US20080224400A1

US20080224400A1 - Game of chance and apparatuses therefor

Info

Publication number: US20080224400A1
Application number: US11/717,135
Authority: US
Inventors: Jordan Gnat
Original assignee: PENETANGUISHENE HURONIA BINGO Inc
Current assignee: PENETANGUISHENE-HURONIA BINGO Inc; PENETANGUISHENE HURONIA BINGO Inc
Priority date: 2007-03-13
Filing date: 2007-03-13
Publication date: 2008-09-18

Abstract

Each player places an ante on a betting position of bingo paper indicium having a plurality of uniquely marked spaces, and purchases bingo paper indicium. Marking generated using random marking generator. Player awarded antes if placed an ante on betting position on bingo paper indicium represented by generated marking. Marking can be on bingo ball drawn from bingo ball blower. Marking can include number. Marked spaces may be arranged in grid with lines. Ante may be placed on line or on intersection of lines between adjacent marked spaces. Indicium may be on game table including a table top having a perimeter, a station for a bingo caller on the perimeter of the table top for a bingo caller, space about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to games of chance. More particularly, it relates to methods of playing games of chance and to apparatuses used in playing games of chance.

BACKGROUND

Most jurisdictions regulate games of chance under applicable gaming statues. Games of chance played in public locations typically take familiar forms, such as bingo. It has been recognized that traditional games can be fairly slow and lack excitement. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,534 entitled Table Bingo Game Method issued 20 Oct. 1998 to Banyai (the “534 patent”); refer to “fast action”, “lightning”, or “bullet” bingo, which uses a limited set of numbers to speed up play. The '534 patent attempts to address the speed of play and excitement issues by creating a table game where each player has a station about a table and selects a subset of numbers from a full set of numbers at the players' station on which to play a bingo game. The '534 patent describes a variety of methods of playing bingo games using the table.
Alternative methods of playing games of chance and alternative apparatuses for use in playing games of chance are desirable.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect the invention provides a method of playing a game. The method includes each player placing an ante on a betting position of a bingo paper indicium comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces and, separately, purchasing the bingo paper indicium. The method further includes randomly generating a marking using a random marking generator, and awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting position on the bingo paper indicium represented by the randomly generated marking.
Randomly generating a marking may include drawing a bingo ball with the marking from a bingo ball blower. Randomly generating a marking may include drawing from a bingo ball blower a bingo ball with the marking, which marking includes a number.
Awarding player antes may include, if an ante is placed on a space represented by a number other than the number on the bingo ball then, awarding player antes to those players that placed an ante on a space on the bingo paper indicium of a column that includes a space represented by the number on the bingo ball.
Purchasing the bingo paper indicium may include placing a purchase in a purchase space on a table top of a table wherein the bingo paper indicium is also on the table top. A bingo caller stationed at a table having a table top may operate the ball blower, collect the purchases, and award the antes, while the bingo paper indicium is on the table top. The drawn ball may be displayed at a table after the ball is drawn and until the antes are awarded, while the bingo paper indicium is on the table top.
Placing an ante on a betting position may include placing an ante on one of the uniquely marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium. Awarding player antes may include awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on one of the uniquely marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium represented by the generated marking.
Placing an ante on a betting position may include placing an ante between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium. Awarding player antes may include awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.
Placing an ante on a betting position may include placing an ante between two adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium. If all antes for a game are placed on a betting position other than a marked space represented by the generated marking then awarding player antes may include awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting position between a marked space represented by the generated marking and an adjacent marked space on the bingo paper indicium.
The marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium may be arranged in a grid. Lines may be marked between adjacent marked spaces in a grid. Placing an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces may include placing an ante on a line between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium. Placing an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces may include placing an ante on an intersection of two lines between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.
In a second aspect the invention provides a game substrate. The substrate includes a station for a bingo caller on a perimeter of substrate, space about the perimeter of the substrate for a plurality of players, a bingo paper indicium on the substrate accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces, each marked space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players.
In a third aspect the invention provides a game table including a table top having a perimeter, a station for a bingo caller on the perimeter of the table top for a bingo caller, space about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players, a bingo paper indicium on the table top accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each numbered space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players, and a random number generator adapted to randomly generate a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the bingo paper indicium from a set of numbers representing at least each of the numbered spaces.
The game table may further include purchase indicium on the table top of sufficient size to receive a purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper indicium. The table top may be covered with felt and the bingo paper indicium may be marked on the felt. The game table may include a display associated with the table top to display the randomly generated numbers.
The numbered spaces may be arranged in a grid having a plurality of rows and columns. The grid may contain a lettered row with a uniquely lettered space for each column. The grid may have five columns and the spaces of the lettered row may be lettered in order B, I, N, G, O, respectively from left to right. The numbered spaces may be numbered consecutively started from 1. The numbers of the numbered spaces may increase down each column. The numbers of the numbered spaces may increase from left to right across each row. The numbers of the numbered spaces may increase consecutively down each column.
The random number generator may be adapted to generate numbers representing the numbered spaces and no other numbers. The random number generator may be a ball blower containing a plurality of balls including a respective numbered ball for each numbered space.
In a fourth aspect the invention provides a game table including a table top having a perimeter, a station on the perimeter of the table top for a table operator, space about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players, indicium on the table top accessible to a plurality of players, the indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces, each marked space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players, a random marking generator adapted to randomly generate a marking representing one of the marked spaces on the indicium from a set of markings representing at least each of the marked spaces, and purchase indicium on the table top to receive a purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper indicium.
In a fifth aspect the invention provides a method of playing a multiplayer table game. The method includes each player placing an ante on a betting position of an indicium on a table top of a table, the indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces and, separately, purchasing the indicium. The method further includes randomly generating a marking representing one of the marked spaces on the indicium from a set of markings representing at least each of the marked spaces, and awarding the total antes to a player, if any, that placed an ante on a marked space represented by the randomly generated marking.
In a sixth aspect the invention provides a game including a bingo paper indicium accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium comprising a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each numbered space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players, a random number generator adapted to randomly generate a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the bingo paper indicium from a set of numbers representing at least each of the numbered spaces, and purchase indicium to receive a purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper indicium.
Combinations of the above aspects or individual features from one aspect to another are possible. Other aspects of the invention and possible additional features for some embodiments of the above aspects will be evident from the detailed description, claims, and drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings that show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a table top in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a table 1 for a multiplayer game has table top 3. About a perimeter 5 of the table 1 is an operator station space 7 for a table operator 9. Separately, about the perimeter 5 is player space 11 for multiple players 13. The table top 3 has a game indicium 15 accessible to a plurality of players 13. The indicium 15 has a plurality of uniquely marked game spaces, indicated generally at 17. Each space 17 has sufficient space to provide a betting position for receiving a marker 19 from a player 13. The table top 3 also has a purchase space 21 sufficient to receive purchases 23 from each of the players 13, as indicated by purchase indicium 22. Multiple purchase spaces 21 of similar or different size may be spaced about the table 1 for ease of access by the players 13; however, this may make supervision of the table 1 by an operator 9 more difficult and slow down play.
Associated with table 1 and the indicium 15 is a random marking generator 25 able to generate a marking 27 representing one of the marked spaces 17 on the game indicium 15 from a set of markings 27 representing at least each of the marked spaces 17. The set of possible random markings 27 able to generated by the random marking generator 25 may contain markings 27 that do not represent the marked spaces 17. Typically the set of random markings 27 will represent at least one betting position on an indicium 15 on the table 1.
The set of possible random markings 27 may contain markings 27 that do not represent any betting position on an indicium 15 on the table 1. For example, a marking 27 may represent a marked space 17 on an alternate table, or payment of the antes to a general pool to be available to be won from multiple tables 1. Many uses for non-betting position markings 27 are possible. Such non-representing markings 27 will generally represent a small portion of the set of markings 27.
The perimeter 5 of the table top 3 may have a border wall 29 to keep the markers 19 and purchases 23 from falling from the table top 3.
As shown in the FIGS., the game indicium 15 can be a bingo paper indicium with uniquely marked spaces 17 as uniquely numbered spaces 17, and the random marking generator 25 can be, for example, a ball blower 25. The markings 27 can be balls 27 with unique numbered indicium representative of a respective one of the numbered spaces 17. In this case the random marking generator 25 can be a random number generator 25; however, even where numbered spaces 17 are used it is possible that some balls 27 may be marked with non-number markings for alternative game play. As an example alternative to a ball blower, the random marking generator 25 could be some form of computerized marking generator 25 with video display capabilities, such as for example a monitor.
The bingo paper indicium 15 has spaces 17 arranged in a grid 31 having a plurality of rows, one of which is indicated at 33, and columns, one of which is indicated at 35. The grid 31 can also contain a lettered row 37 with uniquely lettered spaces, one of which is indicated at 39, for each column 35.
For familiarity, the grid 31 can have five columns 35 with the lettered 35 with the lettered row 37 containing lettered spaces 39 lettered B, I, N, G, and O, respectively.
The numbered spaces 17 can be numbered consecutively starting from “1”. The numbers of the numbered spaces 17 can increase proceeding down each column 35. The numbers of the numbered spaces 17 can increase proceeding across each row 33 from left to right. The numbers of the numbered spaces 17 can increase consecutively down each column.
The indicium 15 of the FIGS. is shown with seventy-five numbered spaces 17 and a B, I, N, G, O lettered row 37. This reflects a traditional seventy-five-number permutation from a traditional BINGO game. The columns 35 of the grid 31 contain B1-15, I16-30, N31-45, G46-60, and O61-75. The grid 31 also has an extra deep BINGO lettered row 41 for receiving a plurality of markers 19 in each lettered space, one of which is indicated at 43. The random number generator 25 could be restricted to generating numbers from a set of numbers containing the same numbers as appear on the marked spaces 17 in an indicium 15 on a table 1, for example where an indicium 15 contains seventy-five number spaces 17 as described above then the random number generator can be restricted to generating only those seventy-five numbers. The random number generator 25 may still be capable of generating other non-number markings 27 for special game activity.
It is to be recognized that the marked game indicium 15 could contain consecutively numbered spaces 17 or non-number marked spaces (for example, unique icons such as fruits). Also, the uniquely marked spaces 17 could be organised in a non-grid pattern. Many other such modifications to the indicium 15 within the scope of this description will be possible.
For ease of understanding the method of play and for efficiency in recognising the location of marked spaces 17 it is believed that a consecutively numbered grid 31 format from traditional BINGO permutations with BINGO column headers will be most effective; although, as indicated above, the principles described herein are not limited to such a grid 31.
The ball blower 25 has a display stand 45 to receive and one or more display balls 27 during play of a game. Markers 19 and purchase 23 can take many different forms. For example, markers 19 could be coins such as dimes or quarters. As a further and preferable example, markers 19 could be chips 51, such as those used for poker in casinos. Similarly, purchases 23 could be coins or, preferably, chips 51. The form of purchase 23 could be different from that for the markers 19; however, this is not required and for the sake of efficiency, is likely undesirable.
The table top 3 can be rigid to support game play. The table top 3 can be smooth or have felt or another such material across its surface to carry the bingo game indicium 15. A non-smooth surface can provide some grip and a little give to resist bouncing and sliding of chips 51 and the like.
The indicia 15, 22 could be marked on a substrate separate from the table top 3, such as a felt, that is supported during game play. It is recognized that notwithstanding the use of the word “paper” in the term “bingo paper indicium” it is not required that the bingo paper indicium be on a paper substrate. Other substrates, such as for example cardboard, hardboard, plastic or a graphic display terminal (such as for example a computer monitor) may be used. Separate substrates carrying the indicia 15, 22 could be placed on a support surface for use during a game. The bingo paper indicium 15 could be three-dimensional if desired. Also, the purchase indicium 22 could be three-dimensional. The purchase indicium 22 could be represented by a three-dimensional form, such as for example, a bowl or dish or tray that provides the purchase space 21 to receive purchases 23. If the substrate is a video display terminal then the markers 19 could be virtual markers 19 that are manipulated to appear on the video display terminal over the bingo paper indicium 15. Similarly, the purchaser indicium 22 and the purchase 23 could appear on a video display terminal. Also, a random marking generator 25 could generate random markings 27 for display on a video display terminal.
It is to be recognized that the game can be played with players in distributed locations by provided the same bingo paper indicia 15 on each players video display terminal and display the antes from each player 13 to all other players 13 over the bingo paper indicium 15. Effectively, all players are playing the same bingo paper indicium from different locations. A game could be played, for example, over the internet through respective browser software of the players 13 or through such are software as desired in communication with server or other computer equipment operating appropriate software. A combination of local and remote game play could be provided by tracking respective antes and displaying the antes to all players 13 during a game.
It will be recognized that the table 1 can bear some similarities to a traditional roulette table, not shown. Variations of such roulette tables may be applied to the table 1 with consequent modifications as will be evident to those skilled in the art.
A method of playing a multiplayer table game that may, for example, utilize the table 1 includes each player 13 placing an ante, represented by marker 19, on a space 17, 39, 43 of indicium 15 and separately, purchasing the indicium 15. Example alternative betting positions are described elsewhere herein. Purchasing the indicium 15 provides a player 13 with the right to play in the game by placing an ante as described above, and possibly, receiving an award from the antes for winning the game. Placement of the ante, and purchase of the right to play, is followed by randomly generating a marking 27 representing one of the marked spaces 17, 39, 43 on the indicium 15 from a set of markings 27 representing at least each of the marked spaces 17. This can be further followed by awarding the total antes to a player 13, if any, that placed an ante, represented by marker 19, on a marked space 17, 39, 43 represented by the randomly generated marking 27. Alternative example methods of winning are set out elsewhere herein. Other alternative methods of winning are possible including, for example, combinations of awarding antes as described herein.
As an example, a method of playing a multiplayer table game using the table 1 is set out below.
To start a game a caller as operator 9 calls, “ANTE UP” or provides some other indication that a game is starting. The use of “ANTE UP” is to be differentiated from placing an ante on a marked space 17 as many people recognize ANTE UP as an initial paid amount, for example, purchase 23. Each player 13 then places a purchase 23 into the purchase space 21. The caller 9 then tells the players 13 to “PLACE YOUR CHIPS” or some other indication to place one or more markers 19 representing an ante on the indicium 15. Depending on how the game is to be played, the players 13 may have, for example, three options. The players 13 can be permitted to place a chip 51, representing an ante, on either B, I, N, G, or O. The extra deep row 41 is useful for this purpose. Alternatively, the players 13 can place a chip 51 on any desired numbered spaces 17 on the indicium 15. As a further alternative, chip 51 may be placed on a betting position on a line, such as line 53, between two adjacent spaces 17 to bet both the adjacent spaces 17 or on a betting position at an intersection, for example intersection 55, of two lines 53 to bet four adjacent spaces 17. The indicium 15 may include actual lines 53 and intersections 55 marked for the grid 31 to visually indicate different betting positions. The spaces 17, 39, 43, lines 53 and intersections 55 are examples of betting positions for a game.
The caller 9 starts the ball blower 25 and one ball 27, is drawn, called and placed on the ball display stand 45. There are, for example, two ways to win. First, if no player 13 has placed a marker 19 on the specific numbered space 17 that has been called, all the players 13 that have placed a marker 19 on the lettered space 39, 43 of the column of the numbered space 17 of the ball drawn, for example, either B, I, N, G, or O, share the total table wagers amongst themselves. The respective letters representing the columns may be marked on the balls 27 along with a respective number form a set of numbers representing at least each of the numbered spaces 17. A traditional ball blower with traditional bingo balls may be used for the ball blower 25 and balls 27. Other ball combinations can be used as desired for game variations. For example, if a ball 27 comes out as B2, all who have placed a marker 19 on a B space in row 37 or 41 are winners. The awards are made up from all those who placed markers 19 on either the I, N, G, or O, or any numbered space 17. A second way of winning is to have placed a marker 19 on a specific numbered space 17 and that number is called when its ball 27 is drawn. In that case, the winner will win all the markers 19 on the table. Because of the lower probability of having a specific number called the game may be set to pay a bonus amount to a winner having won based on selecting on a numbered space 17.
It is to be noted that multiple indicia 15 could be spread about the table top 3. This may assist players 13 in reaching an individual indicium 15. Each indicium 15 could contain the same marked spaces 17, some of the same marked spaces 17, or different marked spaces 17. Players 13 may wish to play alternate indicium 15. For ease of administration and heightened excitement it is anticipated that having a single indicium 15 for a given table top 3 will be preferred; however, this is not the only method of game play.
If no player 13 wins on a particular generator of marking 27 many alternatives are possible. As an example, the game may end with the antes remaining alive to form part of the antes to be won on a further game. The held over antes could be, for example, accumulated in a single location not on the indicium 15 in order to facilitate game play.
A game can be played with chips 51 in values of either $0.25, $0.50, $1.00, or any other amount depending on the stakes level at the table.
Each table can be designated for a given number of players to participate at the same time. For example, a minimum of two players 13 can be set where no antes are held over from a prior game as there is no potential benefit to a single player without additional antes in the game, unless rules are provided to increase the potential winnings for a single player game. This is possible if desired. A maximum number of players 13 could be set based, for example, on factors such as the size and configuration of the table 1 and the indicium 15, and the ability and number of operators 9 for the table 1. As an example, a maximum of ten players could likely be suitable for a fast paced, single operator 9 game. Other minimums and maximums, if any, could be used. Each player can be identified to facilitate game play, for example, with different colour chips or another unique identifier on the markers 19 and purchases 23.
Example roles and rules for individuals that could be involved in the conduct of a game, particularly in casino locations, are set out below.
The antes can be collected by a caller 9 acting as operator 9 and given to a Session Manager (Pit Boss) and placed in a locked box that will be opened, counted, and recorded by the Session Manager at the end of each event as part of settlement requirements. It is not necessary to place all collected purchases 23 into a locked box, not is it necessary to have a Session Manager, nor is it necessary to record the activity for each game. These are examples of possible game structuring. As a further example, the caller 9 can carry out the Session Manager functions for a given table 1. An event can, for example, be a set number of games or specific time period during which games are played.
Session Manager (Pit Boss):

- Count float of chips 51 issued by a hall to be used, for example, for changing chips 51 with players 13.
- For each game record game number.
- For each game verify number of people at table 1 and collect purchases 23 from caller 9.
- At end of event, prepare and count float to be given back to the hall running the game.
- Count and record float of chips 51 to be given back to the hall.
- Verify that collected purchases 23 match amount on a daily reconciliation sheet.

Players 13:

- Purchase playing chips 51 from a cashier.
- Purchase game indicium 15 for $0.25, $0.50, $1.00, or any other amount depending on the stakes level at the table 1.
- Ante by placing as many chips 51 as desired on as many different numbers or letters on the indicium 15 in a betting position.
- When a ball 27 is drawn that matches a numbered space 17 with a marker 19, of a player 13, then the player calls, “BINGO” or some other designated signal to indicate the player 13 believes the player 13 has won.
- After the caller 9 has verified and recorded the antes, the antes are awarded to the winner or winners.

In order to facilitate game play the caller 9 may enforce rules such as:

- Players 13 must be 19 years old to play.
- The responsibility is on the player 13 to yell “Bingo” loud enough for the caller 9 to hear.
- All final decisions regarding the bingo event rest with the operating facility.
- Players 13 cannot hold chips 51 in their hands.
- Players 13 hands must not touch the playing area once the caller 9 has begun a game.
- Players 13 hands must not touch the playing area until the caller 9 has divided the antes and awarded the antes to the winner(s).

Caller 9 (Operator 9 for a single operator 9 game):

- Ask for purchase 23 from each player 13 at the table 1 to be placed in a purchase space 21.
- Allow players 13 sufficient time to place their ante chips 51 on the table 1 in betting position.
- Announce the beginning of the game and no more chips 51 to be placed.
- Start the blower 25 and wait for the ball 27 to come out.
- Display the ball 27 in the ball display, stand 45 and announce the marking on the ball 27.
- Verify ante to be awarded, record it, and give prize money to player or players who won.
- Collect purchase chips 51 from table 1 and provide to Session Manager.

The methods of play described herein can be made to comply with at least some current legal gaming regimes that typically govern traditional BINGO games in some jurisdictions. The methods can provide a more interactive, intimate, and fast-paced game than a traditional BINGO game.
Although the table 1 has been described for use with the methods described herein, it is to be recognized that the table 1 may be used for other methods of play.
Although the methods of play described herein have been described in association with the table 1, it is to be recognized that the methods may be used with tables of other formats.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made with reference to the preferred embodiment and that it is possible to make other embodiments employing the principles of the invention which fall within its spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of playing a game, the method comprising:

each player placing an ante on a betting position of a bingo paper indicium comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces and, separately, purchasing the bingo paper indicium,

randomly generating a marking using a random marking generator, and

awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting position on the bingo paper indicium represented by the randomly generated marking.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein randomly generating a marking comprises drawing a bingo ball comprising the marking from a bingo ball blower.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein randomly generating a marking comprises drawing from a bingo ball blower a bingo ball comprising the marking which marking includes a number.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein awarding player antes further comprises if an ante is placed on a space represented by a number other than the number on the bingo ball then awarding player antes antes to those players that placed an ante on a space on the bingo paper indicium of a column that includes a space represented by the number on the bingo ball.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein purchasing the bingo paper indicium comprises placing a purchase in a purchase space on a table top of a table, and wherein the bingo paper indicium is also on the table top.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein a bingo caller stationed at a table having a table top operates the ball blower, collects the purchases, and awards the antes, and wherein the bingo paper indicium is on the table top.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein the drawn ball is displayed at a table after the ball is drawn and until the antes are awarded, and wherein the bingo paper indicium is on the table top.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein placing an ante on a betting position comprises placing an ante on one of the uniquely marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein awarding player antes comprises awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on one of the uniquely marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium represented by the generated marking.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein placing an ante on a betting position comprises placing an ante between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein awarding player antes comprises awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein placing an ante on a betting position comprises placing an ante between two adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium and wherein if all antes for a game are placed on a betting position other than a marked space represented by the generated marking then awarding player antes comprises awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting position between a marked space represented by the generated marking and an adjacent marked space on the bingo paper indicium.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium are arranged in a grid.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium are arranged in a grid.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein lines are marked between adjacent marked spaces in a grid.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein placing an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces comprises placing an ante on a line between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein placing an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces comprises placing an ante on an intersection of two lines between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.

18. A game substrate comprising:

a station for a bingo caller on a perimeter of the substrate,

space about the perimeter of the substrate for a plurality of players, and

a bingo paper indicium on the substrate accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces, each marked space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players.

19. A game table comprising:

a table top having a perimeter,

a station for a bingo caller on the perimeter of the table top,

space about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players,

a bingo paper indicium on the table top accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each numbered space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players, and

a random number generator adapted to randomly generate a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the bingo paper indicium from a set of numbers representing at least each of the numbered spaces.

20. The game table of claim 19 further comprising:

purchase indicium on the table top of sufficient size to receive a purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper indicium.

21. The game table of claim 19 wherein the table top is covered with felt and the bingo paper indicium is marked on the felt.

22. The game table of claim 19 further comprising

a display associated with the table top to display the randomly generated numbers.

23. The game table of claim 19 wherein the numbered spaces are arranged in a grid having a plurality of rows and columns.

24. The game table of claim 23 wherein the grid contains a lettered row with a uniquely lettered space for each column.

25. The game table of claim 24 wherein the grid has five columns and the spaces of the lettered row are lettered in order B, I, N, G, O, respectively from left to right.

26. The game table of claim 23 wherein the numbered spaces are numbered consecutively started from 1.

27. The game table of claim 26 wherein numbers of the numbered spaces increase down each column.

28. The game table of claim 27 wherein the numbers of the numbered spaces increase from left to right across each row.

29. The game table of claim 28 wherein the numbers of the numbered spaces increase consecutively down each column.

30. The game table of claim 29 wherein the random number generator is adapted to generate numbers representing the numbered spaces and no other numbers.

31. The game table of claim 29 wherein the random number generator is a ball blower containing a plurality of balls including a respective numbered ball for each numbered space.

32. A game table comprising:

a table top having a perimeter,

a station on the perimeter of the table top for a table operator,

space about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players,

indicium on the table top accessible to a plurality of players, the indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces, each marked space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players,

a random marking generator adapted to randomly generate a marking representing one of the marked spaces on the indicium from a set of markings representing at least each of the marked spaces, and

purchase indicium on the table top to receive a purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper indicium.

33. A method of playing a multiplayer table game, the method comprising:

each player placing an ante on a betting position of an indicium on a table top of a table, the indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces and, separately, purchasing the indicium,

randomly generating a marking representing one of the marked spaces on the indicium from a set of markings representing at least each of the marked spaces, and

awarding player antes to a player, if any, that placed an ante on a marked space represented by the randomly generated marking.

34. A game comprising:

a bingo paper indicium accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium comprising a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each numbered space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players,

a random number generator adapted to randomly generate a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the bingo paper indicium from a set of numbers representing at least each of the numbered spaces, and

purchase indicium to receive a purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper indicium.