Gaming apparatus and method

Abstract

A gaming apparatus and method provides, in various embodiments, novel poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette games, including combinations of two or more of such games. In one embodiment, the apparatus and method utilizes 52 balls, divided into 11 groups, and a specialized roulette wheel having 52 pockets with assigned card values. The results of a spin of such a roulette wheel with these balls creates a plurality of five-card poker hands, as well as a two card hand utilizable for a blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and/or seven card poker game. Seven and two ball variations, utilizing the same type of roulette wheel, may also be utilized. In another embodiment, 52 playing cards are dealt into 11 groups, to create a plurality of five-card poker hands as well as a two card hand utilizable for other games. In still another embodiment, 52 playing cards are dealt into a plurality of two card groups, one or more of which may be utilizable for a blackjack, baccarat or roulette game.

1 . A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: 
 at least two balls; and    a roulette-type wheel having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;    wherein a single one of said at least two balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.    
   
   
       2 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  comprising seven balls.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said seven balls are divided into two groups, wherein a first group comprises five balls have a first designated marking and wherein a second group comprises two balls having a second designated marking.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  comprising 52 balls, wherein said 52 balls are divided into 11 groups, as follows: 
 a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking;    a second group comprising five balls having a second designated marking;    a third group comprising five balls having a third designated marking;    a fourth group comprising five balls having a fourth designated marking;    a fifth group comprising five balls having a fifth designated marking;    a sixth group comprising five balls having a sixth designated marking;    a seventh group comprising five balls having a seventh designated marking;    an eighth group comprising five balls having an eighth designated marking;    a ninth group comprising five balls having a ninth designated marking;    a tenth group comprising five balls having a tenth designated marking; and    an eleventh group comprising two balls having an eleventh designated marking.    
   
   
       5 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  comprising two balls.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a gaming table.  
   
   
       7 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said gaming table has located thereon at least one player area.  
   
   
       8 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.  
   
   
       9 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on a five card poker hand and a seven card poker hand.  
   
   
       10 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of poker hands.  
   
   
       11 . A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: 52 balls; 
 wherein said 52 balls are divided into 11 groups, as follows: 
 a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking;  
 a second group comprising five balls having a second designated marking;  
 a third group comprising five balls having a third designated marking;  
 a fourth group comprising five balls having a fourth designated marking;  
 a fifth group comprising five balls having a fifth designated marking;  
 a sixth group comprising five balls having a sixth designated marking;  
 a seventh group comprising five balls having a seventh designated marking;  
 an eighth group comprising five balls having an eighth designated marking;  
 a ninth group comprising five balls having a ninth designated marking;  
 a tenth group comprising five balls having a tenth designated marking; and  
 an eleventh group comprising two balls having an eleventh designated marking;  
   a gaming table;    a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets; including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;    wherein a single one of said 52 balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.    
   
   
       12 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising at least one player area located on said gaming table.  
   
   
       13 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.  
   
   
       14 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, based on selection of one said first through tenth designated markings.  
   
   
       15 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, based on selection of one said first through tenth designated markings in combination with said eleventh designated marking.  
   
   
       16 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       17 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       18 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       19 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       20 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       21 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       22 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       23 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       24 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       25 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       26 . A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: 
 seven balls;    wherein said seven balls are divided into two groups, as follows: 
 a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking;  
 a second group comprising two balls having a second designated marking;  
   a gaining table;    a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;    wherein a single one of said seven balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.    
   
   
       27 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising at least one player area located on said gaming table.  
   
   
       28 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 27  wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.  
   
   
       29 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 28  wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a five card poker hand comprising balls having said first group of designated markings and a seven card poker hand based on each of said seven balls.  
   
   
       30 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       31 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       32 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       33 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       34 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       35 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 28  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       36 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 28  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       37 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 28  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       38 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 28  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       39 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 28  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       40 . A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: 
 two balls;    a gaming table;    a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;    wherein a single one of said two balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.    
   
   
       41 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 40  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       42 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 40  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       43 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 40  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       44 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 40  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       45 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 40  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       46 . A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: 
 52 playing cards;    a gaming table;    ten dealing areas, each of which is adapted to have dealt therein five cards;    wherein said ten dealing areas are individually designated with a designation; and    an eleventh dealing area, which is adapted to have dealt therein two cards;    
   
   
       47 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 46  further comprising at least one player area located on said gaming table.  
   
   
       48 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 47  wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.  
   
   
       49 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 48  wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, based on selection of one group of said five cards located in one of said ten dealing areas.  
   
   
       50 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, based on selection of one said group of said five cards located in one of said ten dealing areas in combination with said two cards located in said eleventh dealing area.  
   
   
       51 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 47  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       52 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 47  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       53 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 47  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       54 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 47  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       55 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 47  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       56 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 49  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       57 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 49  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       58 . The gaining apparatus of  claim 49  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       59 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 49  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       60 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 49  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       61 . A gaining apparatus comprising, in combination: 
 52 playing cards;    a gaming table;    six dealing areas, each of which is adapted to have dealt therein two cards; and    means for selecting for play one set of two cards located in one of said six dealing areas.    
   
   
       62 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 61  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.  
   
   
       63 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 61  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.  
   
   
       64 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 61  further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.  
   
   
       65 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 61  further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       66 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 61  further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       67 . A gaining method comprising the steps of: 
 providing 52 balls;    wherein said 52 balls are divided into 11 groups, as follows: 
 a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking;  
 a second group comprising five balls having a second designated marking;  
 a third group comprising five balls having a third designated marking;  
 a fourth group comprising five balls having a fourth designated marking;  
 a fifth group comprising five balls having a fifth designated marking;  
 a sixth group comprising five balls having a sixth designated marking;  
 a seventh group comprising five balls having a seventh designated marking;  
 an eighth group comprising five balls having an eighth designated marking;  
 a ninth group comprising five balls having a ninth designated marking;  
 a tenth group comprising five balls having a tenth designated marking; and  
 an eleventh group comprising two balls having an eleventh designated marking;  
   providing a gaining table;    providing a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;    wherein a single one of said 52 balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets;    spinning said roulette-type wheel;    placing said 52 balls onto said roulette-type wheel;    allowing said roulette-type wheel to spin until each of said 52 balls lands in one said pocket; and    determining, for each said ball, said card to which said pocket into which said ball has landed corresponds.    
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 67  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, wherein each said five card poker hand is identified based on its particular said designated marking and said five cards corresponding to said pockets into which said balls having said designated markings have landed.  
   
   
       69 . The method of  claim 67  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, wherein each said seven card poker hand comprises five cards corresponding to said first through tenth group and two cards corresponding to said eleventh group.  
   
   
       70 . The method of  claim 67  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed.  
   
   
       71 . The method of  claim 67  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed.  
   
   
       72 . The method of  claim 67  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed.  
   
   
       73 . The method of  claim 67  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       74 . The method of  claim 67  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       75 . The method of  claim 68  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       76 . The method of  claim 69  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       77 . A gaining method comprising the steps of: 
 providing seven balls;    wherein said seven balls are divided into two groups, as follows: 
 a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking;  
 a second group comprising two balls having a second designated marking;  
   providing a gaining table;    providing a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;    wherein a single one of said seven balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets;    spinning said roulette-type wheel;    placing said seven balls onto said roulette-type wheel;    allowing said roulette-type wheel to spin until each of said seven balls lands in one said pocket; and    determining, for each said ball, said card to which said pocket into which said ball has landed corresponds.    
   
   
       78 . The method of  claim 77  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a five card poker hand that is identified based on said cards corresponding to five balls in said first group and a seven card poker hand that is identified based on said corresponding to said five balls in said first group and said two balls in said second group.  
   
   
       79 . The method of  claim 77  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed.  
   
   
       80 . The method of  claim 77  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed.  
   
   
       81 . The method of  claim 77  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed.  
   
   
       82 . The method of  claim 77  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       83 . The method of  claim 77  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       84 . The method of  claim 78  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       85 . The method of  claim 78  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       86 . A gaming method comprising the steps of: 
 providing two balls;    providing a gaming table;    providing a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;    wherein a single one of said two balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets;    spinning said roulette-type wheel;    placing said two balls onto said roulette-type wheel;    allowing said roulette-type wheel to spin until both of said two balls lands in one said pocket; and    determining, for each said ball, said card to which said pocket into which said ball has landed corresponds.    
   
   
       87 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on at least one said card corresponding to at least one said pocket into which said two balls have landed.  
   
   
       88 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed.  
   
   
       89 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed.  
   
   
       90 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       91 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       92 . A gaining method comprising the steps of: 
 providing 52 playing cards; and    dealing said 52 playing cards into 11 groups, as follows: 
 a first group comprising five cards within a first designated card area;  
 a second group comprising five cards within a second designated card area;  
 a third group comprising five cards within a third designated card area;  
 a fourth group comprising five cards within a fourth designated card area;  
 a fifth group comprising five cards within a fifth designated card area;  
 a sixth group comprising five cards within a sixth designated card area;  
 a seventh group comprising five cards within a seventh designated card area;  
 an eighth group comprising five cards within an eighth designated card area;  
 a ninth group comprising five cards within a ninth designated card area;  
 a tenth group comprising five cards within a tenth designated card area; and  
 an eleventh group comprising two cards within an eleventh designated card area.  
   
   
   
       93 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, wherein each said five card poker hand is identified based on its particular said designated card area.  
   
   
       94 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, wherein said seven card poker hand is identified based on a combination of five cards in one of said first through tenth groups, and said two cards in said eleventh group.  
   
   
       95 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area.  
   
   
       96 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area.  
   
   
       97 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area.  
   
   
       98 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on two of the following three games:.blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       99 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       100 . The method of  claim 93  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       101 . The method of  claim 93  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       102 . A gaining method comprising the steps of: 
 providing 52 playing cards; and    dealing 12 of said 52 playing cards into six groups, as follows: 
 a first group comprising two cards within a first designated card area;  
 a second group comprising two cards within a second designated card area;  
 a third group comprising two cards within a third designated card area;  
 a fourth group comprising two cards within a fourth designated card area;  
 a fifth group comprising two cards within a fifth designated card area; and  
 a sixth group comprising two cards within a sixth designated card area; and  
   selecting one of said six groups of two cards as a playing hand for wagering purposes.    
   
   
       103 . The method of  claim 102  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand.  
   
   
       104 . The method of  claim 102  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand.  
   
   
       105 . The method of  claim 102  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand.  
   
   
       106 . The method of  claim 102  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.  
   
   
       107 . The method of  claim 102  further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.