U.S. patent application number 14/171118 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for skill based lottery system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Razor Sports, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Razor Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kenneth D'Angelo.
Application Number | 20140148238 14/171118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31499321 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140148238 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
D'Angelo; Kenneth |
May 29, 2014 |
SKILL BASED LOTTERY SYSTEM
Abstract
The invention disclosed provides a gaming system that is based
on the outcome of scheduled sporting events. The wagers are
directed to a selected sporting event and represent either of the
top six, five or four winners. Alternate embodiments involve an
array of sporting events, and other embodiments involve different
scoring schemes. A method is provided to assign sports participants
to groups when the total number of participants is large.
Inventors: |
D'Angelo; Kenneth;
(Freehold, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Razor Sports, Inc. |
Freehold |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Razor Sports, Inc.
Freehold
NJ
|
Family ID: |
31499321 |
Appl. No.: |
14/171118 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11742921 |
May 1, 2007 |
8690657 |
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14171118 |
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10392138 |
Mar 19, 2003 |
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11742921 |
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60443360 |
Jan 29, 2003 |
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60402814 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3288 20130101; G07F 17/329 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A method for accepting a wager associated with a
competition-based event, the method comprising: storing information
in memory regarding a plurality of competition-based events,
wherein each of the plurality of competition-based events is
associated with a time window; receiving a plurality of wagers
associated with a selected one of the competition-based events,
wherein each wager includes a selection of competitors in an order
based on a criterion; executing instructions stored in memory,
wherein execution of the instructions by a processor: determines
that each wager was received within the time window associated with
the selected competition-based event, identifies a criterion-based
order of winning competitors from information regarding an outcome
of the selected competition-based event, identifies matches between
the identified criterion-based order of winning competitors and the
user-selected and ordered competitors from each wager, and
determines an outcome associated with the wager based on the
identified matches; and notifying the user of the determined
outcome associated with the wager.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
competition-based events includes sporting events.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the time window terminates when
the competition-based event commences.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the outcome associated with the
wager indicates a winning wager.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the outcome associated with the
wager indicates a losing wager.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising calculating a payout
for the user based on the outcome associated with the wager.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification is made by
e-mail.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification is made by
posting results on a website accessible by the user.
9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having
embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a
method for accepting a wager associated with a competition-based
event, the method comprising: storing information in memory
regarding a plurality of competition-based events, wherein each of
the plurality of competition-based events is associated with a time
window; receiving a plurality of wagers associated with a selected
one of the competition-based events, wherein each wager includes a
selection of competitors in an order based on a criterion;
determining that each wager was received within the time window
associated with the selected competition-based event, identifying a
criterion-based order of winning competitors from information
regarding an outcome of the selected competition-based event,
identifying matches between the identified criterion-based order of
winning competitors and the user-selected and ordered competitors
from each wager, and determining an outcome associated with the
wager based on the identified matches; and notifying the user of
the determined outcome associated with the wager.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9,
wherein the plurality of competition-based events includes sporting
events.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9,
wherein the time window terminates when the competition-based event
commences.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9,
wherein the outcome associated with the wager indicates a winning
wager.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9,
wherein the outcome associated with the wager indicates a losing
wager.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
12, further comprising calculating a payout for the user based on
the outcome associated with the wager.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9,
wherein the notification is made by e-mail.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9,
wherein the notification is made by posting results on a website
accessible by the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation and claims the
priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,921
filed May 1, 2007, which is a continuation and claims the priority
benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/392,138 filed Mar.
19, 2003, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional
application 60/443,360 filed Jan. 29, 2003 and U.S. provisional
application 60/402,814 filed Aug. 12, 2012, the disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document of the patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The instant invention is for a skill based lottery system
wherein winning, rather than depending on a random selection, is
determined by the outcome of a pre-selected sporting event or
events.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Typical lottery games require participants to correctly pick
numbers (3, 4, 5 or 6 numbers), which may win if the selected
numbers are drawn from a larger pool of numbers. Typically, numbers
are chosen from a computer coded card which is then presented to an
authorized lottery agent. Lottery tickets containing the selected
set or sets of numbers are then generated by a ticket generator.
Players also may opt to "quick pick," i.e., have their selections
made for them by a random number generator contained in the lottery
ticket machine.
[0007] The drawing to determine the winning numbers is conducted by
means of a random number generating device such as, but not limited
to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,583,736, 4,796,890 and
4,813,676.
[0008] A particular problem which has faced numerous jurisdictions
which sponsor lottery games is that of declining revenues and
profits. There are a number of state lottery agencies which are
running deficits due to increased competition for players. With the
proliferation of lotteries, states and Canadian provinces have
aggressively campaigned to receive a larger share of static lottery
revenues.
[0009] In addition, it is common for lottery jackpots to accumulate
over many weeks. Accordingly, players frequently wait until a
jackpot has grown to a substantial level before beginning to
purchase tickets. Thus, the size of the jackpot is directly
proportional to the demand for tickets. This phenomenon tends to
create an inconsistent cash-flow for the lottery authority and
frequently leads to frenzied buying at the last minute as the
jackpot accumulates. This situation can result in people waiting in
line for hours to purchase tickets, which disrupts the business of
the ticket vendor and discourages the elderly and infirm from
purchasing tickets.
[0010] It would be desirable to provide a novel lottery game which
would increase player interest and which would help to increase the
revenues of a lottery which adopted and sponsored the game.
[0011] There is also a need for a skill-based lottery to increase
interest in lottery type gaming by permitting players to have an
increased chance of success.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
novel lottery game in which the winning combination is not the
result of a random number generator, but is instead based on the
outcome of sporting events.
[0013] The gaming system that is the subject of the present
invention is likely to increase public interest in lottery games
and to improve revenues and profits for states, Canadian provinces
and other jurisdictions sponsoring games generated by the gaming
system. Incident to such benefits, the present invention can also
be expected to accommodate the average sports fan's need for a
reliable and readily available sports-betting opportunity that is
more compatible with most sports fans' interest and gaming
objectives than that offered by fantasy-based games such as those
referenced in the Third Office Action issued on Dec. 18, 2005 in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,921. Whereas the average
fan's primary interests and activities resolve around the
competitive interaction of actual sporting events, fantasy games
essentially ignore these interests, focusing instead on statistics
and performance records compiled by participants during sporting
events in which they may not even compete against each other.
Moreover, fantasy games require familiarity with statistical
analysis and a knowledge base regarding a broader range of existing
sports and sporting events than that usually acquired by the
average sports enthusiast.
[0014] The present gaming system constitutes a unique approach to
sports betting, which is largely the province of odds-based
betting. In odds-based betting gaming systems, the bookmaker or
provider offers what are typically referred to as "odds," but more
appropriately referred to as "payout odds," for each outcome of an
event on which a user can wager. A winning user's payout is
calculated by multiplying the payout odds offered by the provider
times the amount wagered by the user on the correct, or winning,
outcome. A provider establishes payout odds for each outcome by
adjusting downward by a small percentage his estimate of the actual
odds or probability of an outcome's occurring. He does this to
ensure himself a profit, since adjusting the actual odds downward
enables a provider to pay out less for a winning outcome than the
actual odds would otherwise have required. The present gaming
system employs a very different wagering methodology, i.e., a form
of parimutuel betting similar to that of a conventional lottery. In
parimutuel-type gaming systems, users compete against each other,
instead of the provider, for a pool of money representing the total
volume of monies wagered on an event, minus the commission paid to
the game provider. Parimutuel-type gaming systems typically provide
substantially larger payouts than odds-based systems and exhibit a
high reward-to-risk ratio owing to the difference between the size
of these payouts and the minimal fees charged to participate in a
game. This high reward-to-risk ratio, in turn, attracts the number
of users and volume of wagers required to support such payouts. The
prospect offered by the present gaming system of substantial reward
for minimal monetary risk can be expected to comport with the
gaming objectives of a broad spectrum of sports enthusiasts and to
attract new sports fans to a variety of popular, as well as less
known, sports for which wagering opportunities are generated by the
present gaming system.
[0015] In contrast to its apparent simplicity, the gaming system
disclosed in the claims appended hereto is sophisticated in both
its design and mode of implementation and can be expected to
attract the substantial number of users required to support the
large payouts typifying parimutuel-type games of wager. To do so,
the system must be designed to maximize accessibility for users,
must adopt a fairly simple wagering format, and must provide a
basis for winning that is keyed to objective and verifiable events
that enables users to validate the authenticity of the gaming
process. To maximize accessibility for users, the system is
structured for easy adaptation to existing gaming platforms,
foremost among which are those of established gaming venues seeking
to attract new users by expanding the scope of the games they
offer. To encourage ease of use and promote confidence in the
gaming process, the system employs a wagering format that is easy
for users to understand and a basis for winning that is keyed to
the outcome of actual, scheduled sporting events for which
information needed for verification is readily available to users.
These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent from the Summary and Detailed Description which
follow.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTLY CLAIMED INVENTION
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, a lottery-type
gaming system is disclosed in which users must identify the
required number of participants placing in one of the top six
positions in an actual, scheduled sporting event, based on
performance criteria established by the system for the event. Such
events may include a golf tournament, auto race, football game,
baseball game, basketball game, tennis tournament, soccer game,
cricket match, or bass fishing tournament. The performance criteria
may include placement in terms of finish, scoring totals, timing of
scoring, statistical totals or the like. Operating games generated
by the system is comprised of selecting a sporting event or series
of sporting events on which users can wager; compiling a list of
the participants representing selection options on which users can
place wagers; establishing performance criteria for identifying
"participants placing in one of the top six positions" in the
event, referred to as such in the claims appended hereto and
referred to herein using this term, as well as the alternative
synonymous terms "top participants," "top six participants," and
"top" "finishers" or "finishes;" establishing the number of those
six participants that a user must identify correctly in order to
win the game; accepting selections and wagers from users;
determining which participants place in one of the top six
positions in the event; comparing users' selections to the list of
these six participants to identify users that have a "winning
combination" based on correct identification of the requisite
number of such participants; and providing payouts to those users.
The term "outcome" respecting a sporting event refers to the six
participants placing in one of the top six positions in the event
and is a function of the performance criteria established for
evaluating participants' performances in the event. The term
"winning combination" refers to a user's selection matching the
requisite number of top participants needed to win the game. Where
users must identify less than all six top participants, the
particular selections comprising a winning combination may vary
from user to user. In games where user selections must match all
six top participants, the terms outcome and winning combination are
synonymous. Because based on the outcome of actual, scheduled
sporting events, the basis for winning is objective and verifiable.
Therefore, users of the lottery are assured that the winning
combination is not "fixed" and that their own analysis of the
sporting participant or teams is partly responsible for winning the
lottery. Thus, the lottery system of the present invention is not
just luck.
[0017] The present invention is referred to in the claims appended
hereto as the "gaming system," and referred to herein using this
term, as well as the alternative and synonymous terms "system,"
"lottery," "lottery system," "lottery game," "skill-based lottery
system," and "lottery-type gaming system." The term "lottery," used
alone, or in such phrases as those listed above and the phrases
"lottery-type games," "lottery structure," "lottery administrator,"
and "lottery provider" is employed for descriptive purposes only,
not as a term of art. It merely adverts to the fact that certain
features of the present gaming system are similar to those of a
conventional lottery. Chief among these is the high reward-to-risk
ratio characteristic of both, which reflects the relationship
between the significant amounts available for payouts to winners
and the minimal fees required to participate in a game. The
provider, referred to elsewhere herein using the alternative and
synonymous term "administrator," programs the gaming system by
selecting sporting events and participants on which users can
wager, and establishing performance criteria and the number of
participants a user must identify correctly in order to have
winning combination. Participants listed as user selection options
may comprise teams or individuals participating in sporting events
composed solely of individual participants, such as golfers, race
car drivers, jockeys and harness-racing drivers, or participants in
mixed martial arts, electronic sports field and track, gymnastics
and similar sporting events. For example, the provider may select a
golf tournament such as the Masters in which about 140 golfers
typically participate. Each golfer is assigned a number by the
provider, the number being based on established rankings such as
are available on published websites such as the PGA web site. Users
then select the participants they bet will place in one of the top
six positions in the tournament.
[0018] In another embodiment the provider can sponsor a lottery in
which only the top four or top five finishers need to be correctly
chosen. For example, the provider may base a game on one or more
selected days of horse racing at one or more tracks and require
that users identify four or more of the jockeys generating the
greatest amount of winnings on the race days selected. The provider
may make several lotteries available simultaneously. Some games may
be based on finishing sequence, i.e., the temporal or numerical
order in which competing participants place in a sporting event.
Other games may be based on the number of points scored, such as
runs, goals and the like, for a game or game segment or for a
series or season's worth of sporting events. Games involving sports
that base winning on a points system in the absence of a more
decisive event, such as a pin in a wrestling match or knockout in a
boxing match or mixed martial arts bout, may require that users
identify participants placing in one of the top six positions based
on performance criteria keyed to such decisive events, or to the
number of points scored, or to some combination thereof. Games may
also be based on performance criteria that are keyed to specific
types of event characteristics of the particular sport involved but
that do not necessarily equate to winning, including, but not
limited to, the total number of points, runs, goals, and the like
"allowed," i.e., scored by a competitor, the number of shots on
goal in a hockey game, the number of rebounds or steals in a
basketball tournament, or the greatest number of running or passing
yards, time in possession, first downs, interceptions, or completed
passes in a football game or series of football games. According to
different embodiments, winning may be the result of selecting all
four or five or six participants in the correct order or simply
selecting the required number of participants correctly, without
regard to individual placement.
[0019] In other preferred embodiments the sporting event upon which
the lottery is based is car racing such as but not limited to
NASCAR which typically has a field of 43 drivers. Numbers are
assigned to the drivers by their starting or "pole" position
available from published sources such as newspapers or web sites.
Users then select the top four, five or six finishers depending on
the lottery game established by the provider.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the lottery can be applied to
team sporting events. For example, the performance criteria can be
based on scoring totals of football, basketball, baseball, soccer
or hockey teams over a given period of time. In one embodiment the
provider sets the criteria as the six highest scoring football
teams during one weekend of regular season National Football League
play. Users must then correctly choose the six National Football
League teams that will score the most points during that weekend.
The same type of criteria can be applied to any other team sport
for a given time period. Other variations may be fewest points
(runs, goals, etc.) allowed by a team, fewest points (runs, goals,
etc.) scored, etc. Other performance criteria are, for example, the
six highest (or lowest) scoring teams in a time period, the first
(or last) teams to score, teams shooting the most (least) shots on
goal, and other possible permutations.
[0021] Other variations include season-long criteria for team
sports such as, but not limited to, wins, losses, total points
(runs, goals, etc.) scored, total points (runs, goals, etc.)
allowed, etc. In every instance, regardless of the criteria, users
of the lottery must choose four, five or six finishers depending on
the lottery structure in order to win.
[0022] Another advantage of the invention is that the winning
combination is not entirely random. Factors such as how
participants in the sporting event compete in certain venues,
injury reports, weather conditions, current level of play and the
like all influence the outcome. Therefore, the skill of a user as a
"handicapper" in large part can increase the chances of that user
winning.
[0023] The most preferred embodiment is a web site that users
access via the Internet, making games generated by the gaming
system available to a global market, increasing the number of
system users and the potential for returns. It should be noted that
the term "most preferred embodiment" as used herein, refers to, and
is synonymous with, the term "best mode" in 35 U.S.C. 112. The term
"preferred embodiments" is used herein to distinguish from the best
mode other embodiments within the scope of the claims appended
hereto and their legal equivalents.
[0024] In the most preferred embodiment and preferred embodiments
other than those involving the use of an intermediary, a user
accesses the gaming system directly via the Internet or using a
private communications network. The terms "access" and "accessible"
as used herein and in the claims appended hereto refer to the act
of connecting to, or with, an entity, such as a gaming server, in
such manner as to be able to communicate information and requests
to, and respond to information and requests from, such entity. In
these embodiments, the user is requested to input information
regarding identification of the user and payment method. Once the
user has decided to actually place a wager on a game or a grouping
of games and has provided the requested information, the user
accesses a gaming page which presents choices and accepts the
user's selection for the given game or games. Once the user has
input his or her selections, the user is asked to confirm the
user's selections. The user is then sent a confirmation and, in
some embodiments, a ticket or an entry identification number,
preferably by email. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the
interactive wagering process is replaced by what is primarily a
single exchange between the gaming system and a user, who places a
wager using the services of an intermediary, such as an authorized
agent, operating a ticket machine or a member of the staff in a
betting parlor or casino sports book. No matter how the wager is
placed, the user then waits for the conclusion of the event for the
outcome to be established.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is an illustration of typical hardware in a network
system environment in accordance with a preferred embodiment and
the most preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2A depicts a flowchart diagram of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2B depicts a flowchart diagram of the most preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2C depicts a flowchart diagram of a further preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2D depicts a preferred embodiment of a database scheme
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2E depicts a preferred embodiment of a main page
employed in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2F depicts a preferred embodiment of an event page
employed in accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2G depicts a preferred embodiment of a game page
employed in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2H depicts a preferred embodiment of a shopping cart
page employed in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3A depicts a log in/create account page of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3B depicts a personal information page of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 3C depicts a payment information page of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2D refer to all embodiments of the present
invention. All other drawings refer either to the most preferred
embodiment or to preferred embodiments of the invention other than
those involving an intermediary. FIG. 1 depicts a communications
network hardware 10 that includes a gaming server 12, referred to
in the claims appended hereto as a "programmable electronic
communications device," and referred to herein using the
alternative and synonymous terms "server," "gaming server," "gaming
server 12," and "server 12." The gaming server comprises the gaming
system. Communications network hardware 10 also includes at 14, a
device referred to in the claims, generically and in the aggregate,
as an "electronic communications device," and referred to herein
using the alternative and synonymous terms "user computer 14,"
"computer terminal," and "kiosk-type terminal." Communications
network hardware 10 also includes at 15, another device referred to
herein and in the claims appended hereto as an "electronic
communications device," into which an intermediary such as an
authorized ticket agent enters a user's selections and wager for
communication to, and storage in, a gaming server 12. Devices 12
and 14, and devices 12 and 15, are in electronic communication with
each other over a communications network 17. Network 17 may be a
private communications network or the Internet, and may be
hardwired, wireless, or a hybrid thereof. In the most preferred
embodiment of the invention, network 17 constitutes the Internet
and connects users to a web page on the gaming system's web site.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, network 17 is a private
communications network configured as a closed-loop, which is
neither part of, nor connected to, the Internet (although preferred
embodiments involving an intermediary may sometimes involve use of
the Internet). The term "private, closed-loop communications
network," used herein and the claims appended hereto, includes
local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks comprised of
communications facilities such as transmission lines and switches,
that are dedicated for the sole use of a private entity. The latter
are referred to herein as "dedicated WANs." Private communications
networks are typically used in casinos and betting parlors to
connect users at kiosk-type terminals to a gaming system. In
preferred embodiments of the invention involving the services of an
intermediary, network 17 can be either a private communications
network or the Internet. Gaming server 12, user computer 14 and
electronic communications device 15 are computer-type devices and
are represented in FIG. 1 by pictographs conventionally associated
with, and commonly used to represent a computer. The pictograph for
user computer 14 includes an input device and a display device
required to enable users to interact with the gaming system.
Neither electronic communications device 15 nor gaming server 12
requires such peripheral devices.
[0038] Whereas preferred embodiments requiring an intermediary
involve but a single exchange between the user and the gaming
system, other preferred embodiments, as well as the most preferred
embodiment, involve a dynamic and interactive wagering process that
is facilitated by the gaming server. The gaming server includes
among its components what is referred to in the claims appended
hereto as a "non-transitory, computer-usable medium having
computer-readable instructions embodied therein," and which is
referred to herein using the alternative and synonymous terms
"computer readable media 24," and "software" (except where the
latter term is used with reference to "browser software"). The
instructions for conducting the wagering process, as well as for
storing sporting event-specific selections received from an
electronic communications device 15, are written in a
computer-readable code that is understandable to a processing
device contained in the gaming server but that is unintelligible to
those server components capable of performing such tasks. The
processing device translates these coded instructions into commands
expressed in a language that is understandable to such components,
which then carry them out. These tasks include, but are not limited
to, establishing user selection options and performance criteria
for sporting events on which users can wager; requesting and
receiving sporting event-specific selections, as well as those
received via an intermediary in an "internal database," referred to
as such in the claims appended hereto and referred to herein, using
this term, as well as the alternative and synonymous terms
"database" and "memory device," searching the internal database to
identify and provide payouts to, users whose sporting
event-specific selections match the requisite number of
participants placing in one of the top six positions in a sporting
event; and storing information in the internal database on
completed games. The gaming server conducts the wagering process in
real time, i.e. on the spot, in response to input from users.
Because instructions embodied in the computer-usable medium are
encoded in segments called "threads," each of which represents a
discrete task performed during the wagering process, gaming servers
can perform a multiplicity of different tasks independently and can
accommodate a plurality of users simultaneously.
[0039] In some preferred embodiments, network communication
hardware 10 includes a plurality of either servers 12, user
computers 14, or any combination thereof. Server 12 incorporates a
memory device from which gaming information and other relevant data
is accessible to user computer 14. Preferably, hardware 10 includes
a plurality of servers 12 that are operatively connected to network
17. Two such servers 12 are shown in FIG. 1. It will be understood
that network systems in accordance with various embodiments will
include more than two servers 12.
[0040] Server computer 12 comprises the gaming system and can be
any suitable network-connectable computer-type device capable of
providing content (data representing text, hypertext, photographs,
graphics, video and/or audio) for communication over network 17 in
accordance with computer-readable instructions stored on one or
more of computer readable media 24 (for example, but not limited
to, floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory RAM, CD-ROM, ZIP
disks). The server computer 12 may include one or more internal
data storage devices, e.g. a hard drive (not shown), for storing
content for communication to a user computer 14 and to electronic
communications device 15. Server computer 12 is connected to an
external data storage device, generally represented at 26, from
which server computer 12 obtains information concerning sporting
events for communication to user computer 14. In one embodiment,
external device 26 comprises a further network device coupled to
network 17. Server computer 12 is controlled by suitable software
to provide the requested content information to the requesting user
computer 14 and to electronic communications device 15.
[0041] Gaming server 12 accesses information on upcoming sporting
events from this external data storage device and information on
the outcome of game-based sporting events either from this device
or from a sports wire service such as that represented in FIG. 2B
at 54, both of which are referred to in the claims appended hereto
as an "external data device." It will be understood by those
skilled in the art that this process involves communication through
routers and other network components in addition to suitable
servers, as is dictated by the particular network environment.
[0042] User computer 14 comprises any suitable network-connectable,
computer-type device capable of communicating with other devices in
the network system according to an established protocol. User
computer 14 has a display device 20 for providing a
user-perceivable display (for example, but not limited to visual
displays, such as cathode ray tube (CRT) displays,
light-emitting-diode (LED) or liquid-crystal-diode (LCD) displays,
plasma displays or the like, audio displays or tactile displays),
and a user input device 22 (for example, but not limited to, a
keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch pad, microphone, or the like). In
the most preferred embodiment, user computer 14 comprises a
personal computer having a CRT display, a keyboard and a mouse
user-input device.
[0043] The user computer 14 is controlled by suitable software,
including network communication and browser software to allow a
user to request, receive and display information (or content) from
or through a provider computer 12 on the network system 10. The
user computers 14 are any computer-type device capable of
communicating with the server computers 12, including, but not
limited, to personal computers, PDAs, email-enabled cell phones and
ATM-type terminals. User computers 14 access server computers 12
via network 17.
[0044] Where the services of an intermediary are involved, gaming
server 12 comprising the gaming system communicates information on
games open for wager to, and receives information on users'
sporting event-specific selections from, an electronic communicates
device located in the retail store of an authorized ticket agent or
located in a betting parlor or casino sports book. The gaming
server stores sporting event-specific selections received from this
device in a file such as file 506 depicted in FIG. 2D, which
contains all other sporting event specific selections and wagers
relating to the specific sporting event. If the intermediary is
located in a betting parlor or casino sports book, the user may opt
to convey his or her sporting event-specific selections and wagers
to an intermediary, either in person, or via a land line or mobile
phone. In the alternative, a user may visit an authorized,
retail-style establishment and submit sporting event-specific
wagers on a computer-coded card or by some comparable method. In
either case, the intermediary enters the user's selections and
wagers into an electronic communications device, either by
inserting the user's computer-coded card in to the device or by
entering the data manually from a comparable for or in response to
verbal directions from the user. This device processes the data
electronically and communicates it to the gaming server via a
communications network to which both are connected. If the user is
on site and the electronic communications device is equipped to do
so, it then generates a ticket or other form of receipt confirming
the user's selections and wagers.
[0045] The gaming system of the instant invention bases winning on
the outcome of actual sporting events, providing a verifiable
method of determining the results of the lottery. The present
invention is typically applied to a single sporting event when the
sporting event involves a large number of competing participants,
such as but not limited to a golf tournament, basketball tournament
such as the NCAA tournament or a baseball season. The invention is
typically applied to a plurality of sporting events when the number
of participants in a single event is small, such as a basketball
game (between two teams), there are usually many such games being
played in a confined time frame, such as a weekend of professional
basketball games. Users can independently ascertain the results of
the lottery and verify the authenticity of such results through
published reports of the particular sporting event or events
involved.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 2A, a flowchart of operations
involved in one preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed.
According to the FIG. 2A flowchart, players who desire to
participate in a particular lottery game establish a connection in
step 16 on a wide area computer network between a user computer 14
(see FIG. 1) and a server 12. In the most preferred embodiment,
depicted FIGS. 2B and 2C, a substantially unlimited number of users
can connect to the system via the Internet and receive information
and place wagers at any given time and for any given game or series
of games. Indeed, as previously noted, in the most preferred
embodiment, the disclosed in FIGS. 2B and 2C, global participation
in any given game is possible. As is well known, the processing
speed of modern computers, being on the order of millions of
operations per second, permits such seemingly simultaneous
accommodation of many users.
[0047] Once a player has established a connection with server 12
(FIG. 1), the player accesses an initial, or home, page in step 18
(FIG. 2A). To participate in a game, the user registers or sign-up
through an accessible sign-up page, examples of which ware
illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, via a link from the home page,
as will be described below. Once a user has accessed the sign-up
page, the user is able to enter pertinent information according to
step 20, such as, for example, name, address, date of birth, the
method of payment information. Address and date of birth
information may be used in combination for user confirmation. The
inputted information is conveyed to and verified by server 12 in
step 23, such as, for example, the credit information or account
information. If the information is accepted, server 12 allows the
user to access a gaming page in step 24 via an access button, such
as a "play" button.
[0048] Once connected to the gaming pages, the user enters
selections at step 26, and enters the number of desired drawings,
that is, the number of games to play with these selections. The
"selection" is data, in the form of numbers, alphabet characters,
mouse clicks, or other indicia, being representative of the user's
choices for the game.
[0049] When the user is satisfied with his selections, the user
selects a confirmation 27, or multiplay element on the gaming page
via an access button. The gaming server then accesses the
confirmation page. Once the user has accessed the confirmation
page, the user's selections and number of plays are displayed for
the user. The display of the selections provides confirmation at
step 28 to the user that the correct selections have been recorded.
In one preferred embodiment, the user reconfirms the selections by
selecting an "OK" feature, or has the opportunity to change the
selections by selecting a "CLEAR" feature, which indicates that the
choices are incorrect and allows the user to make new
selections.
[0050] After the user's selections and wagers have been confirmed,
the user can access another play via a repeat play utility, such as
a "play Another Game" feature at step 29. If the user selects the
"Play Another Game" option and chooses to play, the server will
return the user to the general gaming page at step 30. If instead,
the user chooses to terminate play, the user then exits the gaming
system at step 32.
[0051] The most preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown in the flowchart in FIG. 2B. A user of the lottery system
connects at step 36 by various means, some of which are telephone,
computer link and mobile communication. Access to the system occurs
through an Internet web site at step 38, from which the
determination is made at step 40 of whether the user has an
existing account. If the user has an existing account, the account
is accessed at step 46. If not, the user is requested at step 42 to
set up an account, the information for which is entered into the
system database at step 44, in compliance with for example FIGS.
3A-3C, described below. After the user enters information into the
database at step 44, the established account is accessed at step
46. The user is then presented with a selection at step 48 for
various sports on which wagers may be made, for example, golf,
tennis, football, hockey, soccer, track and field, bowling, etc.
Assuming that the user selects golf as a choice, the system moves
to step 50 to make a selection and place a bet. The selection
process is discussed below. After the user and other users of the
system have placed their wagers, the time window for wagering
closes at the beginning of the sporting event or events, and the
results are awaited.
[0052] The results, or outcome, of the sporting event is determined
at step 54. The outcome may be reported directly to the server from
a wire service or may be inputted manually after reference to a
news reporting service or the like. Each wager ticket is evaluated
by comparison to the reported outcome to determine whether it is a
winner or a loser. If a winner is determined at step 58, the
account of the holder of the winning ticket is updated, i.e.,
winning amount deposited, at step 60, and the information is
entered into database 44. If the ticket is not a winner, determined
at step 56, or after a deposit of the winning amount is made at
step 58 and the account is updated at step 60, the holder of the
winning ticket is notified at step 62, by any known means of
communication.
[0053] The game administrator or provider presents the winning
numbers which have been obtained from the results of an event. For
example, and discussed below, in one preferred embodiment winning
criteria are determined from the results of a selected sporting
event such as, but not limited to a golf tournament wherein, for
example, the players are ranked according to their prior
performance and given ranking numbers. The top six finishers of the
event are identified in a post-tournament report by numbers
corresponding to their rankings. The results of the tournament are
posted and the lottery winners are notified by any acceptable
means, including, but not limited to, telephone, e-mail, postal
service, facsimile and posting on the web site maintained by the
service operator.
[0054] Registration is preferably completed before wagering.
Registration can be implemented by entry of the information either
manually or through a computer terminal, such as may be presented
over the Internet or in a sports book parlor or at a kiosk. Each
potential user will preferably be asked to register when entering
the system by being presented with a screen, an example of which is
shown in FIG. 3A, by entering information in the windows of dialog
box 70, e.g., email name and password. In this embodiment, a new
user will be required to open an account by clicking on the
"create" button in dialog box 72. The new user will move to FIG. 3B
to enter identifying information into the several data windows in
dialog box 74. At the completion of box 74, the user will click on
the "create" button and be presented with the screen in FIG. 3C,
including dialog box 76 for the submission of payment methods and
information. Where available, payment information may be entered by
inserting a bank card or credit card in a reader. Upon completing
the registration information, the user is validated by the system
and presented with sport and event selection and wagering
options.
[0055] Now referring to FIG. 2C, the most preferred embodiment of
the invention comprises an Internet-accessible web site comprising
a main page 100, events page 110, game page 120, shopping cart page
130, log in/create account page 140, summary page 150, payment
information page 160 and confirmation page 170. FIG. 2D comprises
an example of a database scheme for preferred and most preferred
embodiments.
[0056] Now referring to FIG. 2E, main page 100 comprises a
plurality of sport categories from which a user may choose by for
example clicking on a sport of interest. Main page 100, like all
pages in this embodiment, may further comprise links to other pages
such as, but not limited to, log in/create account page 140 or "hot
links" to game page 120. Upon selecting a sport on main page 100, a
user accesses events page 110.
[0057] Now referring to FIG. 2F, events page 110 displays the
particular current events in the sport selected in main page 100
upon which a wager can be placed. Event page 110 preferably
comprises links to other pages. A user selects an event from the
event page 110 by clicking on the event and is transferred to game
page 120.
[0058] Now referring to FIG. 2G, game page 120 comprises a list of
the participants for the selected event and the rules and criteria
governing the particular lottery to be conducted for that event.
For example game page 120 provides a list of participants in a golf
tournament and permits a user to select six golfers or groups of
golfers the user believes will place in one of the top four, five
or six positions in the tournament. A user may use game page 120 to
play multiple games. Game page 120 may provide the user with lists
comprising the selections made for each game played.
[0059] Now referring to FIG. 2H, upon completing all selections, a
user may click on a link to shopping cart page 130, which displays
selections for each game in the form of lists or "tickets".
Shopping cart page 130 permits a user to delete unwanted "tickets"
or go back to the game page to add further "tickets". Once a user
has decided to proceed with the "tickets" the user has created
through his selections, the user may click on a link to the log
in/create account page 140.
[0060] Now referring to FIG. 3A, if the user has an existing
account the user enters his e-mail and password in dialog box 70
and proceeds to order summary page 150. Now referring to FIGS. 3B
and 3C, if the user does not have an existing account the user
creates an account using the prompts on create account page 140.
Once an account and log in password are generated the user may
proceed to order summary page 150. Order summary page 150 permits a
user to confirm the order prior to proceeding to payment
information page 160. Payment information page 160 collects payment
information such as but not limited to credit card information.
After entering said information the user submits the payment
information for determination as to whether the information is
valid and the financial transaction can be completed. Upon
confirmation of a successful transaction the user is transferred to
printable confirmation page 170.
[0061] Funds may be linked to be transferred between existing
betting pools and the lottery of the present invention. Wagering
fees are typically transferred after selections are made, but
before the user is issued a wager confirmation. Winnings are
typically credited at the conclusion of the sporting event via the
Internet, or other transmission means, to existing bank, credit or
betting accounts.
[0062] In many sporting events, for example a major golf
tournament, there are a large number of players who compete,
possibly 100 or more. This presents a group that is typically too
large for purposes of a lottery because a user's chances of winning
decrease as the number of selection options increases. Thus, it is
recognized that if a limited number of those sporting event
participants ranked higher based on their prior performances, such
as between 35 and 40, are listed individually as user selection
options and the remaining, lower-ranked sporting event participants
are assigned to a group constituting a single user selection
option, the number of available selections from which to choose can
be reduced to a manageable number appropriate for a lottery.
[0063] As indicated above, the most preferred embodiment involves
use of the Internet for transmission and receipt of gaming data and
other information. In this preferred embodiment the gaming server
is one of a plurality of gaming servers comprising the gaming
system's web site. The user accesses the main page upon connecting
with the web site. The main page is an introductory page that
comprises textual information and hyperlinks for access to
subsequent pages on the web site designed to direct a user to a
reign language page and following pages, if desired, in which the
information is presented in a specific language selected by the
user.
[0064] The textual information comprises any type of information
that the gaming provider chooses. In one embodiment, the textual
information comprises gaming information and rules and regulations,
or, in alternate embodiments, a link that connects the user to
access a rules and regulatory information page. Gaming information
comprises jackpot totals (i.e., an amount representing current
wagers for an event that is soon to be played), upcoming lottery
participatory sporting events and previous winning combinations. In
some preferred embodiments, winning numbers and/or characters are
updated immediately after the new winning combinations are
determined.
[0065] In another preferred embodiment, the jackpot total is
displayed in the different currencies of all of the countries in
which the lottery game is available to be played. As more players
participate in placing wager selections, the jackpot becomes
larger. As the jackpot becomes larger, the displayed totals change
to reflect the most recent information each preset time interval,
such as, for example, every minute, quarter hour, or every
hour.
[0066] The rules and other regulatory information can be included
directly on the home page, or, in alternate embodiments, is able to
be accessed via a hyperlink from the home page. Players may also
access the rules and regulations from other pages (described below)
on the site, or from a number of different pages. If the rules and
regulation information is accessed via a hyperlink, the user is
directed to a file comprising "How to Play" information stored in a
memory device from which it can be retrieved. Preferably, the rules
and regulations information comprise information related to
restrictions of the game, including, but not limited to,
information regarding who is not eligible to play the game; entry
provisions; how to claim the jackpot; claiming deadlines; dispute
resolution; miscellaneous transaction fees; and definition of legal
terms. As regulations and rules change, due, for example, to
changes in laws, or at the discretion of the lottery provider, this
section is updated to reflect such changes.
[0067] The home page includes at least one hyperlink, for example,
a "Play" button, such that the player can exit the home page and
advance to other pages on the system, wherein the user can
ultimately indicate his or her selections to play. In one preferred
embodiment, the home page comprises hyperlinks to registration or
sign-up pages, which are written in English and a number of foreign
languages, or as previously discussed, as well as hyperlinks to the
rules and regulations file.
[0068] If a user chooses to participate in the game, the user may
be required to register prior to commencing play of the game.
Selection of the aforementioned command hyperlink will send the
user to a registration page. If a user has previously registered,
the registered user can simply access selection pages by entry of a
password.
[0069] Once information has been entered into the registration
page, the player enters a command, such as a HTML hyperlink
embedded in a "play" button graphic which moves the user to the
next step of the process. In some preferred embodiments, a user
cannot progress to the next step of the process until all of the
information is provided and the underlying transaction has been
authorized and cleared. In some preferred embodiments, if any part
of the registration page form is not filled in completely, or if
the form of payment is rejected, the player is sent back to the
registration page to correct the problem.
[0070] In some preferred embodiments, once the requested
information on the registration page has been provided and
transmitted, and the underlying transaction has been approved and
accepted, the user can access the game page via the gaming server.
In preferred embodiments, the user dicks on a "play" button which
accesses the game page if the above requirements have been met.
Alternatively, a player may browse the game page and is not
required to register until he is satisfied he wishes to play. In
such a case, the user may make all selections and not be required
to register until he decides to participate.
[0071] Different selection requirements and payouts for correct
choices are contemplated. The provider may require that users
select all six of the participants placing in one of the top six
positions in a sporting event. In the alternative, the provider may
require that users select only four of the six, or only five of the
six participants placing in one of the top six positions in the
event. Where users are required to select all six participants
correctly, it is contemplated that the highest payout be made to a
user correctly selecting all six of the six and that users
correctly choosing five out of six or four out of six receive
smaller payouts. A bonus payment may be made for picking the top
six or five or four participants placing in one of the top six
positions in the correct order of finishing or for picking the
participant placing in the top spot and the other top participants
in random order.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment, if there is no winner for a
particular lottery the jackpot is rolled over into another lottery
game, preferably based on a similar sporting event. For example, if
there is no winner of the lottery based on the outcome of the
British Open, the jackpot is rolled into the next scheduled PGA
event.
[0073] Having described preferred embodiments of a system and a
method for facilitating online lottery games according to the
present invention, it is noted that modifications and variations
can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above
teachings. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the present
invention is a skill based lottery system, it is contemplated that
the game be offered to users with the option of making "quick pick"
selections via a random number generator.
[0074] Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims
appended hereto is limited to the description as set forth herein,
but the claims should be construed as encompassing all features
that would be treated as equivalent to those of the present
invention by those skilled in the art.
* * * * *