Automated poker table

Abstract

The automated poker table of the present invention allows for live, face-to-face play of all types of poker games and limits without the need for live dealers, cards or chips. All aspects of the game play may be automated so hands are played faster, and downtime is reduced. The system includes a table, a player subsystem, and a dealer subsystem. The player subsystem includes a touch-screen display terminal for viewing cards dealt to a player, and includes a mechanism for creating a transitional animation for displaying at least a portion of the face of each card. The system may further include a debit and credit subsystem having a kiosk for accepting cash and transferring it to an account associated with the player, and an administrator module having a device for interfacing with an administrator of the system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 782,173, filed Mar. 13, 2006 incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to an automated poker table that retains the element of live play, while at the same time offering efficiencies of electronic systems for dealing cards and betting. The recent explosion of interest in poker both live and online has created many opportunities to participate in this booming industry. With the recent boom of televised poker and online game rooms, poker is becoming the game of choice for an increasing number of players. [0003] Poker is one of several card games in which multiple players strategically bet against each other, and poker is further subdivided into various types (such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud). Many existing casinos and card clubs offer poker of various types wherein up...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is an automated poker table that combines the benefits of live play with the speed and efficiency of online play. The table has a large screen for the community cards or \"flop,\" and there will be ten screens and seats at a table. The automated poker table allows for faster play without the need for dealers, chips, and additional staffing. It also allows for more tournaments with the same amount of staffing, and it is designed to be cost-benefit friendly for commercial casinos, tribal casinos, and card clubs. The automated poker table has the potential to increase the number of hands per hour and the amount of money in play. It also provides a social game for players and increases rake for the house. The invention allows for more affordable and ubiquitous resort venues, and it simplifies game mechanics and reduces setup time between games."

Problems solved by technology

Traditional tournaments are very man-hour intensive, require coloring up chips, moving players, all which would be done automatically.

The problems described herein with existing automated poker systems limit the viability of live-dealer poker in resorts worldwide, despite the underlying growth in popularity.

Images