Gaming table

Abstract

A system and method for acquiring and analyzing the bets at a plurality of locations at a plurality of tables is provided. The system includes a gaming table with a raised platform, underneath which is positioned a video camera for each of the wagering locations on the table. The video cameras on each table are coupled together into a multiplexer, and the multiplexers from the plurality of tables are coupled together and into a central computer. The system and method thus eliminate the labor intensive and often inaccurate technique of tacking the gambling habits of patrons at the gaming tables.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
   
   
       10 . A platform for placing on a gaming table, the platform comprising: 
 a. a front vertical wall to face a gaming surface on the gaming table;    b. a rear vertical wall behind the front vertical wall;    c. a horizontal surface supported on the front and rear vertical walls; and    d. a light beneath the horizontal surface, whereby the platform may be detached from the gaming table.    
   
   
       11 . The platform of  claim 10 , wherein the rear vertical wall is configured to conform to a peripheral edge of a gaming table.  
   
   
       12 . The platform of  claim 10 , wherein the rear vertical wall is curved.  
   
   
       13 . The platform of  claim 10 , further comprising a video imager beneath the horizontal surface.  
   
   
       14 . The platform of  claim 13 , wherein the video imager is adapted to provide a video signal to a central computer.  
   
   
       15 . The platform of  claim 10 , wherein the front vertical wall is curved.  
   
   
       16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A gaming table comprising: 
 a. a horizontal surface defining a wagering location;    b. an imager directed horizontally toward the wagering location; and    c. a light source directed horizontally toward the wagering location.    
   
   
       18 . The gaming table of  claim 17  further comprising a platform above the surface.  
   
   
       19 . The gaming table of  claim 18 , wherein: 
 a. the surface defines a first curved edge;    b. the platform defines a second curved edge; and    c. wherein the first and second edges run parallel to one another.    
   
   
       20 . The gaming table of  claim 18 , further comprising a vertical wall between the platform and the surface.  
   
   
       21 . The gaming table of  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 a. a first aperture through the wall, wherein the imager is positioned behind the first aperture; and    b. a second aperture, wherein the light source is positioned behind the second aperture.    
   
   
       22 . A gaming table comprising: 
 a. a horizontal gaming table surface defining a plurality of gaming locations;    b. a plurality of video imagers above the gaming table surface, each of the plurality of video imagers directed to a predetermined one of the plurality of gaming locations;    c. a platform on the table above and adjacent to the plurality of gaming locations wherein each of the plurality of video imagers is located below the platform; and    d. a light below the platform and directed to each of the gaming locations, the light providing illumination from below the platform laterally toward a predetermined gaming location.    
   
   
       23 . The gaming table of  claim 22 , further comprising an arcuate wall extending between the platform and the gaming table surface, the arcuate wall defining apertures therethrough, the video imagers positioned behind the arcuate wall and directed through the apertures.