US20100032896A1

US20100032896A1 - Gaming System and Game Controller

Info

Publication number: US20100032896A1
Application number: US12/402,193
Authority: US
Inventors: Dusan Berlec; Ivo Zavbi; Joze Pececnik; Urban Bergant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Interblock dd
Priority date: 2008-03-12
Filing date: 2009-03-11
Publication date: 2010-02-11
Also published as: CA2717546A1; EP2265348A1; EP2265348A4; WO2009111829A1

Abstract

A result generator for a gaming system comprising: one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable identification code which is unique within the random number generator; a support platform having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at rest; an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result; a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the dice support platform to determine the dice roll result.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australia Application No. 2008901195 having a filing date of Mar. 12, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

[MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE]

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to game controllers and gaming systems using dice to generate a result for use in a game outcome. Use of automatic electronic gaming systems in the gambling industry is popular. Some known electronic gaming machines use mechanical motion to produce a random result upon which a game outcome is based in accordance with game rules. Some electronic gaming systems are based on traditional casino games such as dice games which electronically read the result of a dice throw or roll.
Known dice gaming systems use optical sensors to read indicators, typically a number or a pattern of dots, on the uppermost surface of a dice at rest on a table to determine the result of a dice roll. A known problem with optical detection systems is that the accuracy of the read result may be compromised by environmental noise such as reflections or changing light conditions. Such limitations of optical dice reading systems can also be prone to fraudulent exploitation where a machine is tricked into reading a false result.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect provides a result generator for a gaming system comprising:
one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable identification code which is unique within the random number generator;
a support platform having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at rest;
an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result;
a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the dice support platform to determine the dice roll result.
In an embodiment the agitator is operatively connected to the support platform to move the support platform to cause the dice roll. For example, the agitator can move the support platform in accordance with a given sequence of movements comprising one or more throw movements and one or more vibrations. An example of the given sequence of movements to generate the dice roll comprises:
a first initiating movement to initiate movement of the dice;
a first vibration at a first vibration level adapted to cause continued motion of the dice;
a second initiating movement; and
a second vibration at a second vibration level lower than the first vibration level to assist the dice in attaining a rest state wherein one dice facet of each die rests against the upper surface of the support platform.
The initiating movement can be a rapid mechanical movement.
In an embodiment each identification circuit is adapted to transmit the identification code in response to a query signal. In an embodiment the electronic detectors of the dice reader each comprise a coil for transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals, the coils being arranged in a substantially planar array substantially parallel to the support surface and each coil electrically connected to a demodulation and control circuit comprising one or more demodulators and a controller. Each coil can be selectively activated via the controller to send query signals for reception by an identification circuit of a dice facet resting on the support surface, and receive any identification code signal transmitted in reply for demodulation.
In an embodiment the array of coils comprises a first layer of coils arranged in a grid pattern and a second layer of coils positioned below the first layer, arranged in a grid pattern offset laterally from the first layer such that each coil of the second layer partially overlaps one or more coils of the first layer.
In an embodiment the relative positions of the coil array and support platform can be adjusted laterally and dice reading includes the steps of executing a first dice reading pass wherein each coil is selectively activated for reading identification circuits with the coil array in a first position relative to the support platform, changing the relative position of the coil array to a second position relative to the support platform, and executing a second dice reading pass wherein each coil is selectively activated for reading identification circuits. For example, the coil array can be laterally movable relative to the support platform.
In an embodiment two or more dice are provided and the dice reader is adapted to detect for each die the position of the die on the support surface and the identification code of the facet against the support platform.
In an embodiment the dice reader can be adapted to detect for each die an identical die position and identification code of the facet against the support platform a plurality of times to determine a dice roll result.
In an embodiment an identical position and identification code must be detected for each die four times to determine a valid dice roll result upon which a game outcome may be based.
In an embodiment each identification circuit is an induction powered identification circuit. In an embodiment identification circuit power is induced from electromagnetic fields generated by the detectors. For example, each identification circuit can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to or embedded in a facet of the dice.
In one embodiment each dice facet includes an illuminator adapted to illuminate the facet and coupled to the identification circuit of an opposite facet, such that an uppermost facet of a die will be illuminated when an identification code of a facet resting on the support surface is read. The illuminator can be powered by the power induced in the identification circuit of the opposite facet by the detectors.
In an embodiment each dice includes one or more shields adapted to significantly attenuate any power induction and signals of the identification circuits of dice facets to inhibit the detector reading signals from dice facets other than a dice facet resting on the dice support platform.
According to another aspect there is provided a game controller comprising:
a result generator comprising:
one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable identification code which is unique within the random number generator;
a support platform having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at rest;
an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result; and
a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the support platform while to determine the dice roll result,
an outcome evaluator adapted to apply game rules to a roll result of the result generator and determine one or more game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions and wagers received from each player.
According to another aspect there is provided game system comprising:
one or more player terminals, each adapted to receive wagers and game play instructions from a player and display game outcomes to the player;
a game controller comprising:
a result generator comprising:
one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable identification code which is unique within the random number generator;
a support platform having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at rest;
an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result; and
a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the dice support platform to determine the dice roll result, and
an outcome evaluator adapted to apply game rules to a roll result of the random number generator and determine one or more game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions and wagers received from each player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a game system having a result generator

FIG. 2 illustrates dice adapted for use with the result generator of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a result generator

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of an embodiment of a random number generator

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of a dice roll process

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a dice read process

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of dice reader detector coil array

FIG. 8 illustrates and example of a dice facet identification circuit and an electronic detector circuit

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a game play process

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to result generator for rolling dice to produce a random result and reading the dice roll result. The result generator 110 comprises one or more dice 120, an agitator 130 and a dice reader 140, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The dice 120 rest on an upper surface of a support platform which may form part of the agitator or may be a separate part of the result generator assembly. The dice 120 each have a plurality of facets 225 and each facet 225 is provided with an identification circuit 240 having an identification code which is unique within the result generator and readable by the dice reader 140. The result generator may include a single die or a plurality of dice. The number of dice may depend on a game being played using the random number generator. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 three dice 320 are used.
The agitator 130 is adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result. For example the agitator rolls or throws the dice as would be done by a croupier or player in a manual dice game. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the agitator 330 includes the device support platform 335 and a motor 360 which causes the dice support platform 335 to move in a controlled manner to provide mechanical impetus, for example by jerking and vibrating, to cause the dice to roll. Alternative forms of agitator such as a mechanical arm for moving the dice, tumbler or a cup in which the dice are shaken are also envisaged.
The dice reader 140 is disposed below the dice support surface to read the dice roll result, after the dice roll, when the dice 120 are at rest on the support platform. The device reader 140 comprises a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the support platform's upper surface, in other words the bottom facet of each dice, to determine the dice roll result. For example, by reading the identification code of the bottom facet the dice reader can determine which facet is on top and hence the number or symbol of the top facet.
The result generator 110 can be included in a game controller 150 of a gaming system 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the gaming system 100 comprises a controller 150 which is in data communication with one or more player terminals 180. The controller 150 includes the result generator 110, a processor 190 that processes the game play instructions and dice roll results in accordance with game play rules 175 and outputs game play outcomes to the player terminals 180. The game play instructions can be stored as program code in a memory 170 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.
Each of the player terminals 180 includes the components required for a player to enter game play instructions which can include wagers to play the games. Each player terminal can include a credit mechanism 182 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, a player input mechanism 187 to enable a player enter game play instructions and a display 185 or other output mechanism for presenting game information and outcomes to the player.
The credit mechanism 182 may a coin or token input chute or bill collector and matching dispenser, or alternatively a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.
The display 185 and/or other output mechanism may be a video display unit, such as a cathode ray tube screen device, a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit or other output mechanism. A player terminal may be provided with more than one display unit or type of display for example a player terminal may be provided with a screen type display and another form of output mechanism, such as a series or lights or a panel of selectively illuminated symbols and speakers for audio outputs. Different game information may be communicated by each display or output mechanism.
The player input mechanism 187 can be any suitable form of user input mechanism which enables a player to input game play instructions, for example a bank of buttons for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, a key board or keypad, a touch screen etc. The player input mechanism may include a plurality of input mechanisms or interfaces, for example one or more banks of buttons and one or more touch screens etc.
An embodiment of a dice roll based result generator will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. The result generator includes a plurality of dice 120. The dice are rolled using the agitator 130. In the embodiment illustrated the agitator 130 includes the dice support platform 420 which is movable, driven by a motor 430 controlled by a motion controller 435. Motor is used in this context to describe an apparatus for moving the platform and may be hydraulic, for example a plurality of hydraulic jacks, controllable by the motion controller 435. The motion controller 435 is adapted to control a movement sequence for the agitator to cause a dice roll which can be hard coded into the motor or programmable, such as using a control processor. For example, the motion controller may be implemented in a programmable logic device or processor coded with a sequence of motor control instructions which when executed control the motor and any other agitator hardware to execute a sequence of define movements. Alternatively, the motion controller may be hardware apparatus, for example comprising a set of gears, cams, pistons etc arranged to cause a plurality of defined movements of the support platform when driven by the motor, and a mechanical timing device adapted to cause shifting between the different hardware apparatus such that the plurality of defined movement are executed in a defined sequence.
A significant challenge in electronic gaming systems using mechanical random result generation is creating motion which reliably generates a random result, as well as accurately reading the random result.
An example of a movement sequence is illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment the dice support platform is moved to roll the dice. The dice roll starts with the dice support platform in an initial position 510. An initiating motion 520 serves to initiate movement of the dice. The initiating motion applies a rapid mechanical impetus to the dice, for example by rapidly jerking the dice support platform vertically. The dice support platform is then vibrated 530 at a first level of vibration which has a vibration amplitude and frequency adapted to keep the dice in motion. A second rapid mechanical impetus is then applied 540, to simulate a dice throw. For example the support platform can be jerked again to perform a dice throw 540. The support platform is then vibrated at a second vibration level 550. The second vibration level is adapted to cause any dice resting on an edge to fall so it will rest flat on a facet but the vibration of the support surface is not sufficient enough to cause a dice resting flat on a facet to roll to another facet. For example the second vibration level can have a lower vibration amplitude and lower vibration frequency than that of the first vibration level. After a period of vibration at the second vibration level, which enables the dice to settle on the support platform, the vibration stops 560 and the support platform positioned ready for the dice to be read 570. The dice reading position for the support platform may be the same as the initial position from which the dice roll is started. The second period of vibration at the second vibration level is an optional vibration step which has the advantage of minimising the chance of a dice resting on an edge and hence the dice roll result being invalid.
An identification circuit 240 is provided in each facet 225 of each dice 120. In an embodiment, each identification circuit is a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit. Each circuit is adapted to transmit an identification code which is unique within the result generator. The passive RFID circuits are powered by current induced in the circuit when the circuit is in the presence of an alternating electromagnetic field of an appropriate strength and frequency. The electromagnetic field can be generated from detector circuitry used for reading the identification code of the RFID circuit. For example, the dice reader may comprise a plurality of detector coils which are driven by an alternating current source to generate the electromagnetic field which is used for powering the RFID circuits and reading the identification code. Current induced by the electromagnetic field is rectified to power the identification circuit, thus no independent power storage is required for the identification circuit. The identification circuit is adapted to modulate the received electromagnetic signal to transmit the circuit's identification code. The identification code may be hardwired into the circuit or stored in circuit memory such as PROM memory during manufacture of the circuit. In an embodiment using passive RFID circuits, the electromagnetic signal to power the identification circuit is provided using detector coils of the dice reader which are positioned below the upper surface of the dice support platform to read the identification code of the dice facets resting on the support surface. The RFID circuit is adapted to modulate the electromagnetic signal, and this modulation is in turn received by the detector coils and demodulated by a detector circuit to read the identifier of the dice facet resting on the dice support surface.
To avoid a false detection from identification circuits on the side facets the dice can be provided with shielding 250 in each facet to cause attenuation of the detection signal such that the stronger signal of the identification circuit of the lowermost facet, closest to the detector coils, can be distinguished from any relatively weaker signal received from the identification circuits of side facets.
The dice reader of this embodiment includes a plurality of detector coils arranged in an array 700 as illustrated in FIG. 7 where the detector coils 710 are arranged in a planar grid pattern. For example, for a result generator having dice which are approximately 5 cm cubes, to read these dice in a circular area of about 50 cm in diameter, a 7×7 detector coil array may be used where each detector coil is approximately 6.5 cm in diameter. To avoid any “void” areas where magnetic flux of the alternating electromagnetic field is zero, a second layer of detector coils may also be provided in the array, these coils 720 of the second layer being offset diagonally by half a coil diameter from the first layer of the array. For example, the first layer of the array may be provided on a first printed circuit board 715 and the second layer of the array on a second printed circuit board which is offset from the first board 715. Alternatively, the two layers of coils of the array may be printed on different layers of a single circuit board. In an alternative embodiment a single layer coil array may be used and the coil array moved between two or more positions during the reading process to compensate for any void areas and ensure the entire support surface is scanned for dice reading. An advantage of a two layer coil array as described above is that the movement of the coil array becomes optional or may be minimised as it is not necessary to compensate for void areas. For example, in an embodiment where movement of the coil array is unnecessary, the detector coil array may optionally be embedded in or attached to the dice support platform.
An example of a passive RFID identification circuit 840 and an electronic detector 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8. As described above, the identification circuit 840 includes a receiving circuit 845, for receiving an oscillating signal transmitted by the detector 800, a contactless interface 850 adapted to rectify the receiving oscillating current to power the circuit and read the identification code from programmable read only memory (PROM) 860 which is then used to modulate the oscillating signal to transmit the identification code to the detector 800 via the detector coil 810. The detector 800 includes an oscillator 830 to provide the oscillating signal which, in turn, is transmitted by the coil 810 to cause the electromagnetic field which powers the identification circuit 840. A modulated signal received from the identification circuit 840 is demodulated using demodulator 820 to provide the identification code as an output digital signal to the dice reader controller.
A dice reader controller can be adapted to selectively activate each coil of the array and receive any identification code transmitted by an identification circuit activated in response to the activation of the detector coil. An advantage of selectively activating each detector coil is that signals from neighbouring coils will not interfere with each other, and the location as well as the identification code for each dice facet against the support platform can be readily determined. The dice reader controller may be implemented in a processor as a set of instructions which when executed cause the processor to control the activation of each detector coil in sequence and store the detection results in memory.
In an embodiment the detector coil array is moveable using motor 450 and detector coil array motion controller 445 in order to change the position of the detector coil array 700 to confirm accurate detection of each dice. An example of the dice reading process is illustrated in FIG. 6. The coil array is initiated in a first position 600 for a first detection pass. The dice reader controller 445 selects a detector coil 610 to be activated 620. If no dice signal is received in response to the detection 630, then the next detector is selected 610 and the detection continues. If a dice signal is received 630 in response to the detector activation 620 then the dice facet ID output from the demodulator 440 is recorded 640 an optionally the dice position 650 is also recorded. The next detector is then selected and the process continues until the end of the pass 660 where all of the coils in the array have been activated and any dice facet ID's read. At the end of the first pass, the detector coil array is moved to the second pass position 670 and the controller again performs the detection from the second position. Each detection pass may include activating each detector coil and reading any result more than once. For example, regulations may require that each dice facet is read as having the same identification code and same position a plurality of times before the dice roll result can be deemed valid. For example, where a dice is resting on an edge, a different identification code may be read in one or more passes. Alternatively, if the controller 445 determines that too many identification codes have been read this may also indicate that a dice is resting on its edge. If a dice roll result is deemed valid, then the roll result may be output 690 to the processor of the game controller to be used to determine game outcomes for each player. If a roll result is not valid, then the error may be recorded 685 and an invalid roll result indicated 688 to the processor of the game controller.
An example of a game process will now be described with reference to FIG. 9. A game is initiated by the opening of a betting interval 900 during which players of the game may place wagers and input game instructions 910 which are recorded in game memory. At the conclusion of the betting interval, betting closes 920 in anticipation of the dice roll. The dice roll can then be executed as described above with reference to FIG. 5. The dice roll result is then read as described above with reference to FIG. 6. If the dice roll result is deemed valid by the dice reader controller, then the game controller can evaluate outcomes for each player 960 which are then displayed to the players. Any prizes are awarded to each player 970 and a new game can be started 980. If a dice roll result is invalid 950 then the game controller can indicate an invalid roll result 990 and take any actions in accordance with the game rules, such as refunding wagers and replaying the game, or if the game rules specify, simply re-rolling the dice.
It should be appreciated that once the dice roll result generator has been tested and gained regulatory approval the result generator may be applied in any number of different dice games.
An advantage of using an electronic dice reader as described above is that environmental factors such as changing in lighting or optical reflections will not influence the reading of the dice roll result. Further, as each dice facet identification code may be unique or selected from a large set of possible codes, the likelihood of substitution of dice or fraud by attempting to use a false identification circuit in proximity of the dice reader is unlikely, or may be identified by the dice reader controller and any appropriate action taken against the attempted fraud. For example, the dice reader can identify too many possible codes being read, and indicate a potential fraud attempt to a game controller and hence a casino managing authority. The dice reader may also be employed for reading dice thrown manually by a player or croupier.
An additional feature which may be provided in dice used in the result generator is illumination of the uppermost facet of the dice during the dice reading process. Such a feature may increase the enjoyment of the players watching the dice and also make the dice roll result clearer for the players to see. This feature may be implemented by providing an illumination device such as a light emitting diode (LED) embedded in the dice below each facet. The LED of the top facet can be switched on to illuminate the uppermost facet by reading of the identification code of the lowermost facet of the dice. In an embodiment, the illuminator can be powered by the induction power which powers the identification circuit of the lowermost facet.
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in any country.

Claims

1. A result generator for a gaming system comprising:

one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable identification code which is unique within the random number generator;

a support platform having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at rest;

an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result;

a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the dice support platform to determine the dice roll result.

2. A result generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the agitator is operatively connected to the support platform to move the support platform to cause the dice roll.

3. A result generator as claimed in claim 2 wherein the agitator moves the support platform in accordance with a given sequence of movements comprising one or more throw movements and one or more vibrations.

4. A result generator as claimed in claim 3 wherein the given sequence of movements to generate the dice roll comprises:

a. a first initiating movement to initiate movement of the dice;

b. a first vibration at a first vibration level adapted to cause continued motion of the dice;

c. a second initiating movement; and

d. a second vibration at a second vibration level lower than the first vibration level to assist the dice in attaining a rest state wherein one dice facet of each die rests against the upper surface of the support platform.

5. A result generator as claimed in claim 4 wherein the initiating movement is a rapid mechanical movement.

6. A result generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein each identification circuit is adapted to transmit the identification code in response to a query signal.

7. A result generator as claimed in claim 6 wherein the electronic detectors of the dice reader each comprise a coil for transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals, the coils being arranged in a substantially planar array substantially parallel to the support surface and each coil electrically connected to a demodulation and control circuit comprising one or more demodulators and a controller.

8. A result generator as claimed in claim 7 wherein each coil is selectively activated via the controller to send query signals for reception by an identification circuit of a dice facet resting on the support surface, and receive any identification code signal transmitted in reply for demodulation.

9. A result generator as claimed in claim 7 wherein the array of coils comprises a first layer of coils arranged in a grid pattern and a second layer of coils positioned below the first layer, arranged in a grid pattern offset laterally from the first layer such that each coil of the second layer partially overlaps one or more coils of the first layer.

10. A result generator as claimed in claim 7 wherein the relative positions of the coil array and support platform can be adjusted laterally and dice reading includes the steps of executing a first dice reading pass wherein each coil is selectively activated for reading identification circuits with the coil array in a first position relative to the support platform, changing the relative position of the coil array to a second position relative to the support platform, and executing a second dice reading pass wherein each coil is selectively activated for reading identification circuits.

11. A result generator as claimed in claim 10 wherein the coil array is laterally movable relative to the support platform.

12. A result generator as claimed in claim 15 comprising two or more dice wherein the dice reader is adapted to detect for each die the position of the die on the support surface and the identification code of the facet against the support platform.

13. A result generator as claimed in claim 12 wherein the dice reader is adapted to detect for each die an identical die position and identification code of the facet against the support platform a plurality of times to determine a dice roll result.

14. A result generator as claimed in claim 13 wherein an identical position and identification code must be detected for each die four times to determine a valid dice roll result upon which a game outcome may be based.

15. A result generator as claimed in claim 6 wherein each identification circuit is an induction powered identification circuit.

16. A result generator as claimed in claim 15 wherein identification circuit power is induced from electromagnetic fields generated by the detectors.

17. A result generator as claimed in claim 16 wherein each identification circuit is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to or embedded in a facet of the dice.

18. A result generator as claimed in claim 16 wherein each dice facet includes an illuminator adapted to illuminate the facet and coupled to the identification circuit of an opposite facet, such that an uppermost facet of a die will be illuminated when an identification code of a facet resting on the support surface is read.

19. A result generator as claimed in claim 18 wherein the illuminator is powered by the power induced in the identification circuit of the opposite facet by the detectors.

20. A result generator as claimed in claim 15 wherein each dice includes a shield adapted to significantly attenuate any power induction and signals of the identification circuits of dice facets such that detector does not read any signals from diced facets other than a dice facet resting on the dice support platform.

21. A game controller comprising:

a result generator comprising:

an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result; and

a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the support platform while to determine the dice roll result, an outcome evaluator adapted to apply game rules to a roll result of the result generator and evaluate one or more game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions and wagers received from each player.

22. A game system comprising:

one or more player terminals, each adapted to receive wagers and game play instructions from a player and display game outcomes to the player;

a game controller comprising:

a result generator comprising:

a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the dice support platform to determine the dice roll result, and

an outcome generator adapted to apply game rules to a roll result of the random number generator and determine one or more game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions and wagers received from each player.