Electronic game table

Abstract

The electronic game table of the invention may comprise a standard game table, e.g., for poker, incorporating multiple player seats for tournament or side game play. Each player has a display device in front of him/her containing information about the card in pocket. The community cards are displayed in the center of the table on a display device. Each player has a console with control elements, such as buttons, computer mouse, touch screen, etc. for activating means of betting, such as coins, tokens, credit or smart card readers, etc. A function of a dealer is accomplished by a central server, e.g., a random combination generator. For participation in multi table tournaments, e.g., of a poker game, the aforementioned electronic game table is provided with means of interfacing with other tables participating in the tournament via Internet, Intranet, local area network, etc., without participation of a live dealer. In fact, the players that are present at the same table have a feeling or participation in an actual card game since they see each other and may use such moves of a card game as bluffing, psychological interaction, etc.

1 . An electronic game table for at least two players comprising: 
 a table disposed on a frame;    a plurality of individual player terminals arranged in said table with a terminal display and data input means;    a central processing unit connected to each of said individual player terminals for bidirectional data exchange with each of said individual player terminals; and    a common display in a position visible to said at least two players and connected to said central processing unit; said central processing unit containing a random combination generator.    
   
   
       2 . The electronic game table of  claim 1 , wherein said central processing unit is provided with an outlet port for connection to external electronic means.  
   
   
       3 . The electronic game table of  claim 2 , wherein said external electronic means are selected from the group consisting of a local area network, the Internet, and Intranet.  
   
   
       4 . The electronic game table of  claim 1 , wherein said data input means comprises at least control means for anteing the bets, control means for betting, control means for indicating a role of a dealer in a current round.  
   
   
       5 . The electronic game table of  claim 4 , wherein said position visible to said at least two players is a position selected from the group consisting from a position on said table top and outside said table top.  
   
   
       6 . The electronic game table of  claim 5 , wherein said central processing unit is provided with an outlet port for connection to external electronic means.  
   
   
       7 . The electronic game table of  claim 6 , wherein said external electronic means are selected from the group consisting of a local area network, the Internet, and Intranet.  
   
   
       8 . The electronic game table of  claim 1 , which is a poker game table for a number of players from two to ten.  
   
   
       9 . The electronic game table of  claim 8 , wherein said central processing unit is provided with an outlet port for connection to external electronic means.  
   
   
       10 . The electronic game table of  claim 8 , wherein said external electronic means are selected from the group consisting of a local area network, the Internet, and Intranet.  
   
   
       11 . The electronic game table of  claim 8 , wherein said data input means comprises at least control means for anteing the bets, control means for betting, control means for indicating a role of a dealer in a current round.  
   
   
       12 . The electronic game table of  claim 11 , wherein said position visible to said at least two players is a position selected from the group consisting from a position on said table top and outside said table top.  
   
   
       13 . The electronic game table of  claim 12 , wherein said central processing unit is provided with an outlet port for connection to external electronic means.  
   
   
       14 . The electronic game table of  claim 13 , wherein said external electronic means are selected from the group consisting of a local area network, the Internet, and Intranet.  
   
   
       15 . An electronic game system for at least two players engaging in a competitive card game that uses both confidential cards and community cards comprising: 
 a table having a surface;    a plurality of individual player terminals arranged around the table, each of said individual player terminals comprising a player display, and a player activated electronic game function button;    a central processing unit connected to the game function button of each of said individual player terminals configured to cause the display of an electronic representation of confidential cards unique to each player and a representation of game status on each of said player displays; and    a single common display showing community cards and betting information, the common display mounted so that said community cards and betting information are visible to all the players.    
   
   
       16 . The game system of  claim 15 , wherein the table comprises two player terminals.  
   
   
       17 . The game system of  claim 15 , wherein the table comprises four or more player terminals.  
   
   
       18 . The game system of  claim 15 , wherein the table comprises ten player terminals.  
   
   
       19 . A dealerless table for playing an automated game using images of cards and electronic betting, the table comprising: 
 a horizontal tabletop having two or more player positions;    a supporting base;    console terminals positioned at each of the player positions so that each player can observe all other players, the terminals each comprising: 
 (a) a private screen to display pocket cards and betting information relevant only to one particular player;  
 (b) a player in/out indicator;  
 (c) several bet operation buttons on or adjacent the screen;  
 (d) several action buttons on or adjacent the screen; and  
 (e) a player operated automated payment device;  
   a single common display showing community cards and betting information; and    a central processing unit connected to all the console terminals and to the single common display, wherein the central processing unit performs one or more functions of a dealer and automatically conducts the play of the game based upon inputs from the player interface console terminals.    
   
   
       20 . The dealerless table of  claim 19 , wherein the betting information includes electronic images of chips.