U.S. patent application number 11/595310 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for fantasy sports television programming systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Score Line Channel, LLC. Invention is credited to James Brennan, Aurora Christidis, Shawn Giffin, Mace McMonigle, Neil Pennella, Scott Thomas.
Application Number | 20070060380 11/595310 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46326552 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070060380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McMonigle; Mace ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Fantasy sports television programming systems and methods
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed that enable fantasy betting
sports games via the Internet and a comprehensive all-sports social
networking community for sports fans, virtual sports bettors and
sports gamers. The systems and methods include Internet-enabled
interactive display systems located at player sites. An
Internet-enabled server system is provided for generating a
television channel comprising the fantasy betting sports games,
fantasy sports games, real-time live off-shore and domestic odds,
short segment video content from sports handicappers relating to
the fantasy betting sports games. sports prognosticator
predictions, and all-sports social networking services and
programs. The display systems are used to select and view the
fantasy betting sports games, odds, and sports handicapper content.
The sports handicappers also provide personal, interactive advice
via premium priced appointments, selectable from the display
systems. An Internet-based communication link is coupled between
the server system and the interactive display system for
communicating sports handicapper selections made at the interactive
display system to the server system and for communicating the
fantasy betting sports games, off-shore and domestic odds, and
handicapping information from the server system to the display
system.
Inventors: |
McMonigle; Mace; (Corona del
Mar, CA) ; Thomas; Scott; (Parma, OH) ;
Giffin; Shawn; (Newport Coast, CA) ; Pennella;
Neil; (Los Angeles, CA) ; Christidis; Aurora;
(Los Angeles, CA) ; Brennan; James; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Offices of Kenneth W. Float
2095 Hwy. 211 NW, #2F
Braselton
GA
30517
US
|
Assignee: |
The Score Line Channel, LLC
|
Family ID: |
46326552 |
Appl. No.: |
11/595310 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11057310 |
Feb 11, 2005 |
|
|
|
11595310 |
Nov 10, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3288 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A fantasy television system, comprising: an Internet-enabled
interactive display system located at a consumer site for selecting
a professional handicapper whose handicapping information is
desired; an Internet-enabled server system for storing handicapping
information derived from one or more professional handicappers for
purposes of information and playing fantasy betting sports games;
and an Internet-based communication link coupled between the server
system and the interactive display system for communicating the
selection from the interactive display system to the server system
and for communicating the handicapping information from the server
system to the display system.
2. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the server system
transmits real-time odds derived from one or more off-shore and
domestic sports books for purposes of information and playing the
fantasy betting sports games.
3. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the display system
comprises an interactive television system.
4. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the display system
comprises a web-enabled computer device.
5. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the display system
comprises a wireless device and the communication link is
wireless.
6. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the display system
comprises a wireless interactive display system and the
communication link is wireless.
7. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the communication link is
a wired communication link.
8. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the communication link
comprises a telecom provider and/or company
9. The system in claim 1 where the communication link comprises a
handheld device.
10. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the server system
comprises a website and wherein the display system comprises a
web-enabled computer device that displays the fantasy betting
sports games, and the handicapping information when the web-enabled
computer device is linked to the website.
11. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the handicapping
information comprises video content that may be used for general
information purposes.
12. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the handicapping
information comprises video content that may be used to play
selected fantasy betting sports games.
14. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the handicapper provides
personal, interactive advice via an appointment.
15. The system related in claim 1 where the handicappers are in a
pool of more than one, and members can select to use one or more
handicappers per game.
16. The system related in claim 1 wherein handicapper information
is customizable.
17. The system related in claim 1 where the professional
handicappers and amateur handicappers compete.
18. The system related in claim 1 where certain handicappers have
their own blogs.
19. The system recited in claim 1 further comprising: a social
networking website that allows consumers to access casual games,
rotisserie games and fantasy gambling games.
20. The system recited in claim 19 further comprising: a web-based
audio-video content website that allows consumers to store audio
and video content for retrieval by other consumers, and that is
accessible by way of the server system and the social networking
community or site.
21. The system recited in claim 1 further comprising: a web-based
audio-video content website that allows consumers to store audio
and video content for retrieval by other consumers, and that is
accessible by way of the server system and the social networking
community or site.
22. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the Internet-enabled
server system implements community and social networking within the
context of the fantasy betting sports game.
23. A method comprising: providing an Internet-enabled interactive
display system located at a consumer site; providing an
Internet-enabled server system that stores handicapping information
derived from one or more professional handicappers for purposes of
information and playing a fantasy betting sports game; selecting a
professional handicapper at the interactive display system whose
handicapping information is desired to play the fantasy betting
sports game; communicating the selection from the interactive
display system to the server system via the Internet; and
communicating the handicapping information relating to the fantasy
betting sports game from the server system to the display system
via the Internet.
24. The method recited in claim 23 further comprising communicating
real-time odds derived from one or more off-shore and domestic
sports books from the server system to the display system for
purposes of information and playing the fantasy betting sports
games.
25. The method recited in claim 23 wherein the display system
comprises an interactive television system.
26. The method recited in claim 23 wherein the display system
comprises a web-enabled computer device.
27. The method recited in claim 23 wherein the display system
comprises a wireless device and the television signal is wirelessly
transmitted.
28. The method recited in claim 23 wherein the display system
comprises a wireless interactive device and the television signal
is wirelessly transmitted.
29. The method recited in claim 23 further comprising: providing a
social networking website that allows consumers to access casual
games, rotisserie games and fantasy gambling games from the display
system.
30. The method recited in claim 29 further comprising: providing a
web-based audio-video content website that allows consumers to
store audio and video content for retrieval by other consumers,
which website is accessible to consumers by way of the server
system and the social networking community or site.
31. The method recited in claim 29 further comprising: presenting
advertisements to consumers by way of the server system and
interactive display system; and rewarding consumers for watching
the advertisements.
32. The method recited in claim 23 further comprising: providing a
web-based audio-video content website that allows consumers to
store audio and video content for retrieval by other consumers.
33. The method recited in claim 23 wherein the Internet-enabled
server system implements community and social networking within the
context of the fantasy betting sports game.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to digital
television services, Internet services and mobile and wired telecom
provider and/or company services and more particularly, to systems
and methods for presenting fantasy betting sports games, fantasy
sports games, sports prognosticator predictions, all-sports social
networking services and programs and live off-shore and domestic US
odds to players of both fantasy betting and other standard fantasy
sports games and members of a comprehensive all-sports social
networking community for sports fans, virtual sports bettors and
sports gamers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In order to fully understand the present invention, fantasy
games are defined as all fantasy games that in any manner are based
upon, pertain to, or are associated with actual sporting events and
actual sports figures. Fantasy games may include, but are not
limited to (1) "standard fantasy betting sports games" which are
currently available, (2) "enhanced fantasy betting sports games" in
accordance with the present invention which are based upon live
off-shore and domestic US odds, (3) "standard fantasy sports games"
("rotisserie league games") which are those fantasy games wherein
users build fantasy teams and leagues by drafting or trading sports
figures from real teams and collect points based on how those
sports figures play in the real world. Standard fantasy sports
games do not use or rely on off-shore and domestic US odds, and (4)
fantasy sports games in accordance with the present invention
referred to as "enhanced fantasy sports games" which include
additional elements not in other sports games, examples of which
are discussed below.
[0003] Prognosticators ("handicappers") predict the result of a
competition or games with reference to casino odds and "sports
handicappers" make predictions with reference to off-shore and
domestic US sports odds.
[0004] A "player" or "gamer" is a person who plays any of the
fantasy games and a "sports figure" is an actual sports personality
who plays in real-world games.
[0005] The present invention has been implemented using two closely
linked entities: Score Line Channel and an all-sports social
networking community called SLC SportsXchange.TM..
[0006] Score Line Channel has its own specific social community,
called a "gamer's community", which is focused only on linking its
gamers (members) in competition and social interactions like
chat.
[0007] SLC sportsxchange.TM. is an "all-sports social networking
community" and is a place and/or group where people become members
and where, among other things, they chat with each other about
sports and sporting events, create user-generated content, enter
and respond to contests, bring their friends, build new
relationships, play games alone and with others, and establish a
community based on common sports-related interests.
[0008] "Digital television" systems are those telecommunication
systems which send out and receive moving pictures and sound by
means of digital signals.
[0009] "Telecom provider and/or company" systems include all
telecommunication systems including but not limited to all wired
and wireless systems, such as, for example, all mobile telecom
provider and/or company systems, all IPTV systems and all phone
company systems. It also includes all wired and wireless systems
and companies not specifically tied to a telecom provider and/or
company such as, for example, a system tied into a wifi and/or
wimax system and/or a Bluetooth system.
[0010] "Casual games" include games like, for example, puzzle
games, arcade games, card games, word games, sports related video
games and board games. Fantasy poker is also included in the casual
game grouping.
[0011] "Fantasy poker" includes all the fantasy gambling games,
that are not sports related, and are featured on the all-sports
social networking community (SLC SportsXchange).
[0012] "Internet TV" includes all moving image and/or sound content
over the Internet. Internet TV includes but is not limited to web
TV.
[0013] "IPTV" is a system whereby a digital television service is
delivered using an Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure,
which may or may not include a broadband connection. It may be
delivered to residences and/or businesses. It includes, but is not
limited to, all television content and/or moving images and sound
that, instead of being delivered via previously traditional
formats, is being received, for example, by the viewer through
technologies used by computer and/or phone company, and/or cable
and/or satellite networks.
[0014] Sports and activities surrounding them, including standard
fantasy sports games and fantasy betting sports games, have become
one of the most important entertainment choices for American men.
Sports are well known to be one of the most targeted and lucrative
options for motivating rapid audience growth for cable, satellite,
telecom provider and/or company (e.g., IPTV, mobile), Internet,
handheld device (e.g., iPod, Playstation, MP3 players) and
broadcast delivery and advertisers worldwide. However, heretofore,
all sports programming on television, within certain parameters, is
very similar, and the only true differentiating factors are the
types of sports, the teams and the players.
[0015] A number of enterprises have been proposed or developed
relating to interactive television or Internet programming. For
example, AOL, CBS Sportsline, and ESPN provide standard fantasy
sports gaming as part of their Internet service on websites.
Internet websites, newspapers, magazines and cell phone companies
carry sports information. However, none of them have the ease or
immediacy of a television and/or mobile telecom provider and/or
company channel as does the present invention. A channel in linear
digital form can carry off-shore and domestic US odds, a gamer's
community, an all-sports social networking community (SLC
SportsXchange) information, fantasy statistics and related
programming and when such channel is interactive, deliver standard
and enhanced fantasy sports games, standard and enhanced fantasy
betting sports games, a gamer's community, and an interactive
all-sports social networking community for sports fans, virtual
sports bettors and sports garners (SLC SportsXchange). It may be
played silently in the background throughout the day or clicked to
at a moment's notice.
[0016] There are a few websites that offer fantasy betting sports
contests such as Wagerline.com and Fanball.com. The Fanball.com
site is a fantasy sports site that has a few simulated wagering
contests as an adjunct to its standard fantasy sports games. The
Wagerline.com site provides standard fantasy league betting
contests. None of the websites is tied to an interactive television
channel, or any television channel for that manner.
[0017] A number of US patents relate to standard fantasy sports
games, but do not cover any fantasy betting sports games. These
patents include U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,603, U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,736,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,723, U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,132, U.S. Pat. No.
5,860,862, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,854, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,881, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,193,610, U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,855, U.S. Pat. No.
6,669,565, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,978.
[0018] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/057,310, filed Feb. 11,
2005, discloses a television channel that provides for interactive
fantasy betting on sports games and interactive playing of fantasy
sports games, and that displays real-time, live off-shore and
domestic US betting odds on an interactive television device. U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/057,310 discloses a television
channel whose programming is integrally associated with a computer
device for use by individuals to fantasy bet on sports games using
off-shore and domestic US odds and play standard or enhanced
fantasy sports games on the computer device using information from
the television device. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/057,310
also discloses a television channel that provides a combination of
live off-shore and domestic US odds, fantasy betting and fantasy
sports games that are displayed on television and simulate
television resulting from the use of computer devices, and
specifically with interactive TV, IPTV or non-interactive TV.
[0019] It would be desirable to improve upon the inventions
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/057,310 to provide
for television, IPTV and mobile channels employing sports
handicappers who broadcast short segment video content and who also
provide personal, interactive advice via premium priced
appointments. It would also be desirable to provide for television,
IPTV and mobile channels that implement a social networking
community exclusively dedicated to all sports enthusiasts, virtual
sports gamblers and fantasy gamers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The various features and advantages of embodiments of the
present invention may be more readily understood with reference to
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate
like structural elements, and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary embodiments of systems in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates details of the systems shown in FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary enhanced fantasy wagering
process flow diagram;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary fantasy use case model;
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player that is initially viewing the channel
and is not logged in;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player showing an exemplary web home page of
the channel;
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player that is logged in;
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player showing an exemplary handicapper
channel;
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player showing an exemplary SLC SportsXchange
player profile page; and
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary embodiments
of gaming methods.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] By way of summary, disclosed are fantasy sports gaming
television systems and methods, implemented using IPTV, Internet,
Internet TV and/or mobile telecom providers and/or companies, that
uniquely and comprehensively address the growing sports gaming
market in a manner not envisioned heretofore. The fantasy sports
gaming television (IPTV, Internet, Internet TV and mobile) systems
and methods provide the only combination of simulated sports gaming
available together with a gamer's community and an all-sports
social networking community (SLC SportsXchange.TM.), including an
Internet website, a gamer's community and an all-sports mobile
community, a gamer's community and an all-sports interactive TV
community, and a gamer's community and an all-sports IPTV
community.
[0032] Embodiments of the television, IPTV, Internet, Internet TV
and mobile systems and methods that comprise display systems
located at consumer or player sites, a server system for generating
a television channel (The Score Line Channel.TM., or "SLC.TM.")
comprising standard and enhanced fantasy sports games and standard
and enhanced fantasy betting sports games with real-time live odds
derived from multiple off-shore and domestic US sports books used
for information purposes, playing in fantasy games, and a
communication link coupled between the server system and the
display systems for transmitting the television channel, IPFV,
Internet, Internet TV, standard mobile and mobile TV including the
real-time live odds, standard and enhanced fantasy betting sports
games and standard enhanced fantasy sports games, casual games
listed below, a gamer's community or site and an all-sports social
networking community or site (SLC SportsXchange) to the display
systems.
[0033] Odds, statistics, fantasy league standings, predictions are
available to users and are provided by third party content
aggregators. Advertisements and shopping links are also provided to
users by third party content aggregators. Casual games, rotisserie
games and fantasy gambling games are available to users through the
SportsXchange social networking community.
[0034] A user-oriented web-based audio-video content site is
provided that allows users to generate and store audio and video
content, that may be retrieved by other users. This audio-video
content site is accessible by way of a media server and the social
networking community or site,
[0035] Exemplary communication links include cable and satellite
providers, wired and mobile telecom provider (Telco) and/or
companies, handheld device companies and distributors (e.g., Apple,
Sony) and/or the Internet. Exemplary display systems include
digital television systems and web-enabled computer devices, such
as personal computers and cellular devices, for example. Exemplary
programming formats include a linear video channel, an interactive
television (iTV) channel, an Internet protocol television (IPTV)
channel, a mobile telecom provider and/or company channel, a
downloadable content channel and a website channel. The exemplary
television systems and methods permit interactive fantasy betting
competitions between many players using real-time off-shore and
Domestic US odds making the gaming experience more realistic but
without providing any negative financial consequences to the
players.
[0036] The fantasy sports gaming television systems and methods
provide for a US-based social networking community exclusively
dedicated to all sports enthusiasts, virtual sports gamblers and
fantasy gamers. The fantasy sports gaming systems and casual gaming
systems provide for a sports gamer's community and an all-sports
social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) television, IPTV,
Internet, Internet TV and mobile sites that embody all-sports
related contests, all-sports user-generated audio and video
content, including shows, all-sports related appointment
programming, where winners of virtual sports betting games,
rotisserie sports fantasy games, winners of various sports related
contests, including those that include user-generated audio and
video sports programs and shows, and celebrities moderate scheduled
controversial topics. The purpose of this is to provide a place
where game winners can be featured and rewarded and to fill forums
and chat rooms that might otherwise be either empty or sparsely
populated. The fantasy sports gaming systems provide for fantasy
gambling games that replicate real world gaming in a league format
and that allow a player to use multiple off-shore and domestic US
odds. More particularly, the fantasy sports gaming systems provide
for a digital presentation of a customizable, moving information
stream of offshore and domestic US odds. The fantasy sports
gambling games do not create any financial risk for gamers but they
do allow gamers to accumulate points or credits, that are given to
them for free, by winning. In some cases the fantasy gambling games
will allow gamers to take these free points and/or credits
accumulated through winning, and use or redeem them in other games
or contests offered by the company.
[0037] The fantasy sports gaming systems allow winners of
rotisserie games to accumulate points and choose prizes from any
number of sponsors/stores in a large shopping mall and/or to get
cash prizes all of which have been established and announced well
in advance of the games being played and are not related to the
number of players or to any accumulated amount of entry fees
provided by those players. The fantasy sports gaming systems
implement a rewards program for watching ads on a fantasy gaming,
the gamer's community and the all-sports social networking
community (SLC SportsXchange), on whatever display system they may
reside.
[0038] The fantasy sports gaming systems provide for the first
known long-term, multi-platform short segment video competition for
choosing female hostesses/market representatives in the sports
information/fantasy gambling/gaming arena.
[0039] The fantasy sports gaming systems provide for the first
long-term, multi-platform, short segment, video competition among
professional handicappers and amateur handicappers, where they
compete as to whose predictions are more accurate.
[0040] The fantasy sports gaming systems provide for an Internet TV
site (and a linear digital television section and/or show, an
interactive television and IPFV place and/or show, and both a
linear and interactive mobile component and/or show and/or "snack
size" segment) having a large group of sports handicappers who
broadcast short segment moving picture and sound content, provide
pre-recorded advice and who also provide personal advice via
premium priced appointments. The fantasy sports gaming systems
provide for a subscription service where a member can choose from a
stable of handicappers at a reduced rate and reduced risk. The
fantasy sports gaming systems provide for a public video-driven
contest between professional and amateur handicappers.
[0041] Referring to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 illustrates
exemplary embodiments of systems 10 in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. All systems 10 implement a
standard and enhanced fantasy betting sports games and standard and
enhanced fantasy sports gaming television channel 10 (The Score
Line Channel.TM., "SLC") for distribution to consumers or end
users, and in particular fantasy sports players and fantasy sports
bettors. All systems 10 deliver real-time live odds (off-shore and
domestic US odds) derived from multiple off-shore and domestic US
sports books 25, casinos 25, or odds-makers 25, which has not
heretofore been provided by any sports channel or fantasy sports
channel.
[0042] In general, the system 10 comprises a display system 19
located at a consumer or game player site. The display system 19
may be a television system, 19 an interactive television system 19,
an Internet protocol television (IPTV) system 19, a web-enabled
computer device 19, such as a personal computer, a wireless device
19, a telecom provider and/or company (mobile and/or wired) device,
a handheld device (e.g., iPod, Playstation, MP3 player) or any
other display system 19 capable of receiving and displaying a
television or Internet feed and the off-shore and domestic US
odds.
[0043] A server system 11 (also referred to as a television studio
11) is used to create and aggregate data and programming for
transmission to the display system 19. Such data and programming
includes one or more standard and enhanced fantasy sports games and
one or more standard and enhanced betting contests, sports
handicapper predictions and one or more real-time live offshore and
domestic US odds derived from the off-shore and domestic US sports
books 25. The odds from the one or more off-shore and domestic US
sports books 25 and the one or more sports handicapper predictions
are used for general information purposes, such as for setting up
strategy, selecting sports teams, and for all fantasy betting
sports games.
[0044] Standard and enhanced fantasy sports games are games wherein
users create fantasy leagues by selecting players from all teams in
a selected sport and combine them via drafts, and player trades,
for example, to make up the users' fantasy team. Each team plays
against other users' teams within a fantasy league or club. Points
are awarded based on real performances of individual players for a
combined total score. Scores are tracked for every game and teams
are ranked against each other within a league.
[0045] Enhanced games have additional elements above and beyond
those of standard games. For example, such elements might include,
but are not limited to, allowing fantasy bets inside the fantasy
sports games, on the events (as defined below and certain
additional elements) and the results of the games. For example,
another enhanced element ties fantasy sports games to separate
fantasy betting sports games, which only the player of the original
fantasy sports game can play and wherein he/she makes simulated
bets on the outcome of his/her fantasy sports games and the events
(as defined below and certain additional elements) related to the
sports figures on his/her team or teams. Enhanced games have never
been available to players on television.
[0046] Standard and enhanced fantasy betting sports games are
interactive simulated betting contests. Enhanced fantasy betting
contests are those in which players use the real-time off-shore and
domestic US betting odds on real games along with other
information, including sports handicapper predictions, displayed by
the system 10 to make fantasy bets on the end results of the real
games and on "events" using fantasy cash, credits and/or points.
Examples of events include, but are not limited to, rushing,
passing, field goals, quarterback sacks, number of 3 point baskets,
number of home runs, number of saves on goals, rookie of the year.
Players either join public leagues, set up private leagues to play
against each other or play one-on-one against each other. Players
are given virtual cash (fantasy cash), points and/or credits, on a
weekly basis, for example, which they use to make fantasy bets,
based on the off-shore and domestic US odds from whatever off-shore
and domestic US book they choose, and the other information they
are given. If a player wins, points are awarded. If the player
loses he or she gets nothing. None of these fantasy betting sports
games has ever been available to a player on television, IPTV,
Internet TV, or handheld or mobile devices.
[0047] The system 10 may also transmit fantasy betting sports games
that use off-shore and domestic US odds. These fantasy betting
sports games allow bets on such things as the events in the
previous paragraph, but are not limited to only these events, and
may include who will be rookie of the year, who will be traded,
which coaches will quit or be fired, game stats on individual
players in each game they play, and the like. Thus, these fantasy
sports games are games where bets are made on selected events
relating to members (players) of fantasy teams, but are unrelated
to which real world teams actually win the games. They are
available to all players. This type of fantasy betting sports game
has not heretofore been available to fantasy sports players and
fantasy sports bettors on television.
[0048] The system 10 may also transmit fantasy betting sports games
that are based on enhanced fantasy sports games. These fantasy
betting sports games allow bets on such things as the events in the
previous paragraph, but are not limited to only these events, and
may include who will be rookie of the year, who will be traded,
which coaches will quit or be fired, game stats on individual
players in each game they play, the result of a fantasy sports
player's own game and the like. Thus, these fantasy sports games
are games where fantasy bets are made on selected events relating
to members of fantasy teams, but are unrelated to whether the real
world teams actually win the real world games. They are available
only to the fantasy players who are playing certain fantasy sports
games. These fantasy betting sports games may either be embedded
inside the fantasy sports game to which they apply or be separate
fantasy betting sports games tied to those fantasy sports games.
This type of fantasy betting sports game has not heretofore been
available to fantasy sports players on television.
[0049] Interactive commercial transactions (commerce) include
situations in which a user, sitting at home for example, or using a
mobile device anywhere, for example, can purchase merchandise from
an interactive screen by the click of a button or other device.
[0050] The server system 11, or studio 11, comprises a central
database 12 that receives the real-time live odds from the
off-shore and domestic US sports books 25 and additional
sports-related and fantasy sports-related information from sports
and fantasy sports information databases 13. The server system 11
comprises a game server 14 that is coupled to the central database
12. The server system 11 also comprises a broadband media server 15
that is coupled to the game server 14.
[0051] The broadband media server 15 is a computer system that is
capable of transmitting (1) interactive digital video programming,
along with the fantasy sports games, the real-time live offshore
and domestic US odds, sports handicapper predictions, sports
gamer's community, the all-sports social networking community (SLC
SportsXchange) and ads or interactive commercial products that are
part of interactive commercial transactions, or (2) the interactive
digital video programming, alone, from the server system 11 or
studio 11 for distribution to the end user display system 19. The
game server 14 is a computer system that is capable of transmitting
(1) the fantasy sports games, the sports gamer's community,
all-sports social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) and
real-time live odds to the broadband media server 15, or (2) the
fantasy sports games, the sports gamer's community, all-sports
social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) and real-time live
odds by way of the Internet 18, for distribution to the end user
display system 19.
[0052] The server system 11 is coupled to the end user display
system 19 by way of one or more communication links 20. The
communication links 20 take a variety of forms, depending upon the
type of programming that is distributed and the type of end user
display system 19. Exemplary communication links 20 are provided by
telecom provider and/or company, cable and satellite system
providers 17 or operators 17. Other communication links 20 are
provided by way of the Internet 18.
[0053] The broadcast signal for the channel 10 may be transmitted
from any satellite uplink facility or through any wired or wireless
means coupled to the broadband media server 15. A satellite uplink
facility such as the British Telecom transmission facility in the
Los Angeles, Calif. area, for example, may be used as the uplink
facility. The signal is uplinked to a satellite transponder, which
beams it to headend equipment of cable and satellite systems 17
throughout the United States.
[0054] For example, digital linear video programming (television
broadcast or channel, IPTV broadcast or channel, mobile broadcast
or channel) 16a may be distributed by the telecom provider and/or
company, cable and satellite system operators 17. Digital
interactive video programming (interactive television (iTV) channel
16b, Internet TV and mobile TV) 16b may also be distributed by the
telecom provider and/or company, or cable and satellite system
operators 17. An Internet protocol television (IPTV) channel 16c
may be distributed by way of the Internet 18. Interactive video
programming may be distributed by way of a website 16d
(TheScorelineChannel.com) over the Internet 18. The broadcast
signal for the channel 10 along with the games and odds, etc., may
also be transmitted using the facilities and infrastructure
(antenna towers, repeaters, fiber optic links, etc) of telecom
providers such as Sprint/Nextel, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Cingular,
for example, identified herein as a telecom/mobile channel 16e.
[0055] In the case of the linear video programming only the live
off-shore and domestic US odds and video programming are
transmitted to the television, IPFV, Internet TV, mobile TV and
mobile system 19. The interactive components, include, but are not
limited to, standard and enhanced fantasy betting sports games,
standard and enhanced fantasy sports games, sports handicapper
predictions, the sports gamer's community, an all-sports social
networking community (SLC SportsXchange), interactive commerce
(e-commerce) and enriched video content transmitted via the
Internet 18. In the interactive television programming, the
standard and enhanced fantasy sports games and standard and
enhanced fantasy betting sports games, sports handicapper
predictions, sports gamer's community content, all-sports social
networking community (SLC SportsXchange) content, interactive
commerce and real-time live odds are transmitted from the game
server 14 by way of the broadband media server 15 to the telecom
provider and/or company, cable and satellite system operators 17 to
the end user display system 19.
[0056] In the case of the Internet protocol television programming,
interactive video programming is distributed by way of the
broadband media server 15 and the Internet 18 to the end user
display system 19 and the standard and enhanced fantasy sports
games and standard and enhanced fantasy betting sports games,
sports handicapper predictions, sports gamer's community,
all-sports social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) content,
interactive commerce and real-time live odds are transmitted from
the game server 14 by way of the broadband media server 15 and the
Internet 18 to the end user display system 19.
[0057] In the case of the website 16d, interactive video
programming is distributed by way of the broadband media server 15
and the Internet 18 to the end user display system 19 and the
standard and enhanced fantasy sports games and standard and
enhanced fantasy betting sports game, sports handicapper
predictions, sports gamer's community, all-sports social networking
community (SLC SportsXchange) content, and e-commerce are
distributed by way of the game server 14 and the Internet 18 to the
end user display system 19. The communication link 20 between the
server system 11 and the display system 19 located at the consumer
or game player site may be any combination land line or wireless
links.
[0058] As is shown in FIG. 1, various communication links 20 are
coupled between the server system and the display system 19 for
transmitting the programming, including the real-time live odds and
standard and enhanced fantasy sports games and standard and
enhanced fantasy betting sports games, sports gamer's community,
all-sports social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) content,
and sports handicapper predictions, to the display system 19.
Exemplary communication links 20 include telecom provider and/or
company, cable and satellite systems 17 that are currently in
widespread use for delivery of the programming to regular and
interactive television systems, IPTV systems, Internet TV, mobile
systems and mobile TV. For example, the programming provided by the
present invention may be distributed as a digital linear channel or
interactive channel on major cable and satellite providers 17
including Dish Network, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, Comcast Cable,
Cox Cable, Cablevision, Charter Cable, Mediacom, Insight or any
additional small cable systems. In the case where the display
system 19 is an Internet protocol television system 19 or a
web-enabled computer device 19, such as a personal computer, the
communication link 20 is provided over the Internet 18 using
Internet service providers, which include most of the
above-identified cable and satellite providers 17. In addition, a
number of major telecom provider and/or company companies, such as
SBC, Verizon, BellSouth and Qwest, to name a few, have DSL lines
into homes for Internet connectivity that permits television
channel distribution. Furthermore, mobile telecom provider and/or
companies such as Sprint/Nextel, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Cingular,
for example, also have cellular/mobile facilities that may be used
to provide television channel distribution via the telecom/mobile
channel 16e.
[0059] The Internet protocol television (IFTV) channel 16b may, for
example, be implemented using a platform available from Microsoft
Corporation known as Microsoft.RTM. TV or it may be implemented
using some other system and/or systems. Details of this platform
are available on the Microsoft.RTM. website. Available descriptive
literature include a Microsoft TV fact sheet, Microsoft TV
Foundation Edition, and Microsoft TV IFTV Edition Datasheet, for
example. Information regarding the Microsoft TV platform may be
obtained from reading these documents. In general, the Microsoft TV
platform includes systems and services that provide for digital
video recording (DVR), on-demand programming, high-definition
television (HDTV), and program guide listings using a single
customizable menu. The television channel 10 may be delivered to
end users using the Microsoft TV platform. Microsoft was used only
as an example and the channel may be delivered using some other
Internet platform and/or system and/or it may be delivered using
both Microsoft and some other platform or system.
[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates additional details regarding the systems
10 shown in FIG. 1. As is shown in FIG. 2, the television
broadcasting studio 11 includes a number of databases, including
the central database 12, databases that are compiled by a third
party content aggregators 21 including the sports information
database 13 and sports book database 22, an advertising database
23, a user-generated database 24 from the all-sports social
networking community (SLC SportsXchange) and the gamer community,
and a sports handicapper database. The sports book database 22
stores the real-time off-shore and domestic US odds received from
various off-shore and domestic US odds makers. The sports
information database 13 stores information relating to standard and
enhanced fantasy sports games that are broadcast, including
end-of-game results, injuries, against-the-spread information,
player statistics and league standings, for example. The sports
gamer's community database 24 stores all of the information about
the interactions and victories of the (1) "standard fantasy betting
sports games" 2) "enhanced fantasy betting sports games" and the
(3) "standard fantasy sports games" ("rotisserie league
games").
[0061] The all-sports social networking community (SLC
SportsXchange) information database 24 stores all the third party
information about the extremely extensive sports lists on the
all-sports community. So it will store information about sports,
for example, that are not listed on the fantasy gaming part of the
Score Line Channel, such as information about bass fishing and
soccer. The user-generated database 24 for the all-sports social
networking community (SLC SportsXchange) stores all of the
user-generated content created by the members including audio,
video, chat and written information. Such data may be stored in a
web-based audio-video content site 28, for example. The web-based
audio-video content site 28 and SportsXchange site 24 are coupled
to the game server 14 and the media server 15.
[0062] The advertising database 23 stores advertising material that
is to be broadcast. The sports handicapper database 22 stores
sports handicapper information and predictions. The central
database 12 combines and organizes the information from the
databases 22 compiled by the third party content aggregators 21 and
the user-generated content from the members 21 and stores the live
odds, half-time odds, end-of-game results, injuries,
against-the-spread information, player statistics and the league
standing derived from the third party content aggregator
databases.
[0063] The game server 14 outputs fantasy betting sports games and
standard and enhanced fantasy sports games and sports handicapper
information and predictions and casual games and fantasy poker for
broadcast to end user display systems 19 along with the data stored
in the central database 12 relating to the standard and enhanced
fantasy betting sports game or standard and enhanced fantasy sports
game and casual games and fantasy poker and contests that are
broadcast. The game server 14 packages the sports handicapper
information and predictions, standard and enhanced fantasy betting
sports games, and standard and enhanced fantasy sports games, and
casual games and fantasy poker and contests with desired
advertising derived from the advertising database 23. The broadband
media server transmits the current game, the video programming
associated with the game, the various feeds, and the advertising to
telecom provider and/or company, cable and or satellite operators
17 for distribution over telecom provider and/or company, satellite
or cable systems to end user display systems 19 using a digital,
non-interactive television broadcast 16a, or by way of telecom
provider and/or company, satellite or cable systems to the end user
display systems 19 using the interactive television (iTV) channel
16b. The broadband media server 15 and the game server 14 are also
coupled to the Internet 18 (or World Wide Web) for distribution of
interactive programming to end user display systems 19 by way of
the Internet protocol television (IPTV) channel 16c, the Internet
TV channel 16b, the mobile or handheld device channel 16e (for
download or broadcast), or the website (TheScorelineChannel.com)
16d.
[0064] The social networking site (SLC SportsXchange) is
implemented using a website and one or more databases 24. Casual
games, rotisserie games and fantasy gambling games are stored in
the one or more databases and are available to users through the
SportsXchange social networking community or site.
[0065] A user-oriented web-based audio-video content site 28 is
provided that allows users to generate and store audio and video
content, that may be retrieved by other users. This audio-video
content site 28 is accessible by way of a media server 15 and the
social networking community or site,
[0066] The digital, non-interactive television broadcast 16a or
channel 16a delivers live odds and linear video programming to the
end user display systems 19. The interactive television (iTV)
channel 16b delivers live odds whose order is customizable by
preference, half-time odds, scores, player statistics and
standings, sports handicapper information and predictions, other
sports information, fantasy sports games and fantasy betting sports
games, the sports gamer's community information, the all-sports
social network community (SLC SportsXchange) information, casual
games and other interactive and user-generated content and
video-on-demand programming to the end user display systems 19. The
IPTV channel 16c delivers live odds, half-time odds, scores, player
statistics and standings, fantasy sports games and fantasy betting
sports games, sports handicapper information and predictions, the
sports gamer's community information, and the all-sports social
network community (SLC SportsXchange) information, casual games and
other interactive and user-generated content video-on-demand
programming to the end user display systems 19. The website 16d
delivers live odds, half-time odds, scores, player statistics and
standings, fantasy sports games and fantasy betting sports games,
sports handicapper information and predictions, the sports gamer's
community, and the all-sports social network community (SLC
SportsXchange) information, casual games and other interactive and
user-generated content video-on-demand programming to the end user
display systems 19. The website 16d has fantasy games and sports
handicapper information and predictions, and the sports gamer's
community, and all-sports social network community (SLC
SportsXchange) content on it, even those that are associated with
non-interactive linear digital channels, which may be delivered to
the end user display systems 19. The IPTV channel 16c is
interactive, and may also deliver fantasy games and sports
handicapper predictions to the end user display systems 19. The
mobile channel 16e may be either linear or interactive, depending
on the sophistication of the handset. When it is linear the content
may just be voice, words or still pictures. When it is interactive
content may have a full video capability, a broadcast TV capability
and the ability to play fully interactive games and create
user-generated content. It may also have the capability to provide
a location based (using GPS) all-sports social networking mobile
capability
[0067] Half-time odds, end-of-game results, injury reports,
against-the-spread reports, player statistics and league standings
may be included in the programming broadcast via any of the
broadcast media (channels 16a-16e). Also, advertising material,
infomercials, live game scores, player trade information, club
negotiation information, interviews, and other relevant information
discussed in the previous paragraph may be aggregated for
transmission by the server system 11.
[0068] The comprehensive all-sports social networking community
(SLC SportsXchange) for sports fans, virtual sports bettors and
sports gamers may be implemented using the telecom/mobile channel
16e or the website (TheScorelineChannel.com) 16d, for example. The
all-sports social networking community has a number of unique
elements. It is the first all-sports community that provides a
comprehensive listing of all sports to make navigation easier. It
includes a sports dating tie-in. The all-sports social networking
community offers casual games, rotisserie games and fantasy
gambling games, for example, to members (users).
[0069] All user-generated content distributed via the all-sports
social networking community relates only to sports. Winners of
sports fantasy games (rotisserie and betting) played by members of
the all-sports social networking community and sports related
contests have the right to become leaders of sports related chat
and sports related forums as part of prizes. Winners of certain
fantasy sports gamers (rotisserie only) can accumulate points and
prizes and use them at stores containing sports related products or
to obtain cash prizes. SLC SportsXchange is also the first sports
gaming and all-sports community where members are rewarded for
watching advertisements.
[0070] Furthermore, the programming that is presented on an end
user display screen 19 may include an "SLC Average" line, which is
an indexed average of all off-shore and domestic betting lines used
in the present invention. The SLC Average correlates directly to
enhanced fantasy betting sports games that are played. A halftime
odds line may be displayed for all sports when available from the
off-shore and domestic US odds makers 25, which increases fantasy
wagering capabilities and more detailed information to sports fans,
fantasy game players and simulated betting league contestants as
may other information afforded on the all-sports social networking
community (SLC SportsXchange). Depending upon the particular feed
that is provided by the system 10, a player has the ability to
choose his or her odds in order of priority, and the display screen
19 displays a selectable button that takes the player to a screen
that displays standard and enhanced fantasy wagering features and
standard and enhanced fantasy sports gaming features of all the
fantasy sports games and fantasy betting contests.
[0071] Sports news features directly related to the playing of
standard and enhanced fantasy betting sports games and standard and
enhanced fantasy sports games, and the sports gamer's community, as
well as information about niche sports on the all-sports social
networking community (SLC SportsXchange) may be displayed,
including: live game scores, special odds, player trades and club
negotiations or other information about niche sports. A streaming
Chiron (called "Fantastat.TM.") may be, and is preferably,
displayed at the bottom of the screen, where detailed fantasy
sports statistics are displayed on a 24-hour basis, including
player statistics, injury reports and team updates, for
example.
[0072] Fantastat.TM. is a section or window of a display screen
dedicated to individual player standings and rankings for purposes
of standard and enhanced fantasy league games. Data is streamed
into the window, on a 24-hour basis, such as by using a service
available from Rotowire or Associated Press, for example. Both
standard and enhanced fantasy leagues allow users to utilize
players from all teams in a selected sport and combine them via
drafts, player trades, and the like, to make up a user's fantasy
team to compete against other players' teams within a fantasy
league or club. Free points or credits are awarded based on the
individual performances of players, and the combined point or
credit total of the players on the user's team are tracked on a
game-by-game basis and the user is rewarded or ranked within a
league based on this combined point total. Enhanced games have
additional elements above and beyond those of standard games. For
example, such elements might include, but are not limited to,
allowing fantasy bets inside the fantasy sports games, on the
events (as defined above and certain additional elements) and the
results of those games. For example, another enhanced element might
be tying fantasy sports games to separate fantasy betting sports
games, which only the player of the original fantasy sports game
can play and wherein he/she bets on the outcome of his/her fantasy
sports games and the events (as defined above and certain
additional elements) related to the sports figures on his/her team
or teams. The present invention is the first known fantasy sports
television channel (including linear digital TV, interactive TV,
Internet TV, IPTV, mobile TV and web TV) 11 that provides this
player-related information to users during the entire 24-hour
period.
[0073] Advertising information or relevant programming pertaining
to major and niche sports may be displayed in one or more separate
windows within the display screen 19. Also, advertisers and
sponsors can place ads and sponsorship logos, audio and/or video
content and/or interactive content on the display screen 19.
[0074] For example, an infomercial discussion relating to odds for
a specific recent game or games from real or fantasy sports
handicapper predictions, tips for standard and enhanced fantasy
sports gamers who want to avoid standard errors and increase their
skill at playing, and betting discussions for standard and enhanced
fantasy league bettors may be displayed. Information relating to
sports handicappers, including the accuracy of their predictions
and the cost of their services, or league experts, may be
displayed. Relevant discussions, live interviews with sports
figures, celebrity picks, fantasy sports trivia for the avid sports
fan, and sports comedy may also be displayed. In addition,
information about niche sports and all user-generated content from
the all-sports social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) may
also be shown.
[0075] Information about sports handicappers may be displayed on a
display screen 19 in the form of an ad, infomercial, link, telecom
provider and/or company number or other means of communication. If
a player chooses to use the information from the sports handicapper
he/she goes through several steps using a communication link:
establish payment, either then or through a previous subscription
or account, and request a prediction. The prediction is transmitted
via the communication link 20 to the player. Communication links 20
may include, but are not limited to: an interactive television
system 19, an IPTV system 19, a website 16a, an email address, a
wireless system 19, a wired system 19 a telecom provider and/or
company, a mobile telecom provider and/or company and a handheld
device (cell phone, iPod, etc.).
[0076] The system 10, using a digital interactive television
system, a telecom provider and/or company and/or mobile system 19
or a non-interactive television system 19 coupled with an
interactive website (including Internet TV, web TV, IPFV, mobile
TV) 16a is specifically designed to allow participation in fantasy
betting contests and fantasy sports games and the acquisition of
sports handicapper predictions and playing casual games and fantasy
poker. Exemplary fantasy games, (standard and enhanced fantasy
sports games and standard and enhanced fantasy betting contests)
developed for the system 10 include, but are not limited to:
[0077] (1) Sportsbook 2006 which is free and offers no prizes. This
is a fantasy league betting contest. Players either join public
leagues or set up private leagues to play against each other.
Players are given virtual cash, points or credits on a weekly
basis, which they use to make bets, based on the off-shore and
domestic US odds from whatever off-shore and domestic US book they
choose. If a player wins, points or credits are awarded. If the
player loses he or she gets nothing.
[0078] (2) Standard fantasy league sports games have a subscription
fee, and offer prizes that have been previously established and
made known to the player in advance of the game or contest and
their value is not determined by the number of participants or the
amount of money or "pot" put in by those participants. Fantasy
leagues are both public and private and allow users to utilize
players from all teams in a selected sport and combine them via
drafts, player trades, and the like, to make up a user's fantasy
team to compete against other players' teams within a fantasy
league or club. Points are awarded based on the individual
performances of players as a result of their skill at playing the
game. The combined point total of the players on the user's team
are tracked on a game-by-game basis and the user is rewarded or
ranked within a league based on this combined point total. Rewards
to the winning players may be based on awards from the stores in
the shopping mall, the sponsors, the advertisers and/or cash.
[0079] (3) Enhanced fantasy sports games include all this and have
certain additional elements. For example, such elements might
include, but are not limited to, allowing fantasy bets inside the
fantasy sports games, on the events (as defined above and certain
additional elements) and the results of those games. For example,
another enhanced element may tie fantasy sports games to separate
fantasy betting sports games, which only the player of the original
fantasy sports game can play and wherein he/she bets on the outcome
of his/her fantasy sports games and the events (as defined above
and certain additional elements) related to the sports figures on
his/her team or teams.
[0080] Thus, the system 10 provides for a television channel
(Internet system, Internet TV, IPTV, mobile system, mobile TV) 10
that permits interactive betting on simulated standard and enhanced
fantasy betting sports games and standard and enhanced fantasy
sports games that display off-shore and domestic US betting odds on
a display screen of a television, telecom provider and/or company
or computer device 19. The system 10 provides for a television
channel (Internet system, Internet TV, IPTV, mobile system, mobile
TV) 10 that implements a combination of off-shore and domestic US
odds, standard and enhanced fantasy betting sports games, standard
and enhanced fantasy sports games, sports handicapper predictions,
a sports gamer's community, and an all-sports social networking
community (SLC SportsXchange), and casual games and user-generated
content and interactive commerce displayed on television, telecom
provider and/or company and computer devices 19 using interactive
TV, IPTV and non-interactive TV in combination with the website,
Internet TV, standard unenhanced mobile telecom provider and/or
companies, Mobile TV and handheld devices.
[0081] The system 10 provides immediate access to live off-shore
and domestic US odds and other sports and fantasy sports related
statistics for the most popular sports like professional and
college football and basketball, hockey, major league baseball,
golf, NASCAR, arena football, boxing, soccer, rugby, cricket,
tennis, auto racing, grand prix, and as many niche sports as are on
SLC's all-sports social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) 24
hours a day, whenever sports fans and fantasy players want them. No
television channel in the market does or has ever done this.
[0082] In addition, the system 10 provides access on SLC's
all-sports social networking community (SLC SportsXchange) to
fantasy casino and casual games, for example, including but not
limited to poker, Texas hold-em, solitaire, blackjack, bridge,
canasta, cribbage, deuces wild, double down, euchre, gin, hearts,
spades, backgammon, chess, checkers, mahjong and bingo. No
television programming service or channel in the market does or has
ever done this.
[0083] The operational setup required for the system 10 is
relatively simple compared to conventional channels. The current
original production involves presenting hostesses, referred to as
Fantasy Foxes, creating contests for professional versus amateur
handicappers and creating infomercials for real and fantasy game
sports handicappers and league experts. Other programming, like a
handicapper review show, a behind-the-scenes sports show, and a
sports dating show may also be produced. Most other programming may
be pre-recorded, licensed or user-generated from members of the SLC
all-sports social networking community (SLC SportsXchange). The
remainder of the content for the channel 10, including games, are
created using computers, and are transmitted via telecom provider
and/or company, cable and satellite systems to end users, or are
available to end users via the website, Internet TV, IPTV, mobile
telecom provider and/or companies, mobile TV and handheld
devices.
[0084] Other than original programming relating to the hostesses,
the sports handicappers and others referred to in the preceding
paragraph, and information related to games and niche sports, only
limited content is provided including: advertising, live off-shore
and Domestic US odds, sports scores, player statistics,
user-generated and pre-recorded programming. Because much of the
material distributed over the channel 10 is created using
computers, this is a highly cost-efficient approach. In addition,
advertising content also is provided by way of computer feeds.
[0085] Data from the live odds feeds is fed directly to end user
display systems 19 to ensure the instantaneous updating of scores
and odds. All changes are also compared by human "checkers" of the
live feeds to ensure accuracy of information, and to correct any
errors or inconsistencies in real time.
[0086] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary fantasy wagering process 30
flow diagram. In the exemplary fantasy wagering process 30, an
event is scheduled 31 and existing players log in 32 in order to
participate in the event. Once a player logs in, a league is
created 33. If a new visitor wants to participate in the event, he
or she registers to create a new player account and the new player
(visitor 34) joins 36 the league. For the scheduled event 31,
fantasy dollar, credit, point allowances are awarded for each of
the league members.
[0087] At the time the scheduled event is played, a player logs in
32a, selects 41 the appropriate fantasy wagering league, selects a
live odds sports feed from those that are available, views 43 the
live odds, opening lines and SLC Average line. The player then
selects 44 a contest and sports book (casino) or SLC Average that
has the odds that he or she desires. The player selects a bet type
45 and a selects a bet amount 46. The selected amount of the
fantasy sports bet is submitted 47.
[0088] The scheduled event 31 (fantasy betting sports game) is
played and the player receives 51 the game results. The fantasy bet
results are determined indicating the amount of fantasy dollars,
points, credits that the player has won or lost. The fantasy award
amounts are then awarded 53 (i.e., added or subtracted from the
players fantasy dollar, point, credit allowance). After the
scheduled event (fantasy betting sports game) is finished, league
standings are determined 54. At the end of a pre-set period of time
periodic (e.g., weekly, monthly, seasonal) winners are disclosed.
Their names are put on Leader Boards and Halls of Fame. They are
also given the right to lead selected forums and chat rooms on
various pre-approved subjects.
[0089] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary fantasy use case model. A
visitor 34 logs in 32 and registers 35 an existing player 32 logs
in and updates his or her profile 61. The player 32 joins 36 a
league. The league is started 62 and the player 32 places his or
her fantasy sports bet. The league is started by the job scheduler
31.
[0090] A league manager 67 is responsible for setting up 33 the
league and inviting 33 players 32 to participate in the scheduled
fantasy sports game. A league administrator 68 is responsible for
removing 63 or banning 63 any player 32 who disregards league
rules. The league administrator 68 configures 64 game settings. The
job scheduler 31 processes 53 bet outcomes, deposits 65 fantasy
dollar allowances, processes 54 end-of-period results, and retires
66 inactive leagues.
[0091] The system 10 implements a format of league play relating to
fantasy betting sports games that is familiar to fantasy sports
players 32. In most wagering contest sites, gamers simply play
one-offs against the entire population of the site. The system 10
permits interactive competition among many players 32.
[0092] Play in all leagues is made available on the end user
display systems 19 in systems 10 where interactivity is possible,
and through the website 16d both where interactivity is possible
and where interactivity is not possible. This allows players
tremendous flexibility, so, that when they are at work, for
example, without an interactive television or telecom provider
and/or company, device or mobile screen, and something important
occurs relating to their games, they will have the ability to
manipulate their games or modify their strategy as necessary, and
those changes will be reflected on their display system 19 when
they go home.
[0093] The website, Internet TV, IPTV, mobile telecom provider
and/or company, telecom provider and/or company, mobile TV and
handheld device are provided in addition to the television channels
16a-16c. The website, Internet TV, IPTV, mobile telecom provider
and/or company, telecom provider and/or company, mobile TV and
handheld device presents content that is substantially similar to
the content on the television channels 16a-16c in that it displays
league driven fantasy betting contests and other fantasy sports
games as well as sports handicapper predictions, casual games, a
sports gamer's community, and the all-sports social networking
community (SLC SportsXchange), including both user-generated
content and the ability to create new user-generated content. A
window is provided into which the television content is
streamed.
[0094] Players are able to play all the fantasy, casual and poker
games on the website, Internet TV, IPTV, mobile telecom provider
and/or company, telecom provider and/or company, mobile TV and
handheld device. Game templates may be obtained via downloadable
web-based software, available to the public from a link on the
website or may be played directly on the website, Internet TV,
IPTV, mobile telecom provider and/or company, telecom provider
and/or company, mobile TV and handheld devices. The software or
direct web playing allows player involvement in public and private
fantasy leagues for betting contests, fantasy sports games, casual
games and fantasy poker.
[0095] As with the television screens, there is a screen section
allocated to real and fantasy sports, sports handicappers, casual
and fantasy poker games, league experts, a sports gamer's
community, and the all-sports social networking community (SLC
SportsXchange) and its user-generated content. This screen section
includes information about the sports handicappers and league
experts and may contain articles written by them and transcripts of
their shows. If the display system is interactive it will also show
the predictions of the sports handicappers once the player/user has
logged in and either paid for the prediction or the system has
automatically determined that he has a current subscription which
is available for use. If the television display 19 is not
interactive the player may get his/her predictions in one of many
ways including, but not limited to: the SLC website 16a, his/her
email address, previously designated telecom provider and/or
company lines, or other interactive wireless or wired devices.
[0096] The website, Internet TV, IPTV, mobile telecom provider
and/or company, telecom provider and/or company, mobile TV and
handheld devices may provide members with any and/or all content
from the sports gamer's community and the all-sports social
networking community (SLC SportsXchange), including, for example,
casual games, user-generated content, member interactions (for
example forums, chat), the ability to create new user-generated
content and enriched information.
[0097] The website 16d may provide links to sites containing
products such as sports tickets, sports equipment, sports
vacations, sports memorabilia auctions and other products important
to sports fans. In addition the site links to chat rooms where
league players can converse with each other.
[0098] Fantasy betting contests enable players to place fantasy
bets on any single sport or any combination of sports. They allow
players to enjoy the excitement of picking against real odds makers
and competing with their friends and co-workers, without any of the
financial risks inherent in real gambling. Teams and players who
make the most winning bets in a week, a month, a year, and
throughout the entire course of their participation in a league,
will be honored and publicly announced. Their names will be placed
on leader boards and in the Halls of Fame. They will even be
granted the right to be featured as leaders in chat rooms and
forums, where controversial topics are discussed. Players use the
statistics, information and off-shore and domestic US odds
displayed on the end user display screens 19 and via the website
16c.
[0099] The system 10 takes the concept of league play that is
familiar to fantasy sports players and combines it with the
excitement of simulated betting contests and real-time off-shore
and domestic US odds. In conventional wagering contest sites,
garners play one-offs against the entire population of the site.
The system 10 permits group play, which allows players to have a
unique and comprehensive real-world experience, without the
potential for real-world financial harm.
[0100] FIGS. 5-10 illustrates exemplary screen displays that are
presented on the end user display systems 19, such as the
television screens or web-enabled computer devices 19.
[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player that is initially viewing the channel
and is not logged in. In FIG. 5, there is advertising and live
scores displayed at the upper middle portion of the display screen
19 and on the lower left portion of the display screen 19. The
advertising includes links to the advertisers websites and allows
shopping via t-commerce directly marketed to a highly targeted
demographic audience. Selection buttons ("PLACE BETS NOW", "JOIN A
LEAGUE" and "START A NEW LEAGUE") are displayed in the middle of
the display screen 19, allowing visitors to take appropriate steps
to participate in fantasy sports games. The right portion of the
display screen shows an on-air hostess along with selection buttons
below the image that allows visitors to review archived
content.
[0102] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player showing an exemplary home page of the
channel. This exemplary screen display is presented to a player
that is not logged in. The live odds screen includes odds posted by
date and time, the teams that are competing, opening odds for the
games, odds from each of the off-shore and domestic US odds makers
25 or sports books 25, and the SLC Average.
[0103] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device presented to a player that is logged in. In FIG. 7, the
display screen shown in FIG. 6 is overlaid with a live odds display
once the player logs in. Also, in FIG. 7, the display screen shown
in FIG. 6 is overlaid with a match-up screen showing a game that
was selected by a player on which to bet. The teams are displayed
along with the spread. The amount of the player's fantasy dollar
account, points and/or credits are displayed. A "place bet" screen
is displayed containing a scroll-down menu that allows the player
to select a fantasy bet amount and compute a return based upon the
odds. Selection buttons are provided to select the fantasy bet
amount that was entered or cancel the bet.
[0104] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary screen display of a computer
device 19 presented to a player showing an exemplary handicapper
channel. Professional handicappers, who predict game results and
provide live odds, play a prominent role in support of gaming
simulations. An exemplary video showing a professional handicapper
is shown in the upper-middle-left portion of the screen display.
Controls for playing the video are presented below the presentation
screen containing the video. A contact number for the professional
handicapper is also displayed that allows players to contact
him/her.
[0105] A list of available professional handicappers is presented
in the upper-middle-right portion of the screen display 19. The
list includes a photograph along with contact information and
selectable icons for watching or buying the video and statistics
for each professional handicapper.
[0106] More particularly, the fantasy sports gaming system 10
provides, for example, for an Internet TV (and e.g., IPTV, Internet
TV, mobile system, mobile TV, telecom provider and/or company) site
employing a large group of sports handicappers who broadcast short
segment video content (i.e., short video clips or videos) and who
also provide personal, interactive advice via premium priced
appointments. A pool of, for example, 20 handicappers may be made
available to players. The players may choose among the available
handicappers and use advice from as many or as few of them as they
want, at any given time, or for any one or more games. To buttress
fantasy wagering, the players may pay a subscription package price
for a certain number of predictions, or may pay for individual
predictions. Payment may be made using a call-in number or by a
click of a button (icon) on the Internet display screen or mobile
telecom provider and/or company screen.
[0107] Free handicapper videos are provided that discuss teams,
players, conditions and the accuracy of their past predictions.
Weekly discussions and predictions may be provided via videos to
support personalization and immediacy and to better connect with
players as they compete in their fantasy leagues.
[0108] The fantasy sports gaming system 10 implements a
professional handicapper subscription service where a player can
choose from a stable of handicappers at a reduced rate and reduced
risk. The fantasy sports gaming system 10 also implements a public
video-driven contest between professional and amateur handicappers.
Players can switch between handicappers.
[0109] It is believed that the presently disclosed system 10 is the
first of its kind to present fantasy sports gaming, including
handicappers, by way of an Internet TV link. It is also believed
that the presently disclosed system 10 is the first of its kind to
provide access to professional handicappers, particularly in the
form of video presentations, on-line links and subscription
professional handicapping services. It is believed that the
disclosed system 10 is the first of its kind to present fantasy
sports gaming, including handicappers, by way of an IPTV link, a
mobile TV link and a video handheld device link.
[0110] The professional handicapper videos permit the player to
better manage his/her fantasy gaming accounts. The professional
handicapper provides advice to the player on how to bet, how to
maximize returns on bets, how to hedge bets. This is somewhat
similar to portfolio management in the stock market. This aspect of
the system 10 has not heretofore been done via the Internet or an
IPTV link, a mobile TV link and a video handheld device link.
[0111] Also, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may implement an
SLC SportsXchange website 16d that features amateur handicappers
whose results are measured against professional handicappers. Every
month, for example, one or more of the amateur handicappers may be
chosen to be featured on the main SLC website alongside the
professional handicappers. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary screen
display of a computer device 19 presented to a player showing an
exemplary player profile displayed on an exemplary displayed SLC
SportsXchange page.
[0112] The SLC SportsXchange website 16d is an all-sports social
networking community site. It is the first known community website
16d devoted to all-sports and dedicated to sports fans, sports
bettors and fantasy sports players. The SLC SportsXchange website
16d may include, for example, the content discussed below.
[0113] Member/player customization--Members can build and customize
their own profiles on templates that include their interest in
specific sports, hobbies and favorite teams, answers to
questionnaires and surveys, blogs, photo and video
uploads/downloads shot or chosen by them. Members/players may
develop their own audio and video podcasts, radio shows, video
shows and video blogs for individual or multiple running
commentaries on current sporting events, and audio and video single
or multiple episode shows based on real and/or imaginary events.
Members may add favorite links, fantasy games, contests and build
leagues.
[0114] Member participation--There are chat rooms, sports jokes,
horoscopes, amateur handicapper contests, e-commerce, a sports
related dating service, sports related classifieds, memorabilia and
ticket trading available on the SLC SportsXchange website 16d.
Members can participate in forums for all the major sports featured
on SLC. Over time, as more members include niche areas, additional
content such as extreme sports, tennis, fishing and riding may be
introduced. Content for sports with a smaller number of fans may
come from niche magazines, for free or for a minimal price, or from
members. Questionnaires and surveys may be submitted to players.
Answers to these surveys may be used to shape the community aspects
of the SLC SportsXchange website 16d and act as additional content
on member profiles.
[0115] Community tools--The SLC SportsXchange website community may
include communication technology such as Skype.TM., internet
messages (IMs), buddy lists, email capability, address books,
alerts when friends come online, community search, video search,
access to Google search, mobile applications and a tie-in to sports
terrestrial, digital and satellite radio stations and programs. The
SLC SportsXchange website 16d is a place where like-minded people
can interact with old friends and meet new ones. Players are able
to search other profiles and content, in order to make new friends,
if the profiled individuals want their information to be freely
available. However, if members choose to do so, they will be able
to maintain selectivity by preventing their profiles from going
into general circulation. They can restrict their profiles to their
own circle of friends and keep the information even from their
friend's friends.
[0116] Sports Information--Sports scores, statistics and news are
also displayed. The sports information on the SLC SportsXchange
website 16d presents information relating to major sports on the
SLC portion of the site and other sports, such as boxing, Olympic
events and certain niche sport areas. This content is readily
licensed from companies such Covers, Stats Inc., RotoWire, AP or
Reuters.
[0117] Member (user) generated video and radio--The SLC
SportsXchange website 16d may feature member (user)-generated
short-form sports video and radio content derived from its members
and online players along with feeds from sports related college TV
and radio stations and film and video/radio school students who
want their content distributed. SLC will have weekly and monthly
contests for best personal sports video programming, in which
players vote on what they consider to be top sports videos made by
other players. These contests may be broadly promoted and players
are encouraged to vote on their favorites. Prizes for video contest
victories may be awarded from sponsors and from stores in the
shopping mall or they may be in cash.
[0118] Handicapper information will also be available on the SLC
SportsXchange site and it will provide access to handicapper pools,
predictions and personal appointments. It will also be the home of
amateur handicappers and the various contests between amateur and
professional handicappers.
[0119] The SLC SportsXchange will also have numerous "casual games"
like puzzles, arcade games, board games, word games and sports
related video games.
[0120] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary embodiments
of methods 70 in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. Exemplary methods 70 are implemented as follows.
[0121] An Internet-enabled interactive display system 19 is
provided 71 that is located at a consumer site. The display system
19 may be comprised of an interactive television, an IPTV system, a
telecom provider and/or company system, a mobile system, a handheld
device system, or a web-enabled computer device 19. An
Internet-enabled server system 11 is provided 72 that stores
handicapping information derived from one or more professional
handicappers for purposes of information and playing a fantasy
betting sports game. The Internet-enabled server system 11
implements a website 16d. A professional handicapper is selected 73
at the interactive display system 19 whose handicapping information
is desired to play the fantasy betting sports game. The selection
is communicated 74 from the interactive display system 19 to the
server system 11 via the Internet. The handicapping information
relating to the fantasy betting sports game is communicated 75 from
the server system 11 to the display system 19 via the Internet.
[0122] Thus, systems and methods for delivering interactive fantasy
sports games, fantasy betting contests. and interactive
handicapping information to consumers have been disclosed. The
disclosed systems and methods also provide for a social networking
community and an all-sports community website. It is to be
understood that the above-described embodiments are merely
illustrative of some of the many specific embodiments that
represent applications of the principles of the present invention.
Clearly, numerous and other arrangements can be readily devised by
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the
invention.
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