Computing device and method for allowing user to play game

Abstract

To provide a computing device and method for allowing a user to play a game.SOLUTION: A computing device for allowing a user to play a game comprises a computing device which has one or a plurality of microprocessors, a memory, at least one identification information reception machine, at least one biological sensor, a money card reception machine and at least one network connector, and is designed to be installed in a place where it can interact with a user who is a human. The biological sensor is a camera. The biological data is a digital image of the face of the user photographed by the camera. The one or the plurality of microprocessors are further programmed to verify the user's identity at least partially based on the verification received from an off-site verification station in accordance with the digital image of the face of the user and the digital format of at least the identification information of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1(a)

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 13 / 942,146, filed July 15, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 13 / 837,224, filed March 15, 2013, entitled "Kiosk for Gaming." Patent Application No. 13 / 942,146 is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 776,748, filed March 11, 2013, entitled "User Registration." The contents of Patent Application Nos. 13 / 942,146 and 13 / 837,224 are incorporated herein by reference. The contents and drawings of Patent Application No. 61 / 776,748, beginning with paragraphs

[0001] through

[0030] , are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to networked amusement devices that include means for processing electronic data (including, for example, computer / video games, etc.). [Background technology]

[0003] Various types of network-type amusement devices have been proposed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the background art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In general, in a first aspect, the invention features a kiosk or computing device for a user to play a game. The kiosk has a housing designed to house a processor, an identification acceptor, and one or more biometric sensors and to be installed at a location where a human user will interact. The identification acceptor attached to the kiosk housing is designed to accept one or more identification documents and scan and convert identification information from the one or more identification documents into a digital format for transmission over a network. The one or more biometric sensors attached to the kiosk housing acquire and convert biometric data indicative of a human user of the kiosk or computing device into a digital format for transmission over a network. One or more input / output devices attached to the kiosk or computing device are designed to accept registration / login information and game commands from the human user and present information to the human user for interactive gaming. One or more microprocessors mounted in the kiosk housing are programmed to: use one or more input / output devices to present instructions to a human user, such as instructions to insert one or more identification documents into an identification information acceptor; obtain a digital form of the user's identification information from the identification information acceptor; obtain biometric data indicative of the user's biometric characteristics from the biometric data; verify the user's identity and suitability for a game based at least in part on the digital form of the user's identification information and biometric data; and provide the verified user with a gaming activity based on the verification.

[0006] In general, in a second aspect, the invention features a kiosk or computing device for users to play games. The housing of the kiosk or computing device houses and protects a processor, input / output devices, and a currency acceptor / dispenser, and can be located where a human user interacts with the kiosk or computing device. The one or more input / output devices receive registration / login information and game commands from the human user and present the human user with information for playing an interactive game. The currency acceptor / dispenser mounted within the housing accepts and dispenses currency for playing games. The one or more microprocessors are programmed to use the one or more input / output devices to present instructions to the human user, such as instructions to register and verify the user's identity, accept currency with the currency acceptor for crediting a gaming account maintained on an off-site computer, provide gaming activities to the verified user from the gaming account based on the verification and receipt of currency, and use the currency dispenser to dispense gaming winnings from the gaming account. In general, in a third aspect, the invention features a method. An output device of a computing device having a processor and memory presents instructions to a human user using one or more input / output devices, such as instructions to register and verify the user's identity. Registration and identification information is received from the human user at the one or more input / output devices of the computing device. The biometric user's identification information is matched with legitimate identification information to verify legal eligibility to participate in a gaming activity. Funds are received at a money acceptor for deposit into a gaming account established for gaming activities hosted at one or more off-site computers of two or more gaming operators. The gaming operators are legal entities distinct from the operators of the computing devices.

[0007] Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: The biometric sensor may be a camera, and the biometric data may be a digital image of the user's face captured by the camera. The biometric sensor may be a signature pad, and the biometric data may be a digital representation of the user's signature. The user's identity may be verified, at least in part, based on facial recognition and comparison of the digital image to a reference photograph. The user's identity may be verified, at least in part, based on verification received from an off-site verification authority in response to at least a portion of the digital image of the user's face and the digital identification data. The user's identity may be verified, at least in part, by transmitting the biometric data to an off-site verification authority. The user's identity may be verified, at least in part, based on processing by a microprocessor in the kiosk or computing device. The user's identity may be verified, at least in part, based on analysis of the biometric data against reference data in a microprocessor attached to the kiosk or computing device. The identity acceptor may be designed to receive and scan a government-issued driver's license, passport, or ID card. The user's identity may be verified, at least in part, based on information regarding the user's financial accounts. The user's identity may be verified based at least in part on analysis of biometric data based on government and / or regulatory databases.

[0008] The above advantages and features are merely advantages and features of exemplary embodiments and are presented solely to aid in understanding the present invention. Of course, the above advantages and features should not be construed as limiting the present invention, as defined in the claims. Further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1(a)] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming kiosk. [Figure 1(b)] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a computer network. [Figure 2] ~ [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screenshot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Gaming and other financial transactions can be facilitated by a computing device 100 capable of obtaining input to verify a person's identity. The computing device may be a purpose-built device, such as a purpose-built kiosk, or may be a conventional computer equipped with a camera and facial recognition software, iris scanning, or fingerprint scanning, etc. The computing device 100 may be used to register new users or patron accounts, or may be used for everyday transactions such as gaming activities, ATM cash transactions, etc.

[0011] A user 130 may use the computing device 100 for the following purposes: Register / set up an account and access and transact with the account for gaming activities or other financial activities. · Create a unique identifier for future access / transactions. · Participate in gaming activities and conduct gaming transactions. Transfer funds to and / or between accounts, withdraw funds from accounts (including payments to debit / credit cards / stored value cards or any other form of payment such as digital currency or digital points), and carry out transactions related to your accounts. Verify / verify the identity of persons permitted by the rules of any applicable jurisdiction to access an account or participate in transactions. These activities may be supported by a computing device 100 (such as a purpose-built kiosk, mobile device, tablet, phone, PC, terminal station, etc.) that connects to a gaming operator 140 or other financial entity via a network. The computing device 100 may have sufficient input / output devices to collect sufficient information to verify all necessary identity and authorization information, and the computing device 100 may collect and transmit information to the actual user for verification or cross-checking.

[0012] The administration / registration entity 150 may perform tasks, functions, or administrative functions on behalf of, for, or on behalf of the gaming operator 140 related to the user 130. The administration / registration entity 150 may be an agent of the gaming operator or an entity delegated by the gaming operator (i.e., a trusted entity). The administration / registration entity 150 may be an automated process. The administration / registration entity 150 may assist the gaming operator 140 in registering / signing up new users, receiving funds / money from users 130 and depositing these funds into the users' gaming accounts for the users' 130 wagering, receiving requests from users 130 to withdraw funds from their accounts, and paying withdrawn funds to the users 130. The administration / registration entity 150 may also perform one or more user management / administrative functions (e.g., user registration, depositing funds, withdrawing funds, etc.) for the gaming operator 140. The administration / registration entity 150 may also perform other functions for the game operator 140, such as marketing functions. The administration / registration entity 150 performs one or more administrative functions for the game operator 140, but may also perform functions entirely separate from the game operator 140. The game operator 140 may issue one or more unique IDs 154 to the administration / registration entity 150. The administration / registration entity 150 may use the IDs 154 to authenticate itself to the game operator 140 when performing tasks for the game operator 140.

[0013] I. Kiosk or Computing Device 100 1, a gaming kiosk or computing device 100 may have components that allow users to verify and register, add money to an electronic wallet, pay out winnings, and enter commands to participate in various gaming activities and / or gaming-related transactions. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have one or more microprocessors 110, an ID card acceptor 302, a keypad 310, one or more display screens 312, one or more cameras 410, one or more network connectors 420, an acceptor 522 for credit / debit / stored value / ATM cards, PayPal accounts, digital currency or digital points, or any other form of funds, a currency and / or coin validator / acceptor 520, a currency and / or coin dispenser 702, a printer 712, and non-volatile storage.

[0014] The kiosk or computing device 100 may have one or more connectors 420 for connecting to various networks. Security is improved if these connectors 420 have static IP addresses. The kiosk or computing device 100 may also have dual connectors 420, one connector 420 for connecting to the public Internet and a second connector 420 for connecting to a financial transaction network (e.g., ATM network, FIX network, FAST network, SWIFT network, etc.).

[0015] The kiosk or computing device 100 may have multiple microprocessors 110. For example, one microprocessor may perform all of the management and interconnection of the various devices, while games, game-related transactions, and other user-level software may run on a second processor. This provides some degree of insulation from unauthorized intrusion.

[0016] The screen 312 may be a touch-sensitive screen.

[0017] The kiosk or computing device 100 may also have other input / output devices for games and game-related transactions, such as a keypad, a magnetic card reader, reader or scanner, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, push buttons, a slot machine arm, a speaker, a tactile transducer (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent No. 11 / 754,944, filed May 29, 2007, entitled "Hand motion control game," which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0018] Currency acceptors / dispensers / cassettes 520, 702 suitable for use in kiosks or computing devices 100 are available from Fujitsu and other companies.

[0019] The kiosk or computing device 100 may have an uninterruptible power supply.

[0020] The kiosk's light source may be used to illuminate the user 130 for photographing and / or to notify staff if assistance is needed, if a large amount is due, or if an error has occurred with the kiosk 100.

[0021] Game-related transactions, such as account registration or other game and account interactions, may be performed by a general-purpose computer 100 or other computing device 100 (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop or tablet computer, a mobile phone), or a dedicated computing device with the necessary input / output, networking, and computational capabilities.

[0022] The kiosk or computing device 100 may obtain identity verification information using a camera, a fingerprint reader, a facial recognition device, an iris scan, a voice recognition device, a radiation temperature inspection device, a signature reader, a fingerprint or handprint reader, or other biometric device. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have a keyboard (physical, on-screen soft keys, or other keyboard) to receive an account number, a customer ID number, a PIN, a Social Security number, a taxpayer identification number, or other identification number. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have one or more readers to receive a government document (e.g., a driver's license, a government-issued ID card, a passport), an ID card issued by a specific private operator (e.g., a customer ID card issued by a gaming operator 140), a credit card, a debit card, a store-value card, or an ATM card, or some other form of identification. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have other similar devices that collect information useful in authenticating an individual's identity. For example, a device such as a camera or fingerprint reader, typically found on a laptop computer or cell phone, may be factory-installed. Alternatively, the device may be a USB device that plugs into a computer, or a device extension such as the dock connector on an Apple iPhone, or a device that connects Bluetooth or other wireless technology to the kiosk or computing device 100. A specific entity may combine multiple sensors into a dedicated device issued to a specific individual for a period of gaming activity or account relationship. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have two, three, four, or more separate devices for collecting identification information. One or more such separate devices may be issued by a specific entity to a specific individual for a period of gaming activity or account relationship. The kiosk 100 may also be a docking station with specific I / O and verification devices that connect the user to the personal device to enable registration, account transactions, etc.

[0023] II. Administrative / Registered Entity 150 The gaming operator 140 may contact a third-party controlling / registration entity 150 to perform certain gaming functions, such as user registration, verification, age and identity verification, etc. The controlling / registration entity 150 may also act as a customer-facing "retailer" for gaming activities hosted by the central gaming operator or licensee 140. Legally, if the gaming activity conducted by the controlling / registration entity 150 involves games of chance, the gaming operator or licensee 140 may be obligated to conduct due diligence on the controlling / registration entity 150 to ensure compliance with all other gaming rules. If the gaming activity does not involve games of chance (i.e., playing for fun), the gaming operator or licensee 140 is free to contact the controlling / registration entity 150. In some jurisdictions, the controlling / registration entity 150 may be subject to licensing requirements that are in addition to and different from the licensing requirements of the gaming operator or licensee 140.

[0024] The managing / registration entity 150 may be a bank / bank teller, shopkeeper, notary public, lawyer, payment processor, funds processor, etc. The managing / registration entity 150 may perform other and / or additional functions for the gaming operator 140, and may perform functions for multiple different gaming operators 140. One gaming operator 140 may register users 130 and make their registration information available to other gaming operators 140 as the managing / registration entity 150. Multiple managing / registration entities 150 may operate. A given managing / registration entity 150 may be associated with one gaming operator 140 or multiple gaming operators 140. Two or more gaming operators may be affiliated (e.g., through joint ownership, agreement, etc.), in which case the managing / registration entity 150 may have / use the same ID 154 to perform functions for the affiliated gaming operators.

[0025] The administration / registration entity 150 may collect common registration information 134 for a single user 130 that is accepted by multiple gaming operators 140. The administration / registration entity 150 may act as a custodian of the user's 130 account and may contract with each gaming operator 140 to allow the user 140 access to the account from each gaming operator 140. This allows all gaming operators to have a common understanding of the user's financial status and limits excessive credit risk to any single user 130. The administration / registration entity 150 may segregate users for gaming, gaming-related transactions, or other purposes such as asset management, and this segregation may be by location, gaming operator, jurisdiction, etc. The administration / registration entity 150 or the kiosk or computing device 100 may restrict access to games based on consent by the user 130, gaming operator 140, administration / registration entity 150, government or regulatory entity, or other users.

[0026] The administrative / registration entity 150 may have one or more physical locations that can be visited in person by the user 130. The one or more locations may be physically separate and / or remote from the gaming operator 140. The administrative / registration entity 150 may be physically dispersed across a geographic region, e.g., a town, a city, a state, a country, international waters, multiple jurisdictions, etc.

[0027] Administration / registration entity 150 may assist gaming operator 140 by verifying the identity of user 130. For example, administration / registration entity 150 may directly view user 130 and the user's photo ID to verify to the gaming operator that "John Doe" is in fact "John Doe" (an example name). Administration / registration entity 150 may then call gaming operator 140 and / or actually enter the computer system where administration / registration entity 150 performed this verification and use ID 154 to verify the authenticity of this information to gaming operator 140. That is, by using ID 154, the gaming operator can trust that it is communicating with a trusted agent and, therefore, can trust the information received from administration / registration entity 150.

[0028] The ID 154 may take a variety of forms. For example, the ID 154 may be a login and / or password. As another example, the ID 154 may simply be a value, encryption key, or other electronic security cookie / token that the administration / registration entity 150 knows and can provide when necessary, in addition to or instead of a login / password. The ID 154 may be encoded on a card (e.g., a radio frequency identification card, a magnetic strip, a barcode, etc.), and the administration / registration entity 150 may provide the ID 154 to the game operator 140 by swiping the card through a reader. The ID 154 may be encoded or otherwise transferred to the kiosk or computing device 100 or computing system 152. The ID 154 may be encoded on a memory device / memory stick, and the administration / registration entity 150 may provide the ID 154 to the game operator 140 by inserting the memory device / memory stick into a computer. As another variation, the administration / registration entity 150 may be required to provide a biometric (eg, retinal scan, fingerprint, etc.) to verify the identity of the entity 150 in conjunction with providing the ID 154 .

[0029] The managing / registration entity 150 may, for example, have additional computing systems 152 (e.g., computers, servers, laptops, computing pads, smartphones, etc.) capable of communicating with the server 142. The computing systems 152 may be systems dedicated to interacting with one or more game operators 140 / one or more servers 142 (where one computing system 152 interacts with only one game operator, and thus the managing / registration entity 150 may require multiple systems and / or a computing system 152 may interact with many game operators), and / or may be general-purpose devices. The computing systems may include one or more processors and one or more memories, and / or may interface with one or more external memories (e.g., one or more databases). The computing systems 152 may include one or more network hardware / software / firmware-based interfaces that enable the devices to connect to and communicate over the network 102. The computing system 152 may further include one or more software and / or firmware and / or hardware-based applications executing on the computing system for communicating with the gaming operator 140 / server 142. As another example, the computing system 152 may interact with the gaming operator 140 / server 142 via a web-based application hosted by the server 142. Other variations are possible.

[0030] III. User Registration, Login, and Verification Referring to FIG. 2, the kiosk or computing device 100 may invite a user to participate in gaming activities or gaming-related transactions by displaying a screen requesting the user to insert a casino patron card, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID into the ID acceptor 302 or provide casino patron card or account information, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID information, and / or by using soft keys displayed on the keypad 310 or screen 312.

[0031] 3, when user 130 inserts an ID into ID acceptor 302 or scans or provides a photograph of the ID, the microprocessor can instruct ID acceptor 302 to scan or collect information from the ID card and display an enrollment information template 304 on screen 312 for presentation to user 130. User 130 can use keypad 310 or softkeys displayed on screen 312 to fill in any fields not identified from the inserted, scanned, or photographed ID card.

[0032] 4, the kiosk or computing device 100 may then display instructions to the user 130 to stand in front of the camera 410, which will take a current facial photograph of the user. The kiosk or computing device 100 may display the current photograph from the camera 410, prompting the user 130 to strike a pose, and display a countdown until the photograph is taken. Once the photograph is taken by the camera 410, the image may be saved in a digital format.

[0033] The kiosk or computing device 100 may request a credit card, debit card, store value card, ATM card, or some other form of funds (e.g., digital currency or digital points) at an acceptor 522 for a credit card / debit card / store value card / ATM card or some other form of funds (e.g., digital currency or digital points), or by the user entering information to collect additional information for verification. The acceptor 522 for a credit card / debit card / store value card / ATM card or some other form of funds (e.g., digital currency or digital points) may collect a digital image of the signature from the card or other source of funds for verification.

[0034] The kiosk or computing device 100 may require entry of a bank transfer and account number, a gaming account number, a credit / debit / store value / ATM card or some other form of funds (e.g., digital currency or digital points), or a Paypal or other account number and password to collect verification information.

[0035] The kiosk or computing device 100 may have a signature pad for collecting a signature from the user 130. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have a thumbprint scan or device for collecting fingerprint data from the user 130. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have an iris scan sensor for collecting an iris scan from the user 130. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have one, two, three, four, or more of any number of the above biometric or identification devices.

[0036] The kiosk or computing device 100, the computer 152 of the management / registration entity 150, or some other computer in the gaming system may send an email to an email address 330 specified by the user 130 for further verification, or an SMS text to a phone number specified by the user 130.

[0037] The kiosk or computing device 100 may verify the tax status of the user 130, the user's legal tax domicile, whether the user 130 has a current tax withholding statement registered with the entity operating the gaming activity on the kiosk or computing device 100, etc. The kiosk or computing device 100 may collect any other information required for W-2G, 1099, 1042-S, or similar tax returns with the federal government, state government, or other taxing jurisdiction. Such information may be collected from the user 130, the gaming operator 140, or the administrative / registration entity 150.

[0038] After receiving all user identification / verification information, the kiosk or computing device 100 may verify the user's 130 identity and suitability / appropriateness / permissibility for registering and / or accessing financial or gaming accounts, and / or for gaming activities and / or gaming-related transactions. This verification may determine suitability / appropriateness / permissibility in each jurisdiction and / or by each gaming activity and / or by each gaming-related transaction. For example, the kiosk 100 or another computer in the gaming system may contain information indicating that the user 130 is authorized to participate in card table games in Nevada or off-track betting in New York, and recreational games (non-money games) in Texas.

[0039] The verification may involve a remote computer and / or a person at a remote location. The user ID information, the digital image from camera 410, the digital image of the signature, and / or other verification information may be transmitted to an oversight entity via one of network links 420. The verification may be performed by a computer, and a person at the oversight entity may review the information, the photograph, and / or the signature. The person at the oversight entity may verify the user's identity by comparing the actual photograph taken by camera 410 with a scanned photograph from an ID card photo. The person at the oversight entity may certify that the user 130 is eligible to use the gaming system and that the user 130 has a valid account with the gaming system.

[0040] The kiosk or computing device 100 may use verification software hosted on the local microprocessor 110 to analyze and verify the identity and suitability / validity / authorizability of the user 130. For example, facial recognition software, signature verification software, and / or other identity verification techniques may be used.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, once verification is complete and approved, the oversight entity may send a message to the kiosk or computing device 100 to display a message to the user 130 explaining that the user 130 has been verified and that additional information or action is required, or in some cases, that verification has failed, or may send an email to the user's email address.

[0042] Once the user 130 is verified, the user 130 may open a wallet or user gaming account and may participate in gaming activities and / or gaming-related transactions. The kiosk or computing device 100 may request any additional information necessary for account opening that has not yet been received. Additionally, this may be convenient for gathering any information necessary for tax withholding and tax reporting. Gathering any information necessary for tax withholding and tax reporting may be necessary prior to account opening. Furthermore, such information gathering may be postponed until the user has earned enough winnings to trigger a tax return obligation, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,931 (incorporated herein by reference). The user 130 may fund their wallet or gaming account by inserting a cash card, debit card, store value card, or ATM card, or some other form of funds (e.g., digital currency or digital points), or value ticket or voucher (e.g., casino slot machine ticket) into an appropriate acceptor on the kiosk or computing device 100. For example, a "Deposit" button on the kiosk's homepage may lead to a series of screens in which the kiosk or computing device 100 asks the user 130 for the amount and type of deposit, and requests the user 130 to insert cash into currency acceptor 520 to fund the user's wallet or gaming account, or to insert a credit card or other funding source into acceptor 522, etc.

[0043] A user 130 may be able to participate in a problematic gaming program by, for example, self-limiting the amount of bets or losses, or by setting self-limits on the types of games the user wants to limit. If the administration / registration entity 150 accepts a common registration used by multiple game operators 140, the self-limits or self-limits described above may be implemented by the administration / registration entity 150 across the multiple game operators 140, and the administration / registration entity 150 may receive data from the multiple game operators 140 to maintain the user's total gaming activity, maximum stop loss amount, across all game operators within the user's self-limit range.

[0044] 6, when user 130 returns to operation, user 130 may be able to use a simplified sign-in by entering an account number and PIN, or a card number and PIN, etc. This login may fail if the account is expired or locked out, if the PIN was not entered correctly, if the supporting bank account is inaccessible, if user 130 verification from FIG. 5 is not yet complete or is rejected, if the user's email address or phone number cannot be verified, etc.

[0045] Before beginning to use the services of the gaming operator 140 (e.g., before participating in games or game-related transactions), the user 130 may be required to register with the gaming operator 140 to become an authorized user and / or to create a gaming account and / or participate in games or game-related transactions. The user 130 may register (or verify their identity for a subsequent visit) directly with the gaming operator 140 or the administration / registration entity 150. The user 130 may register or verify remotely via a computing system (e.g., the computing device 100). The user 130 may register or verify using a combination of partially direct and partially via a computing system. The user 130 may access a website hosted by the server 142 using the computing device 100 (the user 130 may access the server 142 in other ways). On this website, the user 130 may indicate their desire to register with the gaming operator 140. As part of registration, server 142 may prompt user 130 to enter information into computing device 100, such as their identity (e.g., first name and / or last name), date of birth, current address, social security number, and / or email address. If registration is successful, in return, server 142 may assign user 130 one or more identities (e.g., login and password) 134. The login and / or password may be selected by user 130 and / or server 142. As part of registration, server 142 may also prompt user 130 to answer one or more questions (e.g., first pet / pet's name, high school / college attended, mother's maiden name, etc.). If registration is successful, user 130 may also add funds to their gaming account (if wagers are placed for money) as part of registration. For example, the user 130 may fund the account by providing a credit card or other funding source, by funding the account via PayPal, by wire transfer to the account, etc. As another example, the user 130 may fund the account by mailing a check, etc.The user 130 may fund the account in other ways. Once the account is opened, the user 130 can begin gaming activities. The user 130 may deposit funds through the administration / registration entity 150. The user 130 may transfer funds between the user's 130 account and / or between the accounts of other users 130.

[0046] As part of registration, the user 130 may also verify to the gaming operator 140 one or more pieces of information provided to the gaming operator 140 during registration. For example, the user 130 may need to prove that they are in fact the person / authorized person entered into the system during registration. Thus, as part of registration, the server 142 may notify the user 130, via the computing device 100, that the user 130 will need to visit a management / registration entity 150 in person, for example, to authenticate / verify who the user 130 is to the gaming operator 140. The server 140 may also notify the user 130 to verify this information with one or more documents (e.g., driver's license, passport, photo ID, tax slip, social security number, utility bill, etc.) that the user 130 will need to provide to the management / registration entity 150. The server 142 may provide the user 130 with the names and / or addresses of one or more management / registration entities 150. The server 142 may further allow the user 130 to select a management / registration entity 150 and / or assign the user 130 to a management / registration entity 150. In this case, the server 142 may notify the management / registration entity 150 in advance (e.g., electronically via the computing system 152) that the user 130 is completing registration. The server 142 may also alert the user 130 that the verification has a period of x hours / days / weeks, etc., or that the user's 130 account will be closed / locked. The user 130 may be able to participate in games and / or game-related transactions, wager real money, and / or win prizes even if verification is not complete. The user 130 may not be able to withdraw any funds (and thus deposits) from their account and / or may be able to withdraw only limited funds from their account until verification is complete. The user 130 may be able to wager only a portion of their deposit until verification is complete. The user 130 may not be able to withdraw any winnings from their account and / or may only be able to withdraw limited winnings from their account until verification is complete, in which case the user 130 may be able to withdraw their deposits.A user 130 may be able to deposit any amount or only a limited amount into their account until reconciliation is complete. A user 130 may be able to transfer only a portion of their deposit until reconciliation is complete.

[0047] IV. Identity Verification and Gaming Authorization by Computing Device 100 or Entity 150 Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the computing device or kiosk 100 or the management / registration entity 150 may require the user 130 to submit information such as the following in order to register, or to initiate gaming activities on a previously registered account, or to conduct a financial transaction: Personal Identifying Information – Name, address, Social Security number, Tax ID, etc. Personal identifying information may be scanned from identification documents such as a driver's license. One, two, three or more biometric measurements Identification documents, such as driver's license, passport, etc. Credit card, debit card, store value card, or similar privately issued card, or other source of funds -Preference information regarding user privacy, problematic game restrictions, etc.

[0048] The required data / information may vary depending on the jurisdiction in which a person resides. For example, gaming in New Jersey may require similar or different information than gaming in Nevada. The computing device or kiosk 100 or administrative / registration entity 150 may ascertain the jurisdiction in which the user 130 is physically located or resides or the jurisdiction of the game 140 to tailor the registration / access process to the jurisdiction.

[0049] The required data / information may vary depending on the type of game the user 130 wants to participate in or the amount the user 130 wants to wager. The computing device or kiosk 100 or the management / registration entity 150 may adapt the registration / access process accordingly. For example, non-money play may require less comprehensive registration or verification than money games, and high-stakes gambling may require more comprehensive verification than low-stakes gambling. Age verification for an 18-year-old may be more comprehensive than if the user 130 is 21 or older. Additionally, because the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act requires parental consent for children under 13, the computing device or kiosk 100 or the management / registration entity 150 may require parental consent and registration for younger users 130.

[0050] The server 142 may instruct the computing device or kiosk 100 or the management / registration entity 150 to request the user 130 to answer one or more questions posed during registration. The server 142 may provide the answers to the computing device or kiosk 100 or the management / registration entity 150 so that the computing device or kiosk 100 or the management / registration entity 150 can make a visual comparison, and / or the computing device or kiosk 100 or the management / registration entity 150 may present the answers to the server 142 for the server to compare.

[0051] Some of the information or data collected from users 130 may be verified or certified against public, government, and private databases: · Various identifying information must match (for example, your name, your age, and your address must match). Your physical (or virtual) gaming location and / or domicile and identity match the specific type of game in which you have signed up to participate. · Check your credit to determine your creditworthiness. · Issuing gaming credits (for example, running a credit report to fund credits for future games). You are not a prohibited person or located in a prohibited jurisdiction (for example, a person registered with the Office of Foreign Assets Control or a North Korean national). ·others.

[0052] The game server 142 may further inform the user 130 that they can deposit funds into their account, withdraw money from their account, and / or transfer funds between accounts by visiting the administration / registration entity 150 or via the computing device 100. The server 142 may provide this information to the user 130 as part of registration and / or may make the information available to the user 130 when playing the game, for example, using information / help pages.

[0053] After registering, user 130 may inform administration / registration entity 150 that user 130 needs to visit administration / registration entity 150 in person to complete the registration. In response, administration / registration entity 150 may access server 142, e.g., using computing device 100 / 152, e.g., via a dedicated application and / or via a web-based application hosted by server 142. Upon accessing server 142, administration / registration entity 150 may indicate to the server that it is verifying user 130's identity to complete the user's registration, e.g., to complete the user's registration. Server 142 may provide administration / registration entity 150 with a list of people awaiting verification from which administration / registration entity 150 may select. As another and / or additional example, administration / registration entity 150 may enter the name of user 130 that administration / registration entity 150 is attempting to verify / authenticate. As yet another and / or additional example, the administration / registration entity 150 may be required to enter (or have the user 130 enter) one or more IDs 134 assigned to the user 130 during registration. As part of the verification, the administration / registration entity 150 may visually verify one or more documents provided by the user 130. Additionally, the administration / registration entity 150 may visually compare the user 130 with photo identification provided by the user 130.

[0054] In particular, the server 142 may provide the information provided by the user 130 during registration to the administration / registration entity 150, which may compare the information with one or more documents provided by the user 130 to perform the match / authentication. If all the information (e.g., a photo submitted by the user 130, etc.) matches the user 130, the administration / registration entity 150 may indicate to the server 142 that the user 130 has been matched. As another and / or additional example, the administration / registration entity 150 may enter information obtained from the documents provided by the user 130 into the system, which may then communicate that information to the server 142. In this case, the server 142 may determine whether all the information matches and communicate to the administration / registration entity 150 that the user 130 has been matched. Additionally, the administration / registration entity 150 may need to indicate whether the user 130 matches the photo identification provided by the user 130. As another and / or additional example, the administration / registration entity 150 may be required to scan the user's 130 photo ID and submit the scan to the server 142 in addition to a photograph of the user 130 taken by the administration / registration entity 150. In this case, the administrator of the gaming operator 140 may compare the photograph and scan as part of the verification. As another and / or additional example, the administration / registration entity 150 may be required to scan one or more documents provided by the user 130 and submit these scans to the server, possibly in addition to the user's photo ID and photograph. Furthermore, the administrator of the gaming operator 140 may perform the verification by analyzing all information provided by the administration / registration entity 150 in relation to information previously provided by the user 130. As another example, the administration / registration entity 150 may contact the administrator of the gaming operator 140 (e.g., by phone) and verbally inform the administrator that the user has been verified. Furthermore, other variations, including variations / combinations of the above examples, are possible.Generally, regardless of the verification method, the management / registration entity 150 may be required to scan one or more documents provided by the user 130 and submit these scans to a server, possibly in addition to the user's photo ID and a photograph of the user.

[0055] The administration / registration entity 150 may have to submit the ID 154 to the server 142 at some point during verification. In this way, the server 142 / gaming operator 140 knows that the information came from an authorized agency. In instances where the administration / registration entity 150 is conversing with an administrator of the gaming operator 140, the administration / registration entity 150 may have to verbally communicate the ID 154 and submit the ID 154 to the server 142 via the computing device 152.

[0056] V. Game Activities The user 130 may then use the screen 312 and keypad 310 to participate in the games offered on the kiosk or computing device 100. The games may be hosted on the microprocessor 110 of the kiosk 100, or the kiosk 100 may act as a terminal / browser client for games hosted on a remote server. Game tasks may be divided among various computers in various ways. For example, the gambling lines may be provided by one remote computer, while the gambling books and user accounts may be handled on another remote computer, with the kiosk 100 managing different parts of the gaming activity.

[0057] When user 130 initiates various gaming activities, the kiosk or computing device 100 or any other gaming device may verify user 130's legal suitability / permission for a particular type of game in a particular relevant jurisdiction.

[0058] As the game progresses, user 130 may request a transfer of funds to an account held by the gaming establishment for gaming at the kiosk or computing device 100, the user's bank, credit card or other funding source, or other account.

[0059] The kiosk or computing device 100 may collect data on each taxable event (e.g., gambling winnings, particularly winnings earned by a user per day beyond the scope of W-2G, 1099, and 1042-S tax returns) and may complete, file, submit, and / or print transaction records, forms, and reports for, for example, government regulators. If withholding information was not collected during the matching / registration stage, the kiosk or computing device 100 may request that the user 130 submit that information at any time the user 130 meets withholding or tax return requirements.

[0060] At the end of a gaming activity, the user 130 may request a withdrawal of a portion of the balance remaining in the user's gaming account. The withdrawal may be paid by the currency / coin dispenser 702 or may be refunded to the user's bank account, credit card account, or other account designated as a funding source. The withdrawal request may be submitted through the kiosk's homepage, after which the kiosk or computing device 100 may guide the user 130 through a series of screens asking the user 130 how much of the current balance in the gaming account to withdraw and in what form. The kiosk or computing device 100 may send a receipt or report to the user's email address.

[0061] VI. Processing of Funds by Computing Device 100 or Entity 150 Additionally and / or alternatively, user 130 may use administration / registration entity 150 to deposit funds into and / or withdraw funds from a user's account. User 130 may visit administration / registration entity 150 in person to notify administration / registration entity 150 that user 130 intends to deposit and / or withdraw funds. In response, administration / registration entity 150 may access server 142 using, for example, computing system 152, for example, via a dedicated application and / or a web-based application hosted by server 142. Upon accessing server 142, administration / registration entity 150 may indicate to the server that administration / registration entity 150 is making a withdrawal and / or deposit. Server 142 may provide administration / registration entity 150 with a list of users 130 to select from. As another and / or additional example, administration / registration entity 150 may enter the name of user 130. As yet another and / or additional example, the administration / registration entity 150 may be requested to enter (or have the user 130 enter) one or more IDs 134 assigned to the user 130 during registration. Once the user 130 is in the system and authorized by the server 142, the server 142 may retrieve one or more pieces of information from the user's account (e.g., the user's account balance) and provide that information to the computing system 152. The server 142 may then provide a photograph of the user to the computing system 152 and request the administration / registration entity 150 to visually confirm that the photograph matches the user. The administration / registration entity 150 may be requested to respond to the server 142 that the photograph matches the user. The server 142 may also provide an account status, such as whether the account is locked, partially locked, or unlocked, to indicate whether the user 130 is able to deposit and / or withdraw funds, or whether partial deposits and / or partial withdrawals are possible.

[0062] If the user 130 is making a deposit and the account is available, the administration / registration entity 150 may receive funds (e.g., cash, check, money order, etc.) directly from the user 130 and communicate the received amount to the server 142. In response, the server 142 may add the funds to the user's account. Alternatively, the user 130 may indicate that funds should be transferred to the gaming account from some other account (e.g., a credit card or other funding source). In this case, the administration / registration entity 150 may receive account information from the user 130 and submit this information to the server 142, which may then request the user to transfer and add the funds to the account. (Note that using the administration / registration entity 150 may require some reconfirmation from the gaming operator 140 as to whether the account from which funds are being withdrawn is actually the user's account.) In either case, the server may then send a receipt to the user 130 via email, letter, etc. The server may also and / or alternatively send a receipt to the computing system 152 for user verification and / or printing by the administration / registration entity 150 for the user 130. The server 142 may display the user's adjusted balance on the computing system 152. Other means may be used to communicate the results of the account status inquiry to the user 130. As another example, upon receiving funds from the user 130, the administration / registration entity 150 may alternatively and / or additionally communicate with an administrator at the gaming operator 140 to inform the administrator that the administration / registration entity 150 has received funds from the user 130 and that the user's account balance needs to be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the receipt may be sent to the user 130 in various forms (e.g., email, paper), by sending the receipt to the computing system 152 for printing, etc. Other and / or additional variations are possible.

[0063] As part of crediting the user's account, the administration / registration entity 150 may have to submit its ID 154 to the server 142 at some point during the credit. In this way, the server 142 / gaming operator 140 is aware that the authorized agent has the funds. In instances where the administration / registration entity 150 is interacting with an administrator of the gaming operator 140, the administration / registration entity 150 may have to verbally communicate the ID 154 and / or submit the ID 154 to the server 142 via the computing system 152.

[0064] If the user 130 is attempting to make a withdrawal and the account is available, the administration / registration entity 150 may communicate to the server 142 the amount the user 130 wishes to withdraw. In response, the server 142 may determine whether the requested amount is available for withdrawal (e.g., whether there are sufficient funds in the account) and / or whether an amount less than the requested amount is available for withdrawal and may withdraw funds from the user's account / adjust the account balance accordingly. The server may then communicate the amount withdrawn (which may be less than the requested amount) to the computing system 152. The administration / registration entity 150 may then deliver the requested amount (e.g., by cash, check, money order, etc.) to the user 130. Alternatively, the user 130 may indicate that funds should be transferred from the gaming account to another account (e.g., a credit card account or other source of funds). In this case, the administration / registration entity 150 may receive account information from the user 130 and submit this account information to the server 142 so that the server can transfer and withdraw funds to the user's account and deposit funds to a designated account (possibly using the administration / registration entity 150 to provide some reconfirmation to the game operator 140 that the account to which funds are being transferred is actually the user's account). The server may then send a receipt to the user 130 via email, paper, etc. The server may also and / or alternatively send a receipt to the computing system 152 for user verification and / or printing by the administration / registration entity 150 for the user 130. The server 142 may also display the user's adjusted balance on the computing system 152. Other means may be used to communicate the results of the account status inquiry to the user 130. As another example, the administration / registration entity 150 may alternatively and / or additionally communicate with an administrator of the gaming operator 140 to indicate that the user 130 wishes to withdraw funds and that the user's account balance should be adjusted accordingly. As described above, the administrator of the gaming operator 140 may determine the amount, if any, available for withdrawal and communicate that amount to the administration / registration entity 150.Additionally, a receipt may be sent to user 130 in various forms (e.g., email, paper), by sending the receipt to computing system 152 for printing, etc. Other and / or additional variations are possible.

[0065] As part of the withdrawal from the user's account, the administration / registration entity 150 may have to submit its ID 154 to the server 142 at the time of the withdrawal. In this way, the server 142 / gaming operator 140 knows that an authorized agent is requesting the withdrawal and that the funds are appropriately distributed to the user. In instances where the administration / registration entity 150 is interacting with an administrator of the gaming operator 140, the administration / registration entity 150 may have to verbally communicate the ID 154 to the server 142 and / or submit the ID 154 to the server 142 via the computing system 152.

[0066] Additionally and / or alternatively, the user 130 may use the administration / registration entity 150 to transfer funds between the user's 130 gaming accounts. For example, the gaming operator 140 may require the user 130 to have different accounts for various types of gaming or retail activities. For example, the user 130 may have one account for sports betting, one account for casino-type games, one account for interactive games (e.g., poker) betting, and one account for retail activities (e.g., food, entertainment, casino at a nightclub). As another example, the user 130 may have multiple accounts with different gaming operators 140. The user 130 may visit the administration / registration entity 150 in person and inform the administration / registration entity 150 that the user 130 wishes to transfer funds between the accounts. If the accounts are with the same gaming operator, the administration / registration entity 150 may use its computing system 152 to access the provider's server 142, as described above, and instruct the server to transfer funds between the accounts, as described above. If these accounts are with different gaming operators, the administration / registration entity 150 may use its computing system 152 to access each gaming operator's server 142, for example, as described above, to withdraw funds from one account and deposit funds into one account, as described above. The administration / registration entity 150 may deposit funds into its own account during the transfer. Other variations for transferring funds between accounts are possible.

[0067] The administration / registration entity 150 may charge and / or collect fees from the user 130 and / or the game operator 140 for assisting in the registration of the user 130, for depositing funds into the user's account, and / or for withdrawing funds from the user's account.

[0068] A computing device or kiosk 100 with a camera and facial recognition software, or other biometric sensors, may provide additional account security, enabling financial services transactions not normally available at a given ATM. For example, most banks limit maximum withdrawals to $1,000 or some similar amount. The bank may use additional identifying information obtained by one, two, three, four, or more biometric sensors to authorize larger withdrawals, or to authorize transactions that are not routinely available with the simple entry of a four-digit PIN.

[0069] VII. Legal Financial Records, Statements, and Reports The kiosk or computing device 100, or another computer in the computing system, may be programmed to ensure compliance with gaming rules, tax laws, financial oversight principles (e.g., money laundering, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and similar laws), and to collect information for financial reporting purposes.

[0070] Using the computing device 100 and / or computing system 152, the user 130 may receive, for example, information from the gaming operator 140 via the server 142 about the amount the user 130 has won, the amount the user has lost, the total winnings, the total losses, and / or the net losses or winnings. The report may be for a particular period of time (e.g., months, years, etc.). If the user 130 has multiple accounts with a given gaming operator, the report may be for each account or may be aggregated for all accounts. The administrative / registration entity 150 may generate this report for the user 130 using the computing device 100 if the user 130 has accounts with multiple gaming operators 140. The user 130 may use the report or reports for tax purposes with one or more jurisdictions (e.g., country, state, city, federal, or other local or taxing jurisdiction).

[0071] The computing device or kiosk 100 may allow the user 130 to obtain the following account statements: Personal tax returns - for example, a user 130 can request a statement of their gaming activity and have that statement delivered electronically or by mail. Gaming activities (e.g., winnings / losses details, accumulated points, etc.) Retail activities (e.g., restaurant fees, resort activities, etc.)

[0072] The computing device or kiosk 100 may allow the gaming operator 140 to submit reports required by the following government regulatory agencies: Submitting a SARC (Casino Suspicious Activity Report) - For example, if a user 130 participates in a transaction that requires a SARC submission, the system will recognize the event and automatically submit a SARC. Any other legal or tax reporting submissions

[0073] VIII. Other Features The kiosk 100 may be programmed to function as a regular ATM when a person inserts a conventional ATM card into the card acceptor. Similarly, the kiosk or computing device may be programmed to simply accept large denomination currency and break it into smaller denomination currency to provide the user with change.

[0074] The printer 712 may be used to print various receipts for registrations, deposits, or withdrawals, or transaction records, transaction slips, and transaction reports. Additionally, the printer 712 may be used to print redeemable barcode tickets. The receipts, or transaction records, transaction slips, and transaction reports may be sent to the user's email account or sent to the user's phone by SMS.

[0075] Non-volatile storage may be used to store transactions visible to the user, machine errors, and transactions not visible to the user. Events stored may include various errors, deposits, payments, etc. The journal may be printed on printer 712, emailed to a managing operator's office, etc.

[0076] The microprocessor 110 of the kiosk or computing device 100 may support a number of administrative / maintenance operations (eg, cash inventory inquiries, cash deposits or withdrawals, currency rejects, etc.).

[0077] IX. Computer Implementation The various processes described herein may be implemented by appropriately programmed general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, and computing devices. Typically, a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors 110, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (e.g., from a memory or similar device) and executes these instructions to perform one or more processes defined by these instructions. The instructions may be embodied in one or more computer programs or one or more scripts. The processes may be executed in one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or similar devices, or any combination thereof. The programs implementing the processes and the data manipulated may be stored and transmitted using various media. Hardwired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with some or all of, software instructions that can implement a process. Algorithms other than those described above may be used.

[0078] The kiosk or computing device 100 may be a "thin client" where almost all processing is performed on a central server. Alternatively, the kiosk or computing device 100 may be a software-intensive device that hosts most of the administrative operations, device operation, gaming activities, etc. The kiosk or computing device 100 may have one or more microprocessors 110. A server computer or centralized device may or may not be necessary or desirable. In either case, the network may or may not include a centralized device. Various processing functions may be performed on a centralized server, one of multiple distributed servers, or other distributed devices. Tasks and computations may be divided as convenient.

[0079] The programs and data may be stored on a variety of media suitable for the purpose, or a combination of heterogeneous media that can be read and / or written by a computer, processor, or similar device. Media include non-volatile media, volatile media, optical or magnetic media, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM, floppy disks, flexible disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical media with a pattern of holes, electromagnetic fields or spots, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, or other memory technologies. Transmission media include coaxial cable, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the lines that comprise the system bus connected to the processor.

[0080] The database may be implemented using a database management system or an ad-hoc memory organization scheme. Alternatives to the database structure described above may readily be used. The database may be stored locally on the device accessing the data in the database or remotely from the device.

[0081] Processing may be performed in a network environment including a computer in communication with one or more devices (e.g., via a communications network). The computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly via any wired or wireless medium (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, a WAN or Ethernet, token ring, telephone lines, cable lines, radio channels, optical communications lines, commercial online service providers, bulletin board systems, satellite communications links, or any combination of the above). Each device may itself comprise a computer or other computing device, such as one based on an Intel® Pentium® processor or Centrino™ processor, suitable for communication with the computer. Any number and type of devices may communicate with the computer.

[0082] A computer network system may be used to conduct gaming or other financial transactions. The system may include one or more gaming operators 140, one or more administrative / registration entities 150, and multiple users 130. The network 102 may include public and / or private networks, and may be wired and / or wireless networks based on any type of technology. The network 102 may include, in part, the Internet.

[0083] Any given user 130 may participate in gaming activities, for example, through one or more computing systems 100 (e.g., computers, servers, laptops, computing pads, smartphones, etc.) that can communicate with the server 142 and / or one or more other computing systems 100 of other users 130. The computing devices 100 may be dedicated to interacting with one or more game operators 140 / servers 142, or may be general-purpose devices. The computing systems may include one or more processors and one or more memories, and / or may interface to one or more external memories (e.g., one or more databases). The computing devices 100 may include one or more network hardware / software / firmware 320-based interfaces that enable the devices to connect to and communicate over the network 102. Computing device 100 may further include one or more software and / or firmware and / or hardware-based applications executing on the computing system to communicate with game operator 140 / server 142 and / or other users / computing systems 100, for example, to participate in games. As another example, computing device 100 may interact with game operator 140 / server 142 using a web-based application hosted by server 142. Other variations are possible.

[0084] The gaming operator 140 may provide gaming services to the user 130 and offer one or more types of gaming activities to the user 130. Such games may include, for example, any one or more of the following: Games in which users 130 bet funds at a gambling house. Examples of such games include casino-type games, such as card games (e.g., blackjack, baccarat), dice games (e.g., craps), roulette, slots, and other casino-style games. These games may be, for example, virtual games (e.g., using computer-generated cards, dice, roulette wheel spins, slot machine reel spins) in which game performance / game outcomes are based on / determined by one or more random number generators. As another example, these games may be non-virtual games in which game performance / game outcomes are based on actual cards, dice, roulette wheel spins, slot machine reel spins, etc. As another example, these games may be a combination of both. A game in which a user 130 bets money on a sporting event (e.g., football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, horse racing, dog racing, car racing, etc.). · Games that allow users 130 to participate in fantasy sports competitions (e.g., football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, horse racing, dog racing, car racing, etc.). Interactive games in which users 130, for example, bet funds against one or more other users. Such games include, for example, casino-style games such as card games (e.g., poker). These games may be virtual games (e.g., using computer-generated cards) in which game performance / game outcomes are based on / determined from one or more random number generators. As another example, these games may be non-virtual games in which game performance / game outcomes are based on actual cards. The game may include a fantasy sports competition in which users bet money against each other. As another example, the game may be a video game in which users bet money against other users. As another example, the game may include a game of chance, semi-chance, or skill (e.g., chess, checkers, board games, Scrabble, Risk, etc.). Lottery / lotto games in which the user 130 selects one or more numbers (e.g., lottery, keno, bingo), or including electronic scratch cards. These games may be virtual games, for example, where the selected numbers that determine the game outcome are based on / determined from one or more random number generators. As another example, these games may be non-virtual games, for example, where the selected numbers that determine the game outcome are based on / determined from actual numbers, for example, drawn from a hopper. Games in which users 130 bet money on external events (e.g., the weather, movies, elections, game shows, the birthday of an upcoming baby or the name given by celebrity parents, etc.). Gambling, betting, games, fantasy sports, tournaments, leagues, social games, games of skill, recreational play, promotions, lotteries and contests, and fantasy or virtual sports, exchanges or markets. The user 130 may bet funds with a gaming house-type entity / betting source (e.g., a game operator 140), and / or may bet funds with other users (e.g., a craps side bet), and / or may bet funds with other bettors in a pari-mutuel format, and / or may bet funds in other ways. User 130 may bet cash / currency, points / tokens / credits / digital currency, etc. that User 130 purchases with cash, and / or points / tokens / credits / digital currency designated by User 130 but not purchased by User 130 with cash. The above games are merely examples; the game operator 140 may offer other types of games.

[0085] Entity 140 may be a casino, betting house, velodrome, internet gaming operator, or other gaming operator, or may be a financial entity (eg, a bank or other financial entity that requires verification of customer identity).

[0086] The game operator 140 may own and / or operate one or more computing systems (e.g., servers) 142. (The use of "server" is not limiting, as other types of computing systems may be used.) The server 142 may include one or more processors and one or more memories, and / or may interface with one or more external memories (e.g., one or more databases). The server 142 may include one or more network hardware / software / firmware-based interfaces 100 that enable the server to connect to and communicate over the network 102. The server 142 may further include one or more software- and / or firmware- and / or hardware-based applications 100 that execute on the server. By way of example, the applications may include the actual games offered by the game operator 140 and management applications 100 (e.g., account balance management, user registration / sign-up, etc.).

[0087] An apparatus for executing a process may include multiple computing devices that cooperate to execute the process. Some of the computing devices may cooperate to execute steps of the process, may execute separate steps of the process, or may provide basic services that can facilitate execution of the process for other computing devices. The computing devices may operate under the direction of a centralized device. In other embodiments, the computing devices may operate without the direction of a centralized device. Some examples of apparatuses that operate in some or all of the above-described manners include grid computing systems, cloud computing systems, peer-to-peer computing systems, computer systems configured to provide software as a service, etc. For example, the apparatus may include a computer system (e.g., a computer system running VMware software) that performs most of the processing load on a remote server but outputs display information to and receives input information from a local user's computer.

[0088] Furthermore, programs implementing such methods (and other types of data) may be stored and transmitted in numerous ways using a variety of media (e.g., computer-readable media). In some embodiments, hardwired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, instead of using software alone, various combinations of hardware and software may be used.

[0089] Where a database is described, (i) alternative database structures to those described can be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structures other than a database can be readily employed. Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrative configurations of stored information representations. For example, any number of other configurations other than those suggested by tables shown in the figures or elsewhere may be used. Similarly, any illustrated database entries represent merely example information, and the number and content of entries may differ from those described herein. Furthermore, regardless of any representation of a database as a table, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models, and / or distributed databases) can be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Similarly, methods or behaviors of objects in a database can be used to implement various processes, such as those described herein. Furthermore, databases can be stored locally or remotely from devices that access data from the database, in a known manner.

[0090] Various embodiments can be configured to operate in a network environment including a computer in communication with one or more devices (e.g., via a communications network). The computer may communicate directly or indirectly with the devices via any wired or wireless medium (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, a WAN or Ethernet, token ring, telephone lines, cable lines, radio channels, optical communications lines, alternative spectrum, commercial online casinos, bulletin board systems, satellite communications links, or any combination of the above). Each device may itself comprise a computer or other computing device, such as one based on an Intel® Pentium®, Centrino™, Atom™, or Core™ processor, suitable for communication with the computer. Any number and type of devices may communicate with the computer.

[0091] In some embodiments, a server computer or centralized device may not be necessary or preferred. For example, in some embodiments, the invention may be practiced on one or more devices without a centralized device. In such embodiments, any functions described herein as being performed by a server computer, or data described as being stored on a server computer, may instead be performed by or stored on one or more such devices.

[0092] In various encryption methods, the cipher may require additional information called a key. A key may consist, for example, of a string of bits. A key may be used with a cipher to encrypt plaintext. In a category of ciphers called symmetric key algorithms (e.g., secret key cryptography), the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. Thus, the protection of the encrypted information may depend on the key being kept secret. Examples of symmetric key algorithms are DES and AES. In a category of ciphers called asymmetric key algorithms (e.g., public key cryptography), different keys are used for encryption and decryption. In an asymmetric key algorithm, anyone can use a first key (e.g., a public key) to encrypt plaintext into ciphertext. However, only the holder of a second key (e.g., a private key) can decrypt the ciphertext back into plaintext. An example of an asymmetric key algorithm is the RSA algorithm.

[0093] To facilitate the reader's understanding, the foregoing description is representative of all possible embodiments, focusing on examples that teach the principles of the invention and illustrate the best mode for carrying out the invention. Throughout this application and related application history, the term "invention" refers to all of the ideas and principles described, while the formal definition of the proprietary rights that are exclusively protected is set forth in the exclusively controlling claims. This specification does not exhaustively list all possible variations. Undescribed variations or modifications are possible. When multiple alternatives are described, in many cases, elements of the various embodiments can be combined, or elements of the embodiments described herein can be combined with other variations or modifications not expressly described. The recitation of items does not imply any or all of the items being mutually exclusive, nor does it imply any or all of the items in any category being inclusive, unless otherwise specified. In many cases, a feature or group of features may be used separately in all devices or methods described. Many undescribed variations, modifications, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims, with other equivalents intended.

[0094] [Appendix 1] A computing device for a user to play a game, comprising: a computing device having a processor, a memory, at least one identification information acceptor, at least one biometric sensor, and at least one network connector, the computing device being designed for installation at a location where it will interact with a human user; the identification information acceptor is designed to receive a government-issued identification document and scan and convert identification information from the identification document into a digital format for transmission over a network; the biometric sensor is designed and adapted to acquire and convert biometric data indicative of a human user into a digital form for transmission over a communications network; one or more input / output devices designed to receive registration / login information and game commands from a human user and present information to the human user for playing an interactive game; The one or more microprocessors: using the one or more input / output devices to present instructions to a human user, such as instructions to insert an identification document into the identification information acceptor; obtaining a digital form of the user's identification information from the identification information acceptor; acquiring biometric data indicative of a biometric characteristic of the user from the biometric sensor; verifying the user's identity and suitability for a game based at least in part on the user's identification information and biometric data in digital form; Based on the verification, a game activity is provided to the verified user. A computing device that is programmed to: [Appendix 2] a currency accepting and dispensing machine located within the housing of the computing device and designed to accept and dispense currency for playing games; The one or more microprocessors further: Accepting currency at said currency acceptor to deposit into a gaming account; The coin dispenser dispenses game winnings from the gaming account. 2. The computing device of claim 1, programmed to: [Appendix 3] Matching your biometric identity with legal identities to verify your legal eligibility to participate in gaming activities; Receive funds at a money accepting machine for deposit into gaming accounts established for gaming activities hosted on one or more off-site computers of two or more different gaming operators Yes, further programmed, 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the gaming operator is a different legal entity from the operator of the computing device. [Appendix 4] the biometric sensor is a camera; 2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the biometric data is a digital image of the user's face captured by the camera. [Appendix 5] 6. The computing device of claim 5, wherein the one or more microprocessors are further programmed to verify the identity of the user based at least in part on facial recognition and comparison of the digital image to a reference photograph. [Appendix 6] 6. The computing device of claim 5, wherein the one or more microprocessors are further programmed to verify the identity of the user based at least in part on verification received from an off-site verification authority in response to at least a portion of the digital image of the user's face and digital identification data. [Appendix 7] the biometric sensor is a signature pad; 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the biometric data is a digital representation of the user's signature. [Appendix 8] 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more microprocessors are further programmed to verify the identity of the user based at least in part on information regarding the user's financial accounts. [Appendix 9] 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more microprocessors are further programmed to verify the identity of the user based at least in part on analysis of the biometric data against reference data within a microprocessor attached to the computing device. [Appendix 10] 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more microprocessors are further programmed to verify the identity of the user, at least in part, by transmitting the biometric data to an off-site verification station. [Appendix 11] 10. The computing device of claim 1, further comprising a currency acceptor and dispenser. [Appendix 12] 10. The computing device of claim 1, further comprising an acceptor for a credit card, debit card, stored value card, or ATM card. [Appendix 13] 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the identification information acceptor is designed to receive and scan a government-issued driver's license, passport, or ID card. [Appendix 14] 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more microprocessors are further programmed to conduct gaming activities on a user gaming account maintained by a remote computer. [Appendix 15] A computing device for a user to play a game, comprising: a processor, input / output devices, and funds acceptor interconnected for installation at a location where the processor interacts with a human user; the one or more input / output devices are designed to receive registration / login information and game commands from a human user and present information to the human user for playing an interactive game; the money acceptor is designed to accept money for playing games; The one or more microprocessors: using the one or more input / output devices to present instructions to a human user, such as instructions to register and verify the user's identity; receiving funds at said money accepting machine for deposit into a gaming account maintained on an off-site computer; providing gaming activities to the verified user from the gaming account based on verification and receipt of money; A coin dispenser dispenses game winnings from the gaming account. A computing device that is programmed to: [Appendix 16] an identification information acceptor designed to receive an identification document and scan and convert identifying information from said identification document into a digital format for transmission over a network; a biometric sensor adapted to acquire biometric data indicative of a user at the computing device and convert the data into a digital format for transmission over a communications network; Further provided with The one or more microprocessors further: using the one or more input / output devices to present instructions to a human user, such as instructions to insert an identification document into the identification information acceptor; obtaining a digital form of the human user's identity from the identity acceptor; Obtaining biometric data indicative of a biometric characteristic of a user who is a person from the biometric data; verifying the identity of the user and the suitability of the user for a game based at least in part on the identification information and the biometric data of the user in digital form, and providing the verified user with a gaming activity based on the verification; 16. The computing device of claim 15, programmed to: [Appendix 17] Matching your biometric identity with legal identities to verify your legal eligibility to participate in gaming activities; Receive funds at a money accepting machine for deposit into gaming accounts established for gaming activities hosted on one or more off-site computers of two or more different gaming operators Yes, further programmed, 16. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the gaming operator is a different legal entity from an operator of the computing device. [Appendix 18] 16. The computing device of claim 15, further comprising an acceptor for a credit card, a debit card, a stored value card or ATM card, digital currency, or game points. [Appendix 19] presenting instructions to a human user, such as instructions to register and verify the user's identity, using one or more input / output devices by an output device of a computing device having a processor and memory; receiving registration and identification information from a human user at one or more input / output devices of the computing device; matching the user's biometric identity with lawful identity to verify legal eligibility to participate in gaming activities; receiving funds at a money accepting machine for depositing into gaming accounts established for gaming activities hosted on one or more off-site computers of two or more different gaming operators; A method comprising: The method, wherein the gaming operator is a different legal entity than the operator of the computing device. [Appendix 20] The computing device: an identification information acceptor designed to receive a government-issued identification document and scan and convert identifying information from said identification document into a digital format for transmission over a network; a biometric sensor designed and adapted to acquire biometric data indicative of a human user and convert it into a digital form for transmission over a communications network; one or more input / output devices designed to receive registration / login information and game commands from a human user and to present information to the human user for playing an interactive game; Further provided with The microprocessor(s): using the one or more input / output devices to present instructions to a human user, such as instructions to insert an identification document into the identification information acceptor; obtaining a digital form of the user's identification information from the identification information acceptor; acquiring biometric data indicative of a biometric characteristic of the user from the biometric sensor; verifying the identity of the user and the suitability of the user for a game based at least in part on the identification information and the biometric data of the user in digital form, and providing the verified user with a gaming activity based on the verification; 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method is programmed to: [Appendix 21] The computing device: one or more input / output devices designed to receive registration / login information and game commands from a human user and to present information to the human user for playing an interactive game; Further provided with The microprocessor(s): using the one or more input / output devices to present instructions to a human user, such as instructions to register and verify the user's identity; receiving funds at said money accepting machine for deposit into a gaming account maintained on an off-site computer; providing gaming activities to the verified user from the gaming account based on verification and receipt of money; A coin dispenser dispenses game winnings from the gaming account. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method is programmed to: [Appendix 22] A computing device for a user to play a game, comprising: a computing device having a processor, a memory, at least one identification acceptor, at least one biometric sensor, an input / output device, a funds acceptor, and at least one network connector, the computing device being designed to be installed at a location where it will interact with a human user; the identification information acceptor is designed to receive a government-issued identification document and scan and convert identification information from the identification document into a digital format for transmission over a network; the biometric sensor is designed and adapted to acquire and convert biometric data indicative of a human user into a digital form for transmission over a communications network; the one or more input / output devices are designed to receive registration / login information and game commands from a human user and present information to the user for playing an interactive game; said money acceptor is designed to accept money for playing games; The one or more microprocessors: using the one or more input / output devices on an output device of a computing device to present instructions to a human user, such as instructions to insert an identification document into the identification information acceptor; obtaining a digital form of the user's identification information from the identification information acceptor; acquiring biometric data indicative of a biometric characteristic of the user from the biometric sensor; verifying the user's identity and suitability for a game based at least in part on the user's identification information and biometric data in digital form; receiving funds at said money accepting machine for deposit into a gaming account maintained on an off-site computer; Matching a user's biometric identity with lawful identity to authenticate legal eligibility to participate in gaming activities and verifying the user's identity and suitability for a game based at least in part on the user's identity and biometric data in digital form; providing gaming activities to the verified user from the gaming account based on the verification and receipt of money; The coin dispenser dispenses game winnings from the gaming account. A computing device that is programmed to:

Claims

[Claim 1] A computing device for a user to play a game, comprising: a device comprising one or more microprocessors, a memory, at least one identification acceptor, at least one biometric sensor, a fund card acceptor, and at least one network connector; the at least one identification information acceptor is designed to receive an identification document, scan identification information from the identification document, and transmit the scanned identification information in digital form over a network; the at least one biometric sensor is designed to acquire and transmit biometric data indicative of a human user in digital form over a communications network; The one or more microprocessors: obtaining a digital form of the user's identification information from the at least one identification information acceptor; acquiring biometric data indicative of a biometric characteristic of the user from the at least one biometric sensor; obtaining a digital image of the signature of the user from the user's fund card using the fund card acceptor; verifying the user's identity document and suitability for the game based on the digital form of the user's identification information, the digital image of the signature, and the biometric data; Matching said user's identity with lawful identities to verify legal eligibility to participate in gaming activities; receiving funds at the funding card acceptor of the computing device to deposit funds into gaming accounts established for gaming activities maintained at off-site computers of two or more different gaming operators, wherein the two or more different gaming operators restrict access to games that are different from access to games offered by the operator of the computing device; It is structured as follows: the at least one biometric sensor is a camera, and the biometric data is a digital image of the user's face captured by the camera; the one or more microprocessors are configured to verify the identification document of the user based at least in part on a verification received from an off-site verification authority in response to the digital image of the user's face and at least the digital form of the user's identification information; the computing device determines the type of game desired by the user and adapts the user's verification for registration and / or game access by the user to the type of game; Computing devices.

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