Monitoring casino table game events

Abstract

 An electronic system is provided for recording data associated with gaming events in casino table games. Via an interface (16) data is received from a sorter (37) assigned to a roulette table (30) for sorting casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the sorted casino currency. Via an interface (13) data is received from a reader (21) assigned to a game table (20) other than roulette for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (21) covering a designated area of the game table (20),

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic system for recording data associated with gaming events in casino table games, to a roulette table game, to a table game other than roulette, to a method for recording data associated with gaming events in casino table games, and to a corresponding computer program element.

Background Art

[0002] Traditional casinos typically offer two types of games including associated infrastructure: Electronic slot machines and table games. Due to the electronic nature of slot machines any gaming event associated with this type of game can easily be monitored. This does not necessarily hold for table games which represent games between humans, and in casinos specifically between players and representatives of the casino such as croupiers. Table games may comprise Roulette, Blackjack, Punto Banco, and others. What is common to table games is that one or more players gather at a table and interact with the croupier. The croupier takes the lead on the respective game, monitors the course of the game, and is responsible, inter alia, for an assignment of profit subject to the result of the game and for its payout.

[0003] Isolated electronic support has been proposed for table games in order to disburden the croupiers. An example for such support is an electronic sorter for roulette tables designed for sorting casino currency.

[0004] In some countries, there are rules issued by governing authorities for monitoring gaming events and especially the flow of casino currency in slot machines in order to prevent fraud and ensure a proper accounting and taxing. Amongst such rules there are rules to determine the revenue at and the total win paid out by a slot machine. Today, there is no such implementation in table games such that a determination of the revenue or the total win fully relies on the casino staff, i.e. the croupiers and the supervisors.

[0005] Hence, there is a practical and a regulatory need for reproducing gaming events and monitoring the flow of casino currency in table games.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention an electronic system is provided for recording data associated with gaming events in casino table games according to the features of claim 1. An interface is provided for receiving data from a sorter assigned to a roulette table for sorting casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the sorted casino currency. Another interface is provided for receiving data from a reader assigned to a game table other than roulette for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency wherein the reader covers a designated area of the game table. The electronic system further comprises a log for storing the data received, and an analyzer for analyzing the data received.

[0007] Casino table games may include Roulette, Blackjack, Punto Banco, Craps, Ultimate Texas Hold'em or others. A casino table game typically comprises a table with a gaming area at which the respective game is played.

[0008] In most casinos, it is not envisaged to bet with cash but with dedicated casino currency instead. Especially, for table games a casino currency in form of chips is used which typically takes the form of plastic coins with a denomination printed on and which is only accepted within the casino. The chips offered may have different denominations such that the player may define which value to bet. Typically, cash is converted into the casino currency at a cash point in the casino, and the casino currency may be reconverted at the cash point either. Such embodiment of casino currency is also called cash chips and may be used at many different or even all different classes of table games offered.

[0009] In casinos offering roulette table games a different sort of casino currency may be offered denoted as roulette chips. Roulette chips typically do not have any denomination printed on, however, they typically are offered at different colours. At a roulette table game each player is assigned roulette chips of a specific colour in order to make the bets on the roulette table layout being attributable to the different players. Such roulette currency may be acquired at the roulette table in return for either cash or in return for another casino currency such as cash chips. Any conversion typically is carried out by the croupier. For the present application, the term "casino currency" may include any non-cash currency to be used in a casino for betting purposes.

[0010] Some or all of the casino currency used in a casino may be furnished with electronic tags, also denoted as transponders. Such tags are known from other applications, where a passive electric circuit is embodied in a target device, for example in an item to purchase in a supermarket. Such electric circuit may be passive in that no energy source is provided in the item the tag is assigned to. The electric circuit is designed for external activation, for example when entering an electrical field emitted by an antenna of a so-called reader. Typically a resonance circuit in the electronic tag is activated and derives electrical energy from the electrical field applied for operating the electric circuit. The activation of the tag in many applications is achieved in the radio frequency domain for building an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system. The tag typically holds information in form of data stored somewhere in the electric circuit which data may be read and sent out upon energization of the tag. Typically, upon energization of the tag, the data is read out and sent to the reader responsible for energizing the tag by modulating the electrical field issued by the reader with the data. The reader typically includes an antenna for emitting the electrical field and demodulation means for reading the data transmitted from the tag. In such way, a wireless read out of information stored in the tag is accomplished.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, casino currency in the form of cash chips may be equipped with such tags. In each cash chip a tag may hold an identifier of the cash chip and other information such as the denomination of the chip, for example, 5 USD, 10 CHF, 50 €. Other or additional information may be stored in such tag. In a scenario, roulette chips may not be equipped with tags and as such may not be electronically readable.

[0012] A gaming event may include any event in connection with a game played at the table. A gaming event may include, for example, any betting of a player represented by the player depositing a chip on a designated area of the table, any payout of profits to the winning players, e.g. in any form of casino currency, or any other game related action such as a change of real currency into casino currency and vice versa, or a change within casino currency from cash chips into roulette chips and vice versa.

[0013] In the present context, a table game other than roulette is equipped with at least one such reader to cooperate with tags embodied in the casino currency. A reader may typically be arranged such that it only covers a certain area of the game table. In other words, a reader may only detect casino currency residing in such designated area. The designated area may conform to a designated gaming area, such as a box in a Blackjack table for placing a players bets and/or cards, for example. A game table may comprise multiple of such designated areas, each of which an individual reader may be assigned to. For example, in a Blackjack table a reader may be assigned to each box. Preferably, the one or more readers are arranged underneath the table surface such that the table surface is not impaired by technical equipment.

[0014] In such way, casino currency may wirelessly be detected when being present in a designated area on the game table which area is defined by the arrangement, the design and the reach of the reader. The data read out by the reader may preferably include a denomination, and may preferably include an identifier identifying the individual chip being present in the designated area. In case of more than one chip being present in the designated area, the reader may be controlled such that a parallel or sequential reading of the data of the multiple chips is enabled.

[0015] The reader is adapted to send the data received from the tag to the remote electronic system. Such data transmitted to the electronic system shall also include any data derived from the origin chip data by means of evaluation performed in the reader or in a processing unit associated with the reader at the game table.

[0016] A sorter is assigned to the roulette table. A sorter may enable sorting of casino currency. The currency to be sorted may include tagged or untagged casino currency, or both. Such sorter may be designed for sorting supplied roulette chips according to colour into assigned pipes by way of analyzing the colour of the roulette chips. Tagged cash chips may also be sorted into designated pipes according to colour variations or by other means. A sorter may preferably allow for the sorting of cash chips and of roulette chips simultaneously. By means of an indicator provided for each pipe, a denomination for the chips sorted into such pipe may be set which allows for an associated tool to output a value that represents a monetary value of the chips in each pipe of the sorter. A counter counting the number of chips in a pipe or a level indicator allowing for deriving the number of chips in a pipe may be multiplied with the denomination represented by the indicator and output a monetary value of the chips present in the respective pipe. By accumulating the monetary value determined across all pipes the sorter may output a total monetary value of all chips resident in the sorter.

[0017] Such sorter typically is meant for supporting the croupier in sorting the roulette chips and making them become re-available in the roulette game. The same holds for cash chips that may be sorted by the sorter. The sorter typically is being filled by the croupier with all chips representing a loss to the players during a game. For fulfilling its purpose, the sorter includes an interface for sending its value data to the remote electronic system.

[0018] The electronic system includes at least two interfaces, one for receiving the data from the sorter assigned to the roulette table, and one for receiving the data from the reader assigned to the game table. In the present context, to each sender, such as the reader and the sorter, an interface is assigned, however, this may include that two or more senders may make use of a common physical or higher level transmission layer, for example, by means of multiplexing, without limiting the scope of the invention. In such context, an interface solely describes an agreed way of interaction between the sender and the electronic system such that the sender and the electronic system can communicate.

[0019] The electronic system includes a log for storing the data received. Such log may be implemented as a log file, i.e. in form of software relying on a standard underlying storage infrastructure such as hard disks, or it may rely on dedicated memory solely for this purpose. Preferably, the log may indicate in some way the origin, i.e. the sender of the data logged. This may be achieved by adding a sender identifier to each log entry, or by providing a separate log structure for each sender, such as a separate file. In a preferred embodiment, the log is adapted to store the data received in combination with a time stamp. This facilitates a tracking of gaming events on the time scale, and in particular allows for a chronological tracking of individual chips.

[0020] The underlying log hardware preferably is embodied in form of a non-volatile storage such that the data can be tracked irrespective from a power down. The log preferably is centralized for all senders. However, in other embodiments a decentralized log structure may be preferred.

[0021] The electronic system includes an analyzer for analyzing the data received, i.e. the data from two different classes of table games. The analyzer may be embodied as software, hardware, or as a combination of both. Preferably, the analyzer includes one or more processing units. The analyzer preferably is embodied as a centralized unit, and preferably is combined with a centralized log. In another embodiment, the analyzer is decentralized and may comprise several processing units. Each such processing unit may be assigned a different task. For example, there may be a processing unit receiving data from all readers arranged at the tables while a different analyzing unit may receive the data from all sorters arranged at the tables. In such embodiment, each processing unit is assigned to a different class of senders, such as RFID readers, sorters, cash boxs, etc. such that a processing unit only needs to provide interfaces for the assigned class of sending devices. In another embodiment, processing units may be assigned according to classes of table games, such that for example, a processing unit may receive all data issued by sensing devices installed in connection with Blackjack tables, another processing unit may receive all data from roulette tables, etc. In a different embodiment, a processing unit is assigned to receive all data from an individual table. Such embodiment may include that a subunit collects all the data from one table, make the data fit into a specific protocol format, and send all the data of one table via such uniform protocol. Such subunit may act as protocol transformer and as a multiplexer. In such embodiment, complexity is reduced since there is no point to point connection needed for any single sensing device of a table. Sending devices of different classes, such as sorters and readers may make use of the same protocol.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, all tables in a casino are connected to the analyzer and may deliver data to the analyzer. In such scenario, the analyzer may act on data received from all the tables and may be in a position to evaluate all gaming events sensed within the entire table game section of the casino. In such scenario, the analyzer in combination with the log may be understood as a data warehouse. In case the analyzer is embodied as a distributed system, it is preferred that either a hierarchical computing structure may be set up in which a central processing unit gathers the results of possibly decentralized analysis tasks.

[0023] The analyzer may directly act on the data received. In an alternate embodiment, the analyzer may act on the data as stored in the log. The first alternative is preferred in case the electronic system shall provide immediate feedback, for example to supervisors, to operators at the table, or others, for example by visualizing means. In the second alternative, in an offline mode the analyzer may evaluate the log entries, execute plausibility checks or otherwise derive information on the gaming events and operations at the various tables. An online and an offline mode of the analyzer may be combined such that some critical evaluations are run permanently while others are run offline and as such in a delayed fashion with respect to the point in time the data is gathered.

[0024] An analysis generally may comprise an analysis of the data received with respect to one or more of the senders, the time of recording, or the chip identifiers without limitation. It may include more sophisticated tasks such as the tracking of identified casino currency across reader locations and/or across the time scale. In particular, the data received may represent values, and specifically monetary values assigned to single chips identified, or an accumulation of such values from multiple chips scanned by the respective sensing device. An analysis in such scenario may, for example, include comparing such value or values to thresholds for gaining insight in the gaming and/or operational activities.of players, staff, or other persons involved. An analysis may include a comparison of a course of the measured data with characteristics stored or characteristics measured at other tables. An analysis may include determining maximum and/or minimum values for a time period, or may include determining derivatives of values representing the dynamics of a change in these values. An analysis may include separate views on different denominations, or a combined view on all denominations detected by the senders.

[0025] The electronic system typically is arranged remote from the respective tables, i.e. it is not integrated into one of the tables. A connection for communicating with the tables may be realized as a wire bound connection or as a wireless connection.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roulette table game comprising a roulette table, a sorter for sorting casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the sorted casino currency, and an interface for sending data obtained from the sorter to a remote electronic system. Such roulette table game may preferably interact with the electronic system as described above.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a table game other than roulette, comprising a game table, a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in a casino currency the reader covering a designated area of the table, and an interface for sending data obtained by the reader to a remote electronic system. Such table game may preferably interact with the electronic system as described above and preferably be connected to the electronic system together with a roulette table as described above.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for recording data associated with gaming events in casino table games. Data is received from a sorter assigned to a roulette table for sorting casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the sorted casino currency. Data is received from a reader assigned to a game table other than roulette for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a designated area of the game table. The received data is logged and analyzed.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program element, comprising computer program code means for performing a method as described when being executed on a processing unit.

[0030] The present idea is beneficial in that it integrates data representing gaming events from casino tables of different table game classes and allows for an analysis of the data, and as a result an analysis of the underlying gaming events across different table games. For the reason, that casino currency such as cash chips may not be limited in use for specific table games classes, a path of the casino currency throughout the casino may be tracked and a playing behaviour may be derived. In another scenario, overall values may be determined which allows an overall view on the casino activities and my help to comply with regulatory requirements. Hence, a system structure is provided that facilitates the detection of fraud events in a casino, the identification of players gambling behaviour, the monitoring of staff activities be it in operation or in education, and the support of the financial operation of the casino. Especially, it can be monitored if there are irregular payouts occurring, if casino currency becomes stolen somewhere between the tables, cash points and the location where the cash chips are counted. The system allows for a proper registration of revenue and earnings, and of tips such that earnings and tips can properly be accounted and taxed. The system further allows for monitoring and/or recording and/or verifying casino currency and cash transactions, or, collectively all monetary transactions, or it allows for tracking and/or recording and/or verifying the lifecycle of casino currency.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the analyzer is adapted to determine a value subject to the data received from the sorter and subject to the data received from the game table reader. In particular, the analyzer is adapted to determine a value by accumulating the data received from the sorter and the data received from the game table reader. In case the data delivered by the respective sensing devices such as the sorter and the readers includes value data representing the individual or overall monetary value of the casino currency detected by the respective sensing devices, an overall value, e.g. a revenue value, may be determined across tables representing different classes of table games by means of accumulating the individual values received.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic system may receive data via respective interfaces from additional readers assigned to one or more of the roulette table, the game table, and a different casino location. Such casino location may include the exit of the casino hall, the cash box, a chip cage, etc. The analyzer may then be adapted to track a chronological appearance of an individual chip of the casino currency at locations monitored by the respective readers. As an example, the path of casino currency, for example, between a table and the cash point may be checked at least by means of readers in the table, e.g. the float of the table, and readers in the cash box. A chip tracking may be achieved, in an online or offline mode, for example, by means of searching for the specific chip identifier in the data received or in the log. By means of analyzing an associated reader location and/or an associated time stamp a "path" of the individual chip may be determined and may be verified. Verification in this context may include that a sequence of at least two locations passed by the casino chip is checked against given sequences wherein a given sequence may represent a sequence of locations that needs to be passed in the specified sequence in order to follow the rules of the game or the operation of the casino. As an example, for a roulette table, a casino chip in the float may leave the float - where it is scanned by an associated reader - only via a payout reader scanning the chips being paid out or via the croupier downsizing the stock in the float by bringing chips to the cash point. In case subsequent to a chip being detected in the float area the chip reappearing in the sorter may be taken as an indicator for the croupier having erroneously taken the chip from the float into the sorter whereas the sorter should only be a destination for chips being earned by the casino and taken from the roulette betting area.

[0033] By means of appropriately defining such one or more given sequences - either in a positive way in which a sequence denotes an allowed path, or in a negative way in which a sequence denotes a banned path - and comparing the recorded sequence of a chip with such one or more given sequences may allow to evaluate a compliance with the gaming rules and/or the casino operations. In case of a banned sequence being detected, an indicator such as a warning signal may be issued by the electronic system. Instead of tracking the entire path of individual chips, it may be sufficient that only hops between two locations may be analyzed. Such analysis may comprise a determination if the subsequent location represents an allowed location or a banned location with respect to the previous location. In such embodiment, the electronic system may in real time determine one or more chips taking a wrong or a correct path either on a game table, or even between game tables and also between tables of different classes of table games. Evaluating the path of chips in a casino across different table games and accumulating the results for many chips may indicate to the casino operator an order of games preferred by the players or other gaming preferences by the individual guests, or by the entirety of guests.

[0034] Instead of or in addition to the location, a gaming time at a specific location or at a given number of locations may be evaluated. In an example, all sensing devices of a roulette table may build a group. It is preferably investigated for how long a specific chip remains at the table by means of analyzing the appearance of a chip identifier at any one of the sensing devices assigned to the table without appearing at a sensing device assigned to a different table. In some cases, this allows to determine the time a player is playing at the table. Average playing times of players at given tables, at given classes of table games, etc. may be analyzed and may impact a reallocation of tables in the casino hall, for example. Of course, any timing and any location information of the appearance of chips may be evaluated next to each other.

[0035] In another embodiment, an interface is provided for receiving data from a cash box assigned to one or more of the roulette table and the game table for maintaing cash that was accepted by a croupier in return for casino currency. Such cash box may preferably be equipped for providing data associated with a value of the cash currently residing in the cash box. A cash box may be integrated into the table or be assigned to a table such that a player may convert cash directly at the croupier of that table without having to visit the cash point before. After having received the cash the croupier may put the cash into the cash box where the cash box may verify the authenticity of the cash received and may detect the specific notes received. It is preferred that such cash box may supply data accessible via a suitable interface which data specifically may include cash related data such as one or more of the value of cash currently residing in the cash box , i.e. its stock, the amount of various denominations of cash residing in the cash box, and the amount of cash supplied to the cash box in a specific transaction. In particular, each transaction may be recorded, and preferably time stamped, the data of such transaction being accessible via the interface. The cash box may be enabled for measuring the value of the cash received or the value of casino currency output. The cash box may additionally verify the cash received and may identify counterfeits. Preferably every table is equipped with such a cash box.

[0036] The analyzer is adapted to generate a warning signal if the data received from the cash box indicates a value below and/or above a threshold. Any single one of the alternatives may be implemented only, or all of or a combination of. The analyzer in addition or alternatively may issue a warning in case there is little turnover which is equivalent to a slow increase of the cash in the cash box. Detecting falling cash values in the cash box may indicate a manipulation of the cash box.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, an interface is provided for receiving data from a reader assigned to one or more of the roulette table and the game table for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a float area of the respective table. A float area in a table game is intended for holding a deposit of casino currency out of which players earnings can be satisfied. Specifically, at a roulette table, the float may only hold cash chips but no roulette chips. The float reader may supply a total value of cash chips residing on the float, or may provide values of individual cash chips residing on the float. The analyzer preferably is adapted to generate a warning signal when the float reader indicates a value below and/or above a threshold. This supports a smooth operation of the table as it allows to have the float of a table refilled quickly by issuing a warning that the value of the float is less than a given threshold, or that specific denominations are preferred to be refilled in case the value of such denominations on the float falls below a threshold. On the other hand, a rising of the value in the float may issue a request to have the stock in the float area reduced.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is a reader assigned to the roulette table for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency wherein the reader covers a revenue area of the roulette table. Such additional reader may be beneficial subject to the capability of the sorter. A sorter applied to a roulette table game may be capable of sorting both roulette chips and cash chips. However, such sorter would need to provide sorting queues for any kind of a chip available. In some cases, the number of roulette chip colours plus the number of cash chips denominations may exceed the number of sorting queues in the sorter. In such scenario, the maximum number of sorting queues less one may be used as regular sorting queues with each kind of chip being assigned to a specific queue while in the remaining sorting queue all remaining chips will be collected. In particular, all the roulette chip colours are assigned to sorting queues and a limited number of cash chips denominations are assigned to sorting queues while cash chips of remaining denominations end up in being assigned to the remaining sorting queue during a sorting process. While the sorter may determine a value of the chips in each sorting queue such as described above, a value assigned to the chips in the remaining queue may not be determined since no specific denomination may be assigned to such queue. Provided the chips assigned to the remaining sorting queue are cash chips with an electronic tag, a value of such cash chips may be detected by means of a reader assigned. Such reader may be arranged such that it only covers the remaining sorting queue in the sorter itself, or it may be assigned to the roulette table and cover a designated area, for example, called revenue area, at which the cash chips of the remaining sorter queue will finally be placed, either automatically by means of a transport mechanism between the sorter and the roulette table, or manually. In such way, the analyzer may be enabled to determine the value of all chips resident in the sorter, and as such provide a revenue of a single roulette game even though the sorter is not equipped to provide sufficient sorting queues for all the different kinds of roulette and cash chips. Such value determination may be accomplished by way of accumulating the value assigned to the sorter queues except for the remaining queue and the value supplied by the reader reading the revenue area.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the electronic system provides for an interface for receiving data from a reader assigned to the roulette table for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency wherein the reader covers a payout area of the roulette table. In addition, an interface is provided for receiving data from a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency wherein the reader covers a change area of the roulette table. Another interface is provided for receiving data from a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in the chip currency wherein the reader covers a tronc area of the roulette table. The payout reader may cover an area of the roulette table which needs to be passed by all casino currency paid out to the players in exchange for roulette chips. The change reader may cover an area of the roulette table which needs to be passed by all cash chips received from the players in return for roulette chips given to the players. The tronc reader may cover an area of the roulette table assigned to tips received from players. Such tronc area may include a tronc box or similar element residing on the roulette table the corresponding area of which may be covered by the tronc reader. A tronc reader may be assigned to game tables other than roulette, too, and may be provided independent from any other readers, sorters, cash boxes, etc. Preferably, the data delivered by the tronc reader is recorded in the log together with a time stamp.

[0040] It the above embodiment, the analyzer is adapted to determining a value subject to the data received from the sorter, the payout reader, the change reader, the tronc reader, and the cash box. The data from all these readers, the cash box and the sorter, and possibly an additional revenue reader if needed enables the electronic system to determine an output value representing the total wins of the players.

[0041] In such respect, the associated roulette table game comprises one or more of a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the readers covering a float area of the roulette table, a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a payout area of the roulette table, a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a change area of the roulette table, a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a tronc area of the roulette table, a reader for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a turnover area of the roulette table, a cash box, and corresponding interfaces for sending data obtained by the respective readers and the cash box to the remote electronic system.

[0042] For each reader but also for the sorter and a possible cash box, a camera system, or other means for detecting operations at casino table games, it may be preferred that a sending of measured data may need to be triggered. Such triggering evokes a recording of the data to be sent and as a result a logging of the data in the log. While the readers may continuously monitor the area assigned for tags responding, a corresponding data stream may not continuously be sent to the electronic system. Instead, only the data detected at given points in time subject to the trigger may be sent and recorded. In case there is no continuous reading of data, a reading or measuring of the data may be initiated by such trigger, too.

[0043] The trigger means may be embodied as one of a manually activatable trigger such as a button, a touch key, or any other input device which preferably is under control of the croupier and is assigned to the respective table. In an alternate embodiment, the trigger is an automatic trigger, e.g. evoked by a change in the data of the corresponding reader, or triggered at specific times or at a specific repetitive time interval. Such triggers may be implemented by electronic means at the respective table. Finally, such trigger may alternatively originate from the electronic system which requests a sending of data by all or selective sensing means.

[0044] For example, a manual trigger may be embodied to activate only a single designated reader, such that for each reader available a button may be assigned. In another embodiment, a manual trigger may activate the sending of data from multiple readers or all readers available at the table, and possibly even include non-reader sensing devices such as sorters and/or cash boxs.

[0045] Other advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims as well as in the description below.

[0046] The described embodiments similarly pertain to the system, the roulette table game, the table game other than roulette, the method, and the corresponding computer program element. Synergetic effects may arise from different combinations of the embodiments although they might not be described in detail.

[0047] Further on it shall be noted that all embodiments of the present invention concerning a method might be carried out in the order of the steps as described or in any other order. The disclosure and scope of the invention shall include any order of steps irrespective of the order listed in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048] The aspects defined above and further aspects, features and advantages of the present invention can also be derived from the examples of embodiments to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to examples of embodiments as shown in the annexed drawings, wherein the Figures illustrate:

FIG. 1 a block diagram of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 a sample log according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 3 a state diagram for state transitions allowed for a sample reader in an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 4 a schematic top view of a roulette table game according an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 5 a schematic top view of a card table game according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 6 a state diagram for the flow of casino currency in a roulette table game, and

FIG. 7 another block diagram of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic system 1 comprises a log 11, an analyzer 12, an interface 13 for receiving data from RFID readers 21 to 24 arranged at and assigned to a Blackjack table game, and for receiving data from RFID readers 31 to 35 arranged at and assigned to a roulette table game, interfaces 14 for receiving data from cash boxes 26 and 36 which cash box 26 is arranged at and assigned to the Blackjack table game and which cash box 36 is arranged at and assigned to the roulette table game, an interface 15 for receiving data from a camera system 27 arranged at and assigned to the blackjack table game, and an interface 16 for receiving data from a sorter 37 arranged at and assigned to the roulette table game. The interfaces 13 to 16, the log 11 and the analyzer 12 are linked via an internal bus 19. The various readers 21 to 35 and 21 to 24, the cash boxes 26 and 27, the camera 27 and the sorter 37 may collectively be denoted as senders or sensing devices. Each sensing device transmits data related to detected casino currency to the electronic system 1, and in particular data related to the value of the detected casino currency. The readers 21 to 35 and 21 to 24 cooperate with casino currency in form of cash chips which cash chips are equipped with RFID transponders. In the present example, there may be another casino currency provided in form of roulette chips designated for playing roulette only. The sorter 37 may sort roulette chips and cash chips in combination, and may comprise means for assigning a value to the chips currently present in the sorter 37.

[0050] A Blackjack table game as may be used in connection with the electronic system according to Figure 1 is shown in a schematic top view in Figure 5. The Blackjack table game 2 comprises a game table 20 with a gambling area on its surface which gambling area is divided into boxes. Each box is assigned to a player for placing his/her bets in form of cash chips on and for having placed cards drawn by the croupier. Each box is equipped with an RFID reader, only three of which readers 21 to 23 are shown for illustration purposes. Such readers 21 to 23 are mounted underneath the game table and are arranged such that a reach of the reader is limited to its designated area, i.e. its designated box. Each RFID reader 21 to 23 cooperates with electronic tags arranged in the cash chips. An additional reader 24 is provided underneath a float area of the game table 20. The float area holds a stock of casino currency the croupier makes use of for paying out earnings to the winning players.

[0051] A reading of the data of cash chips resident in the various boxes is triggered manually by the croupier by pressing a trigger 28 in form of a button, preferably at a point in time when "no more bets" are allowed. Pressing the trigger 28 may trigger all readers 21 to 23 to read data from cash chips resident on the assigned boxes and to transmit such data individually or in a combined message to the electronic system 1, and specifically to the log 11 and the analyzer 12. In an alternate embodiment, individual triggers 28 in form of buttons, touch keys etc. may be envisaged per reader. The float reader 24 may be triggered separately from the box readers 21 to 23, or may be triggered simultaneously by means of the same trigger 28, preferably again upon a "no more bets" situation in the game. Preferably, the data supplied by such readers 21 to 23, and generally the data supplied by all readers used in the various table games includes either a combined value of all casino currency detected in the designated area, or an individual value for each chip of casino currency detected in the designated area. This allows, for example, that after placing bets on the game table 20 the trigger 28 is initiated in order to have data transmitted to the electronic system such data representing the total value of casino currency residing on the game table 20 at such point in time. Such value may represent the revenue for the present game. By means of accumulating the revenues for all games in a given time period - such as per day - the accumulate revenue bet on the respective table may be determined.

[0052] In addition, a camera system 27 may be provided which monitors the gaming events on the game table 20. Such camera system 27 may include a high definition camera and may identify cards placed on the table, and by means of image recognition may allow to derive, if the table game is properly played by all participants. This may include to verify that the decks are complete when being placed on the game table 20. Such camera system 27 may also detect casino currency by means of image recognition and may even distinguish between different denominations in the casino currency such that data supplied by the camera system 27 may include the value of cash chips presently on the game table 20, or even separated per box.

[0053] In case of such camera system 27 being installed for visually monitoring the activities on the game table 20 a revenue value determined by the readers 21 to 23 may be verified by the data supplied by the camera system 27. Even if one of the sensing devices, i.e. the camera system 27 and the combination of readers 21 to 23, should fail such failure would be detected in that the values supplied by the two sensing devices would differ or in that one of the sensing devices no longer would provide any value. Still, a logging and analysis of the data may continue to work. Such fail safe mechanism is important in view of regulatory requirements requesting for a permanent monitoring of the revenue per table or other parameters.

[0054] The roulette table game 3 according to Figure 4 comprises a roulette table 30 with a spinning roulette wheel 39 and a roulette table layout 38 for placing bets which is schematically illustrated only. At the beginning of a game, players may want to convert cash chips into roulette chips at the croupier. All associated cash chips may be placed into a designated area of the roulette table 30 called change area referred to by reader 32 in Figure 4. Players may want to convert cash into roulette chips which cash ends up in the cash box 36. The change reader 32 may supply data on the value of cash chips exchanged for roulette chips, and the cash box 36 may supply data on the value of cash converted. Both, the cash box 36 and the change reader 32 may send the corresponding data upon a trigger 301, e.g. when the croupier manually presses a button. In the following, the players may want to place their bets on the roulette layout 38 until the croupier terminates the betting process by announcing "no more bets". The ball is thrown into the roulette wheel 39 and drops into one of its numbered fields. In the following, the croupier analyzes the bets, identifies the bets that have won, and distributes earnings in form of cash chips or roulette chips. The remaining bets on the roulette layout 28 in form of roulette or cash chips are supplied to the sorter 37 where such chips will be sorted and a corresponding total value be determined. In case the sorter 37 does not provide for a sorting queue for each colour of roulette chips plus each denomination of cash chips, the cash chips not assignable to any of the sorter queues will automatically be collected in a separate queue and will be read by a designated reader 34 denoted as revenue reader 34. The revenue reader 34 may be arranged such that either such cash chips need to be placed in the designated area of the revenue reader 34 or that the revenue reader 34 is arranged such that it covers this particular sorter queue. As a result, by accumulating the value supplied by the sorter 37 and the value supplied by the revenue reader 34, the overall revenue of the current roulette game can be determined. The revenue reader 34 may be triggered by an individual triggering means, or may be triggered in combination with other readers such as a payout reader 31 and a tronc reader 33. The tronc reader 33 reads data from cash chips placed on a tronc area on the roulette table 30 which tronc area may be embodied as a tronc box. The payout reader 31 captures the value of all cash chips being paid out in return of roulette chips.

[0055] The revenue value for multiple games may be determined by accumulating the revenue value of the individual games as logged, for example. By means of accumulating the sorted casino currency and eventually adding the casino currency not being sortable or otherwise identifiable in the sorter 37 via the revenue reader 34 the overall revenue may be determined over a period of time/games for the particular roulette table.

[0056] In Figure 6 a state diagram is depicted for illustrating the flow of casino currency at a roulette table game: State Z1 represents the initial drop activity and/or change activity in which a player acquires roulette currency in exchange for cash or cash chips which the player may bet in state Z2. State Z2 therefore represents the credit played. The credit played Z2 either turns into revenue Z3 collected for the casino or into payouts in state Z4 to the players. Note that the payouts in state Z4 are not the ones detected by the payout reader 31 of Figure 4. Out of the payouts Z4 the players may either place a portion in the tronc Z5, or may cash out in Z6 detected by the payout reader 31 of Figure 4, i.e. giving back roulette chips to the casino and receiving cash chips in return which cash chips are scanned by the payout reader 31, or may place as a new bet Z2 again. From the state diagram it can be derived that by suitably measuring the revenue value Z3 of casino currency, the tronc value Z5 of casino currency, the payout value Z6 of casino currency as well as the values from a drop in cash in the cash box, and from a conversion of cash chips into roulette chips at the change reader - which collectively is combined in state Z1, any measure with respect to gaming events may be determined.

[0057] By means of the above sensor devices, the payouts Z4 - also denoted as total wins per table - may be determined over a period in time/multiple games although such measure can not be sensed itself for the reason that such payout may involve cash chips and roulette chips which latter ones may not be electronically traceable. The payouts Z4 may be determined by means of adding the cash out value Z6 identified by the cash out reader 31 to the revenue value identified by the sorter 37 plus possibly the value contributed by the revenue reader 34 plus the value supplied by the tronc reader 33 minus the value identified by the change reader 32 minus the value identified by the cash box 36. Separately, or in addition, a payout ratio may be determined by the total wins divided by the revenue. Further, a house benefit may be determined as one minus the payout ratio.

[0058] For a card table equipped with a camera system 27, the payouts/total wins may be determined by means of image recognition of the cash chips paid out by the croupier to the various boxes. By means of suitable algorithms, the payout value can be verified versus the cards played, such that the payout can be confirmed with the aid of the camera system 27.

[0059] The table in Figure 2 represents an example of log entries in the log 11. In such example, the identifier "ID" of a cash chip detected by the readers 21 and 32 is logged as well as the denomination in the column "Value". The time is recorded - t1 and t3 - at which the respective cash chips were detected by the respective readers. At point in time t2, the sorter 37 assigned to the roulette table 30 has supplied data in form of a cumulative value of "855" representing the value of all the chips being run through the sorter 37. Of course, a real log table would comprise lots more entries. However, it becomes apparent, that by means of such log data stemming from different senders can be compared, accumulated, or otherwise be combined in order to enable a view not only on events at a single table but to events interconnected across multiple tables, and in particular across tables of different table games.

[0060] In order to monitor the operations and in order to prevent fraud, state machines may be implemented in the software of the analyzer 12. A sample state machine is illustrated in the state diagram of Figure 3. Given that the initial state 31 represents a casino chip detected by the roulette table reader 31, the gaming convention or any other operational convention may only allow such casino chip to subsequently appear at reader 32 of the same roulette table, or at sorter 37 assigned to the same roulette table. However, it would also be allowed that such casino chip subsequently may reappear at a card table in one of the boxes represented by readers 21 to 23. Any other appearance elsewhere would be interpreted as an error ERR infringing the subject conventions. A warning signal may be issued in response to the state machine switching to the ERR state, when the location of casino chips is tracked in real time such that a supervisor may follow up with such event. In case such analysis is taken offline, the analyzer 12 may screen the log 11 for any state transitions that are not allowed according to defined state diagrams. Such transitions may be flagged.

[0061] Figure 7 schematically illustrates another block diagram of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Symbol 17 represents a storage in which a log is implemented. A processing unit 18 interacts with the log and analyzes the log. The combined system may be interpreted as data warehouse in which data is integrated, consolidated and evaluated. Various senders transmit data to the log such as RFID readers assigned to a roulette table 3 but not further illustrated, RFID readers assigned to a Punto Banco table 2 but not further illustrated, a sorter 37 assigned to the roulette table 3, a camera system 27 assigned to the Punto Banco table, and cash boxes 26 and 36 assigned to the tables 2 and 3.

[0062] The automated means of the present system may allow for determining per table, and/or per class of table games, and/or for the entire table games in the casino, for a single game, multiple games, and/or a given period in time such as per day one or more of the following:

● the total value of cash received and booked;

● the total value of bets;

● the total value of wins assigned to the players;

● the number of games played;

● the total value of cash outs;

● date and time of time-outs or power downs;

● date and time of interrupts identified by internal diagnostic systems.

[0063] The system may additionally be equipped with devices for determining and recording the number of games.

[0064] Solely by data supplied by the one or more cash boxs and the data supplied by the one or more float readers estimates can be calculated.

[0065] The starting and closing of gaming activities at a table may solely be detected by means of the flow of casino currency at such table detected by one or more of the readers.

[0066] By means of one or more readers at the entrance/exit of the casino hall, casino currency leaving the casino can be identified. Such casino currency may be recorded in the log. When such casino currency re-enters the casino again, e.g. by passing the reader(s) at the entrance/exit, the system may issue a warning.

[0067] By means of analyzing a denomination of casino currency betted at the respective tables high action plays may be identified simply by comparing the bet with a threshold. The bet may comprise a cash chip of such value, or in case of roulette chips a high denomination set at the sorter. A message or warning may be issued in such case.

[0068] The data in the data warehouse may be analyzed with respect to the revenue, the number of players per table, the number of coulours involved at a roulette table, etc. This may allow conclusion on the services and efficiency of the staff, etc. The data in the data warehouse may allow for deviations from a "normal" player's behaviour and as such may provide indications of fraud.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, a card reader may be assigned to a table for reading data on a players card representing a bonus card which data identifies the owner of the card, etc. The value of bets made by such player may be assigned to a players account for granting a discount or other benefits subject to the revenue this player makes. For example, at a roulette table, by means of acquiring a coulour of roulette chips and the croupier setting the denomination for the acquired roulette chips at the sorter, and the players card being inserted into the card reader, a credit may be assigned to the players account. In card table games, the camera system or the readers assigned to each box may assign the value of bets in form of casino currency detected in the respective box to the player identified by the players card. In such scenario, a card reader may be arranged at each box. While the account of an individual player may be also determining the quote of payouts received in the case of winning. Generally, personal playing preferences, betting volume, wins and losses may be detected per guest. Such information may be used for enhancing bonus programs, services, etc.

Claims

1. Electronic system for recording data associated with gaming events in casino table games, comprising
an interface (16) for receiving data from a sorter (37) assigned to a roulette table (30) for sorting casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the sorted casino currency,
an interface (13) for receiving data from a reader (21) assigned to a game table (20) other than roulette for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (21) covering a designated area of the game table (20),
a log (11) for storing the data received, and
an analyzer (12) for analyzing the data received.

2. Electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer (12) is adapted to determine a value subject to the data received from the sorter (37) and subject to the data received from the game table reader (21), and in particular wherein the analyzer (12) is adapted to determine a value by accumulating the data received from the sorter (37) and the data received from the game table reader (21).

3. Electronic system according to claim 1 or claim 2,
wherein the log (11) is adapted to store the data received in combination with a time stamp.

4. Electronic system according to any one of the preceding claims,
comprising an interface (13) for receiving data from additional readers (21-24, 31-35) assigned to one or more of the roulette table (30), the game table (20), and a different casino location,
wherein the analyzer (12) is adapted to verify a chronological appearance of an individual chip of the casino currency at locations monitored by the respective readers.

5. Electronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising
an interface (14) for receiving data from a cash box (26, 36) assigned to one or more of the roulette table (30) and the game table (20) for converting cash into the casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the cash,
wherein the analyzer (12) is adapted to generate a warning signal if the data received from the cash box (26, 36) indicates a value below and/or above a threshold.

6. Electronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising
an interface (13) for receiving data from a reader (24, 35) assigned to one or more of the roulette table (30) and the game table (20) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a float area of the respective table,
wherein the analyzer (12) is adapted to generate a warning signal when the float reader (24, 35) indicates a value below and/or above a threshold.

7. Electronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising
a reader (34) assigned to the roulette table (30) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (34) covering a turnover area of the roulette table,
wherein the analyzer (12) is adapted to determine a value subject to the data received from the sorter (37) and subject to the data received from the turnover reader (34).

8. Electronic system according to claim 5, comprising
an interface (13) for receiving data from a reader (31) assigned to the roulette table (30) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a payout area of the roulette table (30),
an interface (13) for receiving data from a reader (32) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader covering a change area of the roulette table (30),
an interface (13) for receiving data from a reader (33) for reading electronic tags embodied in the chip currency the reader covering a tronc area of the roulette table (30),
wherein the analyzer (12) is adapted to determining a value subject to the data received from the sorter (37), the payout reader (31), the change reader (32), the tronc reader (33), and the cash box (36).

9. Roulette table game, comprising
a roulette table (30),
a sorter (37) for sorting casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the sorted casino currency, and
an interface for sending data obtained from the sorter to a remote electronic system (1).

10. Roulette table game according to claim 9, comprising one or more of:

a reader (35) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (35) covering a float area of the roulette table (30),

a reader (31) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (31) covering a payout area of the roulette table (30),

a reader (32) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (32) covering a change area of the roulette table (30),

a reader (33) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (33) covering a tronc area of the roulette table (30),

a reader (34) for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (34) covering a turnover area of the roulette table (30),

a cash box (36) for providing data associated with a value of the cash, and

corresponding interfaces for sending data obtained by the respective readers (31-35) and the cash box (36) to the remote electronic system (1).

11. Roulette table game according to claim 9 or claim 10, comprising
a trigger for triggering a sending of the sorter data.

12. Roulette table game according to claim 10, comprising
a trigger (301) for triggering a sending of the data of a single one or of multiple ones of the readers (31-35).

13. Table game other than roulette, comprising
a game table (20),
a reader (21) for reading electronic tags embodied in a casino currency the reader (21) covering a designated area of the game table (20), and
an interface for sending data obtained by the reader to a remote electronic system (1).

14. Table game according to claim 13, comprising
a trigger (28) for triggering a sending of the reader data.

15. Table game according to claim 13 or claim 14, comprising
a camera system (27) for monitoring the game table (20), and
an interface for sending data obtained by the camera system (27) to the remote electronic system (1).

16. Method for recording data associated with gaming events in casino table games, comprising
receiving data from a sorter (37) assigned to a roulette table (30) for sorting casino currency and for providing data associated with a value of the sorted casino currency,
receiving data from a reader (21) assigned to a game table (20) other than roulette for reading electronic tags embodied in the casino currency the reader (21) covering a designated area of the game table (20),
logging the data received, and
analyzing the data received.

17. Computer program element, comprising
computer program code means for performing a method according to claim 16 when being executed on a processing unit.

Drawing