qualified for participation in a round of the betting game, each player 14-1 ... 14-n is provided with an option to place a side bet, noting that the two private cards 13 are irrelevant of the actual side bet. Alternatively, qualifying for a round of the betting game could be determined by a player's position around the casino chip tray 12 relative to the position of other players.

Side bets are placed on the apparatus 10 separate from the casino chip tray 12 so that side bets are not mixed up with any bets being wagered in the normal course of the game. The side bet is based solely on a predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 used in the traditional poker game. In this exemplary embodiment, the Texas hold 'em betting game is adopting the use of five community cards 20 of which three cards are used as the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20. This predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 is used to determine the outcome of the side betting according to rules that govern the side betting. The outcome of the side betting is independent of the Texas hold 'em betting game. Consequently, awarding the side bets is irrespective of continued participation in the round. According to this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus 10 allows each player 14-1 ... 14-n to place one or more side bets in a designated player betting slot 22-1 ... 22-n. Each player 14-1 ... 14-n may place a bet in a betting slot 24-1 .. 24-10 according to a variety of side bet types. Each player 14-1 ... 14-n can bet on whether the sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 are:

• Bonus Only 24-1 ;

• All Red 24-2;

• All Black 24-3;

• Majority Red 24-4;

· Majority Black 24-5;

• Odd 24-6;

• Even 24-7;

• Over 24-8;

• Under 24-9; or

· 8 8 8 24-10 (or any variation of a set sequence, such as 6 6 6 or Q Q Q).

For example, player 14-2 may place a side bet on player betting slot 22-2 betting on the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 being Majority Red 24-4. Optionally, player 14-2 may wish to place a side bet on betting slot Majority Red 24-4 and also place a side bet on betting slot Even 24-7, therefore betting on the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 being Majority Red and Even. Each player 14-1 ... 14-n can place as many side bets as the apparatus 10 allows them to. From this, it can be seen that the number of betting slots 22-1 ... 22-n corresponds to the number of players 14-1 ... 14-n in a predefined ratio. For example, if there are 10 players and there are 10 side bet options, the apparatus 10 will preferably have 100 betting slots. Alternatively, if there are 5 players and there are 10 side bet options, only 50 betting slots of the apparatus 10 will be used. Once all side bets have been placed, the dealer 16 deals out the private cards 13. The side bet game is now live and each player who has placed a side bet is involved in the side bet game regardless of whether that player continues to participate in the course of the Texas hold 'em game.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 10 includes printed information 26 providing an explanation of the rules governing the side bet game. Apparatus 10 may further include printed information 28 providing an explanation of the payout odds. Printed information 26 and 28 is suitably positioned in an area of chip tray 12 viewable by all players 14-1 ... 14-n. For example, printed information 26 and 28 is preferably displayed in an area of the chip tray 12 devoid of any cards or chips. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, printed information 26 and 28 is also displayed on player betting slots 22-1 .. 22-n. Variations of non-community card main game

The betting game of the present invention can also be incorporated into a number of original/existing games that do not involve community cards. For example, the betting game of the present invention can be incorporated into: · Blackjack; or

• Baccarat.

In the case of original/existing games with no community cards, such as Blackjack or Baccarat, a winning hand can be formed using the first two cards in the player's hands (private cards) combined with the first face-up card of the dealer. The face-up card of the dealer is not a community card. Although it may be viewed by all players, it may only be used by the dealer.

Variation of side bet types

As previously mentioned, in one embodiment of the present invention the betting game provides the following variety of side bet types:

• Bonus Only; • All Red;

• All Black

• Majority Red;

• Majority Black;

• Odd;

• Even;

• Over;

• Under; or

• 8 8 8 (or any variation of a set sequence, such as 6 6 6 or Q Q Q).

In the exemplary embodiment described above, the predetermined sub-set of community cards used for the side bet consists of 3 cards. The following is an explanation of the winning hands for each of the above-listed variety of side bet types:

Bonus Only

A side bet on the "Bonus Only" side betting slot is a side bet on a 3-card winning poker hand. In other words, in this example, where the predetermined sub-set of community cards is made up of three cards, the side bet is governed by forming a 3- card winning poker hand, such as a straight (Ace King Queen or 7 8 9), or Flush (6v 9Ψ 4Ψ). It will be appreciated that in the event where the predetermined sub-set of community cards is made up of four cards, the side bet would be governed by forming a 4-card winning poker hand, such as a straight (Ace King Queen Jack), or a Flush (7* Queen* 9* Ace*). The main difference between the "Bonus Only" side betting slot and some of the other side betting slots is that the rules governing the side bet are not dependent on colour or number betting.

All Red

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on All Red:

Three red cards ^■=» Winning hand

Three black cards ^■= Losing hand

Two red cards and one black card ^ Losing hand

One red card and two black cards ^■= Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand >=> Qualify for bonus game

Regardless of winning or losing the initial side bet, the player may qualify for a bonus game payout. A player may qualify for a bonus game payout if the three cards return a 3 card winning poker hand. For example, if a player places a side bet on All Red and the sub-set of community cards return 7± 8* 9*, this is a losing hand in terms of the All Red rules. However, this forms a 3 card winning poker hand, a straight. Therefore, this player qualifies for a bonus game (explained below).

In an alternative embodiment, the side bet game may or may not involve bonus payout games at all.

All Black

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on All Black:

Three black cards <= Winning hand

Three red cards Losing hand

Two black cards and one red card ^ Losing hand

One black card and two red cards ^ Losing hand

3 card winning poker hand Qualify for bonus game

Majority Red

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Majority Red:

Two red cards and one black card ^■= Winning hand

One red card and two black cards <=> Losing hand

Three red cards ^■= Losing hand

Three black cards Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand Qualify for bonus game

Majority Black

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Majority Black: Two black cards and one red card Winning hand

One black card and two red cards Losing hand

Three black cards Losing hand

Three red cards Losing hand

3 card winning poker hand Qualify for bonus game

Odd

A side bet on the "Odd" side betting slot is a side bet on the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cards adding up to an odd value. According to the rules governing this side bet variation, a picture card (K, Q or J) equates to 10. The Ace card (A) equates to either 1 or 11. Therefore, as an example, if the predetermined sub-set comprised of three cards and the three cards were: 8 7 J, the accumulative total of 8+7+10 = 25 and is therefore odd. As another example, if the three cards were: 5 5 Q, the accumulative total of 5+5+10 = 20 is therefore even.

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Odd:

Accumulative total of the three cards = Odd value Winning hand

Accumulative total of the three cards = Even value ^■= Losing hand

3 card winning poker hand Qualify for bonus game

In an alternative embodiment to the "Odd" side betting slot, the rules governing this side bet variation can include a further requirement of having to be over or under a base number. For example, the dealer (or casino) may set a base number of 20 and a rule that the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cards has to be over the base number. In this case, a side bet on the "Odd" side betting slot is a side bet against the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cards being: a) Odd; and b) over 20. For example, A K Q would be a winning hand as it has an accumulative total of 31 , which is an odd number and is over 20. A hand of 5 7 7 is a losing have as it has an accumulative total of 19, which is odd but is below the base number value of 20. Even

Akin to the rules governing the "Odd" side betting slot, the "Even" side betting slot is a side bet on the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cards adding up to an even value.

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Even:

Accumulative total of the three cards = Even value ^■=> Winning hand

Accumulative total of the three cards = Odd <=> Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand ^■= Qualify for bonus game

Similarly to the side betting slot of "Odd", the side betting slot of "Even" can run under an alternative embodiment whereby the rule can include a further requirement of having to be over or under a base number. For example, the dealer (or casino) may set a base number value of 18 and a rule that the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cards has to be under the base number. In this case, a side bet placed on the side betting slot of "Even" is a side bet against the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cads being: a) Even; and b) lower than 18. For example, 9 5 K would be a losing hand as the accumulative total is 24, which is higher than 18. A hand of 8 4 4 is a winning hand because the accumulative total is 16, which is even and lower than 18.

Over

A side bet on the "Over" side betting slot is a side bet on the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cards adding up to a value higher than a predetermined base number. For example, if the base number is 8, and the predetermined sub-set of community cards comprises of three cards, a player placing a side bet on the "Over" side betting slot would be betting on whether the accumulative total of the three cards adds up to a value over 8. In this example,

Accumulative total of 3 cards over 8 <=> Winning hand

Accumulative total of 3 cards under 8 ^■= Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand Qualify for bonus game

Under

Akin to the rules governing the "Over" side betting slot, the "Under" side betting slot is a side bet on the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cards adding up to a value lower than a predetermined base number. For example, if the base number is 9, and the predetermined sub-set of community cards comprises of three cards, a player placing a side bet on the "Under" side betting slot would be betting on whether the accumulative total of the three cards adds up to a value under 9. In this example,

Accumulative total of 3 cards under than 9 Winning hand

Accumulative total of 3 cards over than 9 Losing hand

3 card winning poker hand Qualify for bonus game

8 8 8

A side bet on the "8 8 8" side betting slot is a side bet that all three of the predetermined sub-set of community cards are the 8 card. The example give here is in accordance with the predetermined sub-set of community cards being made up of a three cards. However, it is to be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment where, for example, the predetermined sub-set of community cards is made up of four cards, the side betting slot might be a side bet on "Ace Ace Ace Ace" or "K K K K". The set sequence of "8 8 8" is given as an example as this sequence represents a lucky number in Chinese culture. However, it is to be appreciated that there may be numerous variations of a set sequence that represent a side betting slot. For example, the set sequence of "6 6 6" is known as the number of the beast, while the set sequence of "Q Q Q" may represent three daughters.

With the exception of the "Bonus Only" side betting slot, qualifying for a bonus payout game is a two tier qualification process. First, a player must win the initial side bet according the rules governing the specific side bet type. Secondly, the predetermined sub-set of community cards must form a 3-card winning poker hand. The rules governing the "Bonus payout game" are described below.

Bonus payout game

If a player has won a side bet game, that player will qualify for a bonus payout game if the 3 cards return any of the following 3 card winning poker hands:

• Any pair - Example: King ¥ + King♦ + 9 *

- Example odds: 3:1 ;

• Flush - Example: 4♦ + 8♦ + Jack♦

- Example odds: 5:1 ;

• Straight - Example: 3 Ψ + 4 + 5

- Example odds: 7:1 ;

• Three of a kind - Example: 7 v + 7 * + 7 *

- Example odds: 10:1 ; · Straight flush - Example: 2 + 3 ? + 4

- Example odds: 20:1 ; or

• Royal Straight - Example: Ace + King + Queen r

- Example odds: 500:1.

As an example, if a player places a side bet on "Majority Red", and the 3 cards return:

Ace ¥ + Ace♦ + 7 *

The player wins the side bet because there are 2 red cards and 1 black card. In addition, the player qualifies for a bonus payout because the 3 cards form a pair, that being a pair of Aces.

Alternatively, if a player places a side bet on "Majority Red", and the 3 cards return:

Ace ¥ + Jack♦ + 8 Φ

Similarly to the previous example, the player wins the side bet because there are 2 red cards and 1 black card. However, unlike the previous example, the player has not qualified for a bonus payout because the 3 cards do not form any of the above- listed 3 card winning poker hands. As mentioned above, there is one exception to qualifying for a bonus payout game, and that occurs in the event of placing a side bet on the "Bonus Only" side betting slot. For example, if a player places a side bet on the "Bonus Only" side betting slot and the three cards return:

10 Ψ + 9 + 8 *

That player qualifies for a bonus payout game by virtue of having formed a 3-card winning poker hand. The 3 cards are not considered against any of the other rules such as "Odd", "All Black", "Over", etc.

Royal Straight - Super bonus payout games

In the event of the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 forming a three card royal straight (Ace, King, Queen of same suit), the winning player could be dealt a first extra card (not shown) for the opportunity to combine with the predetermined sub-set 18 of community cards 20 to form a second tier (4 card) royal straight. In this event, the fourth card must be a Jack in a matching suit. In the event of the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 plus the first extra card forming a four card royal straight, the winning player could be dealt a second extra card (not shown) for the opportunity to combine with the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 plus the first extra card to form a third tier (5 card) royal straight, which is commonly known as a royal flush. In this event, the fifth card must be a 10 in a matching suit. The rules of the bonus payout game could be set up such that the winning player can be awarded at each stage of the multi-tier betting arrangement, meaning the outcome of the next stage does not affect the award; or such that at the end of each stage, the player may choose to accept the award at offer or risk the award for a chance to play a further stage of the bonus payout game for a chance to receive a larger reward. Example odds of a 5 card royal flush are 1000:1. Royal Flush - Super bonus payout games

The super bonus payout games can be set up to provide extremely high rewards for combinations of cards with extremely low odds or low chances of success. For example, in the event of a 5-card royal flush, a player may choose to play for a fourth tier (6-card) royal flush. This would be called a jackpot royal flush. In this event, the sixth card must of a 9 in a matching suit. Furthermore, the player may choose to play for a fifth tier (7-card) royal flush. This would be called a super jackpot royal flush. In this event, the seventh card must be an 8 in a matching suit. And as a final example, the player may choose to play for a sixth tier (8-card) royal flush. This would also be called a super jackpot royal flush. In this event, the eighth card must be a 7 in a matching suit. The rules governing the super bonus payout games may be extended as desired by the dealer or casino establishment. Potential Royal Flush - Super bonus payout games

In the event of a predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 forming a potential royal flush, a player may choose to play the "Potential Royal Flush" super bonus payout game. For example, if the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 returned A* J* 10*, then a player may choose to play the "Potential Royal Flush" super bonus payout game for the chance to form a royal flush of A* K* Q*J* 10*. Similarly to the previous side bet type, a player may choose to play for further tiered royal flush, such as a 6-card royal flush A* K* Q*J* 10* 9*. Higher payouts are rewarded for further tiered royal flush combinations having lower odds or lower chance of success.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the rules governing the "Bonus Only" side betting slot can be formed such that the side bet is not restricted to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards. For example, a royal flush, a pair, three of a kind, a straight, or any other winning hand for a side bet payout can be formed from a combination of the player's private cards and the subset of community cards. That is to say, under this alternative embodiment, a 5-card royal flush may be formed using none, one or two of the player's private cards respectively with five, four or three of the subset of community cards to form a winning hand. In another example, three of a kind may be formed using none, one or two of the player's private cards in respective combination with three, two or one of the subset of community cards. Summary of bonus payout games

Bonus payout games include the sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 forming any one of the following hands: any pair; flush; straight; three of a kind; straight flush royal straight; royal flush; jackpot royal flush; or super jackpot royal flush.

- a royal straight includes a combination of A K Q J of the same kind;

- a royal flush includes a combination of A K Q J 10 of the same kind;

- a jackpot royal flush includes a combination of A K Q J 10 9 of the same kind; and

- a super jackpot royal flush includes a combination of seven or more cards of the same kind beginning with A and descending down the order of a card deck. For example, A K Q J 10 9 8 ¥.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, certain side betting slots may be governed by rules that allow a winning hand to be formed from a combination of the subset of community cards and the player's private cards.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the betting game can be played on its own. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is to be viewed as standalone apparatus used to run the betting game. Each player 14-1 ... 14-n is given the opportunity to place a bet in a player betting slot 22-1 ... 22-n and hence qualify for a round of the betting game. Each player 14- 1 ... 14-n may place one or more bets on the predetermined sub-set of community cards 18 betting on the following side betting slots:

• Bonus Only 24-1 ;

• All Red 24-2;

• All Black 24-3;

• Majority Red 24-4;

· Majority Black 24-5;

• Odd 24-6;

• Even 24-7;

• Over 24-8; Under 24-9; or

8 8 8 24-10 (or any variation of a set sequence, such as 6 6 6 or Q Q Q).

For example, player 14-1 may place a side bet on player betting slot 22-1 betting on the predetermined sub-set of community cards 18 being "Majority Black" 24-5. Optionally, player 14-1 may wish to place a side bet on the predetermined sub-set of community cards 18 being "Over" 24-8 meaning that the accumulative value of the predetermined sub-set of community cards 18 is over a predetermined base number. Player 14-1 may also place a side bet on "Odd" 24-6. Each player 14-1 ... 14-n can place as many side bets as the apparatus 10 allows them to. The rules governing bonus payout games described above in relation to the first embodiment are also applicable to this second embodiment where the side bet game is played on its own. Fig. 2 shows printed information 26 and 28 displayed on each of betting slots 24- 1...24-10. Similarly to the printed information on the chip tray 12 in Fig. 1 , the printed information 26 and 28 may provide an explanation of the rules governing the side bet game or an explanation of the payout odds or both. The printed information 26 and 28 can be printed on any side of each player betting slot 22-1...22-n and at any angle depending on the position of the player betting slots 22-1...22-n relative to the players 14-1...14-n. In an alternative embodiment, the printed information may be in the form of an electronic display which displays information relative to specific requirements. For example, the display of information may change according to the side bet game being played.

Fig. 3a is used to describe a third embodiment of the present invention wherein players participate in a betting game via player terminals 30-1 ... 30-n connected to one or more remote servers 32-1 ... 32-n. In this embodiment of the present invention, there can be any number of a plurality of different types of player terminals such as Personal computers 30-1 , mobile devices 30-2, laptop computers 30-3, poker machines 30-4, or gaming consoles 30-n or other devices capable of Internet connectivity. The player terminals 30-1 ... 30-n can communicate with the one or more remote servers 32-1 ... 32-n via direct connection, wireless connection, Local Area Network (LAN); Wide Area Network (WAN), or via the Internet, or may be completely stand alone as shown with the poker machine 30-4. Remote servers 32-1 ... 32-n can be located at any location in the world and can act as a dealer in the betting game. Remote servers 32-1 ... 32-n can be controlled via software or human interaction. The player terminals 30-1 ... 30-n can also be located anywhere in the world and are not restricted to being at the same location as any other player terminal or remote server. In the example of the betting being played via a poker machine 30-4, the betting game may be played with or without private cards. In other words, the poker machine 30-4 may be set up with a number of reels for community cards in absence of any reels for player private cards; or may alternatively be set up with a number of reels for community cards plus extra reels for dealing out one or more player private cards.

Fig. 3b shows the components that may be used in a computer device 34 as mentioned in Fig. 3a. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer device 34 is shown to comprise of a storage component 35 and a processor 36 in communication with each other. The computer device 34 is also in communication with a display 37. The display 37 may be integrated into the computer device 34 in the case of a hand held device, a laptop or a poker machine; or may be external to the computer device 34 in the case of a personal desktop computer or a gaming console. The computer device 34 may comprise further components (not shown) for external communication. For example, the computer device 34 may comprise connections for a modem, or a network interface card, or an antenna, or Audio/Video connections, or coaxial connections.

In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, participation in the betting game is much the same as that described in the first and second embodiments above. In other words, a player may participate in the betting game as though the betting game is incorporated into an original or existing game, which utilises community cards, or in the betting game as a game on its own.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the betting game of the present invention can be used to conduct a tournament or incorporated into a typical poker tournament. In this exemplary embodiment, tournament chips are awarded for a win. The tournament chips can be used to awarding a win in an original/existing game, or a side bet, or both. Such a betting game could be set up to reward side bets with tournament chip, which would improve a player's chances of progressing or winning the tournament. Alternatively, such a betting game could be set up to reward a player with different types of tournament chips. One type of tournament chips could be used to participate in the original/existing game (regular tournament chips), while the second type of tournament chips could be used for side bets only (side bet chips). In a further alternative embodiment, such a betting game could be set up such that after a predetermined time interval, a player may exchange side bet chips for regular tournament chips, which would also improve a player's chances in progressing or winning the tournament.

In an exemplary embodiment of playing the betting game via the Internet, participation in the betting game may involve payment of an initial fee followed by verification of a valid credit card or funds to secure payment of further betting. Alternatively, players may have to purchase betting widgets such as e-chips prior to placing a bet. As a further alternative, the betting game may be based on a points system wherein a bet is represented by wagering a certain number of points or widgets which are obtainable in ways other than money. These points or widgets can be built up through a loyalty or rewards scheme. For example, a player may be awarded a certain number of widgets to play with upon registration on a website. Further widgets may be earned by introducing friends to register on that website. In an alternative exemplary embodiment of playing the game on poker machines, hand held devices, personal computers or computer consoles that may or may not be connected to the Internet, the betting game may be purchased, downloaded or installed as a software game or software application. In this exemplary embodiment, the betting game can be played with or without a connection to a remote server. The game may be set up such that play takes place within a web browser, or such that the game takes place within a separate program or user interface outside of a web browser. Furthermore, the game may be set up such that the role of a dealer is embedded into the game and provided by the software or such that each - of the participating players acts as a dealer on a rotation basis.

It is to be understood that the above embodiments have been provided only by way of exemplification of this invention, and that further modifications and improvements thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the present invention described herein.

Claims

1. A method for playing a betting game, said game using community cards during play, said method comprising the steps of:

allowing players to qualify for a round of the betting game;

providing an option for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards;

taking a side bet from each qualified player exercising their option;

dealing the community cards during play; and

awarding each successful side bet according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards, and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein allowing players to qualify for a round of the betting game includes dealing private cards to each player.

3. The method according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein allowing players to qualify for a round of the betting game includes taking a bet from each player wanting to qualify at commencement of the betting game.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein placing a side bet on the predetermined sub-set of the community cards includes placing one or more side bets on a side betting slot of the following side bet types:

Bonus Only;

All Red;

All Black;

Majority Red;

Majority Black;

Odd;

Even;

Over; or

Under; 8 8 8, or any variation of a set sequence.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a qualified player may further qualify to play a bonus payout game.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein further qualification to play a bonus payout game includes the sub-set of community cards forming any one of the following hands:

any pair; flush; straight; three of a kind; straight flush; royal straight; royal flush; jackpot royal flush; or super jackpot royal flush; wherein

- a royal straight includes a combination of A K Q J of the same kind; - a royal flush includes a combination of A K Q J 10 of the same kind;

- a super jackpot royal flush includes a combination of seven or more cards of the same kind beginning with A and descending down the order of a card deck.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, in the event of the sub-set of community cards forming a royal straight, the qualified player is dealt an extra card for the opportunity to form a second tier royal straight and be awarded a higher prize if the second tier royal straight is formed.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein if the royal flush run continues, the qualified player is subsequently dealt further cards for the opportunity to form subsequent tier royal straights while each formation of subsequent tier royal straights awards the qualified player with increasing prizes.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said betting game is any one of:

Texas hold 'em;

Omaha;

Pineapple;

Manila;

5-Card Stud; 7-Card Stud;

Pineapple - no throw away;

One card hold 'em - must use card;

One card hold 'em - don't have to use card;

Two card hold 'em - must use two cards;

Two card hold 'em - must use one card;

Four card hold 'em;

Five card hold 'em;

Six card hold 'em;

Five card Omaha; or

Six card Omaha.

10. The method according to any one or claims 1 to 9, wherein the rules governing side betting include awarding payout bonuses for predetermined combinations of the predetermined sub-set of the community cards.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein a predetermined combination eligible for a payout bonus includes: each of the predetermined sub-set of the community cards to be the eight card.

12. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the side bet is based on a combination of the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and a player's private cards.

13. An apparatus for facilitating a betting game, said game using community cards during play, said apparatus comprising a side bet tray, said side bet tray providing qualified players with a location to place an optional side bet, said optional side bet being based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards, wherein a successful side bet is awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards, and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, said apparatus being removably attachable to a casino chip tray.

15. The apparatus according to either claim 13 or 14 wherein said side bet tray comprises betting slots representing side betting options.

16. A system for facilitating a betting game, said game using community cards during play, said system comprising a casino chip tray, a plurality of player seats and a side bet tray, said side bet tray comprising a plurality of betting slots, the number of betting slots corresponding to the number of player seats in a predefined ratio, said betting slots representing at least one side betting option, wherein said side bet tray provides qualified players with an opportunity to place an optional side bet, said optional side bet being based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards, wherein a successful side bet is awarded according to the predetermined sub- set of the community cards, and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.

17. The system according to claim 16, said side bet tray being removably attachable to said casino chip tray.

18. The system according to either claim 16 or claim 17, wherein said betting slots allow qualified players to place one or more side bets on whether the sub-set of the community cards are selected from the group including:

Red or Black;

Odd or Even; and/or

Over or Under, wherein the sum of the face value of the sub-set of the community cards is more than or less than a predetermined number.

19. A computer based betting game, which game when executed by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to:

allow players to qualify for a round of the betting game;

provide an option for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of community cards; take a side bet from each qualified player exercising their option; deal community cards during play; and

award each successful side bet according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards, and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.

20. The computer based betting game according to claim 19, wherein the . computer based betting game is a video poker machine.

21. The computer based betting game according to claim 19, wherein the computer based betting game is a video gaming console.

22. The computer based betting game according to claim 19, wherein the computer based betting game is a hand held device.

23. A computer readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions, said instructions being executed by one or more processors, said one or more processors adapted to:

allow players to qualify for a round of the betting game;

provide an option for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of community cards;

take a side bet from each qualified player exercising their option;

deal community cards during play; and

24. An internet based betting game, which game when executed by one or more remote servers causes one or more player terminals to:

allow players to qualify for a round of the betting game;

take a side bet from each qualified player exercising their option; deal community cards during play; and'

award each successful side bet according to" the predetermined sub-set of the community cards, and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.