U.S. patent application number 12/401488 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for remote internet access to certain gaming operations.
Invention is credited to Gavin Clarkson.
Application Number | 20100234110 12/401488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42731152 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100234110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clarkson; Gavin |
September 16, 2010 |
Remote Internet Access to Certain Gaming Operations
Abstract
A gaming system includes a game server located at an authorized
location and adapted to be accessed by an interested participant
via a remote terminal over the Internet. An identification
interface is associated with the remote terminal for providing
identification information for assuring that the participant is an
authorized player, whereby access to the game server from the
remote terminal is blocked until authorization is confirmed. A
banking server may be located at the authorized location of the
game server, with a banking interface permitting communication
between the game server and the banking server, whereby the game
server can initiate deposits and withdrawals to authorized
accounts.
Inventors: |
Clarkson; Gavin;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert C. Curfiss
19826 Sundance Drive
Humble
TX
77346-1402
US
|
Family ID: |
42731152 |
Appl. No.: |
12/401488 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaining system for accessing a remote game sever via the
Internet, comprising: a. a game server located at an authorized
location; b. a remote terminal accessible by a gaming participant
and adapted for communication with the game server; c. an
identification interface associated with the remote terminal for
assuring that the participant is an authorized player, whereby
access to the game server from the remote terminal is blocked until
authorization, is confirmed.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, further including a positioning
interface for providing a signal to the game server assuring that
the remote terminal is in an authorized remote location.
3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the identification
interface is a biometric sensor associated with the remote terminal
and adapted for sending biometric identification information to the
game server for authentication of the participant before the game
server grants access from the remote terminal.
4. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the positioning interface
is a GPS device that provides location information to the remote
terminal for transmission to the game server for assuring that the
remote terminal is in an authorized location before the game server
grants access from the remote terminal.
5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the remote terminal is a
personal PC controlled by the participant.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the remote terminal is a
portable device capable of accessing the game server from any
location having access to the Internet.
7. The gaming system of claim 6, wherein the remote terminal is a
cell phone.
8. The gaming system of claim 6, wherein the remote terminal is a
PDA.
9. The gaming system of claim 6, wherein the remote terminal is
laptop computer.
10. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the remote terminal is
part of a kiosk or other fixed location.
11. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising: a. a banking
server located at the authorized location of the game server; b. a
banking interface permitting communication between the game server
and the banking server, whereby the game server can initiate
deposits and withdrawals to authorized accounts; c. Internet
connectivity for the banking server, whereby a participant can
access authorized accounts and initiate deposits and withdrawals
into said accounts.
12. The gaming system of claim 1, further including a database
associated with the game server for storing data for recognizing an
authorized participant and an authorized location.
13. A gaining system for accessing a remote game sever via the
Internet, comprising: a. a game server located at an authorized
location; b. a remote terminal accessible by a gaming participant
and adapted for communication with the game server; c. a database
associated with the game server for storing data for recognizing an
authorized participant and an authorized location; d. an
identification interface associated with the remote terminal for
providing identification information to the database for assuring
that the participant is an authorized player, whereby access to the
game server from the remote terminal is blocked until authorization
is confirmed
14. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the identification
interface is a biometric sensor and the database includes biometric
data for identifying a participant.
15. The gaming system of claim 14, wherein the game server randomly
requests biometric data confirming the authorization of the
participant for the entire time when the remote terminal is
accessing the game server.
16. The gaming system of claim 14, wherein the game server requests
biometric database confirming the authorization of the participant
before each transaction initiated by the participant.
17. A gaming system for accessing a remote game sever via the
Internet, comprising: a. a game server located at an authorized
location; b. a remote terminal accessible by a gaming participant
and adapted for communication with the game server; c. an
identification interface associated with the remote terminal for
assuring that the participant is an authorized player, whereby
access to the game server from the remote terminal is blocked until
authorization is confirmed; d. a banking server located at the
authorized location of the game server; e. a banking interface
permitting communication between the game server and the banking
server, whereby the game server can initiate deposits and
withdrawals to authorized accounts; f. Internet connectivity for
the banking server, whereby a participant can access authorized
accounts and initiate deposits and withdrawals into said
accounts.
18. The gaming system of claim 17, further including a database
associated with the game server for storing data for recognizing an
authorized participant and an authorized location.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The subject invention is directed to a system for providing
remote access to a gaming system via the Internet.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] Over the years both state and federal governments have
adopted legislation regulating gambling. More recently, many of
these laws are specifically directed to regulating to online
gambling. Some states have advanced legislation to legalized
Internet gambling, while other states have either prohibited all
online gambling or have rigid regulations which must be met. In yet
other states, legal opinions have been issued declaring Internet
gambling illegal under existing state laws.
[0005] The issue is not gambling, per se. Casino gambling is legal
in states which have banned Internet gambling, and American Indian
tribes retain the sovereign right to operate gaming facilities on
tribal property anywhere in the United States under the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA), see the United States Code,
Title 25, beginning at Section 2701.
[0006] The primary issue with Internet gambling is not gambling,
but one of control. Specifically, it is important the any gambling
operate assures that only eligible players participate and that
monetary transactions meet all the requirements of the various laws
and regulatory agencies. Monetary transactions are covered by the
Federal Wire Act, see Title 18 of the United States Code, Section
1084, which states: [0007] "Whoever being engaged in the business
of betting or wagering knowingly uses a wire communication facility
for the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or
wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wages on
any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire
communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or
credit as a result of bets or wagers, or for information assisting
in the placing of bets or wagers, shall be fined under this title
or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."
[0008] The Internet has been held to be within the definition of
"wire communication facility."
[0009] The Johnson Act, Title 15 of the United States Code,
Sections 1171-1178, makes it "unlawful to knowingly transport a
gambling device to a state where such device is prohibited by law."
This act is largely targeted to devices dedicated to gambling, such
as slot machines and the like, and is not specifically directed to
broad based terminals such as PC's and the like, even if such
devices can be used for gambling purposes.
[0010] In the context of Indian gaming, IGRA defines three separate
classes of gaming activity:
[0011] Class I--Traditional games used in ceremonial and social
settings that are completely outside the scope of any but tribal
regulation and control;
[0012] Class II--The game of chance commonly known as bingo. This
can include a computer, electronic device or other technologic aid,
but specifically excludes house-banked card games, slots and other
electronic facsimiles of any games of chance.
[0013] Class III--Any other gaming not specifically falling within
Class I or Class II. Examples are Vegas-style games such as
house-banked card games, roulette, slot machines and the like.
[0014] Internet gaining has flourished throughout the world and in
many countries is legal. Gambling is legal some areas of the United
States and has also flourished where it is legal. The issue
becomes, then, how to make Internet gaming legal under the current
legal system.
[0015] To date, there have not been any successful methods for
permitting legal Internet gaming in the United States. The issues
primarily are: [0016] 1. The transfer of funds without violating
any of the wire laws or banking regulations. [0017] 2. The
assurance that only qualified participants are using the Internet
gaming system.
[0018] Given the current state of existing law and the regulation
of online gaming, several possibilities exist that would authorized
gaming operators to legally engage in Internet gaming. For example,
if gambling occurred entirely within a state that has not outlawed
or otherwise regulated Internet gambling might be permissible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The subject invention provides a system and method for
Internet gaming which stays within the boundaries of the current
legal system. While the participant may be remotely located from
the game server, the system assures that the participant is of
legal age and in a legal jurisdiction. At the same time the system
assures that all financial and banking transactions take place only
in the jurisdiction where such activity is legal.
[0020] In accordance with the subject invention, a game server is
located in a jurisdiction where gambling is permitted.
Specifically, the game apparatus is located at a legal gaming site.
This could be, for example, a state or region within the state
where gambling is authorized or an Indian reservation operating
gaming operations under the IGRA. The participant can access this
sever anywhere on the Internet. The terminal the participant is
using is not a game machine, but is merely a device for assisting
the participant is accessing the legally positioned game machine.
However, there must be assurances that no funds exchange hands
outside the legal limits of wire and banking laws and regulations,
and there must be assurances that participant is in a legally
acceptable location when he is using the remote terminal to access
the gaming device via the Internet.
[0021] In one aspect of the subject invention, the remote terminal
used by the participant will include a GPS signaling device which
will submit a location signal to the game server, assuring that the
participant is in an authorized location. The participant then can
access the game server via the Internet and participate in games
offered by the gaming operator. The participant can access the
gaming server via any common terminal, such as, by way of example,
a user PC, a PDA, a cell phone, or a game kiosk placed at a remote
location by the gaming operator.
[0022] It is also possible that the gaming operator may place
remote terminal kiosks in authorized locations, permanently
installed to assure that all participants are within the authorized
location.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, it is important to
assure that the participant is of legal age. In its most basic
form, this can be accomplished by having the participant provide
specific information assuring that he meets the requirements and
then authorizing him a unique password to gain access to the
system. A more failsafe mode is to utilize bio-metric screening by
placing a bio-metric sensor at the remote terminal, wherein the
user passes a biometric scan before he can gain access to the
system. The biometric scan may be for initiation, may update on a
random basis, or may be required for each action taken by the
participant.
[0024] In yet another aspect of the invention, the remote
participant will also have a bank account in a bank system which
has a server located in the legal jurisdiction. All financial
transactions between the gaming system and the participant will
take place via the participant's bank in the location where such
transactions are legal. Specifically, the participant would set up
a bank account with funds in the same jurisdiction as the game
server. He would then authorize the game server to electronically
withdraw and deposit funds into this account. The participant would
not be involved in any financial transactions with the game server,
but would merely be able to check his account and deposit or
withdraw funds as he desired, as with any online banking
system.
[0025] In accordance with the present invention, the participant
can access the game server via the Internet and participate in
games offered by the gaming operator. In practice, the participant
will set up a banking account or cash account in the legal
jurisdiction. The participant will then be able to access the game
server. He will enter in his personal information to provide
assurances that he is of legal age. While this may be a question
and answer form, it may also include a bio-metric sensor to provide
further assurance that the authorized participant is the actual
player. This is to assure that an authorized participant does not
initiate the game operation and then turn the terminal over to an
unauthorized user.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the game server will randomly
or routinely check the identity of the player to assure that he is
the authorized participant. For example, each time a game play is
initiated the participant may have to pass the biometric sensor
test before the play is accepted. In another example, the
participant may be asked a specific question each time to assure
authorization. It is also possible that the game server may
randomly and frequently request either biometric or other
identification during the course of the game.
[0027] When a financial transaction is required, the game server
simply accesses the participant account held within the legal
gaming jurisdiction and transfers funds between that account and
the game server operator. For financial transactions, only the
authorized bank may be used and no credit or debit transactions are
required. In the event insufficient funds are in the bank account,
the bank, not the game operator, will inform the user that
additional funds are required before any transactions may be
processed. The authorized bank may be limited for use to support
the gaming activity or may be a full service bank operating in the
manner well known, utilizing online banking features and services
widely applied today.
[0028] In those instances where the participant's terminal is
mobile a GPS system will be utilized to assure that the participant
is within an authorized location. If the GPS signal indicates that
the terminal is outside of an authorized region, the game server
will not permit any activity. By way of example, if the gaming
system is operated by an Indian reservation in Texas and the
participant is in Houston, the operation may he authorized.
However, if the participant leaves the state of Texas and goes to
Louisiana, the GPS system will indicate such movement and deny
access to the gaming server.
[0029] Addition features of the invention will he readily apparent
from the accompanying drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is an overview showing the general principles of the
remote gaming system in accordance with the subject invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a network for supporting the remote gaming system
in accordance with the subject invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an alternative network for supporting the remote
gaming system in accordance with the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] In the broadest sense, the gaming system of the subject
invention consists of a game server located at an authorized
location. The game server is accessed by an interested participant
via a remote terminal over the Internet. Typically, a database is
associated with the game server for storing data for recognizing an
authorized participant and an authorized location. An
identification interface is associated with the remote terminal for
providing identification information to the database for assuring
that the participant is an authorized player, whereby access to the
game server from the remote terminal is blocked until authorization
is confirmed. Where desirable, a banking server is located at the
authorized location of the game server, and includes a banking
interface permitting communication between the game server and the
banking server, whereby the game server can initiate deposits and
withdrawals to authorized accounts. Typically the banking server
will have Internet connectivity, whereby a participant can access
authorized accounts and initiate deposits and withdrawals into said
accounts.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 1, the remote gaming system of the
subject invention provides remote access to a legal gaming system.
In the example presented, the participant may be located at a
distant city, for example Houston, Tex., as indicated at 10, He may
be accessing the game using his personal PC 12. The participant
will access a game server 14 at a remote location. In the example,
the game server 14 may be on an Indian reservation 16, wherein
gaming is authorized and legal. The game system will include a
database 18 which will include critical information of the
participant, assuring that he is authorized to operate the game.
For example, the participant will provide critical personal
information such as his personal ID 20 and the location of the
terminal or, as shown, the user PC 12.
[0035] The location of the terminal is a critical component of the
invention. In most jurisdictions where gaming is legal, it is not
legal to cross state lines. So in almost all cases, even where
remote access is permitted, the game operator and the participant
must be in the same state. Therefore, the game operator must have
assurances that the accessing terminal 12 is in the same state as
the game server 14.
[0036] When a terminal is permanently installed, such as in a
gaming operator controlled kiosk, the location is known. When a
portable device is used, such as a PDA, cell phone, laptop or the
like, the position is not know unless a positioning signal is sent
to the game server. Turning now to FIG. 2, in those instances where
a portable terminal is used, or even where a permanently installed
terminal may be routinely moved, the terminal will be required to
have a GPS signal generator 24 which can be received by the game
server to assure the location of the participant.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the GPS signal generator 24 would he
associated with any device which has the capability of being moved
to a new location which may be outside the authorized jurisdiction,
for example, a PDA 30, a cell phone 32, as well as the user PC 12.
The GPS signal generator 24 may not be required in a permanently
installed kiosk 34.
[0038] In use of any of the terminals, the participant accesses the
game server 14 via the Internet. The critical m information for the
participant is maintained in the database 18. This confirms that
the participant is an authorized participant and that he is in an
authorized location.
[0039] In one embodiment of the invention a biometric sensor 26
will be associated with each remote terminal which can be used by
the participant to access the game sever 14. This provides even
more detailed information assuring authenticity of the participant.
Typically, the server 14 will request the biometric information at
the outset of a session and for each transaction, or at the
minimum, on a random basis. It may be desirable to shut down the
terminal for a specified period of time (lock it out from the game
server) in the event an unauthorized participant is detected.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the game operator may have a banking
capability at the authorized gaming location. In this case, the
bank server 36 would have the capability to transact electronic
banking functions with the game server 14 without violating any
wire or banking laws and regulations. The participant may have an
account at the bank associated with server 36. He will place funds
in this account. When he participates in gaming from a remote
location, he will have preauthorized the game sever to
electronically withdraw or deposit funds into his account via the
banking sever 36. The participant is not involved in these
transactions. He may access his account via the banking server 36
in normal fashion and may deposit or withdraw funds. However, the
participant cannot communicate with the game server 14 about
financial transactions. For example, in the event the participant
becomes overdrawn, the resolution of that is between him and the
bank. The game operator is not involved.
[0041] While certain aspects and features of the invention have
been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the
invention includes all modifications and enhancements within the
scope and spirit of the following claims.
* * * * *