EGM-Linked Remote Back-Betting for Progressive Prize Pools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming systems lack efficient mechanisms for managing back-betting processes, including establishing associations between electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and user devices, managing back-bet wagers, and ending sessions, which hinders the growth and distribution of progressive prize pools.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for back-betting in gaming systems that involves maintaining electronic records of prize pools, associating user devices with EGMs, and distributing awards based on back-bet wagers, using a central gaming server and a back-betting system to manage and coordinate back-betting activities across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional progressive prize pool system is used where only players at EGMs can win prizes, then the prize pool growth is limited to on-site wagering, but the system lacks flexibility for remote participation and expanded betting opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by allowing back-betting players to participate remotely from any location, not just physically present at the EGM. This transforms the traditional single-location betting model into a multi-location system where prize pool contributions and winnings can occur across different geographical spaces, thereby expanding both adaptability and prize pool growth potential
2Quantity of substance
If a back-betting system is implemented to allow remote wagering, then user participation and prize pool growth are enhanced, but the system complexity increases due to need for device association management and coordination between multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the EGM as an intermediary device that bridges the back-betting player's remote device and the central gaming server. The EGM receives association data from the back-betting player's device, validates it, and forwards relevant information to the server. This intermediary approach manages system complexity by distributing coordination tasks across multiple devices rather than requiring direct complex interactions between all system components
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the back-betting functionality into separate modular components: device association management at the EGM level, wager processing at the back-betting system level, and prize pool management at the central server level. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling expanded functionality
3Ease of operation
If back-betting is allowed from any location, then user accessibility is improved, but determining valid wager locations and managing geographical restrictions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical location verification (requiring players to be physically present at the EGM) with electronic data verification. The system uses device association data, including unique device identifiers and location information transmitted electronically, to verify and manage wager locations. This substitution of mechanical presence requirements with electronic verification mechanisms improves accessibility while maintaining location control through digital means
Data Source
AI summary
A system may manage a first prize pool based on a plurality of wagers placed at a plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) for a game of chance or skill. A second prize pool may be managed based on a plurality of back-bet wagers placed at the plurality of user computational devices for an outcome of the game of chance or skill. An award can be distributed from the first prize pool in connection with the game of chance or skill to a player at one of the plurality EGMs and an award from the second prize pool can be automatically distributed to a player at one of the user computational devices in response to distributing the award from the first prize pool.