Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and methods for streaming broadcast event, and more particularly to a system and methods for distributing one or more commentary streams corresponding to the broadcast event. The system may be configured to receive, via an interface, a search request and, in response to the search request, present one or more broadcast streams, such as a live and/or recorded poker tournaments, eSports events, and the like. In response to detecting a selection of a broadcast stream, the system may obtain one or more associated commentary streams, which are prepared by a registered commentator and include audio and/or video. The system may then distribute a list of the associated commentary streams in a region of the user display. Advantageously, the list of commentary streams may provide a user with multiple points of view such as commentary specific for a home team and an away team.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and methods for streaming broadcast event, and more particularly to a system and methods for distributing one or more commentary streams corresponding to the broadcast event. The system may be configured to receive, via an interface, a search request and, in response to the search request, present one or more broadcast streams, such as a live and/or recorded poker tournaments, eSports events, and the like. In response to detecting a selection of a broadcast stream, the system may obtain one or more associated commentary streams, which are prepared by a registered commentator and include audio and/or video. The system may then distribute a list of the associated commentary streams in a region of the user display. Advantageously, the list of commentary streams may provide a user with multiple points of view such as commentary specific for a home team and an away team.

Abstract: Systems for efficiently providing multiple commentary streams for the same underlying broadcast content may include client applications that enable a user/viewer to select multiple commentary streams for a variety of events from one or more content sources. Exemplary broadcast content may include television shows, movies, and events that may include, for example, a plurality of live and/or recorded poker tournaments, eSports events, and the like. For each event, the systems also may enable a user/viewer to select from one or more live and/or recorded commentaries associated with the event. The event content and the commentary stream may be displayed in different display regions on a single device (such as a computer) or may be displayed simultaneously on different devices. Various technical advantages may be achieved by separating the event content from the commentary content. Revenue for the broadcast may be shared between the event content provider and the commentary content providers.

Abstract: The negative impact of network disruptions in electronic games may be reduced by providing increased efficiency in network communications and client- and server-side processing when a player rejoins a game in progress. In some embodiments, an electronic game system may generate a list of games, such as a poker tournament, for which a player is registered. A client application may provide the list as part of a user interface through which the player may directly rejoin a listed game upon selection of a currently in-progress game from the list. In addition, the system may establish one or more mandatory break periods in certain extended game types such as tournaments. The mandatory break period may be the same time for all extended game types. Other implementations also are described.

Abstract: Maintaining the integrity of a virtual currency and by reducing the impact of hacking and otherwise fraudulent manipulation of an electronic game, and thereby encouraging end users to use freemium model software, may include managing the distribution of virtual currency giveaways. In some embodiments, virtual currency may be distributed in a secure manner by a server. In addition, user interest also may be maintained by providing unique features such as a double-up mini-game that allows a user to wager an amount won on a winning slot reel spin. The user may select one of two options and either win or lose the amount wagered. In some embodiments, a user may wager more or less virtual currency by applying a multiplier to the amount won on the winning slot reel spin. In addition, user interest may be maintained by integrating story elements into the one or more themed slot games.

Abstract: Reducing fraud and collusion in an online multiplayer game having a virtual currency, such as poker chips, may include managing the distribution of virtual currency giveaways and limiting collusion among players likely to be using virtual currency obtain by the giveaways. In some embodiments, free chip distribution pools may be established to limit the amount of free chips distributed via (1) a particular distribution method, (2) to a particular player, (3) a combination of player and distribution method, and the like. Players also may be automatically assigned to a particular table and/or seat at the table based on a variety of factors that may indicate a likelihood that the player is using free chips, such as the player's level, the age of the player's account, the buy-in for a given table requested by the user, and the like. Other implementations also are described.

Abstract: Systems for efficiently providing multiple commentary streams for the same underlying broadcast content may include client applications that enable a user/viewer to select multiple commentary streams for a variety of events from one or more content sources. Exemplary broadcast content may include television shows, movies, and events that may include, for example, a plurality of live and/or recorded poker tournaments, eSports events, and the like. For each event, the systems also may enable a user/viewer to select from one or more live and/or recorded commentaries associated with the event. The event content and the commentary stream may be displayed in different display regions on a single device (such as a computer) or may be displayed simultaneously on different devices. Various technical advantages may be achieved by separating the event content from the commentary content. Revenue for the broadcast may be shared between the event content provider and the commentary content providers.

Abstract: The negative impact of network disruptions in electronic games may be reduced by providing increased efficiency in network communications and client- and server-side processing when a player rejoins a game in progress. In some embodiments, an electronic game system may generate a list of games, such as a poker tournament, for which a player is registered. A client application may provide the list as part of a user interface through which the player may directly rejoin a listed game upon selection of a currently in-progress game from the list. In addition, the system may establish one or more mandatory break periods in certain extended game types such as tournaments. The mandatory break period may be the same time for all extended game types. Other implementations also are described.

Abstract: Reducing fraud and collusion in an online multiplayer game having a virtual currency, such as poker chips, may include managing the distribution of virtual currency giveaways and limiting collusion among players likely to be using virtual currency obtain by the giveaways. In some embodiments, free chip distribution pools may be established to limit the amount of free chips distributed via (1) a particular distribution method, (2) to a particular player, (3) a combination of player and distribution method, and the like. Players also may be automatically assigned to a particular table and/or seat at the table based on a variety of factors that may indicate a likelihood that the player is using free chips, such as the player's level, the age of the player's account, the buy-in for a given table requested by the user, and the like. Other implementations also are described.

Abstract: A multi-stage poker game or tournament and a method for conducting the same comprising a first stage in which a first plurality of players buy in at a first amount and a second stage in which a second plurality of players buy in at a second, greater amount. The second stage is a continuation of the game, such that non-eliminated players from the first stage may continue playing the game, along with the second plurality of players. The latter group may start the second stage with substantially equal chip counts, but the chip counts for the former group may be unevenly distributed, e.g., in proportion or substantially equal to their chip counts at the end of the first stage. The end of the first stage or beginning of the second stage may be marked by the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, such as a predetermined average chip count being reached or percentage or number of first stage players being eliminated.