A game that uses financial indicators as a random number generator

Abstract

To provide a system and a method for executing a game and managing bets, the system and the method in which a result of betting is output based at least partially on one or more results, values, and / or events in a financial market.SOLUTION: A method includes the steps of: receiving, by at least one processor of a computing device of a server, an electronic request for betting on a result of a game from a user via a graphical user interface of the user's electronic device; determining, by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, a result of the game by using the numbers included in a result of a financial event as a random number generator included in the result of the game; and in response to the determination of the result of the game, determining, by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, the amount of payment for the user based on the electronic request for betting on the result of the game and the result of the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 768,410, filed on February 23, 2013, entitled "Roulette Game Based on Financial Random Number Generators", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 764,988, filed on February 14, 2013, entitled "Roulette Game Based on Financial Random Number Generators", the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to games with a high element of chance, and to systems and methods for conducting games and managing wagers, where the outcome of a wager is based at least in part on one or more outcomes, values, and / or events of a financial market.

Background Art

[0003] Games with a high element of chance allow users to wager on the outcome of games such as poker or roulette. In many games, the outcome is determined randomly, for example, by shuffling and dealing cards (playing cards) or by allowing a roulette ball to randomly fall into one of a number of numbered slots. For example, in a traditional roulette game, a moving ball falls into a random slot on a roulette wheel. Gamblers can wager by predicting the number of the slot into which the ball will fall or the type (red or black).

[0004] In the case of electronic versions of such games, a computer is used to determine random poker cards or random roulette slot numbers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention is for solving the problems of the background art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic poker - type games where the result of the game is linked to the result of an event, such as the value of the financial market at a specific time (e.g., in the future).

[0007] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic roulette - type games where the result of the game is linked to the result of an event, such as the financial market price at a specific time (e.g., in the future).

[0008] According to various systems and methods, in various games including casino - style games such as roulette and poker, a financial indicator may be used as a random number generator for determining variables such as numbers and cards. A player may bet on one or more game variables, for example, one or more cards, a hand of cards, the spin of a roulette wheel, a lottery number, or other variables and results of the game. After a bet is received, one or more random numbers may be determined based on one or more financial indicators, for example, the price or value of a financial commodity, a financial index, or a financial metric at a specific time, or the least significant digit thereof. The random numbers may be used to determine game variables such as winning numbers, slot reel values, or the numbers and suits of the cards dealt. According to an embodiment, a player may select one or more financial commodities or financial indicators to be used for determining one or more game variables.

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as the features and advantages thereof, reference should be made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In the following Sections I to XI, guidelines for interpreting this application are provided. I. Terms

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, the term "product" means any machine, manufactured article, and / or composition of matter.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, the term "process" means a process, algorithm, method, etc.

[0014] Each process (by whatever name, such as method, algorithm, or other) inherently includes one or more steps. Thus, any reference to one or more "steps" of a process, in the mere description of the process or in the mere listing of the term "process" or similar terms, has an inherent antecedent. Accordingly, in a claim, if there is a reference to one or more "steps" of a process, that reference has a sufficient antecedent.

[0015] Unless otherwise specified, the term "invention" and similar terms mean "one or more inventions disclosed in the present application".

[0016] Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "those embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", "a particular embodiment", "an embodiment", "another embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention".

[0017] Unless otherwise specified, the term "variant form" of an invention means an embodiment of that invention.

[0018] The term "indicator" is used in a very broad sense. An "indicator" of a thing should be understood to include any thing that may be used to identify that thing.

[0019] What indicates a thing may include an electronic message that identifies the thing (e.g., a serial number attached to a widget to identify the widget, one or more characteristics of the widget to identify the widget). What indicates a thing may include information used to calculate and / or look up a thing (e.g., information that identifies a machine of which the widget is a part and that may be used to identify the widget). What indicates a thing may specify things related to the thing (e.g., characteristics of the thing, a name of the thing, names of things related to the thing). What indicates a thing may not specify things related to the thing (e.g., the character "a" is a display of a widget of a computer system, and the computer system may be configured such that the widget is identified by interpreting the character "a"). What indicates a thing may include a mark, sign, and / or evidence of the thing. For example, what indicates may include a code, reference, example, link, signal, and / or identifier. What indicates a thing may include information that represents the thing, information that describes the thing, and / or information otherwise associated with the thing.

[0020] Something that is a modification of what indicates a thing may be what indicates that thing (for example, something that is an encryption of what indicates a thing may be what indicates that thing). What indicates a thing may include the thing itself, a copy of the thing, and / or a part of the thing. What indicates a thing may be meaningless to something not configured to understand the indication (for example, there may be a person who does not understand that the character "a" indicates a widget, yet since the computer system can identify the widget from the character "a", the character "a" may be what indicates that widget). Of course, the fact that what indicates a thing may be used to identify that thing does not mean that that thing or something else is identified. What indicates a thing may include, unless otherwise specified, something that indicates some number of that thing. What indicates a thing may include something that indicates a plurality of other things (for example, an electronic message that indicates a number of things). (The term "indicating" may be used as a very broad term in claim language. Example: Receive something that indicates a financial product.)

[0021] The term "represent" means (1) to act so as to express, specify, symbolize, or indicate, as words, symbols, etc. do; (2) to express or specify by some term, feature, symbol, etc.; (3) to act so as to express, depict, or present a likeness, as a picture does; or (4) to act as a mark or symbol.

[0022] Referring to "another embodiment" in the description of an embodiment does not, unless otherwise specified, mean that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with yet another embodiment (for example, an embodiment described prior to the referenced embodiment). Similarly, the mere fact that two (or more) embodiments are referenced does not mean that those embodiments are mutually exclusive.

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention may include two or more other embodiments of the present invention. For example, a first embodiment including elements a, b, and c may include a second embodiment including elements a, b, c, and d, and a third embodiment including elements a, b, c, and e. Similarly, each of the first, second, and third embodiments may include a fourth embodiment including elements a, b, c, d, and e.

[0024] The terms "comprising," "including," and variations thereof mean, unless otherwise specified, "including, and possibly including other things." Thus, for example, the sentence "The machine includes a red widget and a blue widget" means that the machine includes a red widget and a blue widget, but may also, in some cases, include one or more other items as well.

[0025] The term "consisting of" and variations thereof mean, unless otherwise specified, "including, and not including other things." Thus, for example, the sentence "The machine consists of a red widget and a blue widget" means that the machine includes a red widget and a blue widget, but does not include other things.

[0026] The term "constituting" and variations thereof mean, unless otherwise specified, "making up the components of," "being a component of," or "being a member of." Thus, for example, the sentence "A red widget and a blue widget constitute the machine" means that the machine includes a red widget and a blue widget.

[0027] The phrase "exclusively constituting" and variations thereof mean, unless otherwise specified, "exclusively making up the components of," "being the only component of," or "being the only member of." Thus, for example, the sentence "A red widget and a blue widget exclusively constitute the machine" means that the machine consists of a red widget and a blue widget (i.e., does not include other things).

[0028] The words "a", "an", and "the", unless otherwise specified, mean "one or more". Thus, for example, the phrase "a widget" means one or more widgets, unless otherwise specified. Similarly, if the phrase "the widget" follows the phrase "a widget", this means "the one or more widgets". Thus, of course, the word "the" can also refer to a specific word having an antecedent. For example, if a paragraph refers to "a specific single feature" and then refers to "the feature", the phrase "the feature" should be understood to mean the "specific single feature" that has already been referred to. (Of course, the word "a" in "a specific single feature" means "one" specific single feature and not "one or more" specific single features.)

[0029] The word "plural", unless otherwise specified, means "two or more".

[0030] The phrase "herein" means, unless otherwise specified, "in this application, including anything that may be incorporated by reference".

[0031] The phrase "at least one of" means, unless otherwise specified, any combination of one or more of a plurality of things (e.g., a list of enumerated things). For example, "at least one of widget, automobile, and wheel" means (i) widget, (ii) automobile, (iii) wheel, (iv) widget and automobile, (v) widget and wheel, (vi) automobile and wheel, or (vii) widget, automobile, and wheel. The phrase "at least one of" does not mean "each one of the plurality of things" when modifying a plurality of things. For example, the phrase "at least one of widget, automobile, and wheel" does not mean "one widget, one automobile, and one wheel".

[0032] Numerals such as "one", "two", etc. are used as cardinal numbers to indicate a quantity (e.g., one widget, two widgets), and mean the quantity indicated by the numeral, but not necessarily only the quantity indicated by the numeral. 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.

[0033] The phrase "based on" does not mean "only based on", unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" includes both "only based on" and "at least based on". The phrase "at least based on" is equivalent to the phrase "at least partially based on". For example, the phrase "element A is calculated based on element B and element C" includes embodiments where element A is calculated as the product of B and C (in other words, A = B × C), embodiments where A is calculated as the sum of B and C (in other words, A = B + C), embodiments where A is calculated as the product of B, C, and D, embodiments where A is calculated as the sum of the square root of B, C, and D × E, and so on.

[0034] The terms "represent" and like terms are not exclusive unless otherwise indicated. For example, the use of the term "represent" does not mean "represent only" unless otherwise indicated. For example, the phrase "the data represents a credit card number" encompasses both "the data represents only a credit card number" and "the data represents a credit card number and the data also represents something else".

[0035] The phrase "whereby" is used in this specification only to precede a clause or other group of words that expresses the intended result, purpose, or consequence of something explicitly described before the phrase "whereby". Thus, when the phrase "whereby" is used in a claim, the clause or group of words modified by the phrase "whereby" does not establish a particular further limitation of that claim or otherwise limit the meaning or scope of that claim.

[0036] The phrases "e.g.", "such as", etc. mean "for example" and thus do not limit the words or phrases they explain. For example, in the sentence "A computer transmits data (e.g. instructions, data structures) over the Internet", the phrase "e.g." explains that "instructions" is an example of "data" that a computer can transmit over the Internet and that "data structures" is an example of "data" that a computer can transmit over the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "data structures" are merely examples of "data", and things other than "instructions" and "data structures" can also be "data".

[0037] The term "respective" and similar terms mean "taken individually". Thus, when two or more things each have a "respective" feature, such things each have their own individual feature, and these features may or may not be different from each other. For example, the phrase "each of the two machines has its respective function" means that the first of the two machines has a certain function and the second of the two machines 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.

[0038] The phrase "i.e." and similar phrases mean "that is", and thus, they limit the word or phrase that they explain. For example, in the sentence "The computer transmits data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet", the word "i.e." explains that "instructions" are the "data" that the computer can transmit over the Internet.

[0039] A range of numbers, unless otherwise specified, includes both integers and non-integers within that range. For example, the range "from 1 to 10" includes integers from 1 to 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4,... 9, 10) and non-integers (e.g., 1.0031415926, 1.1, 1.2,... 1.9).

[0040] When two or more words or phrases are synonymous (e.g., by an explicit statement that they are synonymous), an example of such a word or phrase does not mean that another such word or phrase must have a different meaning. For example, if it is stated that the meaning of "comprises" is synonymous with "includes, but may also include other things", then just using the phrase "includes, but may also include other things" does not imply that the word "comprises" means something other than "includes, but may also include other things". II. Determining

[0041] The term "determining" and its grammatical variants (e.g., "to determine a price", "determining a value", "the determination of an object which meets a certain criterion") are used in a very broad sense. The term "determining" encompasses a variety of operations, and thus, "determining" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or another data structure), putting into an electronic format or digital representation, verifying, etc. Also, "determining" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Also, "determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0042] The term "determining" does not mean certainty or absolute accuracy, and thus, "determining" can include estimating, extrapolating, predicting, speculating, averaging, etc.

[0043] The term "determining" does not mean that a mathematical process must be performed, does not mean that a numerical method must be used, and does not mean that an algorithm is used.

[0044] The term "determining" does not mean that a particular device must be used. For example, a computer does not necessarily have to perform determining.

[0045] The term "determining" may encompass "calculating". The term "calculating" is to be understood as including performing one or more calculations. Calculating may include computing, processing, and / or deriving. Calculating may be performed by a computing device. For example, calculating something may include applying an algorithm to data by a computer processing device and generating that something as the output of the processing device.

[0046] The term "determining" may encompass "referencing". The term "referencing" is to be understood as including making one or more references (e.g., to something). Referencing may include querying, accessing, selecting, choosing, reading, and / or looking up. The act of referencing may be performed by a computing device. For example, referencing something may include reading by the processing device the memory location in which that something is stored.

[0047] The term "determining" may encompass "receiving". For example, receiving something may include taking in that something. In some embodiments, receiving may include the actions performed to take in something, and may, for example, include operating the network interface used to take in that something. In some embodiments, receiving may be performed without using the actions performed to take in something and may, for example, be performed in the form of direct memory writing or a hardwired circuit. Receiving something may include receiving it from a remote source that may have calculated that something. III. Sentence form

[0048] When the limitation of the first claim encompasses one feature or two or more features (for example, a limitation such as "at least one widget" encompasses one widget or two or more widgets), and in a second claim that depends on the first claim, if the second claim refers to that limitation using the definite article "the" (for example, "the widget"), this usage alone does not mean that the first claim encompasses only one of its features, nor does it mean that the second claim encompasses only one of its features (for example, "the widget" can encompass both one widget and two or more widgets).

[0049] When an ordinal number (for example, "first", "second", "third", etc.) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number (unless otherwise specified) is used only to indicate a particular feature, for example, only to distinguish that feature from another feature represented by the same term or a similar term, but that ordinal number does not have any other meaning or limiting effect and is merely a term of convenience. For example, "the first widget" may be so called only to distinguish it from, for example, "the second widget". Therefore, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget" does not indicate any other relationship between these two widgets, nor does it indicate any other features of either or both widgets. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget" does not (1) indicate whether the order or location of either widget is before or after the other widget, (2) indicate whether the appearance or operation of either widget is before or after the other widget in time, or (3) indicate whether the importance or quality of either widget is higher or lower than the other widget. Merely 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 strictly indicate that there are exactly two widgets.

[0050] If a single device, article, or other product is described in this specification, in another embodiment, two or more devices or articles (regardless of whether they are related) may be used instead at the location of the single device or article described. Thus, the functionality described as being held by a certain device may, in another embodiment, be held instead by two or more devices or articles (regardless of whether they are related).

[0051] Similarly, if two or more devices, articles, or other products (regardless of whether they are related) are described, in another embodiment, a single device or article may be used instead at the location of the two or more devices or articles described. For example, a plurality of computer-based devices may be replaced by a single computer-based device. In some embodiments, such a plurality of computer-based devices may operate together to perform one processing step. This is common, for example, in grid computing systems. In some embodiments, such a plurality of computer-based devices may operate to add functionality to each other, whereby these plurality of devices may operate to perform one processing step. This is common, for example, in cloud computing systems. (Conversely, a single computer-based device may also be replaced by a plurality of computer-based devices that operate in relation to each other. For example, a single computing device may be replaced by a server and a workstation that communicate with each other via the Internet.) Thus, the various functionalities described as being held by two or more devices or articles may alternatively be held by a single device or article.

[0052] The functionality and / or features of the described single device may, in another embodiment, alternatively, be implemented by one or more of the other described devices, provided that such functionality or features are not explicitly described as being possessed by one or more of the other devices. Thus, other embodiments may not include the described device itself, but rather may include one or more other devices that would have such functionality or features in those other embodiments. IV. The disclosed examples and terms are not limiting

[0053] (The title shown at the beginning of the first page of this application) and (the abstract shown at the end of this application) should not be understood to limit the scope of the disclosed invention in any way, nor should they be used in the interpretation of the meaning of any claim, or in the limitation of the scope of any claim. The abstract is included in this application simply because an abstract is required under 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b).

[0054] The headings of each section given in this application are for convenience only and should not be understood to limit the present disclosure in any way.

[0055] Numerous embodiments are described in this application, but these are presented for illustrative purposes only. Each described embodiment is not limiting in any sense and is not intended to be limiting. The invention of the present disclosure is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, which will be apparent from the present disclosure. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the invention of the present disclosure may be implemented with various modifications and changes, such as structural modifications, logical modifications, software modifications, and electrical modifications. Although specific features of the invention of the present disclosure are described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, it goes without saying that, unless otherwise specified, such features are not limited to the manner of use in one or more of the specific embodiments or drawings referred to in those descriptions.

[0056] Although some embodiments may be disclosed as including several features, such features included in other embodiments of the present invention may be less than all of them. Thus, for example, the features claimed may be less than all the features in the disclosed embodiments, and such claims will not be construed as requiring more features than those expressly recited in the claims.

[0057] No embodiment of a method step or product element described in this application, unless expressly stated to be so herein or expressly recited in the claims (with respect to the claims and the invention defined by those claims), constitutes, is essential to, or has the same scope as, the invention claimed herein.

[0058] The preamble of a claim that describes anything other than a statutory classification should be construed as stating the purpose, advantages, and possible uses of the claimed invention, and such preamble should not be construed as limiting the claimed invention.

[0059] This disclosure is not a literal description of every embodiment of the present invention. Nor is this disclosure a list of features of the present invention that must be present in every embodiment.

[0060] Every disclosed embodiment is not necessarily encompassed by the claims (including any pending, amended, issued, or cancelled claims). Further, a disclosed embodiment may be encompassed by (but not necessarily by) multiple claims. Thus, if a claim is directed to a particular embodiment (regardless of whether it is pending, amended, issued, or cancelled), that fact is not evidence that the scope of other claims also encompasses that embodiment.

[0061] Devices described as communicating with each other do not necessarily need to communicate with each other continuously, unless otherwise specified. On the contrary, such devices may communicate only when necessary or when desired, and in fact, they may refrain from data exchange for most of the time. For example, when one machine communicates with another machine via the Internet, that machine does not need to send data to that other machine for a long time (e.g., it does not need to send data for several weeks at a time). Further, devices communicating with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate steps. Devices are considered to be communicating with each other if at least one-way communication is possible between them. For example, if a first device can send information to a second device, the first device is considered to be communicating with the second device. Similarly, if a second device can receive information from the first device, the second device is considered to be communicating with the first device.

[0062] A description that an embodiment has several components or features does not mean that all or any of such components or features are necessary. On the contrary, various optional components are described to show the diversity of possible embodiments of the present invention. There are no indispensable or essential components or features unless otherwise specified.

[0063] Processing steps, algorithms, etc. may be described or claimed in a particular order, but such processing may be configured to operate in a different order. In other words, no sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed necessarily indicates that those steps need to be performed in that order. Each step of the processing described herein may be performed in any possible order. Further, depending on the step, even if it is described or suggested that they not be performed simultaneously (e.g., by virtue of one step being described after another), they may be performed simultaneously. Additionally, when the description of the processing is done by drawing in the drawings, this does not mean that the described processing is exclusive with respect to other variations or modifications of that processing, nor does it mean that the described processing, or any of its steps, is essential to the invention, nor does it mean that the described processing is preferred.

[0064] A process may be described as including a plurality of steps, but this does not mean that all or any of those steps are preferred, essential, or mandatory. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other processes in which some or all of the described steps are omitted. Unless otherwise specified, there are no essential or mandatory steps.

[0065] A certain process may be described alone or without regard to other products or methods, but in one embodiment, the process may interact with other products or methods. For example, such interaction may include linking one business model to another business model. Such interaction may be done to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the process.

[0066] A 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 the plurality are preferred, indispensable, or essential. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other products in which some or all of the described plurality are omitted.

[0067] A list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not, unless otherwise specified, mean that any or all of those items are mutually exclusive. Similarly, a list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not, unless otherwise specified, mean that any or all of those items are comprehensive in any category. For example, a list that enumerates "computer, laptop, and PDA" does not mean that any or all of those three items in the list are mutually exclusive, nor does it mean that any or all of those three items in the list are comprehensive in any category.

[0068] 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 that they are easily interchangeable.

[0069] Embodiments are all illustrative and, in some cases, do not mean that the invention or any embodiment has been created or implemented. V. Operations

[0070] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the various processes described herein may be implemented, for example, by a suitably programmed general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a computing device. Typically, a processing device (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (from a device such as a memory), executes those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes defined by those instructions.

[0071] The term "compute" means making a determination using a processing device according to a software algorithm.

[0072] The term "processing device" means a device such as one or more microprocessors, a central processing unit (CPU), a computing device, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), or any combination thereof, regardless of architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing or multi-core, RISC, CISC, a microprocessor with non-interlocked pipeline stages, a pipeline configuration, simultaneous multi-threading, a microprocessor without an integrated graphics processing unit, GPGPU).

[0073] The term "computing device" means a device such as one or more microprocessors, a central processing unit (CPU), a computing device, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a graphics card, a portable game console, or any combination thereof, regardless of architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing or multi-core, RISC, CISC, a microprocessor with non-interlocked pipeline stages, a pipeline configuration, simultaneous multi-threading).

[0074] Therefore, the description of a process is also a description of an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatus for performing the process may include, for example, a processing device, and an input device and an output device suitable for performing the process. For example, the description of a process is a description of an apparatus including a processing device and a memory, the memory storing a program including instructions that, when executed by the processing device, instruct the processing device to perform the implementation of the said method.

[0075] The apparatus for performing the process may include a plurality of computing devices that operate together to perform the process. Some of those computing devices may operate together to perform each step of the process, may operate in separate steps of the process, and other computing devices may provide underlying services that can facilitate the performance of the process. Such computing devices may operate under the instructions of a centralized management device. In another embodiment, such computing devices may operate without the instructions of a centralized management device. Examples of devices operable in some or all of these modes include a grid computer system, a cloud computer system, a peer-to-peer computer system, a computer system configured to provide software as a service, etc. For example, this apparatus may include a computing system that executes most of its processing load on a remote server but performs the output of display information and the reception of user input information on a local user computer such as a computer system executing VMware software.

[0076] Furthermore, a program (as well as other types of data) for implementing such a method may be stored or transmitted in various ways using various media (e.g., computer-readable media). Depending on the embodiment, instead of some or all of the software instructions capable of implementing the processes of the various embodiments, or in combination with these, hardwired circuitry or custom hardware may be used. Accordingly, various combinations of hardware and software may be used instead of software alone.

[0077] The term "computer-readable medium" means any medium, any plurality of media, or any combination of various media that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) that can be read by a device such as a computer or a processing device. Such media can take various 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 persistent media. Volatile media includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which generally constitutes main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fiber, which includes the wires that make up the system bus coupled to the processing device. Transmission media can include or convey acoustic waves, light waves, or electromagnetic radiation, which are generated, for example, in radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy (registered trademark) 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 having a pattern of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or memory cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other media readable by a computer.

[0078] The term "tangible computer-readable medium" means a "computer-readable medium" that includes hardware components such as optical disks and magnetic disks.

[0079] To convey data (e.g., a sequence of instructions) to a processing device, various forms of computer-readable media may be involved. For example, the data may be (i) delivered from a RAM to the processing device, (ii) conveyed by a wireless transmission medium, (iii) formatted and / or transmitted according to various formats, standards, or protocols, such as Ethernet (registered trademark) (i.e., IEEE 802.3), wireless local area network communication defined by IEEE 802.11 regardless of whether it is approved by the WiFi Alliance, SAP, ATP, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and TCP / IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G, etc., and may be formatted and / or transmitted according to such formats, standards, or protocols, and / or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of various manners well-known in the art.

[0080] The term "database" means any electronically stored collection of data stored in a retrievable format.

[0081] The term "data structure" means a database in a hardware machine such as a computer.

[0082] The term "network" means a series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths. For example, a network may include a plurality of computers or communication devices interconnected by one or more wired and / or wireless communication paths. A network may be interconnected with other networks and may include sub-networks.

[0083] The term "predetermined" means determined in advance, for example, determined prior to the current time or current operation. For example, the phrase "display a predetermined value" means to display a value determined prior to the display operation.

[0084] The term "condition" means (1) a prerequisite for an agreement to hold, or (2) another thing that is essential for something to occur or happen.

[0085] The term "transaction" means (1) an exchange or transfer of goods, services, or funds, or (2) an act or activity of transmission in which two parties or things are involved and they act or influence each other.

[0086] Therefore, the description of a process is also a description of a computer-readable medium that stores a program for implementing the process. The computer-readable medium can store program elements suitable for implementing the said method (in any appropriate format). For example, the description of a process is a description of a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program including instructions that, when executed by a processing device, instruct the processing device to implement the said method.

[0087] The various embodiments of a device include a computer or computing device operable to perform a part (but not necessarily all) of the described process, so that the description of the various steps of the process does not imply that all of the described steps are necessary.

[0088] Similarly, the various embodiments of a computer-readable medium that stores a program or data structure include a computer-readable medium that stores a program that, when executed, can cause a processing device to perform a part (but not necessarily all) of the described process, so that the description of the various steps in the process does not imply that all of the described steps are necessary.

[0089] When a database is described, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, (i) alternative database structures for the described database are readily available, and (ii) memory structures other than databases are also readily available. Any description or account of any sample database presented herein is an illustrative arrangement of a stored representation of information. For example, any number of other arrangements may be used other than the arrangements suggested by the tables illustrated in the drawings and the like. Similarly, all of the exemplified entries of a database merely represent examples of information, and as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the number and content of the entries may differ from those described herein. Further, even if a database is depicted entirely as tables, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models, and / or distributed databases) may be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Similarly, various processes, such as those described herein, may be implemented using the methods or behaviors of the objects of a database. Further, a database may be stored locally in a known manner or remotely from a device that accesses the data of such a database.

[0090] Various embodiments may be configured to operate in a network environment that includes a computer that communicates with one or more devices (e.g., via a communication 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 communication lines, commercial online service providers, bulletin board systems, satellite communication links, any combination of these). Each of those devices may itself include a computer or other computing device adapted to communicate with a computer, e.g., a computer or other computing device based on a processor such as Intel®, Pentium®, or Centrino®, Atom®, or Core®.

[0091] In one embodiment, the server computer or the centralized management device may not be essential or desirable. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, it may be implemented on one or more devices without a central management device. In such an embodiment, the functions described herein as being performed by a server computer may instead be performed by one or more such devices, or data described as being stored on a server computer may instead be stored on one or more such devices.

[0092] When a process is described, in one embodiment, the process may operate without user intervention. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., there are steps performed by or with the assistance of a human).

[0093] As used herein, the term "encryption" means a process of obscuring or hiding information so that it cannot be easily understood without special knowledge. The encryption process can convert raw information called plaintext into encrypted information. The encrypted information may be referred to as ciphertext, and the algorithm for converting plaintext into ciphertext may be referred to as a cipher. The cipher may also be used when performing the reverse operation of converting ciphertext back into plaintext. Examples of ciphers include substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and ciphers implemented using a drum cipher machine.

[0094] Among various encryption methods, an encryption may require a piece of supplementary information called a key. The key may be composed of, for example, a bit sequence. The key may be used in combination with the encryption to encrypt plaintext. The key may also be used in combination with the encryption when decrypting ciphertext. In a category of encryption called a symmetric key algorithm (e.g., private key encryption), the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. Therefore, the security of the encrypted information depends on the secrecy of the key being maintained. Examples of symmetric key algorithms are DES and AES. In a category of encryption called an asymmetric key algorithm (e.g., public key encryption), different keys are used for encryption and decryption. When using an asymmetric key algorithm, any member of the public 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 this ciphertext back into plaintext. An example of an asymmetric key algorithm is the RSA algorithm. VI. Continued Application

[0095] The present disclosure provides descriptions of several embodiments and / or implementations of the invention to those skilled in the art. Some of these embodiments and / or inventions may not be claimed in this application, but nevertheless, may be claimed in one or more continued applications claiming the benefit of the priority of this application.

[0096] The applicant intends to file additional applications to seek patents for subject matters disclosed and enabled in this application but not claimed. VII. 35 U.S.C.§112, Paragraph 6

[0097] In a claim, a claim limitation that includes the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that Paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C.§112 applies to that limitation.

[0098] In a claim, a limitation of a claim that does not include the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112 does not apply to that limitation, and this is regardless of whether the limitation describes a structure, material, or act for performing the function when describing the function. For example, in a claim, merely using the phrase "step of" or the phrase "steps of" when referring to one or more steps of that claim or another claim does not mean that paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112 applies to that step.

[0099] For means or steps for performing a particular function in accordance with paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112, the corresponding structure, material, or act described herein, and their equivalents, may perform not only that particular function but also other functions.

[0100] Products such as computers, processing devices, computing devices, etc. are structures that can perform various functions. Such products may be operable to perform a particular function by executing one or more programs, for example, programs stored in a memory device of the product or a memory device accessible by the product. Unless otherwise specified, such programs need not be based on any particular algorithm, for example, they need not be based on any particular algorithm that may be disclosed in the present application. As is well known to those skilled in the art, a particular function may be performed by various algorithms, and any of several different algorithms would be merely a design choice for performing that particular function.

[0101] Accordingly, with respect to means or steps for performing a particular function in accordance with paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112, the structure corresponding to the particular function includes any product programmed to perform that particular function. Such a structure includes the programmed product for performing its function, and in this regard, it does not matter whether such a product is (i) programmed by the disclosed algorithm for performing its functionality, (ii) programmed by an algorithm similar to the disclosed algorithm, or (iii) programmed by another algorithm for performing its function.

[0102] When means for performing a function that is a method are recited in a claim, one structure for performing this method includes a computing device (e.g., a general-purpose computer) programmed and / or configured by appropriate hardware for performing its function.

[0103] Furthermore, it includes a computing device (e.g., a general-purpose computer) programmed and / or configured by appropriate hardware for performing its function with another algorithm, which would be understood by those skilled in the art. VIII. Disclaimers

[0104] Multiple references to a particular embodiment do not indicate a disclaimer or negation of further different embodiments, and similarly, all references to a description of an embodiment that includes a particular feature do not indicate a disclaimer or negation of an embodiment that does not include that particular feature. Prior to an express disclaimer or negation in this application, the phrase "does not include" or the phrase "is not capable of performing" is placed. IX. Incorporation by Reference

[0105] Any patents, patent applications, or other documents referred to in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of the disclosure, solely for the purposes of the written description and enablement requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1, and should not be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any claim of this application, except to the extent that such incorporation by reference would not otherwise be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in its ordinary meaning. Such one of ordinary skill in the art need not be limited by any embodiment provided in the reference. Conversely, the definitions provided in this application should not be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any language of any document incorporated by reference into this specification. The definitions expressly set forth in this application are controlling without being hindered by descriptions of particular embodiments that may be inconsistent with those definitions.

[0106] Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply any warranty, endorsement, or acquiescence in any statement, opinion, argument, or characterization contained in any of the incorporated patents, patent applications, or other documents, unless specifically stated otherwise in this patent application. X. Prosecution History

[0107] In interpreting this application (including the claims), one of ordinary skill in the art should refer to the prosecution history of this application, but not to the prosecution history of any other patent or patent application, regardless of whether there are other patent applications relevant to this application or whether there are other patent applications sharing the priority claim of this application. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0108] In various embodiments, financial market indicators and indices may be used as random number generators for one or more game variables, e.g., the number and suit of a card (in the case of a card game), the result of a roulette wheel (in the case of roulette), each reel of a slot machine (in the case of slots), a lottery number (in the case of a lottery), and may be used as random number generators for other variables. For example, game information or variables may be determined based on information associated with a financial market or index. For example, a game variable may be determined to be the last digit of a particular indicator or index of a financial market at a particular time, e.g., 2:00 PM, 9:05 AM, 3:26:17 PM, or any other arbitrary time, or may be determined based on the last digit.

[0109] In some embodiments, game information such as the identification information of a financial market (e.g., the AUD / USD exchange rate or the value of the S&P 500) and the time of its measurement (e.g., exactly 5 seconds after 10:22 AM) may be disclosed to players in advance. Also, in some embodiments, there may be information that is not disclosed to players in advance, such as the time or identification information of a financial market index.

[0110] Various embodiments relate to a poker game, in which one or more (e.g., five) financial markets may be displayed, for example, each with its respective last digit highlighted in a particular color. A user may bet on one or more results at the end of the game, e.g., bet on eight specific hands, i.e., hands with "a pair or better". Specific hands may include high-number 9, one pair, two pairs, three of a kind, full house, straight, four of a kind, and five of a kind, etc.

[0111] In various embodiments, a roulette game may be implemented using an electronic roulette wheel, which includes various numbers or symbols such as the numbers from 0 to 9, various colors such as black, red, yellow, one roulette ball, and one or more other features corresponding to a conventional roulette wheel. The electronic ball or other indicia will land on (or otherwise result in) any of the numbers from 0 to 9 and / or any of their colors (e.g., black or red). For example, one result may include both a number (from 0 to 9) and a color (red, black, or yellow).

[0112] In some embodiments, the game result (e.g., the roulette result) may include a multi - digit number (e.g., 2 - 3 digits), which may be based on, for example, the last digits of a plurality of financial indicators arranged in sequence. The order in which the plurality of financial market digits are arranged may be randomly determined at the time the result is generated, or may be determined in advance (e.g., before the bet is accepted). In some embodiments, the user may select the identification information and order of the financial market indicators for determining the roulette result.

[0113] The game result may be determined by an event such as a financial event or outcome (e.g., occurring after a bet is placed). Exemplary financial events may include the price or value of a financial product or financial market, e.g., the price or value at a particular (e.g., predetermined) time. For example, the result of a particular roulette game may be determined based on a certain digit (e.g., the last digit or the least significant digit, or the first or second decimal digit, or other digit) of the market price or value of a financial product or a financial index such as the S&P 500 at a particular time (e.g., 2:00 p.m. on February 14, 2013), as reported by a particular news agency or a particular website such as Bloomberg.com. For example, if the value of the S&P 500 at such a time is 1409.2 and the result is linked to the first decimal digit, the result of the roulette game would be "2" (the first decimal digit). The roulette game ends and the bet is settled (e.g., in real time or almost in real time) when the result is out.

[0114] In some embodiments, the result of the roulette game may be based on a two-digit number (e.g., 00 - 99) or a three-digit number, e.g., based on the last digits of a plurality of different market indicators (or, e.g., multiple digits of a single financial indicator, or a two-digit number consisting of one digit from one financial indicator and one digit from another financial indicator).

[0115] Depending on the embodiment, the result of the roulette wheel may be 00 to 36 (similar to a conventional roulette wheel). In this case, numbers exceeding 36 are ignored, and the next determined number is selected. If a non - allowed number such as 78 is determined based on the last digits of two market indicators, the system discards this number and selects the next measured number from the same indicator. For example, if the last digits 7 and 8 of two indicators are measured at the time of producing the result, the system can use the next measured digits of these (e.g., 0.001 seconds later), which is done until a proper number between 00 and 36 appears. If a number such as 39 is determined, the system may discard only the last digit (9) and use the next measured result of that indicator, or the next measured result after that, which is done until a proper number between 0 and 6 appears. Alternatively, instead of using the same indicator at another time, the system can discard the non - allowed result and adopt the digits of another indicator measured at the same time as the original result.

[0116] Therefore, depending on the embodiment, the result of a financial event, e.g., the number of the least significant digit of a particular market or index at a particular time, may be used as a random number generator for a game such as a roulette game. Depending on the embodiment, future events (e.g., future values of the market at a future particular time) may be used so that the player cannot know the result in advance. Also, depending on the embodiment, past information may be used. For example, if the information is randomized in some way, past information (e.g., the market value of the DJIA at 11:00 am on a randomly determined past day) may be used. Depending on the embodiment, the game may end at the time when the result is produced, e.g., it may end at the time when the market is determined.

[0117] Exemplary Roulette Game

[0118] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary user interface according to an embodiment. This user interface may be used when playing a game similar to roulette.

[0119] This game interface may be displayed on a user interface. The user interface is, for example, a user computing device such as a touch screen, a phone, a computer, or other device equipped with a visual display. Of course, one, several, all, or any number of the various elements described later may be displayed on the user interface in any suitable configuration. The user may perform operations related to wagering information requests, wagering operations, clearing previous selections, changing the wager amount, or any other game-related operations by selecting the various elements (e.g., with a mouse or touch screen).

[0120] On the left side of the display, various game options related to the game type and financial markets may be provided. There, the roulette may be highlighted in yellow, indicating that the roulette game has been selected and is currently being displayed. Alternatively, the user may select another game type, such as "multi-wager".

[0121] In that game type, the user may select a financial market or index, for example, a financial market or index used to generate the winning number in a roulette game. For example, the user may select an index such as Canada 60 or France 40, a foreign exchange market such as AUD / USD or EUR / GBP, a commodity market such as gold or silver, or a stock value such as BP shares or Barclays shares. Here, the UK 100 market is selected. Thus, the UK 100 index may be used to determine the winning number in the roulette game. The current (or near current) value of the UK 100 (here, 6326.07) may be displayed in the game table area, here shown in green. By selecting the drop-down icon to the left of the "UK 100" icon, it is possible to generate a list of alternative markets available for use in this game. Depending on the embodiment, various options may become invalid or expire, for example, at the time when the timer reaches 10 seconds, or at a predetermined time in the game such as at the end or just before the end of the betting session.

[0122] The display can show a "game table" portion corresponding to each element of the actual game table, here highlighted in green. The user can place a bet by selecting one or more betting areas (for example, by placing virtual chips in the selected areas), similar to an actual roulette table. The game table shows a roulette wheel with the numbers 0 to 9 and the colors black, red, and yellow (for example, yellow indicates the current winning number).

[0123] Financial figures may be displayed above the roulette wheel, and for example, values of financial markets, financial products, or financial indices (e.g., current market values or other prices), such as the UK 100 shown here, may be displayed. (Other financial markets may also be used, for example, by selecting such a market from a list on the left side of the gaming table.) Here, 6372.57 is displayed as the current value of the UK 100 index (at the time this particular screen is being shown), and 7 is the last significant digit being displayed. The display can be updated continuously or sequentially to show the current value of the index in real-time or near real-time. The result of the roulette game may include the last significant digit of the UK 100 at the end of the game. Thus, the number 7 may be regarded as the current winning number, that is, the number that would result in a win (if selected in the bet) if the game ended at that exact moment.

[0124] On the right side of the roulette wheel, a betting selection area is displayed. This area includes a selection area for red or black at the top, and independent boxes with the numbers 0 to 9 listed in the middle. At the bottom, there are two boxes labeled 0 - 4 and 5 - 9. On the right side of the table, there are two arrow boxes, one pointing to odd numbers and one pointing to even numbers.

[0125] On both the wheel and the betting area, the numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9 are displayed in white on a black background (indicating that these are "black" numbers), and the numbers 0, 3, 4, 7, and 8 are displayed in white on a red background (indicating that these are, for example, "red" numbers). If the result is a red number, a bet on red wins, and if the result is a black number, a bet on black wins. On the roulette wheel, a yellow indicia is displayed at or near the location of the number "7", which may indicate that "7" is the current winning number.

[0126] On the right side of the betting area, there may be a history area that lists the previous game results (e.g., in chronological order). For example, the history area may show that the result of the latest game is 7, the next is 6, the next is 3, the next is 3, and so on. Alternatively, the history tab may show the previous game results in reverse chronological order, in which case the latest result is 9 (at the bottom of the history area), the next is 4, and so on.

[0127] In the upper right corner, there may be a time display that shows the time. This time may include the current time, the remaining time of the betting session, the time available for placing bets before the bets are closed during the betting session, the time the game has been played, the time until the next game starts, or any other arbitrary time.

[0128] In the lower right corner, the odds (probability of winning) of (e.g., the selected bet or bet type) and the bet amount of (e.g., the selected bet or bet type) may be displayed. A "Place Bet" tab may also be displayed. The amount of money the user can win or lose on a bet may be displayed as "Profit" and "Loss". The "Profit" and "Loss" fields may show the amount of money the user has won (and / or lost) at the current game, game session, in a day, in a week, since the last login, or at other times, or the amount of money the user can win (or lose).

[0129] In some embodiments, various values displayed may change until immediately before the moment the user clicks "Place Bet". In the center of the lower part of the screen, there is a "Market Bet" tab. With this tab, the user can track their bets and the profit and loss of each bet. The user can close their bets by clicking "Close" or "Close All". Winning bets may be highlighted in blue. Losing bets may be highlighted in red. However, in some embodiments, when closing a bet with a negative profit, the return bet amount will be less than the initial bet amount.

[0130] Above the timer in the upper right corner of the screen, tabs for "Test", "Tutorial", and "Free Play" may be displayed. The "Test" tab may allow the user to check whether the game is compatible with the user's computer. The "Tutorial" tab may provide a guide on how to play the game. The "Free Play" tab may offer the user an opportunity to play the game without thinking about money at all, for example, by providing an opportunity to play using fake money or game credits that do not impose a burden on the player.

[0131] Below the left bottom of the screen, next to the "Market Bet" tab, the ticker in operation may display the latest relevant events / news of the day. Above the roulette wheel on the screen, the market settlement level of the country is displayed. The user can click the downward arrow to select various markets to bet on globally. In one embodiment of the present invention, the listed countries include the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Depending on the embodiment, the player may select a country, currency, financial index or financial market, or other game parameters. For example, the user may select "United States" and "S&P 500", or, for example, "United Kingdom" and "FTSE 100".

[0132] In one embodiment, the user's bet may include predicting the last digit of the market settlement level at a specific time (e.g., at the end of the game). The bet wins if the market settlement number (the last digit of the market settlement level) is equal to the digit bet by the user (or the bet type such as "even"), or (when betting on, for example, red or black, odd or even, or high or low) includes one of the digits or colors bet by the user.

[0133] Depending on the embodiment, the game and related betting session may start after the previous one has ended (e.g., immediately, or after a few seconds, or after a few minutes). For example, the start and / or end of the bet may be every minute. Depending on the embodiment, the duration of the game may be one minute. During the first 50 seconds, the player may participate in the game, configure the settings, and configure and place the bet. The bet may be closed when 50 seconds have elapsed. When 60 seconds have elapsed, the game may end, the bet may be settled, and the payment may be made. Other times and timings may also be considered.

[0134] Depending on the embodiment, participation in the jackpot may include one of three options summarized as follows. (1) The player may choose to bet on the numbers and colors of the jackpot. This option may lead to a higher payment. (2) The player may choose to bet on a specific number range of 0-4 and 5-9, or whether the number is odd or even. (3) The player may choose to bet on whether the color is black or red.

[0135] To better understand the present invention and its features and advantages, the following description is referred to in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0136] There is a timer in the upper right corner of FIG. 1, which is displayed as 49 seconds in the drawing. The timer may display the remaining time of the betting session or roulette game. The timer can indicate time, for example, it can indicate how much remaining time there is in the game or betting session. Above the timer are three tabs, which are "Test" (where the user can test the compatibility between the game and the user's computer), "Tutorial" (where the method of playing the game is explained), and "Free Play" (where the user can play the game for free).

[0137] There is a box at the center of the roulette wheel, and this box may display, for example, relevant financial numbers (such as the current winning number, or the last significant digit of the relevant market). Here, this number inside the roulette wheel is the last digit of the index, which is constantly changing throughout the betting session.

[0138] There is a gambling table next to the roulette wheel. On the gambling table, there are boxes filled with red at the top and boxes filled with black, and the numbers 0 - 9 are respectively placed in separate boxes and listed in the central part. At the bottom, there are two boxes labeled 0 - 4 and 5 - 9. There are two arrows on the right side of the table, one pointing to odd numbers and one pointing to even numbers.

[0139] The amount of money available for betting may be displayed in the upper right corner of this interface (here it is 10,000.00). Below the amount of money available for betting, there may be a time display showing the time. This time may include the current time, the remaining time of the betting session, the time available for placing bets until the bet is closed during the betting session, the time the game has been played, the time until the next game starts, or any other arbitrary time. In the lower right corner, the odds (for example, of the selected bet or bet type) and the bet amount (for example, of the selected bet or bet type) may be displayed. A "Place Bet" tab may also be displayed. The amount of money the user may win or will win, or may lose or will lose, for a bet (or the amount of money won or lost) may be displayed as "Profit" and "Loss". The "Profit" and "Loss" fields may display the amount of money the user has won (and / or lost) in the current game, game session, one day, one week, time since the last login, or other time, or the amount of money the user may win (or lose).

[0140] Naturally, many of the features shown in FIG. 1 are also shown in some or all of FIGS. 2 - 20. Therefore, the description already given regarding FIG. 1 may equally apply to similar features in FIGS. 2 - 20, depending on the embodiment.

[0141] Figures 1 - 4 may show features related to the same betting session, which may be, for example, a session in which the user bets on the number 8.

[0142] Figure 2 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. The timer may show "46", indicating that there are 46 seconds remaining in the betting session or roulette game. For example, the interface of Figure 2 may be the display 3 seconds after the interface of Figure 1. Various other figures may be displays at other times of the same game session.

[0143] The interface shows an example of a bet, for example, a bet made by the user. This bet may be made under the free play setting of the game (the free play tablet is red), or may be made using actual currency or value. The winning number currently displayed is 8 (however, the game may not have ended yet and the winning number may change).

[0144] At the same time, the number "8" may also be highlighted in yellow on the game table, indicating that "8" has been selected by the user (e.g., as the current bet selection). For example, when the user clicks on the "8" icon on the game table, and / or when the user bets on the number 8, or confirms the bet, the number 8 may be highlighted in yellow. In the lower right corner of this interface, it is shown that the probability of winning the bet (odds) is 17 / 2, and the bet amount is currently set at £5.00 (this is highlighted at the current time, indicating that the user can enter another number to change the amount). The user is shown to have the possibility of winning / gaining £42.50 (e.g., if the bet wins) and the possibility of losing £5.00 (e.g., if the bet loses). (In particular, the product of the odds (17 / 2) and the bet amount (£5.00) is equal to the amount that would be obtained if winning (£42.50).) Depending on the embodiment, these amounts may represent the user's wins and losses (or expected or possible wins and losses) in a given betting session, or over a period of time such as a day or other time.

[0145] The roulette wheel on the screen may include numbers from 0 to 9, colors such as black and red (and optionally other colors such as yellow), an arrow indicating odd numbers, an arrow indicating even numbers, a field indicating "0 - 4", and a field indicating "5 - 9". Each of these indicia may be selectable for betting purposes, for example, selectable for making a straight bet on the number 4, or betting on even, odd, red, black, 5 - 9, etc. These may be indicia of selectable betting targets.

[0146] Figure 3 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to one embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed after the user has submitted a bet of £5.00 on the number 8 (e.g., by pressing a "Place Bet" button) and before the game has been decided, for example, when there are still 42 seconds left in the betting session or game. The amount of money available for betting may be reduced by only 5.00 from the £5.00 bet placed by the user, and the new amount available for betting may be 9,995.00.

[0147] The timer may indicate that there are 42 seconds remaining in the game or betting session. An indicator such as a small yellow dot (or other color or shape) in the upper left of the "8" field on the virtual game table may indicate that the user has placed a bet on the number 8. Depending on the embodiment, the dot or other indicia may correspond to or indicate placing one or more chips on the number in an actual roulette game on an actual roulette table. Depending on the embodiment, the indicator may display or represent virtual chips or otherwise indicate the amount of the user's bet (e.g., two dots or a larger or darker dot represents a bet of 10, three dots and an even larger or darker dot represents a bet of 15, etc.). The current winning number displayed inside the roulette wheel is 0 (this is, for example, because the last significant digit of the UK 100 is currently 0).

[0148] Depending on the embodiment, the bets of other users may also be displayed on the table, for example, in different colors, fonts, sizes, or styles to indicate that they were placed by other players (e.g., green corresponds to User 2, purple corresponds to User 3, etc.).

[0149] The "Profit" field, which is displayed immediately to the right of the "Market Bet" heading, may display the amount of profit / loss associated with the current winning number in the "Market Bet" field (e.g., the amount the player would win or lose if the current number were the result of the game). Thus, the "-£5.00" shown in the "Profit" field of FIG. 3 may indicate that if the result of the roulette is "0", the player would lose £5.00 on a bet on the number "8". To indicate that this amount represents a net loss rather than a win / profit for the player, the highlight color may be red (it may be highlighted in a different color such as blue in the case of a win / profit). Similarly, negative numbers such as "-£5.00" may be shown in red to indicate a negative / losing amount, and positive numbers (such as "42.50") may be shown in blue to indicate a positive / winning amount.

[0150] Of course, the value of the index (6325.10), the current winning number / result (here "0"), the amount in the "Profit" tab, and the column currently highlighted in the "Market Bet" section may all change dynamically in real-time or near real-time as the value of the index changes.

[0151] If the result is 8, i.e., if the bet on 8 wins, the user is shown to have £42.50 (displayed in the "Bet on 8" field) as a possible profit or gain. In the "Market Bet" field, the number "0" and the associated potential loss of £5.00 are highlighted in red, and £5.00 is displayed in the "Profit (1)" field, which indicates that this amount would be deducted from the user's account, for example, if the result were the number 0. (For example, if the result is 0, the user would lose the £5.00 bet on "8".)

[0152] Depending on the embodiment, the £42.50 shown in the "Bet on 8" field may represent the amount the user will win if the result of the game is the number "8" (e.g., if bet on 8 and / or for all of the user's bets in the entire game). The timer in the upper right corner indicates that the remaining time for the game or betting session is 49 seconds. (Alternatively, depending on the embodiment, the timer may indicate that the elapsed time since the start of the game or betting session is 49 seconds). Negative amounts of £5.00 are shown for each number other than 8, which may indicate that the user will lose this amount if the result is a number other than 8. Depending on the embodiment, this may represent that the user will lose the bet amount on "8" (i.e., £5.00) if the result is a number other than 8.

[0153] Figure 4 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. This screenshot may be displayed when the remaining time for the game or betting session is 17 seconds and the user has bet £5.00 on the number "8".

[0154] Here, the value of the UK 100 index is 6322.58 at the current time, and the winning number at this time is "8". The current winning number displayed inside the roulette wheel is 8. Under the central "Market Bet" tab, "8" is currently highlighted in blue, which indicates that if the final result of the roulette game is 8 (i.e., if the last digit of the value of the UK 100 at the end of the roulette game is determined to be "8"), the win for the user's bet of £5.00 will be £42.50.

[0155] Since the number 8 is the current winning number, the number "8" and the associated £42.50 as potential winnings may be highlighted in blue in the "Market Bet" field. The amount £42.50 may be displayed in the "Winnings (1)" field, which indicates that, for example, if the result of a roulette game is the number 8, this amount (e.g., in addition to the user's bet of £5.00 or including the user's bet of £5.00) will be added to the user's account. The number 8 and its column may be highlighted in blue in the "Market Bet Section" to indicate that the user will win a prize if the result is 8.

[0156] Figure 5 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. This interface may be for display purposes only, and thus the bets shown on the table may not properly correspond to other indicia such as those in the "Market Bet" area.

[0157] By selecting the 4 - box icon on the right side of the "Market Bet" section, it is possible to display on the interface all the bets made by the user among the current betting markets (e.g., in this game).

[0158] Figures 6 - 9 may correspond to the same betting session. For example, here the user has bet on the number 9.

[0159] Figure 6 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. The currently displayed value of the UK 100 is 6372.57. Thus, the number 7 is highlighted in yellow inside the roulette wheel and is displayed at the center of the roulette wheel. The user has made no bets.

[0160] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. The user has selected the number 9, which is, for example, selected as a possible bet. This bet may be made under the free play setting of the game (the free play tablet is red), or may be made using real currency or value. The winning number currently displayed is 9 (however, the game may not have ended yet and the winning number may change). The number "9" is highlighted in yellow on the game table, indicating that "9" has been selected by the user (e.g., as the current possible bet selection). In the lower right corner of this interface, it is shown that the probability (odds) of winning the bet is 17 / 2, and that the bet amount is currently set at £5.00 (this is highlighted at the moment, indicating that the user can change the amount by entering another number). The user is shown to have the potential for a profit of £42.50 (e.g., if the bet wins) and a loss of £5.00 (e.g., if the bet loses). (In particular, the product of the odds (17 / 2) and the bet amount (£5.00) is equal to the amount (£42.50) that would be obtained if the bet were won.) Depending on the embodiment, these amounts may represent the user's wins and losses (or expected or possible wins and losses) in a given betting session, or over a period of time such as a day, or other time.

[0161] Figure 8 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed after the user has bet on "9", and the user's bet may be indicated by the yellow dot in the upper left of the number 9 on the game table. When the user bets £5.00, this amount is subtracted from the amount available for betting, and the amount available for betting is £9,995.00 at this time. The timer may indicate that the remaining time of the game or betting session is 41 seconds. The number currently displayed in the winning number field is 2. As shown under the central "Market Bet" tab, if the result is "2", the user will lose the £5.00 bet on "9". If the result is 9, i.e., if the bet on 9 wins, the user is shown to have £42.50 (displayed in the "Bet on 9" field) as a possible profit or gain. In the "Market Bet" field, the number "0" and the associated potential loss of £5.00 are highlighted in red, and the "Loss (1)" field shows -£5.00, indicating that, for example, by losing the bet, the user will lose this amount and / or this amount will be subtracted from the user's account.

[0162] Depending on the embodiment, the £42.50 shown in the "Bet on 9" field may represent the amount the user will win if the result of the game is the number "9" (e.g., if betting on 9 and / or for all of the user's bets in that game). The timer in the upper right corner indicates that the remaining time of that game or betting session is 41 seconds. (Alternatively, depending on the embodiment, the timer may indicate that the elapsed time since the start of the game or betting session is 41 seconds.) A negative amount of £5.00 is shown for each number other than 9, indicating that the user will lose this amount if the result is a number other than 9. Depending on the embodiment, this may represent that the user will lose the bet amount on "9" (i.e., £5.00) if the result is a number other than 9.

[0163] Figure 9 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed after the user wins a bet. Here, the timer may indicate that the remaining time of the game or betting session is 2 seconds, which may indicate, for example, that 39 seconds have elapsed since the display of the image in Figure 8. The number currently displayed in the current winning number field is 9. As shown below the central "Market Bet" tab, if the result is "9", the user will win £42.50 for the bet placed on "9". If the result is 9, i.e., if the bet on 9 wins, the user is shown to have £42.50 as a possible profit or gain (displayed in the "Bet on 9" field). The number "9" and the associated potential win of £42.50 are highlighted in red in the "Market Bet" field, and £42.50 is displayed in the "Profit (1)" field, indicating that, for example, this amount will be added to the user's account if the bet is won.

[0164] Figure 10 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may show another view of the "Market Bet". For example, this screen may show each number bet, the amount bet on such a bet, the odds of such a bet, and the profit / loss (which depends on the result that would occur if the current winning number becomes the result of the game). Here, this screen shows one bet on 9, with a bet amount of 5, odds of 17 / 2, and a profit of -£5.00, which is highlighted in red (because, for example, if the current winning number is 5, this will result in a loss for the user).

[0165] Figure 11 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be shown as a list of the user's bets / stakes. Here, the timer may indicate that there are 4 seconds remaining in the game. A message may be displayed indicating that betting on this market has closed, indicating that no player can place further bets.

[0166] For the first bet / stake, the number currently displayed in the winning number field is 9. As shown below the central "Market Bet" tab, the user placed a stake of £5.00 to bet on "9". The odds are 17 / 2. Since the current winning number is 9, in the "Market Bet" field below the "Profit (1)" field, the associated winning amount of £42.50 is highlighted in blue, indicating that, for example, if the result is 9, the associated winning amount of £42.50 will be added to the user's account.

[0167] Figure 12 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. To show information regarding a previous betting session (e.g., the session shown in FIGS. 6 - 9), the "Previous" icon below "Market Bet" may be highlighted. Next to the word "Previous", the expiration of the previous betting session may be shown. Information regarding the previous session may be shown, for example, in response to the user selecting the "Previous" tab. Here, "16:02" may indicate that the last betting session the user participated in ended at 4:02 PM (i.e., 16:02). The number selected, stake, odds, decided number (actual current result), and profit in the previous bet may be displayed. Here, in the previous betting session, the user bet on the number "9", the stake was £5.00, the odds were 17 / 2, and the actual game result was 4, indicating that the user lost the bet. The return is zero, indicating that the user lost the bet and received nothing from the betting system. The user lost the stake of £5.00.

[0168] Figure 13 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed while the user has selected the color red and wagered £5.00, before (or after) the wager is submitted, or before (or after) the game is resolved. Here, the timer may indicate that the remaining time of the game or wagering session is 22 seconds. The winning number currently displayed is 4 (however, the game may not have ended yet and the winning number may change). On the game table, the red diamond is highlighted in yellow, indicating that "red" has been selected by the user and, for example, is selected as the current wagering choice. In the lower right corner of the interface, the probability of winning the wager (odds) is 10 / 11, indicating that the wager amount is currently set at £5.00. The user is shown to have the potential for a win / profit of £4.55 (for example, if the result is a red number and the wager is a win) and the potential for a loss of £5.00 (for example, if the result is not a red number and the wager is a loss).

[0169] Since the user wagered £5.00 (or may have wagered £5.00), the amount of money available for wagering has been reduced by £5.00 to £9,990.00.

[0170] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed after the user has placed a bet on the color red (the fact that a bet has been placed on the color red is indicated by the yellow dot in the upper left of the "Red" bet selection field). Here, the timer may indicate that the remaining time of the game or betting session is 37 seconds. The number currently displayed in the winning number field is 6, which is a "black" number (by which the bet on "red" is a losing bet). As shown under the central "Market Bet" tab, since the result is black 6, the user will lose the £5.00 bet on the color red. If the result is a number associated with the color red (0, 3, 4, 7, 8, etc.), i.e., if the bet on the color red is a winning bet, the user is shown to have a possible profit or gain of £4.55 (displayed in all fields of the red numbers). For all black numbers, a loss of £5.00 is displayed. The black number 6 and the associated potential loss of £5.00 are highlighted in red in the "Market Bet" field, and the "Profit (1)" field displays -£5.00, which indicates, for example, that this amount has been deducted from the user's account due to losing the bet.

[0171] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary screen shot of a user interface according to one embodiment. To show information regarding a previous betting session (e.g., the sessions shown in FIGS. 12 - 14), the “Previous” icon under “Market Bets” may be highlighted. Next to the word “Previous”, the expiration time of the previous betting session may be shown. Here, “16:03” may indicate that the last betting session the user participated in ended at 4:03 PM (i.e., 16:03). (The “Close” button) The number selected in the previous bet, the bet amount, the odds, the decided number (actual current result), and the profit may be displayed. Here, in the previous betting session, the user bet on the number “Red”, the bet amount was £5.00, the odds were 10 / 11, the actual game result was 0 for Red, which indicates that the user won the bet. The return is £9.55, which indicates, for example, that the user received a prize of £4.55 and the return of the user's bet amount of £5.00. Thus, the amount of money available for betting increased by £9.55 to £9,999.55.

[0172] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to one embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed after the user has submitted bets on the colors black and the numbers 2, 4, 7, and 9 (such bets are indicated by the yellow "dots / chips" in the upper left of each bet field), and before the game is resolved. Here, the timer may indicate that there are 8 seconds remaining in the game or betting session. The winning number currently displayed is 7, and the field for 7 in the "Market Bet" field is highlighted in blue (indicating a win), and the profit (if the result is 7) is £22.50. The user is shown that there is a possibility of winning / profit of £22.50 (if the bet on 4 or 7 wins), a possibility of winning / profit of £32.05 (if the bet on 2 or 9 wins), a possibility of losing £15.45 (if the result is 1, 5, or 6), and a possibility of losing £25.00 (if the result is 0, 3, or 8). Depending on the embodiment, these amounts may represent the user's wins and losses (or expected or possible wins and losses) in a given betting session, or over a period of time such as a day or other time.

[0173] In the "Previous" column, a return of £9.55 is displayed as the result of a previous betting session that was resolved at 16:03.

[0174] FIG. 17 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to one embodiment. Here, the user can view the detailed display of the closed bets shown in FIG. 18 by selecting the "Closed Bets" tab in the upper left. Alternatively, the user can view information regarding currently open bets by clicking on "Open Bets", and can view further information regarding previous betting sessions and results by clicking on "History".

[0175] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may display a list of all of the user's bets that have been settled or closed (e.g., in one or more prior and / or current betting sessions). In the upper left corner of the screen are three tabs labeled "Market," "Open Bets," "Closed Bets," and "History." The "Closed Bets" tab is highlighted since it is the currently displayed screen. Below these tabs are tabs labeled "Market," "Display," and "Date." This screen shows all of the markets and the current section as of February 19, 2013. Below this tab, a list of the "date and time the bet was placed" followed by the "time the bet was closed" is shown. Next is a column for "Market," and then a column for "Stake." Thereafter, an "Odds" column, a "Close" column, a "Settlement" column, and a "Return" column are displayed. At the bottom of the screen is a list of the "total stake" and the "total return." As shown in the "Close" column, the user bet on 9 in a game session ending at 4:02 PM, bet on Red in a session ending at 4:03 PM, and bet on 9, 7, 4, 2, and Blank in a session ending at 4:04 PM. Since the game settled at 0 for Red, the bet on Red won, and a return of £9.55 occurred for that game. Also, the bet in the 4:04 PM session settled at 6, resulting in all bets except the one on Black, which produced a return of £9.55, losing (returning zero).

[0176] This screen shows that the user made a total of seven bets. The list information at the bottom shows that the total stake is £35.00 and the total return is £19.10. Thus, the net expense to the user is £15.90, which is the difference between the stake amount and the return amount. (Thus, the amount currently available as stake is £9,984.10, which is the starting amount of £10,000.00 minus the net loss of £15.90 (i.e., starting with £10,000.00, subtracting the stake amount, and adding the return amount).)

[0177] Figure 19 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be another history display of one or more bets made by the user. As shown in the "Previous" column below the central "Market Bet" tab, the return for the user's five bets in the previous betting session at 16:04 was £9.55. The yellow arrow in the history display may indicate the game result corresponding to the game session shown in the "Previous" tab, and the result of the game here was a black 6. The "History" tab on the right side of the game table may display various numerical results (0 - 9) in ascending order of occurrence frequency in a series of previous games (e.g., previous games conducted during the day, time, afternoon, week, year, etc.). Here, the "History" tab indicates that the number 9 was the result in 17 of the previous games in a series of previous games, and the number 3 was the result in 8 games.

[0178] Figure 20 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be a possible pop - up screen that provides information about the selected game to the user. Here, this screen shows information about how to play the roulette game. As shown in Figure 20, depending on the embodiment, this interface may explain the following regarding some embodiments of the roulette - type game.

[0179] Roulette - type bets on financial markets. In financial roulette, one bets on predicting the number(s) that will match the last digit of the market settlement level. For example, if the market settlement level is 1234.56, the winning number is the last digit 6. Similar to bets with a conventional roulette, it is possible to bet on the following.

[0180] A specific number (0…9). The odds are 17 / 2.

[0181] Red or black. The odds are 10 / 11.

[0182] Odd or even. The odds are 10 / 11.

[0183] High or low. The odds are 10 / 11.

[0184] Payment. If the market settlement digit (the last digit of the market settlement level) is equal to the digit wagered or (in the case of wagering on red or black, odd or even, or high or low) within the range of the digit wagered, the wager is a win.

[0185] The roulette game may include ball indicia, ten numbers, and three colors, with the numbers and colors being determined by where the ball lands and stops. In some embodiments, the user may wager on one or more of a) a specific number from 0 to 9, b) red or black (or yellow), c) odd or even, or d) high or low. In some embodiments, each number 0 - 10 may be associated with either red or black. In one embodiment, the numbers 0, 3, 4, 7, and 8 may be associated with red and the numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9 may be associated with black. Thus, the result of the game may include, for example, "red 3" or "black 9".

[0186] An exemplary game interface is shown in FIG. 21. This game interface may be displayed on a user interface. The user interface may be a user computing device such as, for example, a touch screen, a phone, a computer, or other device equipped with a visual display. Of course, one, several, all, or any number of the various elements described hereinafter may be displayed on the user interface in any suitable configuration. The user may perform operations such as requesting wagering information, placing a wager, clearing a previous selection, changing the wager amount, or any other game - related operation by selecting the various elements (e.g., with a mouse or touch screen).

[0187] On the screen, the roulette wheel has numbers from 0 to 9, as well as the colors black, red, and yellow. There is a gambling table next to the roulette wheel. Above the gambling table, the colors red and black are listed, and in the central part, the numbers from 0 to 9 are each placed in separate boxes and listed. At the bottom, there are two boxes labeled 0 - 4 and 5 - 9. On the right side of the table, there are two arrows, one pointing to odd numbers and one pointing to even numbers.

[0188] In the upper right corner, there may be a time display showing the time. This time may include the current time, the remaining time of the betting session, the time available for placing bets until the bet is closed during the betting session, the time the game has been played, the time until the next game starts, or any other arbitrary time.

[0189] In the lower right corner, the odds (for example, of the selected bet or bet type) and the bet amount (for example, of the selected bet or bet type) may be displayed. A "Place Bet" tab may also be displayed. The amount of money the user can win or lose on a bet may be displayed as "Profit" and "Loss". The "Profit" and "Loss" fields may display the amount of money the user has won (and / or lost) in the current game, game session, one day, one week, time since the last login, or other time, or the amount of money the user can win (or lose).

[0190] In some embodiments, various values displayed may change until just before the moment the user clicks "Place Bet". In the center of the lower part of the screen, there is a "Market Bets" tab. With this tab, the user can track their bets and the profit and loss of each bet. The user can close their bets by clicking "Close" or "Close All". However, in some embodiments, if a bet is closed with a negative profit, the returned bet amount will be less than the original bet amount.

[0191] Above the timer in the upper right corner of the screen, tabs for "Test", "Tutorial", and "Free Play" may be displayed. The "Test" tab may allow the user to check whether the game is compatible with the user's computer. The "Tutorial" tab may provide a guide on how to play the game. The "Free Play" tab may offer the user an opportunity to play the game without considering money at all, for example, by providing an opportunity to play using fake money or game credits that do not impose a burden on the player.

[0192] Next to the "Market Bet" tab in the lower left of the screen, the ticker in operation may display the latest relevant events / news of the day. Above the roulette wheel on the screen, the market settlement level of the country is displayed. The user can click the downward arrow to select various markets to bet on globally. In one embodiment of the present invention, the listed countries include the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Depending on the embodiment, the player may select a country, currency, financial index or financial market, or other game parameters. For example, the user may select "United States" and "S&P 500", or, for example, "United Kingdom" and "FTSE 100".

[0193] In one embodiment, the user's bet may include predicting the last digit of the market settlement level at a specific time (e.g., at the end of the game). The bet wins if the market settlement number (the last digit of the market settlement level) is equal to the digit bet by the user (or the type of bet such as "even"), or includes one of the digits or colors bet by the user (when betting, for example, on red or black, odd or even, or high or low).

[0194] Depending on the embodiment, the game and the associated betting session may start after the previous one has ended (e.g., immediately, or after a few seconds, or after a few minutes). For example, the start and / or end of the bet may be every minute. Depending on the embodiment, the duration of the game may be one minute. During the first 50 seconds, the player may participate in the game, configure the settings, and configure and place a bet. The bet may be closed when 50 seconds have elapsed. When 60 seconds have elapsed, the game may end, the bet may be settled, and the payment may be made. Other times and timings may also be considered.

[0195] Depending on the embodiment, participation in the jackpot may include one of three options summarized as follows. (1) The player may choose to bet on the number and color of the jackpot. This option may lead to a higher payment. (2) The player may choose to bet on a specific number range of 0 - 4 and 5 - 9, or whether the number is odd or even. (3) The player may choose to bet on whether the color is black or red.

[0196] To better understand the present invention and its features and advantages, the following description is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0197] Figure 21 shows an exemplary screen shot of an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. There is a timer in the upper right corner. The timer can indicate time and, for example, can indicate how much time is left in a game or betting session. Above the timer are three tabs, which are "Test" (where the user can test the compatibility between the game and the user's computer), "Tutorial" (where the method of playing the game is explained), and "Free Play" (where the user can play the game for free). On the screen, the roulette wheel has numbers from 0 to 9 and colors black, red, and yellow. There is a gambling table next to the roulette wheel. At the top of the gambling table, the colors red and black are listed, and in the central part, the numbers from 0 to 9 are each listed in separate boxes. At the bottom, there are two boxes labeled 0 - 4 and 5 - 9. On the right side of the table, there are two arrows, one pointing to odd numbers and one pointing to even numbers.

[0198] There may be a time display in the upper right corner that shows time. This time may include the current time, the remaining time of a betting session, the time available to place a bet before the bet is closed during a betting session, the time the game has been played, the time until the next game starts, or any other arbitrary time. In the lower right corner, the odds (for example, of a selected bet or bet type) and the bet amount (for example, of a selected bet or bet type) may be displayed. A "Place Bet" tab may also be displayed. The amount of money the user can win or lose on a bet (or the amount bought or lost) may be displayed as "Profit" and "Loss". The "Profit" and "Loss" fields may display the amount of money the user has won (and / or lost) in the current game, game session, one day, one week, time since the last login, or other time, or the amount of money the user can win (or lose).

[0199] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary screenshot of an interface according to one embodiment. The interface shows an example of a bet, e.g., a bet made by a user. This bet may be made under the free play setting of the game (the free play tablet is red), or may be made using actual currency or value. The winning number currently displayed is 9 (however, the game may not be over yet and the winning number may change). The number "8" is highlighted in yellow on the game table, indicating that "8" has been selected by the user (e.g., as the current bet selection). In the lower right corner of this interface, it is shown that the probability (odds) of winning the bet is 17 / 2, and that the bet amount is currently set at £5.00 (this is highlighted at the moment, indicating that the user can change the amount by entering another number). The user is shown to have the possibility of winning / gaining £42.50 (e.g., if the bet wins) and the possibility of losing £5.00 (e.g., if the bet loses). (Specifically, the product of the odds (17 / 2) and the bet amount (£5.00) is equal to the amount that would be obtained if winning (£42.50).) Depending on the embodiment, these amounts may represent the user's wins and losses (or expected, or possible wins and losses) in a given betting session, or over a period of time such as a day, or other time.

[0200] Figure 23 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed after the user has submitted a bet of £5.00 on the number 8 and before the game is resolved. Here, the timer may indicate that the remaining time of the game or betting session is 42 seconds. The number currently displayed in the winning number field is 0 (this is, for example, in response to the user selecting the column for "0" in the "Market Bet" section). As shown below the central "Market Bet" tab, the user will lose the £5.00 bet on "8" if the result is a number other than 8. If the result is 8, i.e., if the bet on 8 wins, the user is shown to have £42.50 as a possible profit or gain (displayed in the "Bet on 8" field). The number "0" and the associated potential loss of £5.00 in the "Market Bet" field are highlighted in red, and the amount £5.00 is displayed in the "Profit (1)" field, which indicates that this amount will be deducted (or is to be deducted) from the user's account if the result is the number 0, for example. As a response to the user selecting the number 0 in the "Market Bet" field, for example, the system may display in the "Profit (1)" field the amount that the user will win or lose if the result is the number 0. Here, the number 0 and its column in the "Market Bet" section may be highlighted in red to indicate that the user will lose money if the result is 0.

[0201] Depending on the embodiment, the £42.50 shown in the "Bet on 8" field may represent the amount the user will win if the result of the game is the number "8" (e.g., if the user bets on 8 and / or for all of the user's bets in the entire game). The timer in the upper right corner indicates that the remaining time of the game or betting session is 49 seconds. (Alternatively, depending on the embodiment, the timer may indicate that the elapsed time since the start of the game or betting session is 49 seconds). A negative amount of £5.00 is shown for each number other than 8, which may indicate that the user will lose this amount if the result is a number other than 8. Depending on the embodiment, this may represent that the user will lose the bet amount on "8" (i.e., £5.00) if the result is a number other than 8.

[0202] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary screenshot of an exemplary user interface according to an embodiment. This screenshot may be displayed when the remaining time of the game or betting session is 17 seconds and the user bets £5.00 on the number "8". Here, 8 is shown as the winning number (which is based on, for example, the user selecting 8 in the "Market Bet" section). Under the central "Market Bet" tab, the user wins the bet and gets £42.50 if the result is 8.

[0203] The number "8" and the associated potential profit of £42.50 in the "Market Bet" field are highlighted in blue, and £42.50 is displayed in the "Profit (1)" field, which indicates that this amount will be added to the user's account, for example, if the result is the number 0. For example, in response to the user selecting the number 8 in the "Market Bet" field, the system may display in the "Profit (1)" field the amount the user will win (or lose) if the result is the number 8. The number 8 and its column in the "Market Bet" section may be highlighted in blue to indicate that the user wins money if the result is 8.

[0204] Figure 25 shows an exemplary screen shot of an exemplary user interface according to an embodiment. This interface indicates that the user has set one or more bets (e.g., bets on the numbers 0 and 3). Here, the winning number currently displayed on the roulette wheel is 0 (this is, for example, in response to the user selecting "0" in the "Market Bet" field). On the table, it may be indicated (e.g., by dots) that bets have been placed on the numbers 0 to 4. In the "Market Bet" tab, for example, it is shown that if 0 comes out, the user will win £100.00 with the bets made so far (see the "Profit Tab" next to "Market Bet"). The odds of the current bet are shown as 5 / 6 (for example, if betting on 3). The stake of the current bet is currently set at £5.00. In the "History" tab on the right side of the table, it is shown that as a result of the roulette game, the number 0 has come out 42 times, the number 4 has come out 39 times, the number 9 has come out 23 times, etc.

[0205] Financial Poker Game

[0206] An exemplary poker game may include indicia of five (or more) poker cards and two or more suits or colors (e.g., two or more suits such as red and black, or spades and diamonds), and the numbers and colors may be determined by the last digit of the market. In some embodiments, the user may bet on a) a specific number from 0 to 9, and b) one or more of red or black (or yellow). In some embodiments, each number 0-10 may be associated with either red or black. Alternatively, one of the four suits may be determined based on two financial market indicators, for example, by using the last digit of each financial market indicator to determine a two-digit number between 00 and 99. Here, 00-24 represents one suit (e.g., spades), 25-49 represents another suit (e.g., clubs), 50-74 represents another suit (e.g., hearts), and 75-99 represents another suit (e.g., diamonds). Thus, the result of the game may include two red 4s and three black 5s, or a diamond 4, a heart 4, and three spade 5s.

[0207] In some embodiments, the games described herein may use cards having one suit or cards having three or more suits (e.g., four suits corresponding to spades, hearts, clubs, and diamonds). For example, the cards may have suits corresponding to numbers (e.g., ten different suits corresponding to 0, 1, 2, 3,... 9). In some embodiments, each card may be generated based on one or more financial indicia.

[0208] In some embodiments, to generate the card numbers, the last digit, or other information related to financial indices may be used. In some embodiments, to determine other information about the card (e.g., suit), additional information related to that financial index or another financial index may be used. For example, one financial indicator (e.g., the value of the AUD / USD rate at a specific time) may be used to determine the value (e.g., number) of the card, and another financial indicator (e.g., the value of the EUR / GBP at a specific time) may be used to determine the suit of the card (e.g., 0, 1, 2, …9). In other embodiments, two financial indicators may be used to determine the suit (e.g., as described herein).

[0209] Figure 26 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment.

[0210] This game interface may be displayed on a user interface. The user interface may be a user computing device such as, for example, a touch screen, a phone, a computer, or other device equipped with a visual display. Of course, one, several, all, or any number of the various elements described hereinafter may be displayed on the user interface in any suitable configuration. The user may perform operations related to wagering information, wagering operations, clearing previous selections, changing the wager amount, or any other game-related operations by selecting the various elements (e.g., with a mouse or touch screen).

[0211] On the left side of the display, various game options related to the game type and financial markets may be provided. There, the roulette may be highlighted in yellow, indicating that the roulette game is selected and currently displayed. Alternatively, the user may select another game type, such as "multi-wager".

[0212] In that game type, the user may select a financial market or index, for example, a financial market or index used to generate the winning number in a roulette game. For example, the user may select an index such as Canada 60 or France 40, a foreign exchange market such as AUD / USD or EUR / GBP, a commodity market such as gold or silver, or a stock value such as BP stock or Barclays stock. Here, the UK 100 market is selected. Accordingly, the UK 100 index may be used to determine the winning number in the roulette game. The current (or almost current) value of the UK 100 (here, 6326.07) may be displayed in the game table area, here shown in green. By selecting the dropdown icon to the left of the "UK 100" icon, it is possible to generate a list of alternative markets available in this game. Depending on the embodiment, various options may become invalid or expire, for example, at the time when the timer reaches 10 seconds, or at a predetermined time of the game such as at the end or just before the end of the betting session, they may become invalid or expire.

[0213] The display can show a "game table" portion corresponding to each element of the actual game table, here highlighted in blue. There are five slots where poker cards are placed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slots may be circular. The user can place a bet by selecting one or more betting areas (for example, by placing virtual chips in the selected areas). There are six boxes in the betting area, and those boxes contain various possible results and the odds associated with each result.

[0214] Financial values may be displayed on top of each slot where a card is placed. For example, values (such as current market value or other prices) of financial markets, financial products, or financial indices (e.g., here the UK 100 is displayed) may be shown. (Other financial markets may also be used, e.g., by selecting such a market from a list on the left of the game table.) Here, the current values of various indices (at the instant this particular screen is being displayed) are shown. The AUD / USD index is shown as 1.02324, and 4 is the last significant digit shown. The UK 100 index is shown as 5680.94, and 4 is the last significant digit shown. The Germany 30 index is shown as 6482.41, and 1 is the last significant digit shown. The EUR / GBP index is shown as 0.79251, and 1 is the last significant digit shown. The EUR / USD index is shown as 1.29421, and 1 is the last significant digit shown. Thus, if the game ends at this exact instant, a full house is considered a winning bet, i.e., a winning outcome (if selected in the bet).

[0215] There may be a history area on the right side of the table that lists the game results so far (e.g., in chronological order). For example, the history area may show that the result of the latest game was a straight, the next was a pair of 7s, the next was a four-of-a-kind of 5s, and so on. Or, the history tab may show the game results in reverse chronological order. In that case, the latest result is 8 (at the bottom of the history area), the next is a three-of-a-kind of 4s, and so on.

[0216] There may be a time display in the upper right corner that shows the time. This time may include the current time, the remaining time of the betting session, the time available to place bets before the bet is closed during the betting session, the time the game has been played, the time until the next game starts, or any other arbitrary time.

[0217] In the lower right corner, odds (e.g., of a selected bet or bet type) and the bet amount (e.g., of a selected bet or bet type) may be displayed. A "Place Bet" tab may also be displayed. The amount of money the user can win or lose on a bet may be displayed as "Profit" and "Loss". The "Profit" and "Loss" fields may display the amount of money the user has won (and / or lost) in the current game, game session, day, week, time since the last login, or other time period, or the amount of money the user can win (or lose).

[0218] In some embodiments, various values displayed may change until just before the moment the user clicks "Place Bet". In the center of the lower part of the screen, there is a "Market Bet" tab. With this tab, the user can track their bets and the profit and loss of each bet. The user can close their bets by clicking "Close" or "Close All". Winning bets may be highlighted in blue. Losing bets may be highlighted in red. However, in some embodiments, when closing a bet with a negative profit, the return bet amount will be less than the initial bet amount.

[0219] Above the timer in the upper right corner of the screen, tabs for "Tutorial" and "Free Play" may be displayed. The "Test" tab may allow the user to check whether the game is compatible with the user's computer. The "Tutorial" tab may provide a guide on how to play the game. The "Free Play" tab may provide the user with an opportunity to play the game without thinking about money at all, for example, by providing an opportunity to play using fake money or game credits that do not burden the player.

[0220] Next to the "Market Bet" tab in the lower left of the screen, the running ticker may display the relevant latest events / news of the day. Under the word "Poker" at the top of the game on the screen, an estimate of when the market will close is given.

[0221] Depending on the embodiment, the game and the associated betting session may start after the previous one has ended (e.g., immediately, or after a few seconds, or after a few minutes). For example, the start and / or end of the bet may be every minute. Depending on the embodiment, the duration of the game may be 1 minute. During the first 50 seconds, the player may participate in the game, configure the settings, and configure and place the bet. The bet may be closed when 50 seconds have elapsed. When 60 seconds have elapsed, the game may end, the bet may be settled, and the payment may be made. Other times and timings may also be considered.

[0222] There is a timer in the upper right corner of FIG. 26, which shows 9 seconds in the drawing. The timer may display the remaining time of the betting session or the roulette game. The timer is capable of indicating time, for example, capable of indicating how much remaining time there is in the game or the betting session. There are two tabs above the timer, which are "Tutorial" (where the way to play the game is explained) and "Free Play" (where the user can play the game for free).

[0223] In the center of the roulette wheel, there are 5 slots where the numbers 0 - 9 of the poker cards are revealed. Each slot corresponds to a specific market (here, AUD / USD, UK 100, Germany 30, EUR / GBP, and EUR / USD). The revealed poker card may correspond to the last significant digit of the associated market.

[0224] The amount of money available for betting may be displayed in the lower right corner of this interface (here, 10.00). Odds (e.g., of the selected bet or bet type) and the bet amount (e.g., of the selected bet or bet type) may be displayed. A "Place Bet" tab may also be displayed. The amount of money the user can win or lose on a bet (or the amount bought or lost) may be displayed as "Profit" and "Loss". The "Profit" and "Loss" fields may display the amount of money the user has won (and / or lost) in the current game, game session, day, week, time since the last login, or other time period, or the amount of money the user can win (or lose).

[0225] Of course, many of the features shown in FIG. 26 are also shown in some or all of FIGS. 27 - 29. Accordingly, the description already given with respect to FIG. 26 may equally apply to similar features in FIGS. 27 - 29, depending on the embodiment.

[0226] FIGS. 26 - 29 may show features related to the same betting session, which may be, for example, a session in which the user bets on the winning focused number.

[0227] FIG. 27 shows an exemplary user interface according to an embodiment. The timer may show "9", indicating that there are 9 seconds remaining in the betting session or roulette game. For example, the interface of FIG. 27 may be the display 9 seconds after the interface of FIG. 26. Other various figures may be displays at other times of the same game session.

[0228] The interface shows an example of a bet, e.g., a bet made by the user. This bet may be made under the free play setting of the game (the free play tablet is red), or may be made using actual currency or value. The currently displayed winning number is 8 (however, the game may not be over yet and the winning number may change).

[0229] Meanwhile, the focused hand card may also be highlighted in yellow on the game table, indicating that the focused card has been selected by the user (e.g., as the current bet selection). For example, when the user clicks on the icon of the focused hand card on the game table, and / or when the user bets on or finalizes the bet on that focused hand card, the focused hand card may be highlighted in yellow. In the lower right corner of this interface, it is shown that the probability of winning the bet (odds) is 200 / 1 and the bet amount is currently set at £10.00 (this is highlighted at the moment, indicating that the user can change the amount by entering another number). The user is shown that there is a possibility of winning / gaining £2,000.00 (e.g., if the bet wins) and a possibility of losing £10.00 (e.g., if the bet loses). (In particular, the product of the odds (200 / 1) and the bet amount (£10.00) is equal to the amount that would be obtained if winning (£2,000.00).) Depending on the embodiment, these amounts may represent the user's wins and losses (or expected or possible wins and losses) in a given betting session, or over a period of time such as a day or other time.

[0230] Figure 28 shows an exemplary screenshot of a user interface according to one embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, this screen may be displayed after the user has submitted a bet amount of £10.00 on the focused hand card (e.g., by pressing the "Place Bet" button) and before the game is resolved, for example, when there are still 9 seconds left in the betting session or game.

[0231] The timer may indicate that there are 9 seconds remaining in the game or betting session. An indicator, such as a small yellow dot (or other color or shape) in the upper left corner of the "Focus Card" field on the virtual game table, may indicate that the user has placed a bet on the Focus Card hand. In some embodiments, the dot or other indicia may correspond to or indicate that one or more chips have been placed on a number in an actual roulette game on an actual roulette table. In some embodiments, the indicator may display or represent virtual chips or otherwise indicate the amount of the user's bet. The current winning hand displayed on the game board is a full house (this is because, for example, the last significant digits for each market are 4, 4, 1, 1, and 1 respectively).

[0232] The "Profit" field (displayed immediately to the right of the "Market Bet" heading) may display the amount of profit / loss associated with the current winning number in the "Market Bet" field (e.g., the amount the player would win or lose if the current number were the result of the game). Thus, the "-£10.00" shown in the "Profit" field of FIG. 28 may indicate that if the result is a full house and the player bets on the Focus Card hand, the bet amount the player would lose is £10.00. To indicate that this amount represents a net loss rather than a win / profit for the player, the highlight color may be red (it may be highlighted in another color, such as blue, in the case of a win / profit). Similarly, a negative number such as "-£10.00" may be shown in red to indicate a negative / losing amount, and a positive number (such as "2,000.00") may be shown in blue to indicate a positive / winning amount.

[0233] Of course, the value of the index, the current winning hand / result (here a full house), the amount in the "Profit" tab, and the column currently highlighted in the "Market Bet" section may all change dynamically in real-time or near real-time as the value of the index changes.

[0234] Figure 29 shows an exemplary user interface according to one embodiment. Here, the winning indices are 1.02324, 5680.94, 6482.41, 0.79251, and 1.29421 respectively. Therefore, the winning hand is a full house. The current bet being displayed is four of a kind. Under the central "Market Bet" tab, the full house arrangement shown by the sequence of three 9s and two 8s is highlighted in red, indicating that the user bet £10.00 and lost £10.00.

[0235] A poker game based on a financial random number generator. In this poker game, bets are placed by predicting the hand that would match the last digit of the market settlement levels of five separate markets. For example, if the market settlement levels of AUS, UK, Germany, EUR / GBP, and EUR / USD are 1.02324, 5680.94, 6482.41, 0.79251, and 1.29421 respectively, the winning hand will be a full house. Similar to conventional bets, in various embodiments, it is possible to bet on the following.

[0236] Two pairs or better. Odds are 2 / 5.

[0237] A single 9. Odds are 15 / 8.

[0238] A pair. Odds are 10 / 11.

[0239] Two pairs. Odds are 15 / 2.

[0240] Three of a kind. Odds are 12 / 1.

[0241] Full house. Odds are 100 / 1.

[0242] Straight. Odds are 125 / 1.

[0243] Four of a kind. Odds are 200 / 1. Or,

[0244] Five of a kind. Odds are 9,000 / 1.

[0245] Payment. If the market settlement digit (e.g., the last digit of the market settlement level for the five markets shown) is equal to the digit or suit bet, the bet will win.

[0246] Exemplary system

[0247] FIG. 30 shows an exemplary apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0248] System 300 may include one or more servers 2, which are coupled to one or more databases 80, one or more data providers 8a - 8n, and one or more end - users 10a - 10n. The data providers 8a - 8n, the users 10, and the server 2 may each communicate with one another. The user 10 may also communicate with other users 10, for example, communicate regarding games, stakes, and / or financial indicators.

[0249] The server 2 may include one or more processing devices, computers, computer systems, computer networks, and / or computer databases. The one or more processing devices may perform each of the computer - implemented steps described herein by executing software instructions (e.g., stored on a computer - readable medium). The server 2 may include modules 18 - 64. The server 2 may also include one or more databases such as database 80. The server 2 may communicate with the user 10 and the data provider 8. For example, the server 2 may communicate with the user 10's computer, for example, via the Internet, for example, communicate with the browser of the user computer.

[0250] The database 80 may include one or more processing devices, computers, computer systems, computer networks, and / or computer databases configured to store information. Each database 80 may communicate with the server 2, for example, via one or more modules of the server 2. For example, the server 2 and the modules may store information in the database 80 or use the information stored in the database 80.

[0251] The users 10a - 10n may include one or more humans. The user 10 may interact with the server 2 and / or other users 10. As used in this application, the users 10a - 10n may also refer to the user interface for the user to other system 300 components (such as the server 2), and such interfaces include the user's PDA or computer, or a program operating on the user's computer, such as a computer web browser like Internet Explorer (trademark), which may communicate with the data provider 8 and / or the server 2.

[0252] The data provider 8 may include any person, processing device, information service, or other entity that discloses or otherwise provides information regarding games, wagers, financial markets, financial indicators, random number generators, or communications associated therewith to the server 2 and / or the user 10. For example, the data provider 8 may include entities that provide game - related information, wager - related information, and / or market information (such as the current prices and values of the market, indices, metrics, or other financial information described herein), and such entities are, for example, market data services, websites, or other sources of information related to the game market or financial market, or any other information used in the systems or servers described herein.

[0253] The data provider 8 can provide information in real time or at another time, and the information that is initially publicly available is provided in real time. The data provider 8 can provide such information in any one or more of various forms and means, such forms and means including video, audio (e.g., radio broadcast), text (e.g., stock ticker-type information), or other data capable of transmitting information such as games, stakes, information regarding financial markets, and other information. The data may be provided at various timings. According to embodiments, the provision of data may be performed regularly, continuously, or persistently, for example, by a data feed (e.g., a stream of data including real-time updates of event information such as a live commentary of a game in text or audio format).

[0254] The server 2 may include a computer, a server, a hub, a central processing unit, or other entity within a network or within another processing device. The server 2 may include an input device and an output device for communicating with various other system 300 elements.

[0255] According to embodiments, the server 2 may be included in the end-user's computer 10, for example, included as a toolbar in the user's web browser or in another program operating on the user's computer.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 1, the server 2 may include a plurality of modules, for example, modules 22 to 34. Each module may include an input device and an output device for communicating with other modules, a database, and other system elements, together with a processing device.

[0257] The user interface module 22 may communicate well with the user and enable the user to communicate with the server and other users. The user interface module 22 may output information to the user, for example, output it in a user output device such as a display device (for example, the display device on the user terminal) and / or a speaker. For example, the user interface module 22 may generate an interactive user interface as shown in the various drawings described in this specification. The information output to the user may be associated with user accounts, one or more games, bets, financial market indicators, user selections, and other information described in this specification. The user interface module may transmit information electronically, for example, via network communication such as the Internet (for example, email or web pages), remote communication services, etc. In some embodiments, the user interface module 22 may include an input device for the user to input information about one or more games, bets, financial market indicators, or other information.

[0258] The user interface module 22 may also enable the user to interact with the various interfaces described in this specification, for example, game selection (for example, selection from a list of games), bet selection (for example, selection of bet amount and bet, for example, red / black, straight, pair, number 5, or any other information selected to specify a bet, or other information related to the bet), selection of financial market indicators (for example, selection of financial market indicators used to resolve a particular game or bet), selection of basic game settings, selection of time, and other information selection interactions.

[0259] The user interface module 24 may receive, identify, or determine user preferences regarding one or more games, stakes, financial market indicators, and other information. For example, this module may receive preferences from a user who interacts with the user interface. This module may also receive preferences from an automated user terminal. This module may also determine preferences based on a program that automatically determines user preferences regarding one or more games, stakes, financial market indicators, and other information.

[0260] The financial information module 26 may determine financial information such as financial products, financial markets, values or prices of financial indices, etc., for example, based on information determined by a server and / or information received from one or more data providers. For example, the financial information module may determine what price or value of a financial market indicator to use to settle a bet at a particular time.

[0261] The payment module 28 may determine payments (e.g., payments to or from the user or the server) for one or more bets placed by the user. For example, the payment module may determine the amount (e.g., in dollars and / or points) to be paid to the user or credited to the user's account if the bet is won (or the amount to be collected from the user or debited from the user's account if the bet is lost).

[0262] The game module 30 may conduct games, game play, and bets. For example, the game module may provide an open game.

[0263] For example, the game module 30 may identify possible bets, open bets, prompt the user to enter a bet or bet information, specify odds and payments, close bets, and settle the game to produce the result of the bet.

[0264] As shown in FIG. 30, a database 80 may be coupled to the server 2. The database 80 may store information regarding users, games, stakes, financial data, and other information, for example, historical information regarding game results. Each module of the server 2 may store, access, or otherwise interact with various data sources including external data, databases, and other inputs.

[0265] These modules may function separately or in various combinations. Although these modules are shown as being within a single server, they may operate across multiple servers. These modules may communicate with multiple databases, which may function collectively or separately.

[0266] Exemplary Method

[0267] FIG. 31 shows an exemplary flowchart according to one embodiment.

[0268] In block 310, a user may request a particular game or bet, for example, a roulette or financial poker game (as described herein).

[0269] In block 311, the system may start the game. The system may also open a betting market and accept bets. For example, the system may start a roulette game and request bets on the outcome of the game.

[0270] In block 312, one or more users may participate in the game. One or more users may invite other users to participate in the game.

[0271] In block 313, the system may request input or other information, for example, it may request information specifying game play or a bet. For example, the system may request the user to select roulette numbers, possible "hand cards", bet amounts, and one or more financial market indicators that determine the bet.

[0272] In block 314, the user may input selections regarding the game, bet amount, and / or other information. For example, the user may input a bet (e.g., "Three Card") and the bet amount.

[0273] In block 315, the user may communicate with other users. For example, the user may request to bet in the same game as one or more other users. The user may also request to bet against one or more other users. For example, the user may bet on whether another user's bet wins or loses. The user may also bet on a result mutually exclusive with another user's bet. The user interface may allow users to communicate with each other and with the system to place such bets. The bet details of each user may be displayed to each other.

[0274] In block 316, the system may close the bet window and / or stop allowing the user to place bets or participate in the game. For example, the system may not allow any further bets on a particular game or event if the time until the bet is resolved is less than 5 seconds.

[0275] In block 317, the system may determine the value of one or more financial market indicators used to resolve a game or wager. For example, in the case of a wager related to the value of the S&P 500 three seconds after 2:02 PM, the system can determine in real-time or near real-time (or at a later time) that the value of the S&P 500 three seconds after 2:02 PM is 1502.739. The system may identify that the last digit of this value is 9, and this number may be used to determine one or more outcomes of the wager. The financial index may be determined based on information that occurs after the wagering market is closed. For example, if the wagering market closes at 2:02 PM, or closes at another time before three seconds after 2:02 PM, the value of the financial indicator three seconds after 2:02 PM may be used. Thus, the user cannot specify the outcome of any wagering variable unless a wager is placed.

[0276] In block 318, the system may determine the result of a game or wager. For example, the system may determine, based on the determined value of the S&P 500, that the value of the user's card is "9". The user may also determine (e.g., based on a plurality of financial market indicators including the S&P 500 or other random number generators) that the user's financial poker hand contains two pairs, i.e., two 9s, a 1, a 3, and two 4s.

[0277] In block 319, the system can deposit into or withdraw from the user's account based on the result of the user's wager. For example, the system may deposit (e.g., in real currency, tokens, or other real or virtual values) into the user's account if the user wins the wager, and may withdraw from the user's account if the user loses the wager. If the user wagers against another user, the system may transfer the appropriate wager amount from the loser's account to the winner's account.

[0278] In block 320, the system may start another game. For example, a specific type of game may be played at multiple specified times throughout the day and / or periodically one after another.

[0279] Of course, the exemplary method may perform some or all of the operations described in blocks 310 - 320, and the order of performing these operations may not be as listed above.

[0280] The following are exemplary embodiments.

[0281] A. A method including the following steps. (1) Transmitting, by at least one processing device, information regarding one or more financial market indicators, (2) one or more betting parameters associated with an opportunity to bet on the result of a game, the one or more betting parameters including odds for at least a first one of a plurality of possible results of the game, and (3) a future specified time at which the result of the game will occur, to a user. Receiving, from the user, a request to bet on a first possible result of the game, the request including a bet amount. Causing, by at least one processing device, dynamically changing information regarding the continuously changing current values of one or more financial market indicators to be displayed to the user in real time. Determining, by at least one processing device, one or more values of at least one of the one or more financial market indicators, each value being a value of one of the one or more financial market indicators at a future specified time. Determining, by at least one processing device, the actual result of the game based on the one or more values at the future specified time. Confirming that the actual result includes the first possible result. As a response to the confirmation that the actual result includes the first possible result, at least one processing device takes steps to make a payment to the user based on the bet amount and odds.

[0282] B. The method of Embodiment A further includes the following steps Sending a list of financial market indicators to the user, the financial market indicator list including one or more financial market indicators. Receiving from the user a selection of at least one of the one or more financial market indicators used to determine the result of the game.

[0283] C. The method of Embodiment A. However, the game includes roulette, and the above step of determining the actual result of the game based on one or more values at a specified future time Includes the step of determining the actual result of the game by at least one processing device based on the last digit of one value of one financial market indicator.

[0284] D. The method of Embodiment A. However, the game includes a card game, and the above step of determining the actual result of the game based on one or more values at a specified future time Includes the step of determining a hand of cards including a plurality of cards by at least one processing device, wherein the card value of each card is determined based on the last digit of the corresponding plurality of indicators of one or more financial market indicators.

[0285] E. The method of Embodiment A. However, the game includes a card game, and the above step of determining the actual result of the game based on one or more values at a specified future time Includes the step of determining a hand of cards including a plurality of cards by at least one processing device, wherein the suit of each card is determined based on the last digit of the corresponding plurality of indicators of one or more financial market indicators.

[0286] F. Method of Embodiment A. However, one or more financial market indicators include one or more of a financial market index, a currency pair exchange rate, and a price of a financial product.

[0287] G. Method of Embodiment A. However, the game includes a roulette game, and the result includes the last digit of a financial market indicator measured at a specified future time.

[0288] H. Method of Embodiment A. However, the game includes a roulette game, and the result includes a two - digit number including the last digit of a first financial market indicator measured at a specified future time and the last digit of a second financial market indicator measured at a specified future time.

[0289] I. Method of Embodiment A. However, the step of sending information to the user further includes the step of sending information to the user regarding the remaining time for placing a bet on a possible result of the game, and the step of sending information regarding the remaining time further includes the step of sending a signal indicating that bets on possible results are no longer accepted after the remaining time for placing a bet has elapsed.

[0290] J. An apparatus comprising. at least one processing device, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processing device, cause the at least one processing device to implement at least one of the methods of Embodiments A - I.

[0291] K. A computer - readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processing device, cause the at least one processing device to implement at least one of the methods of Embodiments A - I.

[0292] XII. Alternative Technologies

[0293] Of course, while the techniques described herein are for the creation, use, or implementation of various embodiments, they are, however, part of the possible techniques that may be used for the same or similar purposes. The specific techniques described herein should not be construed as limitations. Rather, the various embodiments contemplate alternative techniques for the creation, use, or implementation of the various embodiments.

[0294] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the disclosed methods and method steps. The method may include more steps, fewer steps, or other steps. Further, without departing from the scope of the present invention, each step may be performed in any suitable order.

[0295] Although this disclosure has been described in terms of specific embodiments and generally related methods, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and permutations of systems, methods, software, and other embodiments will be apparent. Accordingly, each of the above-exemplified embodiments does not place a limitation on this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, for example, as defined by the appended claims.

[0296] In particular, of course, while this disclosure has been generally described in terms of roulette and poker games, the features and embodiments described herein may also be applicable to other "card" games, slots, lotteries, and other casino games, as well as other games and wagers that use one or more random number generators to determine the outcome of a game wager or gambling play.

[0297] XIII. References

[0298] Of course, various embodiments of the present invention may use one or more features, techniques, matching systems, execution systems, clearing systems, user configuration systems, brokering systems, and other features of any of the features disclosed in the following documents. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 10 / 836,077 filed on April 29, 2004, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 12 / 032,141 filed on February 15, 2008 (published as US 2009 / 0209312), U.S. Patent No. 7,962,400, U.S. Patent No. 7,566,270, and U.S. Patent No. 8,267,403. The entire contents of these disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

[0299] [Appendix 1] A method for facilitating the electronic exchange of data representing games and financial information over a network using a graphical user interface of an electronic device, comprising: causing at least one processor of a computing device of a server to output to the user in a display portion of the graphical user interface of the user's electronic device, wherein the display portion of the graphical user interface comprises: (1) data representing information regarding financial market indicators, and (2) data representing one or more betting parameters associated with an opportunity to bet on the outcome of a game, the one or more betting parameters including odds for at least a first possible outcome among a plurality of possible outcomes of the game, the plurality of possible outcomes including ten possible outcomes corresponding to the ten digits from 0 to 9, data representing the one or more betting parameters, and (3) data representing information regarding a specified future time at which the outcome of the game will occur, and Data representing indicia of a roulette wheel including a plurality of number slots, each of the plurality of number slots corresponding to a single number selected from a group consisting of the ten numbers from 0 to 9, the data representing the indicia, Steps; Receiving, by at least one processor of the computing device of the server, an electronic request to bet on the first possible result of the game from an input portion of the graphical user interface of the electronic device of the user, the request including a bet amount, the interface including an indicia of the bet amount; Causing, by at least one processor of the computing device of the server, a currently changing value of the financial market indicator to be output to the user in the display portion of the graphical user interface of the electronic device of the user, the currently displayed value including a plurality of digits including a least significant displayed digit, the least significant displayed digit continuously changing in real time during the duration of the game; Determining, by at least one processor of the computing device of the server, a value of the financial market indicator effective at a specified future time; Determining, by at least one processor of the computing device of the server, an actual result of the game based on the least significant displayed digit of the value of the financial market indicator effective at the specified future time; Determining, by at least one processor of the computing device of the server, the actual result including the first possible result; In response to determining the actual result including the first possible result, causing, by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, data representing a payout provided to the display portion of the graphical user interface of the user's electronic device, based on the bet amount and the odds. A method including. [Appendix 2] The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the financial market indicator includes one of a financial market index, a currency pair exchange rate, and a price of a financial product. [Appendix 3] Sending information regarding the remaining time for placing a bet on a possible result of the game to the user. After the remaining time for placing a bet has elapsed, sending a signal indicating that bets on the possible result are no longer accepted. The method according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 4] Each of the single digits 0 to 9 corresponds to either a first color or a second color, each number slot corresponds to either the first color or the second color, and the interface includes a first selectable indicia for betting that the result of the game will include a number corresponding to the first color and a second selectable indicia for betting that the result of the game will include a number corresponding to the second color. The method according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 5] The interface further includes a list including a plurality of selectable financial market indicators that can be used to determine the result of the game, the plurality of selectable financial market indicators includes the financial market indicator, and the method includes Receiving a selection from the user of a selectable financial market indicator from the list of selectable financial market indicators of the financial market indicator used to determine the actual result of the game. The method according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 6] The interface is, including an indicia of a numeric slot corresponding to the least significant digit currently being displayed, the indicia of the numeric slot being remote from the plurality of numeric slots, The method according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 7] The interface is, a first selectable indicia corresponding to a plurality of digits including a first grouping of some but not all of the digits from 0 to 9, the first selectable indicia being selectable to bet that the actual result will be one of the digits of the first grouping, and a second selectable indicia corresponding to a different plurality of digits including a different second grouping of some but not all of the digits from 0 to 9, the second selectable indicia being selectable to bet that the actual result will be one of the digits of the second grouping, The method according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 8] The interface is, including an indicia of a numeric slot corresponding to the least significant digit currently being displayed, the indicia of the numeric slot being remote from the plurality of numeric slots, The method according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 9] An apparatus for facilitating the electronic exchange of data representing gaming and financial information over a network using a graphical user interface of an electronic device, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor of a computing device of a server, and at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, cause the at least one processor of the computing device of the server to Causing an output to the user in a display portion of a graphical user interface of the user's electronic device, the step comprising: The display portion of the graphical user interface comprises: (1) data representing information regarding financial market indicators; (2) data representing one or more betting parameters associated with an opportunity to bet on the outcome of a game, the one or more betting parameters including odds for at least a first possible outcome among a plurality of possible outcomes of the game, the plurality of possible outcomes including ten possible outcomes corresponding to the ten digits from 0 to 9, the data representing the one or more betting parameters; (3) data representing information regarding a future specified time at which the outcome of the game will occur; (4) data representing indicia of a roulette wheel including a plurality of number slots, each of the plurality of number slots corresponding to a single number selected from a group consisting of the ten digits from 0 to 9, the data representing the indicia; A step; Receiving, from an input portion of the graphical user interface of the user's electronic device, an electronic request to bet on the first possible outcome of the game, the request including a bet amount, the interface including an indicia of the bet amount, a step; Causing an output to the user in the display portion of the graphical user interface of the user's electronic device of a dynamically changing current value of the financial market indicator, the displayed current value including a plurality of digits including a least significant displayed digit, the least significant displayed digit changing continuously in real time during the duration of the game, a step; Determining a value of the financial market indicator effective at the future specified time; Determining the actual outcome of the game based on the least significant displayed digit of the value of the financial market indicator effective at the future specified time. Determining the actual result including the first possible result; In response to determining the actual result including the first possible result, generating data representing a payment to be provided to the display portion of the graphical user interface of the user's electronic device based on the bet amount and the odds. An apparatus for causing execution. [Appendix 10] The apparatus according to Appendix 9, wherein the financial market indicator includes one of a financial market index, a currency pair exchange rate, and a price of a financial product. [Appendix 11] When the plurality of instructions are executed by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, causing the at least one processor to Send information regarding the remaining time for placing a bet on a possible result of the game to the user; After the remaining time for placing a bet has elapsed, sending a signal indicating that bets on the possible result are no longer accepted. The apparatus according to Appendix 9. [Appendix 12] Each of the single digits 0 to 9 corresponds to either a first color or a second color, each number slot corresponds to either the first color or the second color, and the interface includes a first selectable indicia for betting that the result of the game will include a number corresponding to the first color and a second selectable indicia for betting that the result of the game will include a number corresponding to the second color. The apparatus according to Appendix 9. [Appendix 13] The interface further includes a list including a plurality of selectable financial market indicators that can be used to determine the result of the game, and the plurality of selectable financial market indicators includes the financial market indicator. When the plurality of instructions are executed by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, cause the at least one processor to receive from the user a selection from the list of selectable financial market indicators used to determine the actual result of the game The device according to appendix 9. [Appendix 14] The interface includes an indicia of a numeric slot corresponding to the least significant digit currently being displayed, the indicia of the numeric slot being remote from the plurality of numeric slots The device according to appendix 9. [Appendix 15] The interface a first selectable indicia corresponding to a plurality of digits including a first grouping of some but not all of the digits from 0 to 9, the first selectable indicia being selectable to bet that the actual result will be one of the digits of the first grouping a second selectable indicia corresponding to a different plurality of digits including a different second grouping of some but not all of the digits from 0 to 9, the second selectable indicia being selectable to bet that the actual result will be one of the digits of the second grouping an indicia of a numeric slot corresponding to the least significant digit currently being displayed, the indicia being remote from the plurality of numeric slots, The device according to appendix 9. [Appendix 16] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions for facilitating the electronic exchange of data representing gaming and financial information over a network using a graphical user interface of an electronic device, When the plurality of instructions are executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to Causing output to a user in a display portion of a graphical user interface of an electronic device, the step comprising: wherein the display portion of the graphical user interface: (1) data representing information regarding financial market indicators; (2) data representing one or more betting parameters associated with an opportunity to bet on a result of a game, the one or more betting parameters including odds for at least a first possible result among a plurality of possible results of the game, the plurality of possible results including ten possible results corresponding to the ten digits from 0 to 9, the data representing the one or more betting parameters; (3) data representing information regarding a future designated time at which the result of the game will occur; (4) data representing indicia of a roulette wheel including a plurality of number slots, each of the plurality of number slots corresponding to a single number selected from a group consisting of the ten digits from 0 to 9, the data representing the indicia; The step; Receiving, from an input portion of the graphical user interface of the user's electronic device, an electronic request to bet on the first possible result of the game, the request including a bet amount, the interface including an indicia of the bet amount, the step; Causing output to the user in the display portion of the graphical user interface of the electronic device of a dynamically changing current value of the financial market indicator, the current value continuously changing in real time during the duration of the game, the step; Determining a value of the financial market indicator effective at the future designated time; Determining the actual result of the game based on the least significant displayed digit of the value of the financial market indicator effective at the future designated time; Determining the actual result including the first possible result; In response to determining the actual result that includes the first possible result, generating data representing a payment provided to the display portion of the graphical user interface of the user's electronic device based on the bet amount and the odds. A medium for causing execution. [Appendix 17] When the plurality of instructions are executed by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, the at least one processor is caused to Send a list of a plurality of financial market indicators including the financial market indicator to the user; Receive from the user a selection of at least one of the financial market indicators used to determine the actual result of the game. The medium according to Appendix 16. [Appendix 18] Each of the single digits 0 to 9 corresponds to either a first color or a second color, each number slot corresponds to either the first color or the second color, and the interface includes a first selectable indicia for betting that the result of the game will include a number corresponding to the first color and a second selectable indicia for betting that the result of the game will include a number corresponding to the second color. The medium according to Appendix 16. [Appendix 19] The interface further includes a list including a plurality of selectable financial market indicators that can be used to determine the result of the game, the plurality of selectable financial market indicators including the financial market indicator. When the plurality of instructions are executed by the at least one processor of the computing device of the server, the at least one processor is caused to Receive from the user a selection from the list of selectable financial market indicators of the financial market indicator used to determine the actual result of the game. The medium described in Appendix 16. Appendix 20 The interface includes an indicia of a digit slot corresponding to the least significant digit currently being displayed, and the indicia of the digit slot is remote from the plurality of digit slots. The medium described in Appendix 16. Appendix 21 The interface is a first selectable indicia corresponding to a plurality of digits including a first grouping of some but not all of the digits from 0 to 9, the first selectable indicia being selectable to bet that the actual result will be one of the digits of the first grouping, is a second selectable indicia corresponding to a different plurality of digits including a different second grouping of some but not all of the digits from 0 to 9, the second selectable indicia being selectable to bet that the actual result will be one of the digits of the second grouping, and an indicia of a digit slot corresponding to the least significant digit currently being displayed, the indicia being remote from the plurality of digit slots. The medium described in Appendix 16.

Claims

1. 1. A method for facilitating an electronic exchange of data representing gaming and financial information over a network using a graphical user interface of an electronic device, comprising: displaying, by at least one processor of the server's computing device, on a display portion of a graphical user interface, the display portion of the graphical user interface comprising: (1) data representing information on financial market indicators; (2) data representing one or more betting parameters associated with opportunities to bet on an outcome of a game, the one or more betting parameters including odds for at least one outcome of a plurality of possible outcomes of the game, each possible outcome of the plurality of possible outcomes corresponding to a digit value within a range from zero to nine; and (3) data representing information relating to a specified time in the past at which the outcome of the game was resolved; receiving, by the at least one processor, from an input of the graphical user interface an electronic request to bet on a possible outcome of the game, the request including a bet amount, and the interface including a display of the bet amount; generating, via said at least one processor, truly random numbers based on historical information represented in said data representing said information regarding said financial market index; displaying, by the at least one processor, on the display portion of the graphical user interface, a value of the financial market index based on the generated truly random number, the displayed value including a plurality of digits including a least significant digit, the least significant digit changing during the duration of the game; determining, by the at least one processor, the value of a financial market index valid for the specified past time; determining, by the at least one processor, an actual outcome of the game based on a least significant digit of the value of the financial market index valid at the specified past time; The method includes:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the financial market indicator comprises one of a financial market index, a currency pair exchange rate, and a price of a financial instrument.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the game is a casino game.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the display portion of the graphical user interface includes data representing an indicator of a roulette-style wheel including a plurality of number slots, each of the plurality of number slots corresponding to a single number selected from a group consisting of ten numbers, zero (0) through nine (9).

5. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: transmitting information regarding a remaining time for placing bets on possible outcomes of the game; and transmitting a signal indicating that bets on the possible outcomes are no longer being accepted after the remaining time for placing bets has elapsed.

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