US20050253333A1

US20050253333A1 - Gaming apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20050253333A1
Application number: US11/129,179
Authority: US
Inventors: Anthony Boulton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Project Leisure Ltd
Priority date: 2004-05-14
Filing date: 2005-05-13
Publication date: 2005-11-17
Also published as: GB0509823D0; GB2413969A8; GB0410756D0; GB2413969A

Abstract

Gaming apparatus comprising a roulette arrangement operable to provide first and second roulette games and a selection arrangement operable by a user for selecting one play symbol for the first roulette game and for selecting at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game. A method of operating gaming apparatus is also provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 of United Kingdom Patent Application No. 0410756.1 filed May 14, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to gaming apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to gaming apparatus comprising a roulette wheel.
There are many known types of gaming apparatus, including apparatus providing automated games of roulette. However, gaming apparatus involving traditional games of roulette are limited in scope in the type of games that can be played.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided gaming apparatus comprising a roulette arrangement operable to provide a game comprising first and second roulette games, and a selection arrangement operable by a user for selecting one play symbol for the first roulette game and for selecting at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game.
Preferably the selection arrangement is operable for selecting at least two further play symbols for the second roulette game.
Preferably the selection arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game prior to play of the first roulette game. Preferably the selection arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said further play symbols for the second roulette game following play of the first roulette game, and desirably following successful play of the first roulette game. Alternatively, the selection arrangement may be operable by a user for selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game and said further play symbol(s) for the second roulette game prior to play of the first roulette game. Preferably the selection arrangement enables a user to select the same play symbol for the or one or more of the further play symbol(s) as the said one play symbol.
The roulette arrangement is preferably operable to generate one play symbol for the first roulette game preferably following selection of said one play symbol by a user. The roulette arrangement is preferably operable to generate at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game, and is desirably operable to generate said at least one further play symbol following selection of said further play symbol(s) by a user. Preferably the further play symbols are generated sequentially during successive operations of the roulette arrangement. Alternatively, the roulette arrangement may be operable to generate said further play symbols during a single operation of the roulette arrangement. The roulette arrangement is desirably operable to generate a number of play symbols in the second roulette game corresponding to the number of further play symbols selected by the user for the second roulette game. The arrangement may only generate said further play symbols following successful play of the first roulette game.
The gaming apparatus preferably includes a storage arrangement for storing said selected one play symbol for the first roulette game and for storing said selected further play symbol(s) for the second roulette game. The storage arrangement may comprise memory means to electronically store the identity of the selected play symbols.
The gaming apparatus preferably includes a comparator for comparing said stored selected one play symbol with said generated one play symbol, and desirably provides for play of the second roulette game when said stored selected one play symbol corresponds with said generated one play symbol. The comparator is preferably also arranged to compare the stored selected further play symbol(s) with said generated further play symbol(s).
The gaming apparatus preferably includes win providing means associated with the comparator for providing a win when a predetermined combination of selected and generated play symbols is achieved during the first and/or second and/or both games. Preferably the win providing means provides a win when said stored selected one play symbol corresponds to said generated one play symbol. Preferably the win providing means provides a win when the stored further play symbol(s) correspond(s) to the further play symbol(s) generated for said second game.
The win providing means may only provide a win if the selected one play symbol and the further play symbol(s) are the same and desirably in the same order as the respective generated symbols.
The win providing means may only provide a win if the order of selection of the said further play symbols is the same as the order of generation of the further play symbols. Alternatively or in addition, the win providing means may provide a win upon a predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected play symbols and the generated play symbols being achieved. For example, a predetermined degree of correspondence may include the selected further play symbols being the same as the generated play symbols, but the order of selection and generation not being the same. In a further example, a predetermined degree of correspondence may include only some of the selected further play symbols being among the generated further play symbols, and in such an example it can be predetermined whether the order of selection and generation needs to be the same or not for a win to be provided. In the embodiment where only one further play symbol is selected a win may be provided when the selected one play symbol and further play symbol are the same as, and in the same order as the generated one play and further play symbols.
Preferably, the play symbols are numbers.
Preferably, the roulette arrangement comprises a roulette wheel, or a roulette type wheel. The roulette arrangement may be a mechanical arrangement, and means, such as a motor, may be provided for automatic rotation of the wheel upon actuation. As an alternative or in addition, the wheel or a part thereof may be accessible for manual rotation by a user. Alternatively, the roulette arrangement may be virtual and may be electronically simulated in part or in whole, for example by video or other means and may be controlled by a computer.
In the preferred embodiment, the roulette arrangement comprises a rotatable platform on which areas are defined, preferably with upwardly extending formations, in which one or more objects such as a ball can locate during operation. Preferably, each area provides for location of a single object therein. Control means may be provided to provide for selective introduction of one or more objects to the rotatable platform. Preferably, the platform rotates upon or prior to the introduction of the one or more objects thereto.
The gaming apparatus may include sensor means to sense the position of an object in the roulette wheel and thereby generate or sense a play symbol when an object comes to rest on the wheel. The sensor means may comprise weight, magnetic and/or light sensitive sensors. A sensor may be provided in each of said areas and may be operable to sense the presence of an object in the respective area.
Preferably, the comparator comprises a processing unit operable to receive signals from the sensor means indicating the location of an object on the wheel. The signal sent by the sensor means preferably comprises or corresponds to a generated symbol, either a said one play symbol or a further play symbol, depending upon whether the signal is generated during a first or second roulette game. The sensor means may also be operable to receive signals from the selection means indicating the, or each, area selected by the user. Alternatively or in addition, the comparator is operable to preferably receive signals from the selection means and to perform the aforesaid comparison of the selected and generated symbol(s).
In one embodiment, removal means is provided to enable removal of the or each object from its location on the wheel for return to the control means. The roulette arrangement may further comprise an object introduction arrangement for introducing an object to the wheel.
In another embodiment, the roulette arrangement comprises a conventional roulette wheel operable by a user, for example a croupier in a casino.
The selection arrangement may comprise buttons or functionally equivalent means to enable the user to select said one play symbol for the first roulette game and said further play symbols for the second roulette game. A touch sensitive surface may be provided to enable the user to select the symbols.
The storage arrangement may comprise a computer memory associated with said selection arrangement, whereby when the user has selected said one and/or said further play symbols, information relating to the symbols selected is passed to said storage arrangement for storage therein.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating gaming apparatus including a roulette arrangement operable to provide a game comprising first and second roulette games, the method comprising selecting one play symbol for the first roulette game and selecting at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game.
The method preferably comprises selecting at least two further play symbol for the second roulette game.
The method preferably comprises selecting said one play symbol and said at least one further play symbol prior to play of the first roulette game.
Preferably the method comprises selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game and subsequently playing the first roulette game. Preferably the method comprises selecting said at least two further play symbol following play of the first roulette game, and desirably following successful play of the first roulette game. Preferably the method comprises playing the second roulette game following selection of said at least two further play symbols. The step of selecting the further play symbols may comprise selecting the same play symbol for one or more of the further play symbols as the user selected as the said one play symbol.
The method may comprise storing said selected one play symbol and said selected at least two further play symbols. The method may comprise electronically storing the selected play symbols in memory means.
The method may comprise generating one play symbol for the first roulette game preferably following selection of said one play symbol by a user. The method may comprise generating at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game preferably following selection of said further play symbol(s) by a user. The method may comprise generating the further play symbols sequentially during successive operations of the roulette arrangement. Alternatively, the method may comprise generating the further play symbols during a single operation of the roulette arrangement. The step of playing the second roulette game may comprise playing a plurality of individual games, each of said further play symbols being generated by each of the individual games. The method may comprise generating a plurality of play symbols for the second roulette game corresponding to the number of further play symbols selected by the user for the second roulette game. Further play symbols may only be generated following successful play of the first roulette game.
The method may comprise comparing said selected one play symbol with said generated one play symbol for the first roulette game, and may further comprise enabling play of the second roulette game when said selected one play symbol and said generated one play symbol correspond.
The method may comprise comparing stored selected further play symbol(s) with said generated further play symbol(s) for the second roulette game, and may comprise providing a win when a predetermined combination of selected and generated play symbols is achieved during the first and/or second and/or both games. The method may comprise providing a win when said stored selected one play symbol corresponds to said generated one play symbol. Preferably the method comprises providing a win when the stored further play symbol(s) correspond(s) to the further play symbol(s) generated for said second game. Preferably the method provides a win when both the selected one play symbol and further play symbol(s) correspond, and are desirably, in the same order as said generated one play and further play symbols.
The method may comprise providing a win if the order of selection of the said further play symbols is the same as the order of generation of the further play symbols. Alternatively or in addition, the method may comprise providing a win upon a predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected play symbols and the generated play symbols being achieved. For example, a predetermined degree of correspondence may include the selected further play symbols being the same as the generated play symbols, but the order of selection and generation not being the same. In a further example, a predetermined degree of correspondence may include only some of the selected further play symbols being among the generated further play symbols, and in such an example it can be predetermined whether the order of selection and generation needs to be the same or not for a win to be provided. In the embodiment where only one further play symbol is selected, a win may be provided when the selected one play symbol and further play symbol are the same as and in the same order as the generated one play and further play symbols.
Preferably, the roulette arrangement can generate numbers as the play symbols. The selection of the play symbols may comprise selection of different numbers.
Preferably, the roulette arrangement comprises a roulette wheel or a roulette type wheel, which may be a mechanical or a virtual electronically simulated roulette or roulette type, wheel. The roulette arrangement may comprise a rotatable platform on which areas are defined, preferably with upwardly extending formations for said numbers. Preferably, the roulette arrangement further includes one or more objects such as a ball to locate in the areas.
Preferably, the step or steps of selecting said one play symbol and/or said at least two further play symbols comprises pressing buttons or functionally equivalent means representing numbers, or touching regions of a sensitive surface, e.g. a touch sensitive screen, wherein said regions represent numbers to be selected.
In one embodiment, the method may involve selecting up to six numbers for the second roulette game, and may involve generating up to six numbers during play of the second roulette game. The step of playing the second roulette game may comprise playing up to six individual roulette games, and each of said further numbers may be generated by each of said individual roulette games. Preferably, a win is provided where the generated numbers for the second roulette game correspond with three or more of the selected numbers for the second roulette game.
The method may comprise the use of gaming apparatus as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a gaming apparatus,
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top view of the apparatus in FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 shows a gaming assembly, and
FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a gaming apparatus in the form of a roulette arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is provided gaming apparatus 10 comprising a roulette arrangement operable to provide a game comprising first and second roulette games, and a selection arrangement 12 operable by a user for selecting one play symbol for the first roulette game and for selecting at least one further play symbols for the second roulette game.
In more detail, the gaming apparatus 10 comprises a cabinet 11 housing the components thereof. The apparatus 10 comprises the selection arrangement 12 to enable a user to select a plurality of play symbols in the form of numbers. The apparatus 10 also includes number generation means in the form of a roulette assembly 14 comprising a wheel 16 driven by a motor 17 and a ball introduction means 18 for introducing an object such as a ball 20, or a plurality of balls 20, to the wheel 16. The wheel 16 has areas 16A defined by raised walls 16B. Each area 16A is designated by a respective number from 0 to 36. A ball 20 can locate in any one of the areas 16A, and the number of the respective area represents the play symbol generated by the roulette arrangement 14.
The apparatus 10 also includes a processor 22 for controlling the selection arrangement 12 and the roulette assembly 14. The processor 22 is connected to the selection arrangement 12 and the roulette assembly 14.
The processor 22 is connected to the selection arrangement 12 by suitable means known in the art, and this connection is represented by the broken line 24. Similarly, the processor 22 is connected to the roulette assembly 14 by suitable means known in the art as represented by the broken line 26.
The apparatus 10 further includes insertion means 28 for the user to insert a predetermined amount of credit to activate the apparatus 10. The credit may be in the form of coins, tokens or a credit card. The insertion means 28 is in the form of an insertion plate 30, which defines an insertion slot, behind which is mounted a coin detection arrangement 32 to ensure that the inserted coins or tokens are appropriate for the game. In the event that the coins inserted are inappropriate, they will be detected as such by the detection arrangement 32 and rejected via a rejection slot also defined in the insertion plate 30.
Appropriate coins or tokens are delivered via a coin conduit 34 to a coin storage container 36 for storing coins or tokens inserted into the apparatus 10. The coin storage container 36 comprises a coin holder 37 and dispensing means 38 for dispensing coins or tokens held by the coin holder 37 via a win retrieval chute 40 to an aperture 42 in a lower part of the apparatus 10. The coin storage container 36 is connected to the processor 22 by a suitable connection represented by the broken line 39.
The processor 22 is also connected, as represented by the broken line 44, to the introduction means 18 for introducing a ball 20 to the roulette wheel 16, as represented by the arrow A. The roulette assembly 14 also includes sensing means 46 for sensing in which of the areas 16A on the roulette wheel a ball 20 has located during play. The sensing means 46 is connected to the processor 22 by a suitable connection represented by the broken line 47. The processor 22 includes storage means in the form of a memory 22B for storing signals sent thereto by the sensing means 46 and corresponding to the numbers or symbols of the areas 16A into which a ball 20 locates.
Referring to FIG. 2, a top plan view of the apparatus 10 is shown, in which it can be seen that the plurality of areas 16A of the wheel 16 are separated from each other by the raised walls 16B. Each of the areas 16A is designated by a number from 0 to 36.
The selection arrangement 12 comprises a plurality of buttons 48 from 1 to 9 and 0 and a screen 50 to provide the user with guidance and instructions and to indicate the numbers selected by the user.
An ‘ENTER’ button 52 is provided for the user to enter the selected numbers to be stored in the memory 22B of the processor 22, and a back space button 54 for the user to make any desired changes to the selection prior to entry. A start button 56 is also provided for the user to start the game.
In operation, the gaming apparatus 10 is used to play a game comprising first and second roulette games. A user firstly inserts coins or tokens to the appropriate value into the coin receiving slot in the plate 30. The screen 50 then displays the words “place bets” and the user then taps the appropriate buttons 48 on the selection means 12 to choose the desired one number for use in the first roulette game. After the desired number is tapped in, the user presses the ‘ENTER’ button 52 to store the selected number in the memory 22B. In one embodiment of the invention where the second roulette game only involves the selection of one further play symbol, the user selects a desired symbol or symbols, again using the buttons 48 and confirms his selection by pressing the ‘ENTER’ button 52.
Once the user has selected the desired one number for the first roulette game and the other number for the second game. the start button 56 is pressed to actuate the motor 17 and rotate the wheel 16. After the wheel 16 has been accelerated to the desired speed, the introduction means 18 then introduces a ball 20 into the roulette wheel 16 and, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the ball 20 eventually locates in one of the areas 16A. The sensing means 46 senses in which area 16A the ball 20 has located, and sends a signal relating to the number or symbol thus generated to the memory 22B.
The ball 20 is then removed from location on the wheel 16 by conventional means. The user then reactivates the wheel 16 to generate the further play symbol in similar fashion as described above. The signal relating to the further number or symbol thus generated is sent to the memory 22B.
The processor 22 includes a comparator 22A which is operable to compare the numbers selected by the user for the first and second roulette games with the respective numbers generated by the roulette arrangement, which are stored in the memory 22B. If the selected and generated numbers correspond, the game is deemed to have been successful and a win is achieved.
In a further embodiment, where the second roulette game provides for the selection of two or more further play symbols, the user may select these further play symbols either at the same time as selecting the said one play symbol or following play of the first roulette game. If desired, it can be a prerequisite to have successfully played the first roulette game before being able to play the second roulette game. However, the present invention does provide for the play of the second game even if play of the first game was unsuccessful. In such cases the one play symbol selected may be compared along with the said further selected symbols against all the generated symbols, and a win determined according to predetermined degrees of correspondence. In other words, if a predetermined number of all the selected symbols (i.e. one play symbol and further play symbols) corresponds to a predetermined number generated symbols (both one play and further play), then this can be considered successful play. For example, if all the selected symbols are the same as all the generated symbols, but the latter were generated in a different sequence to the selection sequence, this can still be a successful play even if all the symbols are of a different order. Also, if only some of the selected symbols correspond to the generated symbols, this may be predetermined as sufficient for successful play. For example if the one play symbol selected was the number 2, the selected further symbols were 6, 9, 30, the generated one play symbol number 9 and the generated further play symbols numbers 30, 8, 3, this could be deemed a successful play because of the selection of 9 and 30 which were generated by the arrangement. Here the first roulette game was not a success, but the game overall was. Similarly, if the generated symbols were 3, 6, 30, 11, this too could be deemed a win by virtue of the successful selection of numbers 6 and 30. Clearly the level of win, and thus payout, will reflect the statistical odds of success.
In either case, once the play symbols have been selected and the respective symbols generated by the arrangement the comparator 22A compares the numbers generated for the first and second roulette games with the respective numbers generated by the arrangement. If the selected and generated numbers correspond to a predetermined degree, the game is deemed successful.
As indicated, in a still further embodiment it is a requirement for the selected one play symbol to correspond with the generated one play symbol before the user can play the second roulette game. In the event of such successful play of the first roulette game the user chooses to play the second roulette game, any additional credit required must be inserted to activate the apparatus for the second game. The ball 20 is removed from the wheel 16 by suitable means known in the art, for example by causing the hub of the wheel 16 to pivot to allow the ball to fall into a collection arrangement 58. It will be appreciated that any other suitable means, such as removal by hand, may be employed. The user then taps the appropriate buttons 48 on the selection arrangement 12 to select at least two further numbers for use in the second roulette game. After each number is tapped in, the user presses the ‘ENTER’ button 52 to store each selected number in the memory 22B. It is to be noted that all of the numbers which were available for selection for the first roulette game are available for selection for the second roulette game, including the number previously selected by the user for the first game. The same number may be selected more than once for the second game.
The user then presses the start button 56 and the ball 20 is once again introduced to the wheel 16 by the ball introduction means 18 after the wheel 16 is accelerated back to its desired speed to again locate in one of the areas 16A. The number of the area 16A into which the ball 20 locates is again sensed and this information is stored in the memory 22B. The ball 20 is again removed from the wheel 16, as described above, and is subsequently reintroduced to the wheel 16 by the ball introduction means 18 to again locate in one of the areas 16A. The number of the area 16A into which the ball 20 locates is again sensed and stored in the memory 22B. This process is repeated sequentially for the second game until the plurality of numbers generated by the roulette assembly 14 for the second game corresponds to the quantity of numbers selected by the user for the second game. The quantity of numbers that can be selected may be determined by the level of credit inputted to the apparatus.
Following generation of the requisite quantity of numbers for the second roulette game, the comparator 22A compares the numbers selected by the user with those generated by the roulette assembly 14 and provides the user with a win when a predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected numbers and the generated numbers is achieved. The degree of correspondence may provide for different win scenarios, as follows.
In a first win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win when some of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the roulette arrangement, the order of selection and generation of the numbers being irrelevant. For example, if the user has selected six numbers, e.g. 1 to 6 in any order, the apparatus 10 may provide a win if two or more of those numbers, e.g. 3 and 5, are generated in any order by the roulette arrangement.
In a second win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win when some of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the roulette arrangement in the same order that the numbers were selected. For example, if the user has selected the numbers 1 to 6 in that order, he may receive a win if the numbers 3 and 5 are generated by the roulette arrangement in that order. Thus, the user would receive a win if the numbers 2, 15, 17, 3, 30, 28 were generated by the roulette arrangement, but would not receive a win if the number 3 was generated before the number 2 since these numbers would not have been generated in the order in which they were selected by the user.
In a third win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win when some of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the roulette arrangement in the same sequence that the numbers were selected by the user. For example, if the user has selected the numbers 1 to 6 in that sequence, he may receive a win if the numbers 2 and 3 are generated by the roulette arrangement in that sequence. Thus, the user would receive a win if the numbers 15, 17, 2, 3, 30, 28 were generated by the roulette arrangement since the numbers 2 and 3 were generated in the same sequence that they were selected by the user.
In a fourth win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win only when all of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the roulette arrangement, the order of selection and generation of the numbers being irrelevant. For example, if the user has selected six numbers, e.g. 1 to 6 in any order, the apparatus 10 will provide a win if all of the numbers 1 to 6 are generated in any order by the roulette arrangement.
In a fifth win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win when all of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the roulette arrangement in the same sequence that the numbers were selected by the user. For example, if the user has selected the numbers 1 to 6 in that sequence, he will receive a win only if all of the numbers 1 to 6 are generated by the roulette arrangement in the same sequence. In other words, the user would not receive a win if all of the numbers were generated in a different sequence, for example 1, 3, 2, 4, 5, 6.
In a sixth win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win when all of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the roulette arrangement, but only some of those generated numbers are in the same order as the numbers selected by the user. For example, if the user has selected the numbers 1 to 6 in that order, he may receive a win only if all of the numbers 1 to 6 are generated by the roulette arrangement and if some of the numbers generated are in the same order as the order in which the numbers were selected. For example, the user would receive a win if the numbers 1 to 6 were generated by the roulette arrangement in the order 2, 1, 6, 4, 3, 5 since all of the selected numbers have been generated, and the numbers 1, 3, 5 have been generated in the same order in which the user selected them.
In all of the above win scenarios, the amount of the win provided to the user by the apparatus 10 may vary dependent upon the degree of correspondence between the selected and generated numbers. For example, the win may be greater when larger amounts of numbers are matched, or when the numbers are generated by the roulette arrangement in the same order or sequence in which they were selected by the user.
It should be appreciated that the above are merely illustrative examples of different win scenarios in which different predetermined degrees of correspondence between the selected and the generated numbers may result in a win for the user. Other win scenarios with alternative or additional predetermined degrees of correspondence may exist in which the apparatus 10 may provide a user with a win.
Due to the step of removing the ball 20 from the roulette wheel 16 after each number is generated for the second roulette game, each time a ball 20 is introduced to the roulette wheel 16 it can be located in any one of the areas 16A of the roulette wheel 16. Thus, the same number can be generated during play of the second roulette game in successive operations of the roulette assembly 14.
In an alternative embodiment, after each ball 20 is located into one of the areas 16A, it could remain in that area 20 whilst a subsequent ball 20 is introduced, and so on. Thus, after each ball 20 has been introduced, the number of areas 16A into which the succeeding balls 20 can be located is reduced.
In a yet further embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, a gaming assembly 150 is provided in which a plurality of gaming apparatus 10 according to the present invention are linked to a central processing unit 152. Each of the gaming apparatus 10 operates independently of the others, with the exception that the central processing unit 152 registers that a proportion of the money inserted into each apparatus 10, for example 3%, is available to win by the players of any of the gaming apparatus 10 comprised in the gaming assembly 150. Thus, if a player should win by matching, for example, three or more of his selected numbers for the second roulette game with the numbers generated by the roulette wheel assembly 14 for the second roulette game in the manner described above, the user would win the cumulative amount of the money collected from each of the other gaming apparatus 10.
The gaming apparatus 10 may be a stand alone apparatus which plays the above game in accordance with the invention, or it may be a supplementary apparatus to a roulette arrangement 200, as shown in FIG. 4, in which a main roulette assembly 214 has provided thereon a plurality of consoles 210, for respective users. The main roulette assembly 214 is provided within a table upon which the consoles 210 are mounted.
Each of the consoles 210 represents an individual gaming apparatus comprising many of the same features as the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and these features have been designated by the same reference numerals.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 may be a gaming apparatus suitable for playing a traditional game of roulette on the roulette assembly 214. The roulette arrangement 200 may be configured or programmed to play the traditional game of roulette the majority of the time, and to play, as a subsidiary game, the game described in the preceding paragraphs, in other words to play a first roulette game followed by a second roulette game, as already described in detail.
With the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the roulette arrangement 200 operates generally in the same way as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the exception that the single roulette assembly 214 of FIG. 4 generates the numbers for the first and second games required by each of the consoles 210. Thus, a user of any of the consoles 210 may win if some or all of the numbers he or she has selected for the second game correspond to the numbers generated for the second game by the wheel 16 of the roulette assembly 214.
In a further alternative (not shown) the main roulette assembly 214 is located remotely from the playing consoles 210. Such an arrangement may find particular use where the roulette assembly 214 is operable by a croupier, or other manual operative.
There is thus described a game of roulette which comprises playing a first roulette game essentially in the same manner as a traditional game of roulette, and playing a second roulette game after successful play of the first game in which at least two further numbers are selected by a user which the user believes will be generated by the roulette wheel 16 during the second game, for example by at least two spins of the wheel in the second roulette game.
There is also described a game comprising first and second roulette games, where it is not necessary for successful play of the first roulette game to play the second roulette game and achieve overall success of the game. In particular, where there is only one further play symbol selected in the second roulette game, successful play of the game can be achieved by the symbols generated in the first and second games being the same as the selected symbols, but generated in a different order. The arrangement may provide for this to be a successful win, but the win value would generally be less than when the order of selection and generation are also the same, i.e. where the first game was also successfully played.
Where a plurality of further play symbols is selected for the second roulette game, it is not always necessary for successful play of the first game for the user to play the second game and secure a win either involving the first game symbol as generally discussed above, or by achieving a predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected and generated further play symbols in the second roulette game.
Although embodiments of the invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that various modifications to the examples given may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the second roulette game may comprise the selection of any number of play symbols. The play symbols may be of a form other than numbers.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. Gaming apparatus comprising a roulette arrangement operable to provide a game comprising first and second roulette games, and a selection arrangement operable by a user for selecting one play symbol for the first roulette game and for selecting at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game.

2. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection arrangement is operable for selecting at least two further play symbols for the second roulette game.

3. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game prior to play of the first roulette game.

4. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said further play symbols for the second roulette game following play of the first roulette game.

5. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the selection arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said further symbols following successful play of the first roulette game.

6. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game and said further play symbol(s) for the second roulette game prior to play of the first roulette game.

7. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection arrangement enables a user to select the same play symbol for the or one or more of the further play symbols as the said one play symbol.

8. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the roulette arrangement is operable to generate one play symbol for the first roulette game.

9. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the roulette arrangement is operable to generate at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game.

10. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the roulette arrangement is operable to generate said at least one further play symbol following selection of said further play symbol(s) by a user.

11. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the further play symbols are generated sequentially during successive operations of the roulette arrangement.

12. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the roulette arrangement is operable to generate said further play symbols during a single operation of the roulette arrangement.

13. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the roulette arrangement is operable to generate a number of play symbols in the second roulette game corresponding to the number of further play symbols selected by the user for the second roulette game.

14. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the arrangement is operable to generate said further play symbols following successful play of the first roulette game.

15. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the gaming apparatus includes a storage arrangement for storing said selected one play symbol for the first roulette game and for storing said selected further play symbol(s) for the second roulette game.

16. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 15, in which the gaming apparatus includes a comparator for comparing said stored selected one play symbol with said generated one play symbol.

17. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the comparator provides for play of the second roulette game when said stored selected one play symbol corresponds with said generated one play symbol.

18. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the comparator is also arranged to compare the stored selected further play symbol(s) with said generated further play symbol(s).

19. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the gaming apparatus includes win providing means associated with the comparator for providing a win when a predetermined combination of selected and generated play symbols is achieved during the first game.

20. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 19, in which the win providing means only provides a win if the order of selection of the said further play symbols is the same as the order of generation of the further play symbols.

21. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 19, in which the win providing means provides a win upon a predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected and generated symbols being achieved.

22. A method of operating gaming apparatus including a roulette arrangement operable to provide a game comprising first and second roulette games, the method comprising selecting one play symbol for the first roulette game and selecting at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises selecting said one play symbol and said at least one further play symbols prior to play of the first roulette game.

24. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises selecting at least two further play symbols for the second roulette game.

25. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game and subsequently playing the first roulette game.

26. A method as claimed in claim 24, in which the method comprises selecting said at least two further play symbols following successful play of the first roulette game.

27. A method as claimed in claim 24, in which the method comprises playing the second roulette game following selection of said at least two further play symbols.

28. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the step of selecting the further play symbol comprises selecting the same play symbol for the or one or more of the further play symbol(s) as the user selected as the said one play symbol.

29. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises storing said selected one play symbol and said selected further play symbol(s).

30. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises generating one play symbol for the first roulette game.

31. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises generating at least one further play symbol for the second roulette game following selection of said further play symbol(s) by a user.

32. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises generating the further play symbols sequentially during successive operations of the roulette arrangement.

33. A method as claimed in claim 32, in which the method comprises generating the further play symbol(s) during a single operation of the roulette arrangement.

34. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises generating a number of further play symbols for the second roulette game corresponding to the number of further play symbols selected by the user for the second roulette game.

35. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the step of playing the second roulette game comprises playing a plurality of individual games, each of said further play symbols being generated by each of the individual games.

36. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the further play symbols may only be generated following successful play of the first roulette game.

37. A method as claimed in claim 30, in which the method comprises comparing said selected one play symbol with said generated one play symbol for the first roulette game and enabling play of the second roulette game when said selected one play symbol and said generated one play symbol correspond.

38. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises comparing stored selected further play symbols with said generated further play symbols for the second roulette game and providing a win when a predetermined combination of selected and generated play symbols is achieved during the first and/or second and/or both games.

39. A method as claimed in claim 30, in which the method comprises providing a win when said selected one play symbol corresponds to said generated one play symbol.

40. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises providing a win when the selected further play symbol(s) correspond to further play symbol(s) generated for said second game.

41. A method as claimed in claim 40, in which the method comprises providing a win if the order of selection of the said further play symbols is the same as the order of generation of the further play symbols.

42. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises providing a win upon a predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected play symbols and the generated play symbols being achieved.