WO2002011085A2 - Gaming apparatus - Google Patents

Gaming apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002011085A2
WO2002011085A2 PCT/GB2001/003468 GB0103468W WO0211085A2 WO 2002011085 A2 WO2002011085 A2 WO 2002011085A2 GB 0103468 W GB0103468 W GB 0103468W WO 0211085 A2 WO0211085 A2 WO 0211085A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
race
player
gaming apparatus
competitor
bet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/003468
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2002011085A3 (en
Inventor
Daniel Anthony Lynch
Original Assignee
Coinmaster Gaming Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0018838A external-priority patent/GB0018838D0/en
Application filed by Coinmaster Gaming Limited filed Critical Coinmaster Gaming Limited
Priority to AU2001276485A priority Critical patent/AU2001276485A1/en
Publication of WO2002011085A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002011085A2/en
Publication of WO2002011085A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002011085A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3286—Type of games
    • G07F17/3288—Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a gaming apparatus.
  • a variety of gaming apparatus are known in which a player may place a bet upon the outcome of a game played on the apparatus.
  • the games provided by existing apparatus are typically very mundane, involve very little skill and knowledge and are limited in the degree of interaction that can be provided between the player and the apparatus or between two players of the same game .
  • a gaming apparatus comprising at least one playing console, the or each console comprising a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying a simulated race and via which a player may place at least one bet upon the outcome of the race.
  • the apparatus thus provides a high level of excitement, can require considerable skill and knowledge on the part of the player in deciding upon his bet, and can involve a considerable degree of player interaction.
  • the apparatus is arranged to provide the player with a variety of different types of bet, for example both "on-the-nose”and “quinella” type bets.
  • the amount staked by the player on a particular bet is incremented by a pre-determined amount, each time the player touches a corresponding area of his respective screen.
  • the apparatus comprises means for accepting cash or tokens to credit an account from which the player's stake is drawn.
  • the apparatus is arranged such that the player may place one or more bets in advance of the race and/or whilst the race is in progress.
  • the player is preferably provided with a variety of information relating to the race.
  • the player may be provided with one or more characteristics of each competitor in the race, such as that which may be found on a horse-racing form sheet, and prevailing track conditions, for example the so-called "going" of the race track.
  • the player is preferably able to place a bet until a final section of the race.
  • the apparatus is arranged such that a player may increase the apparent speed of a selected competitor by repeatedly operating a manual input device, e.g. a push-button.
  • a manual input device e.g. a push-button.
  • the apparatus may be arranged such that the likelihood of the selected competitor winning the race is proportional to the rate at which the input device is operated.
  • the apparatus may be arranged to respond to the repeated operation of the manual input device during only a portion of the race. For example, the apparatus may be responsive for only a limited, overall period of time during the course of the race, the player having to decide at which point or points in the race to operate the input device.
  • the apparatus may be arranged for a plurality of players to select respective competitors, the apparent speed of each player's selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by the player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device .
  • the apparatus may also or otherwise be arranged for a plurality of players to select the same competitor, the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by each player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device.
  • the cumulative amount by which the players may increase the apparent speed of a particular competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race is preferably fixed, with each player preferably able to contribute an equal share to that increase.
  • each of six players selecting the same competitor might only be able to increase the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, by 1 / 6 of the increase that could be achieved by a single player selecting the same competitor.
  • a competitor is selected by a player by touching a specific area of his respective screen.
  • the or each display screen shows a horse race, wherein a selected horse is shown being whipped with each operation of the input device .
  • the display presented to the player on his respective screen is focussed on whichever competitor he has selected, the player preferably being presented with a view from behind the selected competitor.
  • the apparatus is connected via a telecommunications link to remote means which determine either the outcome of the race or parameters affecting the outcome of the race .
  • the apparatus comprises a plurality of playing consoles, each having a respective display screen, the apparatus also comprising a further display screen for displaying a view of the race from one or more different perspectives .
  • the player whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in the order in which they are currently placed.
  • the apparatus is arranged to provide, for a pre-determined amount staked, or for each pre-determined amount staked, a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the competitors in the race upon which the player has bet finish the race in a pre-determined order, said pre-determined order preferably being determined on a random or pseudo-random basis for each race.
  • the player whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in said pre-determined order, together with an indication of whether the current position of any competitor in the race matches the same competitor's position in said list.
  • a gaming apparatus wherein a plurality of players may bet upon and affect the course of a simulated race, via respective playing consoles .
  • the players may also affect the outcome of the race, e.g. the order in which competitors finish the race, their respective finishing times, etc.
  • the course of the race is affected by a player by repeatedly operating a manual input device of his respective console to increase the apparent speed of a selected competitor in the race.
  • the apparatus may be arranged such that the likelihood of the selected competitor winning the race is proportional to the rate at which the input device is operated.
  • the apparatus may be arranged for each player to select a different respective competitor, the apparent speed of each player's selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by the player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device.
  • the apparatus may also or otherwise be arranged for a plurality of players to select the same competitor, the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by each player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device.
  • the cumulative amount by which the players may increase the apparent speed of a particular competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race is preferably fixed, with each player preferably able to contribute an equal share to that increase.
  • each of six players selecting the same competitor might only be able to increase the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, by V . of the increase that could be achieved by a single player selecting the same competitor.
  • the race comprises a simulated horse race, wherein a horse selected by a player is shown being whipped with each operation of that player's input device.
  • a gaming apparatus comprising at least one playing console comprising a display screen arranged to selectively focus upon one of a plurality of competitors in a simulated race.
  • a gaming apparatus arranged to provide a player with means for betting upon the outcome of a simulated race, such that, for a pre-determined amount staked by the player, or for each pre-determined amount staked, the player is provided with a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the competitors in the race upon which the player has bet finish the race in a pre-determined order.
  • Preferably said pre-determined order is determined on a random or pseudo-random basis for each race.
  • the player whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in said pre-determined order, together with an indication of whether the current position of any competitor in the race matches the same competitor's position in said list.
  • FIG. 1 is a gaming apparatus in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an image of a first screen display provided by a console of the apparatus of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an image of a second screen display provided by the console;
  • FIG 4 is an image of a third screen display provided by the console .
  • a gaming apparatus comprising an upright display screen 2 for displaying an animated, computer-generated image of a simulated horse race, the display screen being surrounded by a crescent shaped arrangement of playing consoles 4.
  • Each console 4 comprises a bill acceptor 6 for increasing a player's playing credit, a touch-sensitive display screen 8 for displaying an image of the race and for placing bets from the player's available credit upon the outcome of the race, and a plurality of control buttons 10,12,14,16.
  • a player sitting or standing at a console 4 is presented, via the touch-sensitive display screen 8 of that console, with the opening image of Figure 1, comprising a variety of information relating to an upcoming race.
  • the player is provided with information on each horse in the race, including the horse's name 18, number 20, betting odds 22, preferred type of track 24 and track conditions 26, results in previous races 28 and running style 30.
  • the player is also provided with an indication of the type of track 32 and track conditions 34 for the race about to be run.
  • the opening image also comprises a number of touch sensitive regions 36, each corresponding to a respective bet, the apparatus being arranged such that a pre-determined amount 38 (displayed at the top of the screen) is staked on a particular bet each time the player touches the region 36 of the screen corresponding to that bet, the total amount 40 staked on a particular bet being displayed adjacent its corresponding touch-sensitive region of the screen 36, together with the odds associated with that bet 42.
  • the player may place an "on-the-nose" bet upon a particular horse winning the race by touching a region e.g. 44 of the screen corresponding to the number of that horse.
  • the player may place a "quinella" bet upon one or other of two horses winning the race, by touching a region e.g. 46 of the screen corresponding to the numbers of those two horses .
  • the player For each pre-determined amount staked (up to a maximum of four in the embodiment illustrated) , the player is provided with a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the horses finish the race in a pre-determined order.
  • the winning order 48 for each forecast bet (chosen at random for each race) is displayed along the bottom of the opening image.
  • a countdown timer 50 indicates the amount of time remaining before the race is to commence. However, the- timer 50 may be overridden and the race commenced sooner where a lone player presses the control button 16 marked "start" .
  • a second screen display as shown in Figure 3, comprising an animated, computer generated image 52 of the race, together with a list 54, along one side of the image, of the current running order of the horses competing in the race (the number of the leading horse being highlighted) .
  • the opposite side of the screen is divided into a plurality of numbered regions 56, one for each horse competing in the race, the apparatus being arranged such that by touching the numbered region 56 corresponding to a particular horse, the animated image 52 of the race displayed on the screen of the player's console will be focussed on that horse, as shown in Figure 4 (in which horse number 4 has been selected) .
  • the apparent speed of the chosen horse can then be increased by the player by repeatedly operating the control button 14 marked "whip", with the jockey of the chosen horse appearing to whip the horse each time the button 14 is pressed. Until a final section of the race, the player may continue to place bets upon the outcome of the race by touching appropriate regions 58 at the bottom left-hand side of the screen, in the same manner as with the opening screen. Either prior to or during the course of a race the player may cancel his most recently placed bet by pressing the button 12 marked "cancel" .
  • a plurality of numbered lists 60 are continually displayed at the bottom, right-hand side of the screen, each list corresponding to a respective one of the free forecast bets for which the player has qualified, each of the numbers in the displayed lists being highlighted if its position in the list matches the current position in the race of the horse having the same number.
  • the player may dispense the amount that he has won on that race, or any accumulated winnings, by pressing the button 10 marked "payout". Any winnings not paid out may be bet on subsequent races .
  • the apparatus thus described provides players with a high level excitement and interest in play by allowing bets to be readily placed both prior to and during the course of a race and by allowing players to affect the course of a race by varying the apparent speeds of chosen horses.

Abstract

A gaming apparatus comprising at least one playing console (4), the or each console (4) comprising a touch-sensitive display screen (8) for displaying a simulated race and via which a player may place at least one bet upon the outcome of the race. The apparatus thus provides a high level of excitement in play, can require considerable skill and knowledge on the part of the player in deciding upon his bet, and can involve a considerable degree of player interaction.

Description

Gaming Apparatus
The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus.
A variety of gaming apparatus are known in which a player may place a bet upon the outcome of a game played on the apparatus. However, the games provided by existing apparatus are typically very mundane, involve very little skill and knowledge and are limited in the degree of interaction that can be provided between the player and the apparatus or between two players of the same game .
We have now devised a gaming apparatus which overcomes the limitations of existing arrangements.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising at least one playing console, the or each console comprising a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying a simulated race and via which a player may place at least one bet upon the outcome of the race.
The apparatus thus provides a high level of excitement, can require considerable skill and knowledge on the part of the player in deciding upon his bet, and can involve a considerable degree of player interaction.
Preferably the apparatus is arranged to provide the player with a variety of different types of bet, for example both "on-the-nose"and "quinella" type bets.
Preferably the amount staked by the player on a particular bet is incremented by a pre-determined amount, each time the player touches a corresponding area of his respective screen.
Preferably the apparatus comprises means for accepting cash or tokens to credit an account from which the player's stake is drawn.
Preferably the apparatus is arranged such that the player may place one or more bets in advance of the race and/or whilst the race is in progress.
In advance of the race, the player is preferably provided with a variety of information relating to the race. For example, the player may be provided with one or more characteristics of each competitor in the race, such as that which may be found on a horse-racing form sheet, and prevailing track conditions, for example the so-called "going" of the race track.
During the course of the race, the player is preferably able to place a bet until a final section of the race.
Preferably the apparatus is arranged such that a player may increase the apparent speed of a selected competitor by repeatedly operating a manual input device, e.g. a push-button.
The apparatus may be arranged such that the likelihood of the selected competitor winning the race is proportional to the rate at which the input device is operated. The apparatus may be arranged to respond to the repeated operation of the manual input device during only a portion of the race. For example, the apparatus may be responsive for only a limited, overall period of time during the course of the race, the player having to decide at which point or points in the race to operate the input device.
The apparatus may be arranged for a plurality of players to select respective competitors, the apparent speed of each player's selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by the player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device .
The apparatus may also or otherwise be arranged for a plurality of players to select the same competitor, the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by each player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device. In such a multi-player game, the cumulative amount by which the players may increase the apparent speed of a particular competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race is preferably fixed, with each player preferably able to contribute an equal share to that increase. Thus, for example, each of six players selecting the same competitor might only be able to increase the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, by 1/6 of the increase that could be achieved by a single player selecting the same competitor. Preferably a competitor is selected by a player by touching a specific area of his respective screen.
Preferably the or each display screen shows a horse race, wherein a selected horse is shown being whipped with each operation of the input device .
Preferably, the display presented to the player on his respective screen is focussed on whichever competitor he has selected, the player preferably being presented with a view from behind the selected competitor.
Preferably the apparatus is connected via a telecommunications link to remote means which determine either the outcome of the race or parameters affecting the outcome of the race . Preferably the apparatus comprises a plurality of playing consoles, each having a respective display screen, the apparatus also comprising a further display screen for displaying a view of the race from one or more different perspectives . Preferably, whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in the order in which they are currently placed.
Preferably the apparatus is arranged to provide, for a pre-determined amount staked, or for each pre-determined amount staked, a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the competitors in the race upon which the player has bet finish the race in a pre-determined order, said pre-determined order preferably being determined on a random or pseudo-random basis for each race. Preferably, whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in said pre-determined order, together with an indication of whether the current position of any competitor in the race matches the same competitor's position in said list. Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus wherein a plurality of players may bet upon and affect the course of a simulated race, via respective playing consoles .
Preferably, by affecting the course of the race, the players may also affect the outcome of the race, e.g. the order in which competitors finish the race, their respective finishing times, etc.
Preferably the course of the race is affected by a player by repeatedly operating a manual input device of his respective console to increase the apparent speed of a selected competitor in the race.
The apparatus may be arranged such that the likelihood of the selected competitor winning the race is proportional to the rate at which the input device is operated. The apparatus may be arranged for each player to select a different respective competitor, the apparent speed of each player's selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by the player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device. The apparatus may also or otherwise be arranged for a plurality of players to select the same competitor, the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by each player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device. In such a multi-player game, the cumulative amount by which the players may increase the apparent speed of a particular competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race is preferably fixed, with each player preferably able to contribute an equal share to that increase. Thus, for example, each of six players selecting the same competitor might only be able to increase the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, by V. of the increase that could be achieved by a single player selecting the same competitor. Preferably the race comprises a simulated horse race, wherein a horse selected by a player is shown being whipped with each operation of that player's input device.
Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising at least one playing console comprising a display screen arranged to selectively focus upon one of a plurality of competitors in a simulated race.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus arranged to provide a player with means for betting upon the outcome of a simulated race, such that, for a pre-determined amount staked by the player, or for each pre-determined amount staked, the player is provided with a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the competitors in the race upon which the player has bet finish the race in a pre-determined order.
Preferably said pre-determined order is determined on a random or pseudo-random basis for each race.
Preferably, whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in said pre-determined order, together with an indication of whether the current position of any competitor in the race matches the same competitor's position in said list.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a gaming apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is an image of a first screen display provided by a console of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an image of a second screen display provided by the console; and
Figure 4 is an image of a third screen display provided by the console . Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a gaming apparatus is shown comprising an upright display screen 2 for displaying an animated, computer-generated image of a simulated horse race, the display screen being surrounded by a crescent shaped arrangement of playing consoles 4. Each console 4 comprises a bill acceptor 6 for increasing a player's playing credit, a touch-sensitive display screen 8 for displaying an image of the race and for placing bets from the player's available credit upon the outcome of the race, and a plurality of control buttons 10,12,14,16. At the start of play, a player sitting or standing at a console 4 is presented, via the touch-sensitive display screen 8 of that console, with the opening image of Figure 1, comprising a variety of information relating to an upcoming race. In particular, the player is provided with information on each horse in the race, including the horse's name 18, number 20, betting odds 22, preferred type of track 24 and track conditions 26, results in previous races 28 and running style 30. The player is also provided with an indication of the type of track 32 and track conditions 34 for the race about to be run.
The opening image also comprises a number of touch sensitive regions 36, each corresponding to a respective bet, the apparatus being arranged such that a pre-determined amount 38 (displayed at the top of the screen) is staked on a particular bet each time the player touches the region 36 of the screen corresponding to that bet, the total amount 40 staked on a particular bet being displayed adjacent its corresponding touch-sensitive region of the screen 36, together with the odds associated with that bet 42.
The player may place an "on-the-nose" bet upon a particular horse winning the race by touching a region e.g. 44 of the screen corresponding to the number of that horse. Alternatively, the player may place a "quinella" bet upon one or other of two horses winning the race, by touching a region e.g. 46 of the screen corresponding to the numbers of those two horses .
For each pre-determined amount staked (up to a maximum of four in the embodiment illustrated) , the player is provided with a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the horses finish the race in a pre-determined order. The winning order 48 for each forecast bet (chosen at random for each race) is displayed along the bottom of the opening image. A countdown timer 50 indicates the amount of time remaining before the race is to commence. However, the- timer 50 may be overridden and the race commenced sooner where a lone player presses the control button 16 marked "start" .
On commencement of the race, the player is presented with a second screen display, as shown in Figure 3, comprising an animated, computer generated image 52 of the race, together with a list 54, along one side of the image, of the current running order of the horses competing in the race (the number of the leading horse being highlighted) . The opposite side of the screen is divided into a plurality of numbered regions 56, one for each horse competing in the race, the apparatus being arranged such that by touching the numbered region 56 corresponding to a particular horse, the animated image 52 of the race displayed on the screen of the player's console will be focussed on that horse, as shown in Figure 4 (in which horse number 4 has been selected) . The apparent speed of the chosen horse can then be increased by the player by repeatedly operating the control button 14 marked "whip", with the jockey of the chosen horse appearing to whip the horse each time the button 14 is pressed. Until a final section of the race, the player may continue to place bets upon the outcome of the race by touching appropriate regions 58 at the bottom left-hand side of the screen, in the same manner as with the opening screen. Either prior to or during the course of a race the player may cancel his most recently placed bet by pressing the button 12 marked "cancel" .
When the horses reach the final section of the race, for example the last lap or furlong of the race, no further bets may be placed and the betting regions 58 of the screen correspondingly change in their appearance, as shown in Figure 4.
Whilst the race is in progress, a plurality of numbered lists 60 are continually displayed at the bottom, right-hand side of the screen, each list corresponding to a respective one of the free forecast bets for which the player has qualified, each of the numbers in the displayed lists being highlighted if its position in the list matches the current position in the race of the horse having the same number. At the end of a race, the player may dispense the amount that he has won on that race, or any accumulated winnings, by pressing the button 10 marked "payout". Any winnings not paid out may be bet on subsequent races .
The apparatus thus described provides players with a high level excitement and interest in play by allowing bets to be readily placed both prior to and during the course of a race and by allowing players to affect the course of a race by varying the apparent speeds of chosen horses.

Claims

Claims
1) A gaming apparatus comprising at least one playing console, the or each console comprising a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying a simulated race and via which a player may place at least one bet upon the outcome of the race.
2) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, arranged to provide the player with a variety of different types of bet.
3) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the amount staked by the player on a particular bet is incremented by a pre-determined amount, each time the player touches a corresponding area of his respective screen.
4) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for accepting cash or tokens to credit an account from which the player's stake is drawn.
5) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged such that the player may place one or more bets in advance of the race
6) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged such that the player may place one or more bets whilst the race is in progress the race.
7) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, arranged the player is able to place a bet until a final section of the race.
8) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged such that in advance of the race, the player is provided with a variety of information relating to the race. 9) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims, arranged such that a player may increase the apparent speed of a selected competitor by repeatedly operating a manual input device .
10) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, arranged such that the likelihood of the selected competitor winning the race is proportional to the rate at which the input device is operated.
11) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10, arranged to respond to the repeated operation of the manual input device during only a portion of the race.
12) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 11, arranged for a plurality of players to select respective competitors, the apparent speed of each player's selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by the player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device.
13) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 12, arranged for a plurality of players to select the same competitor, the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by each player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device.
14) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, arranged such that the cumulative amount by which the players may increase the apparent speed of a particular competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race is fixed.
15) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 15, arranged such that a competitor is selected by a player by touching a specific area of his respective screen.
16) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 15, wherein the or each display screen shows a horse race, wherein a selected horse is shown being whipped with each operation of the input device .
17) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 16, wherein the display presented to the player on his respective screen is focussed on whichever competitor he has selected
18) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the player is presented with a view from behind the selected competitor.
19) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim, connected via a telecommunications link to remote means which determine either the outcome of the race or parameters affecting the outcome of the race.
20) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of playing consoles, each having a respective display screen, the apparatus also comprising a further display screen for displaying a view of the race from one or more different perspectives.
21) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged such that, whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in the order in which they are currently placed.
22) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims, arranged to provide, for a pre-determined amount staked, or for each pre-determined amount staked, a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the competitors in the race upon which the player has bet finish the race in a pre-determined order
23) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said pre-determined order is determined on a random or pseudo-random basis for each race.
24) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 22 or 23, arranged such that whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in said pre-determined order, together with an indication of whether the current position of any competitor in the race matches the same competitor's position in said list.
25) A gaming apparatus wherein a plurality of players may bet upon and affect the course of a simulated race, via respective playing consoles .
26) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 25, wherein, by affecting the course of the race, the players may also affect the outcome of the race .
27) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 25 or Claim 26, wherein the course of the race is affected by a player by repeatedly operating a manual input device of his respective console to increase the apparent speed of a selected competitor in the race.
28) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 appended to Claim 26, arranged such that the likelihood of the selected competitor winning the race is proportional to the rate at which the input device is operated.
29) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 or Claim 28, arranged for each player to select a different respective competitor, the apparent speed of each player's selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by the player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device.
30) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 29, arranged for a plurality of players to select the same competitor, the apparent speed of the selected competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race, being increased by each player's repeated operation of a respective manual input device.
31) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 30, arranged such that the cumulative amount by which the players may increase the apparent speed,of a particular competitor and/or the likelihood of that competitor winning the race is fixed.
32) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 31, wherein the race comprises a simulated horse race, wherein a horse selected by a player is shown being whipped with each operation of that player's input device.
33) A gaming apparatus comprising at least one playing console comprising a display screen arranged to selectively focus upon one of a plurality of competitors in a simulated race.
34) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 33, arranged such that a competitor is selected by a player by touching a specific area of the display screen of the player's respective playing console.
35) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 33 or Claim 34, wherein the or each display screen shows a horse race. 36) A gaming apparatus arranged to provide a player with means for betting upon the outcome of a simulated race, such that, for a pre-determined amount staked by the player, or for each pre-determined amount staked, the player is provided with a free forecast bet, wherein the player is awarded if the competitors in the race upon which the player has bet finish the race in a pre-determined order.
37) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 36, wherein said pre-determined order is determined on a random or pseudo-random basis for each race.
38) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 36 or Claim 37, arranged such that whilst the race is in progress, the player is presented with a display comprising a list of the competitors, in said pre-determined order, together with an indication of whether the current position of any competitor in the race matches the same competitor's position in said list.
PCT/GB2001/003468 2000-08-02 2001-08-02 Gaming apparatus WO2002011085A2 (en)

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AU2001276485A AU2001276485A1 (en) 2000-08-02 2001-08-02 Gaming apparatus

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GB0018838A GB0018838D0 (en) 2000-08-02 2000-08-02 Gaming apparatus
GB0018838.3 2000-08-02
GB0114180.3 2001-06-11
GB0114180A GB0114180D0 (en) 2000-08-02 2001-06-11 Gaming apparatus

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WO2002011085A3 (en) 2003-01-16
AU2001276485A1 (en) 2002-02-13
GB2367254A (en) 2002-04-03
GB0118968D0 (en) 2001-09-26

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