Abstract: Methods and systems for administering wagering games are disclosed. A sample method comprises accepting a first mandatory wager from a player, the first wager is added to a first pot. A second wager, which may be mandatory or optional, is accepted from the player, the second wager is added to a second pot. A rake is taken from at least one wager. Cards are dealt to each player. The first wager is resolved according to a set of game rules, wherein a player wins at least a portion of the first pot at the conclusion of each round of play. The second wager is resolved by awarding a portion of the second pot or the entire second pot to at least one player who holds a predetermined winning hand combination or a premium winning hand composition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for administering wagering games are disclosed. A sample method comprises accepting a first wager from a player, the first wager being added to a first pot; accepting a second wager from the player, the second wager being added to a second pot; dealing cards to each player; resolving the first wager according to a set of game rules, wherein a winning player wins at least a portion of the first pot at the conclusion of each round of play; in response to an occurrence of a predetermined event, awarding a payout from the second pot to one or more players contributed to the second pot.

Abstract: A gaming system, a network gaming architecture, and related methods are disclosed that provides game content to server-based gaming platforms. Players access game content and place wagers on through a client server. The client server may act as a thin client to the gaming platform such that the client server establishes the communication link to a remote gaming engine that performs game play processing. The gaming system includes the remote gaming engine, which may comprise a game rules server configured to administer a set of game rules for the wagering game, and a deck server that randomly selects game pieces according to the set of game rules. The gaming engine includes a game rules server configured to administer a set of game rules and a deck server to randomly select game pieces in response to requests from the game rules server. The deck server, game rules server, and game routing server can each include a firewall to protect unauthorized access.

Abstract: A gaming system, a network gaming architecture, and related methods are disclosed that provides game content to server-based gaming platforms. Players access game content and place wagers on through a client server. The client server may act as a thin client to the gaming platform such that the client server establishes the communication link to a remote gaming engine that performs game play processing. The gaming system includes the remote gaming engine, which may comprise a game rules server configured to administer a set of game rules for the wagering game, and a deck server that randomly selects game pieces according to the set of game rules. A network gaming architecture includes separating functions that require regulation on one set of regulated servers, and functions that do not require regulation on at least one unregulated server.

Abstract: A network based play for fun gaming system and method that includes allocating a first number of achievable elements to said player based at least in part on at least one of a number of games completed by a user, a total amount of said wagers of said player in one or more games, and/or a total amount of winnings and/or losses by a player, wherein said achievable elements do not affect the game outcome. The achievable elements may also be purchased by a player and used to unlock additional features, speed play, assign additional players, provide additional features, provide additional bonuses, and/or provide a user the option to modify the player's play for fun experience.