Tournament of Multiple Games

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and a method related to tournaments.SOLUTION: An apparatus comprises one or more processors configured to perform control of: facilitating play of a plurality of different game types by a plurality of players as part of a tournament; based on at least one of an expected return on each game type, an expected chance value of a winning outcome in each game type, and an average win amount in each game type, determining a normalization factor for each game type; based on information received from a plurality of game systems, tracking outcomes of the play of the plurality of different game types by the plurality of players as part of the tournament; and, based on the tracked outcomes, determining a winning player of the tournament from the plurality of players.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 991,049, filed on May 9, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In some embodiments, generally, it may be related to a tournament.

Background Art

[0003] Playing games has become an indispensable part of personal entertainment around the world.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention is for solving the problems of the background art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The following should be understood as exemplary embodiments, not as the claims.

[0006] A. An apparatus comprising one or more processors and one or more non - transitory media storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform the steps of determining a plurality of different game types to be available for play by a plurality of players in a tournament, promoting play of the plurality of different game types by the plurality of players as part of the tournament, tracking results of play of the plurality of different game types by a plurality of different players as part of the tournament, and determining a winning player of the tournament from among the plurality of players based on the tracked results.

[0007] A.1. The apparatus according to claim A, wherein the plurality of different game types includes sports betting and casino gaming. A.2. The step of tracking results includes receiving a notification of the result of a game played as part of a tournament and determining the amount of increase in the tournament points of a player among a plurality of players. The apparatus according to claim A. A.2.1. The apparatus according to claim A.2, wherein the amount includes the amount of money obtained by playing the game. A.2.2. The apparatus according to claim A.2, wherein the step of determining the amount includes applying a normalization factor to the result. A.3. The step of advancing play includes at least one of determining the results of a plurality of different game types and adjusting the interface to enable selection of different game types as part of the tournament. The apparatus according to claim A. A.4. The apparatus according to claim A is configured to perform the steps of receiving a notification that a player has logged in on each of a plurality of gaming devices and applying an adjustment of the tournament score for the player based on each login to the gaming play on the gaming device. A.4.1. The apparatus according to claim A.4, wherein the gaming device includes at least one of a slot machine, a mobile phone, and a sportsbook interface.

[0008] The apparatus according to claim A is configured to perform the step of determining the winner of the tournament, and the step of determining the winner of the tournament includes the step of determining, from among a plurality of players, the player with the highest total number of points at the end of the tournament. The step of determining the game type according to claim A includes the step of receiving the selection content of the game type from the administrator. The step of receiving the selection content of the game type according to claim A.6 includes the step of receiving the selection content of the winning result and the probability of each result occurring for each game type. The apparatus according to claim A is configured to determine a normalization factor for each game type based on at least one of the expected return for each game type, the expected probability of the winning result in each game type, and the average prize amount in each game type, and the step of tracking the results includes the step of normalizing the prize money from each game type by applying the respective normalization factor to each result.

[0009] A method including: determining, by a computing device, a plurality of different game types to be available for play in a tournament by a plurality of players; driving, by the computing device as part of the tournament, the play of a plurality of different game types by a plurality of players; tracking, by the computing device as part of the tournament, the results of the play of a plurality of different game types by a plurality of different players; and determining, by the computing device, the winning player of the tournament from among the plurality of players based on the tracked results.

[0010] B.1. The method according to claim B, wherein the plurality of different game types includes sports betting and casino gaming. B.2. The step of tracking the results includes receiving a notification of the result of a game played as part of a tournament and determining the amount of increase in the tournament points of a player among the plurality of players, the method according to claim B. B.2.1. The method according to claim B.2, wherein the amount includes the amount of money obtained by playing the game. B.2.2. The method according to claim B.2, wherein the step of determining the amount includes applying a normalization factor to the result. B.3. The step of advancing the play includes at least one of determining the results of a plurality of different game types and adjusting the interface to enable selection of different game types as part of the tournament, the method according to claim B. B.4. The method according to claim B, including receiving a notification that a player has logged in at each of a plurality of gaming devices and applying to the player an adjustment of the tournament score based on the game play at the gaming device for each login. B.4.1. The method according to claim B.4, wherein the gaming device includes at least one of a slot machine, a mobile phone, and a sports book interface.

[0011] B.5. The method according to claim B, comprising the step of determining the winner of the tournament, the step of determining the winner of the tournament including the step of determining, from among a plurality of players, the player with the highest total number of points at the end of the tournament. B.6. The method according to claim B, wherein the step of determining the game type includes the step of receiving the selection of the game type from an administrator. B.6.1. The method according to claim B.6, wherein the step of receiving the game type selection includes the step of receiving the selection of the winning result and the probability of each result occurring for each game type. B.7. The method according to claim B, including the step of determining a normalization factor for each game type based on at least one of the expected return for each game type, the expected probability of a winning result for each game type, and the average prize amount for each game type, and the step of tracking the results including the step of normalizing the prize money from each game type by applying the respective normalization factor to each result.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] I. Exemplary Embodiments Depending on the embodiment, a user may be able to play in a tournament spanning multiple games of various types. A typical tournament includes one game. For example, a poker tournament includes playing multiple poker hands. However, each hand is the same game, namely poker. In various embodiments, one may play in a tournament that includes multiple diverse games. For example, some game types may include poker, sports betting, slots, table games, casino games, etc.

[0014] Figure 1 shows an exemplary system that may be used depending on the embodiment. The system may include a central system 101 and any number of gaming systems 103. Each gaming system may enable a player to play one or more games. The central system may be able to facilitate and / or track game play through such gaming systems used in a tournament (this may be done, for example, by monitoring the play, applying metrics that translate the play into generalized tournament results, and tracking the progress of the tournament).

[0015] Each gaming system 103 may include a computing device configured to enable game play by one or more players. Depending on the embodiment, such a device may include a player's device, for example, a home computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. A player may use such a personal device to log in to the gaming system and play games through the gaming system. The play may include multiple different games provided by the system. For example, the gaming system may provide the user with the ability to play card games (e.g., blackjack, poker, baccarat, etc.), slot games, roulette, casino games, video games, sports games, etc.

[0016] As another example, the gaming system 103 may include a dedicatedly designed gaming device. Such a device may be, for example, a slot machine, a sports betting interface, an electronic table game, etc. For example, in a casino environment, a plurality of gaming devices may be arranged surrounding the casino floor. A plurality of such devices may operate to enable a player to play a game through those devices, which may be done, for example, by actuating an operator to capture an input and providing an output of game elements and / or results. Depending on the embodiment, a combination of such dedicated gaming devices and personal devices may be included (for example, tournament games may be played on a slot machine or may also be played through an iPhone (registered trademark)).

[0017] The central system 101 may operate to enable, facilitate, and / or track a tournament in which a plurality of players play through a plurality of gaming devices. The central system may include a computing device such as a server, a cloud-based system, etc. Some elements of the central system may perform functions such as tracking prizes, tracking funds, tracking play, determining the results of games, tracking the results of games, providing an auditing function, etc. For example, the central system may hold information on accounts and balances. As another example, the central system may hold ranking board information, prize status information, etc. As yet another example, the central system may hold a database of players in the tournament and the current performance of each player based on play in the tournament. In yet another example, the central system may generate random numbers to determine the results of games played in the tournament. For example, the results of the game may be determined by the system 101 and transmitted through the device 103 for display. Also, depending on the embodiment, instead of and / or in addition to the central system, a gaming device or other element may determine the results. For example, the slot machine 103 may determine the results of a slot game. The central system may receive that information (e.g., the amount of money or number of points won, the win / loss result itself, etc.) and use it as input for ranking the tournament.

[0018] Depending on the embodiment, the device 103 may facilitate login, for example, by facilitating login with a username and password, and / or by facilitating login by swiping a card through a machine or other token-based signature. Communication between the device and the server may be performed by signing the device. The server may host wallet information and other account information that may be used for the tournament. That information may be sent to the device as a response to the user's login to the device. When the user adjusts the funds information, the central service may update that information at a central location. Accordingly, the user may access the tournament funds on any device and accumulate those funds centrally. Thereafter, the user may access their account on another device (e.g., another gaming device participating in the tournament) by logging in to the other device.

[0019] Depending on the embodiment, the tournament may have a certain duration. The duration may be a time-based duration and / or a duration based on several games. Depending on the embodiment, for example, the duration may include some amount of time. Such an amount of time may be 1 hour, 15 minutes, 1 day, a weekend, 1 week, 1 year, etc. Depending on the embodiment, the games played during that duration may be applicable to the tournament.

[0020] In some embodiments, the duration may include the amount of games. Each game may be weighted such that the count of the game with respect to the duration is different for each game, and / or may be equally weighted. For example, in some embodiments, a slot game may be counted as 1 game, and a blackjack game may be counted as 2 games. A weight may be given to each game, and the weight may be distinguishable to the players of the tournament. The weighting may be based on the amount of potential prize money, the length of the game, the expected value of the play, the length of the game (e.g., the longer the game, the greater the weight), the odds of the game (e.g., the better the odds, the smaller the weight), the cost per play of the game (e.g., the higher the cost of the game, the greater the weight), and / or any desired factor. For example, a long game and / or a game with a high potential payout may be given a greater weight than a short game, a game with a low expected return, and / or a game with a low possible return. In such a way, the weighting of the games may help to equalize the expected benefits of the players, yet still allow the players to play their favorite games. Such embodiments may be able to treat play approximately equally among a plurality of games.

[0021] Depending on the embodiment, the tournament may require a player to play several different games out of a plurality of provided game options. The central system may notify the player of such a requirement and track whether the player meets the requirement. A player who does not meet the requirement may be determined by the central system to be ineligible (e.g., ineligible to win the tournament). In such embodiments, a player may be prevented from playing only one game. Depending on the embodiment, a player may be required to play each of the provided games at least once in order to be eligible to win the tournament. Depending on the embodiment, the number of times a player can play each game may be limited (e.g., to 1 time, 5 times, etc.). A player may be required to play the game that number of times to obtain tournament participation eligibility, or may be limited to playing that number of times. If a player plays the game more than the maximum number of times, subsequent plays (i.e., plays after the maximum number of plays) may not be counted towards the tournament, and / or the player may be prevented from playing the game more than the maximum number of times (e.g., the central system may prohibit the play). Depending on the embodiment, if the number of times a game has been played exceeds the maximum number of times, the best or worst round groups may be applied.

[0022] Depending on the embodiment, the tournament time may be specified. For example, the tournament may be held over a one-hour period from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Games played during that time may be considered eligible. Depending on the embodiment, game weighting and play count limits may not be necessary. In such embodiments, a speed element may be introduced into the tournament as players try to win as many games as possible within that time.

[0023] Depending on the embodiment, the time may vary, but the duration may be specified. For example, the game that a player can play for a tournament may be up to 1 hour, and the start time of that period may be selected by the player (e.g., within a certain available time window). In yet another example, the duration for which a player plays may not be continuous and may be accumulated up to a certain limit duration. The central system can prevent a player from exceeding the limit duration by tracking the play duration of each player.

[0024] It should be understood that continuous or discontinuous time limits, game number limits, and various combinations of other embodiments may be used together as needed. For example, depending on the embodiment, the time for which a player plays as tournament play may be up to 1 hour. The tournament may include a maximum number of rounds for each game that is counted in the tournament. A player may be required to play a specific number of games. A player may play each game beyond the maximum number of rounds, but only the best group of rounds played within the limit time without exceeding the maximum number may be counted in the tournament.

[0025] In some embodiments, some funds for use in gameplay in the tournament may be provided to the players. This fund may be in the form of points, credits, dollars, etc. This fund may be variable based on the purchase amount and / or may be equal among the players of the tournament. In some embodiments, the same funds may be given to each player. Also, in some embodiments, the funds of the player may vary based on the player's purchase. The player may use the funds to play games in the tournament through one or more gaming systems. The player may be permitted to use the funds to play in the tournament. By setting a standard fund level, it is possible for players to compete on equal terms. Further, in some embodiments, the player may use their own funds (e.g., money, loyalty points, etc.) in the tournament (e.g., up to a certain amount, or any amount, or instead of the provided funds, or in addition to the provided funds).

[0026] In some embodiments, the player may be able to play only with the allotted funds. In some embodiments, the player may be permitted to play in the tournament with the allotted funds and the funds obtained by playing in the tournament using the allotted funds. In some embodiments, the allotted funds may be limited in use to the tournament. The central system may track and validate the use of the allotted funds and the wins resulting from the use of the allotted funds. For example, a database of player prizes and funds may be maintained by the central system.

[0027] Also, in some embodiments, the allotted funds may be used outside the tournament, the player may play in the tournament using other funds, and / or other funding mechanisms may exist. In some embodiments, the allotted funds may be available for use in things other than playing in the tournament (e.g., buying drinks and other items).

[0028] A variety of games may be provided as part of a tournament. Examples of such games are given herein and may include single-player games and / or multi-player games. Those games may include fixed odds such as slot machine games. Those games may include odds that can change during the tournament. For example, sports betting may be provided and the odds of those bets may change depending on the situation (e.g., may change as a sports book balances risk).

[0029] Players may use a gaming device to place bets on one or more games. A player may select how to bet, which games to play, how much to bet, etc. for each of a plurality of games / bets provided through a tournament promoted by a central system. Examples of various games or bets may include fantasy games, contest entry fees, sports betting, games that require skill, games of chance, games that are considered wagers under the UIGEA, games that are not considered wagers under the UIGEA, etc.

[0030] Regarding who wins the tournament, it may be determined based on that gaming activity in the tournament. The central system 101 may track such funds, track game play, and from that information, determine one or more winners of the tournament. The player who accumulates the most prize money at the end of the tournament may be the winner. Such accumulation may or may not include the amount of funds provided and / or purchased.

[0031] It should be understood that the prize money through each game may be normalized across all the tournament games based on the weight assigned to each game. For example, if a user wins $100 in a game, that $100 may be weighted by the normalization weight and converted to some other number of points (e.g., 98 points, 108 points, etc.), and this number of points may be the score used in the tournament. Also, in some embodiments, such a weight may be applied within the game itself, such that the game may be configured to directly assign the number of points for the prize money.

[0032] Figure 2 shows an exemplary method that may be implemented in some embodiments. Such a method may be implemented by a central system and / or one or more gaming devices to drive the tournament.

[0033] Some embodiments may include the step of determining the games to be applied to the tournament. Such a determination may include a random determination. Such a determination may include a selection made by an administrator or sponsor through an administrative terminal. Such a determination may be made before the start of the tournament. Such a determination may be made continuously during the tournament. Such a determination may include that one or several games change at a time as the tournament progresses. Such a determination may include all the games. It should be understood that such a determination may be made in any desired form.

[0034] It should be understood that various methods for determining the games to be applied to the tournament may be combined as needed. For example, in some embodiments, every 15 minutes, a new game to be applied to the tournament may be randomly determined. The player may be required to play that game until another game is determined in order to qualify for tournament points. As another example, some sponsor may select a specific game that should be eligible for tournament play, and / or a bonus weight for playing that game and other eligible games within the tournament may be randomly determined by a server such as 101.

[0035] The step of determining the game may, in some embodiments, include determining the game configuration and / or the normalization weight. For example, several games to which weights are applied to normalize game play across various game types may be determined. Various aspects (e.g., expected value, number of winning results, probability of winning results, average prize per winning result, etc.) may be used in any combination to normalize the game.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the step of determining the players participating in the tournament may be included. Such determination may include determining the players who pay the registration fee. Such determination may include randomly selecting players who meet the eligibility requirements (e.g., being present at a certain location, age, having an account with the gaming operator, etc.). For example, server 101 may determine the players who register for the tournament through the mobile application on player mobile device 103. As another example, server 101 may determine the players playing in the gaming environment based on the players signed in to gaming machine 103. Those players may be made eligible for the tournament as a response to such determination. The player may be notified that he / she has entered the tournament, and this notification may be made by sending information to the player (e.g., via device 103, intercom, etc.). The determination of the players may be made before the start of the tournament, after the start of the tournament, during the tournament, continuously, or at other times. For example, according to some embodiments, the determination of all players participating in the tournament may be made based on who has registered for the tournament before the start of the tournament. As another example, players participating in the tournament may be allowed to register even after others have finished the tournament. The player may start playing in the tournament at the time selected by himself / herself. Therefore, players may play in the tournament at different times respectively.

[0037] Depending on the embodiment, steps for permitting gameplay in a tournament may be included. Such permitting steps may include providing bets through a sports betting interface, providing games through a gaming interface, and others. Such permitting steps may include passing game results to the game device. Such permitting steps may include including an option to include a game in a tournament in the interface. Such permitting steps may include monitoring gameplay of a game used to determine the result of a tournament. A user may play a provided game by operating the interface of the gaming device, which is done by selecting a game (e.g., selecting to bet on a sports event), operating an actuator to place a bet, or otherwise playing the selected game. The permitting steps may include always permitting if it is the same game and / or adjusting the game as the tournament progresses. The permitting steps may include permitting with restrictions such as specifying a number of times, specifying a minimum number of times, etc. Server 101 may drive such permitting steps, which is done by transmitting and / or receiving display information, result information, and others to / from device 103.

[0038] According to some embodiments, it may include steps to determine the effects that the play of the game in the tournament brings to the tournament. For example, the central system (e.g., 101) may receive information identifying betting parameters (e.g., which side, amount, odds, result, etc.), and based on such information, the determination of the winner may be made (e.g., from device 103). Each player in the tournament can acquire some amount of money by playing the game (e.g., by winning the game in the tournament). The prize money amount may be tracked for each player over the duration of the tournament. It should be understood that the prize money amount may mean the actual prize money amount and / or some normalized prize money amount based on the weighting of the game results (these may or may not be the same depending on how and when the weighting is applied to the results).

[0039] According to some embodiments, it may include steps to determine the winner of the tournament based on the play of the game. For example, the player who won the most (the player who acquired the most amount of money, points, number of games, jackpot, etc.) may be determined as the winner by the central system. Various other players may also be the winner. For example, the player who lost the most may be the consolation prize. The player with the largest single loss may be some form of winner. The player with the largest single prize money may be regarded as the winner. The player who acquired the second, third, fourth, or lower amount may also be regarded as the winner.

[0040] According to some embodiments, it may include steps to award a prize to the winner. Various forms of winners may receive a prize commensurate with the prize money. For example, the player who achieved the highest score throughout the tournament may be the jackpot prize. The prize may be held by the central system and / or transferred to the player's account that the central system can access in another way. The step of awarding the prize may include transferring the prize money to the account of the player who won the tournament.

[0041] It should be understood that the various embodiments and descriptions related to FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as the other described embodiments, are provided only as non-limiting examples. The various embodiments may operate together in any desired combination. None of the described functionality and / or elements are essential, and other embodiments may include other, or different, or the same, etc. elements and / or functionality.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of sports bets may be provided as part of a tournament. These bets may relate to the occurrence of events. For example, these bets may relate to the outcome of an entire game, the outcome of a fantasy game, an ongoing event, etc. Players may compete in a tournament associated with such bets. For example, a series of all-game bets (for one sport, multiple sports) throughout a weekend may be provided. Players may compete by playing the provided games. As another example, a series of ongoing events (e.g., whether the batter hits the ball, whether the play is a run or a pass, whether the first down is achieved in this possession, etc.) may be provided depending on the course of the game. The offerings may change as the game progresses and as part of the tournament. Players may compete by participating in those games depending on the course of the games, innings, weekends, and / or any other period during which the tournament may be held. Although examples related to sports are provided, depending on the embodiment, other events, such as any competition (e.g., an election, a TV show like American Idol), may be included.

[0043] As another example, according to some embodiments, casino games such as card games, slot games, etc. may be included. As further games, there may be games played through a mobile device. Such games may include video games, sports games, casino games, head-to-head games, etc. Although some embodiments provide for wagering, it should be understood that such an element is not essential. For example, according to some embodiments, a player may play a game that accumulates without risk. For example, a video game may operate in a manner where a player plays without taking risks and stores points through actions in the game. Although some embodiments provide for wagering an amount selected, in embodiments that include wagering, the amount wagered may be fixed. By fixing the amount in this way, rather than taking a large amount of risk at a crucial moment, the main focus of the tournament can be placed on being able to play more games successfully.

[0044] It should be understood that these examples are provided only as non-limiting examples and that these examples may be combined and / or modified in any manner (e.g., in a tournament that lasts all weekend, a sports game in progress with a fixed wager amount provided along with a video game with a variable wager amount is possible).

[0045] According to some embodiments, a utility may be included to facilitate the formation of a tournament by an administrator. FIG. 3 shows an example of an interface that can be used to facilitate such formation. The administrator may operate an operator to input various characteristics of the tournament (e.g., start time, number of games, end time, number of participants, prizes, buy-in amount, whether to weight the games, how to weight the games, etc.). By inputting information on tournament parameters, the administrator may define each aspect of the tournament. A computing device (e.g., system 101, etc.) may receive such information and use it to define the tournament.

[0046] A list of available games may be presented to the administrator. The administrator may select the games to add to the tournament. For each game, the device may receive the selection and present the selected game characteristics to the administrator. The administrator may adjust the game characteristics to configure the game for the tournament. For example, a list of possible game results may be presented to the administrator, which may be done by sending such information to a display device forming part of the computing device (e.g., 101). The administrator may select the result that is the winning result. The administrator may adjust the probability of each winning result and / or the amount of money to be won by obtaining that winning result. These are given only as examples of parameters, and other desired parameters may be included in other embodiments.

[0047] Based on the selected parameters of the game, the computer device may determine a normalization weight for the game. Such a weight may be sent to the display (e.g., by server 101) and presented to the administrator. For example, the tournament parameters may indicate that the game must be normalized such that the expected value of the gameplay is the same, the average amount of money won per win is the same, the probability of winning is the same, and / or any other desired item is normalized. Based on the stated requirements and the selected game parameters, a determination may be made as to how to weight the game to achieve the desired normalization. For example, if it is determined that the expected return of the game must be 94 cents per dollar, and the expected return of the game configured by the administrator is 95 cents per dollar, then 94 / 95 may be applied to the game as the normalization weight.

[0048] The administrator can add each game to a series of games applied to the tournament as configured by pressing the "Add to Tournament" button. The computing device may record the added games and present a list of the added games. The administrator may select games from the addition list and adjust or remove those games.

[0049] Once the administrator has added the desired games, the administrator can activate the tournament by pressing the "Activate Tournament" button. The computing device (e.g., 101) may accordingly receive a notification of the configured tournament and advance the play of the tournament by the player (e.g., by implementing a method such as the method of FIG. 2) according to the configuration.

[0050] Examples are given regarding normalization when adding games, but it should be understood that such normalization may be performed after adding the games. For example, if normalization based on some characteristic becomes necessary after the list of games has been added, the computing device may apply weights to the games after all the games have been added to the desired list of games, thereby performing the desired normalization on the games.

[0051] Examples are given regarding the server 101 performing an action on the interface of FIG. 3, but it should be understood that such an action may be performed by any device. The server 101 or other device operating the tournament may receive the information determined through such an interface and advance the tournament according to the determined information by performing an action as shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] The following section provides a guide for interpreting this application.

[0053] II. Terms The term "product" means any machine, manufactured article, and / or composition, unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0054] The term "process" means any process, algorithm, method, etc., unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0055] Each process inherently includes one or more steps (by whatever name called, such as method, algorithm, or other means), and thus any reference to a "step (step or steps)" of a process has an inherent antecedent in the mere recitation of the term "process" or a similar term. Thus, any reference in a claim to a "step (step or steps)" of a process has a sufficient antecedent.

[0056] The term "invention", etc. means "one or more inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0057] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment (embodiment, embodiments)", "the embodiment (the embodiment, the embodiments)", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", "specific embodiments", "a certain embodiment", "another embodiment", etc. mean "one or more embodiments (but not all) of the disclosed invention", unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0058] The term "modification" of an invention means an embodiment of the present invention, unless expressly provided otherwise.

[0059] A reference to "another embodiment" when describing a certain embodiment does not, unless expressly provided otherwise, indicate that the recited embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described prior to the recited embodiment).

[0060] The terms "comprising", "including", and variations thereof mean "including but not necessarily limited to" unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, the statement "This portfolio includes red widgets and blue widgets" means that the portfolio includes red widgets and blue widgets, but may also include something else.

[0061] The terms "consisting of", and variations thereof, mean "including and limited to" unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, the statement "This portfolio consists of red widgets and blue widgets" means that the portfolio includes red widgets and blue widgets, but nothing else.

[0062] The terms "composed of", and variations thereof, mean "made up of components, elements, or members" unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, the statement "Red widgets and blue widgets compose the portfolio" means that the portfolio includes red widgets and blue widgets.

[0063] The terms "exclusively composed of", and variations thereof, mean "exclusively made up of components, the only component, or the only member" unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, the statement "Red widgets and blue widgets exclusively compose the portfolio" means that the portfolio consists of red widgets and blue widgets and nothing else.

[0064] The terms "a" and "the" mean "one or more" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0065] The term "plurality" means "two or more" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0066] The term "in this specification" means, unless expressly provided otherwise, "in this application including all that can be incorporated by reference".

[0067] When modifying a plurality of things (such as a list of enumerated things), the phrase "at least one of" means, unless expressly provided otherwise, any combination of one or more of those things. For example, the phrase "at least one of widget, car, and wheel" means (i) widget, (ii) car, (iii) wheel, (iv) widget and car, (v) widget and wheel, (vi) car and wheel, or (vii) any of widget, car, and wheel. When modifying a plurality of things, the phrase "at least one of" does not mean "one of each of" the plurality of things.

[0068] When used as a cardinal number to indicate a quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), numerical terms such as "one", "two", etc. mean the quantity indicated by that numerical term and not more than the quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase "one widget" does not mean "at least one widget", and thus the phrase "one widget" does not include, for example, two widgets within its scope.

[0069] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on" unless expressly provided otherwise. That is, the phrase "based on" represents both "based only on" and "based at least on". The phrase "based at least on" is equivalent to the phrase "based at least in part on".

[0070] The terms "corresponding to" and similar terms are not exclusive unless expressly provided otherwise. For example, the term "corresponding to" does not mean "corresponding only to" unless expressly provided otherwise. That is, the phrase "this data corresponds to a credit card number" represents both "this data corresponds only to a credit card number" and "this data corresponds to a credit card number and also corresponds to something else".

[0071] In this specification, the term "thereby" is used exclusively for placement before a clause or other set of words that represents only the intended result, purpose, or outcome of some matter previously and clearly described. Thus, when the term "thereby" is used in a claim, the clause or other words modified by the term "thereby" do not provide a further limitation of that claim, nor do they otherwise limit the meaning or scope of that claim.

[0072] The terms "e.g." and similar terms mean "for example" and thus do not limit the terms or phrases they describe. For example, in the sentence "A computer sends data (e.g., instructions, data structures) via the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that "instructions" are an example of "data" that a computer can send via the Internet, and also explains that "data structures" are an example of "data" that a computer can send via the Internet. However, neither "instructions" nor "data structures" are anything more than examples of "data", and other things besides "instructions" and "data structures" can also be "data".

[0073] The terms "each" and similar terms mean "viewed individually". Thus, when two or more things have "each" characteristic, each such thing has its own characteristic, and those characteristics can be different from each other but can also be the same. For example, the phrase "Each of two machines has its own function" means that the first such machine has a certain function and the second such machine also has a certain function. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the function of the second machine.

[0074] The terms "i.e." and similar terms mean "that is" and thus limit the terms or phrases they describe. For example, in the sentence "A computer sends data (i.e., instructions) via the Internet", the term "i.e." explains that the "data" that a computer sends via the Internet is "instructions".

[0075] A given numerical range shall include the integers and decimals of the numbers within that range. For example, the range from "1 to 10" shall be interpreted to clearly include the integers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4,...9) and non-integers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2,...1.9) between 1 and 10.

[0076] If two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., by an explicit statement that they are synonymous), an example of such a term / phrase does not mean that another such term / phrase must have a different meaning. For example, if a description makes the meaning of "include" synonymous with "include but not limited to", simply using the phrase "include but not limited to" does not mean that the term "include" means something other than "include but not limited to".

[0077] III. Determination The term "determine" and its grammatical variations (e.g., determine the price, determine the value, determine an object that meets certain criteria) are used in a very broad sense. The term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions, and thus "determine" can include calculations, operations, processing, derivations, investigations, searches (e.g., searches of tables, databases, or other data structures), confirmations, etc. Also, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Also, "determine" can include solving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0078] The term "determine" does not imply certainty or absolute accuracy, and thus "determine" can include estimations, inferences, predictions, speculations, etc.

[0079] The term "determine" does not mean that a mathematical process must be performed, does not mean that a numerical method must be used, and also does not mean that an algorithm or process is used.

[0080] The term "determine" does not mean that a particular device must be used. For example, a computer does not necessarily have to make a determination.

[0081] IV. Sentence form If the limitation of the first claim includes one and a plurality of features in the scope (for example, a limitation such as "at least one widget" includes not only one widget but also a plurality of widgets in the scope), and in a second claim dependent on the first claim, when the second claim uses the definite article "the" to refer to that limitation (for example, "the widget"), this does not mean that the first claim includes only one feature in the scope, nor does it mean that the second claim includes only one feature in the scope (for example, "the widget" can include both one widget and a plurality of widgets in the scope).

[0082] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second", "third", etc.) is used as an adjective before a term, the ordinal number is used simply to indicate a particular feature (unless otherwise expressly specified), for example, to distinguish the particular feature from another feature described by the same or a similar term. For example, a "first widget" can be so named simply to distinguish it from, for example, a "second widget". Thus, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget" does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, nor does it indicate any other property of one or both of the widgets. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget" does not mean (1) with respect to order or position, that either widget comes before or after the other widget, (2) with respect to time, that either widget occurs or operates before or after the other widget, or (3) with respect to importance or quality, that either widget ranks above or below the other widget. Further, simply using an ordinal number does not define a numerical limitation on the feature identified by the ordinal number. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget" does not mean that there must not be more than two widgets.

[0083] When this specification describes a single device, article, or other product, two or more devices / articles (whether or not they are intended to operate together) can be used alternatively in place of the single device / article described. Thus, the functions described as being held by a device can be held alternatively by two or more devices / articles (whether or not they are intended to operate together).

[0084] Similarly, when this specification describes two or more devices, things, or other products (whether they operate together or not), a single device / thing can alternatively be used in place of the two or more devices or things described. For example, multiple computer-based devices can be replaced by a single computer-based device. Thus, the various functions described as being held by two or more devices or things can alternatively be held by a single device / thing.

[0085] The functions and / or features of the single device described can be alternatively implemented by one or more other devices that are described but not explicitly described as having such functions / features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the device itself as described, but can alternatively include one or more other devices having such functions / features in those other embodiments.

[0086] V. The disclosed examples and terms are non-limiting Neither the title (described at the beginning of the first page of this application) nor the abstract (described at the end of this application) should be construed as in any way limiting the scope of the disclosed invention, nor should they be used in interpreting the meaning of any claim or in limiting the scope of any claim. The abstract is included in this application only because it is required under 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

[0087] The title and section headings of this application shown herein are for convenience only and should in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0088] Numerous embodiments have been described in this application, which are presented solely for illustrative purposes. The described embodiments are not limiting in any sense and are not intended to be limiting. As will be readily apparent from this disclosure, the invention disclosed herein is widely applicable to numerous embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed invention can be implemented with various modifications and alterations, such as structural modifications, logical modifications, software modifications, electrical modifications, and the like. Although certain features of the disclosed invention may be described with respect to one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, such features are not limited to use in the one or more specific embodiments or drawings in which they are described, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0089] Although embodiments may be disclosed as including some features, other embodiments of the present invention may include fewer features than all such features. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to less than all of the features of a set of disclosed embodiments, and such a claim does not include features that exceed the features explicitly recited in that claim.

[0090] Any embodiment of a method step or product element described in this application does not constitute, or is not essential to, or does not refer to the same subject matter as, the invention claimed herein, unless explicitly stated to be so in this specification or explicitly recited in the claims.

[0091] The preamble of the appended claims merely describes the purpose, benefits, and possible uses of the claimed invention and does not limit the claimed invention.

[0092] This disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the present invention. Nor is this disclosure a listing of features of the present invention that must be present in all embodiments.

[0093] Not all disclosed embodiments are necessarily covered by the claims (even including all pending, amended, issued, and cancelled claims). Further, an embodiment may be covered by some claims (but not necessarily so). Thus, a claim directed to a particular embodiment (regardless of whether pending, amended, issued, or cancelled) is not evidence that the scope of other claims does not also cover that embodiment.

[0094] Devices described as communicating with each other need not continuously communicate with each other unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as needed or when desired, and in fact can refrain from data exchange most of the time. For example, a machine communicating with other machines via the Internet need not transmit data to other machines for long periods of time (e.g., several weeks at a time). Further, devices communicating with each other can communicate directly or indirectly via one or more intermediaries.

[0095] The description of embodiments having several components or features does not mean that all or any of such components / features are required. On the contrary, various optional components are described to illustrate diverse possible embodiments of the invention. Unless expressly specified otherwise, no component / feature is essential or required.

[0096] Process steps, algorithms, etc. can be described in a specific order or recited in the claims, but such processes can be configured to function in a different order. That is, any order or sequence of steps that can be explicitly described or recited in the claims does not necessarily indicate a requirement to perform the steps in that order. The steps of the processes described herein can be executed in any possible order. Further, even if some steps are described or implied as occurring non - simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after another step), they can be executed simultaneously. Additionally, an illustration of a process by a drawing does not mean that the illustrated process excludes other modifications and corrections to that process, nor does it mean that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary for the present invention, nor does it mean that the illustrated process is preferred.

[0097] A process may be described as including a plurality of steps, but that does not mean that all or any of those steps are preferred, essential, or necessary. Other various embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless explicitly specified otherwise, no step is essential or necessary.

[0098] A process may be described alone or without reference to other products or methods, but in one embodiment, the process can interact with other products or methods. For example, such interactions can include linking one business model to another business model. Such interactions can be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the process.

[0099] The product may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics, and / or features, but this does not indicate that any or all of these are preferred, essential, or required. Other various embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.

[0100] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, a list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not mean that any or all of those items are mutually exclusive. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, a list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not mean that any or all of those items cover any arbitrary category. For example, the list "computer, laptop, PDA" does not mean that any or all of the three items in the list are mutually exclusive, nor does it mean that any or all of the three items in the list cover any arbitrary category.

[0101] A list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not mean that any or all of those items are equivalent to each other or are easily substitutable for each other.

[0102] All embodiments are illustrative and do not mean that the invention or any embodiment has been created or executed as the case may be.

[0103] VI. Computing It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the various processes described herein can be implemented, for example, by a suitably programmed general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, and a computing device. Typically, a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (e.g., from a device such as a memory), executes those instructions, and thereby performs one or more processes defined by those instructions. The instructions can be embodied, for example, by one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

[0104] "Processor" means one or more microprocessors, a central processing unit (CPU), a computing device, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor or such devices, or any combination thereof, regardless of its architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing / multicore, RISC, CISC, a microprocessor with non-interlocked pipeline stages, pipeline configuration, simultaneous multithreading).

[0105] Thus, a description of a process is, similarly, a description of an apparatus for performing that process. An apparatus for performing a process can include, for example, a processor and an input device and an output device suitable for performing the process.

[0106] Furthermore, a program (as well as other types of data) for implementing such methods can be stored and transmitted in a number of ways using a variety of media (e.g., computer-readable media). In some embodiments, instead of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of the various embodiments, hardwired circuitry or custom hardware can be used. Thus, not only software, but also various combinations of hardware and software can be used.

[0107] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium, multiple media, or combination of various media that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) that can be read by a computer, processor, or similar device. Such media can take many forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical disks or magnetic disks, and other permanent memories. Volatile media typically includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that constitutes main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that make up the system bus coupled to a processor. Transmission media can include or convey electromagnetic radiation such as acoustic waves, light waves, and those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical media with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, the carrier waves described below, or any other media readable by a computer.

[0108] When carrying data (e.g., a series of instructions) to a processor, various forms of computer-readable media can be used. For example, the data can be (i) sent from RAM to the processor, (ii) carried via a wireless transmission media, (iii) formatted and / or transmitted according to numerous formats, standards, or protocols such as Ethernet (registered trademark) (or IEEE802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth (registered trademark), TCP / IP, TDMA, CDMA, 3G, etc., and / or (iv) encrypted, protected for privacy, or prevented from being tampered with in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

[0109] Accordingly, a description of a process is, similarly, a description of a computer-readable medium that stores a program for executing that process. The computer-readable medium can store those program elements (in any suitable format) suitable for executing the present method.

[0110] Similar to the description of the various steps in a process not indicating that all of the recited steps are required, an embodiment of an apparatus includes a computer / computing device operable to perform (but not necessarily all of) a portion of the described process.

[0111] Also, similar to the description of the various steps in a process not indicating that all of the recited steps are required, an embodiment of a computer-readable medium storing a program or data structure includes a computer-readable medium that stores a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to perform (but not necessarily all of) a portion of the described process.

[0112] When describing a database, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that (i) alternative database structures for the described database can be readily used, and (ii) other memory structures other than databases can be readily used. Any illustration or description of any of the sample databases shown herein is an exemplary configuration regarding the representation of stored information. For example, any number of other configurations can be used in addition to the tables shown in the drawings and those proposed elsewhere. Similarly, any entry of any of the databases illustrated is merely illustrative of the information, and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries may differ from those described herein. Further, regardless of any description of the database as a table, other forms (including relational databases, object-based models, and / or distributed databases) can be used to store and manipulate the types of data described herein. Similarly, object methods or database operations can be used to implement various processes as described herein. Further, the database can be stored in a known manner, either locally or remotely from the device accessing the data within such database.

[0113] Various embodiments can be configured to function within a network environment that includes one or more devices and a computer that communicates with the devices (e.g., via a communication network). The computer can communicate directly with the devices or indirectly via any wired or wireless medium (e.g., the Internet, LAN, WAN, or Ethernet®, Token Ring, telephone line, cable line, wireless channel, optical communication line, commercial online service provider, bulletin board system, satellite communication line, any combination of the foregoing). Each of the devices can include other computing devices, such as a computer itself or one based on an Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™ processor adapted to communicate with a computer. Any number and type of devices can communicate with the computer.

[0114] In one embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not be required or may not be desirable. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, it can be implemented on one or more devices without centralized authority. In such embodiments, any functions described herein as being performed by a server computer and any data described as being stored on a server computer can instead be performed by one or more such devices or stored on such devices.

[0115] When describing a process, in one embodiment, the process can function without any intervention by a user. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a certain step is performed by a human or with the help of a human).

[0116] VII. Continued Applications This disclosure provides one or more embodiments and / or enabling descriptions of the invention to those skilled in the art. Some of these embodiments and / or aspects of the invention may not be claimed in this application but may be claimed in one or more continuing applications claiming the benefit of the priority of this application.

[0117] The applicant intends to file additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that is disclosed and available for use but not claimed in this application.

[0118] VIII. Disclaimer Numerous references to specific embodiments do not imply a disclaimer or negation of additional various embodiments, and similarly, a reference to a description of an embodiment that includes all of a particular feature does not imply a disclaimer or negation of an embodiment that does not include that particular feature. Any express disclaimer or negation in this application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not include" or "is not capable of performing".

[0119] IX. Prosecution History When interpreting this application (including the claims), one of ordinary skill in the art should refer to the prosecution history of this application, regardless of whether there are other patent applications considered relevant to this application and regardless of whether there are other patent applications sharing the claim of priority, rather than any other patents or patent applications.

[0120] XX. Alternative Technologies It should be understood that the techniques described in this document for manufacturing, using, or implementing multiple embodiments are included in techniques that may be used for the same or similar purposes. The specific techniques described in this document should not be construed as being limited thereto. Rather, the multiple embodiments are intended to evoke alternative techniques for manufacturing, using, or implementing the multiple embodiments.

[0121] [Appendix 1] One or more processors, One or more non-transitory media storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, Determine a plurality of different game types to be available for play in a tournament by a plurality of players; As part of the tournament, drive play of the plurality of different game types by the plurality of players; As part of the tournament, track results of the play of the plurality of different game types by the plurality of different players; Based on the tracked results, determine a winning player of the tournament from among the plurality of players, such that the device performs. Device. [Appendix 2] The plurality of different game types include sports betting and casino gaming, the device according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] The step of tracking results For each winning game played as part of the tournament, receiving a notification of the result of the game and determining the amount of increase in the tournament points of a certain player among the plurality of players. The apparatus according to appended note 1. [Appended note 4] The apparatus according to appended note 3, wherein the amount includes the amount of money obtained by playing the game. [Appended note 5] The apparatus according to appended note 3, wherein the step of determining the amount includes the step of applying a normalization factor to the result. [Appended note 6] The apparatus according to appended note 1, wherein the step of promoting the play includes at least one of the step of determining the results of the plurality of different game types and the step of adjusting the interface to enable the selection of the different game types as part of the tournament. [Appended note 7] The apparatus according to appended note 1, which is configured to perform the step of receiving a notification that a player has logged in to each of a plurality of gaming devices, and based on each login, applying to the player an adjustment of the score of the tournament due to game play in the gaming device. [Appended note 8] The apparatus according to appended note 7, wherein the gaming device includes at least one of a slot machine, a mobile phone, and a sports book interface. [Appended note 9] The apparatus according to appended note 1, which is configured to perform the step of determining the winner of the tournament, and the step of determining the winner of the tournament includes the step of determining, from among the plurality of players, the player with the highest total number of points at the end of the tournament. [Appended note 10] The apparatus according to appended note 1, wherein the step of determining the game type includes the step of receiving the selection content of the game type from an administrator. [Appended note 11] The apparatus according to appended note 10, wherein the step of receiving the game type selection content includes the step of receiving the selection content of the winning result and the possibility of each result occurring for each game type. [Appended note 12] The apparatus, which is configured to determine a normalization factor for each game type based on at least one of the expected return for each game type, the expected probability of the winning result in each game type, and the average of the prize amounts in each game type, wherein the step of tracking the results includes the step of normalizing the prizes from each game type by applying a respective normalization factor to each result. The apparatus according to appended note 1. [Appended note 13] A step of determining, by a computing device, that a plurality of different game types are available for play in a tournament by a plurality of players, A step of promoting, by the computing device, play of the plurality of different game types by the plurality of players as part of the tournament, A step of tracking, by the computing device, the results of the play of the plurality of different game types by the plurality of different players as part of the tournament, A step of determining, by the computing device, a winning player of the tournament from among the plurality of players based on the tracked results, A method including the above. [Appended note 14] The method according to appended note 13, wherein the plurality of different game types include sports betting and casino gaming. [Appended note 15] The step of tracking the results includes receiving, for each winning game played as part of the tournament, a notification of the result of the game and determining an amount of increase in the tournament points of a player among the plurality of players. The method according to appended note 13. [Appended note 16] The method according to Appendix 15, wherein the amount includes the amount of money obtained by playing the game. Appendix 17 The method according to Appendix 15, wherein the step of determining the amount includes the step of applying a normalization factor to the result. Appendix 18 The method according to Appendix 13, wherein the step of advancing the play includes at least one of the step of determining the results of the plurality of different game types and the step of adjusting the interface to enable the selection of the different game types as part of the tournament. Appendix 19 The method according to Appendix 13, including the step of receiving a notification that a player has logged in on each of a plurality of gaming devices, and the step of applying to the player an adjustment of the score of the tournament based on the game play on the gaming devices for each login. Appendix 20 The method according to Appendix 19, wherein the gaming device includes at least one of a slot machine, a mobile phone, and a sports book interface. Appendix 21 Including the step of determining the winner of the tournament, and the step of determining the winner of the tournament includes the step of determining, from among the plurality of players, the player with the highest total number of points at the end of the tournament. The method according to Appendix 13. Appendix 22 The method according to Appendix 13, wherein the step of determining the game type includes the step of receiving the selection content of the game type from an administrator. Appendix 23 The method according to Appendix 22, wherein the step of receiving the selection content of the game type includes the step of receiving the selection content of the winning result and the probability of each result occurring for each game type. Appendix 24 Determining a normalization factor for each game type based on at least one of the return expected for each game type, the expected likelihood of a winning result in each game type, and the average prize amount in each game type, the step of tracking the results including normalizing the prize money from each game type by applying the respective normalization factor to each result. The method according to Appendix 13.

Claims

1. One or more processors, Promoting play of a plurality of different game types in which a plurality of players can play as part of a tournament, said promoting play including defining a tournament based on information regarding tournament parameters received via an interface that adjusts an acquisition amount for obtaining a winning result for a first game type among said different game types; Determining a normalization factor for each game type based on at least one of an average acquisition amount in each game type, an expected return in each game type, and an expected chance value indicating a likelihood of winning in each game type; Tracking results of play of said plurality of different game types by said plurality of players as part of said tournament based on information received from a plurality of gaming systems, said tracking results including applying respective normalization factors to each result to normalize prizes from each game type; Normalizing prizes of amounts obtained for each game across games within the tournament based on a normalization weight assigned to the game and a given normalization factor used to weight a number of points, which is a predetermined score used by said tournament for said game; said tracking results; Determining a winning player of said tournament from said plurality of players based on said tracked results; said one or more processors configured to perform the control of, An apparatus.

2. The step of tracking the results comprises, for each won first game played as part of the tournament, receiving a notification of the result of the first game and determining an amount of increase in the tournament points of the player among the plurality of players, wherein the tournament points of the player are points accumulated by the player by playing games in the tournament. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The amount of increase is based on the amount of money obtained in the play of the first game. The apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Determining the amount of increase includes applying a normalization factor to the result of the first game. The apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The step of facilitating the play includes adjusting an interface to enable selection of the plurality of different game types as part of the tournament. The apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The one or more processors are configured to control receiving notifications of players logged in to each of a plurality of game machines, and tracking, based on each login, a total of tournament points accumulated by the players playing games in the tournament from the game play of the players on the game machines. The apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The one or more processors are configured to control determining a winner of the tournament by determining a player among the plurality of players having the highest total of tournament points accumulated from the games played in the tournament at the end of the tournament. The apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The one or more processors are configured to perform control of the step of receiving a selection of the game type from an administrator terminal and determining the game type. The apparatus according to claim 1.

9. Receiving the selection of the game type includes receiving a selection of a winning result that defines the amount of points obtained in a game that is a winning result of the game type, and a chance value for each selected winning result that occurs in each game type, where the chance value indicates the probability of winning the game. The apparatus according to claim 8.

10. A computer device Facilitating play of a plurality of different game types playable by a plurality of players as part of a tournament, where the different game types are provided by a plurality of game systems communicatively connected to the computer device, the step of facilitating the play Facilitating the play includes defining the tournament based on information regarding tournament parameters received via an interface that adjusts an acquisition amount for obtaining a winning result for a first game type among the different game types. The step of facilitating the play Determining a normalization factor for each game type based on at least one of an average acquisition amount for each game type, an expected return for each game type, and an expected chance value indicating the probability of winning for each game type Tracking the results of the play of the plurality of different game types by the plurality of players as part of the tournament based on information received from a plurality of gaming systems, the step of Tracking the results includes applying a respective normalization factor to each result to normalize the prize money from each game type. Normalize the prize money earned for each game among the games in the tournament based on the normalization weight assigned to the game and a given normalization factor used to weight the number of points, which is a predetermined score used by the tournament for the game. The step of tracking the result, Based on the tracked result, the step of determining the winning player of the tournament from the plurality of players, Including controlling, Method.

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