Networked video game wagering with player-initiated verification of wager outcomes
Embodiments of a wagering system are provided. The wagering system may include a server configured for processing at least one wager on a video game to be played by players on a multiplayer gaming network, and at least one database operatively associated with the server, the database being configured for storing information related to the video game wager. The server may be configured to operate independently of the multiplayer gaming network and may include a confirmation system configured to receive confirmation of the outcome of the video game wager from the players.
The present invention generally relates to processing wagers in association with networked video game play.
BACKGROUNDThe technological landscape for online multiplayer video gaming is rapidly evolving into exciting new areas. Online video game play through multiplayer gaming networks provides an entertaining experience by offering players the opportunity to play against multiple live opponents, rather than merely against a computer-controlled opponent, in a virtual video game world. There are presently many multiplayer gaming networks available that allow players to compete in video games against each other, and at least some of these networks have the capability to permit interaction among players on a global scale.
In view of this emerging technological landscape, what are needed are more effective ways to further enhance the excitement and entertainment value of the online video gaming experience, especially with regard to video games played on multiplayer gaming networks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESThe utility of the embodiments of the invention will be readily appreciated and understood from consideration of the following description of the embodiments of the invention when viewed in connection with the accompanying drawings.
As applied herein, a “wager” or “wagering” involves players staking something of value (e.g., money) for an opportunity to win something of value (e.g., a prize) subject to the outcome of an event (e.g., a video game contest between players), wherein the outcome of the event is predominantly determined by the skill of the players involved in the event and not a chance occurrence. In comparison, a “bet” or “gambling” involves staking something of value (e.g., money) for a chance to win something of value (e.g., a prize) subject predominantly to the outcome of an event (e.g., a lottery drawing) which is predominantly a chance occurrence.
A “multiplayer gaming network” or “gaming network” includes any networked medium that permits players to engage in a video game, computer system game, or any other electronic gaming activity between/among the players. One example of a “multiplayer gaming network” suitable for use with various embodiments of the present invention is the “Xbox Live” gaming network operatively associated with the “Xbox” gaming system (Microsoft Corporation).
A “video game” includes any electronically executed game that can be played over a multiplayer gaming network in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Examples of video games include, without limitation, console-based games such as those played on the “Xbox” gaming system, personal computer (“PC”) games, and a variety of other types of electronic games.
A “game console” includes any device or apparatus that can be configured for playing one or more video games on a multiplayer gaming network. Examples of “game consoles” may include, without limitation, video gaming system consoles, computer systems, personal data assistants (PDAs), wireless telephones, or any other device that can be configured for use as a game console in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention described herein. In another example, cable controllers configured for access to cable network media may include interactive features that users can employ as game consoles, for example, to practice various aspects of the invention described herein.
The term “communication media” includes any medium capable of receiving data communications in accordance with various embodiments of the invention such as, without limitation, network connections (e.g., an intranet, extranet, or the Internet), wireless data networks, wire line data networks, satellite networks, or cable network connections.
Unless otherwise noted or readily evident from the context as applied herein, the term “player” refers to players participating on a multiplayer gaming network who may also be “users” of a wagering system provided in accordance with the present invention. The terms “player” and “user” sometimes may be used interchangeably herein.
With reference to
In general, the wagering system 102 functions to allow the players 112, 114, 116 to select from among a diverse set of video games that can be played for wagers; to permit the players 112, 114, 116 to store wagers; to accept the wager of an opponent with whom they would like to compete; to remove or modify unaccepted wagers; as well as to perform various other functions. The wagering system 102 may not be configured to facilitate actual video game play between/among the players 112, 114, 116. Rather, the software that permits communication and interaction between/among the game consoles 106, 108, 110 during video game play can be executed by the multiplayer gaming network 104. The wagering system 102 may thus be configured to operate independently of the multiplayer gaming network 104; and, the game consoles 106, 108, 110 may interact with each other on the multiplayer gaming network 104 to conduct video game play. The dotted line 118 is intended to represent an association, without a direct connection or communication, between the independently operative functions of the wagering system 102 and the multiplayer gaming network 104.
As described hereinafter in more detail, the wagering system 102 provides a variety of functions: to permit players 112, 114, 116 to register and maintain wager accounts 102D; to store details of player 112, 114, 116 profiles; to store payment information; to facilitate competition with other players 112, 114, 116 who also wish to wager in a variety of video games; to confirm outcomes of video game matches with a confirmation system 102E; to apply ratings to users with a ratings system 102F to reflect the conduct of users in their interactions with the wagering system 102 and other users; to transfer an amount indicative of the wager at the conclusion of a head-to-head video game match, for example; to store outcomes of played video games, including a competency structure 102G that tracks and maintains the skill levels of players 112, 114, 116 with respect to various video games; to settle disputes between players 112, 114, 116 associated with wager outcomes by employing a dispute settlement system 102H; and/or other functions.
As shown in
Prior to entering into video game match play for wagers, players may be required to register as users with the wagering system 102. Players may register in a variety of manners. For instance, a visitor home page 302 may include a registration link 304 to direct new users to a registration page 502 where they may register, and a conventional login area 306 wherein a member can enter his or her username and password to access his or her account information with the wagering system 102. Otherwise, visitors or members who have not yet logged into their accounts may be prompted to register or log into their accounts, if they attempt to engage in wagering activity within one or more web sites 102C of the wagering system 102. The player may be presented with a prompt 404 as shown in the screen display 402 of
In order to register at step 202 and gain access to the wagering system 102, new users may be presented with the registration page 502 shown in the screen display of
In association with registration, new users may be directed to a “deposit options” page 602, as illustrated by the screen display of
Once a registered account is accessed by a previously registered user or a new user at step 206, a member home page 702 as seen in the screen display of
Various screen displays presented by the web sites 102C, such as the member home page 702, may include a toolbar 710 of links positioned horizontally across the screen display as shown. The links in the toolbar 710 may include a “home page” link 710A to access the member home page 702, a “terms and conditions” link 710B to display terms and conditions of using the wagering system 102, and an “instructions” link 710C to access written instructions and/or, for example, a visual demonstration, explaining how the service operates. Various screen displays presented by the web site 102C may also include a toolbar 712 of links positioned vertically across the screen display, as shown on the member home page 702, for example. The toolbar 712 may include links for a variety of video games on which a user may place a wager and play against another player on the multiplayer gaming network 104. The video game links on the toolbar 712 may be separated into distinct sections according to a number of factors including the multiplayer gaming network 104 associated with the video game and the type of video game (e.g., sports, fighting, shooter, etc.). For instance, there could be a section devoted to “Xbox” sports games or “Playstation” (Sony Corporation) fighting games. In addition, the toolbar 712 may be configured to display only those links to video games which are compatible for play with the particular game console 106, 108, 110 of the user (e.g., links for “Playstation” games only). Lastly, each video game link may allow users to access a pull-down menu 806 of sub-links related to a game 804, as shown in the screen display 802 of
Various screen displays presented by the wagering system 102 may also include a vertically positioned toolbar 714 of links as shown, for example, on the member home page 702 as shown in the screen display of
For example, a “confirm outcome” link 714A may allow users to access a page on which they can confirm the outcome of wagers, which were entered into using the wagering system 102 and competed for on the multiplayer gaming network 104. An example of a “confirm outcome” page 1002 is shown in the screen display of
Also, on the toolbar 714, users may be presented with a “Stored Wagers” section 714G that includes a list of outstanding, stored wagers for the user on the database 102B of the wagering system 102. For each wager, a button 714H, 714I or other function can be provided that allows for the removal of the wagers from the database 102B. It can be appreciated that the number of wagers in the “Stored Wagers” section 714G varies depending on the number of wagers stored by the user. If a user does not have any wagers stored, then a “None” designation may be presented in the “Stored Wagers” section 714G.
At step 208, the user may select a video game for which the user wants to review, store or accept a wager. Selecting the one-on-one football link (e.g. “1-on-1”) on the pull-down menu 806, for example, directs the user to the wager page 1502 as shown in the screen display of
In addition, the wager page 1502 may be configured to permit users to sort the list of stored wagers 1504 according to wager amount 1512 or skill level 1510, for example. The wager page 1502 may also be provided with a conventional search functionality that permits users to search the list 1504 for a specific wager amount 1512, a specific skill level 1510, and/or the username 1506 of a particular player 112, 114, 116. In a normal mode of operation, the list of stored wagers 1504 can be ordered according to when the wagers were initially stored, such that the first wager on the list 1504 may be the most recent or the oldest stored wager on the list 1504.
In various embodiments, a credit balance 714J of the wager account 102D of a user can be displayed on the toolbar 714, for example, of various pages of the wagering system 102. In addition, users may be permitted to view a breakdown of gross transactions that have impacted the credit balance by navigating to the “account statement” page 1102, using the associated link 714B on the toolbar 714. The “account statement” page 1102 can be configured to display transactions including total amounts deposited to the wagering system 102, total amounts withdrawn, total fees taken from winning wagers, and/or amounts won or lost by the user.
With general reference to
If the user stores a wager substantially compatible with a wager previously stored by another player, and if the wagering system 102 determines through application of its competency structure 102G that the skill levels associated with the players 112, 114, 116 who made the wagers are compatible, then the players 112, 114, 116 associated with the wagers may then be directed to compete in networked match play immediately at step 260. The wagering system 102 may be configured to define compatible wager amounts as substantially the same amounts or within a certain acceptable range of deviation between the amounts. The competency structure 102G of the wagering system 102 may not permit players 112, 114, 116 of comparatively higher skill levels to accept wagers from players 112, 114, 116 at comparatively lower skill levels, but the converse may be permitted (i.e., lower skill level players 112, 114, 116 can be permitted to accept wagers stored by higher skill level players 112, 114, 116). Also, the competency structure 102G of the wagering system 102 may be configured to not permit a player 112, 114, 116 having a first skill level to play against a player 112, 114, 116 at a second skill level, wherein the absolute magnitude or percentage difference between the first and second skill levels exceeds a predetermined maximum level. If the wagering system 102 matches compatible wagers, or if a user accepts a stored wager on the wager page 1502, for example, then the user can be presented with a confirmation page 1802 as shown in the screen display of
If a user accepts another user's stored wager, then that particular stored wager can be removed from the wager page 1502 by the wagering system 102. If a user had multiple stored wagers on the wager page 1502, or on multiple wager pages 1502, and the user enters into competition for one of the wagers, then all of the wagers can be removed from that wager page 1502, and/or all of the wager pages 1502.
To select a wager at step 254, users may be required to have loaded enough credit into the wager account 102D to cover the wager amount; and, to have challenged another user of a compatible skill level. If a user attempts to select a wager without meeting these criteria, among possibly others, then the wagering system 102 may present the user with a notification 2004 shown in the screen display 2002 of
If users have met the necessary criteria and have stored a wager, then they may receive a prompt 2204 shown in the screen display 2202 of
After the user who accepted the wager locates the user who stored the wager on the multiplayer video game network 104, they may compete for the wager at step 260, in the same manner as if they were engaging in non-wagered competition on the network 104 and independently of the operation of the wagering system 102.
At step 262, using the confirmation system 102E, the competitors may confirm the outcome of their wager in various embodiments of the confirmation system 102E. For example, the users may confirm the outcome through a link in an email sent by the wagering system 102 to both competitors after one of them accepted the stored wager of the other. This link may take them to the “confirm outcome” page 1002 as is seen in the screen display of
At step 264, if both players 112, 114, 116 confirmed the same outcome of their wager, using the designated confirmation system 102E, then the wagering system 102 may award a prize to the winning player 112, 114, 116 at step 266 by transferring a credit equivalent to the funds staked in the wager from the wager account 102D of the losing player 112, 114, 116 to the wager account 102D of the winning player 112, 114, 116. The wager amount may be reduced by a transaction fee charged by the wagering system 102. In this manner, no funds need to be transferred directly between users of the wagering system 102; the server 102A merely updates the wager accounts 102D to reflect the results of wagers won or lost by the players 112, 114, 116.
In contrast, if neither player 112, 114, 116 confirms the outcome, if only one player 112, 114, 116 confirms the outcome, or if the players 112, 114, 116 confirm different outcomes, at step 264, then no prize may be immediately transferred between wager accounts 102D. In this event, at step 270, the dispute settlement system 102H may be invoked to help to determine or settle the outcome of a video game wager. If one or both of the players 112, 114, 116 did not confirm the outcome, then the non-confirming player 112, 114, 116, or players 112, 114, 116, may be sent another email, reminding them to confirm the wager outcome and of the possible consequential adjustment to their user ratings if they do not confirm.
Otherwise, if the two players 112, 114, 116 confirm different outcomes at step 264, then the players 112, 114, 116 may receive each other's email addresses from the dispute settlement system 102H at step 270, in order to jointly resolve the discrepancy in reported outcomes. Also, the players 112, 114, 116 may be notified by the wagering system 102 of possible consequential adjustment to their user ratings, if they do not confirm matching outcomes. Through a link in this email communication, for example, the players 112, 114, 116 may be provided with a chance to re-confirm the outcome of the wager.
If the dispute can be satisfactorily resolved at step 272, then the credit transfer of step 266 can occur. If the dispute cannot be resolved at step 272, however, one or both players 112, 114, 116 may have their user ratings adjusted by the ratings system 102F, at step 268, as follows. If, after invoking the dispute settlement system 102H, neither player 112, 114, 116 confirms the outcome, then both players 112, 114, 116 user ratings may be adjusted by the ratings system 102F. If only one player 112, 114, 116 confirms the outcome, then only the other player's 112, 114, 116 user rating may be adjusted by the ratings system 102F. In certain embodiments, if the players 112, 114, 116 do not confirm the same outcome, then both players 112, 114, 116 user ratings may be adjusted by the ratings system 102F.
Users of the wagering system 102 may have user ratings displayed next to their stored wagers, based on the aforementioned rating factors. For instance, new users could start with an initial, predetermined percentage user rating that can be adjusted in accordance with subsequent actions of the users in view of the rating factors. While users may have multiple skill levels for different video games and game modes, the users may be provided with a single user rating, which would be impacted by the manner in which they utilized the wagering system 102 with respect to wagered video game play. Over time, it can be seen that the user ratings system 102F can become a self-regulating device to penalize users who do not accurately, or who never, confirm the outcome of their wagers. It can be seen that the time a player 112, 114, 116 with a lower user rating may wait for a video game opponent to select his or her wager generally would be greater than the time that a player 112, 114, 116 with a higher user rating would have to wait. Moreover, a user may not be allowed to accept other users' wagers, if his or her user rating fell below a specified, threshold level. Application of the user rating system 102F thus reduces the possibility that a user would misuse or ignore the confirmation system 102E.
Following the credit transfer at step 266, the wagering system 102 may be configured to process the outcome of the concluded match, at step 274, to alter a competency structure 102G maintained by the wagering system 102 for the players 112, 114, 116. The competency structure 102G may be created and configured as follows. Each user of the wagering system 102 can be given skill levels in a particular video game based on a combination of factors, including the amount of money won or lost, as well as a win-loss record or other score achieved, by playing the video game against other users for wagers. For example, users might be given a skill level between one and ten, one representing an extremely poor player and ten representing an exceptional player. In this example, the skill level in a given video game would increase, if a win-loss record or a wagered amount won by the user improved, according to established algorithms. The users may access their skill levels, as well as win-loss records or other scores achieved on the player profile page 1302 as shown in the screen display of
Embodiments of the invention may also include a myriad of manifestations of team game play, from two-on-two competitions to games where multiple players 112, 114, 116 compete on the same team against a similar number of opponents on an opposing team. Additional links may be added to the pull-down menu 806, for example, for different modes of team play, and the service may create distinct lists of wagers for each type of game and game mode. For instance, there could be separate links to different lists of wagers for one-on-one competitions, as compared to two-on-two competitions. For each team game playing modality, a similar mode of operation to what has been described previously herein would permit wagering on match play. To permit multiple players 112, 114, 116 to compete together for a wager, for example, one player 112, 114, 116 may access the page of the web site 102C that displayed the list of stored wagers for the game and game-playing mode that his or her team wished to play. An example of a wager page 2402 for team game play is illustrated in the screen display of
In various embodiments, the competency structure 102G may be altered to raise or lower the skill level of each of the players 112, 114, 116 on either team, with respect to the game and the game mode. For this reason, a user could have multiple skill levels in the same game for disparate game modes. Although one player 112, 114, 116 may accept or store a wager, all members of the team may be required to be registered users of the wagering system 102 and have enough credit in their respective wager accounts 102D to cover a pro rata portion of the total team wager to allow the wager to be stored or accepted pursuant to team play.
The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential and specific implementations of the present invention. It can be appreciated that the examples are intended primarily for purposes of illustration of the invention for those skilled in the art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For instance, screen displays included herein are examples provided merely for convenience of disclosure for those skilled in the art.
It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. For example, certain operating system details and modules of network platforms are not described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that these and other elements may be desirable in a typical computer system or database system. However, because such elements are well known in the art and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.
Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a combination of elements that perform that function. Furthermore the invention, as defined by such means-plus-function claims, resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in a manner as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, any means that can provide such functionalities may be considered equivalents to the means shown herein.
In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the embodiments as described hereinabove may be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware, and/or hardware. The software code or specialized control hardware used to implement some of the present embodiments is not limiting of the present invention. For example, the embodiments described hereinabove may be implemented in computer software using any suitable computer software language type such as, for example, C or C++ using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. Such software may be stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium or media such as, for example, a magnetic or optical storage medium. Thus, the operation and behavior of the embodiments are described without specific reference to the actual software code or specialized hardware components. The absence of such specific references is feasible because it is clearly understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be able to design software and control hardware to implement the embodiments of the present invention based on the description herein with only a reasonable effort and without undue experimentation.
Moreover, the processes associated with the present embodiments may be executed by programmable equipment, such as computers. Software that may cause programmable equipment to execute the processes may be stored in any storage device, such as, for example, a computer system (non-volatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, some of the processes may be programmed when the computer system is manufactured or via a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may include any of the forms listed above with respect to storage devices and may further include, for example, a carrier wave modulated, or otherwise manipulated, to convey instructions that may be read, demodulated/decoded and executed by a computer.
It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects described herein may be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium or media that direct a computer system to perform process steps. A computer-readable medium may include, for example, memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs of both read-only and read/write varieties, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. A computer-readable medium may also include memory storage that may be physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanent and/or semi-temporary. A computer-readable medium may further involve one or more data signals transmitted on one or more carrier waves.
A “computer” or “computer system” through which a user may access the wagering system 102 may be, for example, a wireless or wire line variety of a microcomputer, minicomputer, server, mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant (PDA), wireless e-mail device (e.g., “BlackBerry” trade-designated devices), cellular phone, pager, processor, fax machine, scanner, or any other programmable device configured to transmit and receive data over a network. Moreover, it can be seen that the game consoles 106, 108, 110 themselves may take on the functionality of a “computer” or “computer system” with respect to allowing users to directly access and/or manipulate online content. Specifically, players 112, 114, 116 may be able to utilize the wagering system 102 using their consoles 106, 108, 110, respectively, in a similar manner as if they were accessing it through a personal computer. Likewise, it can also be seen that cable boxes may take on the functionality of a “computer” or “computer system” with respect to allowing users to access and/or manipulate online content. Specifically, players 112, 114, 116 may be able to utilize the wagering system 102 through their cable boxes, using buttons on their remote control to manipulate wagering functions, in a similar manner as if they were accessing the wagering system 102 through a personal computer. With respect to accessing the wagering system 102 through game consoles 106, 108, 110 and cable boxes, it can be seen that the wagering system 102 may be customized for accessibility solely by one or both of these types of devices, so that its features could be more easily manipulated by a console controller and/or a cable remote control.
Computer devices disclosed herein may include memory for storing certain software applications used in obtaining, processing and communicating data. It can be appreciated that such memory may be internal or external to the disclosed embodiments. The memory may also include any means for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), and other computer-readable media.
In various embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative to practice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution is within the scope of the present invention. Any of the servers described herein, for example, may be replaced by a “server farm” or other grouping of networked servers that are located and configured for cooperative functions. It can be appreciated that a server farm may serve to distribute workload between/among individual components of the farm and may expedite computing processes by harnessing the collective and cooperative power of multiple servers. Such server farms may employ load-balancing software that accomplishes tasks such as, for example, tracking demand for processing power from different machines, prioritizing and scheduling tasks based on network demand, and/or providing backup contingency in the event of component failure or reduction in operability.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A wagering system comprising:
- a server configured for processing at least one wager on a video game match to be played by players on a multiplayer gaming network;
- at least one database operatively associated with the server, the database being configured for storing information related to the video game wager;
- the server being configured to operate independently of the multiplayer gaming network; and,
- the server including a confirmation system configured to receive a confirmation of the outcome of the video game wager from at least one of the players.
2. The wagering system of claim 1, wherein the server includes a web server.
3. The wagering system of claim 2, wherein the web server includes at least one web site having at least one page configured for receiving wagering information.
4. The wagering system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to select from among a set of video games that can be played for wagers.
5. The wagering system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to store a wager in association with at least one video game.
6. The wagering system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to accept a wager in association with at least one video game.
7. The wagering system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages includes multiple video game links separated into multiple sections according to a factor selected from the group consisting of a multiplayer gaming network associated with the video game, a type of video game, and a gaming mode.
8. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising at least one wager account stored in the database, the wager account being associated with a credit balance of at least one of the players.
9. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising at least one player profile stored on the database.
10. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising the server being configured to transfer a wager amount based on the outcome of the played video game.
11. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising a competency structure operatively associated with the server, the competency structure being configured for maintaining at least one skill level of at least one of the players.
12. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising the database being configured to store multiple wagers for a particular video game or for multiple video games.
13. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising the database being configured to permit removal of an unaccepted, stored wager.
14. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising the server being configured to automatically communicate to players that they should compete upon determining compatibility of wagers.
15. The wagering system of claim 14, wherein determining compatibility includes comparing skill levels associated with the players.
16. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising a ratings system operatively associated with the server, the ratings system being configured to adjust a rating of at least one player.
17. The wagering system of claim 1, wherein the video game includes a video game that can be played by multiple players as a team.
18. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising the confirmation system being configured to award a prize to the winning player upon receiving the same confirmation of the wager outcome from both players.
19. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising a ratings system operatively associated with the server, the ratings system being configured for adjusting a rating of the players based on communication of the wager outcome using the confirmation system.
20. The wagering system of claim 19, further comprising the ratings system being configured to display at least one list of player rankings in association with ratings information stored in the ratings system.
21. The wagering system of claim 19, further comprising the ratings system being configured to not allow a player to accept a wager if a rating of the player falls below a threshold level.
22. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising a dispute settlement system operatively associated with the server, the dispute settlement system being configured to help to determine a wager outcome if the confirmation system receives confirmation of the wager outcome from neither player or only one player.
23. The wagering system of claim 1, further comprising a dispute settlement system operatively associated with the server, the dispute settlement system being configured for determining a wager outcome if the confirmation system receives a different confirmation of the wager outcome from each player.
24. The wagering system of claim 1, wherein the server is accessible through a game console.
25. The wagering system of claim 1, wherein the server is accessible through a cable network connection.
26. The wagering system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the websites is accessible through a game console.
27. The wagering system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the websites is accessible through a cable network connection.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 8, 2005
Publication Date: Jun 14, 2007
Inventor: Albert Betteridge (Greenwich, CT)
Application Number: 11/297,692
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);