U.S. patent application number 12/790212 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for game and method for linking bingo to a pari-mutuel race.
Invention is credited to Alexander Havenick, Scott Savin.
Application Number | 20110291358 12/790212 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45021438 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110291358 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Havenick; Alexander ; et
al. |
December 1, 2011 |
Game and Method for Linking Bingo to a Pari-Mutuel Race
Abstract
A method of linking a bingo style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events. Numbers may be assigned to each
participant of a pari-mutuel race or event by respective starting
position. Each participant may be assigned a plurality of numbers,
and two of the starting positions of the race or event may be
assigned the same number. The numbers assigned for an individual
race or event may have a dedicated column within a bingo-style
score card. A minor prize may be awarded for each number on the
score card associated with a winning participant of one race or
event, and a major prize may be awarded if a plurality of numbers
on the score card correspond to a winning participant of a race or
event within the series. The series of pari-mutuel races or events
may relate to dog racing, horse racing, harness racing, or jai
alai.
Inventors: |
Havenick; Alexander; (Coral
Gables, FL) ; Savin; Scott; (Aventura, FL) |
Family ID: |
45021438 |
Appl. No.: |
12/790212 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/062 20130101;
A63F 3/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/269 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20060101
A63F003/06 |
Claims
1. A method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events, the method comprising: assigning a
first group of numbers to starting positions of participants of a
first pari-mutuel race or event, the first group of numbers being
associated with a first column of a bingo-style score card;
assigning a second group of numbers to starting positions of
participants of a second pari-mutuel race or event, the second
group of numbers being associated with a second column of the
bingo-style score card, the second group of numbers being mutually
exclusive of the first group of numbers; assigning a third group of
numbers to starting positions of participants of a third
pari-mutuel race or event, the third group of numbers being
associated with a third column of the bingo-style score card, the
third group of numbers being mutually exclusive of the first and
second groups of numbers; assigning a fourth group of numbers to
starting positions of participants of a fourth pari-mutuel race or
event, the fourth group of numbers being associated with a fourth
column of the bingo-style score card, the fourth group of numbers
being mutually exclusive of the first, second, and third groups of
numbers; and assigning a fifth group of numbers to starting
positions of participants of a fifth pari-mutuel race or event, the
fifth group of numbers being associated with a fifth column of the
bingo-style score card, the fifth group of numbers being mutually
exclusive of the first, second, third, and fourth groups of
numbers; wherein the bingo-style game is completed upon (1)
completion of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth
pari-mutuel races or events, and (2) respective identification of
any winning numbers associated with winning participants of the
first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pari-mutuel races or events
and that are on the bingo-style score card such that the
bingo-style game is linked to the series of pari-mutuel races or
events.
2. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 1, wherein the bingo-style
score card includes a 5.times.5 matrix of numbers.
3. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 2, the method comprising
awarding a minor prize for each winning number that is both
associated with a winning participant of one of the first, second,
third, fourth, and fifth pari-mutuel race or event and on the
bingo-style score card.
4. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 3, the method comprising
awarding a major prize if the bingo-style score card contains
winning numbers that are associated with winning participants of
each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pari-mutuel
races or events, the winning numbers forming a predetermined
pattern on the bingo-style score card, the major prize being worth
more than the minor prize.
5. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 4, wherein the series of
pari-mutuel races or events relate to dog racing, horse racing,
harness racing, or jai alai.
6. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 1, the method comprising
assigning a plurality of numbers from the first group of numbers to
a single starting position for the first pari-mutuel race or
event.
7. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 1, the method comprising
assigning a same number from the first group of numbers to a
plurality of starting positions for the first pari-mutuel race or
event.
8. A method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events, the method comprising: (1) for a first
pari-mutuel race or event, assigning a first set of numbers by
starting position for the first pari-mutuel race or event to a
dedicated first column of a bingo-style score card; (2) for a next
pari-mutuel race or event, assigning a next set of numbers by
starting position for the next pari-mutuel race or event to an
adjacent and dedicated next column of the bingo-style score card;
(3) performing step (2) until a total of five sets of numbers have
been assigned by starting position for five pari-mutuel races or
events; (4) for a winning number associated with a winning
participant of one of the five pari-mutuel races or events and that
is on the bingo-style score card, awarding a minor prize; and (5)
for a plurality of winning numbers that are each associated with a
winning participant of one of the five pari-mutuel races or events
and that are on the bingo-style score card, the plurality of
winning numbers forming a pre-determined winning pattern on the
bingo-style score card, awarding a major prize, the major prize
being worth more than the minor prize, such that the bingo-style
game is linked to the series of pari-mutuel races or events.
9. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 8, the method comprising
assigning a plurality of numbers from within the first set of
numbers to a same starting position of the first pari-mutuel race
or event.
10. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 8, the method comprising
assigning at least one number from within the first set of numbers
to a plurality of starting positions of the first pari-mutuel race
or event, the plurality of starting positions being pre-determined
to have an advantage over remaining starting positions of the first
pari-mutuel race or event.
11. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 8, wherein the bingo-style
score card includes a 5.times.5 matrix of numbers.
12. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 8, wherein the series of
pari-mutuel races or events relates to dog racing.
13. The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events of claim 8, wherein the series of
pari-mutuel races or events relates to horse racing, harness
racing, or jai alai.
14. A bingo-style game that links a series of pari-mutuel races or
events, the bingo-style game comprising: assigning numbers by
starting position of participants for a series of pari-mutuel races
or events, wherein the numbers assigned by starting position for an
individual pari-mutuel race or event are associated with a
dedicated column within a bingo-style score card and are mutually
exclusive of numbers assigned by starting position for remaining
pari-mutuel races or events within the series of pari-mutuel races
or events; awarding a minor prize for each number on the
bingo-style score card that is associated with a winning
participant of an individual pari-mutuel race or event; and
awarding a major prize if a plurality of numbers on the bingo-style
score card are each associated with a winning participant of an
individual pari-mutuel race or event, such that the bingo-style
game links the series of pari-mutuel races or events.
15. The bingo-style game that links a series of pari-mutuel races
or events of claim 14, wherein the major prize is awarded if the
plurality of numbers on the bingo-style score card that are each
associated with a winning participant of an individual pari-mutuel
race or event form a pre-determined winning pattern on the
bingo-style score card.
16. The bingo-style game that links a series of pari-mutuel races
or events of claim 14, wherein each starting position for an
individual pari-mutuel race or event is assigned a plurality of
numbers.
17. The bingo-style game that links a series of pari-mutuel races
or events of claim 14, wherein at least two starting positions of a
same race are assigned a same number.
18. The bingo-style game that links a series of pari-mutuel races
or events of claim 14, wherein the bingo-style score card includes
a 5.times.5 matrix of numbers, and a first set numbers assigned for
a first pari-mutuel race or event include one through fifteen, a
second set of numbers assigned for a second pari-mutuel race or
event include sixteen through thirty, a third set of numbers
assigned for a third race include thirty-one through forty-five, a
fourth set of numbers assigned for a fourth race include forty-six
through sixty, and a fifth set of numbers assigned for a fifth race
include sixty-one through seventy-five.
19. The bingo-style game that links a series of pari-mutuel races
or events of claim 14, wherein the series of pari-mutuel races or
events relate to dog racing.
20. The bingo-style game that links a series of pari-mutuel races
or events of claim 14, wherein the series of pari-mutuel races or
events relate to horse racing, harness racing, or jai alai.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to bingo-style games, and more
particularly to a game linking bingo to a pari-mutuel race, event,
or other performance.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] One version of traditional bingo involves a game played with
randomly drawn numbers which players match against numbers that
have been pre-printed on a 5.times.5 matrix. The matrix may be
printed as a bingo card. Typically, the game may conclude when the
first person completes a specified pattern from the drawn numbers,
reaching a "Bingo!"
[0005] More recent conventional bingo cards include those disclosed
by U.S. Pat. No. 3,534,963 (entitled "Bingo-type Game Apparatus
with Numbers Selected by Race Results"), U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,239
(entitled "Lottery Racing Sweepstake"), U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0152401
(entitled "Single Winner Bingo Game"), and U.S. Pub. No.
2003/0224847 (entitled "Method and Apparatus for Playing a Keno,
Lottery or Bingo-Style Sports Game").
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present embodiments are directed to a bingo-style game
and/or gaming method. The bingo-style game may be linked to a
pari-mutuel race, event, or other performance. The bingo-style game
may include assigning numbers by starting position of participants
for a series of pari-mutuel races or events. The numbers assigned
for an individual race or event may be associated with a dedicated
column within a bingo-style score card. Each column of the score
card may be assigned only numbers that belong to a dedicated group
or set of numbers.
[0007] Each starting position for a given race may be assigned a
plurality of numbers. Additionally, at least two starting positions
of a same race may be assigned the same number from the dedicated
group of numbers. A minor prize may be awarded for each number of
the bingo-style score card that is associated with a winning
participant of an individual race, and a major prize may be awarded
if the bingo-style score card includes numbers associated with a
winning participant in each column or from a plurality of races.
The bingo-style score card may include a 5.times.5 matrix of
numbers, and the series of pari-mutuel races may relate to dog
racing, horse racing, harness racing, or jai alai.
[0008] In one aspect, a method for linking a bingo-style game to a
series of pari-mutuel races or events is provided. The method may
include: (1) assigning a first group of numbers to starting
positions of participants of a first pari-mutuel race or event, the
first group of numbers being associated with a first column of a
bingo-style score card; (2) assigning a second group of numbers to
starting positions of participants of a second pari-mutuel race or
event, the second group of numbers being associated with a second
column of the bingo-style score card and mutually exclusive of the
first group of numbers; (3) assigning a third group of numbers to
starting positions of participants of a third pari-mutuel race or
event, the third group of numbers being associated with a third
column of the bingo-style score card and mutually exclusive of the
first and second groups of numbers; (4) assigning a fourth group of
numbers to starting positions of participants of a fourth
pari-mutuel race or event, the fourth group of numbers being
associated with a fourth column of the bingo-style score card and
mutually exclusive of the first, second, and third groups of
numbers; and (5) assigning a fifth group of numbers to starting
positions of participants of a fifth pari-mutuel race or event, the
fifth group of numbers being associated with a fifth column of the
bingo-style score card, and mutually exclusive of the first,
second, third, and fourth groups of numbers. The bingo-style game
may be completed upon (1) completion of the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth pari-mutuel races or events, and (2) respective
identification of any winning numbers associated with winning
participants of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth
pari-mutuel races or events and that are on the bingo-style score
card such that the bingo-style game is linked to the series of
pari-mutuel races or events.
[0009] In another aspect, a method of linking a bingo-style game to
a series of pari-mutuel races or events is provided. The method may
include: (1) for a first pari-mutuel race or event, assigning a
first set of numbers by starting position for the first pari-mutuel
race or event to a dedicated first column of a bingo-style score
card; (2) for a next pari-mutuel race or event, assigning a next
set of numbers by starting position for the next pari-mutuel race
or event to an adjacent and dedicated next column of the
bingo-style score card; (3) performing step (2) until a total of
five sets of numbers have been assigned by starting position for
five pari-mutuel races or events; (4) for a winning number
associated with a winning participant of one of the five
pari-mutuel races or events and that is on the bingo-style score
card, awarding a minor prize; and (5) for a plurality of winning
numbers that are each associated with a winning participant of one
of the five pari-mutuel races or events and that are on the
bingo-style score card, the plurality of winning numbers forming a
pre-determined winning pattern on the bingo-style score card,
awarding a major prize, the major prize being worth more than the
minor prize, such that the bingo-style game is linked to the series
of pari-mutuel races or events.
[0010] In another aspect, a bingo-style game that links a series of
pari-mutuel races or events is provided. The bingo-style game may
include assigning numbers by starting position of participants for
a series of pari-mutuel races or events. The numbers assigned by
starting position for an individual pari-mutuel race or event may
be associated with a dedicated column within a bingo-style score
card and may be mutually exclusive of numbers assigned by starting
position for the remaining pari-mutuel races or events within the
series of pari-mutuel races or events. The game may include
awarding a minor prize for each number on the bingo-style score
card that is associated with a winning participant of an individual
pari-mutuel race or event; and awarding a major prize if a
plurality of numbers on the bingo-style score card are each
associated with a winning participant of an individual pari-mutuel
race or event, such that the bingo-style game links the series of
pari-mutuel races or events.
[0011] The present invention is defined by the following claims.
Nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those
claims. Further aspects and advantages of the invention are
discussed below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments and
may be later claimed independently or in combination.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present embodiments will become more fully understood
from the detailed description given herein below and the
accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only,
and are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary bingo-style score card;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary numbering assignment system
for a series of pari-mutuel races or events;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary numbering assignment system
for an individual pari-mutuel race or event within the series of
pari-mutuel races or events; and
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of linking a
bingo-style game to a series of pari-mutuel races or events.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The embodiments described herein include a bingo-style game
and a method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races or events. The game and method may include
assigning numbers by starting position of participants of
individual races or events within the series of pari-mutuel races
or events. The numbers assigned for an individual race or event may
be associated with a dedicated column within a bingo-style score
card. Each of the starting positions for an individual race or
event may be assigned a plurality of numbers. Additionally, at
least two of the starting positions of a same race or event may be
assigned the same number. In one embodiment, the series of
pari-mutuel races or events may relate to dog racing, horse racing,
harness racing, or jai alai.
[0018] The game may be played with a bingo-style score card. The
bingo-style score card may include a 5.times.5 matrix of numbers. A
minor prize may be awarded for each number on the bingo-style score
card that is associated with a winning participant of an individual
race or event, and a major prize may be awarded if multiple numbers
on the bingo-style score card are associated with a winning
participant of a race or event.
I. Present Embodiments Commercially Successful
[0019] In general, the present embodiments are directed to a method
of playing a game, in which the outcomes of races and sporting
events may be used to play bingo. The audience for greyhound racing
(and other races and sporting events involved in pari-mutuel
betting) has been in a nationwide decline for over ten years.
Additional forms of gaming, such as state lotteries and expanded
slot machines, have negatively impacted pari-mutuel wagering. In
addition to the increase in casino gambling, there is also a belief
by the public that they need to have some knowledge in order to bet
appropriately. Thus, it would be advantageous if another method of
betting or playing games related to racing could be provided that
would enhance interest to casual betters that do not have knowledge
of, for example, greyhound or horse racing. Industry executives
have been searching for ways to battle this negative trend with
little, if any, success.
[0020] The bingo-style game of the present embodiments has
increased wagering on pari-mutuel events. The embodiments disclosed
herein relate to a method to link a highly accepted game concept,
bingo, to a single or a series of pari-mutuel events. The linkage
provides a method to draw patrons out for a pari-mutuel event
despite a lack of interest or knowledge about the event itself. The
lack of patrons attending and wagering on pari-mutuels may be
addressed by providing a more widely accepted and mainstream link
to product consumption.
[0021] The bingo-style game of the present embodiments may utilize
a bingo card and an entry sheet for one or more pari-mutuel events.
The entry sheet facilitates linking each of the five games or races
to a letter on the bingo card. The order of finish in the race or
game determines the selected number or numbers on the bingo card.
The game may be played for fun, prizes or cash where legally
allowed. The linkage may provide a bridge between bingo and the
pari-mutuel sports of dog racing, harness racing, horse racing, and
jai-alai. All of these are driven by a wagering component where
players wager or bet against each other. The game and method may
provide the impetus for people to attend the live pari-mutuel event
with the hope that exposure to the product will lead to
consumption. Specific rules of the game may vary, but remaining
constant is the bingo linkage to the outcome of a pari-mutuel
event.
[0022] It has been established that the bingo-style game and method
of linking a bingo-style game to a series of pari-mutuel races or
events of the present embodiments have actual tangible results.
During use, wagering increased by 26% from the previous week's same
day [Tuesday versus Tuesday] on the first day of use of the
bingo-style game and method under the name "DOGGY BINGO."
II. Exemplary Embodiments
[0023] More specifically, the present embodiments may involve a
bingo-style score card with numbered squares, such as five columns
or rows of five squares. A player may purchase a playing
bingo-style score card that has a selection of numbers on it. The
score card may include lines that divide the bingo-style card into
B, I, N, G, and O columns or rows. Other column or row labels may
be used.
[0024] The numbers on the bingo-style score card may be assigned
such that numbers 1-15 are assigned within column B, numbers 16-30
are assigned within column I, numbers 31-45 are assigned within
column N, numbers 46-60 are assigned within column G, and numbers
61-75 are assigned within column O. The numbers in play are
randomly generated, and the major prize winner may be the first to
match all or substantially all of the numbers on their playing or
score card with the numbers that have been generated or called as
the game progresses.
[0025] A greyhound race may involve either six or eight dogs,
depending on the country. In the U.S., eight dogs may race in a
single race. The game and method may assign a bingo number to each
dog (horse, or other race participant), and may use the results of
greyhound (or other) races as a number generator in a game of
bingo. In order to prevent a player from having to watch nine or
more races in order to use up enough numbers (75) to properly play
bingo, the game allocates one line of 15 bingo numbers to each of
five races.
[0026] Preferably, the bingo-style game is for use with races or
events occurring at a single location and the events or races
preferably relate to the same type of race or event. In one
embodiment, the bingo-style game may be completed within
seventy-five minutes to one hundred twenty minutes. Thus, a
complete bingo game may be played out easily during one afternoon
or evening of racing.
[0027] As noted above, eight dogs in a single race may be provided
with 15 bingo numbers. The first race may determine the numbers
(1-15) of the "B" column of the bingo card, the second race may
determine the numbers (16-30) of the "I" column, the third race may
determine the numbers (31-45) of the "I" column, etc. Six of the
dogs in a race may be assigned two bingo numbers each, and the two
remaining dogs may be allocated three bingo numbers between them.
In one arrangement, the dogs may be provided with numbers based on
their starting position, i.e., track or box position at the start
of the race, with the two dogs in the center tracks, i.e., track
numbers four and five (which may be deemed to be advantageous
starting positions), both sharing one bingo number.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Exemplary Number Assignment By Track
Multiple Bingo Numbers TRACK Assigned Per Track 1 1 and 2 2 3 and 4
3 5 and 6 4 7 and 8 5 8 and 9 6 10 and 11 7 12 and 13 8 14 and
15
[0028] Using Table I above to help illustrate, during a race, if
the dog in track number four wins, the player may mark off both
bingo numbers 7 and 8 on his or her score card as primary winning
numbers, if the player has them on his or her score card. If the
dog in track number seven comes in second, the player may mark off
bingo numbers 12 and 13 as secondary winning numbers, if the player
has them on his or her score card. Depending on which numbers are
present on the playing card, the player may therefore mark off
anywhere from zero to four bingo numbers. If a race results in the
dogs in track numbers four and five winning first and second place,
respectively, the player may mark off from zero to three bingo
numbers. The bingo winner may be the first player to complete their
entire playing card or a pre-determined portion of their playing
card, such as a column or row.
[0029] In one embodiment, the bingo-style game may require five
races or events to complete. Five races or events is selected as
being a game that may be completed within a two or three hours of
entertainment, such as during one outing to a race track. The
bingo-style game may have a "winner" of a minor and/or major award
at the conclusion of the five races or events. The major award may
be worth more than the minor award. With a preferred embodiment, it
is not envisioned that no winner will emerge such that the race
results would have to be carried over into a subsequent series of
races, or even discarded.
[0030] Preferably, the bingo-style game may produce results in a
one column of the bingo-style score card per race or event. With
the preferred embodiment, it is not envisioned that random results
of winning numbers will be generated across the score card per race
or event. Rather, the bingo-style game may produce results for a
pre-determined section of the bingo-style score card, such as a
pre-determined and/or dedicated column or row.
[0031] For instance, the first column of the bingo-style score card
may be dedicated to the first race and associated with winning
numbers from the first race, the second column of the score card
may be dedicated to the second race and associated with winning
numbers from the second race, the third column of the score card
may be dedicated to the third race or event and associated with
winning numbers from the third race, the fourth column of the score
card may be dedicated to the fourth race and associated with
winning numbers from the fourth race, and the fifth column of the
score card may be dedicated to the fifth race and associated with
winning numbers from the fifth race.
[0032] In one alternative embodiment, the first row of the
bingo-style score card may be dedicated to the first race, the
second row of the score card may be dedicated to the second race,
the third row of the score card may be dedicated to the third race,
the fourth row of the score card may be dedicated to the fourth
race, and the fifth row of the score card may be dedicated to the
fifth race.
[0033] The bingo numbers that are assigned by starting position for
each race may be mutually exclusive such that a first set of
numbers assigned for a given race do not overlap a second set of
numbers assigned for the next race. In a preferred embodiment, the
bingo-style game requires exactly five races or events to complete
the game, and has a prescribed order and method to winning numbers
being selected. After five races or events, one or more winners are
definitely determined. The winning numbers are not random, but
related to pre-determined areas of the score card.
[0034] With reference now to the various figures in which like
elements are identically numbered throughout, a description of the
various arrangements of the present invention will now be provided.
While the invention is disclosed in the context of a single
arrangement, it will be appreciated that the invention may include
numerous modifications from the preferred arrangement.
III. Exemplary Score Card
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary bingo-style score card 100.
The score card 100 may include a header 102, a number of columns
104, and a number of rows 106. The score card 100 may include
additional, fewer, or alternate components.
[0036] The header 102 may be labeled with the letters B, I, N, G,
and O, as described else where herein. Each of the letters may be
associated with a column 104. Each column 104 may have a number of
rows 106. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the score card 100 may
include five columns 104, with each of the five columns 104 having
five rows 106, making a 5.times.5 matrix of letters. Score cards
with additional, fewer, or alternate components and arrangements
may be used.
IV. Exemplary Numbering Assignments
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary numbering assignment for a
series of pari-mutuel races or events 200. The exemplary numbering
assignment 200 may include assigning numbers for a plurality of
pari-mutuel races 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210. Each of the races
202, 204, 206, 208, 210 may be assigned a letter 212, 214, 216,
218, 220 associated with a column or other area on a score card,
such as the letter B. Each race 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 may include
a number of starting positions or tracks 222, 224, 226, 228, 230,
respectively. The starting positions 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 for a
race 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 may be assigned a group of associated
bingo numbers 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, respectively. The numbering
assignment may include additional, fewer, or alternate
assignments.
[0038] The bingo numbers 232 assigned by starting position 222 for
each race 202 may be mutually exclusive such that a first set of
bingo numbers 232 assigned for a given race 202 do not overlap with
any of the sets of bingo numbers 234, 236, 238, 240 assigned to the
remaining races 204, 206, 208, 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the bingo
numbers 232 assigned for a first race 202 may include numbers one
through fifteen, the bingo numbers 234 assigned for the next or
second race 204 may include numbers sixteen through thirty, the
bingo numbers 236 assigned for the next or third race 206 may
include numbers thirty-one through forty-five, the bingo numbers
238 assigned for the next or a fourth race 208 may include
forty-six through sixty, and the bingo numbers 240 assigned for the
next or a fifth race 210 may include sixty-one through
seventy-five. The numbers assigned may be prefixed by the letter
212, 214, 216, 218, 220 for each respective race, such as B1 to
B15, I16 to I30, N31 to N45, G46 to G60, and O61 to O75. Other
number assignments may be used.
[0039] With respect to FIG. 2, the numbering assignment may include
(1) assigning a first group of bingo numbers 232 to starting
positions 222 of participants of a first race 202, the first group
of bingo numbers 232 being associated with a first or B column of a
bingo-style score card; (2) assigning a second group of bingo
numbers 234 to starting positions 224 of participants of a second
race 204, the second group of bingo numbers 234 being associated
with a second or I column of the bingo-style score card, the second
group of bingo numbers 234 being mutually exclusive of the first
group of bingo numbers 232; (3) assigning a third group of bingo
numbers 236 to starting positions 226 of participants of a third
race 206, the third group of bingo numbers 236 being associated
with a third or N column of the bingo-style score card, the third
group of bingo numbers 236 being mutually exclusive of the first
and second groups of bingo numbers 232, 234; (4) assigning a fourth
group of bingo numbers 238 to starting positions 228 of
participants of a fourth race 208, the fourth group of bingo
numbers 238 being associated with a fourth or G column of the
bingo-style score card, the fourth group of bingo numbers 238 being
mutually exclusive of the first, second, and third groups of bingo
numbers 232, 234, 236; and (5) assigning a fifth group of bingo
numbers 240 to starting positions 230 of participants of a fifth
race 210, the fifth group of bingo numbers 240 being associated
with a fifth or O column of the bingo-style score card, the fifth
group of bingo numbers 240 being mutually exclusive of the first,
second, third, and fourth groups of bingo numbers 232, 234, 236,
238.
[0040] The linking the bingo-style game with a series of
pari-mutuel races may be completed upon the running of the first,
second, third, fourth, and fifth races and the identification of
which numbers from among the first, second, third, fourth, and
fifth groups of numbers correspond to the winning participants of
the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth races, respectively. A
minor prize for each number on a bingo-style score card associated
with a winning participant of one of the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth races, and a major prize for a predetermined
pattern of numbers on a bingo-style score card that are associated
with winning participants of the first, second, third, fourth, and
fifth races may be awarded. The bingo-style game may be played with
dog racing, horse racing, harness racing, or jai alai pari-mutuel
betting events. While the preferred embodiments relate to use of
the bingo-style game and method with pari-mutuel events, it should
be appreciated that the method may have application in other
fields.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary numbering assignment for an
individual pari-mutuel race or event within the series of
pari-mutuel races or events 300. As noted elsewhere herein, each
pari-mutuel race 302 may include a number of starting positions or
tracks 304. The numbering assignment 300 may assign a plurality of
bingo numbers 308 for each starting position 304, such as bingo
numbers 116 and 117 to starting position number one (RJ's Allne)
and bingo numbers 118 and 119 to starting position number two
(Lucky Grady), as shown. The numbering assignment 300 may assign a
bingo letter 306 to an individual race 302, such as the letter I to
the second race.
[0042] Also depicted, the numbering assignment 300 may assign a
single bingo number 310 to a number of starting positions 304, such
as bingo number I23 to both starting position number four (Klowa
Flower Man) and starting position number five (Atascocita Moira).
The single number may be assigned to multiple tracks that have an
increased chance of winning, here tracks four and five. As a
result, the assignment of a single number to both advantageous
tracks may even the odds of winning for score cards without numbers
associated with the advantageous tracks (as compared to score cards
with numbers associated the advantageous tracks). The numbering
assignment may include additional, fewer, or alternate
assignments.
V. Exemplary Method of Linking Bingo Game to Pari-Mutuel Races
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of linking a
bingo-style game to a series of pari-mutuel races or events 400.
The method 400 may include assigning bingo numbers by starting
position for pari-mutuel races 402, assigning multiple bingo
numbers to each starting position 404, assigning a single bingo
number to multiple starting positions 406, dedicating the bingo
numbers assigned to a pre-determined portion of a bingo card 408,
awarding a minor award for each pari-mutuel race 410, and awarding
a major award for a series of pari-mutuel races 412. The method may
include additional, fewer, or alternate actions.
[0044] The method 400 may include assigning bingo numbers by
starting position for pari-mutuel races 402. As shown in FIG. 2,
for race B, there may be eight starting positions. Starting
position number one (Striker Across) may be assigned bingo numbers
B1 and B2; starting position number two (Spry Joyce) may be
assigned bingo numbers B3 and B4; starting position number three
(Lennox To Win) may be assigned bingo numbers B5 and B6; and so
on.
[0045] The method 400 may include assigning multiple bingo numbers
to each starting position 404. As shown in FIG. 2, for race B,
bingo numbers B1 and B2 may be assigned to starting position number
one (Striker Across), bingo numbers B10 and B11 may be assigned to
starting position number six (Fuzzys Canyon), and so on.
[0046] The method 400 may include assigning a single bingo number
to multiple starting positions 406. As shown in FIG. 2, for race B,
bingo number B8 may be assigned to both starting position number
four (Salon Dawn) and starting position number five (Starz
Topaz).
[0047] For race I, bingo number I23 may be assigned to both
starting position number four (Klowa Flower Man) and starting
position number five (Atascocita Moira). The N, G, and O races also
may have a single bingo number (N38, G53, and O68) assigned to
multiple starting positions. In one embodiment, the single bingo
number may be assigned to a plurality of starting positions that
have been pre-determined to have an advantage over the remaining
starting positions of the race, such as track numbers four and
five.
[0048] The method 400 may include dedicating the bingo numbers
assigned to a pre-determined portion of a bingo-style score card
408. With respect to FIG. 1, the numbers assigned for the first
race or race B, may be dedicated to the first or B column of the
score card. Likewise, the numbers assigned for the second race or
race I, may be dedicated to the second or I column of the score
card, and so on. The numbers assigned for an individual race may
have other dedicated areas within the bingo-style score card, such
as a row instead of a column.
[0049] The method 400 may include awarding a minor award for each
pari-mutuel race 410. The minor award or prize may be awarded for
each number on a player's bingo-style score card that is associated
with a winning participant of a race. For instance, as shown in
FIG. 2, if Striker Across won race B, and the player's score card
included either B1 or B2, that player may be awarded a minor award.
Other minor awards may be used.
[0050] The method 400 may include awarding a major award for a
series of pari-mutuel races 412. The major award or prize may be
awarded for a plurality of numbers of the bingo-style score card
that are each associated with a winning participant of a race and
that together form a pre-determined shape, such as a row, column,
diagonal or other shape. In other words, if the player's score card
includes winning bingo numbers from each of the B, I, N, G, and O
races, and the winning bingo numbers form a pre-determined shape,
such as a straight line across the score card, that player may be
awarded a major award. Other major awards may be used.
[0051] In another embodiment, the method of linking a bingo-style
game to a series of pari-mutuel races may include: (1) for a first
race, assigning a first set of numbers by starting position for the
first pari-mutuel race to a dedicated first column of a bingo-style
card; (2) for a next pari-mutuel race, assigning a next set of
numbers by starting position for the next pari-mutuel race to an
adjacent and dedicated next column of the bingo-style card; (3)
performing step (2) until five sets of numbers having been assigned
by starting position for five races; (4) awarding a minor prize for
each number on the bingo-style card having a number associated with
a winning participant of one of the five pari-mutuel races; and (5)
awarding a major prize for each bingo-style card having a
pre-determined pattern of a plurality of numbers, each of the
plurality of numbers being associated with one winning participant
of one of the five pari-mutuel races.
[0052] The method of linking a bingo-style game to a series of
pari-mutuel races may include remotely displaying individual
winning numbers or a plurality of winning numbers for each race,
such as on a large remote scoreboard or more local television
display screens. The method may further include tracking and/or
identifying winning cards and/or winners remotely and/or via a
processor. For instance, winning cards may be identified and the
winners announced on a scoreboard.
[0053] While several arrangements of the invention have been
described, it will be understood that it is capable of still
further modifications and this application is intended to cover any
variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention, following in
general the principles of the invention and including such
departures from the present disclosure as to come within knowledge
or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains,
and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set
forth and falling within the scope of the invention or the limits
of the appended claims. It should be understood that many changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of
the invention. The description and illustrations are by way of
example only. Many more embodiments and implementations are
possible within the scope of this invention and will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art. The various embodiments are not
limited to the described environments and have a wide variety of
applications.
[0054] It is intended in the appended claims to cover all such
changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit and
scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to
the specific details, representative embodiments, and illustrated
examples in this description. Accordingly, the invention is not to
be restricted except in light as necessitated by the accompanying
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *