Entertainment devices and games involving multiple operators, multiple players, and / or multiple jurisdictions

Abstract

To provide various methods and devices related to a game.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to methods including: determining that a first player wants to start playing a network game through a first mobile device; determining that a second player wants to start playing the network game through a second mobile device; matching the first player and the second player to one round of the network game; determining that there is no additional player associated with a first game operator who wants to start playing the network game in a specific time zone; and allocating first payment to the first game operator and allocating second payment to a second game operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 513,757, filed on Aug. 1, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Some embodiments relate to games.

Background Art

[0003] A casino may provide one or more games to be played by one or more players. Some games may be played by a single player, while others may be played by multiple players. Some casinos may provide a poker game at a table where a player can play poker with other players at the table.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] [Figure 1] A block diagram of components of a hand reading system according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 2] An apparatus for playing a game according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 3] An example method according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 4] An example method according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 5] An example system according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 6] An example system according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 7] An example method according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 8] An example logic diagram according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 9] An example method according to some embodiments is shown. [Figure 10] A method is presented as an example using several embodiments. [Figure 11] This document presents an example of a game access system in several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0005] It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the various processes described herein can be carried out, for example, by appropriately programmed general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, and computing devices. Typically, a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (e.g., from memory or similar devices), executes those instructions, and thereby executes one or more processes defined by those instructions. Instructions can be embodied, for example, by one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

[0006] "Processor" means one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, similar devices, or any combination thereof, regardless of architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing / multicore, RISC, CISC, microprocessors without interlock pipeline stages, pipelined configurations, simultaneous multithreading).

[0007] Therefore, a description of a process is also a description of the apparatus that executes that process. The apparatus that executes the process may include, for example, a processor and input and output devices appropriate for executing the process.

[0008] Furthermore, programs (and other types of data) that implement such methods can be stored and transmitted in several forms using various media (e.g., computer-readable media). In some embodiments, hardwired circuits or custom hardware can be used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software can be used instead of software alone.

[0009] The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any one medium, any combination of mediums, or any combination of different mediums involved in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) that is readable by a computer, processor, or similar device. Such mediums can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile mediums, volatile mediums, and transmission mediums. Examples of non-volatile mediums include optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile mediums include dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Examples of transmission mediums include coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that constitute a system bus coupled to a processor. Transmission mediums include or can transmit sound waves, light waves, and electromagnetic radiation, such as that generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical media having patterned holes, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, flash EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, carrier waves (described later), or any other computer-readable media.

[0010] Various forms of computer-readable media can be involved in the transport of data (e.g., instruction sequences) to the processor. For example, data can be (i) sent from RAM to the processor, (ii) transported via a wireless transmission medium, (iii) formatted and / or transmitted according to numerous formats, standards, or protocols such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth, and TCP / IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G, and / or (iv) encrypted, thereby ensuring privacy or preventing misuse in any way known in the art.

[0011] Therefore, a description of a process is also a description of a computer-readable medium that stores the program that executes that process. The computer-readable medium can store (in any suitable format) the program elements appropriate for executing the method.

[0012] Just as a description of the various steps in a process does not indicate that all of the steps described are necessary, an embodiment of the apparatus may include a computer / calculating device capable of performing some (but not necessarily all) of the processes described.

[0013] Similarly, just as a description of the various steps in a process does not indicate that all the steps described are necessary, embodiments of computer-readable media for storing a program or data structure include computer-readable media for storing a program that, when executed, causes a processor to execute some (but not necessarily all) of the processes described.

[0014] Where a database is described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that (i) alternative database structures to the described database are readily available, and (ii) other memory structures other than databases are readily available. Any examples or descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are exemplary configurations of how information is stored. For example, any number of other configurations other than those suggested by the drawings or tables shown elsewhere may be available. Similarly, any entries shown in a database represent only exemplary information, and the number and content of entries may differ from those described herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, notwithstanding any illustration of a database as a table, other formats (including relational databases, object-oriented models, and / or distributed databases) may be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Similarly, the methods or behaviors of database objects can be used to perform various processes as described herein. Furthermore, databases may be stored locally or remotely on devices that access the data in such databases, in known forms.

[0015] Various embodiments can be configured to function in a network environment including a computer communicating with one or more devices (e.g., via a communication network). The computer may communicate directly with the devices or indirectly via any wired or wireless medium (e.g., the Internet, LAN, WAN, or Ethernet, Token Ring, telephone lines, cable lines, wireless channels, optical communication lines, commercial online service providers, bulletin board systems, satellite communication links, and any combination of the above). Each device comprises a computer or other computing device, such as one based on an Intel® Pentium® or Centrino® processor, configured to communicate with the computer. Any number and type of devices may communicate with the computer.

[0016] In one embodiment, a server computer or central authority may not be necessary or desirable. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented on one or more devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any function described herein as being performed by a server computer or data described as being stored on a server computer may instead be performed or stored by one or more such devices.

[0017] When a process is described, in one embodiment, the process may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the process may include some human intervention (e.g., steps are performed by a human or with human assistance).

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the minimum components of a hand reading system on Table 4 in some embodiments, namely, a smart card reading delivery shooter 8 having an output 14 and a smart card reading discard rack 12 having an output 18. The player position 6 is shown as a dealer's hand position sensor 10 without an output port 16.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for playing a game. There are a plurality of player units 40-1 to 40-n, and these player units are coupled to a game play system via a communication system 41 such as the Internet. The game play system includes a management unit 42, a player register 43, and a game unit 45. Each unit 40 is typically a personal computer having a display unit and control means (keyboard and mouse).

[0020] When a player logs on to the game play system, the player unit 40 reveals its identity to the management unit. The system maintains the player's details in the register 43, and the register includes separate player register units 44-1 to 44-n for all potential players, i.e., all members of the system.

[0021] Once a player is identified, the player is assigned to a game unit 45. The game unit includes a set of player data units 46-1 to 46-6, a dealer unit 47, and a random dealing unit 49.

[0022] Up to seven players can be assigned to the game unit 45. As shown, several such units can exist, so that when more than eight members of the system log on simultaneously, several games can be played simultaneously. The assignment of the player unit 40 to the player data unit 46 can be arbitrary or random depending on which player data unit 46 and game unit 45 are available. Each player data unit 46 is loaded from the corresponding player register unit 44, and each player data unit 46 also contains basically the same details as the corresponding player unit 40, and communicates with the player unit 40 to keep the contents of the player unit and the player data unit updated with each other. Further, appropriate portions of the contents of the other player data units 46 and the dealer unit 47 are passed to the player unit 40 for display.

[0023] The logic unit 48 of the game unit 45 advances the game unit step by step through various stages of the player, initiates the actions of the dealer, and waits for appropriate responses from the player unit 40. The random dealing unit 49 basically deals cards randomly to the dealer unit 47 and the player data units 46. At the end of the hand, the logic unit passes the result of the hand, i.e., win and / or loss, to the player data unit 46 and notifies each player of the respective result. The management unit 42 also takes in these results and updates the player register unit 44 accordingly.

[0024] The player unit 40 is configured to display a screen. The player's position is highlighted to identify the player. As play progresses, the player selects various boxes, places bets in the boxes, etc., and the results of these actions are displayed. When cards are dealt, a series of matching card symbols are shown in the bonus box. At the player's discretion, cards can be shown in the line below the box, as well as cards dealt to the dealer. At the end of a hand, a message is displayed informing the player of the result of each bet, i.e., the amount won or lost.

[0025] Example of an embodiment Some embodiments may involve one or more players playing a game against one or more other players and / or one or more game operators (e.g., a computer opponent, a dealer, etc.). Such a game may be part of a competition and / or multi-layer game. Such a competition and / or multi-layer game may be continuous and / or ongoing and may include a player who wins the competition and / or multi-layer game, even before other players have started. In some embodiments, a first player may play a card game against a second player. Such a game may include a poker game, any other card game, and / or any other non-card game (e.g., a sports game, a video game, a casino game, a board game, etc.). In some embodiments that may include a poker game, playing the poker game may include playing Texas Hold'em game, stud game, draw game, and / or any variation of poker of choice.

[0026] In some embodiments, AI or bot players (e.g., players controlled by computer programs) may be added to the game. If there are not enough human players in the game, such players may be used to complete the game. Such AI players may take risks on behalf of one or more game operators. For example, losses and / or wins by such AI players may be divided among one or more game operators (e.g., equally among all game operators supplying players to the table according to the proportion of players at the table from each game operator). In some embodiments, such AI players may not be permitted. In some embodiments, such AI players may be added after searching for human players over a period of time. In some embodiments, there may be a maximum number of AI players (e.g., 1, 50%, 10%, etc.).

[0027] In some embodiments, playing a game may involve playing the game until any desired winning and / or losing situation occurs. For example, play may include one hand, one round, any number of hands, any number of rounds, a player running out of credits, a player winning a certain number of times, a player losing a certain amount of credits, a player falling below a threshold number of points, a player winning a certain amount of money, a player losing a certain number of times, a player winning a certain number of times, a player choosing to leave the game, and / or any other desired situation. In some embodiments, play may continue until one player collects all of the other players' account balances, chips, points, etc. (for example, those allocated to the table at the start of the game and which players are willing to put on the table during play) through any number of rounds of play (for example, by winning rounds of play in a poker game where bets are placed). In some embodiments, players, when paired with each other, may agree on specific win and / or loss criteria and / or choose to play the game in other ways (for example, one player may create a virtual table with specific win / loss rules, and another player may choose to join that table).

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more computing devices may be involved in playing the game. Such computing devices may include any combination of computers, handheld game devices, cellular phones, etc. Each player of the game may play the game on such a device. In some embodiments, such devices may be distributed to enable gameplay without central authority. In some embodiments, such devices may function as clients of a central server that performs some and / or all game-related functions. Such devices may take in input, pass input to such a server as desired, receive output from the server, and display such output as desired. Some embodiments may include any desired distribution of operations to clients and servers.

[0029] Various embodiments may include formatting the presentation of information for one or more devices. For example, in some embodiments, a first player may play using a computer or other device, and the presentation of information may be formatted for that computer. In some embodiments, a second player may play using a mobile phone or other computing device, and the presentation may be formatted differently for the second player than for the first player, based on the fact that the devices are different devices and / or have different capabilities. For example, in some embodiments, the first device may have a lower screen resolution than the second device, and therefore, in response to such a determination, the server may transmit information to the first device at a lower resolution than the second device. In some embodiments, such formatting may be performed on the device rather than on a central server.

[0030] In some embodiments, playing a game may include playing a competition and / or a multi-layered game. A competition and / or a multi-layered game may include a game with multiple levels of competition. In some embodiments, each level may relate to the player's skill level, the player's amount, credits, previous play by that player, and / or any desired features. In some embodiments, a player may play with and / or against other players of the same level. There may be any number of levels as desired. Each level may relate to the same game and / or different games as desired.

[0031] In some embodiments, players may start playing at the same initial tier and later change tiers. In some embodiments, such initial tiers may differ for different players (e.g., based on entry fee, previous play, other events, other actions by the players). Such initial tiers may include the lowest level tier of a set of tiers in which a player can participate in play. In some embodiments, such initial tiers may be the highest level tier or not. In some embodiments, such tiers may include the highest level tier. In some embodiments, players within an initial tier may be able to play the game using an initial number of credits (e.g., money, dollars, chips) as each other. Such a number may relate to an entry fee (e.g., the amount a player pays to play the game). For example, the amount may be the entry fee, the entry fee minus a fee, the entry fee minus a progressive contribution, etc. In some embodiments, players may define their own tables and / or table rules within one or more tiers. In some embodiments, tables and / or table rules may be imposed on players within one or more tiers. In some embodiments, different hierarchies may have different rules and / or allow the user greater control over the rules.

[0032] Some embodiments may include assigning players to gameplay tiers from multiple gameplay tiers. Such assignments may include assignments at the start of play in competitive and / or multi-tier games (e.g., to the initial tier). Such assignments may include assignments in response to wins and / or losses (e.g., changing from one tier to another). Such assignments may be in response to a player purchasing a right to change tiers, accepting an offer, and / or performing any desired action. Such assignments may occur after other players have finished playing by winning at the top tier and winning in competitive and / or multi-tier games. Thus, such wins in competitive and / or multi-tier games do not terminate the competitive and / or multi-tier games, and other players may join after the other players have won. Some embodiments may allow players to play against other players in the same tier (e.g., in response to a determination that players are in the same tier, allowing players to play against each other, matching players with each other, putting players into a game lobby, and starting a game). Some embodiments may prevent players from playing against players in different tiers (for example, by preventing players from selecting each other, preventing players from joining the same table, and preventing players from communicating with each other).

[0033] In some embodiments, a player may change tiers based on their gameplay. For example, a player may move up a tier after winning a game, after winning a certain number of games, after winning more than a certain amount more than their losses in their current tier, after winning all of another player's credits, or after accumulating a certain number of credits. For example, in some embodiments, a player may play a one-on-one poker game, and the winner of that poker game may include a player who wins all of the other players' credits by winning a hand in the game. In this example, that player may move to the next play tier. In some embodiments, as in this example, a player may start in the initial tier with the same number of credits and therefore and / or move to the next tier with the same number of credits. Some embodiments may include determining that a player has performed an action that enables movement to the next tier (e.g., winning a game, accumulating a certain number of credits, purchasing the right to change). In response to such determination, the player may be notified that they may move to a new tier and / or that they may be eligible to move to a new tier.

[0034] In some embodiments, a player's tier may be downgraded based on their play. For example, a player's tier may be downgraded after a loss, after losing a certain number of credits, after losing a certain number of times, after losing more than a certain amount more than they win in their current tier, or after losing all their player credits. In some embodiments, a player whose tier is downgraded may start that tier with any desired amount of credits, such as the standard starting amount for that tier. In some embodiments, a loss (e.g., loss of credits) may cause a player to lose in a multi-tier competition (e.g., the player may be excluded from all tiers of play). Such a player may play another game by paying the entry fee again and starting from an initial tier. In some embodiments, a loser may pay an entry fee for the same or a different tier. In some embodiments, there may be a limit to buy-backs by paying an entry fee. In some embodiments, buy-backs by paying an entry fee may cost the same amount as, or greater than, the initial entry fee, which is associated with the tier that must be purchased to participate. In some embodiments, the fee for re-entering may be increased by paying the entry fee more than once. In some embodiments, a loss may result in the user being demoted by a certain number of tiers as an additional and / or alternative to being charged the entry fee and / or expelled from the tournament. In some embodiments, a loss may have no effect on the user other than not advancing to a higher tier based on the lost game. In some embodiments, it may be determined in response to the occurrence of an action that the player should be demoted.

[0035] In some embodiments, a user may pay a fee to move from one tier to another. For example, a player may pay a fee to move to a higher and / or lower tier. Such a fee may or may not be related to the amount of credits associated with the higher and / or lower tier (e.g., the number of credits other players have when starting to play in the higher and / or lower tier). For example, in some embodiments, such a fee may include the difference between the player's current credits and the amount associated with the higher and / or lower tier. Such a fee may be added to and / or deducted from the player's credits, in part and / or in whole (e.g., to match the player's credits to the amount associated with the higher and / or lower tier). Such a fee may not be added to and / or deducted from the player's credits (i.e., the player may be at a disadvantage in the higher tier and / or at an advantage in the lower tier). In some embodiments, payment may be taken from the fee by the house, as desired. In some embodiments, as an addition to and / or alternative to a fee, a player may move to a tier by playing another game, viewing advertisements, performing actions, traveling to a location, signing up for a program, and / or performing any other desired action. In some embodiments, tiers may be lower and / or higher. In some embodiments, a tier may be two or more tiers away from the current tier. In some embodiments, there may be no current tier, and rather, the player may start at a tier different from the initial tier by paying or performing some action.

[0036] Some embodiments may include a top tier. In some embodiments, winning at the top tier includes beating another player in the top tier. In some embodiments, winning at the top tier may result in winning an amount of credit a player has, winning prizes, winning a jackpot, winning a progressive award, etc. For example, in some embodiments, a player who wins at the top tier may win an amount related to the entry fee associated with the pyramid of the defeated players, or for that play to win at the top tier (e.g., each player that the player plays against, each player that any of those players played against, etc.). The amount won may be equal to or less than such an amount, as desired (e.g., that amount minus the house's share, etc.). Some embodiments may not include a top tier and / or any tier at all.

[0037] Some embodiments may include a lowest level. In some embodiments, the lowest level may include an initial level. In some embodiments, a player may be eliminated from the competition if they lose at the lowest level. In some embodiments, a player may be eliminated from the competition if they lose at any level. Some embodiments may not include a lowest level and / or any level at all. In some embodiments, a player may start at a level higher than the lowest level.

[0038] In some embodiments, the house and / or other game provider may receive a share from each game, each entry fee, each stake, each prize, play fee, etc. Such a share may be imposed to run the game and / or as revenue for the house. Such a share may be related to the amount of the grand prize and / or other winnings and game setup so that the house can still earn the desired amount despite players winning money through play.

[0039] In some embodiments, before gameplay, players may enter a virtual lobby and / or queue to identify that they wish to play a game. In some embodiments, players may chat with each other in the lobby or queue. Lobbies and / or queues may be specific to a particular tier of play. In some embodiments, players in a lobby and / or queue may choose another player to play against. In some embodiments, players in a lobby and / or queue may be paired randomly and / or in other ways with another player to play against. In some embodiments, after winning and / or losing a game, players may be placed in queues and / or lobbies at different tiers. In some embodiments, players in a lobby and / or queue may browse available tables and / or games and select one to join. In some embodiments, players in a lobby and / or queue may wait until they are automatically placed in a new game. In some embodiments, players in a lobby and / or queue may form their own tables to play games according to rules established by the players.

[0040] Some embodiments may include the player receiving an indication that they wish to play the game. Such indications may include the player entering a virtual lobby, the player selecting a control mechanism, the player forming a new table, the player selecting a table, and so on.

[0041] Some embodiments may include facilitating gameplay. Such play may include play among and / or between any number of players. In some embodiments, such facilitation may include executing any desired program, accepting input, producing output, determining opponents, etc. For example, in some embodiments, two opponents may be paired and play the game against each other. An interface may be provided to each player through a computing device, thereby allowing the player to view events in the game and / or input actions to be performed in the game. Based on player input, random events, game rules, and / or any other desired elements, input may be accepted and / or output may be provided to advance the game through any number of stages from start to finish. Such facilitation may be performed in response to receiving an indication that one or more of the game's players wish to play the game. In some embodiments, such facilitation may be performed in response to a determination that there are enough players who wish to play the game at a particular stage of gameplay. In some embodiments, player matching to play the game may include matching players at a particular stage of gameplay together. In some embodiments, player matching may include matching players according to selection by one or more players and / or the formation of a table.

[0042] In some embodiments, a hierarchy may allow for nearly continuous gameplay if players are available at that hierarchy. For example, if a sufficient number of players are available at a given hierarchy, the game can be played with those players. Thus, players do not have to wait for all or most players in the previous hierarchy to complete the next hierarchy or even win at the top hierarchy. Rather, such a competition may be continuous and / or have no end, but players can end their game while other players continue, start, and / or start playing later. A player winning at the top hierarchy may have no effect on another player's gameplay if that player is not an opponent of the winning player. For example, it should be noted that any actions can be taken in any order so that several players can end their gameplay by winning a multi-layer game and / or competition, even before other players have started and / or while other players are in the middle of playing the multi-layer game and / or competition.

[0043] Such embodiments may include determining a winner in the game. Such determination may include determining a winner based on events in the game, the rules of the game, random events, etc. For example, in a poker embodiment, the winner may include the player who wins all the credits in the play, the player who wins the hand, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, any method can be used to detect and / or prevent collusion. In some embodiments, proximity of players and / or devices can be identified and used to prevent pairing and / or play by certain players and / or devices that are too close together. For example, in some embodiments, a game can be terminated and / or paused in response to the determination that two players participating in a game are within a threshold distance of each other (e.g., 10 feet, 1 foot, 100 feet, 1 inch, etc.). In some embodiments, players can be notified if they are too close to each other, and their direction of movement can be identified to correct the proximity problem. In some embodiments, players can be warned if they are approaching a threshold (e.g., by light, sound, or other indicator, a player may be notified that they are heading in a direction that will bring them too close to another player and that they should change direction or stop). In some embodiments, if a player is too close to another player in the tournament and / or hierarchy, that player can be prevented from participating in the tournament and / or hierarchy.

[0045] In some embodiments, the appearance of game elements can be altered. For example, the suits on the cards can be changed, or the players' icons and / or names can be changed. Losing or winning cards or hands can be changed to other winning cards and / or hands. Such alterations to appearance can make it impossible for multiple players to recognize that they are in the same game. In some embodiments, the number of times one player can be paired with another player can be limited.

[0046] In some embodiments, players may stop playing during and / or after a game. For example, paired players may stop playing in the middle of a game and return to it later, or players may stop playing before playing a new tier or after playing a game at a previous tier. Player positions may be remembered (e.g., by a server), and players may later be able to return to the same tier and / or game. In some embodiments, a player's position may decay over time, thereby encouraging players to return sooner rather than later. For example, the number of credits may decrease hourly, or the tier level may decrease day by day. It should be noted that credits and tiers are given as examples only, and decay of any element may be used. It should be noted that time and days are given as examples only, and any period such as seconds, years, months, etc., may be used. In some embodiments, a player's credits at the time of stopping play may remain relatively similar when they return.

[0047] Some embodiments may include rewards offered for moving from one tier to another, winning one or more games, etc. Such rewards may be smaller in value than the rewards for winning the highest tier game and / or winning in the competition in other ways. Some embodiments may offer rewards for dropping out of the game rather than continuing to play at a higher tier. Some embodiments may include offering rewards for moving to a lower tier and / or a higher tier. Such moves may include offering advantages or disadvantages at the new tier (e.g., moving to a higher tier with fewer credits than the normal number of credits at that tier).

[0048] It should be recognized that any game can serve as the basis for a tournament. For example, random number-based games, skill-based games, single-player games, multiplayer games, and / or any type of game can be used as the basis for a tournament. For example, poker, baccarat, mahjong, pai gow, sic baj, chess, backgammon, etc., can serve as the basis for a tournament.

[0049] In some embodiments, entry into a tournament and / or a game may be contingent on the outcome of another game. In some embodiments, movement from one tier of a tournament to another may occur through playing another game. In some embodiments, the characteristics of game play in a tournament and / or the prize money for such game play may be adjusted based on game play in another game.

[0050] Figure 10 shows an example of how a draw may be used to determine eligibility to enter a tournament and / or move from one tier to another in the tournament. It should be noted that other embodiments may include additional or alternative actions. Other embodiments may include one or more different games, but may not include a draw and / or a tournament.

[0051] As shown in 1001, a patron may purchase and / or receive a lottery entry in another form (e.g., through the use of points, for free, to purchase the right to attend an event, or as a reward for checking into a hotel). Such a ticket may include a series of numbers and / or symbols that can be used to designate a player. In some embodiments, a player may obtain any number of such entries to any number of lotteries as desired. In some embodiments, a player may be limited to a few entries in a particular lottery, and an entry may include one or more selected lottery stamps.

[0052] Some implementations may involve conducting one or more draws. For example, a draw may be conducted once a day, once an hour, once a week based on demand, every five minutes if several people have entered, etc. The draw may be conducted for a specific game operator, a group of game operators involved in a tournament, etc. Entries may be associated with a specific draw, a subsequent draw, multiple draws, etc., as desired. A draw may include a physical draw of draw seals, a virtual determination of draw seals, and / or any determination of one or more results of the draw.

[0053] In some embodiments, money paid as an entry into a draw may be used to fund a tournament jackpot. In some embodiments, an additional entry fee may be required, and / or a participation fee may be required to play the game. For example, in some embodiments, a percentage (e.g., 65%) of the money paid as an entry into a draw may be returned to the patron as a jackpot at one or more levels of the tournament.

[0054] Some embodiments may include determining whether an entry to the draw is a winning entry based on a lottery drawing. For example, a winning entry can be determined by comparing the entry's mark with the draw's mark.

[0055] As shown in 1003, in some embodiments, if a user's draw entry is a losing entry, the user may not be able to enter the tournament or other games. In some embodiments, if a user's draw entry is a losing entry, the user may not be given any advantage in the tournament and / or games, and / or may not be able to advance one level in the tournament. In some embodiments, if a user's draw entry is a losing entry, the user may be removed from the tournament.

[0056] As shown in 1005, in some embodiments, if a draw entry is a winning entry, the user may be granted access to the tournament. In some embodiments, if a draw entry is a winning entry, the user may be awarded bonuses in the tournament and / or games. In some embodiments, if a draw entry is a winning entry, the user may be promoted to a higher tier of the tournament. In some embodiments, the user may be offered prizes for winning the draw. In some embodiments, a winning draw entry may allow the user to be promoted to a higher tournament (e.g., a tournament with a higher payout level). In some embodiments, a certain percentage of players with numbers close to the draw number may win the draw. In some embodiments, players with several matching seals may win the draw. In some embodiments, players with all matching seals may win the draw. In some embodiments, having a certain percentage of matching numbers may trigger different prizes (e.g., a bonus (e.g., cash, a higher tier of the tournament, a bonus in the tournament, etc.) may be awarded to a player with all matching seals, and any level of matching may be awarded a different level of prize compared to other levels of matching, as desired).

[0057] As shown in 1007, tournaments and / or games may continue in accordance with their rules, along with the players involved.

[0058] In some embodiments, a player may establish a virtual table, game, and / or tournament. Establishing such a virtual game-related element may include setting rules and / or other features of the element (e.g., game rules, tournament rules). For example, a player may set rules regarding minimum bets, maximum bets, minimum balance, rebuy-in by repurchasing entry fees, winning conditions, rules regarding removal from a tournament, rules regarding tax collection, rules regarding jackpots, rules regarding rank advancement, rules regarding rank demotion, rules regarding gameplay speed (e.g., the length of time a player must take action), rules regarding the number of rounds (e.g., the number of rounds a player must win), rules regarding amounts (e.g., the amount a player may be required to accumulate to win the game), and so on. One or more other players may participate in such a game, table, tournament, etc., according to one or more of these features and play one or more games.

[0059] Some embodiments may include providing an interface in which a user can establish such features. For example, a player may input information into such an interface by selecting a button, entering a number, etc. The user may submit information about such features to a central authority (e.g., a server, a cloud computing system) by activating a control mechanism (e.g., by pressing a button). In response to receiving such information, the central authority may generate such a virtual element (e.g., by creating a database entry, advertising the element, allowing other players to join the element, performing one or more validations, etc.).

[0060] The existence of a virtual element having one or more characteristics may be presented to one or more users (e.g., through a computer, network, kiosk, mobile device display, etc.). For example, a list of existing elements may be presented to one or more players through an interface. Such an interface allows such players to select the elements to participate in. In some embodiments, players may be presented with the number of players at tables waiting to play and / or in the queue.

[0061] In some embodiments, it is possible to search for such elements. For example, another player may be able to search for existing elements based on the characteristics of those elements. For instance, a player may search for a table with a specific minimum bet by entering such search criteria into a search interface. If such a virtual table satisfying the criteria has been created, the searching player may be presented with one or more matching tables (e.g., a display of such tables). If none have been created, the player may be presented with an indication that such a table does not exist. In some embodiments, a player may be able to generate a new table having such characteristics.

[0062] In some embodiments, a player may choose to participate in an element having desired characteristics. Such elements may include elements created by another player and / or elements created by a game operator (e.g., default tables, casino-wide tournaments, etc.). A player may input information through an interface, which displays one or more elements available to the player and submits such selections to the game operator (e.g., sent from a computer to a central server). In response to choosing to participate in an element, the player may be matched with the other player who created the element, and / or may choose to participate in the element, be placed in a queue for a table, take a seat at a table and wait for opponents, etc.

[0063] In some embodiments, players may create, select, and / or search for elements within a tournament. For example, a player in a particular hierarchy of a tournament may search for and / or create a table with desired characteristics at that particular hierarchy. In some embodiments, there may be no hierarchy at all, and players may create, search for, and / or participate in tables collectively.

[0064] In response to a second player selecting an element, the first and second players may be matched with respect to gameplay. Such gameplay may be performed according to one or more criteria established for the element. Some embodiments may include facilitating gameplay between two players. In some embodiments, the game may include a two-player poker game. In some embodiments, gameplay may include one or more players placing bets in the game, one or more players taking actions in one or more games, etc. In some embodiments, it may be determined that the bets and / or actions comply with the requirements of criteria established for the element. Actions and / or bets may be permitted in response to such determination and / or blocked in response that the actions and / or bets do not comply with such requirements.

[0065] In some embodiments, one or more players may disconnect from the game service while engaged in gameplay (e.g., battery running out, connection problems, etc.). In response to such disconnections, the game operating system may take any desired action. For example, the game operator may terminate the game, pause the game, or act on behalf of the one or more players who have disconnected from the game. For example, in some embodiments, a user may be asked to take an action in a poker game, and if the player asked to take that action disconnects, the game operator may check and / or fold at each opportunity in the game. Whenever such an action is requested, such action may be taken after a certain waiting period (for example, if a player is asked to bet or fold in each round, the game operator may wait one minute for the player to reconnect, then perform player matching, the previous player's bet, and / or fold). Actions may be taken according to a strategy, such as the basic strategy for a blackjack game. For example, the game operator may hit and / or stand according to the basic strategy. In some embodiments, if the rules of the game permit a player to withdraw from the game and / or table, the game operator will allow the player to do so. For example, a player may be made to withdraw from the table at the end of a hand. In some embodiments, such withdrawal from a game, table, and / or tournament may result in the transfer of any remaining credits from the table account, game account, tournament account, etc., to the general account and / or betting account. In some embodiments, such withdrawal may result in penalties for the game, tournament, etc., and / or loss of credits associated with such game, tournament, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, when a player joins an element and / or is matched with another player, money and / or credits may be transferred from an account (e.g., a betting account, bank account, credit card) to a game account (e.g., a set of money available to play the game). The money and / or credits may be the full amount of the account, less than the account amount, an amount set by the rules of the element, etc. In some embodiments, at the end of a game or tournament, prize money may be transferred from the game account to the original account. In some embodiments, the balance of the game account may be transferred to the account. In some embodiments, a user may be allowed to rejoin the game table by paying an entry fee, by transferring more money to the game account if the game account is zero. Such ability may be governed by the rules governing the virtual table.

[0067] Please understand that the various examples are not limiting, and that various embodiments may include, or do not include, some of the elements described herein, more than some of the elements, or different elements.

[0068] Figure 3 shows Method 300 as an example that can be carried out in several embodiments. Figure 4 shows Method 400 as an example that can be carried out in several embodiments. It should be recognized that the process can be carried out by any desired entity, in any desired order, in any desired combination, using the same elements, different elements, additional elements, alternative elements, etc. It should be recognized that some embodiments may include different operations, fewer operations, more operations, alternative operations, no operations, the same operations, etc., as desired.

[0069] Figure 5 shows an example embodiment that includes multiple game operators. Using such an embodiment, it may be possible to play tournaments as described above, play single-player games, play multiplayer games, create and / or search tables across multiple game operators, etc., as desired. It should be noted that one or more game operators may include, as desired, casinos, mobile game providers, sports gambling, cell phone providers, game application providers, cloud computing operators, and / or any desired entities that can provide one or more game services.

[0070] Figure 5 shows three example game operators, each identified as 501. In some embodiments, a game operator may be associated with attributes such as casino attributes. One or more players on an attribute may play games associated with that attribute. For example, one or more players on a casino may be associated with gameplay offered by the casino when they are at the casino. In some embodiments, a game operator may be associated with accounts such as betting accounts that can store credits and / or money. One or more players who have an account with a game operator may play games associated with that account. For example, one or more players who have an account with a game operator may be associated with gameplay offered by the game operator when the player uses the account. In some embodiments, a game operator may be associated with equipment such as access points and / or game devices. One or more players who access a network through an access point and / or a certain type of device may be associated with a game provider. For example, one or more players accessing a specific cell network or Wi-Fi network may use a specific brand of smartphone, run a specific game application, etc., and be associated with gameplay offered by the game operator. It should be recognized that the various examples of game operators are given merely as non-limiting examples. Other embodiments may include other types of game operators, different game operators, a greater number of game operators, game operators defined by other features, game operators defined by combinations of features, and so on.

[0071] As described above, one or more players may play the game in one or more embodiments. Such players may be associated with one or more game operators in some way (e.g., based on location, account, equipment, etc.). Figure 5 shows players 503A-J as 10 examples. Players 503A-C may be associated with a first game operator 501A, players 503D-F may be associated with a second game operator 501B, and players 503G-J may be associated with a third game operator.

[0072] Such embodiments may include determining that one or more game operators are associated with one or more players. For example, in some embodiments, a game operator and / or other entity may identify the location of a player and, in response to such identification, determine that a game operator is associated with the player. In another example, a game operator and / or other entity may receive an indication from an account of a player playing the game and, in response, determine that a game operator is associated with the player who maintains the account. In yet another example, a game operator and / or other entity may receive an indication of the game operator to which a player is associated (for example, a player may select a game operator from the game equipment used by the player) and, in response, determine that a game operator is associated with the player. In yet another example, a game operator and / or other entity may determine that a player is using a particular technology and, in response, determine that a game operator is associated with the player. It should be noted that any form of determination that one or more game operators are associated with any one or more players may be used in any form in various embodiments.

[0073] In some embodiments, a game operator may include one or more game devices 505. Such devices 505 may facilitate gameplay for one or more players 503. For example, in some embodiments, such devices 505 may include a server that maintains account information, receives player input, determines game results, adjusts balances, matches players with each other, and so on. In some embodiments, such devices may be part of a peer-to-peer game center, hub, and / or other entities that provide services to one or more game operators.

[0074] In some embodiments, the device 505 may enable players to play multiplayer games (for example, the device 505 may enable players to select a game offered, enable players to form a table, enable players to match players with each other, maintain a tournament level, enable players to bet on the selected game, enable players to take one or more actions on the selected game, enable the device to determine the outcome of one or more actions on the selected game, enable the device to determine the outcome of one or more bets, enable the device to adjust the balances of one or more accounts, etc.). Such games may include poker games, blackjack games, card games, slot games, table games, video games, board games, singing games, dance games, action games, role-playing games, etc. Such games may optionally include one-on-one poker games, multiplayer poker games, and / or any desired one-on-one and / or multiplayer games.

[0075] In some embodiments, the device 505 allows a player to play a single-player game (for example, the device 505 may allow a player to select a game offered, allow a player to place bets on the selected game, allow a player to take one or more actions on the selected game, determine the outcome of one or more actions on the selected game, determine the outcome of one or more bets, adjust the balances of one or more accounts, maintain the tournament level, etc.). Such games may include poker games, blackjack games, card games, slot games, table games, video games, board games, singing games, dance games, action games, role-playing games, keno games, bingo games, first-person shooting games, etc.

[0076] Some embodiments may include multiple players playing a multiplayer game in relation to a game operator. In some embodiments, for example, players 503A and 503B may play a one-on-one poker game against each other. It should be noted that any game with any player in competition and / or cooperation, team and / or individual, tournament and / or single-player may be used in various embodiments.

[0077] In some embodiments, a player may be able to search for games, tables, players, and / or bets. Examples of such searches are described herein. In some embodiments, such searches may include searching for games, tables, players, and / or bets associated with a particular game provider that the searcher is also associated with. For example, a player playing with a particular game operator may identify that they wish to search for a poker game having certain characteristics. In some embodiments, a search may be performed (e.g., by device 505) to find such games offered by the game operator with which the player is playing. Such searches may include searching for virtual game tables waiting for one or more players, games waiting for one or more players, etc. Such searches may include searching for games that include one or more players also associated with the game operator. Such searches may include searching for games that include only players associated with the game operator. For example, a search may be performed to determine whether there are any poker games at the game operator that are filled only by other players and are in a state where they can be started when a player joins a poker game.

[0078] As discussed herein, some embodiments may include enabling players to create games and / or tables based on player-defined features.

[0079] Some embodiments may include presenting the search results to the player. Some embodiments may include providing the player with a list of available games and / or tables. Some embodiments may include including additional elements in the list and providing other lists. For example, in some embodiments, the list may include available games from other game providers. In some embodiments, the list may include an interface (e.g., through the interface of a mobile device) that allows the player to browse and / or select one or more game options. In some embodiments, adjustments to such a list may be made so that tables and / or games provided by a particular game operator and / or having only players from that game operator are listed more prominently than others. For example, a game having only players associated with a certain game operator may be listed before and / or more prominently than other games when listed for players associated with the same game operator. In some embodiments, games may be listed according to the proportion of players associated with a game operator (e.g., the larger the proportion, the more prominent the list may be). Some embodiments may include determining the prominence of games in the list based on such percentages, the number of players associated with the game operator, the source of the game, and the agreement to distribute payments across the games (for example, games that may give the game operator a higher payout may be listed more prominently than others).

[0080] Some embodiments may include receiving indications of one or more games and / or tables from the player. The player may use the interface to identify their desires, such as playing a game or selecting a game. Such indications may be received by a device such as 505.

[0081] In some embodiments, in response to the receipt of such an indication, players may be matched with each other and / or placed in a game or table. For example, players may be placed in a virtual table having the characteristics identified by the players. Another example is that players may be placed in a queue for a game selected by the players. Another example is that players may be placed in a virtual table selected by the players. Another example is that players may be placed in a game selected by the players. Another example is that multiple players (e.g., one or more from a queue) may be placed together in a game or table.

[0082] Such embodiments may include facilitating play among and / or between players. Various examples of facilitating play are given herein. For example, a player may be permitted to take one or more actions in one or more games involving one or more other players. In some embodiments, one or more outcomes (e.g., results, cards dealt, dice values, etc.) may be determined in one or more games (e.g., in response to one or more actions). Information may be exchanged with the players based on the decisions. One or more actions relating to such gameplay may be taken by a device such as 505.

[0083] Some embodiments may include making one or more payments in one or more games and / or one or more payments related to one or more bets to one or more players. Such payments may be made to an account managed by the game provider. For example, payments may include payments of the amount won by a player (e.g., the amount of the pot in a poker game). Some embodiments may include reducing the amount in a player's account (e.g., in response to a lost bet). Such embodiments may include reducing the amount in a player's account (e.g., in response to a lost bet). Such operations may be performed by an apparatus such as apparatus 505. For example, a player who wins a bet may have the payout for that bet as prize money. A player who wins a poker hand may have the pot as prize money. A player who wins a poker game may have the value of the opponent's entry fee as prize money. A player who wins a tournament may have the tournament prize money as prize money.

[0084] Some embodiments may involve collecting one or more payments based on the play of one or more games and / or the bets placed on one or more games. For example, a casino may collect a share of each poker pot, a share of any amount won by a player, the amount bet on a losing bet, etc. A game operator may collect any type of money as desired based on play. Such money may be used to fund the operation of the game operator. In some embodiments, such shares or percentages may be allocated to multiple game operators based on the players from which the game is played.

[0085] While examples of multiplayer games may be given, it should be noted that some embodiments may include single-player games. For example, a player may select and / or search for a single-player game, play such a game, and win or lose such a game.

[0086] Some embodiments may allow a player associated with one game operator to play games with a player associated with another game operator and / or play games provided by other game operators. Some embodiments may include distributed systems, cloud-based systems, client-server systems, centralized systems, decentralized systems, and / or any configuration of any components that facilitate such operation. For example, Figure 5 shows an example that includes a central hub 507.

[0087] Some embodiments may include a hub 507 as shown in Figure 5. The hub 507 may include one or more computing devices (e.g., a server, a computer, etc.). The hub 507 may facilitate communication among game operators, facilitate game play across multiple game operators, facilitate matching and / or searching across multiple game operators, facilitate the distribution of funds across multiple game operators, and / or perform one or more other actions related to game activities across multiple game operators.

[0088] Some embodiments may include the hub receiving game-related indications. Such indications may include search requests, table creation requests, actions to take in the game, game participation requests, requests to join the game queue, player matching requests, and gameplay requests. The hub may process such indications in any format, such as in the same format as device 505. The hub may forward such requests to devices such as device 505, which then process such indications.

[0089] For example, in some embodiments, device 505A may receive a game play request from player 503A. Device 505A may determine that the game operator is unable to fulfill the request for any reason (e.g., that there are not enough other players associated with the game operator who are interested in the game, or that the game operator is not providing the game to be played through its server). In response to such determination, device 505A may transmit information about such request to hub 507. The hub may process such request in any manner.

[0090] For example, in some embodiments, the hub may determine which of a pair of game operators is likely to be able to fulfill the request. The hub may forward the request to the game operator who is able to fulfill it. For example, if player 503D wants to play a game that player 503A also wants to play, the hub may forward the request from player 503A to device 505B. Device 505B may facilitate the game play between the players. Such game play may be facilitated through a hub 507 and / or a communication network that both players can access.

[0091] As another example, the hub may also receive an indication that player 503D wants to play the game. In response to the determination that both players 503A and 503D wish to play the game, the hub may facilitate the game's play in any desired manner. For example, the hub may communicate with the players, determine random numbers, receive inputs in the game, determine results, present information, adjust accounts, etc. In some embodiments, the hub may instruct and / or utilize one or more devices 505 to facilitate one or more actions (for example, requesting account adjustments, requesting result determinations, etc.).

[0092] It should be recognized that in various embodiments, any number of players associated with any number of game operators may be allowed to play together in any configuration and / or combination, and / or play games provided by any game operator through a hub, other systems, or other configurations. In some embodiments, device 505 may act as a hub. In some embodiments, device 505 that receives requests from another device 505 may act as a hub. In some embodiments, the hub may act as device 505. In some embodiments, there may be no hub and / or device 505. In some embodiments, a peer-to-peer game center may act as an authority to facilitate gameplay. It should be recognized that various embodiments may be distributed across multiple devices in any manner.

[0093] Some embodiments may include determining information provided by the hub. For example, the hub may determine the outcome of actions taken in a game, decide that two players should be matched together, identify a list of games available for play, and identify a set of virtual tables on which a game can be played. Any desired decision may be made by the hub and / or other entities in any configuration and / or in any manner. Decisions may include generating such information, receiving such information from another source, etc., as considered herein and / or elsewhere.

[0094] Some embodiments may include providing information from the hub. For example, information about a game provided by a first game operator may be provided to the player and / or the second game operator (e.g., device 505) at a second game operator. Game results may be provided from the hub to the player and / or game operator. Account information may be provided to the player and / or game operator. Any desired information may be provided as needed (e.g., through a communication network, display, etc.). Account information may be adjusted in response to information determined by the hub and / or other devices.

[0095] Some embodiments may include facilitating gameplay by a single player, gameplay between two players on the same or different game operators, and / or gameplay among any number of players on any number of game operators. Facilitating gameplay may include transferring information, determining game results, accepting game actions, connecting players to servers, monitoring gameplay, presenting information, determining results, generating random numbers, adjusting balances, etc.

[0096] Some embodiments may include facilitating adjustments in one or more game accounts and / or facilitating payments to one or more players. For example, in some embodiments, the hub may adjust the amount in a betting account. The amount may increase in response to a win and decrease in response to a loss. The hub may identify device 505 and adjust the account balance. The hub may receive information identifying that the account balance should be adjusted. The hub may transmit an indication that the account balance should be adjusted. In various embodiments, it should be recognized that the hub may perform any desired action that may help in adjusting accounts based on gameplay. In some embodiments, the hub may maintain its own account information.

[0097] In some embodiments, funds in an account may be made available for use almost immediately after adjustment. In some embodiments, funds in an account may be made available for use in response to the performance of one or more actions. For example, funds maintained by a first game operator may be associated with funds that are not immediately made available for use in response to the receipt of an order from the hub to adjust the funds in the account. Rather, the game operator may perform an audit of the availability of the funds and / or await verification before the funds are made available for use. For example, bank accounts and / or other sources of funds may be verified by the game operator before the funds are made available for use. As another example, the game operator may review a set of actions and / or results of one or more games related to the adjustment of the account and verify that the adjustment of the account is correct. The game operator may receive and review records of game events from the hub, device 505, the game operator, and / or other devices. In various embodiments.

[0098] In some embodiments, compensation for gameplay can be allocated to one or more game operators. In some embodiments, one or more game operators may receive a portion of the bets, winnings, losses, entry fees, and / or any other possible sources of revenue. Such compensation may be a source of revenue for the game operators. For example, in some embodiments, if a player plays a game associated with a first game operator and loses their bet in that game (e.g., by losing a single-player game of blackjack played against the game operator), the first game operator may be allocated at least a portion of the amount the player bet in the gameplay. As another example, if two players associated with a first game operator play a one-on-one game against each other (e.g., a one-on-one poker game), the first game operator may be allocated at least a portion of the entry fees, winnings, losses, fees paid to play the game, and / or any other amounts (e.g., rake, entrance fee, opponent risk allowance). In some embodiments, the game operator and / or hub responsible for gameplay may be responsible for other operations related to allocation, management, collection, and / or collection of shares. In some embodiments, any entity may be responsible for such operations.

[0099] In some embodiments, compensation may be allocated to multiple game operators involved in the game and / or the gameplay of the game. For example, if a multiplayer game is played with a first player associated with a first game operator and a second player associated with a second game player. Compensation may be allocated to one and / or both of the first and / or second game operators. In some embodiments, a hub, game operators, and / or other devices may distribute and / or allocate compensation for such gameplay to multiple game operators. For example, a hub may determine that each game operator in a game has an equal number of players associated with the game. In response to such determination, it may allocate equal or unequal shares of compensation to each game operator. In some embodiments, the compensation share may be distributed based on the number of players associated with a game operator. In some embodiments, the compensation share may be allocated based on an arrangement between game operators. In some embodiments, the compensation share may be allocated based on a game operator and may perform one or more actions related to the game (e.g., a game operator that determines the outcome of the game, the winner of the game, etc.).

[0100] In some embodiments, payments may be made by game operators. For example, a player of one or more games may be paid an amount equal to 1 by the player. For example, if a player wins, the player's bet and winnings are paid. For example, if a player plays a game and wins a jackpot in the game, the game operator may pay the player jackpot amount. This amount may be paid by the game operator associated with the player. For example, if a player is playing a single-player game associated with a first game operator, the first game operator may pay the player. Payments may be made in whole or in part by one or more game operators as desired, in any combination based on the player playing the game. The portion paid by each of the first and second game operators may be based on the actions performed by each of the first and second game operators and / or arrangements between the game operators. A hub or other element may determine the allocation of payments among multiple game operators. Payments may be made by the game operator associated with the player, the game operator associated with performing one or more actions to facilitate gameplay, the game operator associated with the player's opponent, and so on.

[0101] It should be recognized that any allocation of any set of funds payable to the game operator may be allocated based on any set of criteria. Such allocation may be performed by any entity, such as the hub device 505 or the game operator.

[0102] In some embodiments, a game operator, hub, and / or any other entity may receive and / or provide information so that another game operator can audit a series of transactions that may result in a payment being made with the game operator. For example, if a first game operator determines that it should make a payment to a player associated with a second game operator and / or either the first or second game operator, the first game operator may provide the second game operator with information identifying one or more events that would lead to the payment being made. In some embodiments, the first game operator may make a payment and submit a request for repayment on behalf of the second game operator. The second game operator may determine that the request is valid by processing the audit information and provide the repayment to the first game operator and / or make the payment to the player. It should be noted that any form of requesting payment, requesting repayment, making payment, making payment on behalf of others, auditing payment, auditing payment requests, etc., may be performed as desired in various embodiments.

[0103] Compensation and / or payments are handled separately, and can become more complex when multiple game operators are involved in playing a game. Therefore, the interface providing information about available games and / or the computer system matching game players may handle possible games involving a single game operator separately from possible games involving multiple game operators. For example, a preference may be given to games involving a single game operator rather than games involving multiple game operators. For example, games involving a single game operator may be listed before games involving multiple game operators. For example, games involving a single game operator may be displayed more prominently in the interface than games involving multiple game operators. For example, games involving a single game operator may be displayed in the interface even if the game does not match a game request. Such games may be displayed in the interface along with games involving multiple game providers that do not match a game request. In some embodiments, games involving multiple game providers may be hidden (for example, a special request may be required to access such games, they may not be displayed in some interfaces, and may only be displayed in response to a search).

[0104] Figure 6 shows another embodiment. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the first game operator 601 and the second game operator 603 are associated with separate pools and separate patrons, similar to the game operators in Figure 5.

[0105] Game operators 605 and 607 may include casinos or other game operators. Such game operators may include operators with different attributes or relationships to the same game operator. These game operators may share a single pool and / or hub 609, as shown in Figure 6. For example, patrons in game operators 605 and 607 may be treated as if they were a single game operator for at least some purposes (e.g., monetary allocation). Nevertheless, they may be treated differently for other purposes (e.g., regulatory reasons).

[0106] Some embodiments may include a peer-to-peer game center 611 (and / or a single-player game center, which may be the same or different elements as desired). The peer-to-peer game center may provide functions that enable patrons to play games. For example, the peer-to-peer game center may determine random numbers, determine results, receive displays of actions in the game, and transmit information to display on the device. The peer-to-peer game center may operate as a server in a client-server game model. The peer-to-peer center may operate such as a hub in Figure 5 to match players together, audit actions, and allocate funds.

[0107] As an example based on Figure 6, two patrons in game operator 601 can be matched together (payment allocation may be to / from operator 601), a patron in game operator 605 and a patron in game operator 607 can be matched together (payment allocation may be to / from operators 605 and 607, which may be the same operator at multiple locations), and a second patron in game operator 607 can be matched with a patron in game operator 603 (payment allocation is the same as 605, but may be to / from game operators 603 and 607, which may be at different locations). It should be noted that other matching may be possible in other embodiments.

[0108] It should be noted that in various embodiments, any configuration of the elements may be used. For example, in some embodiments, a hierarchical arrangement of multiple hubs and / or pools may be used. For instance, a first set of game operators may enter a hub in the first level of the hierarchy, where they may attempt to match players with that particular set of game operators before moving to a set of hubs in the next level. The next level may include game operators from outside that set of game operators. Any number of such levels may be used as desired.

[0109] It should be recognized that various operations can be performed by any desired element. For example, allocation, player matching, game server functions, auditing, etc., can be performed partially and / or in part by a peer-to-peer center, a hub, a game operator, and / or another entity. In some embodiments, parts of such operations may be performed by one entity and other parts by different entities. In some embodiments, some such operations may be performed by one entity in some situations (e.g., when all players are on a single game operator) but by another entity in other situations (e.g., when players are matched with players on different game operators).

[0110] Figure 7 shows an example method that can be implemented in several embodiments. Such a method can be implemented, in whole or in part, by one or more elements of game operation, such as a game operator, a hub, a peer-to-peer center, a server, and client devices.

[0111] Some embodiments may include determining that both a first player and a second player associated with a first game operator wish to play the first game. Such determination may be made in response to receiving requests to play such game from each of the first and second players. Such requests may identify the game operator. In some embodiments, the game operator may be identified based on the location where the request was made, the account from which the request was made, and / or the recipient of the request (e.g., the game operator may receive the request).

[0112] In some embodiments, in response to a first player's decision to play a game, the second player may be informed that the first game is available for play. For example, the game list may, if desired, include the first game at a higher level than other games to identify that the first game is playable.

[0113] In some embodiments, it may be possible to determine any number of other players in any number of other game operators (e.g., a second game operator).

[0114] Some embodiments may include matching the first and second players to each other and playing the first game in response to a determination that the first and second players wish to play the first game. For example, the first and second players may be placed at a virtual poker table playing a one-on-one poker game via a mobile device. Such matching may also occur if any number of other players at any number of other game operators wish to start playing.

[0115] Some embodiments may include facilitating the play of a first game between a first player and a second player. For example, this facilitating may include determining various outcomes, selecting various actions, displaying various information, matching players as part of the facilitating process, placing players on virtual tables as part of the facilitating process, and performing actions that can help players play against each other. In some embodiments, such facilitating may be performed by a game server (e.g., a server operated by a game operator, peer-to-peer game center, etc.).

[0116] In some embodiments, payments may be allocated to the first game operator based on the fact that the first and second players are associated with the first game operator in response to the promotion of play of the first game. A first percentage based on the amount wagered, the amount lost, the amount won, the amount placed on the virtual table, etc., may be allocated to the first game operator as payment for providing game services to the first and second players. The allocated percentage may be based on the number of players associated with the first game operator playing the first game. In some embodiments, the amount to be paid to a player and / or the amount lost by a player may be allocated to the first game operator in response to the player being associated with the first game operator.

[0117] Some embodiments may include determining that there are no players associated with the first game operator who wish to start playing the first game. For example, the first game may include a one-on-one poker game, and there may be a first pair of players (e.g., a first player and a second player) playing that game, but there may be no other players who wish to play that game. In some embodiments, a player may play the first game, but may also wish to enter another instance of the first game. In other embodiments, a player may only be permitted to play in a single instance of the first game.

[0118] In some embodiments, the display of games available for play may be modified in response to such a determination. For example, a first game may be listed with less prominence than other games (e.g., in a lower position, with less screen space, or the game display may be modified to indicate that there may be a waiting period before it can be played). Such displays may include displays associated with a first game operator (e.g., displays made to the first game operator's patrons).

[0119] Some embodiments may include determining that a third player associated with a first game operator wishes to begin playing the first game. Such determination may be similar to, and / or different from, determining that any other player wishes to play the first game.

[0120] In some embodiments, it may include determining that there are no other players associated with the first game operator, other than the third player, who wish to start playing the first game. Other players associated with the first game operator may, in some embodiments, be playing the first game.

[0121] Some embodiments may include changing the display of available games in response to a player's decision to begin playing a first game. For example, the list of available games may be changed so that the first game is listed more prominently (e.g., in a higher position, with a larger display, and with an indication that another player has made it available to play).

[0122] Some embodiments may include waiting for a certain amount of time. Such an amount of time may include a predetermined amount of time, a random amount of time, or a time selected by the first game operator. Such time may include the time the first game operator waits in the hope that another player associated with the first game operator may also indicate that they wish to play the first game. Such time may include one minute, thirty minutes, five seconds, one day, and / or any amount of time. In some embodiments, if it is determined that another player associated with the first game operator also wishes to play the first game, the two players may be matched together, such as in the example of first and second players, to facilitate gameplay between the two, and funds may be allocated to the first game operator.

[0123] In some embodiments, after such time, a player associated with another game operator may be found for playing the first game with a third player. In some embodiments, such time may not be included. In some embodiments, the first game operator may communicate with one or more other game operators, hubs, game servers, peer-to-peer centers, etc., with respect to such possible other players, and / or perform any actions by such entities (for example, a peer-to-peer game center may perform all actions in a manner such as the one shown in Figure 7, thereby eliminating the need for such additional communication).

[0124] Some embodiments may include determining that a fourth player associated with a second game operator desires to play the first game. Such determination may include receiving an indication of such desire from the fourth player. A peer-to-peer game center, game operator, hub, server, etc., may make such determination.

[0125] Some embodiments may include determining that other players in the second game operator do not wish to start playing the first game.

[0126] In some embodiments, matching a third and a fourth player to play the first game in response to a determination that both players wish to play the first game. In some embodiments, such matching may occur in response to a determination by either the first or second game operator that there are no other players who wish to start playing the first game. In some embodiments, such matching may occur in response to the passage of time and / or the fulfillment of other requirements. In some embodiments, such matching may be based on matching features related to the first game (for example, the first game may include a poker game, and the features may include a minimum bet amount). Such matching may include placing each player in a virtual game environment in which they can play the game together / against each other.

[0127] Some embodiments may include facilitating the play of the first game by third and fourth players. For example, this could include determining various outcomes, selecting various actions, displaying various information, player matching which may be part of the facilitation, placing players at a virtual table which may be part of the facilitation, and taking actions which may help enable ht players to play against each other.

[0128] Some embodiments may include allocating payments to the first and second game operators based on the fact that a third player is associated with the first game operator and a fourth player is associated with the second game operator. Each of the first and second game operators may be allocated a percentage based on the amount wagered, the amount lost, the amount won, the amount placed on the virtual table, etc. The sum of the percentages may be equal to and / or different from the first percentage. Each game operator may be allocated the same percentage. Each game operator may be allocated different percentages. The percentage allocated to each game operator may be based on the actions of the player associated with the game operator (e.g., the bets made by the player, the amount lost by the player, the amount won by the player, etc.). For example, larger or smaller amounts may be allocated to game operators associated with players who made larger bets, players who lost larger amounts, players who won larger amounts, players who purchased larger amounts of chips, etc. In some embodiments, the proportion may relate to the number of players associated with a game operator playing the first game, the number of players playing a particular instance of the first game (for example, if it is a three-player game and two of the three players are associated with the first game operator, then 2 / 3 of the first proportion may be allocated to the first game operator), etc. It should be noted that any payment may be allocated to the game operator in any manner based on which players of the game are associated with the game operator.

[0129] In some embodiments, the amounts to be paid to players and / or the amounts lost by players may be allocated to the first and second game operators based on the fact that players third and fourth are associated with the first and second game operators. It should be noted that the allocation of payments, losses, etc. to and from game operators and / or players may be allocated to any number of game operators based on the fact that a game operator is performing one or more actions, supplying one or more players to play the game, etc.

[0130] In some embodiments, tax collection may be performed from one or more players. For example, different jurisdictions may have different collection rules. The system and / or game operator may collect taxes and / or report on taxes as required in the relevant jurisdiction. In some embodiments, different players in the same game may be from different jurisdictions and / or may participate through a game operator located in a different jurisdiction. Thus, different collection rules and / or reporting rules may be applied to players in a single game and / or tournament. Based on the jurisdiction, the game operator and / or any intermediate system facilitating one or more of the functions described herein may facilitate the collection and / or reporting required from one or more (e.g., each player) in accordance with the rules of the player's jurisdiction and / or the rules of the jurisdiction of the game operator from which the player plays the game. In operation, in some embodiments, different players in a single game may be collected from those players in different amounts, even if those players win and / or lose the same amount, because they play the game from jurisdictions that require different collections. In some embodiments, standard collection rules and / or reporting rules may be applied based on the location where the game is hosted (e.g., the location of the host game operator, which can be considered the location where monetary gains and / or losses occur through revenue-generating services).

[0131] Figure 7 is given as an example only, and it should be noted that other methods may, as desired, include different orders, additional actions, fewer actions, different actions, and immediately. While the example method is given for a game with two players, it should be noted that other embodiments may include any number of players and any number of game operators in any combination (e.g., a single player and multiple operators, three players and three operators, etc.). While the example of matching is given for a game, it should be noted that some embodiments may include matching based on any desired feature (e.g., two players associated with a single game operator who want to play the same game are not matched because other desired features of the game do not match, and instead the players may be matched with other players in other game operators who want to play a game with the same and / or similar features). Such features may, as desired, include minimum bet amount, entry fee amount, maximum bet amount, number of rounds of play, duration of play, rule variations, etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, a system and / or method that enables player matching across game operators may provide a larger pool of liquidity and / or players playing the game. This may increase the amount of play and / or the total revenue for a set of game operators. In some embodiments, by enabling hierarchical player matching and tracking allocation of such matchings, game operators may be able to retain revenue from players associated solely with their own operations, rather than sharing revenue with other operators. In some embodiments, a combination of enabling players forming multiple game operators to play against each other and enabling player-preferred allocation within a single game operator may benefit each game operator by enabling them to maintain revenue streams as if other game operators were not involved, and by enabling increased revenue by making play available even when play would not otherwise be available.

[0133] Some embodiments may include progressive payouts and / or one or more other jackpots. Such payouts may be related to events occurring in one or more games. In some embodiments, a progressive jackpot may be paid out at the end of a tournament and / or in response to the occurrence of some event (e.g., a royal flush, a bad beat, etc.). Funding from such a jackpot and / or payouts from such jackpots may be divided among any number of game operators as desired. For example, in some embodiments, an amount from each play (e.g., from one, more, or all game operators) may be allocated to a progressive jackpot, and the progressive jackpot may be distributed among winners. In some embodiments, such a jackpot may be associated with a single game operator (e.g., the game operator to which the player is associated) and / or all game operators (e.g., all game operators providing gameplay).

[0134] Some embodiments may include a bad beat jackpot. Such a jackpot may be offered to a player who loses the game in certain circumstances. For example, such a jackpot may be offered when a player is expected to win the game but loses it. For example, such a jackpot may be offered when a player has a hand in poker that is above a certain rank but still loses the game. For example, such a jackpot may be offered when a player, based on their hand in the game, has an expected winning opportunity that exceeds a threshold but loses it.

[0135] Jackpots or other payouts may be associated with play at a particular game operator. For example, a first game operator may offer bad beat jackpots, progressive jackpots, and / or any other jackpots that are only available to players associated with that first game operator. Such jackpots may be offered only to players, even if those players can play against players associated with other game operators. Other game operators may offer other jackpots (e.g., with different trigger events, with different fund pools, etc.).

[0136] Some embodiments may include tournaments of gameplay across multiple game operators. In some embodiments, such tournaments, as in other embodiments, may give some level of preference to player matching within a single game operator. For example, if players in a particular tournament tier are available within a single game operator, such matching may be preferred over matching across different game operators.

[0137] Some embodiments may include points and / or supplementary goods. Such goods and / or points may be offered to one or more players (e.g., based on playing one or more games). In some embodiments, funding for such offerings may be based on the game operator associated with the player. In some embodiments, funding for such offerings may be divided among the game operators associated with the game being played, who earn such offerings. Such supplementary goods and / or points may include elements that can be used for payments and / or bets (e.g., room charges, purchase of beverages, bets on other games, etc.).

[0138] While several embodiments are described in relation to multiple game operators, it should be noted that some embodiments may include a single game operator. It should also be noted that some embodiments may include multiple jurisdictions, either as an addition to and / or as an alternative to multiple game operators. For example, in some embodiments, a single game operator may provide operations in multiple jurisdictions (e.g., state, country, city, county). Such a game operator may be required to pay different taxes, revenue shares, and be subject to different rules based on different jurisdictions. Therefore, game matching, gameplay, display of available games, etc., may prefer pairing within the same jurisdiction rather than cross-jurisdictional matching, similar to and / or different to the forms described herein in relation to some multi-game operator embodiments.

[0139] Some embodiments may include both multiple jurisdictions and multiple game operators. In some embodiments, preference levels may be stratified as described herein. For example, a first matching may be preferred at the game operator level, and a second matching may be preferred at the jurisdiction level. Such preferences may be facilitated using matching, display preferences, and / or any desired elements.

[0140] In some embodiments, game operators may include multiple levels of granularity (e.g., same asset, same parent company, same company branch, etc.) such that preferences between game operators can exceed binary preferences and / or include any number of preference levels. In some embodiments, jurisdictions may include any level of granularity such as city, county, state, country, etc., thereby making preferences between jurisdiction matchings exceed binary and / or including any level of granularity.

[0141] It should be recognized that game operator preferences and / or jurisdiction preferences can function together at any level of granularity and in any order or combination of preferences. For example, some jurisdiction preferences may strengthen some game operator preferences, and some game operator preferences may strengthen some jurisdiction preferences. Some embodiments may include determining such a preference hierarchy based on the wishes of one or more game operators, regulators, system operators, etc. Some embodiments may include matching players and presenting information according to such a hierarchy.

[0142] Figure 8 shows a logical structure that may be used in some embodiments to provide game functionality to one or more players. In some embodiments, such a figure may illustrate the functions of a game server, a hub, a peer-to-peer game center, a game operator, and / or any other element that may facilitate the game.

[0143] Some embodiments may include a plurality of players 801A-C. Such players may be associated with one and / or more game operators and / or play in any combination or configuration in one and / or more jurisdictions and / or be matched together to play games with each other. Various functions that may be related to facilitating play between multiple jurisdictions and / or game operators are described herein. Such players may play from and / or face-to-face with one or more devices such as mobile devices, smartphones, computers, tablets, laptops, kiosks, augmented reality devices, etc. Various embodiments may include formatting and / or controlling such devices to provide information to the players as appropriate (e.g., using communication technologies that are formatted for display screens and understood by the devices).

[0144] Some embodiments may include a game element 803. The game element may provide various functions that enable a player to perform game-related activities. The game element may include one or more servers, one or more processors, one or more cloud computing modules, one or more blades, and / or any desired elements, configured in any way that provides game functionality. Such a game element may include multiple modules that can provide various functional elements. Such modules may include blades, processors, servers, cloud computing elements, program elements, and / or any other elements that are coupled together via a bus, a network, and / or in any way. Figure 8 shows some examples of modules, but it should be understood that such modules are given only as examples, and other embodiments may include fewer modules, a single module, additional modules, alternative modules, more modules, etc., in any configuration and / or combination, or may not include any modules at all. For example, in some embodiments, any such shown module may be omitted, combined with another module, and / or divided into multiple modules. Such modules may be coupled together and / or share information via one or more communication networks and / or memory modules in any way.

[0145] The game elements may include a game activity module 803A. The game activity module may determine the outcomes of various games, receive actions from various players, determine the outcomes of actions in various games, determine the outcomes of bets, determine information to send to players to facilitate the game (e.g., in response to players sending information to the game activity module and / or the game activity module receiving information), present available games to players, and match players together in multiplayer games. In some embodiments, such a module may maintain and / or adjust account balances and / or work with other modules to perform such functions. In some embodiments, such a module may be primarily responsible for gameplay decisions.

[0146] The game element may include a reporting module 803B. Such a reporting module may provide accounting, trading, and / or regulatory functions. For example, in some embodiments, such a module may adjust the account balances of one or more players based on game activities performed using the game activity module 803A, one or more deposits made by players, etc. In some embodiments, such a mobile 803B may maintain accounting records for accounts, maintain account balances, and provide information about accounts to one or more players, etc. In some embodiments, such a mobile may perform one or more reporting actions to one or more regulators and / or players, reporting on accounts and / or game activities associated with accounts. For example, in various jurisdictions that permit legal games, regulatory bodies may require reports on game activities that led to wins and / or losses in games and / or reports related to money in game accounts. Such reports may be generated by module 803B and / or sent to regulators as shown in report 805. In some embodiments, such reports may be desired by and / or transmitted to game operators (for example, in embodiments where multiple game operators provide games through such a system so that they can audit appropriate revenue sharing). Modules such as 803B may be used to monitor, audit, record, report, access, etc., any element of game activity and / or account activity as desired by regulators, game operators, and / or players. In some embodiments, another module may provide information desired for generating any report. For example, an account module may provide accounting information for accounting reports, a regulation and / or monitoring module may provide game activity information for game regulator reports and / or tax reports, and a social module may provide relationships and / or reports of shared information to generate privacy reports.

[0147] Some embodiments may include a monitoring element 803C. Such a monitoring module may monitor game activity performed by one or more players and / or facilitated by a game activity module 803A. For example, such a monitoring module may receive information identifying results, actions, wins, losses, bets, etc. Using such information, a game operator, regulator, etc., may monitor one or more games to determine whether a user is cheating, whether a game is being run fairly, etc. The monitoring module may store, format, record, transmit, provide access to, etc., the monitored information in any desired format. For example, such information may be provided to a regulator module 803B so that it can be reported to a remote location (e.g., a game regulator, to players in the form of game history, to a game operator for auditing purposes, etc.).

[0148] Some embodiments may include a test module 803D. Such a test module may perform one or more eligibility checks on a user. For example, such a test module may instruct a user to enter a username and / or password, determine whether the user is running approved software, determine whether the user is using approved equipment, determine whether the user is accessing an approved account, determine whether the user is in a location approved for gameplay, determine whether the user is of appropriate age, and / or perform one or more tests on the user to determine the user's eligibility to use the system and / or play one or more games. In some embodiments, an eligibility gate 807 may be used to facilitate one or more tests. For example, such a gate may include an internet gateway that can restrict access to the system if the user fails one or more tests. Such a gate may include one or more external elements that can help determine whether the tests have been passed (e.g., GPS that can provide location information, cellular services that can provide subscriber information, etc.). In some embodiments, the test module may apply additional tests, fewer tests, different tests, etc., as an eligibility gateway (for example, the test module may perform periodic checks of one or more tests and perform updated checks in response to requests for betting). The test module may share test data with one or more regulatory modules and / or audit modules, so that audits of user activity may include information identifying the eligibility of users playing the game. In some embodiments, different jurisdictions may have different testing rules, and such a test module may ensure compliance with such rules even when a user moves from one jurisdiction to another. For example, in some jurisdictions, location testing may be required more frequently and / or different technologies may be permitted (e.g., GPS in one jurisdiction, geographic fencing in another).

[0149] Some embodiments may include one or more regulatory modules 803E. Such modules may be part of a reporting module. Such modules may be configured to identify regulatory rules that may be required to be followed in one or more jurisdictions. For example, several jurisdictions may have different regulatory rules, and such modules may manage different rules so that players in multiple jurisdictions can use the system to play the game (e.g., alone or against players from the same or different jurisdictions). Such modules may coordinate the functions of other modules based on the player's jurisdiction and / or jurisdictional rules. Such modules may record required information based on the jurisdiction in which the game is being played. Such modules may coordinate betting and / or other operations of the game based on jurisdictional rules.

[0150] For example, in the United States and / or other countries, one or more types of betting (e.g., electronic poker, horse racing, sports betting, casino games) may be permitted. In such countries, different types of betting may be permitted and / or regulated differently. Similarly, different states, cities, counties, etc., may choose to permit several such types of betting and / or regulate them differently, and in some embodiments, such modules may ensure that various such regulations are met (e.g., by blocking and / or adjusting play based on location information that identifies where a player is playing).

[0151] For example, in some jurisdictions, players in that jurisdiction may only be permitted to play against other players within that jurisdiction or a limited number of players from other jurisdictions, and such modules may ensure that such restrictions are not violated by adjusting gameplay record information so that one or more matching rules and / or jurisdiction information can be reported.

[0152] As another example, some jurisdictions may include maximum and / or minimum wagering requirements. Such modules may record gameplay in such a way that they can be adapted to such requirements and / or produce a proper report proving that the gameplay complies with such rules.

[0153] As another example, some jurisdictions may include one or more display or gameplay requirements (e.g., warnings must be displayed, breaks must be taken every X minutes, account balances must be of a certain size, only certain games are viewable, account management requirements, maximum loss per hour requirements, etc.). Such modules may adjust the operation of one or more other modules in response to such requirements so that players in each jurisdiction have play that corresponds to such requirements, and / or may record the operation in one or more games to prove compliance with such requirements. For example, in some embodiments, a game in play may be adjusted so that only certain bets are available based on the determination that one or more players of that game are in a jurisdiction that does not permit one or more bets normally offered in that game. As another example, one or more games may be removed from the game selection interface based on the determination that such games are not permitted to be played in a particular jurisdiction associated with the player accessing the interface. It should be noted that any element of the gameplay features may be adjusted in any manner to comply with the jurisdictional rules of one or more players of a single-player or multiplayer game, and the examples given are not limiting. Such adjustments may be made so that all players of the game are from jurisdictions that permit a particular game (e.g., allowing a player to participate in the game only if their jurisdiction permits all elements of the game), so that the game complies with the jurisdictional rules of all players of the game (adjusting the game for all or at least some players so that each player complies with their respective jurisdictional rules), and in any other desired manner.

[0154] In some embodiments, such modules may perform periodic, real-time, on-demand, or other monitoring and / or adjustment of games and / or permitted activities. For example, a player crossing the boundary from one jurisdiction to another while playing a game may have their gameplay adjusted and / or stopped based on changes in the rules of those two different jurisdictions. And / or reporting and / or monitoring may be adjusted based on such changes in the jurisdictions. In some embodiments, near the boundary between such jurisdictions, both jurisdictional monitoring rules and / or reporting rules may be followed and / or reporting may be made to both such jurisdictions.

[0155] Some embodiments may include a social module 803F. Such a module may provide one or more users with any desired social functions as desired and / or as permitted by jurisdictional rules. For example, the social module may track friend lists, track preferred and / or past enemies, enable players to chat with each other, enable players to form social networks, enable players to invite “friends” to play games, notify “friends” of each other’s game results, notify “friends” of each other’s availability to play one or more games, suggest “friends” to people, enable people to monitor or follow other people, and enable users to share information with each other. In some embodiments, such a system may interface with one or more other social elements, such as social networking services and email services. For example, such a service may import communication information and / or “friends” information from social networking services such as Facebook and / or Google+ and provide game-related social services on top of such conventional social networking services.

[0156] In some embodiments, the game activity of one or more players may be shared with one or more other players based on social connections between players. For example, members of a player's social network may be notified of the player's wins and losses in the game, the amount won or lost over a period of time, wins of progressive prizes, near misses to jackpot wins (e.g., bad beats), rare results achieved (e.g., a royal flush was dealt), etc.

[0157] In some embodiments, a player may establish links to one or more players and / or player types. A player may receive notifications concerning such players. For example, a player may want to be notified when a group of players (e.g., any member of a group of players with a previous player, any friend of the player, etc.) starts playing a particular game and / or any game. A player may want to be notified when a player with a particular account balance, win / loss record, average bet size, hours played, and / or other characteristics starts playing. Any type of notification and / or inquiries to one or more potential players may be sent as shown in 809.

[0158] Some embodiments may block one or more notices based on one or more jurisdictional requirements. For example, if a player is unable to play a game in their jurisdiction, a notice regarding that game may not be sent to the player. Some embodiments may include identifying whether a game is permitted in a particular jurisdiction associated with a player, and based on the identification that such a game is permitted, a notice and / or request to join the game may be sent. In some embodiments, a list of players available for the game in a player's friends list may be filtered based on the jurisdiction associated with each player. For example, a player may be shown only players in jurisdictions where the game is legal. In some embodiments, if a player is near a boundary where they could cross into a jurisdiction where the game might be legal, such players may be shown in such display and / or notified as an incentive to cross the boundary.

[0159] Some embodiments may include risk management elements. Such elements may be modules of a game system, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 9 shows an example of a risk management module that may be used in some embodiments. A patron 901 associated with one or more game operations (e.g., operations that may be in different jurisdictions and / or different locations) may place one or more bets (e.g., bets on any desired game such as sports gambling games and / or casino games). In some embodiments, users may bet in different locations and / or through different devices 903, but the game provider may have a single risk pool 905 associated with the combined bets. For example, a single game operator, as shown in Figure 8, may take bets from multiple locations and / or jurisdictions, thereby allowing the operator to assume the risks of such bets. In other embodiments, which will be considered elsewhere, different game operators may assume separate elements of risk, rather than assuming risks from activities in different locations or through different accounts.

[0160] In some embodiments, the decision of whether or not to retain the risk of one or more bets may be made as shown in 907. Such a decision may be made based on the game operator's risk tolerance. For example, a game operator may want not to take a risk exceeding X dollars in the event that a particular event occurs (e.g., a team wins a sports match, a player wins a casino game, an outcome occurs in a game, etc.). If a new bet does not exceed such a threshold, the decision may be made whether or not to retain the risk. If a new bet exceeds such a threshold, the decision may be made that the risk should not be retained. In some embodiments, bets on different things may be treated as at least partially the same risk (e.g., a bet on a player winning a game may be treated the same as a bet on the same player winning a royal flush in the game, and a bet on a team winning may be treated the same as the risk of the team winning in the first half of the game, etc.).

[0161] In some embodiments, the risk monitoring element 909 may attempt to mitigate a certain amount of risk that an event will occur based on a determination that the game operator has taken a risk exceeding a threshold amount of risk. The example shown illustrates that the determination 911 is made based on whether each part of the risk is domestic or international, and that based on such determination, potentially different attempts will be made to mitigate the risk. In some embodiments, it should be recognized that different jurisdictions may have different regulations regarding risk mitigation at any level of granularity of the jurisdiction (e.g., per state), thereby making different determinations about how such risk mitigation should be carried out based on any level of granularity of the jurisdiction (e.g., per state).

[0162] In some embodiments, one or more bets on a high-risk event may attempt to mitigate risk through one or more risk mitigation systems. For example, if a bet on a high-risk event is made in a jurisdiction where the exchange of bets is legal, the bet may be sold and / or a reverse bet may be placed through such an exchange. In some embodiments, if such a bet is made in a jurisdiction where such risk mitigation is not legal, a reverse bet may be placed in another jurisdiction (for example, a game operator may place a bet with another game operator where the event will not occur (for example, if the bet is a bet where the event will occur)). It should be noted that any business rules and / or jurisdictional rules regarding risk mitigation may apply.

[0163] Figure 11 shows an example of a set of systems for accessing a game service. It should be noted that such a system is given merely as an example, the peer-to-peer game system shown is given merely as an example, and a set of menus, connections, and / or networks is given merely as an example.

[0164] As shown, some embodiments may allow a user to access a game and / or play against another user who is permitted to access the same game. Such users may access the game using the same or different devices. Some examples of devices shown in Figure 11 may include slot machines, video poker machines, personal computers, laptops, smartphones, betting stations, and / or any other type of electronic and / or physical means of accessing the desired game.

[0165] In some embodiments, one or more devices may operate software (e.g., a web browser, a mobile phone application, a menu system, proprietary software, etc.) and / or a set of hardware (e.g., a peer-to-peer betting center) that allows remote access to the game. In some embodiments, at least part of the game execution may be performed by the device (e.g., graphics rendering, input, display formatting, etc.). In some embodiments, no part of the game execution may be performed by the device.

[0166] For example, in some embodiments, a user may access a peer-to-peer game using a smartphone application on a smartphone, another user may access a peer-to-peer game using a web browser on a laptop, yet another user may access a peer-to-peer game using proprietary software on a personal computer, and yet another user may access the peer-to-peer game software using a kiosk menu system.

[0167] In some embodiments, a slot machine, video poker machine, betting station, and / or any type of game or electronic device may allow a user to access a menu system through which the user can adjust the device from playing one game to playing another (for example, by accessing such a menu system, a slot machine may be changed from a slot machine to a peer-to-peer game machine). In some embodiments, in response to access to such a menu system, software may be downloaded to the machine to enable the play of a selected game (for example, software that instructs the device on how to render images, how to present videos, how to present audio, how to play the game, how to format information, etc.).

[0168] Some embodiments may include transmitting information about game play from a game system (e.g., a peer-to-peer game system) to a device. In some embodiments, the information may be formatted based on the device accessing the game. In some embodiments, for example, in the case of a single game, different information may be transmitted to different devices because devices may require different formats or types of information for gameplay. Some embodiments may include determining which information to transmit to a device based on the type of device. For example, in some embodiments, a lower-resolution image may be transmitted to one device than to another. As another example, in some embodiments, one form of sound may be transmitted to one device but not to another. As yet another example, in some embodiments, video encoded using one codec may be transmitted to one device and video encoded using a different codec may be transmitted to a different device. Some embodiments may, based on the type of device, prevent the transmission of certain information for inclusion in the interface. Some embodiments may prevent certain games from being played based on the type of device (for example, removing a game from the menu system of games provided by a peer-to-peer game system in response to a determination that a device does not have the hardware necessary to support a game type), prevent certain types of devices from being matched together, prioritize certain games for certain devices, and prioritize certain player matching based on the type of device.

[0169] In some embodiments, it is possible to access the system from one or more devices via a communication network such as a Wi-Fi network, cable network, internet, or telephone network. It should be noted that any system may or may not use any combination of any type of menu system, network, hardware, etc., to provide access to any type of game.

[0170] In some embodiments, a user may have access to an account of money that can be used to place bets in games. Such an account may be maintained by a game operator as described herein. Such a game operator may include an operator that operates a peer-to-peer game system or other game system as shown in Figure 11. Such a game operator may include a casino or other operator that can enable players to access a peer-to-peer game center or other game center. Money in such an account may be used to place bets in games. For example, money in an account associated with a casino may be used to place bets in games played at a peer-to-peer game center through a user's mobile device. In some embodiments, money may be placed in coins, dollars, tickets, ticket-in / ticket-out, or other deposit systems at game equipment (e.g., slot machines, kiosks, betting stations, video poker systems, etc.). Such deposits may be used to play games offered through a peer-to-peer game center. Such deposits may be added to an account and / or treated as a separate account.

[0171] In some embodiments, for example, a user may deposit money into a slot machine, access the slot machine's menu through a peer-to-peer game center, indicate their desire to play a peer-to-peer game, be presented with a game, and be allowed to place bets using the money deposited into the slot machine. The peer-to-peer game center may identify the amount deposited into the slot machine, instruct the slot machine to add or subtract money from the balance based on game play, and allow bets based on the amount deposited into the slot machine. In some embodiments, the peer-to-peer game center may maintain an account of any money won or lost through such games, thereby balancing the account with the game operator that may operate the slot machine (e.g., the casino where the slot machine is located). For example, a user may be able to withdraw winnings from the slot machine, but those winnings may be from the casino where the player is playing. In some embodiments, the peer-to-peer center may reimburse the casino for such winnings. In some embodiments, amounts lost in games may be withdrawn from the casino to the peer-to-peer center. In some embodiments, winnings and / or losses may be attributed to multiple entities (e.g., any combination of other game operators, casinos, and peer-to-peer centers). Some embodiments may include determining the amount to be paid and / or paid to one or more of the multiple game operators based on the gameplay of one or more games (e.g., based on whether the player is a player from a game operator, whether the game operator provides the game, whether the machine used to play the game is provided by the game operator, etc.).

[0172] In some embodiments, a user of a gaming device may want to play a multiplayer game but may be delayed in doing so. For example, other players may not be available at the moment the player wants to play, a delay may be required by regulations, another player for the same asset may not be available, or some time may be used before a player can be found at a different location. During that delay, in some embodiments, the player may be allowed to play another game. For example, the player may be allowed to play a slot machine game from a slot machine (e.g., through a menu system) while the slot machine holds the player in a queue for some other game. In some embodiments, when a player is matched or the delay ends, the player may be placed in a game in response to the end of the delay (e.g., after the current game has finished, or by interrupting the current game).

[0173] In some embodiments, the taxes payable by winners or game operators to a particular jurisdiction may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, in some embodiments, in a first state, a winner who plays in that state may pay a first percentage of tax to the state, while a player who plays in a second state may pay a different second percentage of tax to the second state. In some jurisdictions, winnings may be offset by losses from play. In some jurisdictions, such losses may not offset winnings. In some embodiments, game operators may be required to pay a percentage of their revenue based on where the revenue was earned. In some embodiments, a jurisdiction may consider the revenue earned where the game is played by players and / or where the servers or other hardware running the game are located. In some embodiments, the module may monitor such rules and / or apply appropriate tax laws based on those rules. For example, in some embodiments, taxes may be collected from players and / or tax documents may be generated based on the rules. In some embodiments, information about revenue can be monitored and / or stored, thereby enabling the payment of appropriate taxes (for example, revenue can be accompanied by appropriate tax information for later tax payment).

[0174] In some embodiments, different games may be regulated differently in different jurisdictions. For example, different speeds may be permitted, different bets may be permitted, different maximum or minimum bets may be permitted, different random number generation may be permitted, different accounts may be used, etc. In some embodiments, games may be adjusted to present both players of the game with a similar gaming experience. In some embodiments, this may involve adjusting the first player's game to conform to the jurisdiction of the second player. For example, in some embodiments, the first player's jurisdiction may permit a first type of bet or maximum bet that is not permitted in the second player's jurisdiction or is higher than in the second player's jurisdiction. In response to such a determination, the first player's game may be adjusted so that the first player cannot make that bet or is limited to the maximum bet amount in the second player's jurisdiction. Such examples are given with respect to jurisdictions, but it should be recognized that any level of location, time, equipment, service, game operator, etc. may be used to influence the game choices presented to the second player by one player.

[0175] It should be recognized that embodiments may include one or more components of any embodiments described herein or elsewhere in any combination and / or configuration. Some embodiments may not include any such elements at all, and may include alternative elements, different elements, additional elements, fewer elements, etc. It should be recognized that some other embodiments may include various features in any combination. Other embodiments may include different features, additional features, alternative features, fewer features, more features, etc. in any combination.

[0176] Embodiment The following should be understood as embodiments, not claims.

[0177] A. The computer determines that the first player and the second player wish to start playing the game, and that both the first player and the second player are associated with the first game operator; in response to this determination, the computer facilitates the play of the first hand of the game between the first player and the second player; in response to the first and second players facilitating the play of the first hand of the game, the computer allocates the first payment to the first game operator based on the fact that both the first and second players are associated with the first game operator; the computer determines that the third player wishes to start playing the game, and that the third player is associated with the first game operator; the computer determines that the fourth player wishes to start playing the game, and that the fourth player is associated with the second game operator; and the computer A method further comprising: determining, by a computer, that there are no additional players associated with the first game operator who wish to start playing the game; determining, by a computer, that there are no additional players associated with the second game operator who wish to start playing the game; and, in response to the determination that the third and fourth players wish to start playing the game and that there are no other players associated with either the first or second game operator who wish to play the game, the computer facilitates the play of the second hand of the game between the third and fourth players; and, in response to the facilitation of the play of the second hand by the third and fourth players, the computer allocates the second payment to the first game operator and the third payment to the second game operator, based on the fact that the third player is associated with the first game operator and the fourth player is associated with the fourth game operator.

[0178] A.1. The method of claim A, wherein the first payment, the second payment, and the third payment each include at least one portion of the rake and each entry fee. A.2. The method of claim A, wherein the game includes a poker game. A.3. The method of claim A, wherein the first game operator and the second game operator include separate casinos. A.4. The method of claim A, wherein determining that no additional players associated with the first game operator wish to start playing the game includes determining that no additional players wish to start playing the game within a certain time after determining that a third player wishes to start playing the game.

[0179] A.5. The method of claim A, wherein the computing device includes a game server of a first game operator. A.6. The method of claim A, wherein the computing device includes a device interposed between a first game operator and a second game operator. A.7. The method of claim A, wherein facilitating the play of a first hand and a second hand includes identifying the respective cards of the first hand and the second hand, determining the results of the first hand and the second hand, and presenting information about the cards and results through each mobile device. A.8. The method of claim A, wherein the game has features designated by a first player, a second player, a third player, and a fourth player. A.8.1. The method of claim A.8, wherein the features include at least one of a minimum bet, a raise limit, and a maximum bet.

[0180] A.9. The method of claim A, wherein the second hand includes at least one additional player associated with the first game operator, and the allocation of the second and third payments includes allocating the payments between the first and second game operators based on the distribution of players to the second hand. A.10. The method of claim A9, wherein the second and third payments are allocated to match the distribution. A.11. The method of claim A, wherein the second hand includes at least one additional player associated with the third game operator, and the method includes allocating a fourth payment to the third game operator.

[0181] A.12. The method of claim A, comprising: identifying a first tax requirement for a third player based on a first jurisdiction of a first game operator; identifying a second tax requirement for a fourth player based on a second jurisdiction of a second game operator; and applying the first tax requirement to the third player and the second tax requirement to the fourth player. A.13. The method of claim A.12, wherein at least one of the first tax requirement and the second tax requirement comprises at least one of tax collection and tax reporting.

[0182] A.15. The method of claim A, comprising determining that a third player has won a certain amount of money through the play of the game, and allocating a first portion of that amount to be paid by the first game operator and a second portion of that amount to be paid by the second game operator. A.15.1. The method of claim A.15, wherein the game comprises a tournament, and the amount comprises the amount won in the tournament. A.16. The method of claim A, wherein the game comprises a tournament, and facilitating the play of the second hand comprises placing the third player and the fourth player, respectively, at a virtual table related to the tournament.

[0183] B. The computer determines that a third player wishes to start playing the game, and that the first game operator is associated with the third player; the computer determines that a fourth player wishes to start playing the game, and that the second game operator is associated with the fourth player; the computer determines that there are no additional players associated with the first game operator who wish to start playing the game; the computer determines that there are no additional players associated with the second game operator who wish to start playing the game; and the third player and the fourth player A method comprising:, in response to the determination that there are no other players associated with either the first or second game operator who wish to start playing the game, a computer facilitates the play of the second hand of the game between the third player and the fourth player; and, in response to the facilitation of the play of the second hand by the third and fourth players, a computer allocates a second payment to the first game operator and a third payment to the second game operator, based on the fact that the third player is associated with the first game operator and the fourth player is associated with the fourth game operator.

[0184] C. A non-temporary machine-readable medium storing multiple instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by a computer, the computer determines that a third player wants to start playing the game, and that the third player is associated with a first game operator; that a fourth player wants to start playing the game, and that the fourth player is associated with a second game operator; that there are no additional players associated with the first game operator who want to start playing the game; that there are no additional players associated with the second game operator who want to start playing the game; and third An apparatus that, in response to the determination that the first player and the fourth player wish to start playing the game and that there are no other players associated with either the first or second game operator who wish to play the game, facilitates the play of the second hand of the game between the third player and the fourth player; and, in response to the facilitation of the play of the second hand by the third and fourth players, allocates the second payment to the first game operator and the third payment to the second game operator, based on the fact that the third player is associated with the first game operator and the fourth player is associated with the fourth game operator.

[0185] [Note 1] The computing device determines that the first player and the second player wish to start playing the game, and that both the first player and the second player are associated with the first game operator. In response to the aforementioned determination, the computing device facilitates the play of the first hand of the game between the first player and the second player, In response to the first and second players facilitating the play of the first hand of the game, the computing device allocates a first payment to the first game operator based on the fact that both the first and second players are associated with the first game operator, The computing device determines that a third player desires to start playing the game, and that the first game operator is associated with the third player. The computing device determines that the fourth player desires to start playing the game, and that the second game operator is associated with the fourth player. The computing device determines that there are no additional players associated with the first game operator who wish to start playing the game, The computing device determines that there are no additional players associated with the second game operator who wish to start playing the game, In response to the determination that the third player and the fourth player wish to start playing the game, and that there are no other players associated with either the first game operator or the second game operator who wish to play the game, the computing device facilitates the play of the second hand of the game between the third player and the fourth player. In response to the third player and the fourth player facilitating the play of the second hand, the computing device allocates a second payment to the first game operator and a third payment to the second game operator, based on the fact that the third player is associated with the first game operator and the fourth player is associated with the fourth game operator. Methods that include... [Note 2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the first payment, the second payment, and the third payment each include at least one portion of each rake and each participation fee. [Note 3] The method according to claim 1, wherein the game includes a poker game. [Note 4] The method according to claim 1, wherein the first game operator and the second game operator include separate casinos. [Note 5] The method according to claim 1, wherein determining that no additional players associated with the first game operator wish to start playing the game includes determining, within a certain time after determining that the third player wishes to start playing the game, that no additional players wish to start playing the game. [Note 6] The method according to claim 1, wherein the computing device includes the game server of the first game operator. [Note 7] The method according to claim 1, wherein the computing device includes a device interposed between the first game operator and the second game operator. [Note 8] The method according to claim 1, wherein facilitating the play of the first hand and the second hand includes identifying the respective cards of the first hand and the second hand, determining the outcome of the first hand and the second hand, and presenting information regarding the cards and the outcome through each mobile device. [Note 9] The method according to claim 1, wherein the game has features specified by the first player, the second player, the third player, and the fourth player. [Note 10] The method according to claim 9, wherein the features include at least one of a minimum bet, a raise limit, and a maximum bet. [Note 11] The method according to claim 1, wherein the second hand includes at least one additional player associated with the first game operator, and the allocation of the second and third payments includes allocating the payments between the first and second game operators based on the allocation of players to the second hand. [Note 12] The method according to claim 11, wherein the second payment and the third payment are allocated to match the distribution. [Note 13] The method according to claim 1, wherein the second hand includes at least one additional player associated with the third game operator, and the method includes allocating a fourth payment to the third game operator. [Note 14] Identifying the first tax requirements of the third player based on the first jurisdiction of the first game operator, Identifying the second tax requirements of the fourth player based on the second jurisdiction of the second game operator, Applying the first tax requirement to the third player and the second tax requirement to the fourth player, The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1. [Note 15] The method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the first tax requirement and the second tax requirement includes at least one of tax collection and tax reporting. [Note 16] The method according to claim 1, comprising determining that the third player has won a certain amount of money through playing the game, and allocating a first portion of that amount payable by the first game operator and a second portion of that amount payable by the second game operator. [Note 17] The method according to claim 16, wherein the game includes a tournament, and the amount includes the amount won in the tournament. [Note 18] The method according to claim 1, wherein the game includes a tournament, and facilitating the play of the second hand includes placing the third player and the fourth player, respectively, at a virtual table related to the tournament. [Note 19] The computing device determines that a third player wishes to start playing the game, and that the first game operator is associated with the said third player. The computing device determines that the fourth player desires to start playing the game, and that the second game operator is associated with the fourth player. The computing device determines that there are no additional players associated with the first game operator who wish to start playing the game, The computing device determines that there are no additional players associated with the second game operator who wish to start playing the game, In response to the determination that the third player and the fourth player wish to start playing the game, and that there are no other players associated with either the first game operator or the second game operator who wish to play the game, the computing device facilitates the play of the second hand of the game between the third player and the fourth player. In response to the third player and the fourth player facilitating the play of the second hand, the computing device allocates a second payment to the first game operator and a third payment to the second game operator, based on the fact that the third player is associated with the first game operator and the fourth player is associated with the fourth game operator. Methods that include... [Note 20] It comprises a non-temporary machine-readable medium storing multiple instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the computing device, the computing device receives the instructions. The determination that a third player wishes to start playing the game, and that the first game operator is associated with the said third player. The determination that a fourth player desires to start playing the game, and that a second game operator is associated with the fourth player. It is determined that there are no additional players associated with the first game operator who wish to start playing the game, It is determined that there are no additional players associated with the second game operator who wish to start playing the game, In response to the determination that the third and fourth players wish to begin playing the game, and that there are no other players associated with either the first or second game operator who wish to play the game, the third and fourth players facilitate the play of the second hand of the game. In response to the third and fourth players facilitating the play of their second hands, the second payment is allocated to the first game operator and the third payment to the second game operator, based on the fact that the third player is associated with the first game operator and the fourth player is associated with the fourth game operator. A device that performs an action.

Claims

1. The computing device determines that a first player, who accesses the network game through an account maintained by a first game operator, wishes to start playing the network game through a first mobile device, The computing device determines that a second player accessing the network game through an account maintained by a second game operator wishes to start playing the network game through a second mobile device, The calculation device determines that an additional player associated with the first game operator does not wish to start playing the game, and this determination includes determining that the additional player does not wish to start playing the game during a specific period after it has been determined that the first player wishes to start playing the game. The computing device determines, based on the fact that the first game operator is communicating with another game operator after the specified period, whether or not another player associated with another game operator who wishes to start playing the game can be found. In response to the determination that the first player and the second player wish to start playing the network game, the computing device matches the first player and the second player to facilitate the play of rounds of the network game by the first player and the second player. In response to facilitating the play of the round of the network game by the first player and the second player, the computing device allocates a first payment to the first game operator and a second payment to the second game operator based on the first player accessing the network game through an account managed by the first game operator and the second player accessing the network game through an account managed by the second game operator. Applying tax requirements to at least one of the first or second players based on the jurisdiction of the at least one player, A method that includes this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first payment and the second payment include at least one portion of each rake and each participation fee.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the network game includes a poker game.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first game operator and the second game operator include separate casinos.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computing device is the device of the first game operator.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computing device is a device interposed between the first game operator and the second game operator.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining the cards for the round using the computing device; determining the result of the round; and providing information regarding the cards and the result via each mobile device.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the game comprises a game having characteristics specified by the first and second players, the characteristics comprising at least one of a minimum bet, a raise limit, and a maximum bet.

9. A first player who accesses a network game through an account maintained by a first game operator determines that he wants to start playing the network game through a first mobile device, The second player, who accesses the network game through an account maintained by the second game operator, determines that they wish to start playing the network game through a second mobile device, Determining that an additional player associated with the first game operator does not wish to start playing the game, and determining that an additional player associated with the first game operator does not wish to start playing the game includes determining that the additional player does not wish to start playing the game during a specific period after it has been determined that the first player wishes to start playing the game. After the specified period, based on the fact that the first game operator is communicating with another game operator, it is determined whether or not another player associated with the other game operator who wishes to start playing the game can be found. In response to the determination that the first player and the second player wish to start playing the network game, the system facilitates the first player and the second player playing a round of the network game by matching them, In response to facilitating the play of the round of the network game by the first player and the second player, the first payment is allocated to the first game operator and the second payment to the second game operator based on the first player accessing the network game through an account managed by the first game operator and the second player accessing the network game through an account managed by the second game operator. Applying tax requirements to at least one of the first or second players based on the jurisdiction of the at least one player, A computing device configured to control, A device equipped with the following features.

Images