MACHINE-READABLE FORM CONFIGURATION AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BETTING

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/087,864, filed Aug. 11, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine-readable form configuration (and associated system and method).

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a system (e.g., one or more computers) for betting.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for betting.

In one example, the machine-readable form may be a play slip for betting.

For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “betting” is intended to include wagering, gaming and the like (whether for the payment and wining of money or not).

For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “end-user” is intended to refer to the person who is making a bet at a point of sale terminal (whether or not the person is physical inputting information into the point of sale terminal).

For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, when a first sport is “different” from a second sport what is meant is that the objective of the first sport is different from the objective of the second sport. For example, professional basketball is not a different from amateur basketball because they each have the same objective. In contrast, for example, football is a different sport from hockey because they do not have the same objective.

For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “computing system” is intended to refer to a system including one or more programmed computers, one or more processors, and/or one or more systems employing distributed processing.

For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, the term “column” is intended to refer to a combination of events.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, a player that desired to participate in betting/wagering products typically had two options. Either to go to retailer shops assigned by the lottery organization or use the internet sites with similar capabilities. There were even specific cases in which internet betting was illegal, so in this case the option would be betting at point of sale (“POS”). Needless to say that the internet could typically offer more options to the player. In this regard, the internet betting sites offered many selections on events, special athletic events, cultural events or political ones to mention few. On the other hand, the retailer shops offered specific selections on a short spectrum of the possible events having limitations on the total selections, betting options and type of events. Specifically, the retailer Shops typically had available specific play slips for different events. For example, a basketball play slip to participate to basketball events, a soccer/football play slip to participate to soccer events, a generic sports events play slip to go for other sports events, e.g., tennis, Formula 1, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a betting play slip (or coupon) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a graphical user interface (“GUI”) example presented at a point of sale (“POS”) terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows another GUI example presented at a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows another GUI example presented at a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows another GUI example presented at a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a sample receipt generated by a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show example pseudo-code for use with a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention (these FIGS. 7A and 7B are to be read together, as shown in FIG. 7A).

FIG. 8 shows an example block diagram of various computers/point of sale terminals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures constitute a part of this specification and include illustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components (and any size, material and similar details shown in the figures are, of course, intended to be illustrative and not restrictive). Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

As described herein, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to the betting business. In one example, the present invention may be applied to the POS retailer shops (e.g., which are assigned to sell and promote betting products). In one example, the invention may minimize the overhead of selecting betting participation on various athletic or “real life” events while at the same time maximize the spectrum of different events available to the player. Recognizing the vast capability of internet betting (e.g., to provide related functionality) the invention targets the need to assist in betting off-internet where the player does not have access to the internet. In this way the player, through a play slip and/or a terminal can select and choose between different options and betting products available. In one example, the invention may provide a betting product that is structured and set up in association with one or more computer systems (e.g., mainframe systems and/or server computers) unleashing the potential to the player. In another example, the player may have has many (or even more) options and selections than that of the internet.

Further, as described herein, various embodiments of the present invention may aid in increasing demand of the market for more betting types in different sports and/or where internet betting is illegal. Through an intuitive infrastructure and configurable design, various conventional internet options may be made available to the retailer players. In one example, the present invention may provide a highly sophisticated and yet easily understandable play slip design to provide to the player all possible events available for betting with a use of different coding to differentiate and “mix and match” different styles and habit of playing, different events to relate and different options to bet on. In this example, the player has now at least the same capability at the traditional POS as may be offered on conventional internet betting sites. Furthermore, the intuitive use of the coding schema may provide, for example, more options than those offered elsewhere. This characteristic of the game and play slip design of the betting product may address the needs of the amateur as well as the most experienced player with a state of the art betting participation product. In one example, the present invention may provide a robust and flexible play slip and GUI on the terminal offered to the player. In another example, the present invention may provide mainframe and/or server computer and/or client computer capabilities as a configuration and risk management set of tools that govern in the strictest way the betting process. The system may be configured not only to manipulate the incoming wagers in an efficient manner but also to: keep track of all betting information (and providing such to one or more appropriate organizations), provide secure and “risk free” operation, provide controllable betting attitude directed to the real world trends, provide protection to the player for responsible gaming and/or provide financial reconciliation.

Further, as described herein, various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a comprehensive solution for the administration of betting events. In one example, the present invention is not limited to only popular events, but also provides the user and/or operator and/or organizer with the flexibility to parametrically (and/or programmatically) introduce new data capable of covering various types of bets and a large number of provided betting events (described in this document are various betting events supported by the present invention, which include (but are not limited to) Sports, Football, Basketball and Football Section List, as well as the participation and administration method of each one of them). In addition, the option to place bets during play-time (“Live Betting”) is also described herein. In one example, the flexibility to parametrically (and/or programmatically) introduce new data may comprise having x number of events (e.g. 10 events) at the start of a day and adding (or subtracting) y number of events (e.g., 1 event) during the day. In one specific example, start with 10 events and add 1 event during the day for a total of 11 events.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a betting system, comprising: at least one computer database, wherein the computer database stores thereon a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an event; and a server computer receiving bets; wherein the bets are received from a point of sale terminal into which the bets are input either by entering at least one of the event codes into a graphical user interface of the point of sale terminal or by marking a betting play slip with at least one of the event codes.

In one example, the server computer may update the event code database in real-time (e.g., every day, every hour, every minute, every second).

In another example, at least one of the events may be a sporting event and at least one of the events may be a non-sporting event. Thus, the present invention may provide the capability of placing mixed bets on different types of events (e.g., football, basketball, F1 racing and/or non-sporting event) by play slip and/or by POS terminal.

In another example, each event code may be a numeric code (of any desired length). In a specific example, each event code may be three-digit code.

In another example, each event code may be an alphanumeric code (of any desired length). In a specific example, each event code may be three-digit alphanumeric code.

In another example, the bets may be input either by entering a plurality of the event codes into the graphical user interface of the point of sale terminal or by marking a betting play slip with a plurality of the event codes.

In another example, the point of sale terminal may scan the betting play slip with an imaging device.

In another example, bets on different types of events (e.g., football, basketball, F1 racing and/or non-sporting event) may be made as one transaction.

In another example, unrelated events may be coupled, such as to form a prerequisite to winning.

In another example, unrelated events may be uncoupled, such as not all events must occur as a prerequisite to winning.

In another example, some unrelated events may be coupled, such as to form a prerequisite to winning and some unrelated events may be uncoupled, such as not all events must occur as a prerequisite to winning.

In another example, each column could cost $1.00 to bet (of course, each column could cost any other desired amount).

In another example, winnings could be paid at the rate of odds: of a first event x odds of a second event x price. Of course, this formula may apply to any number of events.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, example GUI's (or graphical user interfaces) are shown. As seen in these Figs., the GUI 200 of FIG. 2 may be a main screen at which 15 bets on 15 events may be placed. Of note, 15 bets on 15 events are provided as an illustrative example, and the GUI 200 could, of course, be configured to allow bets on any desired number of events. Of further note, in this example, the lower-right hand corner provides a button 201 to present another GUI to allow 15 additional bets on 15 additional events. Again, of course, 15 additional bets on 15 additional events is provided as an illustrative example, and the GUI 200 could, of course be configured to allow bets on any desired number of additional events.

Still referring to these FIGS. 2-5, when a user presses one of the “Bet” buttons of FIG. 2 corresponding to a particular event (the identification of such particular event may be made, for example, using the number buttons (a plurality of which are shown in FIG. 2 identified with callout number 203) at the top of the GUI 200 of FIG. 2), the GUI 300 of FIG. 3 may be presented. This GUI 300 of FIG. 3 may allow entry of specifics of a desired bet (in the example of FIG. 3, the specifics of the bet may relate to soccer, basketball, or the like). In the alternative, for certain event codes entered in the GUI 200 of FIG. 2, the GUI 400 of FIG. 4 may be presented. This GUI 400 of FIG. 4 may allow entry of a specific bet code (e.g., for a non-sporting event or for a sporting event not covered by the type of GUI 300 of FIG. 3).

Still referring to these FIGS. 2-5, FIG. 5 shows a GUI 500 of the type via which various permutation (or “system”) and/or multiplier information may be entered.

Finally, referring now to FIG. 1, an example play slip 100 is shown. As seen in this Fig., the play slip 100 may provide the ability to enter various information corresponding to the information that may be entered via the various GUI's discussed above. In particular, in this example, it is seen that column A allows entry of information related to 15 events (corresponding, for example, to GUI 200 of FIG. 2); column B allows entry of the event code information (corresponding, for example, to GUI 200 of FIG. 2); column C allows entry of information (e.g., ½ time; full time; score) related to a given bet for soccer, basketball, or the like (corresponding, for example, to GUI 300 of FIG. 3); column D allows entry of information (e.g., range of scores) related to a given bet for other than soccer, basketball, or the like (corresponding, for example, to GUI 400 of FIG. 4); column E allows entry of information related to grouping of events (see, e.g., the “Group” method and the “R-Group” method discussed below—see, also, e.g., the buttons shown in GUI 200 of FIG. 2 identified by the callout number 205 (the plurality of buttons are shown here associated with the single callout number); column B additionally allows for entry of information to ask for grouping in column E (see, also, e.g., GUI 200 of FIG. 2 with respect to using buttons identified by callout number 203 (the plurality of buttons are shown here associated with the single callout number)); and the multiplier and permutations area 103 at the bottom of the play slip of FIG. 1 (corresponding, e.g., to permutations and multiplier buttons of GUI 200 of FIG. 2 identified by callout number 207 (the plurality of buttons are shown here associated with the single callout number) and the buttons of the GUI of FIG. 5) allows for entry of a coupon multiplier (e.g., general multiplier—whole coupon), permutations, and permutation multipliers (e.g., for a specific combination or system)—see the discussion below regarding placing bets per column length.

Reference will now be made to the definition of betting events according to one embodiment of the present invention. Under this embodiment, the capability of placing complicated and/or mixed bets with play slips and/or electronically (e.g., through the terminals that are located at the POS) may be provided. The player may mark on the coupon (e.g., paper play slip or POS terminal GUI) the desired events (e.g., being able to combine events from different sports/non-sports competitions on the same column). In other words, a player may include, for example, a football match, a basketball match, a Formula 1 race, a tennis match, any other sports or non-sporting competition and/or any other event on which someone can bet. This may be realized by the infrastructure of the present invention (e.g., wherein every event upon which a bet can be placed is represented by a code to which the organizer of the bets may apply specific characteristics). Reference will now be made to the capability of grouping events according to one embodiment of the present invention (various defined groups and various permutations may be supported). Under this embodiment, the capability of grouping events of a specific coupon of different types using different methods may be provided. More particularly, in one example, using the present invention, the player may apply what will be referred to hereinafter as the “Group” method or what will be referred to hereinafter as “R-Group” method.

The Group method indicates that if there is a basic group of events, all group predictions participate cumulatively in one column. Consequently, in order for this column to win, all predictions must be correct.

To give an illustrative example, suppose that the player selects 7 events, which organizes in three different Groups, Group A which consists of 2 events, Group B which consists of 2 events and Group C which consists of 3 events and asks for combinations/systems of 1, 2 and 3.

Then, the following columns are produced:

System 1 produces 3 combinations (e.g., different columns):

• • A that consists of the events of Group A
  • B that consists of the events of Group B
  • C that consists of the events of Group C

System 2 produces 3 combinations:

• • A×B that consists of the events of Group A and Group B
  • B×C that consists of the events of Group B and Group C
  • A×C that consists of the events of Group A and Group C

System 3 produces 1 combination:

• • A×B×C that consists of the events of Group A and Group B and Group C

The R-Group method indicates that each event in a special group must be combined separately each time from the rest of the special group betting events. In other words, all events are included together in a basic group while in a special group “One Of” the events is included in each column generated. In one example, you do not need all events in a group to occur in order to win (as may be required by other examples described herein).

To give an illustrative example, suppose that the player selects 3 events to be combined in an R-Group with two independent events and asks for system 3.

Then, the following columns are produced:

• • The first event with the two independent events
  • The second event with the two independent events
  • The third event with the two independent events

In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), each of the independent events mentioned above could be like a basic group with one event.

The above mentioned capability is reflected, for example, in column E of the play slip 100 of FIG. 1 and the GUI 200 of FIG. 2 (see, e.g., the buttons identified by call-out number 205)

Reference will now be made to the capability of placing bets per column length according to one embodiment of the present invention. Under this embodiment the present invention supports apart from the General Multipliers also System Multipliers. The player can select to play columns of a specific length which will have ‘special weight’, meaning that the specific column (combination) will participate in the coupon as many times as is equal to the product of the General Multiplier times the System Multiplier. In one example, a system multiplier can acquire values resulting from the product of any or even all of the following numbers: 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The above mentioned capability is reflected, for example, in area Permutation Multipliers of the play slip 100 of FIG. 1 (see, e.g., the area identified by callout number 103) and the GUI 200 of FIG. 5.

Additional detail regarding various embodiments of the games of the present invention and various Live Betting examples will now be discussed.

Various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a comprehensive solution for the administration of betting events. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to only popular events, but may also provide the user and/or operator and/or organizer with the flexibility to parametrically (and/or programmatically) introduce new data capable of covering various types of bets and a large number of provided betting events. Described below are various betting events supported by various embodiments of the present invention, which include (but are not limited to) Sports, Football, Basketball and Football Section List, as well as the participation and administration method of each one of them. Finally, the option to place bets during play-time (Live Betting) is also described herein. Of note, the following provides illustrative examples only, and is not intended to be restrictive.

Definition of Normal & Special Betting Events Examples

The terms associated with the definition of such betting games and which characterize them as unique within the system, are described further below. The types of betting events supported by the system described here are only illustrative and not limited to the following two types:

• • “Normal” betting events
  • “Special” betting events

“Normal” Betting Events Examples

“Normal” betting events include, e.g., football matches, basketball matches or other sports that have standardized betting types, such as those listed and described below. In other words, “Normal” betting events are comprised of football or basketball matches or potentially other similar standardized betting type sports for the support of such types of events.

“Normal” Events Games and Normal Events Codes Examples

Underneath each “Normal Event” are a number of “Games” and underneath these are the “Codes”

“Normal Events” Football Games Examples

Provided below is a detailed comparison between the “Games” and the respective “Codes” included within each section.

• • Final Result
    • 1—A match that ends in a “‘home win’”
    • X—A match that ends in a “‘draw’”
    • 2—A match that ends in an “‘away win’”
    • 1X (Double or Double Chance)—A match that ends in a “‘draw’” or a “‘home win’”
    • 12 (Double or Double Chance)—A match that ends in a “‘home win’” or an “‘away win’”
    • X2 (Double or Double Chance)—A match that ends in a “‘draw’” or a “‘away win’”
  • Final Result with Handicap
    • 1—A match that ends in a “‘home win’” (including handicap)
    • X—A match that ends in a “‘draw’” (including handicap)
    • 2—A match that ends in an “‘away win’” (including handicap)
  • Half-Time Result
    • 1—The half time result of a match that ends in a “‘home win’”
    • X—The half time result of a match that ends in a “‘draw’”
    • 2—The half time result of a match that ends in an “‘away win’”
  • Half Time—Final
    • 1-1—Half-time result (first half) is a “home win” and final match result is a “home win”
    • 1-X—Half time result (first half) is a “‘home win’” and final match result is a “‘draw’”
    • 1-2—Half time result (first half) is a “‘home win’” and final match result is an “‘away win’”
    • X-1—Half time result (first half) is a “draw” and final match result is a “home win”
    • X-X—Half time result (first half) is a “draw” and final match result is a “draw”
    • X-2—Half time result (first half) is a “draw” and final match result is an “‘away win’”
    • 2-1—Half time result (first half) is an “away win” and final match result is a “‘home win’”
    • 2-X—Half time result (first half) is an “away win” and final match result is a “‘draw’”
    • 2-2—Half time result (first half) is an “away win” and final match result is an “‘away win’”
  • Correct Score

0-0	Final score of the match: 0-0
1-0	Final score of the match: 1-0
2-0	Final score of the match: 2-0
3-0	Final score of the match: 3-0
4-0	Final score of the match: 4-0
5+-0	Final score of the match: 5+(greater than or equal to 5)-0
2-1	Final score of the match: 2-1
3-1	Final score of the match: 3-1
4-1	Final score of the match: 4-1
5+-1	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-1
3-2	Final score of the match: 3-2
4-2	Final score of the match: 4-2
5+-2	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-2
4-3	Final score of the match: 4-3
5+-3	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-3
5+-4	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-4
1-1	Final score of the match: 1-1
2-2	Final score of the match: 2-2
3-3	Final score of the match: 3-3
4-4	Final score of the match: 4-4
5+-5+	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-5+
	(greater than or equal to 5)
4-5+	Final score of the match: 4-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
3-4	Final score of the match: 3-4
3-5+	Final score of the match: 3-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
2-3	Final score of the match: 2-3
2-4	Final score of the match: 2-4
2-5+	Final score of the match: 2-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
1-2	Final score of the match: 1-2
1-3	Final score of the match: 1-3
1-4	Final score of the match: 1-4
1-5+	Final score of the match: 1-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
0-1	Final score of the match: 0-1
0-2	Final score of the match: 0-2
0-3	Final score of the match: 0-3
0-4	Final score of the match: 0-4
0-5+	Final score of the match: 1-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)

• • Under/Over
    • Under—The total number of goals scored by both teams in a specific match will be equal to or less than 2.
    • Over—The total number of goals scored by both teams in a specific match will be equal to or greater than 2:
  • Total Number of Goals Scored
    • 0-1 goals—The total number of goals scored in a match will be 0 to 1 goals
    • 2-3 goals—The total number of goals scored in a match will be 2 to 3 goals
    • 4-6 goals—The total number of goals scored in a game will be 4 to 6 goals
    • 7+ goals—The total number of goals scored in a match will be 7 or more
  • First Team to Score
    • ‘home team’—The first team to score is the “home team”
    • ‘away team’—The first team to score is the “away team”
  • Score/Not Score
    • The ‘home team’ scores
    • The ‘home team’ does not score
    • The ‘away team’ scores
    • The ‘away team’ does not score
    • The ‘home team’ scores and the ‘away team’ does not score
    • The ‘home team’ does not score and the ‘away team’ scores
    • Both Teams score
  • ScoreCast

As “Scorecast”, we define the combination of the first player to score with the Final score of the match

“Normal Events” Basketball Games Examples

Additionally, the betting types listed below may be supported for Basketball:

• • Final Result
    • 1—A game that ends in a “‘home win’”
    • X—A game that ends in a “‘draw’”
    • 2—A game that ends in an “‘away win’”
  • Half-Time Result
    • 1—The half time result of a game that ends in a “‘home win’”
    • X—The half time result of a game that ends in a “‘draw’”
    • 2—The half time result of a game that ends in an “‘away win’”
  • Half Time—Final
    • 1-1—Half-time result (first half) is a “home win” and final game result is a “home win”
    • 1-X—Half time result (first half) is a “‘home win’” and final game result is a “‘draw’”
    • 1-2—Half time result (first half) is an “‘home win’” and final game result is an “away win”
    • X-1—Half time result (first half) is a “draw” and final game result is a “home win”
    • X-X—Half time result (first half) is a “draw” and final game result is a “draw”
    • X-2—Half time result (first half) is a “draw” and final game result is an “‘away win’”
    • 2-1—Half time result (first half) is an “away win” and final game result is a “‘home win’”
    • 2-X—Half time result (first half) is an “away win” and final game result is a “‘draw’”
    • 2-2—Half time result (first half) is an “away win” and final game result is an “‘away win’”
  • Under/Over
    • Under—The total number of game points scored in a particular game will be less than or equal to a limit parametrically (and/or programmatically) defined.
    • Over—The total number of game points scored in a particular game will be greater than α limit parametrically (and/or programmatically) defined.
  • Especially concerning Basketball, under this example, “Under/Over” is available for: ‘Total Game Points Scored’ or ‘Total Points Scored by Half-Time’ or ‘Total Points Scored by a Player’.

Definition of “Special” Betting Events Examples

“Special” betting events are those that include non-standardized types of bets (i.e., bets not included in the types of bets described above).

A “Special Event” may include (for example) up to 25 different “Special Events” Games or types of bets. For example, in the case of a football match, some of the “Special Events” Games may include: “First Player to Score”, “Ten minutes to First Goal Scored” and up to 25 such games. The capabilities are essentially unlimited. It may be at the discretion of the organizer of the bet to provide any betting game.

Via “Special Events”, betting can be offered for sports such as Formula 1, Tennis and others as well as for non-sporting events, such as the prediction of the winner of a talent competition or the prediction of an electoral result.

A “Special Event” includes, for example, up to 216 betting codes (i.e., possible outcomes).

A “Special Event” may also pertain to a sports event such as a tournament (e.g. the UEFA 2008 Cup, Champions League, a tennis tournament or Formula 1 race) or a singular sports' event (e.g. a football match, a boxing match etc).

Various embodiments of the present invention support a “Betting Event” as follows:

• • The events participate to draws which are in complete accordance with everything that applies to all other games. In each game draw, the system can support, for example, up to 100 “Special Events” and 900 “Normal Events”.
  • An Event has a duration, which is defined by the time period which intervenes from the date when the system first receives bets for the betting event up until the start of the event. There is no maximum duration, as such, for a betting event.
  • A betting event may be defined to be played individually (i.e., it cannot be included in combinations that include codes on other events).

“Special Events Games” Examples

The “Special Events Game” constitutes a betting object which belongs to a specific “Special Event”. Each “Special Event” may include, for example, up to 25 “Special Events Games” such as: the winning team of the Champions League, the first Champions League scorer, the exact score of a match, etc. Each “Special Events Game” includes a number of different events/codes which equals the number of different outcomes on which a player may bet with regards to each Game. A specific code is matched to each event, as described in the following paragraph.

Various embodiments of the present invention support a “Special Events Games” as follows:

• • Up to, for example, 25 Events Games can be defined and supported for each “Special Event”.
  • Each “Special Events Game” may be defined to participate in additional odds (Bonus).
  • Concerning “Special Events Games” of the same “Special Event”, the system supports different types of interrelations so as to limit the manner in which the events of these sections may be combined in the same column.
  • It is possible to play mixed bets where in one column “Normal Events” of different sports are combined with “Special Events”.
  • In one example, the system does not allow for combination of events from a “Normal Event” and a “Special Event” in the same column, if they pertain to the same game. For example, if we have a “Normal Event” (e.g. “Milan-Roma Football Match”) and a “Special Event” (e.g. “The 10 minutes during which the first goal of the match is scored”), these two cannot be combined in the same column. A “scorecast” bet constitutes an exception to the above rule. Scorecast includes, e.g., in the same column the exact score of a football game (from “Normal Event”) and the football player who shoots the first goal in this game (from “Special Event”).
  • The column length may range, for example, from 1 to 30 events. In one example, two (2) or more events of the same “Special Events Game” cannot coexist in the same column.
  • Basic properties of each “Special Events Game” are, e.g., the date and time of the game which must be defined in the system. The system accepts or rejects bet validation by comparing the time of bet submission to the date and time of play of each events section selected (final betting time included).

Special Event/Code Examples

Each one of the outcomes of a specific “Special Events Game” in which betting was permitted constitutes a “Special Event/Code”. Each “Special Event/Code” is represented, for example, by a 3-digit code (e.g. for the “First Player to Score” section of the event “Panathinaikos—Olympiakos Match”, the following events are defined by specific codes: “Ninis” 613, “Castigio” 626, etc).

Various embodiments of the present invention support “Special Events/Codes” as follows:

• • The “Special Events/Codes” of each “Special Events Game” are successive and remain reserved throughout the duration of the event to which the code pertains to.
  • At any given moment, each “Special Event/Code” is characterized by fixed odds. The odds of each code can be modified according to the needs of the organizer of the bet.
  • In one column, only one selection is permitted from a “Normal Event Code” of each “Normal Event”. That is to say, in one example, a player cannot bet both on the final outcome of a football match and on the exact score of the same match.
  • In one column, a maximum selection of one (1) “Normal Event” from a “Normal Event Game” is permitted. Double variations are valid, e.g., only in Football “Normal Events” and, in particular, only in the “Normal Event Game” of the final outcome for “Normal Events” that can be played as: 1X, 12, X2. In one example, triple variations are not offered.
  • In one column, a maximum selection of one (1) “Special Event/Code” from each “Special Event Game” is permitted (i.e., in one example, there are no double or triple variations in “Special Events/Codes”).

Column Examples

A player decides on which events he/she would like to bet on, based on the program of events (Normal or Special), and thus creates ‘columns’ (or betting combinations).

A column (combination) may contain, for example, from 1 to 30 events, provided that respective betting rules and provisions are met.

The term ‘outcome’, as it has been used in reference to fixed odds betting for this game, is now replaced with the term ‘Event’ (Normal or Special), signifying “potential outcome” (as indicated in the examples below).

Example of a column (combination) consisting of 4 events:

• • The Netherlands will win EURO 2008
  • Football match between Real Madrid—Manchester United-Final outcome 1-1
  • AEK will win the UEFA Cup 2008
  • Basketball Game between Argentina—Brazil, Half time-Final outcome 1-1.

The player wins if his/her predictions are correct for all of the events that comprise the column. The respective winnings are calculated by multiplying the odds of the selected events times the cost of the column.

Because certain events are played based on the odds of column length and others based on definite odds, the odds calculation for the events played on the basis of column length is carried out as follows: If 4 events are played on the basis of column length where the odds for a 4-column length are 16, then the total odds for all 4 events are 16. If, on the same column, there are also other events with specific odds, then the final column odds will be the product of the partial odds times the odds of the column length (calculated as described above).

Basic Rules Examples

The game in this example is governed by the following basic rules:

• • A coupon is considered valid only when it is entered in the Central System, either through the private POS network or based on the alternative methods supported (e.g., internet, telephone bet).
  • The game participates in draws, like all other games, and may include events which either start or end within the timeframe of the draw or not. The following may apply to the timeframe of events and draws:
    • A betting event may start and end within the timeframe of the current draw.
    • A betting event may start in a prior draw and end within the timeframe of the current draw.
    • A betting event may start in the current draw and end in a subsequent draw.
    • A betting event may start in a prior draw (than the current one) and end in a subsequent draw.
  • Due to the fact that betting events may not be carried out on the same date and time, a bet may be accepted based on the date and time of the earliest event within the selected sections. Concerning special events, it is the time of the selected special event game that is taken into considered and not that of the special event, since each special event game may take place at a different time.
  • Each event may have fixed odds. In addition, the system allows for redefinition/alteration of odds if this is required.
  • Each valid winning ticket is paid based on the odds that correspond to it and which were effective at the time of its validation.
  • If there is more than one winning events/codes in a game, the initial odds may be adjusted by being divided by a factor. If the division results in odds lower than 1, 1 is accepted as the final odd.
  • With the aid of the appropriate multiplier, a player can play any permissible combination on the same coupon, more than once. This is possible provided that the total number of coupon columns does not exceed the highest or lowest limit of columns.
  • Payment of winning coupons can be performed by all on-line terminals that support this game, regardless of the point of sale of the winning ticket.
  • The player can request cancellation of his/her ticket provided that all valid cancellation conditions are met and within a defined time period from the time the ticket was registered in the central system. To cancel a ticket, the start time of the earliest section among those selected on the ticket must not have lapsed. In one example, cancellations will not be accepted on coupons participating in “Live Betting”.

Participation in the Game Examples

Ways to Participate

One of the basic characteristics of various embodiments of the present invention is that it provides players with the ability to combine events from different sports on the same column. In other words, a player may include, e.g., a football match, a basketball match, a Formula 1 race, a tennis match and any other sports or non sporting competition or any other event on which someone can bet. At this point, it should be emphasized that some of the selected events of the same column may be offered with different types of odds (e.g., some may have fixed odds while others may have odds based on the column length). Game participation is conducted by using a single type of coupon, on which a player can use the betting options listed below (as has been clearly pointed out, the use of a play-slip is not a prerequisite for the participation in the game).

Simple Column (Combination)

According to these example rules and regulations of Fixed Odds Betting Games, players can combine events from different sections, based on betting rules, and create columns (combinations).

A simple coupon contains a single column (combination) which can be played more than once.

Requested Events System

Based on the same concept as other Betting Games, a player can combine the events of his choice per number of requested events, thus creating a system.

Example:

The combination of the following 4 events per 2

• • The Netherlands will win EURO 2008
  • Real Madrid will win Champions League 2008
  • AEK will win the UEFA Cup 2008
  • Argentina will win the World Cup 2008.
    creates 6 columns (4 events per 2).

In one example, a system is acceptable only if all columns resulting from the expansion comply with the applicable limitations and also if it does not violate the rule that on one column no more than one betting event of the same game can be selected.

Requested Events System with Standard (‘Bankers’)

Players can combine the events they choose per number of requested events, defining some of the events as “standard” (Bankers).

Example:

The combination of the following 4 events per 2

• • The Netherlands will win EURO 2008
  • Real Madrid will win Champions League 2008
  • AEK will win the UEFA Cup 2008
  • Argentina will win the World Cup 2008

With the standard event being “Argentina will win the World Cup 2008”, creates 3 columns.

Coupon's General Multipliers

Apart from requested systems, a player can mark up to, for example, 3 general multipliers on the coupon. The coupon's multiplier results from the product of the selected multipliers. Therefore, the final number of coupon columns is equal to the number of coupon columns multiplied by the general multiplier.

System Multipliers

The system supports system multipliers. The player can select to play columns of a specific length which will have ‘special weight’, meaning that the specific column (combination) will participate in the coupon as many times as is equal to the product of the general multiplier times the system multiplier. A system multiplier can acquire values resulting from the product of any of the following numbers, for example: 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Grouping of Games on Coupon

The system of this example supports 3 different methods by which to group games on a coupon. These grouping methods determine the final columns generated.

1. Without Grouping

A coupon is played without any particular grouping.

2. Grouping of Specific matches in a Basic Group.

If there is a basic group of matches (B group), all group predictions participate cumulatively in one column. Consequently, in order for this column to win, all predictions must be correct. Concerning requested systems, a basic group is considered one system. Therefore, if 3 games are grouped in one basic group and there are 3 more individual games and we wish to create only a single column, then the requested system will be 4.

3. Special Grouping (R group)

Unlike what applies to a basic group, each game in a special group must be combined separately each time from the rest of the special group betting events.

In other words, in this example, all events are included together in a basic group while in a special group “One Of” the events is included in each column generated. One coupon can support more than one basic or special group at the same time.

Results Examples

The following apply to game results and winners:

• • Each event may be verified in accordance with the conditions and special terms as stated by the organizer of the bet on the “Program” leaflets. Results are determined on the basis of the outcome and according to the rules and regulations of each competition in which the event takes place.
  • A combination is considered as winning only when all the events included in the combination have been verified (i.e., all the selected outcomes have been successfully predicted), while the total payout of the combination is equal to the product all of the partial payouts of the events included. If a column contains events with column length odds, then the total number of these events is added up and the specific column odds indicate the payout for all of these events. The specific column payout is then multiplied by the partial payouts of the events with fixed odds.
  • The payout amount of a combination equals the product of the odds of the total combination multiplied by the column value.
  • It is possible that in certain events games more than the expected number of events may be verified (i.e., correctly predicted). In such case, the payouts of the validated events are reduced proportionately. The payout odd is always equal to or greater than 1.
  • If a section is cancelled, for whatever reason, then all of the events of that section are considered verified (i.e., considered correct predictions) in the combinations in which they are included and have an odds value of 1.
  • A coupon is paid out by the system only when there is a final result for all of the events selected on that coupon (i.e., they are either in “win”, “cancelled” or “lose” status).
  • A coupon with requested system plays may have more than one winning combinations, the odds of which are defined as described above.

Game Transactions Examples

“Game Transactions” refers to the definition in the system of the terms that must be met for the following operations:

• • Coupon Play—where the player must follow correct instructions for filling in the play slip, while the appropriate procedures must also be activated in the central system for coupon acceptance.
  • Coupon Cancellation—where the coupon must meet certain conditions while conditions for the acceptance of cancelled coupons must also be activated in the central system.
  • Coupon Payment—where the coupon must meet certain conditions while the conditions for the acceptance of a paying out associated with a coupon must also be activated in the central system.

High-Stake Acceptance Procedure Examples

In case of a high-stake bet the procedure below may be used:

• • The central system produces a unique application number and sends it to the terminal. Concurrently, the central system informs the person responsible for the acceptance of high-stake bets.
  • The indication “High-Stake” is printed on the coupon, along with the date, time and Approval Code (a unique application number).
  • The retailer contacts the person responsible for the high-stake bets negotiation for approval of the bet. The person responsible for high-stake bets negotiation can intervene in any or all of the following coupon data:
    • Removal/Replacement of predictions
    • Removal/Replacement of systems
    • Definition of new odds
    • Replacement of multipliers
    • Removal/Replacement of standard events
  • If approved, the person responsible for the high-stake bets negotiation enters the agreed-upon coupon data in the system and updates the central system accordingly.
  • Using the terminal menu, the retailer requests the approved coupon from the central system by inserting the Request Code.
  • The central system transmits the data of the approved coupon.
  • Once the message is received by the terminal, the retailer is asked to insert the Approval Code.
  • As soon as the retailer has inserted the code and verified its validity, he/she is asked whether they will proceed to the validation procedure.
  • If the retailer selects “preview”, the terminal prints the data of the approved coupon with the indication “FOR PREVIEW” and returns to “ready mode”.
  • If the retailer selects to have the coupon validated, the terminal executes the validation procedure.

Checking of Procedures

The option to temporarily or permanently blocking of any event(s) or game(s) from the betting is also available by the system. Exclusion pertains to all events/codes of each game.

Definition of Sections List Bet Examples

Each Sections List has a betting start and end date.

The system can support, for example, up to 10 lists per draw, the number of which is parametrically (and/or programmatically) defined. Each list can contain, for example, from 2 to 10 sections. Moreover, the minimum number of sections from which a player may choose is also parametrically (and/or programmatically) defined.

The lists support different odds bonuses per column length. Possible column lengths with respect to odds bonus range from, for example, 1 to >=20. Matches that have been cancelled or have started earlier than the time of coupon acceptance by the central system are not included in the column length. For example, a column with 20 matches, 4 of which have been cancelled and 4 of which started earlier (than the time of coupon acceptance) will be assigned a payout bonus for a column length of 12.

Each section in the list may include, for example, 1 to 11 matches. The maximum total number of matches in the list is, for example, 110. If participating matches end or are cancelled and a section is left without a game, the list can be played with matches from other sections, unless the number of active sections is lower than the minimum number of permitted sections defined in the system.

Each section offers, for example, three systems: 1, 2 and 3.

1, 2 and/or 3 matches out of those selected are requested.

The selected matches of each section may range from, for example. 1 to 5.

Each selected match may be registered as a standard (Bankers).

The number of selected matches on the coupon may range from, for example, 2 (2 sections with 1 selected match in each) up to, for example, 50 (10 sections with 5 selected matches each).

Column length may range from, for example, 2 to 30 matches, since from each section (in this example) up to 3 matches may be included in one column (10 sections×3 matches=30). The combinations of each section are calculated based on the number of selected matches, systems and standards (bankers) that are included.

The total number of columns on the coupon results from the total number of combinations multiplied by the multiplier.

Match codes are assigned values 1-11 (for example) for the first section, 12-22 (for example) for the second section, etc.

The terms that pertain to the parameters and the definition of such types of betting games and which characterize them as unique in the system are described below.

Types of Bets Examples

The types of game bets are listed below:

• • Final Outcome
    • 1—A game that ends in a ‘home win’
    • X—A game that ends in a ‘draw’
    • 2—A game that ends in an ‘away win’
    • 1X (Double Chance) A game that ends in a ‘home win’ or a ‘draw’
    • 12 (Double Chance)—A game that ends in a ‘home win’ or an ‘away win’
    • X2 (Double Chance)—A game that ends in a ‘draw’ or an ‘away win’

Basic Rules Examples

The basic rules governing Sections List betting games include, but are not limited to, the following:

• • A bet is valid only if it is registered in the Central Computer System.
  • The game consists of the prediction of the outcome of up to, for example, 50 group games.
  • The date and time that each game will be held must be defined. The time of submission of the last bet of each game is estimated in terms of the starting time of the game and is defined parametrically (and/or programmatically).
  • The valid period of the Program (List) with a “start” and “end” must be parametrically (and/or programmatically) defined in the System.
  • In one example, the odds of each specific outcome are fixed. However, odds may be redefined if deemed necessary.
  • Players may select matches, knowing in advance the exact winning amount that they will receive if their predictions are correct. More specifically, players can select, for example, among the following:
    • From 1 to 5 matches per section (for example), ranging from the minimum to the maximum limit
    • From the available section systems, for example: 1, 2, 3 or a combination of these
  • With the appropriate multiplier, the player can play any coupon combination more than once, provided that the total number of coupon columns does not exceed the maximum column limit.
  • Each column may receive a payout bonus based on its length.
  • Payment of winning coupons can be performed by all on-line terminals supporting the game, regardless of the point of sale of the winning coupon.
  • The player can request cancellation of his/her coupon provided that cancellation terms apply (e.g., it is within a predefined time period from the time the coupon was registered in the Central Computer System and always provided that it is prior to the start of any of the games selected on the coupon).

High-Stake Bet Acceptance Procedure Examples

In case of a high-stake bet the following procedure may be used:

• • The Central System produces a unique Approval Code and sends it to the terminal. At the same time, the central system informs the person responsible for the high-stake bets negotiation with an appropriate message.
  • The terminal prints the indication “HIGH BET”, as well as the date, time and Approval Code (an application number) on the coupon.
  • The retailer contacts the person responsible for the high-stakes negotiation in order to receive approval for the coupon.
  • If approved, the person responsible for the high-stakes negotiation updates the Central System with the coupon approval.
  • Using the terminal menu, the retailer requests the approved coupon from the Central System by entering the Approval Code.
  • The Central System transmits the data of the approved coupon.
  • As soon as the retailer has entered the code and verified its validity, he/she is asked whether they will proceed to the validation procedure.
  • If the retailer selects “preview”, the terminal prints the data of the approved coupon with the indication “FOR PREVIEW” and returns to “ready mode”.
  • If the retailer selects to have the coupon validated, the terminal executes the validation procedure.

The system provides the ability of betting during the course of a match or game or event (Live Betting). Live Betting is supported, for example, via the functions and capabilities of various embodiments of the present invention (e.g. Locks, Reports, Definition of Acceptance Limits).

Types of Bets Examples

The system supports the following types of bets per sport:

Football

Types of bets that are available for football matches include (but are not limited to):

• • Final Result
    • 1—A match that ends in a ‘home win’
    • X—A match that ends in a ‘draw’
    • 2—A match that ends in an ‘away win’
  • Final Result with Handicap
    • 1—A match that ends in a ‘home win’ (including handicaps)
    • X—A match that ends in a ‘draw’ (including handicaps)
    • 2—A match, that ends in an ‘away win’ (including handicaps)
  • Half Time Result
    • 1—The half time result of a match that ends in a ‘home win’
    • X—The half time result of a match that ends in a ‘draw’
    • 2—The half time of a match that ends in an ‘away win’
  • Under/Over for Full Time
    • Under—The total number of goals scored will be less than the respectively defined limit
    • Over—The total number of goals scored will be greater than the respectively defined limit
  • Correct Score

0-0	Final score of the match: 0-0
1-0	Final score of the match: 1-0
2-0	Final score of the match: 2-0
3-0	Final score of the match: 3-0
4-0	Final score of the match: 4-0
5+-0	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-0
2-1	Final score of the match: 2-1
3-1	Final score of the match: 3-1
4-1	Final score of the match: 4-1
5+-1	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-1
3-2	Final score of the match: 3-2
4-2	Final score of the match: 4-2
5+-2	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-2
4-3	Final score of the match: 4-3
5+-3	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-3
5+-4	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-4
1-1	Final score of the match: 1-1
2-2	Final score of the match: 2-2
3-3	Final score of the match: 3-3
4-4	Final score of the match: 4-4
5+-5+	Final score of the match: 5+ (greater than or equal to 5)-
	5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
4-5+	Final score of the match: 4-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
3-4	Final score of the match: 3-4
3-5+	Final score of the match: 3-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
2-3	Final score of the match: 2-3
2-4	Final score of the match: 2-4
2-5+	Final score of the match: 2-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
1-2	Final score of the match: 1-2
1-3	Final score of the match: 1-3
1-4	Final score of the match: 1-4
1-5+	Final score of the match: 1-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)
0-1	Final score of the match: 0-1
0-2	Final score of the match: 0-2
0-3	Final score of the match: 0-3
0-4	Final score of the match: 0-4
0-5+	Final score of the match: 1-5+ (greater than or equal to 5)

The following types of bets are also available:

• • Next Team to Score (“home team” or ‘away team’)
  • Next Card Given (“home team” or ‘away team’)
  • Next Penalty Given (“home team” or ‘away team’)
  • Next Corner Given (“home team” or ‘away ‘team’)
  • Qualifying Team or Winner

Includes extra game time and/or penalties

Tennis

Types of bets that are available for tennis matches include (but are not limited to):

• • Match Winner
  • 1—Match result in favor of first competitor
  • 2—Match result in favor of second competitor
  • Set Betting

3-0	Final result in sets: 3-0
3-1	Final result in sets: 3-1
3-2	Final result in sets: 3-2
0-3	Final result in sets: 0-3
1-3	Final result in sets: 1-3
2-3	Final result in sets: 2-3
2-0	Final result in sets: 2-0
2-1	Final result in sets: 2-1
0-2	Final result in sets: 0-2
1-2	Final result in sets: 1-2

Basketball

Types of bets that are available for basketball games are activated, in this example, with odds per outcome and include (but are not limited to):

• • Final Result
    • 1—A game that ends in a ‘home win’
    • X—A game that ends in a ‘draw’
    • 2—A game that ends in an ‘away win’
  • Half-Time Result
    • 1—The half-time outcome of a game that ends in a ‘home win’
    • X—The half-time outcome of a game that ends in a ‘draw’
    • 2—The half-time outcome of a game that ends in an ‘away win’

All of the types of bets listed above can be offered with or without handicap.

Other Sports

Types of bets available for other sports include (but are not limited to):

• • Game Winner
  • Available odds for number of participants

Basic Rules Examples

Live Betting is governed, e.g., by the following basic rules:

• • Coupons participating in “Live Betting” cannot be cancelled.
  • There is no high-stake bet negotiation for “Live Betting”.

Reference will now be made to example system functions. The system may be designed, for example, to fully administer fixed odds betting games at the operational level (e.g. definition of competitions, games, odds, handicaps etc.). High-stake bet negotiation may also be performed through the system.

Functions Examples (Functions may be Carried Out Under the Control of a Betting Organizer an/or Betting Operator, for Example)

The system functions are divided, e.g., into the following sections:

• • Definition of Betting Parameters
  • Definition of Draw Parameters
  • High-Stake Bets Management

Each section will be discussed separately below. Moreover, each section, in turn, is comprised of a number of functions which may provide absolute game control capabilities.

Betting Parameters Examples

This section includes the following functions:

Column-Payment Limits per Type of Bet

The system supports the grouping of betting events into different types.

Apart from grouping events based on the type of sport (e.g. football, basketball, Formula 1), the system supports even more specialized types of groups. For example, we can group games of particular championships. Such a group can have its own column and payment limits. In other words, in one example, events that belong to a particular group which has a specific column limit cannot participate in a coupon that exceeds this limit.

Likewise, the maximum payable amount is configured, in one example, in the system and, thus, cannot exceed the group limit to which each event that participates in the coupon belongs to. Of course, the definition of many groups each with different limits is not requisite. The system will perform its operations as normal using the limits of the general group which covers all groups, when these have not been defined individually.

Betting Limits

At any given moment the user can have a depiction of the betting through the parameterization of the specific limits listed below:

• • Normal Betting Events
  • Special Betting Events
  • Code(s)
  • Retailer
  • Total Betting Amount
  • Total Potential Amount of Payout/Determining of Maximum Liability
  • Over Limit

Locks

The system supports, e.g., the two lock categories below which can apply permanently or per draw:

• • General Locks
    • Three (3) different types of general locks are supported, in this example, as described below:
      • Type of Betting Event with Type of Betting Event:
      • Pertain to locks of general betting events. Via this option, the user can create locks between pairs comprised of:
        • Current betting events of a specific type and long-term betting events of a specific type.)
        • Current betting events with different codes of a specific type and betting events of a different type.
        • Long-term betting events and different betting events codes
      • Ten Types of Betting Events with Ten Types of Betting Events:
      • Via this option, the user can create locks between pairs comprised of selected betting events/codes of (for example) 10.
      • Current and Long-Term Events:
      • Via this option the user can create general locks between current betting events and long-term betting events.

Special Locks

Four different types of special locks are supported in this example:

• • Betting Event 1/Code of Betting Event 1 and Betting Event 2/Code of Betting Event 2.
  • Via this option the user can create locks between specific betting events with specific codes and specific codes for particular column length and high-stake bet limits.
  • Betting Event 1/Code of Betting Event 1 and Betting Event 2.
  • Via this option, the user can create locks between a betting event with a specific code and that of another betting event for a particular column length and high-stake bet limits.
  • Betting Event 1 and Betting Event 2.
  • Via this option the user can create locks between two different betting events for particular column length and high-stake bet limits.
  • Betting Event.
  • Via this option the user can lock a specific betting event for a particular column length & high-stake bet limits.

High-Stake Bet Levels

There are, for example, 10 high-stake bet levels, each one bound to a number of columns. Thus, a lock can also be bound to one of the 10 high-stake bet levels. Consequently, coupons that are for negotiation, for example, contain the lock and number of columns of the particular level which is to be negotiated.

Basketball Odds

Apart from odds per column length, basketball games can also, based on preference, be assigned fixed odds per specific outcome. The definition of such odds is performed via this procedure.

Draw Parameters

Definition of Draws

The procedure supports the configuration of new draws and their respective parameters in the system.

The start and end dates of each draw are defined, as well as various other parameters concerning all types of bets for the particular draw.

In this example, any change in the system entails new data revision or odds revision for the affected draw.

The two types of revisions mentioned above are simply count meters per draw which are incremented, e.g., by one (1), each time a change affects a specific draw.

Consequently, a change in the odds assigned to a draw will result, for example, in an odds revision, whereas any other change will bring about a data revision.

In this example, these two types of revisions constitute the communication method between the data and the central system. Each time the data or odds revision number is incremented, a new command for synchronization of the central system may be performed by the system user. Following each successful synchronization, the two revisions are in accordance with the respective revisions of the central system.

Odds by Column Length

As already mentioned, the system supports, for example, two types of odds: Odds per specific outcome (match outcome prediction) and odds by column length. Definition of odds by column length is performed through this procedure.

Sections List Definition

This procedure is used in the definition of Sections List

Odds Bonus Definition

Three odds bonus combinations, for example, can be defined in the system per column length.

Definition of “Normal” and “Special” Events

New matches and their respective parameters (e.g. match code, start and end time, exact score of the match etc.), may be inserted in the system via the new event registration screen.

Insertion and Verification of Results

The insertion and verification of results are performed via this procedure

Administration of “Normal” and “Special” Events Games

This procedure gives to the user the capability to define or to modify the parameters of an events' games. For example, we can temporarily stop the betting of only one event game (e.g. Correct Score)

Odds Definition

As previously mentioned, each event has its own distinct odds (with the exception of events offered with odds by column length). If deemed necessary, odds may be altered. Such action is performed via this procedure.

Definition of “Normal” Events Handicaps

Matches with handicaps may be defined as well as altered via this procedure. Handicaps, where available, are added to the final score of each team, thus producing the final result of the game with respect to the bet. Due to the fact that match handicaps may be altered, as is the case with odds, the handicaps which are considered valid for each coupon are those that were in effect at the time the specific coupon was accepted by the Central System.

At this point, it should be noted that either a change in the odds of a certain match or a change of handicaps incurs a new odds revision.

High-Stake Bets Management

High-stake bets are defined as those bets which exceed certain column limits and require special negotiation/approval in order to be accepted. The procedure of accepting such bets is described under: High-Stake Bet Negotiation.

Definition of High-Stake Bet Limits

The limits which, if exceeded, will characterize a coupon as a high-stake bet in the system, are defined parametrically (and/or programmatically). Definition of these limits takes place via this procedure.

High-Stake Bet Negotiation

This procedure supports the approval or rejection of high-stake bets. It allows the user to view and process a coupon by changing the odds, matches, codes, multiplier(s) and standard(s) (Bankers) prior to approval.

In other embodiments, the present invention can be combined with existing systems such as, for example, the LOTOS™ O/S from INTRALOT.

In another embodiment of the present invention a computerized betting system operative with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8) is provided, comprising: at least one server computer (see, e.g., server computer 805A of FIG. 8); and at least one computer database, wherein the computer database is disposed on the server computer (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8) and wherein the computer database stores therein a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a first sport; wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a second sport; wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the computer database; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the computer database; and wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the server computer; (b) one record registered in the server computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the server computer.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the server computer.

In another example, the bets may be input by entering into the point of sale terminal at least: (a) the event code associated with the first sport; and (b) the event code associated with the second sport.

In another example, the point of sale terminal may comprise at least one graphical user interface (see, e.g., graphical user interfaces (GUI's) 200, 300, 400 and 500 of FIGS. 2-5) and the bets are input by entering at least the event code associated with the first sport and the event code associated with the second sport into the graphical user interface. In one specific example, the end-user may physically input the bets via the graphical user interface(s). In another specific example, an operator of the point of sale terminal (e.g., as directed by the end-user) may physically input the bets via the graphical user interface(s).

In another example, the bets may be input by marking a betting play slip (see, e.g., betting play slip 100 of FIG. 1) with at least the event code associated with the first sport and the event code associated with the second sport. In one specific example, the end-user may physically mark the betting play slip. In another specific example, an operator of the point of sale terminal (e.g., as directed by the end-user) may physically mark the betting play slip.

In another example, the point of sale terminal may comprise an imaging device and the imaging device may be used to scan the betting play slip. In one specific example, the end-user may physically scan the betting play slip. In another specific example, an operator of the point of sale terminal (e.g., as directed by the end-user) may physically scan the betting play slip.

In another example, the first sport may be selected from the group comprising: football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and motor racing; and the second sport may be selected from the group comprising: football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and motor racing.

In another example, the computer database may be updated periodically, at a period selected from the group comprising: every day, every hour, every minute, and every second.

In one specific example, the computer database may be updated by adding event code(s), deleting event code(s), changing event code(s), blocking event code(s) and/or unblocking event code(s) in the computer database.

In another example, the computer database may be updated in a non-periodic manner (e.g., at any time, as desired).

In another example, the computer database may be updated in real-time

In another example, each event code may be a numeric code. In one specific example, each event code may be a three digit numeric code.

In another example each event code may be an alphanumeric code. In one specific example, each event code may be a three digit alphanumeric code.

In another example, the server computer may operatively communicate with a plurality of point of sale terminals (see, e.g., point of sale terminals 801A, 801B, 801C and 801D of FIG. 8; of course, any desired number of point of sale terminals may be utilized).

In another example, the system may further comprise a plurality of server computers (see, e.g., server computers 805A, 805B and 805C of FIG. 8; of course, any desired number of server computers may be utilized). In one specific example, one of more of the server computers may communicate between/among each other. In another specific example, each server computer may comprise one or more computer databases. In another specific example, a given server computer may communicate in a one-to-one configuration with a given point of sale terminal. In another specific example, a plurality of server computers may communicate in a many-to-one configuration with a given point of sale terminal. In another specific example, a given server computer may communicate in a one-to-many configuration with a plurality of point of sale terminals.

In another example, when there is a single server computer, such single server computer may act as a “central computer” (or “central system”). In another example, when there are a plurality of server computers, a given one of the server computers may act as a “central computer” (or “central system”).

In another example, the server computer may operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) the Internet (see, e.g., the communication channels (represented by arrows) between server computer 805A, Internet 803 and point of sale terminal 801A); and (b) an intranet (if desired, one or more server computers may communicate via an intranet or the like with one or more point of sale terminals; further, if desired, one or more server computers may communicate via an intranet or the like with one or more other server computers (see e.g., the direct communication channels (represented by arrows) between server computers 805A, 8058 and 805C); further, if desired, one or more point of sale terminals may communicate via an intranet or the like with one or more other point of sale terminals).

In another example, the server computer may operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) a hardwired connection; and (b) a wireless connection.

In another embodiment of the present invention a computerized betting system operative with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8) is provided, comprising: at least one server computer (see, e.g., server computer 805A of FIG. 8); and at least one computer database, wherein the computer database is disposed on the server computer (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8) and wherein the computer database stores therein a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a sporting event; wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a non-sporting event; wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the computer database; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event as reflected in the computer database; and wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the server computer; (b) one record registered in the server computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the server computer.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the server computer.

In another example, the bets may be input by entering into the point of sale terminal at least: (a) the event code associated with the sporting event; and (b) the event code associated with the non-sporting event.

In another example, the point of sale terminal comprises at least one graphical user interface (see, e.g., graphical user interfaces (GUI's) 200, 300, 400 and 500 of FIGS. 2-5) and the bets are input by entering at least the event code associated with the sporting event and the event code associated with the non-sporting event into the graphical user interface. In one specific example, the end-user may physically input the bets via the graphical user interface(s). In another specific example, an operator of the point of sale terminal (e.g., as directed by the end-user) may physically input the bets via the graphical user interface(s).

In another example, the bets may be input by marking a betting play slip (see, e.g., betting play slip 100 of FIG. 1) with at least the event code associated with the sporting event and the event code associated with the non-sporting event. In one specific example, the end-user may physically mark the betting play slip. In another specific example, an operator of the point of sale terminal (e.g., as directed by the end-user) may physically mark the betting play slip.

In another example, the point of sale terminal may comprise an imaging device and the imaging device may be used to scan the betting play slip. In one specific example, the end-user may physically scan the betting play slip. In another specific example, an operator of the point of sale terminal (e.g., as directed by the end-user) may physically scan the betting play slip.

In another example, the sporting event may be selected from the group comprising: football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and motor racing; and the non-sporting event may be selected from the group comprising: an election, political vote; a singing contest; a dancing contest.

In another example, the computer database may be updated periodically, at a period selected from the group comprising: every day, every hour, every minute, and every second.

In one specific example, the computer database may be updated by adding event code(s), deleting event code(s), changing event code(s), blocking event code(s) and/or unblocking event code(s) in the computer database.

In another example, the computer database may be updated in a non-periodic manner (e.g., at any time, as desired).

In another example, the computer database may be updated in real-time.

In another example, each event code may be a numeric code. In one specific example, each event code may be a three digit numeric code.

In another example, each event code may be an alphanumeric code. In one specific example, each event code may be a three digit alphanumeric code.

In another example, the server computer may operatively communicate with a plurality of point of sale terminals ((see, e.g., point of sale terminals 801A, 801B, 801C and 801D of FIG. 8; of course, any desired number of point of sale terminals may be utilized).

In another example, the system may further comprise a plurality of server computers (see, e.g., server computers 805A, 805B and 805C of FIG. 8; of course, any desired number of server computers may be utilized). In one specific example, one of more of the server computers may communicate between/among each other. In another specific example, each server computer may comprise one or more computer databases. In another specific example, a given server computer may communicate in a one-to-one configuration with a given point of sale terminal. In another specific example, a plurality of server computers may communicate in a many-to-one configuration with a given point of sale terminal. In another specific example, a given server computer may communicate in a one-to-many configuration with a plurality of point of sale terminals.

In another example, when there is a single server computer, such single server computer may act as a “central computer” (or “central system”). In another example, when there are a plurality of server computers, a given one of the server computers may act as a “central computer” (or “central system”).

In another example, the server computer may operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) the Internet (see, e.g., the communication channels (represented by arrows) between server computer 805A, Internet 803 and point of sale terminal 801A); and (b) an intranet (if desired, one or more server computers may communicate via an intranet or the like with one or more point of sale terminals; further, if desired, one or more server computers may communicate via an intranet or the like with one or more other server computers (see e.g., the direct communication channels (represented by arrows) between server computers 805A, 805B and 805C); further, if desired, one or more point of sale terminals may communicate via an intranet or the like with one or more other point of sale terminals).

In another example, the server computer may operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) a hardwired connection; and (b) a wireless connection.

In another embodiment of the present invention a betting play slip (see, e.g., betting play slip 1000 of FIG. 1) operative with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8) having an imaging device used to scan the betting play slip is provided, comprising: at least a first area comprising a plurality of first area end-user marking cells (see, e.g., row 1 of betting play slip 100 of FIG. 1 (this row is identified by the callout number 110); and at least a second area comprising a plurality of second area end-user marking cells (see, e.g., row 2 of betting play slip 100 of FIG. 1 (this row is identified by the callout number 120); wherein the first area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a first event code associated with a first sport; wherein the second area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a second event code associated with a second sport; wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; and wherein the betting play slip is configured to be scanned by the imaging device of the point of sale terminal in order to input into the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport.

In another embodiment of the present invention a betting play slip (see, e.g., betting play slip 1000 of FIG. 1) operative with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8) having an imaging device used to scan the betting play slip is provided, comprising: at least a first area comprising a plurality of first area end-user marking cells; and at least a second area comprising a plurality of second area end-user marking cells; wherein the first area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a first event code associated with a sporting event; wherein the second area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a second event code associated with a non-sporting event; and wherein the betting play slip is configured to be scanned by the imaging device of the point of sale terminal in order to input into the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event.

In another embodiment of the present invention a method for taking bets performed in a computing system (see, e.g., server 805A of FIG. 8) is provided, the method operative with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8), the method comprising: obtaining by the computing system from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes (the sources of data may comprise, e.g., manual input, mass storage (e.g., magnetic disk(s) and/or optical disk(s)) and/or one or more network (e.g., Internet) connections), each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8) using the computing system, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a first sport, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a second sport, wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; and operatively communicating between the computing system and the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computing system; (b) one record registered in the computing system; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computing system.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computing system.

In another example, the computing system may include one or more programmed computers.

In another example, the computing system may be distributed over a plurality of programmed computers.

In another example, the one or more data structures may comprise one or more databases.

In another example, the steps may be carried out in the order recited.

In another embodiment of the present invention a method for taking bets performed in a computing system (see, e.g., server 805A of FIG. 8) is provided, the method operative with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8), the method comprising: obtaining by the computing system from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes (the sources of data may comprise, e.g., manual input, mass storage (e.g., magnetic disk(s) and/or optical disk(s)) and/or one or more network (e.g., Internet) connections), each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8) using the computing system, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a sporting event, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a non-sporting event; operatively communicating between the computing system and the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computing system; (b) one record registered in the computing system; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computing system.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computing system.

In another example, the computing system may include one or more programmed computers.

In another example, the computing system may be distributed over a plurality of programmed computers.

In another example, the one or more data structures may comprise one or more databases.

In another example, the steps may be carried out in the order recited.

In another embodiment of the present invention a programmed computer (see., e.g., server 805A of FIG. 8) for taking bets is provided, the programmed computer operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8), the programmed computer comprising: a memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code; and a processor for executing the program code stored in the memory (in one example, server 805A of FIG. 8 may comprise a memory and a processor), wherein the program code comprises: (i) program code to obtain from one or more sources of data (the sources of data may comprise, e.g., manual input, mass storage (e.g., magnetic disk(s) and/or optical disk(s)) and/or one or more network (e.g., Internet) connections) a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; (ii) program code to store the obtained event codes in one or more data structures (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8), wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a first sport, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a second sport, and wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; and (iii) program code to operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the one or more data structures (in one example, the steps may be carried out in any desired order); wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the programmed computer; (b) one record registered in the programmed computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the programmed computer.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the programmed computer.

In another example, the programmed computer may include one or more processors.

In another example, the programmed computer may be distributed over several physical locations.

In another example, the one or more data structures may comprise one or more databases.

In another embodiment, a programmed computer (see., e.g., server 805A of FIG. 8) for taking bets is provided, the programmed computer operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8), the programmed computer comprising: a memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code; and a processor for executing the program code stored in the memory (in one example, server 805A of FIG. 8 may comprise a memory and a processor), wherein the program code comprises: (i) program code to obtain from one or more sources of data (the sources of data may comprise, e.g., manual input, mass storage (e.g., magnetic disk(s) and/or optical disk(s)) and/or one or more network (e.g., Internet) connections) a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; (ii) program code to store the obtained event codes in one or more data structures (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8), wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a sporting event, and wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a non-sporting event; and (iii) program code to operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting as reflected in the one or more data structures (in one example, the steps may be carried out in any desired order); wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the programmed computer; (b) one record registered in the programmed computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the programmed computer.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the programmed computer.

In another example, the programmed computer may include one or more processors.

In another example, the programmed computer may be distributed over several physical locations.

In another example, the one or more data structures may comprise one or more databases.

In another embodiment of the present invention a computer readable medium encoded with computer readable program code for taking bets is provided, the program code operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8), the program code including subroutines for: (i) obtaining from one or more sources of data (the sources of data may comprise, e.g., manual input, mass storage (e.g., magnetic disk(s) and/or optical disk(s)) and/or one or more network (e.g., Internet) connections) a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; (ii) storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8), wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a first sport, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a second sport, and wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; and (iii) operatively communicating with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the one or more data structures (in one example, the computer readable program code may run on server 805A of FIG. 8; in another example, the steps may be carried out in any desired order); wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computer readable program code; (b) one record registered in association with the computer readable program code; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computer readable program code.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computer readable program code.

In another example, the program code may be distributed across one or more programmed computers (see, e.g., servers 805A-805C of FIG. 8).

In another example, the program code may be distributed across one or more processors.

In another example, the program code may be distributed over several physical locations.

In another example, the one or more data structures may comprise one or more databases.

In another embodiment of the present invention a computer readable medium encoded with computer readable program code for taking bets is provided, the program code operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal (see, e.g., point of sale terminal 801A of FIG. 8) the program code including subroutines for: (i) obtaining from one or more sources of data (the sources of data may comprise, e.g., manual input, mass storage (e.g., magnetic disk(s) and/or optical disk(s)) and/or one or more network (e.g., Internet) connections) a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; (ii) storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures (see, e.g., computer database 807A of FIG. 8), wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a sporting event, and wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a non-sporting event; and (iii) operatively communicating with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures (in one example, the computer readable program code may run on server 805A of FIG. 8; in another example, the steps may be carried out in any desired order); wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computer readable program code; (b) one record registered in association with the computer readable program code; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computer readable program code.

In one example, a receipt may be printed at the point of sale terminal after the reply is sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computer readable program code.

In another example, the program code may be distributed across one or more programmed computers (see, e.g., servers 805A-805C of FIG. 8).

In another example, the program code may be distributed across one or more processors.

In another example, the program code may be distributed over several physical locations.

In another example, the one or more data structures may comprise one or more databases.

Reference will now be made to examples related to various Groups.

With regard to a Basic Group example, various systems, methods, computer readable medium, etc. may provide wherein a group of events can be selected/marked/defined as a basic group of events and wherein all events (predictions) of a basic group participate cumulatively in one column.

With regard to a Special Group example, various systems, methods, computer readable medium, etc. may provide wherein a group of events can be selected/marked/defined as a special group of events (R-Group) and wherein each event is combined separately each time from the rest of the special group events.

Reference will now be made to examples related to various Multipliers

With regard to a General Multiplier example, various systems, methods, computer readable medium, etc. may provide wherein one or more numbers can be selected/marked/defined as multiplier(s) and wherein the product of the selected number(s)/multiplier(s) results into the coupon's general multiplier.

With regard to a System Multiplier example, various systems, methods, computer readable medium, etc. may provide wherein one or more numbers can be selected/marked/defined as permutation multiplier(s) and wherein the product of the selected number(s)/permutation multiplier(s) results into the system multiplier.

In another embodiment a betting play slip is provided, comprising: a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group, such that if the first event occurs and the second event occurs the first group is considered to have occurred; a second area comprising a plurality of second area user marking cells, wherein the second area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring and a prediction of a fourth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the third event occurring and the prediction of the fourth event occurring comprises a second group, such that if the third event occurs and the fourth event occurs the second group is considered to have occurred; and a third area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form a first column.

In one example, the betting play slip may further comprise a fourth area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking cells, wherein the fourth area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a fifth event occurring and a prediction of a sixth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the fifth event occurring and the prediction of the sixth event occurring comprises a third group, such that if the fifth event occurs and the sixth event occurs the third group is considered to have occurred.

In another example, the third area may comprise a plurality of user marking cells for indicating that: (a) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form the first column; (b) the events of the second group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a second column; and (c) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a third column.

In another example, the third area may comprise a plurality of user marking cells for indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group and cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a column.

In another embodiment a computerized betting system is provided, comprising: a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group, such that if the first event occurs and the second event occurs the first group is considered to have occurred; a second graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of second area user marking indicia, wherein the second graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring and a prediction of a fourth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the third event occurring and the prediction of the fourth event occurring comprises a second group, such that if the third event occurs and the fourth event occurs the second group is considered to have occurred; and a third graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for receiving input indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form a first column.

In one example, the computerized betting system may comprise a point of sale terminal.

In another example, the computerized betting system may further comprise a fourth graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking indicia, wherein the fourth graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a fifth event occurring and a prediction of a sixth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the fifth event occurring and the prediction of the sixth event occurring comprises a third group, such that if the fifth event occurs and the sixth event occurs the third group is considered to have occurred.

In another example, the third graphical user interface area may comprise a plurality of user marking indicia for indicating that: (a) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form the first column; (b) the events of the second group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a second column; and (c) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a third column.

In another example, the third graphical user interface area may comprise a plurality of user marking indicia for indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group and cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a column.

In another embodiment a betting play slip is provided, comprising: a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group; a second area comprising a plurality of second area user marking cells, wherein the second area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring; and a third area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that: (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a first column; and (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a second column.

In one example, the betting play slip may further comprise a fourth area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking cells, wherein the fourth area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a fourth event occurring.

In another example, the third area may comprise a plurality of user marking cells for indicating that: (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a third column; and (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a fourth column.

In another embodiment, a computerized betting system is provided, comprising: a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group; a second graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of second area user marking indicia, wherein the second graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring; and a third graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for indicating that: (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a first column; and (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a second column.

In one example, the computerized betting system may comprise a point of sale terminal.

In another example, the computerized betting system may further comprise a fourth graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking indicia, wherein the fourth area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a fourth event occurring.

In another example, the third area may comprise a plurality of user marking indicia for indicating that: (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a third column; and (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a fourth column.

In another embodiment a betting play slip is provided, comprising: a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring; and a second area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that a selected number of permutations of the predicted plurality of events form respective columns.

In one example, the betting play slip may further comprise a third area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that a subset of the columns formed be subject to a multiplier.

In another example, each column out of the subset of the columns subject to a multiplier is repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier.

In another embodiment a computerized betting system is provided, comprising: a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring; and a second graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for indicating that a selected number of permutations of the predicted plurality of events form respective columns.

In one example, the computerized betting system may comprise a point of sale terminal.

In another example, the computerized betting system may further comprise a third graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for receiving input indicating that a subset of the columns formed be subject to a multiplier.

In another example, each column out of the subset of the columns subject to a multiplier is repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier.

In another embodiment a betting play slip is provided, comprising: a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring (in one example, the events may form one or more columns); and a second area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that all the column(s) be subject to a multiplier and be repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier.

In another embodiment a computerized betting system is provided, comprising: a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring (in one example, the events may form one or more columns); and a second graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicia for indicating that all the column(s) be subject to a multiplier and be repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier.

In one example, the computerized betting system may comprise a point of sale terminal.

In another example, one or more event codes may be published (e.g., on-line; in one or more newspapers; in one or more magazines; at one or more point of sale terminal retail locations) for use by various parties (e.g., end-use bettors).

In another example, odds may be kept on a central computer/server. In one specific example, data flow may be as follows: bet(s) may be placed at a point of sale terminal, bet(s) may be sent from the point of sale terminal to a central computer/server, odds may be sent back from the central computer/server to the point of sale terminal and the point of sale terminal may provide a receipt.

In another example, input (e.g., input at a point of sale terminal) may be provided by mouse, keyboard, touch screen and/or any other desired mechanism.

In another embodiment a betting play slip is provided, comprising: a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring; and a second area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that all columns be subject to a multiplier and be repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier.

In another embodiment a computerized betting system is provided, comprising: a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring; and a second graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicia for indicating that all columns be subject to a multiplier and be repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier.

In one example, the computerized betting system may comprise a point of sale terminal. For the purposes of this disclosure, a computer readable medium is a medium that stores computer data/instructions in machine readable form. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer readable medium can comprise computer storage media as well as communication media, methods and/or signals. Computer storage media includes volatile and/or non-volatile, removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method and/or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and/or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory and/or other solid state memory technology; CD-ROM, DVD, and/or other optical storage; cassettes, tape, disk, and/or other magnetic storage devices; and/or any other medium which can be used to tangibly store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

Further, the present invention may, of course, be implemented using any appropriate computer readable medium, computer hardware and/or computer software. In this regard, those of ordinary skill in the art are well versed in the type of computer hardware that may be used (e.g., one or more mainframes, one or more server computers, one or more client computers, one or more mini-computers, one or more personal computers (“PC”), one or more networks (e.g., an intranet and/or the Internet)), the type of computer programming techniques that may be used (e.g., object oriented programming), and the type of computer programming languages that may be used (e.g., C++, Basic). The aforementioned examples are, of course, illustrative and not restrictive.

Of course, any embodiment/example described herein (or any feature or features of any embodiment/example described herein) may be combined with any other embodiment/example described herein (or any feature or features of any such other embodiment/example described herein).

While a number of embodiments/examples of the present invention have been described, it is understood that these embodiments/examples are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, certain methods may be “computer implementable” or “computer implemented.” To the extent that such methods are implemented using a computer, not every step must necessarily be implemented using a computer. Further, software (e.g., such as for carrying out various functions described herein) may operate on one or more processors of one or more computers (e.g., one or more servers). Further still, the user marking cells may be marked by pen, pencil and/or any other appropriate mechanism. Further still, the various steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desired steps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).