Abstract: There is disclosed a method for verifying instant card issuance. The method begins with receiving from a user an identification credential including personally identifying data. Then the method continues with authenticating the user based upon an evaluation of the personally identifying data against a fraud detection database. The identity of the user may be correlated to the identity specified in the identification credential. The user is then validated based upon an analysis of the personally identifying data against a compliance database including a list of prohibited identities or watch lists. The user is designated as authorized upon proper authentication and validation. The method concludes with dispensing a transaction card linked via a unique identifier to a financial account associated with the authorized user. The transaction card is imprinted with the unique identifier and a custom user-selected design.

Abstract: A method of allowing a customer to place a wager on a gaming action with a merchant through an electronic transaction is disclosed. The method comprises establishing a deposit account for the customer with an escrow account provider. Next, the wager for the gaming action is placed with the merchant. The escrow account provider will then determine whether the wager is for casino action or sports book action. Funds for the wager will be transferred from the deposit account of customer to a prescribed account of the escrow account provider depending on the type of wager. Next, the merchant is notified that the funds for the wager have been transferred. The escrow account provider will then verify that the merchant can cover the wager and as such will transfer funds for the wager from the prescribed account to an action account during the pendency of the gaming action. Finally, the funds will be transferred to either the merchant or the customer, depending on whether the customer has won or lost the wager.

Abstract: A method of allowing a customer to purchase a product having a purchase price from a merchant through an electronic transaction. The method comprising the step of establishing a deposit account on behalf of the customer with an escrow account provider. Next, funds are transferred into the deposit account. The customer will then place an order with the merchant. The balance of the deposit account will be verified to confirm that the balance is at least equal to the purchase price of the product. Next, the merchant will be notified that the balance in the deposit account is at least equal to the purchase price such that the merchant will deliver the product to the customer. Finally, the purchase price of the product will be transferred from the deposit account to the merchant by the escrow account provider upon confirmation of delivery of the product to the customer.