Abstract: Methods and systems for engaging in enhanced parimutuel wagering and gaming. In one embodiment, different types of bets can be offered and processed in the same betting pool on an underlying event, such as a horse or dog race, a sporting event or a lottery, and the premiums and payouts of these different types of bets can be determined in the same betting pool, by configuring an equivalent combination of fundamental bets for each type of bet, and performing a demand-based valuation of each of the fundamental bets in the equivalent combination. In another embodiment, bettors can place bets in the betting pool with limit odds on the selected outcome of the underlying event. The bets with limit odds are not filled in whole or in part, unless the final odds on the selected outcome of the underlying event are equal to or greater than the limit odds.

Abstract: The online poker gaming system comprises a live or recorded poker game, and at least one gaming terminal. The live or recorded poker game involves a group of players sitting around a table. Each player is playing for prize money so there is a cash incentive for each to win. The player terminal displays images of the live or recorded game being broadcast for view by an online player. The player terminal also includes a schematic of the game for presenting in a concise and visual way, the game status and gaming data of the live or recorded game. The player terminal also includes a keypad, enabling the online player to select one or more players to win, and select a value for each selection. So while the online player cannot make gaming decisions—fold, call, check, and raise—the online player can participate by making selections, much as one would make selections at a racetrack. The online player can make multiple playing selections unavailable to the player sitting at the table.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to permit placing a wager on a pari-mutuel event in which expert handicapper's prognoses are displayed to a player to permit them to formulate either simple or complicated exotic wagers, and to be able to aggregate a wager with those of other players to satisfy wagering minimums.

Abstract: A method of playing a game (e.g., blackjack or other wagering game), where the user is provided with the option of purchasing bet insurance by paying an additional fee at the time the time he/she pays the subscription fee. At a predetermined time during the course of the subscription period, and if the player is below a predetermined number of total points or other standing, the player's bet protection is automatically applied, and the player is refunded his initial subscription fee with the gaming operator keeping the insurance fee. Further, the player is eliminated from the plurality of game sessions for the remaining time of that subscription period.

Abstract: A system for wagering on a jackpot race event, comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores a qualifying bet associated with a customer and comprising a first bet component and a second bet component. The first bet component is associated with a first qualifying race event and comprises a first bet amount. The second bet component is associated with a second qualifying race event and comprises a second bet amount. The processor identifies the outcome of the first and second bet components. If both the first bet component and the second bet components are winning bets, the processor allocates to the customer a particular number of jackpot bets for a jackpot race event. The particular number of jackpot bets is based at least in part upon the first bet amount and the second bet amount. The first bet amount is allocated to a common pari-mutuel pool for the first qualifying race event.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

Abstract: A method for determining an award for at least one winner includes establishing at least a first outcome predicated on a common output produced by a plurality of entities working in conjunction, and establishing at least three scenarios associated with the first outcome, each scenario associated with a condition of the first outcome, and receiving a plurality of wagers associated with each scenario and at least one of the entities. The method further includes awarding at least a first award in a parimutuel basis based on the received wagers.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine(s) will provide progressive awards and/or supplemental bonus awards, wherein the number of provided supplemental awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. Each supplemental bonus award provided by each gaming device is based on any accumulated wagers placed at that gaming device.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a pari-mutuel wagering system that includes a first wagering facility communicably coupled with a network and operable to receive a bet on a wagering event hosted by a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility is further operable to transmit the bet to the second wagering facility via the network. The system further includes a clearinghouse communicably coupled with the network and operable to capture audit information associated with the bet from the network.

Abstract: A method of providing a game for a gaming device is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of average values. Average values in the plurality of average values represent different values of a prize pool. A wager amount and an input to initiate game play are received. An average value is selected from the plurality of average values and a random award is determined from the prize pool. The random award is determined from the average value selected from the plurality of average values.

Abstract: A group of linked gaming machines generates one or more progressive jackpots, common to all the linked machines, where the amount of each jackpot is increased by a percentage of the wagers made by the players. In accordance with the invention, in order to provide incentive for the player to keep playing the machines and to add additional excitement, non-jackpot awards are paid out to players of the linked gaming machines based on triggering thresholds met by each jackpot. One type of triggering threshold may be a threshold value reached by a jackpot. Upon a jackpot reaching the threshold, one or more players will win an award. After an award win, another threshold level will then be set for the jackpot. Since the frequency of the awards being granted is generally higher than the frequency of the full jackpots being won, the players will anticipate awards being granted and will continue to play the machines.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatus are provided for receiving a request for a lottery ticket, the request including a purchase amount that is less than a price of a full lottery ticket. A fractional amount of the full lottery ticket is calculated, the fractional amount being based on the purchase amount and the price of the full lottery ticket. An indication of the fractional amount and an indication of the full lottery ticket is stored.

Abstract: A system for managing bets comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores one or more first type of bets and one or more second types of bets. Each first type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will finish in a predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. Each second type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that the selected participant will not finish in the predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. The processor adds the bet amounts associated with the first type of bets with the bet amounts associated with the second type of bets to form a betting pool. The processor determines an amount of a payout based at least in part on the betting pool.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a wagering system associated with a first wagering facility, the system communicably coupled with a network and including memory operable to store betting odds on a plurality of wagering events hosted by the first wagering facility. The system further includes a processor coupled to the memory and operable to receive a first bet on a particular event via the network, the particular event comprising at least one wagering event hosted by the first wagering facility. If a second bet is received within a predetermined period after the first bet is received, then the processor recalculates betting odds on the particular event based upon both the first and second bets. If a second bet is not received within a predetermined period after the first bet is received, then the processor recalculates betting odds on the particular event based upon the first bet.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a system and method for sports wagering and entertainment. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include a method for odds-based sports wagering, the method comprising: receiving, from a bettor, a selection of at least one players; providing, to the bettor, odds associated with the selection of at least one players; receiving, from the bettor, an at least one bet type and an at least one bet amount based on the odds associated with the selection of at least one players; and returning, to the bettor, a result for the at least one bet type and the at least one bet amount.

Abstract: A interactive wagering system is provided in which a user at user equipment may place electronic wagers with an interactive wagering application. The wagers may be horse race wagers. The interactive wagering application may handle wagers placed at multiple totalisators. The user may be provided with an opportunity to select a desired totalisator at which to place wagers or the interactive wagering application may automatically apply tote selection criteria to determine which of the multiple totalisators wagers are to be placed with. The user may review information on available odds and other information for each of the different totalisators. Automatic totalisator selection may be based on odds, tax consequences, licensing status, pool values, bulk benefits, user preference, available wager types, or other suitable criteria.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.

Abstract: Table games are enhanced by awarding chances at a bonus. The changes may be awarded based on one or more factors, for example amount wagered, time spent wagering, average wager, and/or skill level. Bonus related information may be provided to the players as a group, or individually, for example via one or more displays. A bonus pool may be formed from all or part of a separate bonus wager and/or part of a conventional wager on the outcome of a game being played at the gaming table.

Abstract: A method of controlling a gaming device is provided in which a set of a plurality of selections is displayed. The player is enabled to pick one of the selections. After one of the selections is picked by the player, an award is generated and provided from an award pool. One of the selections is eliminated from the set. The above steps are repeated until the player's picked selection is the same as the eliminated selection, wherein the set in each repeated step is reduced to include non-eliminated selections.

Abstract: A method for paying a progressive jackpot in a wide area progressive system having a progressive controller linked to groups of gaming terminals. Each gaming terminal using software determines, based upon at least the broadcast current progressive jackpot amount and the received wager, at least one fractional portion of the broadcast current progressive jackpot amount that may be won by the player when a progressive event occurs in play of the casino game of chance at the gaming terminal. The fractional progressive jackpot amount is delivered from the gaming terminal back to the progressive controller where it is deducted before the next current progressive jackpot amount is broadcast.

Abstract: When a special symbol appears during play of the gaming machine game, the secondary game is initiated. At initiation, a bonus prize is determined by the secondary game microcontroller by consulting a bonus game paytable stored therein where each bonus prize corresponds to a bonus spot on the secondary game. A multi-ended pointer of the secondary game spins around the field of bonus spots and the player is prompted to select which end of the pointer is active. Upon selection of the end—e.g. blue or green—a microcontroller operating the spinner calculates the point at which the spinner will cease to spin so that the selected pointed end is pointing toward the selected bonus prize. The player is given the illusion that he or she controls which bonus prize is won since the green side of the pointer will point to a different bonus prize than the blue side.

Abstract: A method and system of providing players with positive return in a gambling game. Tokens are won or lost in a manner that assures net positive return. Token value is determined based on the total number of outstanding tokens, or on the total number that have been issued in a predetermined time period, so that the total prize payout is predetermined and constant. In one embodiment, tokens act as lottery tickets, and prizes are awarded to winners of the lottery, so that a player's chance of winning the lottery is based on the percentage of outstanding tokens he or she possesses.

Abstract: This invention relates to sports and event wagering, particularly to a new sport and event wagering game and system. This game and supporting system allows pari-mutuel wagering with respect to new areas other than horse or dog racing, which will expand the sports wagering industry to encompass new areas of interest and enjoyment to bettors. Specifically, pari-mutuel wagering is enabled with respect to the performance statistics of individual sport or event participants, combinations of sport participants, combinations of event participants, and sport teams. This wagering game is supported by an electronic system, which allows interaction with the game via various communications methods, remotely or in-person, which can allow or restrict wagering activity based upon bettor location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to execute bets that includes a plurality of buttons for creating derivative bets that modify an initial combination of groups of competitors to create derivative combinations of an original bet. The method and apparatus of the present invention incorporate new functions that make it easier for a bettor to enter and register wagers. The entering and registration of pari-mutuel wagers is made easier by the apparatus and method of the present invention.

Abstract: A new and useful ball range system for wagering is disclosed. The system incorporates targets having RFID readers therein, coupled with at least one server communicating with each target, and further having the potential to operate over more than one physical site. The wagering supported is characterized by player-funded winnings, of which pari-mutuel betting on ball-based games is one example. The system enables operators to offer many wagering games based on a games outcome in an efficient and exciting manner to a player using player-funded pools.

Abstract: A method and system of providing players with positive return in a gambling game. Tokens are won or lost in a manner that assures net positive return. Token value is determined based on the total number of outstanding tokens, or on the total number that have been issued in a predetermined time period, so that the total prize payout is predetermined and constant. In one embodiment, tokens act as lottery tickets, and prizes are awarded to winners of the lottery, so that a player's chance of winning the lottery is based on the percentage of outstanding tokens he or she possesses.

Abstract: This invention relates to sports and event wagering, particularly to a new sport and event wagering game and system. This game and supporting system allows pari-mutuel wagering with respect to new areas other than horse or dog racing, which will expand the sports wagering industry to encompass new areas of interest and enjoyment to bettors. Specifically, pari-mutuel wagering is enabled with respect to the performance statistics of individual sport or event participants, combinations of sport participants, combinations of event participants, and sport teams. This wagering game is supported by an electronic system, which allows interaction with the game via various communications methods, remotely or in-person, which can allow or restrict wagering activity based upon bettor location.

Abstract: The totalizator terminal of the present invention comprises a ticket issuing unit which selects an odd or even horse or gate number of a horse expected to be the first for all races, and a repaying unit which determines an amount of repayment for a picking ticket by dividing a total amount of repayment accounting for a prescribed ratio relative to a total amount of purchases by a number of hits. The ticket issuing unit vends picking tickets by recognizing the result of selection of the odd or even horse or gate number of the horse expected to be the first as specified by a purchaser for races 1 to 12. The ticket issuing unit can also vend picking tickets by automatically selecting the most popular horse upon purchasing or at random an odd or even horse or gate number.

Abstract: A interactive wagering system is provided in which a user at user equipment may place electronic wagers with an interactive wagering application. The wagers may be horse race wagers. The interactive wagering application may handle wagers placed at multiple totalizators. The user may be provided with an opportunity to select a desired totalizator at which to place wagers or the interactive wagering application may automatically apply tote selection criteria to determine which of the multiple totalizators wagers are to be placed with. The user may review information on available odds and other information for each of the different totalizators. Automatic totalizator selection may be based on odds, tax consequences, licensing status, pool values, bulk benefits, user preference, available wager types, or other suitable criteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing a user with the ability to submit a wager to a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool using an interactive wagering application. A conditional wagering option is provided. When the user selects a conditional wagering option, the interactive wagering application may automatically submit the wager to an alternative wager option (e.g., a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool) if the wager is rejected by the user's selected wager option. The interactive wagering application may notify the user of the status of the submitted wager.

Abstract: A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device.

Abstract: A wagering system comprises a race providing system facilitating wagering on race events and providing information regarding the race events, and at least one wagering terminal in communication with the race providing system. The at least one wagering terminal includes a race event selector to select next race events for wagering, a display to present information regarding the selected race events, a user interface to place a wager on an elected race event of the selected race events displayed, and a wagering value mechanism to provide a wager amount for the wager on the elected race event. Further, at least one of the race providing system and the at least one wagering terminal includes a quick pick race contestant(s) selector receiving handicapping information and odds information from the race providing system to select one or more race contestants of an elected race event for the wager in accordance with the received handicapping information and odds information.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing a user with the ability to submit a wager to a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool using an interactive wagering application. A conditional wagering option is provided. When the user selects a conditional wagering option, the interactive wagering application may automatically submit the wager to an alternative wager option (e.g., a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool) if the wager is rejected by the user's selected wager option. The interactive wagering application may notify the user of the status of the submitted wager.

Abstract: An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.

Abstract: This invention relates to sports and event wagering, particularly to a new sport and event wagering game and system. This game and supporting system allows pari-mutuel wagering with respect to new areas other than horse or dog racing, which will expand the sports wagering industry to encompass new areas of interest and enjoyment to bettors. Specifically, pari-mutuel wagering is enabled with respect to the performance statistics of individual sport or event participants, combinations of sport participants, combinations of event participants, and sport teams. This wagering game is supported by an electronic system, which allows interaction with the game via various communications methods, remotely or in-person, which can allow or restrict wagering activity based upon bettor location.

Abstract: This present pari-mutuel invention provides for a network of table games and real time electronic devices operating slots, poker, keno, bingo and other games. Players compete against other players for non-banked prizes which are paid only from player pools. Player pools start with a balance of zero. The player pool receives one hundred percent (100%) of player bets, less appropriate rental fees. Posted prizes cannot exceed the player pool. The player receives dynamic displays of the pool balance and corresponding posted prizes. A top prize feature prevents the pool from dropping back to zero. The house receives a fee from players who rent a pari-mutuel device. The house does not seed the pool with money, nor take any money from it. The devices can operate in a stand-alone-mode with local player pools under local control. However, they have linked access to a network controlled by a central management system to receive the benefit of centralized Player pools.

Abstract: Each round of a poker game is played in stages using a conventional deck of cards. A wager is placed at each stage, a hand of cards is dealt to each player at each stage, and the cards dealt to each player in previous stages become part of each players hand of cards at each subsequent stage. A different wildcard is designated at each stage. A winning hand of cards is determined and rewarded at each stage by comparing each players hand of cards including any wildcards to a schedule of winning card combinations and an odds schedule at each stage. At least some of the winning card combinations and some of the odds for each winning card combination are changed at each stage.

Abstract: This present invention provides an one hundred percent (100%) Pari-Mutuel method for wagering games played on a computer network system (including the Internet). It means that players in a game not only wager among themselves, but also share among themselves. The wagering games include casino table games (Twenty-One, Pai-Gow, etc.), and electronic games (slots, draw poker, Keno, Bingo and others), and other wagering games (Lottery, coin games). Players play a game together. No one else (including the house and players in other games) can disturb them. A pool is set up in the first play of the game. All players' wagers take the form of contributions to the pool. The payoff is the amount of shares instead of money. The winners will share the whole pool by their shares and then close the pool. This ensures all wagers are only redistributed among the players who made them. The present invention also further makes the pool progressive.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a plurality of reels, each with a plurality of symbols. A processor causing the symbols to change alignments when activated by a player. The machine is programmed with a plurality of winning combinations of selected different values. The combinations are accessed to a player when predetermined alignments of the symbols occur. A jackpot and a down pot each of a select value greater than any one of the combination of values, are provided. The jackpot is accessed to the player by an alignment of designated of the symbols. The down pot is accessed to a plurality of incentive pots by an alignment of another of the designated symbols. Each incentive pot is then accessed to the player by the alignment of selected ones of the predetermined alignments of the symbols along with the preselected value already designed these predetermined alignments.

Abstract: A gaming system is described which enables parimutuel wagering with instant payoffs on actual past events. The system, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of wager terminals coupled to a game server. The wagering terminals are multi-function terminals which enable a patron to enter a wager, provide high quality video/audio play-back, and can issue payments for winners. The game server is a computer system configured to manage the entire game system. For example, the server maintains databases, controls and accounts for the transactions with the wagering terminals, controls the flow of data from the video server to the terminals, collates pools from all sources and computes winnings, and provides detailed statistics for the disbursement of funds.

Abstract: A gaming system is described which enables parimutuel wagering with instant payoffs on actual past events. The system, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of wager terminals coupled to a game server through a wide area network, such as the internet. The game server is a computer system configured to manage the entire game system. For example, the server maintains databases, controls and accounts for the transactions with the wagering terminals, controls the flow of data from the video server to the terminals, collates pools from all sources and computes winnings, and provides detailed statistics for the disbursement of fends. The gaming system also includes a video server for providing delivery of selected video images from a historical database. Generally, and in operation, a player attempts to choose the winners of an unknown past event.

Abstract: A method for automatically awarding credits to a player on a gaming machine network adjusted for tax codes. The network comprises a plurality of gaming machines on which a primary game is played, a bonus server implementing the credit adjustment, and a database containing player information such as tax status, country of residence, tax rate, electronic signature, etc. Play is allowed to continue on the gaming machines and any bonus amount won on the machines are detected. If the bonus amount meets a preestablished threshold, currently set by IRS regulations as any award equal to or greater than $1200, then the gaming machine is locked up until the actual awarded amount can be determined. If the player record is complete and the proper tax amount is included, then the bonus award can be adjusted and a withholding calculated to yield a reduced award amount. An authorization signal is sent through the network to the gaming machine that credits the reduced amount to the games credit meter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a combined totalizator and fixed odds betting system able to be operated both on and off-course via a central computer (C) connected with communication links (L) to a large number of betting terminals (T). Both totalizator wagering and fixed odds betting are conducted with a common pool. During the lead up to the race the fixed odds dividend to be paid is adjusted for each runner in stages in accordance with the potential liabilities arising at each stage from the bets to date as the pool increases in size towards race starting time.

Abstract: This present invention provides a Pari-Mutuel method for table games (Blackjack, Pai-Gow, etc.), and real time electronic gaming (slots, draw poker, keno, bingo and others). Players compete only against other players for non-banked prizes, which are paid from accrued player pools. In the preferred embodiment, players must pay rent for apparatus use before they can wager. The house does not seed the pool, nor take money from it. Rapid build-up of a player pool occurs without seeding. The player pool receives one hundred percent (100%) of player bets, less winnings, not just a fractions of bets. Paylines are not posted (or paid) at full odds, when the pool is small. The pool rises with bets, and falls with wins. A Top-prize feature prevents the pool from dropping to zero. One overall system pool has many money pots, having individual accrual rates. The apparatus operates in a stand-alone mode, or in a network (including Internet) of linked machines controlled by a management system.

Abstract: The pari-mutuel gaming system includes an account mechanism for establishing a player's account and a common player pool account. A dynamic paytable which is changeable for each individual play of the game advises the player of the exact amount of currency for all possible winning outcomes of the play to heighten the level of interest of the player. A payout device determines if a winning outcome is achieved for an individual game play, and transfers an award corresponding to the winning outcome from common player pool account to the player's account at the conclusion of the individual game play.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a combined totalizator and fixed odds betting system able to be operated both on and off-course via a central computer (C) connected with communication links (L) to a large number of betting terminals (T). Both totalizator wagering and fixed odds betting are conducted with a common pool. During the lead up to the race the fixed odds dividend to be paid is adjusted for each runner in stages in accordance with the potential liabilities arising at each stage from the bets to date as the pool increases in size towards race starting time.

Abstract: The invention provides electronic video casino games in which the players are competing against each other to win from a common pool and are not wagering against the house. The invention also provides live casino table games in which the players are competing against each other to win from a common pool and are not wagering against the house. The house retains an preestablished commission. The player cashes out his accrued credits or his accrued gaming chips for an amount determined by the value of the common pari-mutuel pool. The present invention also provides for pari-mutuel pools to be distributed to all coin columns in a predetermined manner so as to allow all participants to be able to win a predetermined mathematical proportional share of the pari-mutuel progressive jackpot payouts. The invention also provides for seeding of the pools by the gaming establishment and for funding of future pools by setting aside into future pools portions of wagers made by current players.