Game management system

Abstract

A game management system comprising: a management device connected to a plurality of gaming devices placed within a casino facility; a plurality of image capturing devices placed in the casino facility; and a player management device configured to: receive a facial image of a player from the image capturing devices; and access a facial image database to select a player ID that can be matched with the received facial image; and transmit the selected player ID and location information of the player to the management device, wherein the management device is configured to: access a play contents database to identify play content information associated with the selected player ID; identify the location information of the player, wherein a device corresponding to the player has a display; display information based on play contents associated with the identified play content information on the display; and record play contents in the identified gaming device in the identified play content information.

Description

Game Management System Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0001] In this application, the benefit of Patent Application No. 2018-27023 filed in Japan on February 19, 2018 is claimed, and the content of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a game management system for managing casino games played on gaming tables in a casino facility (gambling house).

[0003] A plurality of gaming tables are installed in the casino facility, and as a casino operator, it is desired to increase the sales of the entire casino facility, that is, the total bet amount of all players. The plurality of gaming tables are closed or opened according to the number of players. On a closed gaming table, no game is played and players cannot play the game. On an open gaming table, a dealer is arranged, a game is played, and players can play the game.

[0004] A minimum bet amount is set for each gaming table. The minimum bet amount is the lowest bet amount for that gaming table, and a player must bet an amount equal to or greater than the minimum bet amount set for the gaming table in a single game. This minimum bet amount is set for each gaming table.

[0005] In each gaming table, the number of players playing the game is not fixed, and the game may be played by a small number of players or a large number of players. Conventionally, when the number of tables where games are played by a large number of players increases, casino operators have grasped this and executed operations such as opening closed gaming tables.

[0006] In a certain gaming table, if there are players (high-amount players) playing at a bet amount sufficiently higher than the minimum bet amount and players (low-amount players) playing at the minimum bet amount or slightly higher than the minimum bet amount mixed together, the sales of the entire casino facility may be kept low.

[0007] Figure 19 illustrates such a situation. As shown in the upper part of Figure 19, suppose a minimum bet is set at a certain gaming table at $1,000, and there is one high-stakes player betting around $10,000. In this case, the average time taken per game is 60 seconds, and the average revenue per hour is $600,000.

[0008] If three low-stakes players betting around $1,000 each join this gaming table, the total bets at the table will rise to around $13,000. However, the average time per game will also increase with the number of players. Assuming that the playing time increases by 10 seconds for each additional player, when there are four players, the average time per game will be 90 seconds. As a result, the revenue per hour will decrease from around $600,000 to around $520,000. Thus, when high-stakes and low-stakes players are mixed at the same gaming table, the casino operator's revenue decreases even if the number of players increases.

[0009] Figures 20A and 20B illustrate another example. Now, as shown in Figure 20A, one of the two gaming tables has a minimum bet of $10,000, and the other has a minimum bet of $1,000. The average time taken per game at the high-stakes player's table is 70 seconds, and the hourly revenue is approximately $1.03 million. On the other hand, the average time taken per game at the low-stakes player's table is 90 seconds, and the hourly revenue is approximately $160,000. Therefore, the total hourly revenue from the two gaming tables is approximately $1.19 million.

[0010] In the example in Figure 20B, the two high-stakes players from Figure 20A are spread across separate gaming tables. Specifically, there are two gaming tables with a minimum bet of $1,000, and at each table, there is one high-stakes player betting around $10,000 and two low-stakes players betting around $1,000. In this case, the average time taken per game at each gaming table is 80 seconds, the hourly revenue is around $540,000, and the total hourly revenue for both gaming tables is around $1,080,000.

[0011] Thus, when high-stakes players are dispersed across multiple gaming tables, resulting in a mix of high-stakes and low-stakes players at each table, the casino operator's revenue decreases (from $1.19 million to $1.08 million in the cases of Figures 20A and 20B).

[0012] As illustrated by the example above, if the minimum bet amount is not set appropriately, high-stakes and low-stakes players will be mixed together at the gaming table, which not only reduces the casino operator's revenue but also creates a problem for high-stakes players, as the time required for each game will be longer, making it difficult for them to play comfortably.

[0013] The present invention aims to improve the revenue of casino operators and enable casino operations that allow high-stakes players to play comfortably, by determining an appropriate minimum bet amount for casino games played at gaming tables in a casino facility, in a game management system for managing casino games played at gaming tables in a casino facility.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is a game management system for managing casino games played at gaming tables in a casino facility, comprising: an information processing device that identifies the bet amount for each player position at the gaming table based on the position, type, and number of substitute game currency bets; a player count determination device that determines the number of players participating in the game at the gaming table; and a management control device that determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each gaming table based on the bet amount information identified by the information processing device and the number of players determined by the player count determination device.

[0015] This configuration allows for the determination of a recommended minimum bet amount based on the bet amount at each player position on the gaming table and the number of players, thereby increasing the casino operator's revenue and enabling the operation of casino facilities where high-stakes players can play comfortably. The information processing device may determine the location, type, and number of game currency based on images obtained by photographing the bet game currency, or it may determine the location, type, and number of game currency by other means.

[0016] In the game management system described above, the management control device may be configured to grasp the changes in bet amounts for each player position in multiple games.

[0017] The above-described game management system may further include a game result determination device capable of determining the outcome of a game, and the management control device may be configured to grasp the win / loss and profit / loss for each player position based on the bet amount information identified by the information processing device and the game result information determined by the game result determination device.

[0018] In the game management system described above, the management control device may determine a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table based on information regarding the trend of bet amounts for each player position or the trend of profits and losses for each player position.

[0019] This configuration allows for the determination of a recommended minimum bet amount based on trends in bet amounts and profits / losses. For example, if the bet amounts of many players at a table are decreasing, a relatively small amount may be set as the recommended minimum bet amount. As another example, if the profits / losses of many players at a table are increasing, a relatively large amount may be set as the recommended minimum bet amount.

[0020] In the game management system described above, the management control device may be capable of determining the level of congestion in each area of ​​the casino facility based on the information on the number of players determined by the player count determination device, and may have a function to determine a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table in each area according to the level of congestion.

[0021] This configuration allows for the determination of recommended minimum bet amounts to guide players to specific areas based on the level of congestion within the casino facility.

[0022] In the game management system described above, the management control device may have a function to determine recommended minimum bet amounts in multiple stages based on the information of the number of players determined by the player count determination device and the information of the lowest bet amount or the average bet amount for each player position.

[0023] This configuration allows for the determination of a recommended minimum bet amount when the minimum bet amount or average bet amount is high.

[0024] In the game management system described above, the management control device may have a function to increase the recommended minimum bet amount when the number of players betting an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the minimum bet amount of the game table is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio.

[0025] This configuration allows for the exclusion of low-stakes players by increasing the recommended minimum bet amount when the proportion of high-stakes players exceeds a predetermined value.

[0026] In the game management system described above, the management control device may be capable of knowing the number of open gaming tables within the casino facility and may have a function to determine the recommended number of gaming tables to be opened in each area according to the degree of congestion.

[0027] This configuration allows for opening gaming tables in appropriate areas according to the level of crowding, thereby increasing overall revenue for the casino facility.

[0028] In the game management system described above, the management control device may be capable of recording the changes in congestion levels for each area, and may have a function to determine the recommended number of gaming tables to be opened for each area based on the recorded information on the changes in congestion levels.

[0029] This configuration allows for predicting congestion levels based on changes in congestion and opening gaming tables accordingly.

[0030] The game management system described above may further include a player identification means for identifying players participating in a game at the game table, and the management control device may have a function to store in a database the player information identified by the player identification means and the bet amount for each player position identified by the information processing device in association with each other, and may have a function to determine the recommended number of game tables to open in each area based on information on each player's past betting trends.

[0031] This configuration allows for determining the recommended number of gaming tables to open in each area based on each player's betting tendencies.

[0032] In the game management system described above, the management control device may determine the minimum bet amount for a newly opened game table based on the minimum bet amounts of the game tables surrounding that game table.

[0033] This configuration allows the minimum bet amount for a newly opened gaming table to be set to be the same as, or different from, the minimum bet amount for the surrounding gaming tables.

[0034] In the game management system described above, the management control device may determine the minimum bet amount for a newly opened game table based on the bet amounts identified by the information processing device for the game tables surrounding that game table.

[0035] This configuration allows the minimum bet amount for a newly opened gaming table to be determined based on the actual bet amounts at surrounding gaming tables.

[0036] In the game management system described above, the management control device may manage the number of dealers and decide whether or not to open a new game table based on the number of dealers it manages.

[0037] This configuration allows for the opening of new gaming tables based on the number of dealers.

[0038] In the game management system described above, the management control device may change the minimum bet amount of the surrounding game tables when a new game table is opened.

[0039] This configuration encourages players to move from already open gaming tables to newly opened ones.

[0040] In the game management system described above, the management control device may determine a recommended value for the minimum bet amount of each game table in order to increase the profit margin relative to sales.

[0041] This configuration allows for a higher profit margin relative to sales by setting the minimum bet amount according to recommended values. The management control device may determine the recommended minimum bet amount for each game table in order to maximize the profit margin relative to sales.

[0042] In the game management system described above, the management control device may determine a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table in such a way that it increases the average number of games per unit time or the average total bet amount per game.

[0043] This configuration allows for a higher average number of games per unit time or total bet per game by determining the minimum bet amount according to recommended values. The management control device may determine the recommended minimum bet amount for each game table in order to maximize the average number of games per unit time or total bet per game.

[0044] In the above game management system, the management control device may grasp the total bet amount of each player for each game and / or for each predetermined time or period for each gaming table, and determine a recommended value for the minimum bet amount for each gaming table.

[0045] With this configuration, it is possible to determine a recommended value for an appropriate minimum bet amount for each gaming table.

[0046] In the above game management system, the management control device manages a plurality of the gaming tables, grasps the total bet amount of each player for each game and / or for each predetermined time or period in units of the plurality of gaming tables, and may determine different recommended values for the minimum bet amount for each of the plurality of gaming tables.

[0047] With this configuration, it is possible to comprehensively consider a plurality of gaming tables and determine a recommended value for an appropriate minimum bet amount.

[0048] In the above game management system, the management control device manages a plurality of the gaming tables, grasps the total bet amount of each player for each game and / or for each predetermined time or period in units of the plurality of gaming tables, and may determine a recommended value for the minimum bet amount for the newly opened gaming table.

[0049] With this configuration, it is possible to comprehensively consider a plurality of gaming tables and determine a recommended value for the minimum bet amount of the newly opened gaming table.

[0050] In the above game management system, the management control device manages a plurality of the gaming tables, grasps information on at least one item of the number of players, the bet amount, or the concentration or dispersion of the number of players in units of the plurality of gaming tables, and may determine a recommended value for the minimum bet amount for each of the gaming tables based on the information.

[0051] With this configuration, it is possible to determine a recommended value for an appropriate minimum bet amount for each gaming table based on the number of players, the bet amount, the concentration of the number of players, the dispersion, etc. in a plurality of gaming tables.

[0052] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overall overview of a fraud detection system in a gaming arcade having multiple gaming tables according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A is a perspective view of chips showing examples of different stacking states of chips grasped in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B is a perspective view of chips showing examples of different stacking states of chips grasped in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a card dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a plan view of the main part of the card dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the card guide section partially cut away. Figure 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the main part showing a distribution restriction device that restricts the entry and exit of cards from the card storage section of the card dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the main part showing a modified example of the distribution restriction device that restricts the entry and exit of cards from the card storage section of the card dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output waveforms of sensors and marks in the card dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a casino facility that has introduced the game management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an example of a table showing sales (total bet amount) for each gaming table in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is an example of a table showing sales for each game at each gaming table in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is an example of a table showing total bet amount, profit (gross profit), and profit margin for each gaming table in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an example of a line graph showing the trend of profit at each gaming table in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an example of a graph showing the trend of profit for the entire casino facility in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is an example of a bar graph showing the profit margin for each gaming table in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the game management system in the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16A is a diagram showing an example of determining a recommended minimum bet amount according to the actual bet amount. Figure 16B is a diagram showing an example of determining a recommended minimum bet amount according to the actual bet amount. Figure 17A is a diagram showing an example of determining a recommended minimum bet amount according to the table congestion level.Figure 17B is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a recommended minimum bet amount based on table congestion. Figure 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of opening a new gaming table in a certain area. Figure 18B is a diagram illustrating an example of opening a new gaming table in a certain area. Figure 18C is a diagram illustrating an example of opening a new gaming table in a certain area. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the overall revenue of the casino facility is kept low. Figure 20A is a diagram illustrating another example of a situation in which the overall revenue of the casino facility is kept low. Figure 20B is a diagram illustrating another example of a situation in which the overall revenue of the casino facility is kept low.

[0053] (First Embodiment) The true "revenue" of a casino operator in a casino facility (amusement arcade) is the total amount of chips bet (placed) by players. Furthermore, the amount remaining after deducting the payouts from this revenue is the casino operator's profit (gross profit). However, in current casinos, this revenue and profit are not managed. In addition, the trends in revenue and profit for each table and each pit are not grasped in detail.

[0054] Therefore, the purpose of this embodiment is to grasp the total sales or profits of the casino, or the profits or profits for each table or each pit.

[0055] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of this embodiment is a game management system for managing casino games played at multiple tables in a casino facility, comprising: a camera that photographs and obtains images of bet substitute currency; an information processing device that identifies the bet target based on the position of the substitute currency in the image and identifies the bet amount based on the type and number of substitute currency in the image; a game result determination device that determines the game result of the casino game; a calculation device that calculates the casino operator's profit for each table and each game based on the bet target, the bet amount, and the game result; and a recording device that records the profit.

[0056] The game result determination device may be an electronic shoe including a storage unit for storing playing cards, a removal mechanism for removing playing cards one by one from the storage unit, a detection unit for detecting the contents of the playing cards removed by the removal mechanism, and a determination unit that determines the game result of the baccarat game in accordance with the rules of the baccarat game based on the contents of the playing cards detected by the detection unit.

[0057] Another embodiment of this model is a game management system for managing casino games played in a casino facility, comprising: a bet detection means for detecting bet details including the bet target and bet amount of the casino game; a game result determination means for determining the game result of the casino game; and a calculation means for calculating the casino operator's profit based on the bet details and the game result.

[0058] The bet detection means may include a shooting means for photographing the casino game and obtaining an image, and an information processing means for identifying the bet details based on the image.

[0059] The information processing means may identify the bet details based on the position, type, and number of substitute coins used for the game in the image.

[0060] The information processing means may identify the bet content based on the image by image recognition using a machine learning model.

[0061] The casino game is a game using playing cards, and the game result determination means may include an electronic shoe that includes a storage unit for storing the playing cards, a removal mechanism for removing playing cards one by one from the storage unit, and a detection unit for detecting the contents of the playing cards removed by the removal mechanism, and determination means for determining the game result of the casino game in accordance with the rules of the casino game based on the contents of the playing cards detected by the detection unit.

[0062] The system further includes a dealer amount detection means for detecting the total amount of substitute currency used by the dealer for gaming, and the calculation means may further calculate the profit based on the total amount.

[0063] The substitute currency for the game may have an RF tag embedded in it that stores information that can identify its value, and the dealer amount detection means may include an RF reader that reads the RF tag.

[0064] The bet detection means may detect the bet content for each game, the game result determination means may determine the game result for each game, and the calculation means may calculate the profit for each game based on the bet content and the game result for the same game.

[0065] The system may further include a means for creating a table that shows the aforementioned profits for each game.

[0066] The casino facility may be equipped with a plurality of tables for playing the casino games, the bet detection means and the game result determination means may be provided for each table, and the calculation means may calculate the profit for each of the plurality of tables.

[0067] The system may further include a means for creating a table that shows the aforementioned profit for each table.

[0068] The calculation means may further calculate the total bet amount based on the bet details.

[0069] The calculation means may further calculate the profit margin based on the profit and the total bet amount.

[0070] The system may further include alarm means that generate an alarm for profit margins that are below a predetermined threshold.

[0071] The system may further include alarm means that generate an alarm for profit margins that exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0072] A further embodiment of this invention is a game management system for managing casino games played at multiple tables in a casino facility, comprising: a camera that photographs and obtains images of bet substitute currency; an information processing device that identifies the bet amount based on the type and number of substitute currency in the images; a calculation device that calculates the total bet amount for each of the multiple tables; and a recording device that records the total bet amount for each table.

[0073] A further embodiment of this model is a game management system for managing casino games played at tables in a casino facility, comprising: a camera that photographs and obtains images of bet substitute currency; an information processing device that identifies the bet amount based on the type and number of substitute currency in the images; a calculation device that calculates the total bet amount for each game; and a recording device that records the progress of the total bet amount for each game.

[0074] The game management system of this embodiment, with the above configuration, can track sales (total bets) and profits for the entire casino facility or for each part of it (table).

[0075] The game management system of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the system, and the game management system in a game hall having multiple game tables 4 includes a game recording device 11 that records the progress of games played on the game tables 4 as video via multiple cameras 2, including players 6 and dealers 5; an image analysis device 12 as an information processing device that analyzes the recorded video of the game progress; and a card distribution device 3 that determines and displays the win or loss result of each game on the game tables 4. The card distribution device 3 is a so-called electronic shoe already used by those skilled in the art, and has the rules of the game programmed in advance, and is structured to read the information of the distributed cards C and determine the win or loss of the game. For example, in a baccarat game, the banker wins, the player wins, and ties are basically determined by the rank of 2-3 cards, and the determination result (win or loss result) is displayed by a result display lamp 13.

[0076] This game management system further includes a control device 14 that compares the actual card rank determined by the image analysis results of the image analysis device 12 with the win / loss results determined by the card distribution device 3 to detect fraudulent activity at the game table 4 (such as a discrepancy between the sum of the ranks of the distributed cards and the win / loss results). The card distribution device 3 is structured to read the rank (A, 2-10, J, Q, K) and suit (hearts, spades, etc.) of cards C distributed manually by the dealer 5. The control device 14 is structured to compare the rank and suit information obtained by the image analysis device 12 (using artificial intelligence) from the video (captured using camera 2) of each card distributed at the game table 4 with the card and suit information read by the card distribution device 3 to determine whether they match or not. The image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 in this game management system have a structure that combines a computer, program, and memory, consisting of one or more configurations.

[0077] The image analysis device 12 and the management control device 14 have an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that enables them to obtain card rank information even for cards C that have been distributed on the game table 4 and bent or soiled by the player 6. For example, soiled cards C may present situations where it is difficult to distinguish between clubs and spades. Even in such cases, the suit can be determined by analyzing and judging images using an artificial intelligence-based computer or control system and deep learning (structure) technology. Furthermore, even if cards are bent by players squeezing them, which is common in games like baccarat, the artificial intelligence-based computer or control system and deep learning (structure) technology can recognize the suit and rank of the card before deformation by utilizing self-learning from numerous image deformations. Since artificial intelligence-based computers or control systems and deep learning (structure) technology are already known and available to those skilled in the art, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0078] The AI-powered or deep learning-based management control device 14 can determine, via the camera 2 and image analysis device 12, which position (player, banker, or pair) each player 6 has bet their game tokens (hereinafter referred to as "chips") 9 on in the betting area 8, the type of chips 9 bet (each color of chip 9 is assigned a different value), and the number of chips. The chips 9 are stacked offset from each other, as shown in Figure 2A, rather than stacked in a vertical alignment. In this case, if the camera 2 is positioned in the direction of arrow X shown in Figure 2A (or if the orientation of the chips 9 is relatively in a blind spot), it is expected that the chips 9 will not be visible (enter the blind spot), as shown in Figure 2B. In AI-powered computers or control systems, or deep learning (structure) technology, self-learning functions, etc., are used to recognize the hiding of chips 9 due to blind spots (cases where part of a chip is hidden, or where the entire chip is hidden), and accurately determine the number of chips, etc. In this way, it is possible to determine which position in the betting area 8 (player, banker, or pair) the chips 9 were bet on, the type of chips 9 bet (each color of chip 9 is assigned a different value), and the number of chips bet. Therefore, in each game, the control device 14 determines whether the collection of losing chips bet by each player 6 (indicated by arrow L) and the payment of winning chips (9W) to the winning player 6W were carried out appropriately according to the outcome of the game determined by the card distribution device 3, by analyzing the video of the game's progress via the image analysis device 12.

[0079] The control device 14 can analyze and grasp the total amount of chips 9 in the dealer's chip tray 17 of the gaming table 4 using the image analysis device 12. After the game ends and settlement is complete, the control device can compare and calculate whether the total amount of chips 9 in the chip tray 17 has increased or decreased according to the game's outcome, based on the amount of lost chips 9 collected from each player 6 and the amount of winning chips 9W paid to the winning player 6W. Even though the total amount of chips 9 in the chip tray 17 is always known by means such as RFID, the control device 14 determines whether the increase or decrease is correct by analyzing video footage of the game's progress via the image analysis device 12. These also utilize artificial intelligence or deep learning structures.

[0080] In this example, fraud and errors are detected based on the game's outcome, information on how many of each type of chip 9 were bet in each position of the betting area 8 (player, banker, or pair), and the increase or decrease in the chips 9 in the chip tray 17 after the collection of losing chips and redemption of winning chips 9. Therefore, fraud and errors can be detected without knowing the movement of the chips 9 after the game ends, i.e., whether the bet chips 9 moved to the player's side or the dealer's side.

[0081] Here, the outcome of a game can be determined according to the rules of baccarat, for example, by reading the rank of the card C dealt in the game using the card distributing device 3. Alternatively, the outcome of a game can also be determined by taking a picture of the game table 4 with camera 2, analyzing the image with image analysis device 12, and comparing the analysis results with the game rules using control device 14. In this case, the camera 2, image analysis device 12, and management control device 14 constitute the win / loss determination device. Information on which players at each play position 7 placed how many chips of which type in each betting area 8 (player, banker, or pair) is obtained by taking a picture of the chips 9 placed in the betting area 8 with camera 2 and analyzing the image for each play position 7 with image analysis device 12.

[0082] Furthermore, the increase or decrease in the amount of chips 9 in the chip tray 17 before and after the recovery of losing chips 9 and the redemption of winning chips 9 can be calculated by comparing the total amount of chips 9 in the chip tray 17 before the recovery of losing chips 9 and the redemption of winning chips 9 with the total amount of chips 9 in the chip tray 17 after the recovery of losing chips 9 and the redemption of winning chips 9. The total amount of chips 9 in the chip tray 17 before the recovery of losing chips 9 and the redemption of winning chips 9, and the total amount of chips 9 in the chip tray 17 after the recovery of losing chips 9 and the redemption of winning chips 9, can be detected by photographing the chip tray 17 containing the chips 9 with the camera 2 and analyzing the image with the image analysis device 12. Alternatively, the total amount of chips 9 contained in the chip tray 17 may be detected by embedding an RFID indicating the amount in the chip 9 and providing an RFID reader in the chip tray 17.

[0083] For example, suppose the total amount of chips 9 in chip tray 17 is Bb before the start of the game, and the total amount of chips 9 in chip tray 17 after the game has ended, with the collection of losing chips and the redemption of winning chips being completed, is Ba. Also, suppose that in this game, the total amount of chips 9 bet on all play positions 7 in the player area is bp, the total amount of chips 9 bet on all play positions 7 in the banker area is bb, and the total amount of chips 9 bet on all play positions 7 in the tie area is bt. For example, if the outcome of this game is a banker win, then Ba - Bb = bp - bb + bt should hold true. Alternatively, the total amount of chips 9 in chip tray 17 after the end of the game, Ba, should be (Bb + bp - bb + bt). If this is not the case, it can be determined that there was fraud or error in the collection or redemption of chips.

[0084] Below, an embodiment of the card distribution device 3 used in the game management system of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The card distribution device 3 includes a card storage section 102 for storing multiple shuffle playing cards 1s, a card guide section 105 for guiding the shuffle playing cards 1 when a dealer 5 or the like manually pulls them out one by one from the card storage section 102 toward the game table 4, an opening 106 for removing the card 1 guided by the card guide section 105, a card detection section (card detection sensors 22 and 23) for detecting when a shuffle playing card 1 is pulled out, and a card reading section 10 for reading information representing at least the number (rank) of the shuffle playing cards 1. The system includes 8, a control unit 109 that determines the outcome of the card game based on the number (rank) of shuffled playing cards 1 sequentially read by the card reader 108, a result display lamp 13 that displays the win / loss result determined by the control unit 109, a distribution restriction device 30 provided in the opening 106 that restricts the entry and exit of cards 1 from the card storage unit 102, and a management control unit 114 that has the same function as the control device 14, all of which are integrated, and the control device 14 has the function of preventing further cards from being drawn from the card distribution device 3 if a dealer's mistake or fraudulent activity in the game is detected, either from the time of detection or at a predetermined timing.

[0085] Next, the distribution restriction device 30, which restricts the entry and exit of cards 1 from the card storage section 102, will be explained using Figures 5 and 6A. The distribution restriction device 30 is provided on the card guide 107 of the card guide section 105, which guides the cards 1, which are taken out one by one from the opening 106 at the front of the card storage section 102, onto the game table 4. The distribution restriction device 30 has a structure in which a locking member 34 presses the card 1 when the card 1 passes through the slot 33 between the card guide section 105 and the guide cover of the card guide 107, thereby preventing the card 1 from entering or exiting the slot 33. The locking member 34 moves as shown by arrow m, driven by a drive unit 35 such as an electromagnetic solenoid or piezoelectric element, so that it can take two states: a position in which the card 1 is pressed (restriction position) and a passable position in which the card 1 can pass through. The drive unit 35 is controlled by a control unit 109, which is directly or indirectly connected to the management control device 14 by wire or wireless means, and moves the locking member 34 to two states: a position that presses the card 1 and a passable position that allows the card 1 to pass through. The control unit 109 has the rules of the baccarat game pre-programmed and stored in it.

[0086] Next, a modified example of the distribution restriction device 30 will be described with reference to Figure 6B. In the modified example, the distribution restriction device 40 has a structure in which a locking member 36 protrudes into the slot 33 when the card 1 passes through the slot 33 between the card guide portion 105 and the card guide 107 (guide cover) to prevent the movement of the card 1. The locking member 36 is moved as shown by arrow m by a drive unit 37 such as an electromagnetic solenoid or piezoelectric element so as to be able to take two states: a position that prevents the movement of the card 1 (restriction position) and a passable position that allows the card 1 to pass. The drive unit 37 is controlled by a control unit 109 connected to a control device 14, which moves the locking member 36 to the two states: a position that prevents the movement of the card 1 and a passable position that allows the card 1 to pass.

[0087] Next, we will explain in detail the code reading unit 108, which reads a code 52 representing the number (rank) of card 1 from card 1 when card 1 is manually pulled out from card storage unit 102. Figure 5 is a plan view of the main part of the card distribution device 3. In the figure, the code reading unit 108 is provided in the card guide unit 105, which guides cards 1, which are manually pulled out one by one from the opening 106 in front of the card storage unit 102, onto the game table 4. The card guide unit 105 is an inclined surface, and card guides 107, which also serve as sensor covers, are attached to the edges on both sides. In addition, each of the two card guides 107 can be attached and detached with screws or the like (not shown). When the card guides 107 are removed, the sensor group 115 of the code reading unit 108 is exposed. The sensor group 115 consists of four sensors: two ultraviolet reaction sensors (UV sensors) 20, 21 and object detection sensors 22, 23.

[0088] The object detection sensors 22 and 23 are optical fiber type sensors that detect the presence or absence of card 1 and can detect the movement of card 1. Object detection sensor 22 is located on the upstream side of the card guide section 105, along the flow direction of card 1, and the other object detection sensor 23 is located on the downstream side. As shown in the figure, both object detection sensors 22 and 23 are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of UV sensors 20 and 21. UV sensors 20 and 21 are equipped with an LED (ultraviolet LED) that emits ultraviolet light and a detector. Card 1 has the mark M of code 52 printed on it using ultraviolet light emitting ink that changes color when exposed to ultraviolet light. When ultraviolet light (black light) is shone on card 1, the reflected light of the mark M of code 52 on card 1 is detected by the detector. UV sensors 20 and 21 are connected to the code reading section 108 and the control section 109 via cables. In the code reading unit 108, the combination of marks M is determined from the output signals of the UV sensors 20 and 21, and the number (rank) corresponding to each code 52 is determined.

[0089] The code reading unit 108 controls the start and end of reading from the UV sensors 20 and 21 based on the detection signals from the object detection sensors 22 and 23, as controlled by the control unit 109. The control unit 109 also determines whether card 1 has passed through the card guide unit 105 normally, based on the detection signals from the object detection sensors 22 and 23. As shown in Figure 7, rectangular marks M representing the rank (number) and suit (hearts, spades, etc.) of the card are arranged in two columns and four rows on the edge of card 1. When the UV sensors 20 and 21 detect a mark M, they output an ON signal. The code reading unit 108 determines the relative relationship between the two signals input from the two UV sensors 20 and 21. As a result, the code reading unit 108 identifies the code based on the relative differences between the two marks M detected by the two UV sensors 20 and 21, and identifies the corresponding number (rank) and type (suit) of card 1.

[0090] Figure 7 shows the relationship between code 52 and the ON signal output of the two UV sensors 20 and 21. Based on the comparison of the relative changes in the ON signal output of the UV sensors 20 and 21, a predetermined combination of mark M can be identified. As a result, there are four combinations of mark M in the upper and lower two columns, and when these are printed in four columns, 4 to the power of 4 = 256 types of codes can be constructed. Each of the 52 types of playing cards is assigned to one of the 256 types of codes, and this is stored in memory or program as a reference table. The code reading unit 108 identifies each code 52, and the number (rank) and type (suit) of card 1 are identified from a predetermined reference table (not shown). Furthermore, since the 256 types of codes can be associated with the 52 types of cards in any combination and stored in the reference table, the combinations can be made complex, and the combination of the 256 types of codes and the 52 types of cards can be changed depending on the time and place. The codes are printed with paint that becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light, and it is desirable that they are printed in a position that does not overlap with the card type indication or index 103.

[0091] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a casino facility that has introduced the game management system 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the casino facility is equipped with multiple gaming tables 4, and casino games are played at each gaming table 4. One side of each gaming table 4 is the dealer side where the dealer is located, and the other side is the player side where the players are located. In the example in Figure 8, the upper side of each gaming table 4 is the player side, and the lower side is the dealer side.

[0092] On the game table 4, bets are placed using chips 9. In each game, a player places the type and number of chips 9 they wish to bet on the area of ​​the game table 4 corresponding to the betting target.

[0093] The chip 9 has different surface and side designs for each type, and the type can be identified by observing either the surface or the side. In this embodiment, each type of chip 9 is assigned a different value (for example, $1,000, $100, $10, etc.). Therefore, the value of the chip 9 can be determined by identifying its type.

[0094] Chip 9 has a built-in RF tag on which information that can identify its type is recorded. The information recorded on the RF tag (RF tag information) may include information indicating the type of chip 9, or it may include identification information that uniquely identifies the chip 9. If the RF tag information is identification information, a database is prepared in which information of the type corresponding to the identification information is stored, and by referring to this database, the type corresponding to the identification information read from chip 9 can be identified. In this embodiment, both type-indicating information and identification information are recorded on the RF tag of chip 9, and its value can be identified by the type-indicating information.

[0095] A chip tray 17 is provided on the dealer side of the gaming table 4. The dealer's chips 9 are placed in the chip tray 17. An antenna 173 is installed inside or outside the chip tray 17 to read the RF tag information of the RF tag embedded in the chip 9. The antenna 173 receives radio waves from the RF tag of the chip 9 placed in the chip tray 17.

[0096] A card dispensing device 3, which also functions as a win / loss determination device, is placed on the game table 4. As described above, in this embodiment, the card dispensing device 3 determines the win / loss result for each game, whether it is a win for the player, a win for the banker, or a tie, according to the rules of the baccarat game. That is, the card dispensing device 3 is an electronic shoe that includes a card storage section 102 for storing playing cards 1s, a card guide section 105 and an opening 106 which constitute a removal mechanism for taking out playing cards 1s one by one from the card storage section 102, card detection sensors 22, 23 and a card reading section 108 which constitute a detection section for detecting the contents of the playing cards 1 taken out by the removal mechanism, and a control unit 109 which acts as a determination section that determines the result of the baccarat game according to the rules of the baccarat game based on the contents of the playing cards detected by the card reading section 108.

[0097] A camera 2 is installed at each gaming table 4. The camera 2 is mounted on the top of an upward-extending pole and positioned high above the gaming table 4. The camera 2's shooting direction and field of view are set so that it can capture an area that includes at least the betting area of ​​the gaming table 4 (the area where players place chips 9 for betting), the card distribution device 3, and the chip tray 17. The camera 2 captures images of the bet chips to obtain images.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 8, one camera 2 is installed at each gaming table 4. However, multiple cameras 2 may be installed at each gaming table 4, each with different installation positions, shooting directions, or field of view, to capture different areas. For example, a separate camera 2 may be provided to capture the betting area and another camera 2 to capture the chip tray 17. Alternatively, multiple cameras with different installation heights and shooting directions may be used to capture the same betting area.

[0099] Each gaming table 4 is further equipped with a management control device 14. The management control device 14 is connected to the camera 2 (or multiple cameras 2 if there are multiple cameras 2) of the gaming table 4, the card distribution device 3, and the RF antenna 173. The management control device 14 has multiple functions as an information processing device.

[0100] First, the control device 14 functions as an RF reader, identifying the types of all chips 9 stored in the chip tray 17 based on the radio waves received by the antenna 173, calculating and recording the total value of the chips 9 stored in the chip tray 17. The control device 14 also has the function of receiving and recording the win / loss results of each game from the card distribution device 3. Furthermore, the control device 14 functions as an image recognition device, acquiring images from the camera 2, performing image recognition on the images using a machine learning model, and recognizing the betting details, i.e., which player bet how much on which betting target. The machine learning model may be a neural network with a deep learning structure. Specifically, the control device 14 identifies the player and betting target based on the position of the chips 9 in the captured image, and identifies the bet amount based on the type and number of chips 9 in the captured image.

[0101] In this way, at each gaming table 4, for each game, the management control device 14 uses the antenna 173 to grasp the total amount of chips 9 contained in the chip tray 17 (hereinafter also referred to as the "dealer amount"), the card distribution device 3 to grasp the outcome of the game (hereinafter also referred to as the "game result"), and the images from the camera 2 to grasp the betting details. Based on this information (total amount in the chip tray, game result, and betting details), the casino operator's sales and profits for each game can be calculated.

[0102] The game management system 100 includes a management device 50 connected to a management control device 14 for multiple game tables 4. The management device 50 is configured as a general-purpose computer. The management device 50 includes an arithmetic unit 51 and a recording device 52. The arithmetic unit 51 is realized, for example, by a general-purpose processor executing the computer program of this embodiment. The arithmetic unit 51 includes a calculation unit 511, a table creation unit 512, and an alarm unit 513.

[0103] The calculation unit 51 acquires information on the dealer amount for each game, game results, and betting details from multiple management control devices 14, and calculates the sales, profit (gross profit), and profit margin (gross profit rate) for each game table 4. The table creation unit 512 creates tables and graphs that arrange the sales and profits calculated by the calculation unit 511 in chronological order for each table.

[0104] Furthermore, the calculation unit 511 may calculate sales, profits, and profit margins for each player's position on each game table 4, and the table creation unit 512 may also create tables and graphs that arrange sales, profits, and profit margins in chronological order for each player's position on each game table 4. In addition, if the game management system 100 has means for recognizing players, it may calculate sales from players' bets and profits obtained from players for each player and create tables and graphs.

[0105] The recording device 52 records the sales, profit, and profit margin calculated by the calculation unit 511 in the form of tables and graphs created in the table creation unit 512.

[0106] Specifically, the calculation unit 511 calculates the total amount of bets (sales) for each of the multiple gaming tables 4 and for each game, and determines how much to recover or pay out for each bet target based on the bet target, bet amount, and game result, thereby calculating the casino operator's profit. The calculation unit 511 also calculates the casino operator's profit by determining the difference in dealer amounts before and after the table game for each of the multiple gaming tables 4 and for each game. The former profit is a theoretical value, and the latter profit is an actual value, and these should match. The calculation unit 511 may determine whether the theoretical value and the actual value match, and if they match, it may adopt that profit, and if they do not match, it may issue a warning to that effect.

[0107] The calculation unit 511 further calculates the total amount of bets (sales) for each of the multiple tables 4 and for each game. The calculation unit 511 also calculates the profit margin (gross profit margin) (= profit / sales) based on the sales and profit (gross profit) for a predetermined period or a predetermined number of games.

[0108] The table creation unit 512 aggregates the sales, profits, and profit margins calculated by the calculation unit 511 to create various tables and graphs. Figure 9 is an example of a table created by the table creation unit 512 showing the sales (total bet amount) for each gaming table 4. As shown in Figure 9, the table creation unit 512 creates a table for each gaming table 4 showing the number of chips 9 of each type bet. The number of each chip 9 may be the number aggregated for predetermined time periods, such as from 0:00 to 0:00 the next day. If the casino facility is not open 24 hours, it may be the number aggregated for each day's operating hours. Furthermore, it may be the total calculation result for a predetermined time period in the past, based on the time of creation. This table also includes the total chip amount (sales) at each gaming table 4. This table allows for comparison of sales for each gaming table during the same time period, and allows for the determination of the total sales of the entire casino facility during that time period.

[0109] Figure 10 is an example of a table showing the sales for each game at each game table 4, created by the table creation unit 512. Figure 10 is a table showing the sales for table 1. As shown in Figure 10, the table creation unit 512 creates a table for each game showing the number of each type of chip 9 bet. The table creation unit 512 may create one table for a fixed period (for example, 24 hours or 1 business day), or it may create a table for every predetermined number of games (for example, 80 games). The table creation unit 512 may also create a table for a predetermined time period or a predetermined number of games in the past at the time the table is created.

[0110] Figure 11 is an example of a table created by the table creation unit 512 that shows the total bet amount (sales), profit (gross profit), and profit margin for each game table 4. As shown in Figure 11, the table creation unit 512 creates a table for each game table 4 that shows the total bet amount (sales), profit (gross profit), and profit margin (gross profit margin) (= profit / sales). The table creation unit 512 may create one table for a fixed period (for example, 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, etc.), or it may create a table for every predetermined number of games (for example, 100 games, 1000 games, etc.). In addition, the table creation unit 512 may create a table for a predetermined time period or a predetermined number of games in the past at the time the table is created.

[0111] Figure 12 is an example of a line graph showing the trend of profits at each gaming table 4 created by the table creation unit 512, and Figure 13 is an example of a graph showing the trend of profits for the entire casino facility. In the examples of Figures 12 and 13, the trend of profits for one business day is shown when the casino facility is open from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m. the following day. Graphs like Figures 12 and 13 make it easier to understand the trend of profits and enable management analysis of the casino facility. In addition, by showing the trend of profits for each table as in Figure 12, it becomes easier to identify tables with unique profit trends.

[0112] Figure 14 is an example of a bar graph showing the profit margin for each game table 4, which is created by the table creation unit 512. This bar graph makes it immediately clear how much profit was obtained at each game table 4.

[0113] In the above example, the calculation unit 511 and the table creation unit 512 calculated sales, profit, and profit margin for each game table 4 and created tables and graphs. However, instead of this, or in addition to this, sales, profit, and profit margin may be calculated for each pit where multiple game tables 4 are gathered, and tables and graphs may be created.

[0114] The calculation unit 512 may calculate sales, profit, and profit margin each time it acquires information on the dealer amount, game results, and bet details for each game, or it may calculate sales, profit, and profit margin when the table creation unit 512 creates the table.

[0115] The table creation unit 512 may create tables for each period covered by the tables and graphs. For example, if the table creation unit 512 is creating a graph showing the daily (24-hour) sales trend for each game table 4, it may create it automatically every 24 hours (as soon as the data is available). Alternatively, the table creation unit 512 may create tables and graphs at manually instructed timings, regardless of the period covered by the tables and graphs. Alternatively, the table creation unit 512 may automatically create tables and graphs at intervals shorter than the period covered by the tables and graphs. For example, it may create tables and graphs by summarizing the past 24 hours every 6 hours.

[0116] The alarm unit 513 determines that an unusual situation has occurred based on the sales, profit, and profit margin calculated by the calculation unit 511 and the aggregation by the table creation unit 512, and generates an alarm. For example, the alarm unit 513 may compare the profit margin calculated by the calculation unit 511 or the profit margin for a predetermined period or predetermined number of games aggregated by the table creation unit 512 with a predetermined first threshold and generate an alarm if it is less than or equal to the first threshold. Alternatively, it may compare the profit margin calculated by the calculation unit 511 or the profit margin for a predetermined period or predetermined number of games aggregated by the table creation unit 512 with a predetermined second threshold and generate an alarm if it is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The alarm unit 513 may also generate an alarm by comparing profit and sales with predetermined thresholds.

[0117] The alarm unit 513 may perform more complex analyses of sales and profits to detect unusual situations. For example, it may generate an alarm based on the trend of profit margins in a table or graph created by the table creation unit 512. In this case, a machine learning model may be used to determine the unusual situation. This machine learning model may take the trend of profit margins obtained from the aggregation by the table creation unit 512 as input and output the probability of an unusual situation. The alarm unit 513 may determine that an unusual situation exists and generate an alarm if that probability is below a predetermined threshold.

[0118] The alarm may be implemented by marking elements deemed unusual in tables or graphs created by the table creation unit 512. In addition, when such an unusual situation occurs, the alarm may be implemented by generating and outputting images, sounds, or drive signals for alarm devices (lamps, buzzers, etc.). In the example in Figure 11, the alarm is implemented by shading table 3 where the profit margin is below 0%.

[0119] As described above, according to the above embodiment, in the game table 4, the betting details are grasped by the camera 2 and the control device 14 as an image recognition device, the game results are grasped by the card distributing device 3, the dealer amount is grasped by the antenna 173 and the control device 14 as an RF reader, and this information is centrally managed by the management device 50, so that the casino operator's sales, profits, profit margins, etc. can be grasped automatically.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the win / loss determination device is implemented by the card distribution device 3, meaning the card distribution device 3 also performs the win / loss determination. However, the win / loss determination may also be performed by the control device 14. In this case, the card distribution device 3 transmits information read from the distributed cards (card reading information) to the control device 14, and the control device 14, as a win / loss determination device, determines the win / loss result of the game according to the game rules based on the card reading information from the card distribution device 3.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the calculation unit 511 calculates sales, profit, and profit margin, and the table creation unit 512 aggregates the calculated sales, profit, and profit margin to create tables and graphs. However, instead, the calculation unit 511 may perform some or all of the aggregation, and the table creation unit 512 may use the aggregation results from the calculation unit 511 to create tables and graphs.

[0122] (Second Embodiment) Figure 15 shows the overall configuration of the game management system 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The game management system 101 comprises a plurality of gaming tables 4 on which casino games are played, and a management control device 60 for managing the games at each gaming table 4, and manages the casino games played at the plurality of gaming tables 4 in the casino facility. The plurality of gaming tables 4 are arranged in each area of ​​the casino facility. In this embodiment, each gaming table 4 has a capacity of 8 people, that is, each gaming table 4 has 8 player positions.

[0123] Camera 2 is installed at each gaming table 4. Camera 2 is fixed to a pole. Camera 2 photographs the betting area on the gaming table 4, capturing images of the chips 9 placed and bet in the betting area. Camera 2 also photographs the player's position, capturing images of the players participating in the game at the gaming table 4.

[0124] In Figure 15, an example is shown in which one camera 2 is installed at each gaming table 4. However, separate cameras may be installed to photograph the betting area and the players. Furthermore, multiple cameras may be installed to photograph different parts of the betting area, or multiple cameras may be installed to photograph different player positions. In addition, one camera 2 may be used to photograph both the betting area and the players by changing its angle between the angle for photographing the betting area and the angle for photographing the players.

[0125] Each gaming table 4 is equipped with a display 15 as a display device. The display 15 is fixed to a pole attached to the gaming table 4 and is positioned so that it can be seen not only by the players participating in the game but also by those in the surrounding area. The display 15 displays various information, including the minimum bet amount set for the gaming table 4.

[0126] The display 15 is typically a liquid crystal panel, but it may also be a display device with LED lamps arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. In the example shown in Figure 15, the camera 2 and the display 15 are provided separately, but they may be fixed to the same pole. For example, the camera 2 can be made less conspicuous by installing it directly below the display 15.

[0127] Each gaming table 4 is equipped with a control device 14, which serves as an information processing device. The control device 14 performs several functions, as described below, by having a computer execute a predetermined program. First, the control device 14 analyzes the image of the betting area obtained by the camera 2 to determine the bet amount for each player position on the gaming table 4 based on the position, type, and number of chips 9 in the image. Various image recognition technologies can be used for this image analysis. For example, the bet amount for each player position may be obtained as output by inputting the image of the betting area into a trained deep neural network.

[0128] The control device 14 also functions as a player count determination device, which determines the number of players participating in the game at the game table 4 by analyzing images of the players' positions. Existing facial recognition technology can be used to identify these players, or machine learning such as a support vector machine (SVM) may be used.

[0129] The control device 14 also functions as a display control device that controls the display 15 to display predetermined information. Furthermore, although not shown, an operation input device may be connected to the control device 14, and the control device may receive operation input from a dealer. It may also be connected to a card distribution device on the game table 4 that has a win / loss determination function, or an RFID system that reads RF tags embedded in the chip 9, and perform various information processing related to them.

[0130] Each game table 4 is equipped with a control device 14 which is connected to a management control device 60 via wired or wireless communication. The management control device 60 comprises a calculation device 61 and a recording device 62. The calculation device 61 comprises a recommended value determination unit 611, a congestion level determination unit 612, a table opening / closing determination unit 613, a dealer management unit 614, and a player management unit 615, all of which are realized when a processor executes a predetermined program.

[0131] The recommended value determination unit 611 determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table 4 based on the bet amount information identified by the control device 14 and the number of players determined by the control device 14, which functions as a player count determination device. The recommended value determination unit 611 determines the recommended minimum bet amount for each game table 4 in order to increase the profit margin relative to sales. Alternatively, the recommended value determination unit 611 may determine the recommended minimum bet amount for each game table 4 in order to increase the average number of games per unit time or the average total bet amount per game.

[0132] The recommended value determination unit 611 has a set of minimum bet amount candidates divided into multiple stages. In this embodiment, the recommended value determination unit 611 has five minimum bet amount candidates set: $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000. The recommended value determination unit 611 determines the recommended value by selecting one of these minimum bet amount candidates. In addition to the set candidates, the recommended value determination unit 611 may also determine a more appropriate minimum bet amount recommendation, so that if the pre-set minimum bet amount candidates are inappropriate, it can perform more detailed classification.

[0133] The management control device 60 outputs (transmits) the recommended minimum bet amount to the control device 14 of the corresponding game table 4. The control device 14 displays the minimum bet amount on the display 15 based on the recommended value received from the management control device 60. When the control device 14 receives the recommended minimum bet amount from the management control device 60, it may display the recommended value directly on the display 15, or it may first show it only to the dealer and then display it on the display 15 in response to the dealer's operation.

[0134] (Recommendation of minimum bet amount based on actual bet amount) The recommendation value determination unit 611 determines a recommended value by selecting one of several minimum bet amount candidates based on the information of the number of players determined by the control device 14 as a player number determination device, and the information of the lowest bet amount among the bet amounts for each player position or the average bet amount.

[0135] The recommended value determination unit 611 grasps the total bet amount per game and / or per predetermined time or period per player for each game table 4, and determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table 4. In this embodiment, the recommended value determination unit 611 raises the recommended minimum bet amount when a predetermined proportion or more of players bet an amount equal to or greater than the current minimum bet amount of the game table 4.

[0136] Specifically, the recommendation value determination unit 611, for each game table 4, ranks players as high-stakes players if the lowest bet amount among the past predetermined number of games (5 games in this embodiment) is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (150% in this embodiment) of the minimum bet amount for each player position. If high-stakes players make up a predetermined ratio (50% in this embodiment) or more, the recommendation value determination unit 611 determines a minimum bet amount higher than the already set minimum bet amount as the recommended value for that game table 4.

[0137] Figures 16A and 16B show examples of determining recommended minimum bet amounts based on actual bet amounts. In the examples in Figures 16A and 16B, four players are participating in the game, and the minimum bet amount is set to $1,000.

[0138] In the example in Figure 16A, the lowest bet amount for Player 1 in the last 5 games was $1,000, for Player 2 it was $2,000, for Player 3 it was $1,500, and for Player 4 it was $1,000. In this case, Players 2 and 3 are ranked as high-stakes players because their lowest bet amounts in the last 5 games are $1,500 or more, which is 150% of the current minimum bet amount of $1,000. The ratio of high-stakes players (2 players) among the 4 players participating in the game is 50%, which is the standard of 50%, so the recommendation value determination unit 611 determines a minimum bet amount higher than the already set minimum bet amount of $1,000 as the recommended value.

[0139] On the other hand, in the example in Figure 16B, the lowest bet amount for Player 1 in the last 5 games was $1,000, the lowest bet amount for Player 2 in the last 5 games was $1,500, the lowest bet amount for Player 3 in the last 5 games was $1,000, and the lowest bet amount for Player 4 in the last 5 games was $1,100. In this case, for Player 2, the lowest bet amount in the last 5 games is $1,500 or more, which is 150% of the current minimum bet amount of $1,000, so he is ranked as a high-stakes player. Furthermore, the ratio of high-stakes players (1 person) among the 4 players participating in the game is 25%, which is less than the standard of 50%, so the recommendation value determination unit 611 does not change the already set minimum bet amount of $1,000 and determines the current minimum bet amount of $1,000 as the recommendation value.

[0140] The recommended value determination unit 611, when increasing the minimum bet amount, raises the minimum bet amount by one step and performs the same calculation as above. In the case of Figure 16A, if the current minimum bet amount is raised by one step to $5,000, the conditions for determining a higher minimum bet amount as the recommended value are not met, so $5,000 is determined as the recommended minimum bet amount. If the above conditions are met again when the same calculation is performed after raising the minimum bet amount by one step, the minimum bet amount is raised by one more step, and this is repeated until the above conditions are no longer met.

[0141] In the example above, the recommendation value determination unit 611 evaluated the lowest bet amount among the past five games for each player position (player). Alternatively, for each game table 4, players whose average bet amount over a predetermined number of past games (e.g., five games) is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (e.g., 300%) of the minimum bet amount may be ranked as high-stakes players for each player position.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above example, if the number of high-stakes players exceeds a predetermined percentage, the minimum bet amount was changed to one level higher from a predetermined list of candidates. However, instead, the minimum bet amount could be increased to a predetermined percentage (for example, 150%), meaning that in the example of Figure 16A above, 150% of the minimum bet amount of $1,000, which is $1,500, could be used as the recommended minimum bet amount.

[0143] Alternatively, the recommendation value determination unit 611 may grasp the trend of bet amounts for each player position in multiple games and determine a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table based on that trend. Or, the card distribution device 3 or control device 14 may determine the game results and grasp the win / loss and profit / loss for each player position, and the recommendation value determination unit 611 may determine a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table based on the information on the trend of profit / loss for each player position.

[0144] (Recommendation of minimum bet amount according to table congestion) Next, we will explain how to determine the recommended minimum bet amount according to the table congestion. The congestion determination unit 612 calculates the table congestion level for each game table based on the information of the number of players determined by the control device 14, which acts as a player count determination device. The table congestion level is the ratio of the number of players participating in the game to the capacity of each game table 4. The recommendation value determination unit 611 determines the recommended minimum bet amount for each game table 4 according to the table congestion level determined by the congestion determination unit 612.

[0145] Figures 17A and 17B show examples of how to determine recommended minimum bet amounts based on table congestion. As shown in Figure 17A, there are four gaming tables 4a to 4d, two of which, 4a and 4b, have a minimum bet of $10,000, while the other two, 4c and 4d, have a minimum bet of $1,000.

[0146] As shown in Figure 17A, the two gaming tables 4a and 4b, where the minimum bet is set at $10,000, have a large number of players participating (high table congestion), while the two gaming tables 4c and 4d, where the minimum bet is set at $1,000, have a small number of players participating (low table congestion).

[0147] In this situation, the recommended value determination unit 611 raises the minimum bet amount to $10,000 for game table 4d, which has the fewest players participating in the game (lowest table congestion) among game tables 4c and 4d, both of which have a minimum bet amount of $1,000. As a result, as shown in Figure 17B, it is expected that players who were playing at game table 4d will move to game table 4c, which has a minimum bet amount of $1,000, and some players who were playing at game tables 4a and 4b, which have a minimum bet amount of $10,000, will move to game table 4d, which has a minimum bet amount of $10,000.

[0148] As explained in Figures 20A and 20B, it is clear that the casino operator's revenue increases in Figure 17B compared to Figure 17A. In this way, the recommendation value determination unit 611 determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each gaming table 4 in each area, according to the table congestion level determined by the congestion level determination unit 612, so that high-stakes players can play at gaming tables 4 with fewer players.

[0149] As explained above, in this example, the recommended value determination unit 611 manages multiple game tables 4, grasps the total bet amount per game and / or per predetermined time or period per player for each of the multiple game tables 4, and determines a different recommended minimum bet amount for each of the multiple game tables 4.

[0150] (Opening / Closing Gaming Tables Based on Area Congestion) The congestion determination unit 612 calculates the area congestion level for each area when the casino facility is divided into multiple areas, based on the information on the number of players determined by the control device 14, which acts as a player count determination device. The area congestion level is the ratio of the total number of players to the total number of player positions in that area. The table opening / closing determination unit 613 may also use the ratio of gaming tables 4 whose table congestion level exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 80%) as the area congestion level for each area.

[0151] The table opening / closing decision unit 613 keeps track of all gaming tables 4 in the casino facility and the number of open gaming tables 4 among them, and determines the recommended number of gaming tables 4 to open in each area according to the area congestion level determined by the congestion level determination unit 612. Specifically, when the area congestion level reaches a predetermined value (80% in this embodiment) or higher, the table opening / closing decision unit 613 decides to open a new gaming table 4 in that area.

[0152] When opening a new game table 4, the recommended value determination unit 611 determines a recommended minimum bet amount for the game table 4. The recommended value determination unit 611 may simply set the minimum bet amount for the newly opened game table 4 to be the same as the minimum bet amounts of the surrounding game tables 4. This allows customers to be guided to that area and play more efficiently.

[0153] On the other hand, when opening a new game table 4, the recommended value determination unit 611 may determine a recommended minimum bet amount in such a way as to maximize the casino operator's revenue. Figures 18A to 18C illustrate an example of opening a new game table 4 in a certain area. Here, too, the average time required for one game when a player is playing alone is 60 seconds, and the average time required for one game increases by 10 seconds for each additional player. Furthermore, the average bet amount for high-stakes players (players hatched in the figure) is set at $5,000, and the average bet amount for low-stakes players (players filled in white in the figure) is set at $1,000.

[0154] In Figure 18A, gaming tables 4a and 4c are open, with 7 players participating in the game at each table out of a capacity of 8. Of these, 4 are high-stakes players and 3 are low-stakes players. Figure 18B shows the situation in Figure 18A, but with a new gaming table 4b opened and its minimum bet set at $5,000. By setting the minimum bet for the newly opened gaming table 4b at $5,000, it is possible that all the high-stakes players who were playing at gaming tables 4a and 4c will move to gaming table 4b, as shown in Figure 18B.

[0155] In the case of Figure 18B, the average revenue, which was $1.38 million per hour in the situation shown in Figure 18A, decreases to $1.377 million per hour. Thus, when opening a new gaming table 4, depending on the minimum bet amount set, revenue may not increase significantly, or in some cases, may even decrease. Furthermore, when considering the costs incurred in opening a new gaming table 4, the casino operator's profits will decrease.

[0156] In the case of Figure 18A, as shown in Figure 18C, it is effective to set a low minimum bet amount for the newly opened gaming table 4b, while simultaneously increasing the minimum bet amounts for the already open gaming tables 4a and 4c. By doing so, the average sales, which were $1.38 million per hour in the situation of Figure 18A, will increase to $1.76 million per hour.

[0157] In this way, the recommended value determination unit 611 determines the minimum bet amount for a newly opened game table 4 based on the minimum bet amounts of the surrounding game tables 4 and the actual bet amounts. Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 18C, the recommended value determination unit 611 encourages players to move from the surrounding game tables 4 to the newly opened game table 4 by changing the minimum bet amounts of the surrounding game tables 4 at the time a new game table 4 is opened.

[0158] The dealer management unit 614 manages the dealers who are on duty, and the table opening / closing decision unit 613 decides whether or not to open a new game table 4 depending on the number of dealers. Specifically, even when the area congestion level is high, if there are no dealers on standby (available to be dispatched) (i.e., when all dealers are at a game table 4), and if there are no more game tables 4 that can be newly opened (i.e., when all game tables 4 have been opened), the table opening / closing decision unit 613 will not decide to open a new game table 4, and the recommended value determination unit 611 will respond by changing the minimum bet amount of a game table 4 that is already open.

[0159] The congestion determination unit 612 can record the trend of area congestion for each area, and the table opening / closing determination unit 613 may determine the recommended number of game tables 4 to open for each area based on the trend information recorded by the congestion determination unit 612. In other words, if the area congestion is on an upward trend, the table opening / closing determination unit 613 will decide to open a new game table 4 in that area before the area congestion reaches a predetermined value.

[0160] As explained above, in this example, the recommended value determination unit 611 manages multiple game tables 4, grasps the total bet amount per game and / or per predetermined time or period per player for each of the multiple game tables 4, and determines the recommended value for the minimum bet amount for the newly opened game table.

[0161] (Recommendation of minimum bet amount based on player identification) The player management unit 614 has the function of a means of identifying players participating in a game at a game table. Specifically, the player management unit 615 identifies the player at each player position by analyzing the player position images sent from the control device 14 of each game table 4. For this purpose, players register their own facial image with the management control device 60 in advance. The player management unit 615 identifies the player by comparing the image sent from the control device 14 with the facial image that has been registered in advance.

[0162] In addition to identifying players by the facial image described above, the player management unit 615 may also identify players by a storage medium (e.g., a membership card, point card, etc.) possessed by the player. This storage medium stores an ID that identifies the player. When a player sits down at the game table 4, they hand the storage medium to the dealer, who reads the ID using a predetermined reader. The control device 14 transmits the ID read from the storage medium to the management control device 60. The player management unit 614 can identify the player by receiving this ID.

[0163] Alternatively, the player management unit 615 may identify players based on their biometric information while they play at the game table 4. In this case, for example, a fingerprint recognition device is installed at each player position on the game table, and players perform fingerprint authentication when they take their playing position.

[0164] The control device 14 transmits information about the play details of each player position (including the bet amount, winnings, and losses) to the management control device 60. The player management unit 615 records this play details information in the recording device 62, which acts as a database that stores it in association with the ID of the player identified for that player position. In this way, the player management unit 615 records the past play details of each player in the recording device 62.

[0165] The player management unit 615 further calculates for each player, based on their past play history, the average bet amount, the average continuous play time at the same table, the rate of players leaving their seats when the minimum bet amount increases, their recent win rate, and their net winnings. This information is then stored in the recording device 62 as a database, associated with the player's ID, as trend information for each player.

[0166] The table opening / closing determination unit 613 may determine a recommended number of game tables to be newly opened for each area based on the trend information of multiple players in that area stored in the recording device 62. The recommendation value determination unit 611 may determine a recommended minimum bet amount for a currently open game table 4, or a recommended minimum bet amount for a newly opened game table 4, for each area based on the trend information of multiple players in that area stored in the recording device 62.

[0167] In other words, the above assumes that when a new game table 4b with a relatively high minimum bet amount is opened from the state in Figure 18A to the state in Figure 18B, all high-stakes players will move to the game table 4b. However, in reality, players may not move as shown in Figure 18B. Also, in Figure 18C, it is assumed that when the minimum bet amount is increased at game tables 4a and 4c, all low-stakes players will leave. However, it is possible that low-stakes players will increase their bet amount in response to the increased minimum bet amount and remain at the same game tables 4a and 4c. Therefore, the recommendation value determination unit 611 performs a simulation using probability based on the trends of each player stored in the recording device 62 to determine a recommended minimum bet amount that maximizes sales.

[0168] In the second embodiment described above, the game table 4 was assumed to be a table for playing card games such as baccarat. However, the games played on the game table 4 are not limited to card games, and the game management system 101 of the second embodiment can be applied to all games for which a minimum bet amount can be set.

[0169] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, images of players captured by camera 2 were analyzed to determine the number of players, but the means for determining the number of players are not limited to this. For example, the number of players can also be determined by the substitute currency bet. That is, since the betting area has designated betting positions for each player position, it is possible to know how many players are participating in the game by knowing which positions are being bet on. In other words, the means for identifying the bet amount for each player position may also serve as the means for determining the number of players.

[0170] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, when raising the minimum bet amount for the game table 4, the minimum bet amount may be raised to the lowest bet amount of the players at that game table 4. For example, in a table with a minimum bet of $500, if there are players betting $1,000 and players betting $5,000, the minimum bet amount may be raised to $1,000.

[0171] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the recommended minimum bet amount may be determined based on past statistics (such as the general tendency for bet amounts to increase in the evening). For example, if past statistics show a tendency for bet amounts to increase in the evening, the bet amount may be increased at a predetermined time in the evening.

[0172] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the management control device 60 may manage multiple game tables and, for each of the multiple game tables 4, grasp at least one item of information such as the number of players, the bet amount, or the concentration or distribution of the number of players, and determine a recommended minimum bet amount for each game table 4 based on that information.

[0173] 1. Playing cards 1s (multiple shuffled playing cards) 2. Camera 3. Card distribution device 4. Game table 5. Dealer 6. Customer (game participant / player) 9. Chips 11. Game recording device 12. Image analysis device 13. Result display lamp 14. Control device 17. Chip tray 30. Distribution restriction device 33. Slot 34. Locking member 35. Drive unit 36. Locking member 37. Drive unit 40. Distribution restriction device 60. Management control device 61. Calculation unit 611. Recommended value determination unit 612. Congestion level determination unit 613. Table opening / closing determination unit 614. Dealer management unit 615. Player management unit 62. Recording device 102. Card storage unit 103. Index 105. Card guide unit 106. Opening 107. Card guide 108. Card reading unit 109. Control unit

Claims

1. A game management system that manages casino games played at gaming tables in a casino facility, comprising: an information processing device that determines the bet amount for each player position at said gaming table based on the position, type, and number of gaming tokens bet; a player number determination device that determines the number of players participating in the game at said gaming table; and a management control device that determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each gaming table based on information on the bet amount determined by said information processing device and information on the number of players determined by said player number determination device.

2. The game management system according to claim 1, wherein the management control device is configured to be able to grasp the transition of bet amounts for each player position in a plurality of games.

3. A game management system as described in claim 2, further comprising a game result determination device capable of determining the result of the game, wherein the management control device is configured to be able to grasp the wins and losses and the income and expenditure for each player position based on the information on the bet amount specified by the information processing device and the information on the game result determined by the game result determination device.

4. A game management system as described in claim 3, wherein the management control device determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each gaming table based on information on the trend in bet amount for each player position or the trend in income and expenditure for each player position.

5. The game management system of claim 1, wherein the management control device is capable of grasping the degree of congestion in each area within the casino facility based on information on the number of players determined by the player number determination device, and has the function of determining a recommended minimum bet amount for each gaming table in each area according to the degree of congestion.

6. A game management system as described in claim 5, wherein the management control device has a function of determining a recommended minimum bet amount divided into multiple stages based on information on the number of players determined by the player number determination device and information on the minimum bet amount among the bet amounts for each player position or information on the average bet amount.

7. A game management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the management control device has a function of increasing the recommended minimum bet amount when the number of players betting an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the minimum bet amount of the gaming table is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio.

8. A game management system as described in claim 5, wherein the management control device is capable of grasping the number of open gaming tables within the casino facility and has a function of determining the recommended number of gaming tables to be open for each area depending on the degree of congestion.

9. A game management system as described in claim 5, wherein the management control device is capable of recording the trend in congestion level for each area, and has a function of determining the recommended number of gaming tables to be opened for each area based on the recorded trend information.

10. A game management system as described in claim 5, further comprising a player identification means for identifying players participating in a game at said gaming tables, wherein said management control device has a function of storing in a database information on each player identified by said player identification means and the betting amount for each player position identified by said information processing device in association with each other, and a function of determining the recommended number of gaming tables to be opened for each area based on information on the past betting tendencies of each player.

11. The game management system according to claim 1, wherein the management control device determines the minimum bet amount of a newly opened gaming table based on the minimum bet amounts of gaming tables surrounding the newly opened gaming table.

12. A game management system as described in claim 1, wherein the management control device determines the minimum bet amount for a newly opened gaming table based on the bet amounts identified by the information processing device for gaming tables surrounding the newly opened gaming table.

13. A game management system according to claim 1, wherein the management control device manages the number of dealers and determines whether or not to open a new gaming table based on the number of dealers it manages.

14. A game management system as set forth in claim 9, wherein the management control device, upon opening a new gaming table, changes the minimum bet amounts of gaming tables surrounding the newly opened gaming table.

15. A game management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the management control device determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each gaming table so as to increase the profit margin on sales.

16. A game management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the management control device determines a recommended minimum bet amount for each gaming table so as to increase the average number of games per unit time or the average total bet amount per game.

17. A game management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the management control device grasps the total bet amount for each player for each game and / or for each specified time or period for each gaming table, and determines a recommended value for the minimum bet amount for each gaming table.

18. A game management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the management control device manages a plurality of gaming tables, grasps the total amount of bets for each player for each game and / or for each specified time or period for each of the plurality of gaming tables, and determines a recommended value for the minimum bet amount that differs for each of the plurality of gaming tables.

19. A game management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the management control device manages a plurality of gaming tables, grasps the total amount of bets for each player for each game and / or for each specified time or period for each of the plurality of gaming tables, and determines a recommended value for the minimum bet amount for a newly opened gaming table.

20. A game management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the management control device manages a plurality of the gaming tables, grasps information on at least one item of the number of players, the bet amount, or the concentration or dispersion of the number of players for each of the plurality of gaming tables, and determines a recommended value for the minimum bet amount for each of the gaming tables based on that information.

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