Data communications network and method for providing online gambling

Abstract

The present invention provides a computer implemented data communications network and method that assists individuals who engage in gambling activities. In particular, the present invention enables users to access event data regarding one or more events upon which the user is considering placing or has placed a wager, and to receive a prediction regarding a particular outcome of the event(s) and / or any wager placed or proposed to be placed on the event(s) by the user. In this way, the user is enabled to provide instructions in response to the generated prediction(s) including to place a new wager, amend an existing wager, etc, in substantially real-time including during the event based on predictions received based on processing of real-time event data.

Description

DATA COMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ONLINE GAMBLINGFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer implemented data communications network and method of operating same that assists individuals who engage in gambling activities. In particular, the present invention is useful to assist individuals who may have a plurality of wagers operating simultaneously across one or more sports events, one or more general events, and / or across one or more platforms through which the individual has placed or is considering placing one or more wagers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Australia is reported as having the greatest gambling losses in the world. It is estimated that approximately 35% of adults in Australia engage in gambling activity at least once a month where, on average, each individual who engages in gambling activity experiences losses of between AU$1 ,500 to $3,000 per year. These amounts are expected to rise as access to the internet and online gambling platforms increases due to the increased availability of less expensive, and more powerful, communication devices (eg. smartphones) which individuals may utilize to access online gambling platforms and to place wagers.

[0003] A major form of gambling is sports betting, and although sports betting has been lawful in some countries for a number of decades, it is only relatively recently that online sports betting has been legalized and / or made available in many countries. For example, online sports betting has been available in Australia since the mid-1990s whilst in the United States, some States have only recently legalized sports betting generally and online sports betting in particular. As a result of the legalization of online sports betting, numerous online gambling platforms have emerged which enable individuals to gamble on a variety of sporting events. However, the continuous availability and convenience of online gambling has significantly contributed to increased gambling activity (and hencelosses) amongst individuals, and it is difficult for individuals to mitigate losses associated with sporting wagers.

[0004] Furthermore, when placing wagers on multiple sporting events, individuals tend to find it difficult to monitor the various events and as a result, often miss details that may affect the outcome of the event. For example, injury and / or “side-lining” of an on-field player comprise events that are likely to significantly affect a sporting event outcome. Missing such events therefore increases the likelihood of an individual experiencing one or more losses in respect of their wagers. Still further, the need to monitor a plurality of sporting events upon which an individual has placed one or more wagers often requires the individual to access and log in and out of multiple devices and / or sporting platforms which consumes computing resources, energy resources including battery requirements, and data network resources.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a network, system and / or method that enables users who engage in gambling activities to place wagers in a manner that not only assists the user to reduce potential losses, but that also avoids inefficient processing, conserves computing resources, and reduces wastage of data communications networking requirements and energy consumption.

[0006] The present invention seeks to mitigate the problems discussed herein, or at least seeks to provide an alternative solution to issues associated with existing data communications networks, systems and / or methods for placing wagers on one or more current events.

[0007] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same for assisting users to engage in gambling activities, the method including a first connected data communications device, communicating, by one or more processors, with a user device to receive details for the establishment of an account associated with a user, and details regarding one or more financial accounts associated with the user in respect of which funds are withdrawn and / or deposited for placing wagers and / or receiving returns, accessing, by one or more processors, event data regarding one or more events upon which the user is considering placing or has placed a wager, the event data including event attributes and historical information relevant to the one or more events, implementing, by one or more processors, one or more artificial intelligence techniques to determine one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data, analysing, by one or more processors, the one or more relevant outcome parameters to generate a prediction regarding a particular outcome of the one or more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user, and causing the prediction(s) to be displayed on a user interface associated with the user device, and receiving, by one or more processors, data from the user device representing instructions from the user in response to the generated prediction(s) and effecting the user’s instructions.

[0009] In an embodiment, the event attributes associated with each of the one or more events includes one or more of name of the event, date and time of the event, location of the event, participants of the event, event prize money, predicted and / or recorded environmental conditions, details relating to wagers placed on the event, or odds allocated to different potential outcomes of the event.

[0010] In an embodiment, the historical information relevant to the one or more events includes one or more of the results of previous events which have one or more identical or similar event attributes as the one or more events, wherein the attributes are determined as similar if the comparison between attributes satisfies a similarity threshold, or details relating to the accuracy or otherwise regarding previously generated predictions in respect of previous events.

[0011] Accordingly, the system and method of the present invention seeks to assist users with respect to their gambling activities by the generation and provision of one or more predictions regarding the outcome of one or more of the events for which a wager has been placed or is under consideration based at least upon accessing event attribute data and historical information regarding the one or more events, which may be assisted by the use of one or more artificial intelligence techniques which may utilize historical information such as the accuracy or otherwise regarding previously generated predictions, etc, as inputs to generate more accurate future predictions (outputs).

[0012] In an embodiment, determining event outcome parameters includes processing the event attributes and the historical information to determine one or more of, a subset of the event attributes determined as most likely to affect an outcome of the one or more events, or a score for each event attribute according to the likelihood that the attribute will affect an outcome of the one or more events.

[0013] In an embodiment, the prediction(s) are generated according to analysis of the event outcome parameters with a focus upon the determined subset of event attributes and / or the determined score for each event attribute.

[0014] In an embodiment, analysing the event outcome parameters to generate the prediction(s) includes one or more of placing additional weight on the subset of event attributes determined as most likely to affect an outcome of the one or more events, or placing additional weight on those event attributes which have been scored above a predetermined threshold score.

[0015] In an embodiment, the event attributes associated with each of the one or more events further includes real-time data retrieved during the event in relation to one or more of the event attributes, including one or more of updated odds allocated to different potential outcomes of the event, updated details related to wagers placed on the event, reported injuries associated with participants, updated environmental conditions, or viewer feedback in relation to the event and participants.

[0016] In an embodiment, the method further includes generating, by one or more processors, ongoing updated predictions during the one or more events taking into account any received real-time data.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display of a prediction regarding the outcome of the one or more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user includes a rating.

[0018] In an embodiment, the rating is between 0% and 100% such that the rating indicates a percentage likelihood that the outcome eventuates.

[0019] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing, by one or more processors, selectable instructions to the user in view of the prediction(s) generated and displayed on the user device, thereby enabling the user to promptly select an instruction upon receipt of an updated prediction.

[0020] In an embodiment, the selectable instructions include one or more of add new wager, remove existing wager, increase existing wager, decrease existing wager, or request early payout.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing, by one or more processors, a monitoring facility for users regarding one or more forthcoming events of interest to the user, the monitoring facility reminding the user regarding the forthcoming event(s) and any deadline by which wagers must be placed.

[0022] In an embodiment, the monitoring facility is presented for display on the user device in the form of an events calendar.

[0023] In an embodiment, when a wager is placed by the user in respect of an event, and the wager is a multi-bet wager involving a plurality of legs, the generated prediction includes a prediction in respect of each leg of the multi-bet wager.

[0024] In an embodiment, the one or more events include any event upon which a wager may be placed, including sporting and / or political events.

[0025] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing, for display on the user device, a listing of events selected by the user including events upon which the user has placed a wager, wherein the listing includes a display of event data, any wager(s) placed, and a current prediction associated with each event or leg thereof, thereby providing the user with a single interface in which information pertaining to multiple different events and predictions regarding the outcome of same are accessible to the user.

[0026] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing, by one or more processors, an interface on the user device enabling the user to view a live video and audio stream of one or more events selected by the user including one or more event(s) upon which the user has placed a wager.

[0027] It will be appreciated that by providing the ability for a user to view event data including a prediction regarding an outcome of an event, and at the same time enabling the user to enter an instruction for a future action (eg. place a wager) within the same application, the improved online gambling platform avoids requiring the user to access other websites, or use other means / devices and / or applications to manage their gambling activity. This thereby conserves computing resources and reduces wastage of computing and energy consumption with respect to their user device that would otherwise occur.

[0028] It will be further appreciated that the ability for a user to receive, in real-time, updates to event data, including predictions updated in real time as changes to an event occur (for example, a player is injured on the field during play), enables a user to rely solely upon the single platform to manage their gambling activity, and does not require the user to monitor the event on another platform and / or device (eg. watching a live stream of a game on their user device) in order to provide one or more wager instructions (eg. ceasing a particular wager). This thereby further contributes to a conservation of computing resources and a reduction in battery consumption with respect to their user device.

[0029] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a computer- implemented method for assisting users to engage in gambling activities, the method including, communicating, by one or more processors, with a user device to receive details for the establishment of an account associated with a user, and details regarding one or more financial accounts associated with the user in respect of which funds are withdrawn and / or deposited for placing wagers and / or receiving returns, accessing, by the one or more processors, event data regarding one or more events upon which the user is considering placing or has placed a wager, the event data including event attributes and historical information relevant to the one or more events, implementing, by the one or more processors, one or more artificial intelligence techniques to determine one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data, analysing, by the one or more processors, the one or more relevant outcome parameters to generate a prediction regarding a particular outcome of the one or more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user, and causing the prediction(s) to be displayed on a user interface associated with the user device, and receiving data, by the one or more processors, from the user device representing instructions from the user in response to the generated prediction(s) and effecting the user’s instructions.

[0030] According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides a non- transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code that when executed on a computer, causes one or more processors of the computer to perform the steps of, communicating, by the one or more processors, with a user device to receive details for the establishment of an account associated with a user, and details regarding one or more financial accounts associated with the user in respect of which funds are withdrawn and / or deposited for placing wagers and / or receiving returns, accessing, by the one or more processors, event data regarding one or more events upon which the user is considering placing or has placed a wager, the event data including event attributes and historical information relevant to the one or more events, implementing, by the one or more processors, one or more artificial intelligence techniques to determine one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data, analysing, by the one or more processors, the one or more relevant outcome parameters to generate a prediction regarding a particular outcome of the oneor more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user, and causing the prediction(s) to be displayed on a user interface associated with the user device, and receiving data, by the one or more processors, from the user device representing instructions from the user in response to the generated prediction(s) and effecting the user’s instructions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0032] Figure 1 provides an overview of a data communications network according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction between various network components;

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a diagram associated with an exemplary server component within the network illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to download and install a software application and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application for interaction with the network illustrated in Figure 1 , including to provide details for the establishment of an account and user profile;

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates a diagram associated with an example interface of the software application that enables users to select, retrieve and / or upload relevant event data regarding one or more events upon which the user has placed a wager;

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates a diagram associated with a further example interface of the software application that enables users to upload details regarding one or more financial accounts associated with the user in respect of which funds may be withdrawn and / or deposited for placing wagers and / or receiving returns;

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a diagram associated with a further example interface of the software application that provides, for display on the user device, a prediction regarding the outcome of a current event upon which the user has placed a wager; and

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates a diagram associated with a further example interface which provides users with the ability to manage and stream events upon which wagers have been placed or proposed to be placed, and to access an events calendar.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0039] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring to embodiment(s) thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to the specific details. In other instances, some features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0040] The present invention, according to an embodiment, relates to a data communications network and a method of utilizing same to assist users (30) seeking to engage in gambling activities, as depicted in Figure 1 . The network and method provide a platform that hosts a computer-implemented software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by the users (30) using data communications devices (50).

[0041] The platform is provided by a central server (20) which maintains one or more processors and / or databases for performing functions, including communicating with the devices (50) associated with users (30) to receive details for the establishment of an account associated with each user (30) as well as details regarding one or more financial institution (70) accounts in respect of which funds may be withdrawn and / or deposited on behalf of users (30) for the purpose of placing wagers and / or receiving returns in respect of same. Furthermore, event data (60) including event attributes relating to one or more events upon which the user (30) is considering placing or has placed a wager is accessed (eg. by interfacing with a third party system and / or based upon data entered by the user (30) through interface (170)), wherein the event data (60) also includes historical information relevant to the one or more events.

[0042] Examples of event attributes include but are not limited to the name of the event, date and time of the event, location of the event, participants of the event, event prize money, predicted and / or recorded environmental conditions, details relating to wagers placed on the event, or odds allocated to different potential outcomes of the event. The historical information may include the results of previous events which have one or more identical or similar event attributes as the one or more events, wherein the attributes are determined as similar if the comparison between attributes satisfies a similarity threshold.

[0043] Based upon receipt of the above-mentioned information and data, the server (20) may determine one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data based on implementing one or more Artificial Intelligence (Al) techniques. For example, determining event outcome parameters may include processing the event attributes and the historical information to determine a subset (ie. a particular selection) of the event attributes determined as most likely to affect an outcome of the one or more events (eg. it may be determined that the “team participant” attribute is most likely to affect the outcome of the event due to the high ranking of individual participants in one or more of the participating teams). In addition, or alternatively, a score for each event attribute may be determined according to the extent to which the attribute is likely to affect an outcome of the one or more events (eg. the attribute relating to “environmental conditions” may be assigned a higher score as comparted with other attributes in circumstances where the weather during the event is severe and likely to affect the event).

[0044] Once the event outcome parameters have been determined, the one or more relevant outcome parameters may be analyzed to generate one or more predictions (75) regarding the outcome of one or more events upon which the user (30) is considering or has placed a wager. In this regard, the prediction(s) may be generated based on analysing the event outcome parameters with exclusive or at least particular focus upon the determined subset of event attributes and / or the determined score for each event attribute. For example, additional weight may be placed on the subset of event attributes and / or the event attributes which have been scored above a predetermined threshold score.

[0045] Accordingly, the platform provides users (30) with the ability to view in substantially real-time, in a user interface (190) associated with a data communications device (50), a prediction (75) regarding the outcome of one or more events upon which the user (30) is considering placing or has placed a wager, and further, the ability to enter instructions in response to the generated prediction(s) (75) (eg. place a new wager, place an additional wager, remove a wager, amend (eg. increase or decrease) an existing wager, accept an early payout, etc.), wherein the platform subsequently effects the user’s instructions.

[0046] In addition, the event attributes associated with each of the one or more events may further include real-time data retrieved during the event in relation to one or more of the event attributes. For example, real-time data may include updated odds allocated to different potential outcomes of the event, updated details related to wagers placed on the event, reported injuries associated with participants, updated environmental conditions, and viewer feedback in relation to the event and participants. The skilled addressee will appreciate that by taking into account the real-time data in the abovementioned analyses, ongoing updated predictions may be generated and displayed to the user (30) during the one or more events and may cause the user (30) to add, remove or alter wagers, etc.

[0047] The skilled person will also appreciate that the platform provides a solution to the above-mentioned problems associated with individuals unable to monitor various events upon which wagers have been placed or which users (30) are considering placing, and the problems typically associated with losses likely to occur based on users (30) missing details that may affect the outcome of the particular events. The technical problems of inefficient processing and wastage of computing and network resources are also addressed since a single platform is provided which the user (30) may access and use to manage and monitor multiple events upon which the user has placed wagers or is proposing to place wagers, and to receive assistance in the form of predictions (75) updated in substantially real-time.

[0048] In view of the above observable effects arising from an implementation of the present invention, the use of data communications devices (50) on which the software application (40) described herein is operated, in combination with the functionality of server (20), represents a more efficient use of computing resources as compared with conventional computing technology utilized for providing online gambling in respect of which a user attempts to monitor multiple events and wagers.

[0049] Figure 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2 to 7. In particular, Segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on each data communication device (50) is configured to communicate. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that the software application (40) may be a mobile application or a web-based application, and similarly, the data communications device (50) utilized byusers (30) may be a portable device such as a mobile (cell) phone, laptop or tablet, or alternatively, a fixed location computer device such as a workstation or personal computer. The server component (20) is additionally detailed in Figure 2. Irrespective of the device used, it will be appreciated that the platform may synchronise progress across all devices to ensure that the gambling experience may proceed uninterrupted irrespective of how the user chooses to engage the platform.

[0050] The skilled person will further appreciate that the steps described herein may be executed by the devices (50), wherein such operations are facilitated by the software application (40) operating on each device. According to another implementation, the server (20) may be programmed to provide most or all of the processing functions described herein, where they cannot be provided locally on the user device (50) or where it may be impracticable or commercially or technically infeasible to operate such a configuration. In other words, the steps described herein as performed by the device (50), or components thereof, may be associated with hardware that is located externally of the device (50) such as the remote central server (20) (ie. in a distributed architecture). Different arrangements are possible in this regard, and alternative variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology.

[0051] Segment 300 of Figure 1 shows how the application (40) may be downloaded and installed onto a user device (50) and subsequently accessed to establish a user account, as further detailed in Figure 3. Segment 400 of Figure 1 illustrates a further interface (170) which enables users (30) to access (select, retrieve and / or upload) event data (60) regarding one or more events upon which the user is proposing to place or has placed a wager, as further detailed in Figure 4. Segment 500 of Figure 1 illustrates a further interface (180) which enables users (30) to upload details regarding one or more financial accounts established with one or more financial institutions (70) associated with the user (30), as further detailed in Figure 5.

[0052] Segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates a further interface (190) which provides, for display, details relating to a particular event upon which the user (30) has placed a wager including generated prediction(s) (75) in respect thereof, as further detailed in Figure 6. Finally, Segment 700 of Figure 1 shows an example interface (210) which enables users (30) to access additional functionality of the software application (40) including the abilityto live stream (85) events upon which users have placed a wager, and to manage current / future events utilizing an event calendar (80), as further detailed in Figure 7. Segment 700 also shows how alerts (90) may be received through the interface (210) based upon the status of the events calendar (210) and for other reasons discussed in greater detail below.

[0053] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows in greater detail Segment 200 of Figure 1 , and in particular, Figure 2 illustrates the server component (20) which includes infrastructure (not shown) upon which the platform of the present invention operates. Such infrastructure may be local or cloud-based.

[0054] The central server (20) may operate one more processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and / or storage:• User account register (100) storing user details such as name, address, location, contact details, and identifiers such as driver’s license or passport details of users (30). Where possible, such details may be verified using identification verification services or the like, and establishing an account for the user (30) may be based upon successful validation of the user (30) according to information received satisfying a minimum validation threshold. The register (100) may also store additional information and may index same using a data structure. Such additional information may relate to linked financial institutions (70) for the user (30) including one or more accounts into which funds may be credited and / or debited. Preferences of the users (30), including with respect to preferred payment methods, may also be stored in the user account register (100);• Events database (105) storing details relating to events upon which users (30) may place wagers and / or have placed wagers, as well as historical information relevant to the events. For example, database (105) may store event attributes including names, event times and dates, details relating to wagers placed on the events, the existing odds associated with the events, etc. The historical information may include, but is not limited to, the results of previous events having the same or similar event attributes as the event(s) under current consideration according to a similarity threshold, including for example the same or similar location, participants, environmental conditions, etc. The information and / or data stored inthe events database (105) may be uploaded by users (30) based upon users being prompted to enter details relating to events upon which they have placed or are considering placing wagers, etc. Such details may also be accessed via one or more third party systems and / or databases in which such data is stored, eg. an online events or gambling database accessed by server (20);• Data processing functionality (110) for processing functions including processing user input commands and any additional data received for the purpose of generating relevant output(s) for display. For example, data processing functionality (1 10) may be responsible for processing the information received from users (30) and from third party systems and / or databases, to maintain database (eg. a data structure) (100) of user accounts including linked financial accounts, and to implement one or more Al techniques to determine the one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data (60). Based upon the event outcome parameters, the data processing functionality (110) may generate predictions (75) regarding the outcome of the events, which may also be assisted with the use of Al, and cause the predictions (75) to be displayed on the user interface associated with relevant user devices (50). The data processing functionality (1 10) may be also responsible for providing selectable instructions to users (30) in view of the generated predictions, and effecting subsequent instructions received from users (30) including instructions in response to viewing predictions (75), eg. instructions to amend wagers, request an early payout, etc;• Event prediction / outcome database (1 15) storing generated predictions (75) as well as the actual outcome of events upon which the predictions have been generated. Database (1 15) thereby provides a source of information that may be subsequently accessed for analytical purposes, eg. to track how the platform is performing or how certain users having particular attributes perform relative to users having other attributes, as well as providing useful data for input into one or more machine learning models to assist the Al analyses described herein including in the generation of future predictions;• Payment gateway (120) to manage all financial transactions that may be required throughout the platform, including to communicate with relevant financialinstitutions (70) for the purpose of accessing financial accounts in respect of which funds may be withdrawn and / or deposited on behalf of users (30) as required, and to handle payments in respect of subscription fees;• Event calendar functionality (125) which enables the event calendar (80) associated with individual users (30) to be populated with relevant data based upon input from the user (30) in relation to events upon which they have placed wagers or are proposing to place wagers, including events of interest, in circumstances where users (30) prefer to utilize an event calendar (80) to manage their current and future events;• Event streaming functionality (130) which enables users (30) to livestream (85) events upon which wagers have been placed; and• Alert I notification functionality (135) that enables relevant alerts and / or notifications to be generated and transmitted to relevant user devices (50) including by text message, email and / or push notification, eg. a notification used to alert the user (30) that a prediction (75) has been generated in respect of an event.

[0055] Figure 2 also depicts that server (20) is configured to enable communication (140) with the user devices (50) and, in particular, the software application (40) operating on each user device (50). Such communications may occur via the internet or similar network.

[0056] Figure 3 shows in greater detail Segment 300 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the steps associated with a user (30) downloading and installing the application (40) from an application store. Each user (30) may create an account using the application (40), and the account information may be stored in the user account register (100). As described above, the user account register (100) may capture information sufficient to enable each user (30) to be correctly identified. When registering to use the software application (40), the user (30) may also be prompted to establish a profile and to record preferences including a selection in relation to preferred financial transaction options.

[0057] The process of installing the application (40) is indicated by arrow (150), and interface (160), which is also shown in Figure 3, may be used by each user (30) to download and install the application (40) in order to access the functionality thereof, including to maintain the user profile and upload details. Accordingly, once sufficient information has been provided by a user (30), the user (30) may be presented with an interface identical or similar to interface (160) to allow the user (30) to create and maintain their profile, including providing the user (30) with the ability to add / edit details.

[0058] Upon uploading sufficient information and creating an account and profile, users (30) will be successfully registered such that each user (30) becomes a registered user. The user (30) may then utilize the functionality of the application (40) which may be in accordance with a subscription level of the user (30). In this regard, the system may include a subscription function requiring individual users (30) to pay a subscription fee on a regular basis to maintain access to the platform.

[0059] Figure 4 shows in greater detail Segment 400 of Figure 1 and, in particular, user interface (170) which prompts users (30) to upload information relating to events upon which users have placed or are proposing to place one or more wagers, or to select or retrieve such information based upon options presented to the user (30). For example, where event information has been previously accessed by the server (20) and stored in the events database (105), the interface (170) may present information relating to such events and thereby enable users (30) to view and select relevant events in which the user (30) has an interest. In circumstances where such events are not stored in the events database (105), then the user (30) may be prompted to upload data relating to one or more events of interest or such information may be downloaded from an external source. The present invention is not intended to be limited to any one particular configuration by which event data is accessed and / or retrieved, and the skilled person will appreciate that there may be alternate variations available that are not necessarily described herein.

[0060] In addition to the user database (100) being arranged in a data structure as previously described, the event information in events database (105) may also be arranged in a data structure to facilitate retrieval thereof for display in interface (170). In this regard, the events information may be categorized and arranged in the data structure such that the event information (including event attributes and historical eventinformation) is more easily searchable and retrievable, enabling a user (30) interested in a particular event such as “football events” to select a football category, and events which are allocated to the football category will be retrieved and displayed for selection. The interface (170) may also provide a search function in which particular football teams may be searched, thereby providing users with the ability to view a listing of relevant events pertaining to their favourite football or other sporting team of interest and select events upon which wagers are preferred to be placed. The listing of events may also include events which have commenced where the user (30) is still within a timeframe to place, amend or withdraw one or more wagers.

[0061] It will be appreciated that even if all relevant event data is already stored by the network, and hence available for display to the user (30), the user (30) may be required as a minimum to upload information in relation to the wager amounts that have been placed in respect of the particular event(s). In some embodiments, the platform may also provide users (30) with the ability to place wagers using the platform without the need to use an alternative gambling platform. For events selected by the user (30) but which are yet to commence, by entering wager information in relation to such events, the information relating to the event including a start date and time may be automatically populated in the event calendar (80) associated with the user (30) which may be subsequently accessed via interface (210) as described further below.

[0062] Figure 5 shows in greater detail Segment 500 of Figure 1 and, in particular, an interface (180) which enable users (30) to upload details in relation to one or more financial institutions (70) associated with the user (30) and, in particular, financial accounts established with the financial institutions (70) from which the user (30) prefers to place wagers and / or receive gambling returns. In this regard, based upon the user uploading such information, the platform will be authorised to deposit funds into the relevant bank account (eg. based upon a return received in respect of a wager placed on an event) or debit funds from the bank account (70) (eg. with respect to any new or increased wager placed upon a particular event). As mentioned earlier, any new or increased wager placed upon an event may be effected directly through the platform (eg. through the event data interface (170)), or using any other interface described herein.

[0063] It will also be appreciated that there will be deadlines (eg. cut off times) associated with placing wagers and such deadline information may also be displayed to users (30) in, for example, interface (170). The platform may interface with one or more external gambling platforms for the purpose of accessing such information, including additional event information such as one or more book keeper’s odds with respect to the outcome of particular events.

[0064] Figure 6 shows in greater detail Segment 600 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a predictions interface (190) that enables generated predictions (75) regarding the outcome of events upon which the user (30) has placed or is considering placing a wager to be displayed to the user (30), whilst also allowing instructions to be uploaded by users (30) in response to the generated prediction(s) (75). Event data may also be displayed through interface (190) including current odds, any wager placed upon the event by one or more participants, and any additional relevant aspects of the event.

[0065] In the example shown, the user (30) has placed a wager on the event and in particular on a particular team (team A) winning a football match against another team (team B). Based upon the data processed, the generated prediction is that the user (30) has a 30% chance of receiving a payout in respect of the wager that has been placed. Accordingly, the prediction (75) generated and displayed to users (30) may be displayed in the form of a rating, for example, a percentage prospect of receiving a payout between 1 % and 100%.

[0066] The generated prediction (75) may be regularly updated to reflect a most up to date prediction regarding the user’s prospects of receiving a payout which may be based upon received real time event data. It will be appreciated that by providing the user (30) with a real-time update regarding the likely event outcome (in the displayed prediction (75)), the user is equipped to efficiently select an instruction for the platform upon receipt of the updated prediction, eg. place a wager (in the event that the user (30) is yet to place wager), amend (increase or decrease) an existing wager if allowable, place a new additional wager, accept an early payout, etc. Such options may be provided to the user (30) through interface (190) to thereby enable the user (30) to quickly and efficiently act upon a new or updated prediction (75) for example.

[0067] Whilst football is used in the example shown in Figure 6, it is to be understood that the event needs not be limited to football or indeed any sporting event. For example, wagers may also be placed in respect of political events, etc, and the present invention is not intended to be restrictive in this regard. The event may be any event in which there is more than one possible outcome and upon which a wager may be placed.

[0068] Where a particular event provides users (30) with the ability to make multi-bets (eg. in a multi-bet horse race), it is to be understood that the generated prediction (75) may be displayed according to the nature of the bet placed. In the multi-bet example, the user (30) may be provided with a plurality of updated predictions regarding the likely outcome of events for each leg of the multi-bet wager.

[0069] Some of the advantages of the network and method of the present disclosure should now be apparent on the basis that users (30) are provided with real-time up-to- date predictions (75) regarding the outcome of events upon which wagers have been placed or are under consideration. The platform is operable to continuously and / or periodically access real time event data and update the predictions (75) which allows users (30) to monitor and, if necessary, adjust their wagers or request a payout which involves ceasing a particular wager and receiving a cash payment in return for cessation. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the platform provides users (30) with the ability to monitor and manage multiple events through a single platform, thereby no longer requiring the user (30) to access multiple different platforms. In this regard, interface (190) may be configured to display generated predictions (75) in respect of a plurality of events upon which wagers have been placed through a plurality of different gambling platforms in a single user interface. This provides users (30) with the ability to view a single interface displaying a plurality of predictions with respect to a plurality of events upon which the user (30) has placed wagers.

[0070] Figure 7 shows in greater Segment 700 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a further user interface (210) that provides additional functionality associated with the software application (40). Such additional functionality may include live streaming functionality (85) that allows users to live stream events upon which wagers have been placed. The additional functionality may also include access to the event calendar (80) associated with the user (30) which offers a monitoring facility regarding forthcoming events and maytherefore serve as a reminder to the user (30) regarding current I future events upon which the user (30) has, or prefers, to place a wager. In this regard, alerts (90) may be transmitted to users (30) with respect to event milestones including, for example, the commencement of a particular event, an update to the score of a particular event, the completion of an event, etc, according to information populated in the event calendar (80). Such alerts and / or notifications may be initiated throughout the user experience including in relation to receiving a message from one / or more other users or an administrator of the software application (40), receipt of an updated prediction (75), receipt of information such as one or more new events of interest upon which wagers may be placed. In order to receive such updates, users (30) may select events or categories of interest which causes the events calendar to be automatically populated with relevant dates and times pertaining to the events or categories of interest.

[0071] As used herein, the term “server”, “system”, “computer”, “computing system” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of such terms.

[0072] The one or more processors as described herein are configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the one or more processors may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

[0073] The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the one or more processors to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of acollection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object- oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

[0074] The diagrams of embodiments herein illustrate one or more control or processing units. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (eg. software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and / or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like.

[0075] Optionally, the one or more processors may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and / or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in the figures or a described method.

[0076] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0077] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same for assisting users to engage in gambling activities, the method including a first connected data communications device: communicating, by one or more processors, with a user device to receive: details for the establishment of an account associated with a user; and details regarding one or more financial accounts associated with the user in respect of which funds are withdrawn and / or deposited for placing wagers and / or receiving returns; accessing, by one or more processors, event data regarding one or more events upon which the user is considering placing or has placed a wager, the event data including event attributes and historical information relevant to the one or more events; implementing, by one or more processors, one or more artificial intelligence techniques to determine one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data; analysing, by one or more processors, the one or more relevant outcome parameters to generate a prediction regarding a particular outcome of the one or more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user, and causing the prediction(s) to be displayed on a user interface associated with the user device; and receiving, by one or more processors, data from the user device representing instructions from the user in response to the generated prediction(s) and effecting the user’s instructions.

2. A data communications device according to claim 1 , wherein the event attributes associated with each of the one or more events includes one or more of: name of the event, date and time of the event, location of the event, participants of the event, event prize money, predicted and / or recorded environmental conditions, details relating to wagers placed on the event, orodds allocated to different potential outcomes of the event.

3. A data communications network according to claim 2, wherein the historical information relevant to the one or more events includes one or more of: the results of previous events which have one or more identical or similar event attributes as the one or more events, wherein the attributes are determined as similar if the comparison between attributes satisfies a similarity threshold, or details relating to the accuracy or otherwise regarding previously generated predictions in respect of previous events.

4. A data communications network according to claim 3, wherein determining event outcome parameters includes processing the event attributes and the historical information to determine one or more of: a subset of the event attributes determined as most likely to affect an outcome of the one or more events, or a score for each event attribute according to the likelihood that the attribute will affect an outcome of the one or more events.

5. A data communications network according to claim 4, wherein the prediction(s) are generated according to analysing the event outcome parameters with particular focus upon the determined subset of event attributes and / or the determined score for each event attribute.

6. A data communications network according to claim 5, wherein analysing the event outcome parameters to generate the prediction(s) includes one or more of: placing additional weight on the subset of event attributes determined as most likely to affect an outcome of the one or more events, or placing additional weight on those event attributes which have been scored above a predetermined threshold score.

7. A data communications network according to either claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the event attributes associated with each of the one or more events further includes real-time data retrieved during the event in relation to one or more of the event attributes, including one or more of: updated odds allocated to different potential outcomes of the event, updated details related to wagers placed on the event, reported injuries associated with participants, updated environmental conditions, or viewer feedback in relation to the event and participants.

8. A data communications network according to claim 7, wherein the method further includes: generating, by one or more processors, ongoing updated predictions during the one or more events taking into account any received real-time data.

9. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display of a prediction regarding the outcome of the one or more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user includes a rating.

10. A data communications network according to claim 9, wherein the rating is between 0% and 100% such that the rating indicates a percentage likelihood that the outcome eventuates.

11. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: providing, by one or more processors, selectable instructions to the user in view of the prediction(s) generated and displayed on the user device, thereby enabling the user to promptly select an instruction upon receipt of an updated prediction.

12. A data communications network according to claim 1 1 , wherein the selectable instructions include one or more of: add new wager, remove existing wager, increase existing wager,decrease existing wager, or request early payout,13. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: providing, by one or more processors, a monitoring facility for users regarding one or more forthcoming events of interest to the user, the monitoring facility reminding the user regarding the forthcoming event(s) and any deadline by which wagers must be placed.

14. A data communications network according to claim 13, wherein the monitoring facility is presented for display on the user device as an events calendar.

15. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when a wager is made by the user in respect of an event, and the wager is a multi-bet wager involving a plurality of legs, the generated prediction includes a prediction in respect of each leg of the multi-bet wager.

16. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more events include any event upon which a wager may be placed, including sporting and / or political events.

17. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: providing, for display on the user device, a listing of events selected by the user including events upon which the user has placed a wager, wherein the listing includes a display of event data, any wager(s) placed, and a current prediction associated with each event or leg thereof, thereby providing the user with a single interface in which information pertaining to multiple different events and predictions regarding the outcome of same are accessible to the user.

18. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes:providing, by one or more processors, an interface on the user device that enables the user to view a live video and audio stream of one or more events selected by the user including one or more event(s) upon which the user has placed a wager.

19. A computer-implemented method for assisting users to engage in gambling activities, the method including: communicating, by one or more processors, with a user device to receive: details for the establishment of an account associated with a user; and details regarding one or more financial accounts associated with the user in respect of which funds are withdrawn and / or deposited for placing wagers and / or receiving returns; accessing, by the one or more processors, event data regarding one or more events upon which the user is considering placing or has placed a wager, the event data including event attributes and historical information relevant to the one or more events; implementing, by the one or more processors, one or more artificial intelligence techniques to determine one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data; analysing, by the one or more processors, the one or more relevant outcome parameters to generate a prediction regarding a particular outcome of the one or more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user, and causing the prediction(s) to be displayed on a user interface associated with the user device; and receiving data, by the one or more processors, from the user device representing instructions from the user in response to the generated prediction(s) and effecting the user’s instructions.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code that when executed on a computer, causes one or more processors of the computer to perform the steps of: communicating, by the one or more processors, with a user device to receive: details for the establishment of an account associated with a user; anddetails regarding one or more financial accounts associated with the user in respect of which funds are withdrawn and / or deposited for placing wagers and / or receiving returns; accessing, by the one or more processors, event data regarding one or more events upon which the user is considering placing or has placed a wager, the event data including event attributes and historical information relevant to the one or more events; implementing, by the one or more processors, one or more artificial intelligence techniques to determine one or more relevant event outcome parameters according to the event data; analysing, by the one or more processors, the one or more relevant outcome parameters to generate a prediction regarding a particular outcome of the one or more events and / or an outcome regarding any wager placed on the one or more events by the user, and causing the prediction (s) to be displayed on a user interface associated with the user device; and receiving data, by the one or more processors, from the user device representing instructions from the user in response to the generated prediction(s) and effecting the user’s instructions.

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