Multi-player casino table and dice game with side bets

Abstract

Method and apparatus for original table ( 10 ) and dice game for casino play is disclosed. Game expands childhood pastime tic-tac-toe for multiple players. Integrated side bet ( 40 ) feature expands competitive aspect of game. Game uses standard casino dice as random number generators and standard chip sets ( 62 ) for betting, as well as game-specific sequentially numbered discs ( 64 ) and cylinder markers to indicate winning plays ( 66 ). Game is easy to learn, can be managed by one person and can fit comfortably into existing casino operations. Casinos can adjust return in several ways, including rule variations, set-up, table limit bets, and pay-outs. Game is adaptable for home play as well as on-line, video, digital, and any other electronic platform including image projection and touchscreen applications. Several practical embodiments use common table ( 10 ) and game boards ( 30 ) with grids ( 50 ) having various number of cells ( 52 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method and apparatus for competitive table and dice game, comprising:    
     
     
         2 . The method and apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein tic-tac-toe is expanded with added features for multiple players and side betting. 
     
     
         3 . The method and apparatus of  claim 2  designed for casino play. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  comprising horizontal, elongated semi-circular table made of durable material whose diameter defines back edge of table, where casino dealer (House) stands to manage game. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein table has flat felt covered surface with imprinted medial pass line to help insure fair dice rolls. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  whereby half-circumference of table is bordered by vertical rail where inside margin limits lateral movement of dice rolls and outside margin accommodates plurality of seated players with horizontal portion suitable for player betting chips and refreshment. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4  whereby portion of table comprises pair of elevated lateral platforms aligned along table diameter, where interior vertical wall is used as target and barrier to contain rolling dice and whereon suitable space is provided for casino to place chip supply and game accessories for prompt use. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 4  whereby portion of table comprises horizontal elongated semi-circular playing surface (board) medially elevated above felt surface of table whose diameter is coincident with diameter of table whereon is imprinted game graphics and indicia. 
     
     
         9 . The game indicia of  claim 8 , whereon array of rectangles near House facilitates side betting and whereon grid and plurality of cells in row-column configuration between players facilitates board play. 
     
     
         10 . The game indicia of  claim 8 , wherein on both lateral sides of grid are place bet bars whereon player places chip so House can place bets on grid according to player directions. 
     
     
         11 . The accessories of  claim 3 , wherein pair of standard six-sided hexahedral dice are used by players and House as random number generator, and wherein individually color- or design-specific supply of standard casino chips for each player and House are available. 
     
     
         12 . The accessories of  claim 3 , wherein supply of sequentially numbered, durable non-skid discs and wherein supply of small cylinders to mark winning board plays and side bets are both available for House use. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein practical rule variations are possible to allow casino to maximize their return while extending game appeal from sociable novice play to more challenging veteran play. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein it is similar size and shape of existing casino games and can readily fit into existing casino operations without special space considerations. 
     
     
         15 . The method and apparatus of  claim 2  wherein game is played via electronic devices including but not limited to digital, virtual, on-line, telephonic, and any other related existing, developing and anticipated application and platform. 
     
     
         16 . The method and apparatus of  claim 2  with modifications for play at home and in other personal or private settings.