Abstract: A tool is provided for designing electronic games of chance such as slot or fruit machine games. Software that runs on a computer or remote server takes user inputs and selections such as game rules, input data, and pointers to or import of files (such as sound and graphics files). The output data of such a tool may be a file or parameters that specify one or more of hit rate, return to player, pay-table, symbol mapping, symbols, game theme, risk profile, rules of game play, denomination, language, currency, display, simulation results, pay methods, triggers for game features or jackpots.

Abstract: Methods are provided whereby gambling games may be purchased and played, then displayed or re-played at a remote location and time relative to when the initial or actual game was played.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a strategy for a company offers royalty programs to convert the royalty points into lottery entries. Customers can purchase entries into a lottery, instead of exchange for goods or services, using their royalty points. This strategy may be carried out in partnership with a casino or a gaming establishment.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods by which an operator of networked games may offer wagering platforms or sell insurance policies. The operators receive game based currencies from players who place wagers or buy insurance to bet on or insure against certain outcomes in the games.

Abstract: Businesses compete for a patron's business in an auction. A patron or customer provides preferences about an anticipated visit. Businesses are provided, by an agency, with information about the customer and their preferences. Bids entice the customer based on the preferences. The customer selects a business to patronize based on the bids. The agency receives a fee from the businesses.

Abstract: Provided are business methods pertaining to a clearinghouse or brokerage that converts loyalty points to a currency (known or invented, real or virtual) in order to reduce the loyalty points liability of a corporation.

Abstract: A multi-player gambling process, which also allows for single-player games, creates multi-player groups, where participants are pre-screened or invited at the discretion of the group initiators. All registered players also participate in reward schemes organized into an electronic voucher system. The electronic voucher systems allow for promotional offers and adjustments to be made by the system operators and vendors of products and services, and are individualized for each player. The players are granted freedom in terms of changing personalized settings for their vouchers and in terms of any-time redemption for all vouchers.

Abstract: Methods and software are disclosed which relate to the remote monitoring of networked electronic business. Businesses may be monitored for the purpose of confirming compliance with tax or other legal regulations. The invention provides an application interface which cooperates with a monitoring agency, preferably within a public lay infrastructure.