U.S. patent application number 12/028902 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-13 for mobile paperless wagering system.
Invention is credited to Paul Charles R. Cautley, Stephen Lupo.
Application Number | 20090203448 12/028902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40939374 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090203448 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lupo; Stephen ; et
al. |
August 13, 2009 |
MOBILE PAPERLESS WAGERING SYSTEM
Abstract
A mobile wireless, paperless gaming system is described,
including a location aware center, LAC, or WiFi hot spot. The LAC
is the only location that allows communications with the gaming
system. The LAC may contain a terminal with a resident gaming
application, a cash handler and display and scanner facilities. The
player accesses the game via a mobile device, illustratively
operating a touch screen, and utilizes a lottery or non-lottery
payment account that is approved by the game sponsor or owner,
thereby validating and authorizing the player to wager on a game.
The games and wagers are displayed on the mobile device and the
player makes his selections. The results are relayed back to the
player's mobile device and the account debited resulting accordance
with the amount wagered. The game application may be resident at
the hot spot or at the remote controller or at another remote
location accessible via the communications network.
Inventors: |
Lupo; Stephen; (Westerly,
RI) ; Cautley; Paul Charles R.; (Ridgefield,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CESARI AND MCKENNA, LLP
88 BLACK FALCON AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210
US
|
Family ID: |
40939374 |
Appl. No.: |
12/028902 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for processing and supervising a wireless gaming
activity, the system comprising: an account for a gaming player
that may be credited, debited and monitored by a sponsor of the
gaming activity; a location aware center having a first computing
system that accommodates the gaming activity; the computing system
comprising: a first sender/receiver for wireless communication to
and from a mobile device; a second sender/receiver for
communications to a communications network; and a processor and
memory suitable for executing a gaming application; a remote
central controller of the gaming activity; a network for
sending/receiving wireless communications between the location
aware center and the central controller.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a payment account and
access credentials wherein an amount of money associated with a
lottery or non-lottery account is validated and authorized for
wagering.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising: an identification code
and a password wherein the gaming player becomes authorized by the
gaming processor when the player sends the codes from the mobile
device.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the gaming application is resident
in a location remote from the location aware center and from the
central controller and wherein the gaming application is accessible
via the network.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the gaming application is executed
by and resident in the location aware center.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the gaming application is executed
by and resident in the central controller.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile device comprises a
display that signals the gaming result to the game player.
8. The system of claim 6 wherein the computing system in the
location aware center includes a scanner arranged to scan the
mobile device display and input the display contents to the
computer system within the location aware center.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the network is a virtual private
network.
10. A method for processing and supervising a wireless gaming
activity, the method comprising the steps of: establishing an
account for a gaming player that may be credited, debited and
monitored by a sponsor of the gaming activity; forming a location
aware center having a first computing system that accommodates the
gaming activity; wirelessly transferring gaming information between
a mobile device and the location aware center, and communicating
gaming information between the location aware center and a distal
central controller via a communications network; a network for
sending/receiving wireless communications between the location
aware center and the central controller.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of inquiring
of a redemption code and a personal identification number wherein
an amount of money is validated and authorized for wagering.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of:
establishing a redemption and PIN code wherein the gaming player
becomes authorized by a gaming sponsor when the player sends the
codes from the mobile device.
13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of locating
the gaming application in a location remote from the location aware
center and from the central controller and wherein the gaming
application is accessible via the network.
14. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of locating
the gaming application in the location aware center.
15. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of locating
and executing the gaming application in the central controller.
16. The system of claim 10 further comprising the step of
transferring gaming data to a display on the mobile device.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of scanning
the mobile device display into the computer system within the
location aware center.
18. A gaming system comprising: a first receiver, wherein the
receiver responds only to selected wireless signals from a mobile
device; a processor that receives the first gaming data; a gaming
application executed by the processor wherein the mobile device
participates in a game; a first sender activated by the processor
that sends wireless signals to a remote central controller via
communications network, wherein the central controller produces
second gaming data; a program at the central controller that
processes the second gaming data; a second sender at the central
controller that sends processed second gaming data to the processor
via the communications network; a second receiver that receives the
processed second data and a third sender that sends information to
the mobile device, wherein the mobile device displays the
information.
19. The gaming system of claim 18 further comprising: an
identification code and a password code sent from the mobile device
and processed to authorized the player operating the mobile device
to place a wager.
20. The gaming system of claim 18 further comprising: a redemption
code and personal identification code sent from the mobile device
and processed to validate and authorize the player operating the
mobile device to place a wager.
21. The system of claim 18 further comprising a gaming application
is executed by the central controller.
22. The system of claim 18 wherein the gaming application is
resident in a location remote from the first receiver and from the
central controller and wherein the gaming application is accessible
via the communications network.
23. The system of claim 18 wherein the communication network is a
private network that is accessible only by the gaming system.
24. The system of claim 18 wherein the mobile device has a touch
screen and display suitable for showing a bar code.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods,
and more particularly to mobile wireless, paperless gaming
systems.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Lottery systems are well known in the Untied States.
Generally, these systems involved selecting a group of numbers that
are on a printed ticket from an authorized vendor or agent of the
lottery. The numbers are drawn and winners present their ticket(s)
to a vendor and receive a prize, usually money. Variations involve
use of the U.S. mail, and issuance of "scratch" tickets which
involve scratching off a covering to expose numbers or other
indicia, which identify the game piece as an immediate winner or
loser. The pre-ceding is only illustrative of the many types of
different games that share a common theme.
[0005] The gaming systems are expanding by using cellular, Internet
or other such wire and/or wireless combination networks.
[0006] Illustrative of the present state of the art, several U.S.
patent applications have been published. One is Pub. No. US
2007/0093296A1 ('296), entitled, "System and Method for Wireless
Lottery"; and, another is US2007/0213118 ('118), entitled, "Method
for Participating in Lottery Draw over a Cellular Network and
System thereof."
[0007] The '296 publication requires use of a mobile device (cell
phone, iPhone, Blackberry, and the like) with a location
determination for awarding sales to a nearby authorized retailer
when the purchase is made. Details disclosed include limiting
access and availability (to comply with the law, etc.) and use of
private wireless systems. A private network may include virtual
private networks (VPNs) as known in the art.
[0008] The '118 publication discloses a cellular system to
participate in lottery drawings. A central computer is linked via a
network to a drawing center and to a mobile device used by a
lottery participant. Access codes and recorded instructions aid the
secure execution of the user selections in drawings and
confirmation reporting and charging or crediting the user via the
cellular network are described. This disclosure does not address
compliance with U.S. Federal wagering laws, and more specifically
the Federal Wire Wager Act of 1961.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention addresses compliance with the Federal
Wire Wager Act of 1961 by providing a location sensitive service
that allows players who wish to participate by placing a wager in a
game (defined herein as a lottery, sporting event or casino game)
to physically enter a location (an authorized gaming hot spot)
where such gaming is legal and use their mobile devices to enter
wagers with remote locations where such gaming is legal.
[0010] Illustratively, the player is allowed to physically enter
the gaming hot spot and, using a mobile device, place secure wagers
in games provided and controlled by remote entities, e.g.,
authorized lotteries. The player's mobile device may be able to
communicate with a game application server only from within the
gaming hot spot. The player, in this instance, may not be able to
access generally the Internet or other networks (cell or regular
telephone) via the gaming hot spot. The game application server may
reside within the hot spot, at a remote POS (point of sale)
location or at a remote central location where the game is
controlled and administered.
[0011] The system allows for registered or anonymous players to
participate. Illustratively, the player originating wagers and
payments will be processed only by the lottery or game network and,
thus, not traverse the general Internet or cell phone networks.
Both registered and anonymous players must establish a source of
and amount of money that must be accepted by the lottery or gaming
entity. When accepted, the player is authorized. Illustratively,
players may use previously established electronic wallets (e.g.,
PayPal, Lottery Wallet, etc.) for payment and where winnings may be
automatically deposited. Registered players may receive winning
notifications and winning numbers sent via e-mail or SMS (Short
Message Service--cell phone texting) messages.
[0012] From the player's mobile device keypad, the player may place
wager and payment authorization requests. The player's request is
transferred to the central lottery or gaming controller that will
confirm that the player's method of payment is authorized and
process the wager request. The response message includes wager and
payment details presented to the player which may include game
selection, wager amount and confirmation code, payment
authorization code, and a validation barcode. (The above is meant
to be informative and illustrative but not complete or
determinative.)
[0013] The wager confirmation code may represent a lottery ticket
serial number, or an equivalent, depending on the game selected.
Illustratively, the bar code displayed on the mobile device may be
scanned for winning status.
[0014] In some applications, the wagers may be stored on the
lottery or game server and a copy may be stored on their mobile
device.
[0015] In other applications, the lottery or game server may be
arranged as a client/server application, but a browser based mobile
client application may also be used to advantage.
[0016] Secure communications may employ responsible gaming aspects
that verify the age and residence of the player and the
availability of the wagered money and receipt of winnings.
[0017] In addition, lottery gift cards may be used. Such cards will
usually have a redemption code and a PIN (Personal Identification
Number) hidden under a latex layer. Other "cash cards" may require
ID numbers and authorization codes (passwords) so that the dollar
amounts are secure and accessible only by the owners.
[0018] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
although the following Detailed Description will proceed with
reference being made to illustrative embodiments, the drawings, and
methods of use, the present invention is not intended to be limited
to these embodiments and methods of use. Rather, the present
invention is of broad scope and is intended to be defined as only
set forth in the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention description below refers to the accompanying
drawings, of which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one illustrative paperless
wireless gaming system;
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B are flow charts illustrating player
interaction with the gaming system; and
[0022] FIG. 3 is a system schematic block diagram illustrating
hardware and software that may be implemented in an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile wireless, paperless gaming
system. Herein the description will focus on a lottery, but the
present invention may be advantageously applied to virtually any
other gaming system, e.g., sports wagering, slot machine or other
casino type games.
[0024] In FIG. 1, a player using a mobile device 10 may participate
in a lottery, sports wagering or other such game. The player and
his mobile device physically enter a specific location, an LAC 12
(Location Aware Center), e.g., a WiFi hot spot dedicated to
wagering, having a physical device that will accept transmissions
from the mobile device. In this embodiment, only in the hot spot
may the mobile device communicate with a game application.
[0025] The player will have at least a working mobile device with a
broadcast spectrum that the LAC can read. The mobile device will
have a touch screen and display that allows bidirectional
communications between the gaming system and the player. In some
instances, a telephone key pad or laptop PC keyboard also may be
used.
[0026] The registered player will usually have already established
a financial account with money credited. This account may be via a
credit or debit card, a bank account, or an account accepted by or
created by the game sponsor or owner for the registered user. An
anonymous player may be able to use a gift card, a credit or debit
card or cash that the central controller may verify and authorize
prior to allowing the player to wager on a game. For example, a
credit card may be scanned at the hot spot and validated (say, via
the central controller) before the player is authorized to play.
Alternatively, the player may select a payment method, such as
PayPal, and request authorization as part of the wager request
transaction. In this case, the payment is verified by the central
controller before the player is authorized to play. The game
sponsor or owner typically is a U.S. State, foreign country lottery
or a casino, etc.
[0027] Still referring to FIG. 1, there may be a LAC 12 arranged
only to allow mobile devices to access wirelessly 11 the lottery
and/or games offered at the LAC 12. The location will be
established physically where such gaming activity is legal. The LAC
12 may include a gaming terminal server 14 that is similar to a
typical lottery terminal server found in an authorized
establishment within the state or casino sponsoring the game.
Generally, the LAC will possess processors, memory, storage,
communications and I/O (input/output) capabilities for handling the
gaming requirements (see FIG. 3). The gaming terminal server 14
will communicate with a central controller 16 via a private POS
(Point of Sale) network 18. Alternatively, the LAC 12 may be a
smart router or switch 24 that handles communications to and from
the mobile device 10 and routes communications 20 directly to and
from a remote terminal server 17 or the central lottery or gaming
center 16 (that contains the terminal server application) via the
POS network 18. In either case, the inputs from mobile device may
communicate with the central lottery or game controller 16 via the
POS network 18 for processing. The central lottery controller
responds via the same path.
[0028] The LAC 12, alone, or the POS network 18, when provided, may
have the ability to monitor the transactions between the mobile
devices 10 and the POS network 18.
[0029] In some embodiments, cash 22 may be handled at the LAC 12
and/or a credit card reader and an optical scanner may be
available. In some instances, a gift card may be used where a
redemption and PIN number may be automatically read via a card
reader 21 or a bar code scanner 23. Mobile bar codes may be used
for lottery promotions and the like in addition to validations.
[0030] In order for a player to wager on a selected game, the host
or central controller 16 must authorize the player for some amount
of money. In practice, the player may be anonymous, that is with no
pre-authorized account, or the player may be registered via a
previous interaction with the host wherein the player's telephone
number(s) and/or e-mail address are on file with proper security
codes, e.g., identification number and a password.
[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates the authorization process. A player must
establish an account 30. One way would be to buy a gift card of a
specific monetary amount. Typically, the gift card would be
purchased at a terminal, e.g., a lottery-type terminal or a vending
machine. The gift card will have a redemption code that is the
equivalent of an account identification and a PIN code. The PIN
code must be uncovered as it is often covered with a latex or some
type of "read-proof" layer. In other embodiments, the player may
utilize a "PayPal account", a "lottery wallet," or other such
bank-type accounts with the central controller that may be later
accessed by the player using an ID and a password associated with
the account. In some cases the player may insert money directly and
be given an account number wherein the player may enter a password.
In any event, the online host or central controller is notified 32
that the gift card has been sold or that an account has been opened
with a given amount of money. Typically, the player may be notified
34 via email or by cell-phone texting that the money is available
for wagering.
[0032] In one illustrative operation shown in FIG. 2A, the player
may bring his/her gift card to an LAC 12. There may be a message
within the LAC 12 that instructs the player on how to use their
wireless device within the LAC hot spot. The message may be
displayed on a screen or there may be a phone or an attendant that
will instruct the player. In any event, the player is taught how to
access the hotspot, register, play and how to redeem money from
accounts or link to other gift cards or how to enter money into an
account. The player then, using his/her mobile device, accesses 36
the wireless LAC 12. At this point, the gaming system display a
list of instructions to the player regarding how to register and be
authorized to play, how to play, and how to activate his/her gift
card to redeem money. The player then is prompted to register 38
where the player may be asked if he/she wants to be anonymous 40 or
registered 42. If the player is registered 42, the player inputs,
and the system collects 44, his/her identification information
including a phone number and/or an e-mail address. The lottery
agent may participate in the registration process utilizing the
lottery terminal network collecting and submitting player
information input.
[0033] If the player selected anonymous 46, the player is
questioned for approval by a lottery-agent 48. The lottery agent
(who may authorize wagering games in addition to lottery-type
games) may be at the LAC 12, or may be remote from the LAC 12 and
accessed via a communications network. The lottery agent may verify
the player's age and residency and that the player accepts any
other terms associated with accessing the gaming system. The player
or lottery agent may use a scanner at the LAC 12 to scan a bar code
on the gift card, or otherwise information on his account. The
information is sent to the central controller and a
verification/activation is returned 50.
[0034] When activated, the player is given access to the gaming
system 54. In one embodiment, the client application may be termed
a "thin client" where the player enters a URL (universal resource
locator) that returns a "browser-type" display to the player. The
player then via a mouse-type action selects a download of the
gaming application. Alternatively, the client application may be
termed a "thick client" where the player may directly access the
URL for the gaming application and download the gaming application.
In either event, the gaming application is launched 56.
[0035] FIG. 2B illustrates the process flow when the gaming
application is launched 56. When the application is launched a
"welcome" message is sent to the player's mobile device along with
terms 58 regarding the player's wagering, debiting and crediting
his/her account and eligibility to participate. If the player does
not accept 60 the terms, a signoff message 62 is sent back to the
mobile device and the player exits 64 the application. If the
player accepts 66 the terms 58, the system returns a menu
comprising a list of available games 68 to the player's mobile
device. Those games may include a varied list of lottery type
games, e.g., Powerball, Lotto, Keno, Numbers and various game play
options (e.g., Quick Picks), and other games equivalent to scratch
tickets, etc. The player selects a game 70 via a touch screen or
other such input on his mobile device. Alternatively, the player
may select a HELP 72 menu for additional game functions or select
to exit 74 the game and be returned to the Sign-Off page 62. If the
player does not exit, he/she may be returned to the Game List 68
page. When a game is selected 70, a series of game options 78 may
be presented to the player. Each option 78 may be series of
information presented to the player regarding the selected game.
Often, the player will need to respond to each presentation. Where
a player initiates play 80, the payment source and method is
presented 82. When payment is authorized and confirmed 84, the
player may place a wager 86, whereupon a wager receipt 88 may be
sent to the player's mobile device. Where payment is not authorized
81, another payment method 83 may be tried. If the player accepts,
he/she is returned to the payment method step 82. If the player
does not wish to try another payment method 87, the player is
exited 64 from the game. When payment is authorized 84, the game is
played and concludes 90, and the player's account is debited or
credited 90. The player may then play again or quit 92. If the
player quits, he/she is returned to the Sign-Off page 62. If the
player elects to continue playing, he/she is returned 76 to the
game list menu 68.
[0036] In some applications, the operating steps between the
player's mobile device and the game application of the FIG. 2B flow
chart are performed at the LAC 12, but with the payment
authorization and approval referred to the host of central
controller. That is, the gaming application is resident at the LAC
12, but money control remains at the host. However, in other
applications, some of the steps (or all of the steps) may describe
interaction between the player's mobile device and the host system.
In these different embodiments, the simpler complexity reduces the
cost of the LAC 12, but at the expense of more high speed traffic
between the LAC 12 and the host and a more sophisticated host and
communications system.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates the hardware and software that may be
found in the various elements that constitute FIG. 1. For example,
the location aware center 12 and terminal server 14 may have a
processor 70, memory 72 (both ROM and RAM) for storing the
applications and other data (e.g., money wagered, redemption
numbers and PIN codes, ID's passwords, etc.), disk-type storage 74
and I/O and communications interfaces 77 [dup] sufficient to run
the location aware center as if it were a POS terminal or a system
that communicates with a remote POS terminal. The system of FIG. 3
communicates with a mobile device input and with a central
controller via a network.
[0038] The memory 72 may contain an operating system 78, a memory
manager 83, I/O drivers 82, a communications manager 81 and various
gaming applications 80.
[0039] In one embodiment, the location aware center (LAC) 12 may be
arranged with enough power to run, for the most part, independently
from the central controller 16. In such an instance, the LAC 12 may
only communicate results and ask for authorization from the central
controller 16. However, in other embodiments, the LAC 12 may have
minimal computing power where upon the game application being
implemented by the player may reside in the remote central
controller. For example, there may be no gaming terminal server 14
at the LAC 12.
[0040] In yet other embodiments, and depending upon the particular
game, the capabilities may be split between the LAC and the central
controller. The sponsoring or owning entity may expand the
capabilities of the computer system within the LAC bearing the
higher expense of possibly many such systems, or the entity may
reduce the computing power and reduce the cost of the computer
system at the LAC. Various scenarios may evolve depending upon the
particular application. Such flexibilities may be built into the
computing system hardware and software the central controller. In
such cases, any LAC may, by an identification number or by name,
etc., be sent to the central controller when the location aware
system logs onto the POS and be handled by the central controller
as a rudimentary gaming system, where the central controller runs
the gaming at that location. Alternatively, the location aware
center may be a sophisticated gaming system that runs the games
with only minimal interaction with the central controller.
[0041] It should be understood that above-described embodiments are
being presented herein as examples and that many variations and
alternatives thereof are possible. Accordingly, the present
invention should be viewed broadly as being defined only as set
forth in the hereinafter appended claims.
* * * * *