WO2007140515A1 - Systems and methods for providing gaming activities - Google Patents
Systems and methods for providing gaming activities Download PDFInfo
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- WO2007140515A1 WO2007140515A1 PCT/AU2007/000774 AU2007000774W WO2007140515A1 WO 2007140515 A1 WO2007140515 A1 WO 2007140515A1 AU 2007000774 W AU2007000774 W AU 2007000774W WO 2007140515 A1 WO2007140515 A1 WO 2007140515A1
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- Prior art keywords
- entry
- player
- entry fee
- entries
- risk
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/06—Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3286—Type of games
- G07F17/3288—Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking
Definitions
- the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing gaming activities. Some embodiments provide hardware and software components for the implementation of such systems and methods.
- the term "gaming” is intended to be interpreted in the broadest sense, as encompassing the fields of gambling, gaming, wagering, betting, lotteries and games or competitions of skill and/or knowledge and/or chance.
- gaming activities are known and have been implemented in a variety of different forms.
- One broad category of gaming activity is commonly referred to as “pari-mutuel” gaming (also known by terms such as “para-mutual”, “paramutual” and “parimutuel”).
- pari-mutuel also known by terms such as “para-mutual”, “paramutual” and “parimutuel”
- a characteristic feature of pari-mutuel gaming is that the quantum of winnings is not necessarily known in advance, since this will depend upon the number of participants in the gaming activity, and the level of participation of each, which are indeterminate at the outset.
- Another characteristic feature is that, aside from any ad hoc instances of cross-subsidisation by the gaming operator, the total amount returned to the entrants collectively as prize-money is necessarily less than the total amount received from the entrants collectively as entry fees or bets, due to the fees and charges of the operator as well as taxes and duties of governments and jurisdictional authorities, being deducted from the prize pool, prior to distribution. These fees and charges are significant, often in the order of 15% to 40% of the total prize pool, which is a particular disadvantage of this form of gaming activity, in so far as the participants are concerned.
- wagering which is typical of most types of sports betting and bookmaking operations
- the odds of a particular outcome are predetermined by the operator when each bet is placed, so that the quantum of potential winnings for each participant is known at the outset, irrespective of the number of bets subsequently placed by other participants, hi this case, the total amount returned to the participants collectively as prize-money is not necessarily less than the total amount received from the entrants collectively as bets, and in that sense, the operator bears some risk.
- the operator endeavours, through judgment and experience, to retain a predetermined margin of profit on average over time, and this would typically be in the order of 8% to 10%.
- a method for providing a gaming activity wherein a plurality of players provide respective entry fees including the steps of: defining a plurality of risk profiles, wherein each risk profile defines a proportion of an entry fee that is refundable on the basis of predetermined refund criteria and a complementary proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk; receiving, for each player, data indicative of the entry fee provided by that player and a risk profile selected by that player; and allocating to each player, on the basis of the entry fee provided by that player and the risk profile selected by that player, one or more entries in relation to the gaming activity.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the plurality of risk profiles includes a risk profile for which 100% of the entry fee is refundable.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the plurality of risk profiles includes a risk profile for which 100% of the entry fee is placed at risk.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein at least one risk profile is defined in response to data indicative of a player's selective designation of a proportion of an entry fee that is to be refundable and/or a complementary proportion of the entry fee that is to be placed at risk.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the risk profile selected by a given player affects the relative probability of that player winning a prize in relation to the gaming activity in exchange for the entry fee provided.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the risk profile selected by a given player affects the number of entries allocated to that player in exchange for the entry fee provided.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a first risk profile, a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee, and, for a second risk profile, a given player is allocated an increased number of entries for the same predetermined entry fee, wherein the first risk profile - A - defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the number of entries allocated to a given player is related to a contribution made by or on behalf of that player to a prize pool.
- E player kA + B
- Eplayer is the number of entries allocated to a particular player in exchange for the entry fee provided by that player
- A is a parameter related to the contribution made by or on behalf of that player to the prize pool
- B is an adjustment factor
- k is a proportionality factor selected such that the allocation of entries follows a predetermined risk/chance favouritism protocol.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein 0.01 ⁇ k ⁇ 100.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein 1 ⁇ k ⁇ 100.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein k >1.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the risk profile selected by a given player affects the quantum of entry fee in exchange for which a predetermined number of entries is allocated.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a first risk profile, a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee, and, for a second risk profile, a given player is allocated the same predetermined number of entries for less than the predetermined entry fee, wherein the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the risk profile selected by a given player affects one or more characteristics of a prize winnable by that player in exchange for the entry fee provided.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a first risk profile, a given player is able to win a prize having a first value in exchange for a predetermined entry fee, and, for a second risk profile, a given player is able to win a prize having a second value in exchange for the same predetermined entry fee, wherein the second value is greater than the first value, and wherein the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: identifying one or more winning entries for the gaming activity; awarding prizes to the players to whom winning entries were allocated in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol; and for each player who selected a risk profile for which a non-zero proportion of the entry fee is refundable, refunding the refundable proportion of the entry fee.
- awarding the prizes includes making the prizes available for collection by or on behalf to the players to whom winning entries were allocated.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a given player, refunding the refundable proportion of the entry fee includes making the refundable proportion of the entry fee available for collection by or on behalf of that players.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the step of refunding the refundable proportion of the entry fee includes, for at least one player: defining the refundable portion of the entry fee as at least part of a subsequent entry fee in relation to a subsequent gaming activity; and allocating to the at least one player one or more entries in relation to the subsequent gaming activity in exchange for the subsequent entry fee.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the step of refunding the refundable proportion of the entry fee includes, for at least one player: defining the refundable portion of the entry fee as a subsequent entry fee in relation to a subsequent gaming activity; allocating to the at least one player one or more entries in relation to the subsequent gaming activity in exchange for the subsequent entry fee.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the subsequent gaming activity is a gaming activity provided by a method according to an embodiment described above.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: identifying, for each entry fee, a total contribution amount corresponding to that entry fee, the total contribution amount including: i. a primary contribution amount comprising the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk, less any predefined deductions; and ii. a supplementary contribution amount; combining the total contribution amounts of the respective entry fees to form a prize pool; identifying one or more winning entries; distributing the prize pool among the players to whom winning entries were allocated in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a given entry fee, the supplementary contribution amount corresponds to an amount derived from one or more sources selected from a group comprising: an investment return derived by subjecting at least a proportion of that entry fee to an investment procedure for a period of time; an operator contribution; and a third-party contribution.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a given entry fee, the supplementary contribution amount corresponds to an amount derived from an investment return derived by subjecting at least a proportion of that entry fee to an investment procedure for a period of time.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: identifying one or more winning entries for the gaming activity; providing a prize pool for distribution in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol amongst the players to whom winning entries were allocated; identifying an undistributed portion of the prize pool; investing at least a proportion of the undistributed portion of the prize pool to generate an investment return; adding an amount corresponding to at least a proportion of the investment return to a subsequent prize pool in relation to a subsequent gaming activity.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the subsequent gaming activity is a gaming activity provided by a method according to an embodiment described above.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the step of allocating to each player one or more entries includes, for a given player: for the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk, allocating to the player a primary entry, whereby in the case that the primary entry is identified as a winning entry a primary prize is awarded to the player; for the proportion of the entry fee that is refundable, allocating to the player one or more secondary entries, whereby in the case that one of the secondary entries is identified as a winning entry a secondary prize is awarded to the player.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the primary entry has an associated payout ratio, and the primary prize is awarded to the player based on the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk and the payout ratio.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, in the case that the primary entry is identified as a winning entry, the secondary entry is not identified as a winning entry.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, in the case that the primary entry is not identified as a winning entry, the secondary entry is identified as a winning entry, such that a given player for whom a non-zero proportion of the entry fee is refundable wins one of the primary prize or the secondary prize.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: deriving supplementary income; adding an amount corresponding to at least a proportion of the supplementary income to a secondary prize pool; refunding to each player the proportion of the entry fee that is refundable; distributing the secondary prize pool, in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol, amongst the players to whom winning secondary entries were allocated.
- deriving supplementary income includes subjecting at least a proportion of the entry fees to an investment procedure to generate supplementary income in the form of an investment return.
- a second aspect of the invention provides a method for providing a gaming activity wherein a plurality of players provide respective entry fees, the method including the steps of: defining a risk profile, the risk profile defining a non-zero proportion of an entry fee that is refundable on the basis of predetermined refund criteria and a complementary proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk; receiving, for each player, data indicative of the entry fee provided by that player; and allocating to each player, on the basis of the entry fee provided by that player and the risk profile, one or more entries in relation to the gaming activity.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: identifying one or more winning entries for the gaming activity; awarding prizes to the players to whom winning entries were allocated in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol; and for each player who selected a risk profile for which a non-zero proportion of the entry fee is refundable, refunding the refundable proportion of the entry fee.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the step of refunding the refundable proportion of the entry fee includes, for at least one player: defining the refundable portion of the entry fee as at least part of a subsequent entry fee in relation to a subsequent gaming activity; allocating to the at least one player one or more entries in relation to the subsequent gaming activity in exchange for the subsequent entry fee.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the step of refunding the refundable proportion of the entry fee includes, for at least one player: defining the refundable portion of the entry fee as a subsequent entry fee in relation to a subsequent gaming activity; allocating to the at least one player one or more entries in relation to the subsequent gaming activity in exchange for the subsequent entry fee.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the subsequent gaming activity is a gaming activity provided by a method according to an embodiment described above.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: identifying, for each entry fee, a total contribution amount corresponding to that entry fee, the total contribution amount including: i. a primary contribution amount comprising the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk, less any predefined deductions; and ii. a supplementary contribution amount; combining the total contribution amounts of the respective entry fees to form a prize pool; identifying one or more winning entries; distributing the prize pool among the players to whom winning entries were allocated in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a given entry fee, the supplementary contribution amount corresponds to an amount derived from one or more sources selected from a group comprising: an investment return derived by subjecting at least a proportion of that entry fee to an investment procedure for a period of time; an operator contribution; and a third-party contribution.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, for a given entry fee, the supplementary contribution amount corresponds to an amount derived from an investment return derived by subjecting at least a proportion of that entry fee to an investment procedure for a period of time.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: identifying one or more winning entries for the gaming activity; providing a prize pool for distribution in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol amongst the players to whom winning entries were allocated; identifying an undistributed portion of the prize pool; investing at least a proportion of the undistributed portion of the prize pool to generate an investment return; adding an amount having a value corresponding to at least a proportion of the investment return to a subsequent prize pool in relation to a subsequent gaming activity.
- the subsequent gaming activity is a gaming activity provided by a method according to a an embodiments described above.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the step of allocating to each player one or more entries includes, for a given player: for the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk, allocating to the player a primary entry, whereby in the case that the primary entry is identified as a winning entry a primary prize is awarded to the player; for the proportion of the entry fee that is refundable, allocating to the player one or more secondary entries, whereby in the case that one of the secondary entries is identified as a winning entry a secondary prize is awarded to the player.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein the primary entry has an associated payout ratio, and the primary prize is awarded to the player based on the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk and the payout ratio.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, in the case that the primary entry is identified as a winning entry, the secondary entry is not identified as a winning entry.
- One embodiment provides a method wherein, in the case that the primary entry is not identified as a winning entry, the secondary entry is identified as a winning entry, such that a given player for whom a non-zero proportion of the entry fee is refundable wins one of the primary prize or the secondary prize.
- One embodiment provides a method including the steps of: deriving supplementary income; adding an amount having a value corresponding to at least a proportion of the supplementary income to a secondary prize pool; refunding to each player the proportion of the entry fee that is refundable; distributing the secondary prize pool, in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol, amongst the players to whom winning secondary entries were allocated.
- deriving supplementary income includes subjecting at least a proportion of the entry fees to an investment procedure to generate supplementary income in the form of an investment return.
- a third aspect of the invention provides a system for providing a gaming activity wherein a plurality of players provide respective entry fees, the system including a processor configured to carry out a method of providing a gaming activity according to the first or second aspect.
- a fourth aspect of the invention provides a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to carry out a method of providing a gaming activity according to the first or second aspect.
- a method for providing a gaming activity including the steps of: receiving entry fees from one or more players; combining the entry fees to provide an entry fee pool; defining a prize portion of the entry fee pool for addition to a prize pool; deriving gross supplementary income by virtue of either or both of: (a) carriage of the funds defining the entry fee pool;
- the gaming activity is a recurring gaming activity.
- deriving gross supplementary income by virtue of carriage of the funds defining the entry fee pool includes subjecting some or all of the entry fee pool to an investment procedure to derive gross investment income.
- deriving gross supplementary income by virtue of interaction with one or more of the players includes providing marketing information to one or more of the players, or personal information from one or more of the players, in exchange for gross marketing income from a third party.
- deriving gross supplementary income by virtue of interaction with one or more of the players includes providing personal and/or contact information regarding one or more of the players to a third party in exchange for gross marketing income from that third party.
- an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.
- any one of the terms “comprising”, “comprised of, or “which comprises” is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others.
- the term “comprising”, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter.
- the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B.
- Any one of the terms “including”, “which includes” or “that includes” as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others.
- “including” is synonymous with and means the same as “comprising”.
- Coupled when used herein, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only.
- the terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used.
- the scope of the expression a “device A coupled to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means.
- Coupled may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 8A illustrates system for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 8B illustrates a system for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a method for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 1 IA illustrates system for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 1 IB illustrates a system for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 12A illustrates system for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 12B illustrates a system for providing a gaming activity according to one embodiment.
- Described herein are various systems and methods for providing gaming activities, these particularly relating to gaming activities where a plurality of players provide respective entry fees.
- Traditional gaming activities necessarily involve the player putting his or her entry fee at risk.
- the present invention modifies the traditional approaches of operating such gaming activities so that the player's entry fee is not necessarily placed entirely at risk. Indeed, in some embodiments a player is provided with an option to participate on the basis that his or her entry fee is wholly refundable while retaining the opportunity to win prizes, potentially alongside more risky though still modified participation by other players.
- a gaming activity is an activity where multiple players provide respective entry fees. In exchange for the entry fees, the players are respectively allocated one or more entries.
- the term "player” as used herein refers to a provider of an entry fee.
- the term should be construed broadly to include both human players, non-human players, constructs or syndicates defined by a group of two or more human and/or non human players (such as a collaboration between human players), and other legal entities (such as corporations or trusts).
- the player is identified in a computing system by a unique identifier, which might include a purpose-defined identifier, identifier based on personal information, email address, cellular telephone number, or the like.
- players are considered to provide respective entry fees, it will be appreciated that in some instances a single player provides multiple entry fees on multiple occasions.
- the term "entry fee” describes a sum of consideration that constitutes a wholly or partially refundable payment. No specific implications or connotations should be drawn from the use of the word "fee", which is descriptive only.
- the entry fee is provided in whole or in part as monetary currency.
- the entry fee is notionally derived - such as where a consumer purchases predefined goods and/or services unrelated to an entry, and an entry fee is notionally determined as a function of the purchase value, or where the player participates in marketing activities (by viewing advertisements or responding to a survey, for instance), and an entry fee is notionally defined on the basis of a benefit the gaming operator or a third party receives by virtue of the player's participation in those marketing activities. That is, by purchasing a certain product, a consumer is deemed to have provided an entry fee, and is correspondingly allocated one or more entries.
- the entry fee is wholly provided for the purpose of participation in a gaming activity.
- the "entry fee" defines only a portion of the sum of consideration provided by a player in exchange for one or more entries. For example, in some embodiments a player provides an entry amount, including an entry fee and an additional component, this additional component being, in some cases, attributable to an operator service charge. In some embodiments, although an entry fee is fully refundable, it is only the entry fee component of an entry amount that is fully refundable, with the additional component being non-refundable. It should also be appreciated that the "entry fee” need not be monetary in nature at all, but could constitute any tradable commodity having a real, virtual, deemed or perceived value.
- references to "refunds”, "refundable” entry fees, and the like should be understood, unless the context dictates otherwise, to encompass full and partial refunds, as well as gross and net refunds.
- a nominal refund may be subject to taxes, duties, levies or other charges, such that the net refund actually received by a player is less than the nominal or gross refund, irrespective of whether that refund is notionally full or partial.
- gaming and “gaming activity” should be construed broadly so as to encompass any form of gambling, gaming, or wagering, including but not limited to:
- Raffles or other games where a player is provided with one or more unique tickets carrying respective ticket identifiers, and one or more winners are identified based on the selection of one or more winning ticket identifiers.
- multiple players provide respective entry fees and, in exchange for the entry fees, the players are respectively provided with one or more entries.
- pari-mutuel refers generally to a gaming arrangement whereby prizes are funded in whole or in part by entry fees. This term is intended to be synonymous with “paramutual”, “para-mutual”, “parimutuel” "mutual betting” and other variants.
- a "method for providing a gaming activity” includes substantially any method by which a gaming activity is provided. This includes, but is not limited to, methods performable by administrators of gaming activities, methods performable by vendors of entries in gaming activities, methods performable by players, computer implemented methods performable in relation to the administration of gaming activities and/or sale of entries in such gaming activities, and so on.
- a "system for providing a gaming activity” includes substantially any hardware component or group of hardware components associated with the performance of a method for providing a gaming activity. For example, such systems include information systems maintained or implemented by or on behalf of administrators of gaming activities, vendors of entries in gaming activities, or the players themselves.
- the term "gaming operator” describes a party or group of parties responsible for the carriage and administration of a gaming activity. That is, a gaming operator is responsible for tasks including, but not limited to defining entry parameters and other predefined terms and conditions for the gaming activity, offering for sale entries in exchange for entry fees, receiving entry fees from players, allocating entries to players in exchange for those entry fees, identifying one or more winning entries, and arranging for the distribution of prizes among the players. In practice, these tasks are often performed by a number of parties. For example, a first category of party (such as vendors or agents) may be responsible for offering for sale entries in exchange for entry fees and receiving entry fees from players, whilst a second party may be responsible for identifying one or more winning entries.
- a first category of party such as vendors or agents
- a second party may be responsible for identifying one or more winning entries.
- a gaming activity may be provided by a plurality of parties, which might or might not be related or affiliated.
- a gaming activity may include a plurality of sub-activities, such as individual lotteries, that might in themselves be provided by differing parties.
- sub-activities such as individual lotteries
- a plurality of sub- activities may be conducted by differing parties in different locations and/or with differing branding.
- some or all of the entry fees from these sub-activities might be notionally or physically combined into a common pool, for example to facilitate investment, risk management or infrastructure sharing activities.
- the sub-activities should certainty be collectively regarded as a single gaming activity in the context of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 for providing a gaming activity.
- a plurality of players provide respective entry fees.
- Method 100 includes, at step 101, defining a plurality of risk profiles, wherein each risk profile defines a proportion of an entry fee that is refundable on the basis of predetermined refund criteria and a complementary proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk.
- Step 102 includes receiving, for each player, data indicative of the entry fee provided by that player and a risk profile selected by that player.
- Step 103 includes allocating to each player, on the basis of the entry fee provided by that player and the risk profile selected by that player, one or more entries in relation to the gaming activity.
- step 101 includes defining a plurality of risk profiles.
- the nature and number of risk profiles defined varies between embodiments. There are three main categories of risk profile:
- some embodiments make use of a no-risk profile and full-risk profile exclusively, some embodiments make use of a no-risk profile, full- risk profile and one or more hybrid risk profiles, some embodiments make use of a no- risk profile and one or more hybrid risk profiles, some embodiments make use of full- risk profile and one or more hybrid risk profiles, and some embodiments may only make use of one or more hybrid risk profiles.
- the manner in which risk profiles are defined also varies between embodiments.
- the first approach is for a gaming operator to stipulate one or more predefined risk profiles, and make these available to players. In one such embodiment only the "no-risk” and “full-risk” profiles are made available, while in another such embodiment hybrid-risk profiles are additionally or alternatively made available at, for example, 20% increments (20% at-risk with 80% refundable, 40% at- risk with 60% refundable, and so on).
- this simple example should not be regarded as limiting, and other increments (including consistent and inconsistent increments) are used in other instances.
- the second approach is for a gaming operator to allow players to stipulate risk profiles.
- a refund may take the form of a limited rollover entry for a specified number of subsequent gaming activities of the same or different type, an unlimited rollover entry for an indeterminate number of subsequent gaming activities of the same or different type, or the maintenance of a limited rollover entry or an unlimited rollover entry from a previous gaming activity.
- the term is also intended to encompass the option of a refund, in whatever form, whether or not that option is exercised at any particular point in time, or at all.
- a player is able to exercise the option of a refund at substantially any point in time.
- the term "refund” is intended to encompass the concept of a promised prize, whether as an alternative to, or in addition to, a refund based on the value component of the entry itself. It is therefore possible that a refund in the context of particular gaming activities may exceed the full value component of the corresponding entry.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300, which provides some additional context to steps 101 to 103. hi particular, FIG. 3 illustrates additional steps 301 to 304, which generally relate to the manner in which a gaming activity is completed.
- Step 301 is bounded by a dashed line to indicate that it is, at least in some cases, an independent event, and not necessarily part of method 300.
- the outcome of a gaming activity is determined by the completion of a sporting event or the like.
- Step 302 includes identifying one or more winning entries, hi the context of some gaming activities, there is only a single winning entry, whereas in other gaming activities there are multiple winning entries, hi overview, the gaming operator has in place predefined criteria for determining, based on the outcome of the gaming activity, which entries are "winning entries” (entries in respect of which a win-event applies) and which entries are "non- winning entries” (entries in respect of which a no-win event applies).
- the gaming activity involves wagering on the outcome of a sporting event between two teams, Team A and Team B. Assume a given entry is placed on the basis of a wager that Team A will be victorious.
- identifying winning entries is a more detailed procedure in, for example, complex lottery style games.
- Step 303 includes distributing a prize pool of prizes to players to whom the winning entries were allocated. That is, a prize pool is used to fund one or more prizes, and these prizes are awarded to the winning players (or player, in the event that there is only one prize, or in the event that one player wins all prizes). This is carried out in accordance with a predefined prize distribution protocol. There is no requirement that, at the completion of step 303, the relevant players have physically received prizes. Rather, in some embodiments, step 303 includes simply making it possible for winning players to obtain prizes by redeeming their entries in a designated manner. In some practical cases, winning entries are never redeemed, and the corresponding prizes never physically awarded (see discussion of unclaimed and abandoned prizes below).
- the prize pool, and prizes distributed from that prize pool need not be monetary in nature.
- the prize pool includes goods and/or services for distribution as prizes. Examples include, but are not limited to, automobiles, consumer electronic devices, fashion products, retail goods, livestock, real property, professional services, education services, hospitality services, discount coupons, entries in other gaming activities and so on.
- Step 304 includes refunding the refundable portions of entry fees to players who selected risk profiles defining non-zero refundable proportions. For example, assume a player provides an entry fee on the basis of a risk profile whereby 50% of that entry fee is refundable. In that case, step 304 includes refunding to that player 50% of his or her entry fee. Similarly to step 303, there is no requirement that, at the completion of step 304, the relevant players have physically received refunds. Rather, in some embodiments, step 304 includes simply creating an entitlement or making it possible for winning players to obtain refunds by redeeming their entries in a designated manner. In some practical cases, entries may never be redeemed, and the corresponding refunds therefore never physically provided.
- step 304 includes, for each player, selectively defining the refundable portion of the entry fee as at least part of a subsequent entry fee in relation to a subsequent gaming activity, and in the event that this occurs, allocating to the at least one player one or more entries in relation to the subsequent gaming activity in exchange for the subsequent entry fee.
- step 304 includes sub-steps 401 to 404.
- Sub-step 401 includes determining whether a player has selected a recurring entry option. To this end, for a gaming activity wherein the scenario of FIG 4 applies, a player is provided with the opportunity to select a recurring entry option either at the time of providing an entry fee, or at a subsequent time.
- a player is deemed to have selected the recurring entry option in the event that predefined criteria are met.
- these predefined criteria include the likes of failure explicitly to select a non-recurring entry and/or failure to redeem, within a specified timeframe, an entry in respect of which a refundable proportion of the entry fee is available for collection.
- step 402 includes refunding to that player the refundable portion of his/her entry fees (for example by making it available for collection at a predetermined time upon redemption of the relevant entry or entries). In some embodiments, if this redemption does not occur within a specified timeframe, the method progresses to step 403.
- the method progresses to step 402 where the refundable proportion of the entry fee is defined as a subsequent entry fee in relation to a subsequent gaming activity.
- the refundable proportion of the entry fee is defined as a subsequent entry fee in relation to a subsequent gaming activity.
- only part of the refundable portion of the entry fee is defined as a subsequent entry fee.
- the refundable proportion is simply defined as the subsequent entry fee.
- one or more entries are allocated to the player in exchange for the subsequent entry fee, these entries relating to a subsequent gaming activity.
- the nature of the subsequent gaming activity varies between embodiments. For example, in some cases it is entirely unrelated to the gaming activity for which the initial entry fee was provided.
- the gaming activity for which the outcome is determined at step 301 is a recurring gaming activity, and the subsequent gaming activity is a recurrence (in some embodiments being the next recurrence) of the gaming activity for which the outcome is determined at step 301.
- an entry fee may be allocated to an initial gaming activity and thereafter rolled over into each and every subsequent recurrence of the same gaming activity, so as to create an indefinite or "perpetual" entry that is refundable at any time, or at predetermined points in time.
- An example of how this occurs is provided by method 500 of FIG. 5, where step 304 is followed by step 301 to define a looping method. Each time the method loops to step 301, the outcome of a different recurrence of the recurring gaming activity is determined.
- the subsequent entry fee is deemed to have been received on the basis of the same risk profile as the initial entry fee.
- the risk profile for subsequent entry fees is a default risk profile or a risk profile nominated by the player or determined in accordance with another predefined protocol.
- a hybrid risk profile In the event that a hybrid risk profile is selected, the entry fee provided in relation to subsequent gaming activities diminishes after each activity, and inevitably the refundable proportion will diminish to a level where it cannot be exchanged for any entries.
- a hybrid risk profile if a hybrid risk profile is selected, a no-risk profile is automatically adopted for subsequent activities thereby to provide perpetual recurrence (of course, this is contingent on continuing recurrence of the gaming activity).
- a user is permitted at any time to change whether or not the recurring entry option is selected. Essentially, this means that a user is permitted to obtain a refund corresponding to his/her remaining refundable entry fees at any time. For example, at or before the completion of the next gaming activity. Typically, a player who obtains a refund prior to the completion of a given gaming activity forfeits any entries in that gaming activity.
- step 303 includes distributing a prize pool amongst those players to whom winning entries were allocated.
- this prize pool is funded at least in part by a portion of the entry fees.
- pool is also intended to be given the broadest possible interpretation, covering the physical pooling of bets, entry fees or other value components into a single deposit account or other investment product, as well as the virtual pooling of such components across multiple accounts or multiple investment products, whether those components are deposited simultaneously or at different times, and whether those components are invested over the same or different timeframes.
- Some embodiments of the present invention have been developed to allow a player who selects a no-risk profile in relation to a given entry fee to nevertheless make a contribution to a prize pool on the basis of that entry fee. This is achieved by a process referred to as “prize pool supplementation", which is discussed below.
- Step 601 includes combining the entry fees received from the plurality of players at step 102 into an entry fee pool.
- This entry fee pool in the present embodiment, includes three portions:
- This prize portion is defined by at least a proportion of the at- risk proportions of entry fees received at step 102.
- a refundable portion The refundable proportions of entry fees received at step 102 define this refundable portion.
- a deductible portion This portion is essentially defined by any remaining proportion of the entry fees that is not attributable to the prize portion or the refundable portion.
- the gaming operator derives profit from the deductible proportion, hi some embodiments, government taxes, duties, levies or charges are included in the deductible portion.
- the deductible portion is zero.
- Step 602 includes receiving supplementary income.
- This supplementary income includes a prize portion and a non-prize portion, with the latter being zero in some embodiments.
- Step 604 includes combining the prize portion of supplementary income with the prize portion of the entry fee pool to form the prize pool from which prizes are to be distributed, hi some embodiments, by such an approach and as described in more detail below, it is possible to provide a prize pool that is greater in value than the sum of the entry fees. That is, the gaming activity distributes to the players a greater sum in prizes than was collected as entry fees.
- Step 605 includes providing a refund pool from the refundable portion of entry fee pool. It will be appreciated that this refund pool provides the funds from which refunds are distributed at step 304.
- supplementary income received at step 602 varies between embodiments.
- the nature of supplementary income includes income that falls into one or more of the following broad categories, which should by no means be regarded as exclusive: • Investment Return.
- This is considered in more detail below under the heading "Prize Pool Supplementation by Investment of Entry Fees", and various embodiments described herein assume that the supplementary income takes this form.
- the entry fees collected from players are subjected to an investment procedure for a period of time, and the supplementary income includes some or all of the investment return derived from that investment procedure, or a an amount having a value corresponding to some or all of the investment return derived from that investment procedure (optionally provided by an operator in anticipation of receiving the investment return).
- the gaming operator itself beneficially provides some or all of the supplementary income from its own source of funds. For example, in some cases the operator offers the incentive of an enhanced prize pool to induce a higher level of player participation than might otherwise be the case.
- a third party makes a contribution, and the supplementary income includes some or all of this third party contribution.
- a third party makes a contribution in consideration for being granted a marketing opportunity.
- a third party enters into an arrangement with a gaming operator whereby a predetermined level of contribution is made in exchange for either the provision of marketing information on behalf of the third party to one or more of the players, or alternately the provision to the third party information regarding one or more of the players (such as personal information or opinion information), for subsequent marketing purposes.
- entries are printed on physical tickets, these tickets being configured to carry printed marketing information, and a third party makes a contribution in exchange for having its own marketing information printed on those tickets. It will be appreciated that various marketing structures may be implemented among different embodiments.
- a gaming operator is essentially able, in a consistent and sustainable manner, to provide a gaming activity that distributes to players a sum of money or a corresponding value in prizes that is greater than the sum of entry fees received from the players. That is, a game is provided that in essence "gives out more than it takes in”. This is discussed further below.
- the supplementary income is practically or notionally funded by subjecting some or all of the entry fees collected from players to an investment procedure for a period of time, the supplementary income including some or all of the investment return derived from that investment procedure or an amount corresponding to the value of some or all of that investment return.
- step 701 includes investing a proportion of the entry fee pool (a non-zero proportion, in this instance).
- step 703 includes receiving a gross investment return, including a prize portion (referred to herein as the net investment return) and a non-prize portion.
- Step 703 includes combining an amount having a value corresponding to the net investment return with the prize portion of the entry fee pool to provide a prize pool for distribution to the winning players.
- this amount having a corresponding value to the net investment return is the investment return itself, whereas in other cases it is a third party or operator contribution made in anticipation of, or as a substitute for, the net investment return.
- step 703 does not occur for some time after step 301 or 302, this period of time optionally being of the order of days, weeks or months.
- taxes and “duties” as used herein are intended to encompass any relevant Federal, State and/or local government taxes, duties or imposts as well as levies or charges applied by intermediaries or other third parties connected with the gaming activity, that are essentially non-discretionary in so far as the gaming operators or players are concerned.
- investment is intended to be afforded a broad interpretation covering the utilisation or disposition of funds or valuable assets in a general sense. Examples include but are not limited to, investment in any financial or real asset or property of any type, whether securitised or otherwise, with value denominated in any currency or combination of currencies, whether listed on a public trading exchange or unlisted on any such exchange, including the following, as well as warrants, options, derivatives, deferred purchase contracts, instalment receipts and the like over any of the following: • Deposits with third parties whether interest-bearing or otherwise and whether held with a financial institution or some other party.
- the terms “invest”, “investing”, “investment” and the like, as used herein, should be construed as including, but not limited to, the use of one or more money management techniques to increase an available amount of funds and investing the resultant increased available amount of funds. It should also be appreciated that the “investment return” need not be cash-based or even financial in nature, provided merely that it has some intrinsic, virtual, deemed or perceived value in the broad context of the gaming activity.
- any investment procedure (or other methodology for generating supplementary contributions for or on behalf of players) may be entirely invisible from the players' perspectives, being managed as a "back office" operation by or on behalf of the gaming operator. Indeed, in many embodiments, this is the preferred approach, so as to shield the players from the detail of potentially complex investment and risk management strategies, which might otherwise detract from the experience and enjoyment of the primary gaming activity itself. This is an important distinction with respect to some forms of investment product, in which an understanding of transparent the underlying investment mechanics is primary, and any associated gaming activity is of secondary significance.
- FIG. 8A schematically illustrates an exemplary gaming administration system 801 according to one embodiment where the prize pool is supplemented by investment income.
- Players 801 provide respective entry fees to the system 801. These entry fees are combined into an entry fee pool 802.
- This entry fee pool includes non-investment capital 804 and investment capital 805, although in some embodiments the former has a zero value.
- Investment capital 805 is provided to an investment vehicle 806, optionally by way of electronic funds transfer. In some embodiments the entry fees, or parts thereof, are transferred substantially directly to this vehicle.
- Non-investment capital 804 is added to a prize pool 807.
- investment capital 805 is added to prize pool 807.
- a gross investment return 808 is received, and from this an administrator commission 814 is deducted, along with other deductions 815 (such as taxes, levies, duties, investment costs, and so on), thereby to define a net investment return 809.
- Net investment return 809 is added to prize pool 807, that prize pool being at an appropriate time distributed among the players. Sustaining a Prize Pool of Greater Magnitude than an Entry Fee Pool
- a gaming operator is essentially able, in a consistent and sustainable manner, to provide a gaming activity that distributes to players a sum of money (or a prize pool having a value) that is greater than the sum of entry fees received from the players. That is, a game that "gives out more than it takes in”.
- Some embodiments of the present invention are focussed on such a gaming activity, quite apart from aspects of risk profiles. For example, in one embodiment the invention provides a method including the steps of:
- this gross supplementary income is derived by virtue of the operator having access to the funds defining the entry fee pool (for example by way of investing some or all of the entry fee pool), hi some cases this supplementary income is derived by virtue of the operator having an interaction with the players (for example where the supplementary income is derived from providing marketing information such as a corporate name or logo imprinted on a ticket to the players, or acquiring personal information of marketing value such as contact details or purchasing preferences from the players).
- • Defining net supplementary income This is, in some embodiments, the gross supplementary income less any predefined deductions, such as taxes, duties, levies, operator deductions, commissions, investment costs, and so on.
- steps 303 and 304 respectively include distributing a prize pool or prizes to players to whom the winning entries were allocated and refunding the refundable portions of entry fees to players who selected risk profiles defining non-zero refundable proportions.
- steps 303 and 304 there is no requirement that, at the completion of steps 303 and 304, the relevant players have physically received prizes and/or refunds. Rather, in some embodiments, these steps include simply making it possible for winning players to obtain prizes and/or refunds by redeeming their entries in a designated manner.
- this investment income is then added to a subsequent prize pool in relation to a subsequent gaming activity, typically a recurrence of the gaming activity from which the unclaimed prizes originated (although not necessarily the immediately subsequent recurrence). It will be appreciated that such an approach allows for additional prize pool supplementation. hi some embodiments a proportion of the abandoned prizes is also added to the prize pool for a subsequent gaming activity.
- the number of entries allocated to a given player takes into account the "contribution" made by that player. Notionally, each entry fee has a corresponding total contribution. This total contribution includes:
- a primary contribution amount which comprises the proportion (which may be zero) of the entry fee that is placed at risk, less any predefined deductions.
- These predefined deductions include none or more of operator deductions (for example where the gaming operator takes a proportion of the entry fees as income), levies, taxes, duties, and so on. Essentially, it is the proportion of the entry fee that is attributable to the prize pool.
- the supplementary contribution amount is a proportion of the supplementary income attributable to that entry.
- the supplementary contribution amount comprises the proportion of the prize portion of investment return notionally or actually attributable to a given entry. This will be more fully understood in light of examples considered further below.
- the precise manner in which contribution is defined varies between embodiments, and the scope of the present disclosure should not necessarily be limited by any specific definition.
- the supplementary contribution amount for a given player in some embodiments includes components having values corresponding to:
- An entry fee supplementary contribution amount For example, an operator designates that a predetermined proportion of each entry fee defines at least a component of the supplementary contribution amount for that entry fee.
- a net investment return derived from subjecting the entry fee to an investment procedure for a period of time (such as from the time the entry fee is received to the time primary prizes are allocated).
- the investment procedure derives a gross investment return, and of this a net investment return preferably defines a component of a player's supplementary contribution amount.
- a net distribution marketing amount For example, a third party provides a gaming operator with a gross distribution marketing amount (such as currency or goods/services) in consideration for marketing information being provided to a player. Of this gross distribution marketing amount, a net distribution marketing amount preferably provides a component of the player's supplementary contribution amount. In some cases, a player receives a ticket (physical or electronic) as a receipt for placing an entry fee, and this ticket carries the relevant marketing information. In some cases a player is able to increase his/her net distribution marketing amount by receiving further marketing material - for example by viewing electronic advertisements.
- a gross distribution marketing amount such as currency or goods/services
- a net distribution marketing amount preferably provides a component of the player's supplementary contribution amount.
- a player receives a ticket (physical or electronic) as a receipt for placing an entry fee, and this ticket carries the relevant marketing information.
- a player is able to increase his/her net distribution marketing amount by receiving further marketing material - for example by viewing electronic advertisements.
- a net collection marketing amount This is similar to the example considered above, however is derived by collecting information from players, such as personal information or opinion information. For example, in some cases a player is able to increase his/her net collection marketing amount by participating in a survey.
- gross amounts and net amounts.
- the terms “gross” and “net” are used in a descriptive sense only.
- the term “gross” refers to an amount derived by the gaming operator, and the term “net” refers to an amount that is added to the supplementary contribution amount. In some cases the net amount is the corresponding gross amount less any applicable taxes, levies or operator charges. In other cases there is no direct nexus between the gross and net amounts.
- a player is able to obtain one or more entries without providing a physical entry fee, and instead by participating in marketing activities so as to derive a supplementary contribution amount, and therefore make a non-zero contribution. That is, in some cases the entry is in essence wholly notional, and may also be deemed to be fully or partially refundable, based on associated risk factors and/or other criteria. However, the player does indeed provide an entry fee that has value to the operator, in the sense that, by the player participating in marketing activities, the operator derives a gross marketing contribution amount.
- the player allows the player to derive a supplementary contribution amount, and therefore receive one or more entries, hi a practical example, players are, in this way, essentially able to be provided "free" entries in exchange for viewing advertisements or participating in market research activities.
- the number of entries allocated to a given player is, as in various other examples presently considered, preferably related to the supplementary contribution amount for that player.
- the number of entries allocated to a given player at step 103 varies between embodiments.
- the risk profile selected by a player impacts on that player's involvement in the gaming activity. It will be appreciated that, by selecting a risk profile, a player is essentially able to manage the risk taken, with risk inherently increasing in relation to a given entry fee as a greater proportion of that entry fee is placed at risk.
- Several categories of examples regarding how the selection of a risk profile affects the player's involvement in the gaming activity are considered below, and fall into the following general categories: • Risk and Chance. Under this category, the risk profile selected by a given player affects the relative probability of that player winning a prize in relation to the gaming activity in exchange for the entry fee provided.
- this relative probability is increased by allocating more entries, and the risk profile selected by a given player affects the number of entries allocated to that player in exchange for the entry fee provided. • Risk and Cost. Under this category, the risk profile selected by a given player affects the quantum of entry fee in exchange for which a predetermined number of entries is allocated.
- the risk profile selected by a given player affects one or more characteristics of a prize winnable by that player in exchange for the entry fee provided.
- This category combines two or more of the above categories. For example, in some cases, the risk profile selected by a given player affects the quantum of entry fee in exchange for which a predetermined number of entries is allocated and one or more characteristics of a prize winnable by that player in exchange for the entry fee provided.
- each risk profile defines a proportion of the entry fee that is refundable on the basis of predetermined refund criteria and a complementary proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk.
- the risk profiles include:
- a "no-risk” profile Under this profile, the entry fee is 100% refundable in the case of a no-win event. That is, a player selecting the "no-risk" profile is essentially promised a refund of his or her entry fee regardless of the outcome of the gaming activity. • A "full-risk” profile. Under this profile, 100% of the entry fee is placed at risk, and the player is not promised any refund in the case of a no-win event.
- relative probability essentially describes the probability of an entry being identified as a winning entry, relative to the total number of entries at the time the outcome is determined (that it, the time of step 301).
- the terms “chance” and “chances” are particularly distinguished from the concept of relative probability.
- the term “chance” is used to describe a notional unit of chance, and the relative probability of this "chance" winning a prize depends on the total number of competing chances. For example, if a first player is awarded a single chance in a game where there are a total of 100 chances awarded, that player has a 1 in 100 relative probability of winning on the basis of that chance.
- the phrase "chances of winning” relates to the number of chances, and not necessarily to the relative probability of winning.
- Risk and Chance embodiments assume a situation where a player's chances of winning a prize in relation to a particular gaming activity correspond to the number of entries that player holds in relation to that gaming activity. By doubling the number of entries, the number of chances correspondingly doubles.
- Increasing the chances awarded to a player can correspondingly increase the probability of a player winning, however the relative probability of the player winning will also depend on the total number of chances/entries in the game, and may vary over time as the total number of chances/entries in the game correspondingly varies.
- a single entry equates to a single chance. This is for the sake of simplicity only, and it will be appreciated that in some embodiments some entries may be structured or defined so as to carry with them a plurality of chances. For example, in some embodiments each entry may equate to a "packet" of five chances.
- the number of entries allocated to a given player, on the basis of a given entry fee, is greater if that player adopts a less conservative risk profile (that is, a risk profile for which a higher proportion of the entry fee is placed at risk). That is, for a first risk profile, a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee, and, for a second risk profile, a given player is allocated an increased number of entries for the same predetermined entry fee, wherein the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- a less conservative risk profile that is, a risk profile for which a higher proportion of the entry fee is placed at risk. That is, for a first risk profile, a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee, and, for a second risk profile, a given player is allocated an increased number of entries for the same predetermined entry fee, wherein the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is
- the number of entries allocated to a given player is related to a contribution made by or on behalf of that player to the relevant prize pool. For example, in some embodiments the number of entries allocated to a given player is determined according to the general formula:
- E player kA + B
- E p ⁇ ayer is the number of entries allocated to a particular player in exchange for the entry fee provided by that player
- A is a parameter related to the contribution made by or on behalf of that player to the prize pool
- B is an adjustment factor
- A: is a proportionality factor selected such that the allocation of entries follows a predetermined risk/chance favouritism protocol.
- k >1, and in some embodiments 1 ⁇ k ⁇ 100. However, in various embodiments 0.01 ⁇ k ⁇ 100.
- bonus entries As a general concept, a player who places a non-zero proportion of his or her entry fee at risk receives more bonus entries than a player who adopts a no-risk profile (and in doing so places none of his/her entry fee at risk), and therefore the former player is rewarded with an increased number of entries, in the form of bonus entries.
- t p i ayer the entry fee provided by a particular player.
- t p i a y er is assumed to be net of any levies, taxes, operator charges, and so on.
- t p ⁇ ayer is less than the actual amount of money provided by, the player. • bpiayer, the number of "bonus entries" given to a particular player in exchange for t p i ayer .
- the "game period” is the period of time between the receipt of entry fees and the distribution of prizes and refunds during which the entry fees are subjected to investment.
- I ⁇ ⁇ h and in some embodiments one OfZ 1 or/ 2 is zero. It will be appreciated that values of I ⁇ or/ 2 depend on the selection of appropriate investment and risk-management strategies on the part of a game operator, issues that fall generally beyond the scope of the present disclosure. In the present circumstances, a positive return on investment is assumed. Furthermore, although in the present embodiments linear investment strategies are assumed, in other embodiments non-linear investment strategies are used.
- the present embodiments assume a positive return on investment, which can effectively be guaranteed by the operator if desired, for example through fixed-interest bearing deposits with secure financial institutions, or otherwise hedged against loss.
- This feature is a particularly advantageous and attractive outcome from the players' perspective by contrast with traditional pari-mutuel type gaming systems, in which the prize pool available for distribution to players collectively is typically of lesser value than the total amount received from the players collectively as bets.
- C p i ayer the contribution a player makes based on t p ⁇ ayer .
- C p ⁇ ayer in the present embodiments, consists of the return on investment derived in respect of the entry fee plus the portion of the entry fee that is placed at risk. It will be appreciated that the following formula can be used to calculate C p ⁇ aye r-
- C p ⁇ ayer a different definition of C p ⁇ ayer is used, for example in embodiments where the supplementary income includes or is defined by a component other than a net investment return (such as an operator contribution or third party contribution).
- an entry fee provided by a player there is no limitation on an entry fee provided by a player, and the number of entries awarded to a given player is simply the total sum provided by that player divided by s pnce , with any residual amount attributable to an "impartial entry" being returned as change.
- S pnce is set at $0.01 (or an alternative lowest possible unit of legal tender) to substantially eliminate residual amounts.
- bonus entry is intended to be broadly construed as encompassing both physical and virtual bonus entries, as well as any other physical or virtual mechanism, mathematical algorithm, software program, programming subroutine or any combination thereof that has an equivalent effect of increasing the chances, in some defined way, of a particular entrant winning the associated gaming activity, relative to those of one or more other entrants, or categories of entrants, or relative to the same player under different circumstances.
- a bonus entry may also provide the opportunity for a particular entrant to participate in a larger prize pool relative to one or more other entrants, on the basis of the same or different chances of winning.
- Example 1 Bonus entries proportional to contribution
- the number of bonus entries awarded is proportional to the player's contribution. That is, the following formula applies:
- the players are offered a set number of standard entries for a unit entry amount, such as 5 entries for $1, 1 entry for $5, or entries at $1 each.
- the player receives this many standard entries, plus bonus entries proportional to contribution, hi such cases, it is preferred that k >1 , and in some embodiments 1 ⁇ : ⁇ IOO. However, in various embodiments 0.01 ⁇ k ⁇ 100.
- s p ⁇ ayer 0 (i.e.
- the total number of entries awarded is proportional to the player's contribution. That is, the following formula applies:
- E p i ayer s p ⁇ a y er + b p ⁇ ayer . Therefore:
- k >1, and in some embodiments 1 ⁇ k ⁇ 100. In further embodiments 0.01 ⁇ k ⁇ 100.
- An advantage of this example is that entries are able to be accurately awarded without necessarily having accurate knowledge of Z 1 or I 2 . The investment return is nevertheless returned to the prize pool for distribution.
- a no-risk standard entry is advertised at a cost o ⁇ t unit le, and a player is permitted to purchase a 100% refundable single standard entry by handing over t un iJe in funds.
- R s is used to determine the total number of entries (standard and bonus) that should be awarded to a player that provides an entry fee of t p i ayer at a particular risk profile, the rationale being that all entries should cost the same, in terms of relative contribution, as a no-risk standard entry. That is:
- k is used to shift away from this equity position, and thereby to affect whether risk-averse or non-risk-averse players are favoured.
- the general form of this formula is therefore: r
- the total number of entries awarded is proportional to the "at-risk contribution”.
- the "at-risk contribution” describes the contribution resulting from at-risk funds (the return on investment on at-risk funds plus the at-risk funds themselves), and is given by the following formula:
- the number of bonus entries awarded is proportional to the at-risk contribution as follows:
- the risk profile selected by a given player affects the quantum of entry fee in exchange for which a predetermined number of entries is allocated.
- a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is allocated the same predetermined number of entries for less than the predetermined entry fee, wherein the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- an operator offers for sale "no-risk entries” (that is, entries for which 100% of the entry fee is refundable) and "full-risk entries” (that is, entries for which 100% of the entry fee is placed at risk).
- Entries of each type are offered for sale at respective prices.
- the prices define the quantum of entry fee that is provided in exchange for a predetermined number of entries, which in some cases is a single entry.
- the predetermined number is one, such that the prices define the quantum of entry fee that is provided in exchange for a single entry.
- a single full-risk entry is offered for sale at a lower price than a single no-risk entry.
- the general underlying rationale is that players who purchase full-risk entries make a greater contribution to a prize pool as compared with players who purchase no-risk entries. Indeed, in some embodiments the only contribution made to the prize pool resulting from a no-risk entry is either zero, or comes from a portion of return on investment derived from investing some or all of the entry fee provided in exchange for that no-risk entry (or other supplementary income). In more complex embodiments, a larger number of entry types are used, including one or more "hybrid risk entries" (that is, entries corresponding to hybrid risk profiles). Generally speaking, as the proportion of refundable entry fee increases, so does the quantum of entry fee in exchange for which a common predetermined number of entries is allocated.
- a pricing structure is implemented for entries at varying risk profiles.
- One approach is to consider a contribution (net of any taxes, duties, levies, operator charges, and other deductions) made to a prize pool by a full-risk entry, and to apply a constraint such that all entries make the same contribution to the prize pool. For example, consider a situation where full-risk entries are offered for sale at a unit price of $10. Assume, for the sake of example, that an investment return of $1 (corresponding to 10%) is added to the prize pool in respect of a $10 full-risk entry. The contribution of that entry is therefore $11. In determining a pricing structure, a constraint is therefore set such that for any given entry the contribution is $11.
- the contribution made by a no-risk entry is the portion of investment return that is added to the prize pool. Therefore, the investment return should be $11. Noting that, for this example, the investment return is 10% of the entry fee, no-risk entries are therefore offered for sale at a unit price of $ 110.
- the contribution made by a full-risk entry is defined to be exclusive of investment return. For example, the contribution of a $10 full-risk entry is therefore $10. Assuming a 10% return on investment is added to the prize pool in respect a no-risk entry, such entries are therefore offered for sale at a unit price of $100.
- the pricing structure is varied to apply a predetermined risk/cost favouritism protocol.
- the divergence in unit costs between no- risk entries and full risk entries is either reduced (advantaging risk-averse players) or increased (disadvantaging risk-averse players) compared to the examples provided above.
- the entry fee for the same predetermined number of entries where
- F a o. 5 -
- F a o. 5 -
- the predetermined number is one. • /] and/ 2 , the net rates of return based on supplementary contribution strategies in respect of the refundable portion of the entry fee and non-refundable portion of the entry fee respectively. This is the "net" strategy in the sense that it excludes supplementary contribution that is attributable to operator charges, investment costs, taxes, levies, and the like. It only relates to that portion of supplementary contribution that is designated for addition to the prize pool.
- I ⁇ 0.01.
- C ⁇ / ⁇ (/,( 11 ) + /, (1 - 1 0 + 0 -»)) • k, a proportionality constant.
- the proportionality constant is varied to affect game characteristics, such as whether risk-averse or non-risk averse (or neither of these) players are favoured. That is, k is a proportionality constant selected such that the pricing structure applies a predetermined risk/chance favouritism protocol.
- no-risk entries are offered for sale at $101 each.
- k is used to implement a predetermined risk/chance favouritism protocol. In one such embodiment, the following formula applies:
- the risk profile selected by a player affects one or more characteristics of a prize winnable on the basis of that entry, thereby allowing for a degree of player control over aspects of risk and return.
- the one or more characteristics include the value of the prize, and a player is provided with the opportunity to take greater risk for the opportunity to win a more valuable prize.
- a given player is able to win a prize having a first value in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is able to win a prize having a second value in exchange for the same predetermined entry fee, wherein the second value is greater then the first value
- the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- players are provided with the opportunity to select between two different risk profiles, and by this selection correspondingly play for two different categories of prize.
- the categories of prize are, for the sake of convenient explanation, described in terms of "major prizes" and
- the major prize includes, as a component, the minor prize.
- a player who selects the no-risk profile is allocated one or more no-risk entries in a minor prize draw, with the number of entries being based on the quantum of the refundable entry fee.
- a player who selects the full-risk profile is allocated one or more full-risk entries in a major prize draw, again with the number of entries being based on the quantum of the refundable entry fee.
- FIG. 8B schematically shows pool distributions in one embodiment.
- FIG. 8B illustrates a prize pool/refund pool 850.
- Pool 850 is used to fund major prizes, minor prizes and refunds, and as such effectively includes a refund pool 851 (for refunding entry fees where appropriate) and a prize pool, the prize pool being defined by the entry fee prize portion 852 and the net investment return 809. Prize portion 852 and investment return 809 together fund the major and minor prizes.
- the proportions of the prize pool used to fund major and minor prizes varies between embodiments, and are preferably selected such that a predefined value proportionality relationship exists between the major and minor prizes.
- the major and minor prizes are each funded by a proportion of the entry fee prize portion 852 and net investment return 809.
- the proportions need not be the same, and appropriate proportions are preferably selected to provide a desired value relationship between major and minor prizes.
- the minor prizes are funded solely by a proportion of the investment return 809.
- FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an exemplary method 900 for providing a gaming activity in the context of the system of FIG 8 A, according to one embodiment.
- data indicative of an entry fee and a selected risk profile is received at 901.
- a selected risk profile in this example being either full-risk or no-risk
- the entry fee is exchanged for a single entry, however in other embodiments a different predetermined number of entries are allocated in exchange for that entry fee.
- the method progresses to step 902.
- the method progresses to step 912.
- step 903 it is determined whether the entry is a winning entry.
- the method progresses to 904 where the player is awarded a minor prize draw winning amount. Otherwise, in the event that the entry is not a winning entry, the method progresses to 905 where the player is awarded a refund of his/her entry fee.
- step 913 it is determined whether the entry is a winning entry. In the event that the entry is a winning entry, the method progresses to 914 where the player is awarded a major prize draw winning amount. Otherwise, in the event that the entry is not a winning entry, the method progresses to 915 where the player is awarded nothing.
- FIG. 9 assumes only the full-risk and no-risk profiles are used, it will be appreciated that similar embodiments make use of either or both of these risk profiles in conjunction with one or more hybrid risk profiles, or alternatively two or more different hybrid risk profiles.
- FIG. 9 implies that the gaming activity includes a first sub- activity for determining winning outcomes in relation to minor prizes, and a second sub-activity for determining winning outcomes in relation major prizes. However, in some embodiments these sub-activities are in fact the same activity.
- each no-risk entry has a 1/50,000 relative probability of winning $4,500, and each at-risk entry has a 1/50,000 relative probability of winning $54,500.
- each no-risk entry has a 1/100,000 relative probability of winning $4,500, and each at-risk entry has a 1/100,000 relative probability of winning $54,500.
- no-risk entries and at-risk-type entries are again offered for sale at a price of $1 each.
- the investment strategy is assumed to provide a 10% return, of which 90% is added to the distribution pool and 10% is attributable to investment costs and administration fees.
- the minor and major prize are not related to relative contributions, and rather are defined as follows:
- the minor prize has a value equal to half of the net investment income added to the distribution pool. That is, the minor prize equates to 45% of the net investment income.
- the major prize has a value equal to half of the net investment income added to the distribution pool, plus the value of the at-risk entry fees.
- each no-risk entry has a 1/100,000 relative probability of winning $4,500, and each at-risk entry has a 1/100,000 relative probability of winning $54,500.
- no-risk entries and at-risk-type entries are again offered for sale at a price of $1 each.
- the investment strategy is assumed to provide a 10% return, of which 90% is added to the distribution pool and 10% is attributable to investment costs and administration fees.
- the minor and major prizes are defined as follows:
- the minor prize has a value equal to 25% of prize pool.
- the major prize has a value equal to 75% of prize pool.
- tiered major prizes and/or minor prizes there are a numerous tiered major prizes and/or minor prizes.
- one embodiment provides tiered first, second and third major prizes, and tiered first, second and third minor prizes.
- major prizes to generally be of greater value than minor prizes, in embodiments where there are multiple value-tiered major and minor prizes, it is not a necessity that every major prize is greater in value than every minor prize.
- different players may place different subjective values on different types of prizes.
- the maximum value of prize that may be won is directly related to the proportion of an entry fee that is placed at risk, which in turn may be subject to a high degree of selectivity on the part of operators and/or players.
- One such embodiment is provided by method 1000 of FIG. 10, discussed below.
- entries are offered for sale at a set per-unit entry fee, and a player selects a risk profile defining from, at the lower end of the risk spectrum, 0% at-risk (no risk, with full refund in the case of a non-win event) to, at the upper end of the risk spectrum, 100% at-risk (full risk, with no refund in the case of a no-win event).
- Data indicative of the entry fees and selected risk profiles is received at step 1001.
- An investment return is derived at step 1002, noting that in other embodiments an alternate form of supplementary income is used in conjunction with or as an alternative to investment income.
- the prize pool is notionally structured to include a standard prize pool and a bonus prize pool.
- the investment return is used to define a standard prize pool ($A) at step 1003, and the at-risk portions of entry fees are used to define a bonus prize pool ($B) at step 1004.
- alternative approaches are used for defining these prize pools.
- the bonus prize pool is defined by less than 100% of the at-risk entry fees.
- a single winning entry is identified at step 1005.
- the player responsible for the winning entry is awarded a prize at 1006.
- the prize comprises the whole of the standard prize pool, plus a proportion of the bonus prize pool corresponding to the proportion of the entry fee placed at risk. For example, in the event that a player places half of his/her entry fee at risk and ultimately wins, that player is awarded the whole standard prize pool, plus half of the bonus prize pool.
- each entry has the same relative probability of winning a prize regardless of the risk profile adopted, and only the value of the prize changes. That is, an entry placed on the basis of a 100% refundable risk profile has the same relative probability of winning a prize as an entry placed on the basis of a 0% refundable risk profile, or any other profile for that matter.
- a proportion of the at-risk portion of the entry fee is the inverse of the proportion of entry fee placed at risk in respect of the winning entry. That is, if the winning entry was placed subject to 0% risk, the at-risk portions of all entry fees are fully refunded. On the other hand, if the winning entry was placed subject to 100% risk, there will be no refund of at-risk portions of any entry fees, hi the event that the winning entry was placed subject to 60% risk, there will a 40% refund of at-risk portions of the entry fees, and so on.
- entries are offered for sale at an entry fee of $100 each.
- the standard prize pool is to have a value equal to the prize portion of investment income, and the bonus prize pool is to have a value equal to non-refundable portions of all entry fees.
- any residual portion of the bonus prize pool is to be distributed among the players in accordance with their contribution to the bonus prize pool (or contributions notionally made on their behalf).
- the investment strategy is assumed to provide a 10% return, of which 90% defines the standard prize pool and 10% is attributable to investment costs and administration fees.
- the bonus prize pool therefore totals $21,000.
- the player therefore wins the $9,000 standard prize pool, plus 10% of the bonus prize pool - $2,100.
- the total prize therefore amounts to $11,100.
- a residual amount in the bonus prize pool is refunded to the players, in other embodiments this residual amount rolls over as a jackpot, or is taken by the gaming administrator, or is distributed to one or more of the players as one or more supplementary prizes.
- Other techniques for apportionment of the prize pool between a standard and bonus prize pool are used in further embodiments. For example, in one embodiment the standard prize pool and bonus prize pool are maintained in a predefined ratio.
- this category combines two or more of Risk and Chance
- a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is allocated the same predetermined number of entries for less than the predetermined entry fee
- the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- a given player is able to win a prize having a first value in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is able to win a prize having a second value in exchange for the same predetermined entry fee.
- "bonus entries" compete for a different prize to standard entries.
- a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee, and, for a second risk profile, a given player is allocated the same predetermined number of entries for less than the predetermined entry fee, wherein the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for the predetermined entry fee, and, for the second risk profile, a given player is allocated an increased number of entries, and therefore chances, for the same predetermined entry fee.
- a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is allocated the same predetermined number of entries for less than the predetermined entry fee
- the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- a given player is able to win a prize having a first value in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is able to win a prize having a second value in exchange for the same predetermined entry fee.
- a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is allocated the same predetermined number of entries for less than the predetermined entry fee
- the first risk profile defines a greater proportion of the entry fee that is refundable compared with the second risk profile.
- a given player is able to win a prize having a first value in exchange for a predetermined entry fee
- a second risk profile a given player is able to win a prize having a second value in exchange for the same predetermined entry fee.
- a given player is allocated a predetermined number of entries in exchange for a predetermined entry fee, and, for the second risk profile, a given player is allocated an increased number of entries for the same predetermined entry fee. It will be appreciated that there is a wide range of possible ways in which such combinations of approaches may be implemented across various embodiments.
- the notion of risk profiles is used to provide a gaming activity wherein secondary hedge entries are either physically or notionally linked or "stapled" to conventional primary entries, thereby to provide players with more advantageous prospects of winnings or returns, without necessarily taking on additional risk.
- the player provides an entry fee and selects a risk profile in relation to that entry fee, the risk profile defining a proportion of the entry fee that is refundable on the basis of predetermined refund criteria and a complementary proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk.
- the at-risk proportion of the entry fee is exchanged for a primary entry, and the refundable proportion of the entry fee is exchanged for one or more secondary entries that are "hedged" against the primary entry.
- the secondary entries are eligible to be identified as winning entries. Conversely, if the primary entry is identified as being a winning entry, the secondary entries are excluded from being identified as winning entries.
- Team A winning as one event outcome
- Team B winning as another event outcome.
- a draw is defined as a further possible outcome.
- Players are offered a payout ratio for each event outcome. For example, a given player is offered 5:1 for Team A winning. A player who places a monetary bet on that outcome receives, in the case that Team A wins, a fivefold multiple of the placed monetary bet (i.e. a $5 return for each $1 placed).
- the primary entry is essentially a conventional fixed-odds bet (which is fully-at risk). That is, an entry fee is placed on the basis of a risk profile and an event outcome, both of which are selected by the player.
- the event outcome is associated with a payout ratio, predetermined by the gaming operator. In the event that the selected event outcome is a winning event outcome, a primary prize is awarded to the player based on the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk and the payout ratio.
- the refundable component of the entry fee is exchanged for one or more secondary entries, which are either fully or partially hedged entries.
- the secondary prizes are pari-mutuel in nature. That is, the secondary prizes are awarded by distribution of a prize pool amongst the winning players irrespective of "payout ratios" or the like.
- the one or more secondary entries are allocated in exchange for the refundable component of the entry fee, it will be appreciated that, in the case that a secondary entry is not identified as a winning entry, the player receives a refund of the entry fee attributable to that secondary entry.
- the following table sets out some possible results of a gaming activity according to one embodiment with refundable hedges.
- the number of secondary entries allocated varies between embodiments. In some embodiments the number is predetermined and unrelated to the quantum of the refundable proportion of the entry fee. In other embodiments, the number of secondary entries is proportional to the quantum of the refundable proportion of the entry fee.
- Secondary prizes are, at least in part, funded by a secondary prize pool.
- the general method preferably includes deriving supplementary income, adding an amount having a value corresponding to at least a proportion of the supplementary income to a secondary prize pool, refunding to each player the proportion of the entry fee that is refundable, and distributing the secondary prize pool, in accordance with a predetermined prize distribution protocol, amongst the players to whom winning secondary entries were allocated.
- deriving supplementary income includes subjecting at least a proportion of the entry fees to an investment procedure to generate supplementary income in the form of an investment return.
- the supplementary income may be derived from third parties, or from the operator, on a basis related more to marketing interactions or other factors, than to investment procedures per se.
- there is no supplementary income as such and different prize pools are simply created from a proportion of the entry fees. It is assumed that each secondary prize is, for a given player, greater in value than the refundable proportion of the entry fee for that player. In some embodiments this is practically achieved by providing the requisite refunds to all eligible players, and then distributing some or all of the net supplementary income amongst players having winning secondary entries.
- a significant result of hedging, as described herein is that, in hindsight, a player can receive better odds for his/her level of liability by providing a larger entry fee.
- the general notion is that the payout ratio is applied to the at-risk proportion of entry fee, however the maximum liability for a give player in some cases is less than the at-risk proportion of entry fee.
- the player receives a secondary prize that is greater than the refundable proportion of his/her entry fee.
- This significant result is, in some embodiments, leveraged to offer players improved payout ratios or odds, in exchange for a greater value of entry fees. In some cases, this requires configuring the gaming activity such that the value of secondary prizes is able to be calculated in advance. For example, in one embodiment, the value of a secondary prize winnable by a player is equal to an anticipated contribution to the supplementary income, plus a refund of the refundable proportion of the entry.
- the players select a "maximum liability", which corresponds to the maximum amount they are prepared to "lose” (profit or loss are calculated by subtracting entry fee from return, a negative result indicating a loss).
- This maximum liability is less than "the proportion of the entry fee that is placed at risk” under risk profiles as discussed herein - in the event the primary entry does not win, the player receives the refundable proportion of entry fee plus the anticipated contribution from that entry fee.
- the payout ratio is nevertheless applied to the proportion (in quantum) of the entry fee that is placed at risk. As such, by increasing the total entry fee, it is possible to offer an improved payout ratio for the same maximum liability.
- a base payout ratio of 5:1 is defined for an event outcome.
- the anticipated contribution to the supplementary income is 10% of the total entry fee provided by a given player.
- a player wishes to enter based on a maximum liability of $10. If the player provides an entry fee of $10, in the case that the bet loses, the player receives nothing (the player loses $10, the player's bet amount/maximum liability). There is no secondary prize, and no secondary entries were allocated. The player has therefore exchanged $10 for a primary entry, the at-risk proportion of entry fees being $10 (100%), and the player stands to win $50 if the primary entry is a winning entry, based on the 5:1 payout ratio.
- the player provides an entry fee of $100 on the basis of the same maximum liability criterion, in the case that the bet loses, the player receives $90 (again, the player loses $10, the player's bet amount/maximum liability).
- This $90 includes $10 of supplementary income, based on the 10% anticipated contribution. Therefore, it is readily deduced that $80 of the entry fee was notionally exchanged for a secondary entry. It follows that $20 was exchanged for a primary entry, and so the at-risk proportion of entry fees is $20. This $20 is subjected to the 5:1 payout ratio in the case of a winning outcome for the primary entry, and player can therefore win $100 on the basis of the primary entry.
- the player is often not made aware of the secondary entry, which operates as a background mechanism.
- the manner in which secondary entries are made known to players is predominately an exercise in marketing.
- a player may be offered an enhanced payout ratio, or improved odds, relative to other players providing the same quantum of entry fee, in return for placing (and as an incentive to place) a greater proportion of that entry fee at risk.
- FIG. 1 IA illustrates a system for providing a gaming activity, in the form of system 1100.
- System 1100 includes a gaming administration server 1101.
- This gaming administration server includes a processor 1105 coupled to a memory module 1106 and a communications interface 1107.
- Memory module 1106 is configured for maintaining software instructions 1106 which, when executed on processor 1105, allow server 1101 to perform various methods, including but not limited to one or more of the methods described herein.
- communication interface or “interface” should be read broadly to include any component or group of components including one or more of a network interface (such as an Ethernet interface, or other wired/wireless network interface), modem, other interfaces configured to allow communication between server 1101 and another processing platform, ports (such as serial or parallel ports) for receiving data from or providing data to input/output devices such as keyboards, scanners and printers.
- a network interface such as an Ethernet interface, or other wired/wireless network interface
- modem such as Ethernet interface, or other wired/wireless network interface
- ports such as serial or parallel ports
- server 1101 is coupled to an entry database 1110.
- this database is shown as being a single discrete component, in alternate embodiments it is defined by a plurality of distributed components, optionally including memory modules of one or more servers such as server 1101.
- server 1101 hi some embodiments, such as that of FIG. 1 IB, a plurality of like or similar servers 1101 are coupled to a common database 1110.
- servers 1101 are provided at distributed locations, with a database 1110 provided at a centralised location.
- Database 1110 maintains data indicative of entry transactions, which includes, in various embodiments, one or more of the following aspects of data: • Data indicative of a received entry fee. This includes data indicative of the value of entry fee, and optionally data indicative of a location at which funds corresponding to that entry fee are stored (for example, a bank account), and/or data indicative of a manner of payment used to provide the entry fee. • Data indicative of a risk profile associated with the entry fee. As discussed above, at least in some embodiments, an entry fee is provided by a player subject to the selection of a risk profile, which defines proportions of the entry fee that are refundable and placed at risk. • Data indicative of a player who provided the entry fee.
- a player is assigned an identifier, which is used by that player for gaming related transactions.
- this identifier is carried by a loyalty card, for example in the form of a barcode or RFID tag.
- each entry is provided with a unique entry identifier (which is optionally used for winning entry determinations in the context of a lottery or raffle type game).
- the one or more entries allocated to a player in respect of a given entry fee are provided a common identifier - for example, the player is provided a single "ticket", which may be virtual or physical, carrying a ticket identifier. Entry identifiers and/or ticket identifiers are later used by the relevant players to allow the redemption of prizes and/or refunds, as discussed further below.
- this data are received via interface 1107 and/or defined by server 1101 (for instance, in response to data received via interface 1107).
- the allocation of entries occurs at server 1101, whilst in other embodiments the allocation of entries occurs at a remote location, for example a retailer terminal at a location where entries are sold to players.
- FIG. 11C illustrates an embodiment where a server 1101 is coupled to a sales terminal 1131 and redemption terminal 1141. In some embodiments these are integrated into a single terminal.
- terminal 1131 includes a processor 1132, communications interface 1133 and memory module 1134 (which maintains software instructions 1135).
- a ticket printer 1136 is also coupled to processor 1132.
- a player interacts with terminal 1132 to purchase one or more entries in relation to a gaming activity. In some embodiments this is a direct interaction, whereas in other embodiments it is an indirect interaction whereby a terminal operator interacts with terminal 1132 on behalf of the player.
- the player provides information regarding the gaming activity in which entries are to be purchased, risk profiles, and so on.
- the player also provides an entry fee, optionally in the form of cash or electronic/card payment means.
- the entry fee is directly or indirectly transferred to an account stipulated by the gaming operator either immediately or at the end of a specified period (daily, for instance). Once the entry fee has been provided, the player is allocated one or more entries on the basis of the quantum of entry fee and risk profile selected.
- the allocation of entries is, in some cases, based on a process performed at terminal 1131 and, in other cases, based on a process performed at terminal 1101 based on data provided by terminal 1131.
- data indicative of the entries is printed to a ticket (which might include a receipt) via printer 1136.
- this ticket carries a ticket identifier and/or one or more entry identifiers corresponding to the allocated entries, hi the present example, this information is derivable from a barcode (such as a 2- dimensional or 3-dimensional barcode) printed on the ticket.
- terminal 1141 includes a processor 1142, communications interface 1143 and memory module 1144 (which maintains software instructions 1145).
- a barcode scanner 1146 is also coupled to processor 1142.
- Scanner 1146 to redeem one or more entries, a player presents a ticket carrying a barcode from which the relevant identifier (or identifiers) is derivable by scanner 1146. Scanner 1146 then performs a query process to determine whether the read barcode is indicative of any winning entries. This, in some cases, requires communications with server 1101. Prizes and/or refunds are provided to the player where appropriate. In some cases these are provided by cash, and in some cases by way of a further ticket or other indication of entitlement that is redeemable for cash or cheque either upon presentation, or at some predetermined future point in time. In further cases, the player nominates a location to which the prize/refund should be delivered, such as a physical address or bank account. In some cases the player arranges for the prize/refund to be credited to a specified bank/credit card account.
- redemption is automated. For example, a player is invited to create a user account, this account including details of a bank account to which prizes/refunds are to be credited, and this crediting occurs automatically.
- a personal computing platform such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, cellular telephone, PDA, gaming console, or other platform.
- players access a website over the Internet to purchase entries, for example by selecting risk profiles via a selection interface provided by a web-page viewable through a web-browser application, and providing entry fees by way of an online payment procedure, hi other embodiments, players download proprietary software as an alterative to a browser- based approach.
- entries are sold both via online approaches (for example via a website accessible over the Internet) and in-store approaches (for example at a retail location having a sales terminal and/or redemption terminal).
- in-store entries are sold on the basis of a first minimum spend level
- whist online entries are sold on the basis of a second minimum spend level which is lower than the first level
- hi some cases in-store entries can only be purchased in exchange for entry fees that are integral multiples of the minimum spend level or another predefined value, although such restrictions do not necessarily apply online.
- FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate two approaches for interfacing gaming administration server 1101 with a plurality of client terminals 1204 (optionally including the likes of players' personal terminals, and terminals provided at entry retail venues), hi some embodiments a combination of the two approaches is used.
- the approach of FIG. 12A is to provide a website 1201 on the Internet for interfacing the client terminals with the administration server.
- the approach of FIG. 12B is to provide a connection, such as a VPN connection, over the Internet or another network (such as a LAN or WAN) 1250 for interfacing the client terminals with the administration server.
- processing in some embodiments refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.
- processor may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory.
- a "computer” or a “computing machine” or a “computing platform” may include one or more processors.
- the methodologies described herein are, in some embodiments, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that, when executed by one or more of the processors, carry out at least one of the methods described herein, or a variation on at least one of the methods described herein.
- Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken should be included.
- processors may include one or more of a CPU, a graphics processing unit, and a programmable DSP unit.
- the processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.
- a bus subsystem may be included for communicating between the components.
- the processing system further may be a distributed processing system with processors coupled by a network. If the processing system requires a display, such a display may be included, e.g., an liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. If manual data entry is required, the processing system also includes an input device such as one or more of an alphanumeric input unit such as a keyboard, a pointing control device such as a mouse, and so forth.
- the term memory unit as used herein, if clear from the context and unless explicitly stated otherwise, also encompasses a storage system such as a disk drive unit.
- the processing system in some configurations may include a sound output device, and a network interface device.
- the memory subsystem thus includes a computer-readable carrier medium that carries computer-readable code (e.g., software) including a set of instructions to cause performing, when executed by one or more processors, one of more of the methods described herein.
- computer-readable code e.g., software
- the software may reside in the hard disk, or may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the RAM and/or within the processor during execution thereof by the computer system.
- the memory and the processor also constitute computer-readable carrier medium carrying computer-readable code.
- a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be includes in a computer program product.
- the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a user machine in server-user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to- peer or distributed network environment.
- the one or more processors may form a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
- PC personal computer
- PDA Personal Digital Assistant
- machine or “device” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
- each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions (such as a computer program) that are for execution on one or more processors, (such as one or more processors that are part of an information system).
- a computer-readable carrier medium carrying computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause the processor or processors to implement a method.
- aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.
- the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (such as a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.
- the software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device or other communications interface.
- the carrier medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “carrier medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions.
- the term “carrier medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention.
- a carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, nonvolatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
- Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical, magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks.
- Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory.
- Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus subsystem. Transmission media also may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.
- carrier medium shall accordingly be taken to included, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, a computer product embodied in optical and magnetic media, a medium bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of one or more processors and representing a set of instructions that when executed implement a method, a carrier wave bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions a propagated signal and representing the set of instructions, and a transmission medium in a network bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions.
- Traditional gaming activities necessarily involve the customers or players putting their money at risk of loss.
- the present invention modifies the traditional ways of operating such activities to give players the option of risk-free participation while retaining the opportunity to win prizes, potentially alongside more risky though still modified participation by other players.
- Traditional gaming activities by definition, involve putting money or valuables at risk, and to that extent the present invention, at least in some preferred embodiments, does not resemble the operation of traditional gaming activities. Rather, it modifies traditional gaming and even investing operations and consequently is able to present the customers or players with new products of a risk- free nature, or with altered risk/return, risk/chance or risk/cost characteristics, to produce new outcomes that have not hitherto been available.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
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CNA2007800011201A CN101355991A (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-06-01 | Systems and methods for providing gaming activities |
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EP07719019A EP2026888A4 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-06-01 | Systems and methods for providing gaming activities |
AU2007257315A AU2007257315A1 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-06-01 | Systems and methods for providing gaming activities |
HK08103935A HK1115979A2 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-06-01 | Systems and methods for providing gaming activities |
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AU2006903031 | 2006-06-02 | ||
AU2006903031A AU2006903031A0 (en) | 2006-06-02 | A gaming method and system | |
AU2006100878 | 2006-10-13 | ||
AU2006100876 | 2006-10-13 | ||
AU2006100876A AU2006100876B9 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2006-10-13 | A method of gaming with refundable entry fees |
AU2006100878A AU2006100878A4 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2006-10-13 | A method of gaming with investment returns as a prize |
AU2006100877 | 2006-10-13 | ||
AU2006100877A AU2006100877B4 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2006-10-13 | A method of gaming with options for risk and chance |
AU2006906599A AU2006906599A0 (en) | 2006-11-24 | A method of gaming with options for risk and chance | |
AU2006906600A AU2006906600A0 (en) | 2006-11-24 | A method of gaming with refundable entry fees | |
AU2006906599 | 2006-11-24 | ||
AU2006906600 | 2006-11-24 | ||
AU2007100144 | 2007-02-23 | ||
AU2007900946 | 2007-02-23 | ||
AU2007900946A AU2007900946A0 (en) | 2007-02-23 | A method of gaming with options for risk and return | |
AU2007100144A AU2007100144B4 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-02-23 | A method of gaming with options for risk and return |
AU2007100414A AU2007100414A4 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-05-22 | A method of gaming with options for risk and chance |
AU2007100414 | 2007-05-22 | ||
AU2007902728 | 2007-05-22 | ||
AU2007902728A AU2007902728A0 (en) | 2007-05-22 | A method of gaming with options for risk and cost |
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PCT/AU2007/000780 WO2007140517A1 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2007-06-04 | Systems and methods for fixed-odds based gaming activities |
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EP (1) | EP2026888A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2009539153A (en) |
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AU2007257315A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
WO2007140517A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
NZ555584A (en) | 2007-11-30 |
US20070287533A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
SG137834A1 (en) | 2007-12-28 |
AU2010101205A4 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
CA2654727A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
CN101355991A (en) | 2009-01-28 |
EP2026888A1 (en) | 2009-02-25 |
AU2007257315A2 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
IL183631A0 (en) | 2007-10-31 |
SG137836A1 (en) | 2007-12-28 |
EP2026888A4 (en) | 2011-12-21 |
AU2007257317A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
US20080102946A1 (en) | 2008-05-01 |
JP2009539153A (en) | 2009-11-12 |
US7537521B2 (en) | 2009-05-26 |
US7438640B2 (en) | 2008-10-21 |
US20070293305A1 (en) | 2007-12-20 |
HK1115979A2 (en) | 2008-12-12 |
US20140018161A1 (en) | 2014-01-16 |
IL183646A0 (en) | 2007-10-31 |
AU2010101207A4 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
US20090098934A1 (en) | 2009-04-16 |
US20140080581A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 |
US20120238342A1 (en) | 2012-09-20 |
US8535144B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 |
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