Gamblit Poker

[00:00:10] Mike Shakleford: Hello everyone, this is Mike Shakleford, reporting live from the 2016 innovative table game conference held at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. I'm joined here by Zach Foley, who represents the intriguing game known as Gamblit Poker. I have to say, this game is unlike any other table game I've encountered before. It seems like it could be the dawn of a new era for table games. Zach, could you please explain to me and our viewers what exactly Gamblit Poker is all about?

[00:00:35] Zach Foley: Absolutely! Gamblit Poker allows players to choose their cards by pressing a large red button situated in front of the table. The game kicks off with the dealer distributing one card face up to each player. Following that, the competitive part begins, where cards are drawn from the shoe one at a time and displayed on the screen. Players can hit the button if they wish to claim that card for their hand. The first player to press the button successfully gets to take the card.

You might be curious about how we prevent players from waiting around and drawing a straight flush every single time. Well, once any player accumulates three cards, a 'burn down' is initiated, limiting the available cards thereafter. For instance, if I start strong with a low flush and I'm hopeful of keeping it, only a few cards remain—approximately six—that could potentially allow someone else to outdo my flush. Eventually, at the end of this burn down phase, the participant with the strongest hand claims the pot.

Additionally, there's an option for a side bet in the game, which allows players to wager based on the initial cards dealt. This introduces a random aspect to the game: if two or more of those starting cards are a jack, queen, or king, the side bet pays out. With a full table, this can lead to significant wins, fostering a wonderful sense of camaraderie that tempers the competitive spirit inherent in the game. Players oscillate between cheering for their opponents and trying to outmaneuver them; it’s a delightful party atmosphere.

[00:01:47] Mike: That’s indeed quite a novel concept. So, it's a game that merges both skill and agility, correct?

[00:01:54] Zach: That’s right! Players really need to stay alert. It’s easy to miss the card you might need, or it might get snatched away by someone else before you can react. For example, I could be aiming for three of a kind with sixes while you’re trying to complete a six-seven-eight straight. We’re essentially in competition for the same card, and the fastest finger on that button claims it.

[00:02:09] Mike: Could you walk me through a sample round of the game?

[00:02:11] Zach: I’d be happy to do that! In this game, we can spot all the players at their blinking stations. To participate, everyone is required to place a fixed bet of $10, fostering competitiveness and creating a pot. The player holding the best three-card poker hand at the end takes home that pot.

As the game begins, the dealer deals one card face up to each player. If two or more of those cards are face cards—either jack, queen, or king—it affects the game dynamics. Here, we can see that the dealer is collecting the pot in play, taking a rake for the house before dealing the initial cards. We’re all hoping for a jack, queen, or king to trigger the side bet payout, but alas, it seems like that won’t be the case this time. The side bet pays off only if two or more of those initial cards are face cards.

Now, we transition into the competitive phase of the game. As cards are drawn from the shoe, they become visible on screens to both the left and right. Players can claim cards by hitting the button if they want to enhance their hands. For example, player five grabs that particular card, while player one claims the three of hearts. Everyone is striving to build the best three-card hand possible. Currently, we have a pair of sixes leading the charge, with one player aiming for three of a kind. Meanwhile, another player is working towards an eight-seven pairing to create a straight. If no one opts for a card, the timer will run out.

Once again, some players have opted not to take the cards shown. We've got a few participants eagerly awaiting their chances for sixes or nines. At this moment, a flush has been revealed. The player with the fiery icon is in the lead, needing to beat that flush with either a straight or three of a kind. Player one could potentially complete their three of a kind, but, oh! Player five just snatched the third six, clinching the win. We affectionately refer to that hand as the six-six-six, also known as the 'gamblit', because it resembles three Gs.

[00:04:15] Mike: Thank you, Zach, for demonstrating this exciting game. Once more, that was Gamblit Poker.

[00:04:21] Zach: Thanks very much.

[00:04:22] [END OF AUDIO]

Written by: Michael Shackleford