Method for multi-line betting on a video poker game

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to a method of gaming, comprising the steps of providing a table of card combinations, providing a means for wagering comprising selecting one or more card combinations from the table, providing a means for a discarding and drawing cards, allocating a set of cards to at least one player, accepting one or more wagers according to the player's selection from the table of card combinations, providing the player with the option of discarding and drawing cards, and determining whether the cards obtained by the player match the selected card combinations. The present invention is additionally directed to an apparatus and computer program for carrying out the foregoing method.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is related to a Provisional U.S. patent application filed on May 25, 2004, Ser. No. 60 / 574,174.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to video poker gaming and methods therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for multi-line betting. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Video poker has been in use for years. Typically, video poker comprises coin-operated video poker machines. These video poker machines have variations on play that may include various pay schedules and variations in details of play such as, for example, the use of wild cards. [0004] One problem with conventional video poker is that players are looking for new playing experiences. In the gaming industry, there is always a need for new variations on popular games inasmuch as players tend to become bored even with popular games after extensive play. Thus, variations on popular games tend to maintain player...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention can enable players to obtain higher payouts due to the present invention's ability to increase the potential to win more than one bet on any given hand. Additionally, some of the card combinations unique to the present invention are substantially less likely to occur than conventional poker hands often associated with video poker. Namely, many exotic card combinations comprising six or more cards will be less likely to occur given the probabilities associated with poker hands formed from six or more cards. Thus, in one embodiment, the method of the present invention enables a player to potentially win higher jackpots than are normally associated with conventional poker hands found on conventional video poker games.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with conventional video poker is that players are looking for new playing experiences.

Another problem with conventional video poker is that it is not suited to multi-line play.

Multi-line play is very popular in other forms of machine gaming (e.g., slot machines), but the rules and play methods of current video poker machines do not lend themselves to multi-line play.

Another problem with conventional video poker is the difficulty in offering large jackpots, which are popular with players.

While conventional gaming methods and devices may be suitable for the particular purposes that they address, they are not suitable for a variation of video poker machines capable of multi-line play, and larger jackpots.

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