Gaming method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include (i) providing a playfield including a gaming layout adapted for location and/or placement of at least two chance elements, and a wagering layout having indicia representing a plurality of different final game outcomes, here all of the at least two chance elements comprise a plurality of faces with different indicia on each said face distinguishing from the indicia on the other faces, and each of the at least two chance elements being uniquely discernible by having a characteristic that is distinctly non-matching with each of the other of said chance elements; (ii) accepting placement of a wager, through use of said playfield wagering layout, in relation to a selected one of the plurality of final game outcomes; (iii) casting the at least two chance elements on said playfield so as to generate an outcome; (iv) settling the wager on the basis of the generated outcome.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of conducting a wagering process comprising the steps of:
 (i) providing a playfield including a gaming layout adapted for location and/or placement of at least two chance elements, and a wagering layout having indicia representing a plurality of different final game outcomes, where all of the at least two chance elements comprise a plurality of faces with different indicia on each said face distinguishing from the indicia on the other faces, and each of the at least two chance elements being uniquely discernible by having a characteristic that is distinctly non-matching with each of the other of said chance elements;   (ii) accepting placement of a wager, through use of said playfield wagering layout, in relation to a selected one of the plurality of final game outcomes;   (iii) casting the at least two chance elements on said playfield so as to generate an outcome;   (iv) settling the wager on the basis of the generated outcome.   
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, upon casting, each of the chance elements produce results comprising one of:
 a ‘1’ result where the resultant face displays indicia of ‘1’;   a ‘2’ result where the resultant face displays indicia of ‘2’;   a ‘3’ result where the resultant face displays indicia of ‘3’;   a ‘4’ result where the resultant face displays indicia of ‘4’;   a ‘5’ result where the resultant face displays indicia of ‘5’;   a ‘6’ result where the resultant face displays indicia of ‘6’.   
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  [[or 2]], wherein the at least two chance elements comprise one or a combination of:
 dice; 
 electronically simulated dice. 
 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein step (iii) comprises one or a combination of:
 manual casting of the dice;   casting the plurality of dice by a mechanised or simulated tumbler;   casting the plurality of dice with a plurality of tumblers housing one dice each;   casting the plurality of dice as above in one of a sequential or simultaneous mode.   
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed  3   claim 1  wherein the final game results comprise:
 (a) the result of one of the plurality of chance elements is larger than the result of the other chance element(s); 
 (b) a tie resulting from all chance elements results being equal; 
 (c) one or all chance elements having a ‘1’ result; 
 (d) one or all chance elements having a ‘2’ result; 
 (e) one or all chance elements having a ‘3’ result; 
 (f) one or all chance elements having a ‘4’ result; 
 (g) one or all chance elements having a ‘5’ result; 
 (h) one or all chance elements having a ‘6’ result. 
 
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the method steps are implemented by computer simulation. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus for conducting a wagering process comprising:
 a playfield including a gaming layout adapted for location and/or placement of at least two chance elements;   a wagering layout having indicia representing a plurality of different final game outcomes;   where all of the at least two chance elements comprise a plurality of faces with different indicia on each said face distinguishing from the indicia on the other faces, and each of the at least two chance elements being uniquely discernible by having a characteristic that is distinctly non-matching with each of the other of said chance elements.   
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the at least two chance elements comprise one or a combination of:
 dice;   electronically simulated dice.   
     
     
         9 . Apparatus claimed in  claim 8  comprising:
 electronic processing means adapted to simulate the roll of at least one die; 
 a display controlled by the electronic processing means, the display operatively depicting a playfield, the playfield including a gaming layout adapted for location of a plurality of dice, each of the plurality of dice being uniquely discernible by having a characteristic that is distinctly non-matching with each of the other of said dice, 
 a wagering layout having indicia representing a plurality of different final game results, and; 
 an input device in operative communication with the electronic processing means by which a player may place wagers in relation to a plurality of game results presented on the playfield, wherein the electronic processing means is programmed to pay out wagers placed in relation to matching final game results according to predetermined payout ratios. 
 
     
     
         10 . An electronic gaming machine network comprising a plurality of operably connected electronic gaming apparatus, wherein each electronic gaming apparatus is adapted for conducting a wagering process and comprises:
 electronic processing means adapted to simulate the roll of at least two dice;   a display controlled by the electronic processing means, the display operatively depicting a playfield, the playfield including a gaming layout adapted for location of a plurality of dice, each of the plurality of dice being uniquely discernible by having a characteristic that is distinctly non-matching with each of the other of said dice;   a wagering layout having indicia representing a plurality of different final game results, and;   an input device in operative communication with the electronic processing means by which a player may place wagers in relation to a plurality of game results presented on the playfield, wherein the electronic processing means is programmed to pay out wagers placed in relation to matching final game results according to predetermined payout ratios.   
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled)