Multiplayer interactive video gaming device

Abstract

A multiplayer interactive video gaming device is provided. The device includes a computer workstation assembly, at least one player station, and an interface assembly in operative communication with at least one data port of the computer workstation assembly and configured to receive player input messages from a plurality of the player stations and to output the player input messages to the computer workstation assembly by one or more of the at least one data ports. The interface assembly is operably associated with the at least one player station to route the player input messages from the at least one player station to the computer workstation assembly according to a predetermined protocol so that player input messages generated from simultaneous activation of a plurality of input devices are output to the computer workstation assembly without information loss.

1 . A multi-player platform that provides multiple player stations for live players to engage in a video card game with virtual cards comprising:
 at least two player stations that enable live players to place wagers on said video card game;   a single video display viewable from each of said player stations;   means programmed with steps for playing said card game for displaying simultaneously upon said single video display all cards that have been initially dealt to each player, and a game processor that contains the rules of the video card game, the processor enabling play for each player on the video card game according to a set of rules;   means for metering a plurality of predefined events and game play statistics for each player station; and   a remote computer in operative communication with said game processor;   wherein said game processor is first programmed to operate said video gaming program; determine an outcome of said gaming program for each player station; display said outcome on said display monitor and communicate said outcome to said player station output devices; second, to receive player station event information from said event monitoring means in each said player station; and record said event information in said metering means uniquely to each player station; and third, to calculate game statistics respective to each player station from said game play outcome; and record said game play statistics in said metering means uniquely to each player station.   
   
   
       2 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein the video card game is blackjack. 
   
   
       3 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein the video card game is poker. 
   
   
       4 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said player input devices are buttons. 
   
   
       5 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said player output devices include lamps. 
   
   
       6 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said remote computer is programmed, to operate a progressive jackpot feature in which all communication player stations may participate. 
   
   
       7 . A multi-player system that provides multiple player stations for live players to engage in a video card game, said system comprising:
 a) two or more multi-player video card gaming platforms, each said platform including:
 a plurality of two or more spatially separate player stations, each said player station including: at least one input device for allowing a player to enter game play selections into said system; at least one output device for communicating game play outcome to a player; and 
 means for monitoring a plurality of events at said player station; 
 a game processor interfaced to said plurality of player stations; and 
 a single display monitor connected to said game processor for displaying game play of each player station together; 
 wherein, said game processor is programmed first to execute a multiplayer video card gaming program in response to inputs received from said player station input devices, determine an outcome of said gaming program for each player station, display said outcome on said display monitor and communicate said outcome to said player station output devices; and second, to receive player station event information from said event monitoring means in each said player station and, in response thereto, record said event information in said metering means uniquely to each player station; and 
   b) a remote computer interfaced to each of said two or more multi-player video card gaming platforms, wherein, said remote computer is in operative communication with each respective game processor of said multi-player video card gaming platforms and said remote computer is programmed to run a progressive jackpot feature in which all communicating player stations upon each said multi-player video card gaming platform may participate.   
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein upon one or more said multi-player video card gaming platforms said video card gaming program is blackjack. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7  wherein upon one or more said multi-player video card gaming platforms said video card gaming program is poker. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 7  wherein upon one or more said multi-player video card gaming platform the video card gaming program is blackjack and upon one or more said multi-player video card gaming platform the video card gaming program is poker. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 7  wherein upon one or more said multi-player video card gaming platforms said player input devices include buttons. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 7  wherein upon one or more said multi-player video card gaming platforms each said player station includes a ticket dispensing means.