Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN CONNECTION
WITH A SPECTATOR EVENT
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application
Ser. No.
60/778,007, filed February 28, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the present invention a gaming system for use in
connection with a
spectator event is provided.
In another embodiment of the present invention a gaming method for use in
connection with
a spectator event is provided.
In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive), the
spectator event may be a sporting event.
In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive), the
sporting event may be a team sporting event.
In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive), the
sporting event may be carried out at an area, stadium or other appropriate
venue.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various patents and patent applications have been directed to sports games (of
skill and
chance). Examples include the skill and chance games described in the
following U.S. patents and
patent applications:
U.S. Patent No. 6,296,250 relates to a sports game of skill and chance. More
particularly,
this patent relates to a sweepstakes-type game in which pre-printed game cards
are distributed to
contestants which permit the contestants to predict the performance of
selected players prior to an
athletic event and which will reveal winning contestants and associated prizes
based upon the
geometric arrangement and/or point value of correct predictions.
U.S. Patent No. 6,102,797 relates to a method and apparatus for conducting
games of
chance. More particularly, this patent relates to a weekly or other regularly
scheduled game of
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chance conducted in conjunction with a series of seasonal sporting events,
such as baseball,
football, hockey and basketball games, in which a number of specific games are
identified on a
printed or electronic game card, and the participant marks the game card with
the predicted total of
points scored by both teams for each of the identified sporting events, which
can include one or
more alternate events. Data related to predicted scores and the fee paid are
entered into a
programmed central computer system for eventual processing and matching with
data entered for
the actual scores when the identified games are completed to identify the
winners. The participant
receives a receipt and unique transaction code. Participant data entry and
payment means can
include third-party ATMs and cash machines, and third-party vendors and
participants' PCs
connected to the central computer via the Internet, with payment made through
the participants'
credit or debit accounts.
U.S. Patent No. 5,518,239 relates to a lottery racing sweepstake. More
particularly, this
patent relates to a method of playing a lottery game in which winning numbers
are selected by the
outcome of one or more sporting events such as horse races. A lottery ticket
may be printed which
has three rows and three columns of randomly generated numbers. The winning
numbers, as
determined by the sporting event, are also placed in a three-by-three grid and
compared to each
player's grid of random numbers. A pattern is formed by comparing the winning
numbers to the
player's numbers and payment is made to each player in accordance with the
number of complete
rows, columns and diagonals in each player's pattem.
U.S. Patent No. 4,540,174 relates to a game of chance particularly adapted for
play in
conjunction with a team sport contest. More particularly, this patent relates
to a game of chance
designed to be played in conjunction with a team sport being broadcast wherein
the performance of
a particular player or position is matched against actual performance, for
example, if particular
players picked by chance to make the first and last scores in a period,
actually do so, a match is
made. Other criteria are limitations on opponent's scoring, the position
scoring the most points and
the like.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0093228 relates to football cash. More
particularly, this
patent application relates to a game card that identifies several sporting
events, e.g., five football
games occurring in the first week of the season. Adjacent to each identified
sporting event is a
possible statistic or outcome. For example, the sporting event might be a
football game, and the
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statistic associated with the game might be a predicted combined score or
combined total offensive
yardage. If the actual outcome of the identified sporting event matches the
predicted outcome
printed on the card, a prize is awarded. The prize also varies depending on
the number of matches
on a single game card.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0087356 relates to methods and apparatuses
for gaming.
More particularly, this patent application relates to a game having a grid
with a plurality of rows
and columns. The intersection of the rows and columns form grid blocks that
represent a defined
time in an event An outcome that may occur at the defined time is
predetermined and inserted into
the grid blocks. If the predetermined outcome at the defined time actually
occurs, a prize is
awarded.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0060262 relates to sports lotto. More
particularly, this
patent application relates to a method of promotion of television programs of
events such as
sporting contests which involves combining selecting one Iottery number at a
time from a set to
select a winning combination each selection being triggered by an observer
triggering a selection at
a time coinciding with a pre established happening in the event. There is also
disclosed the use of a
clock or a computer program providing a clock output which is associated with
the event which
also is used to select on a random or on a pseudo random basis the numbers of
the winning
combination.
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 are intended to be illustrative, and not
restrictive. Further, any figures
are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details
of particular
components. 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.
Referring now to a first embodiment of the present invention, a payout of
money (e.g., two
million dollars) may be made to the fans in attendance at a sporting event if
a certain feat (e.g.,
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performance of one or more players in a team sport) is achieved (in this
regard, the present
invention may be structured such that the payout provides incentive for the
fans in attendance
(and/or watching, such as via television) to root for a common goal).
In one example related to payment of the money (which example is intended to
be
illustrative and not restrictive), essentially all of the fans in attendance
may share, based upon the
occurrence of the feat, some of the payout money (e.g., essentially all of the
fans in attendance may
share half of the payout money upon the occurrence of the feat) and a single
fan in attendance (or a
number of fans comprising a subset of a11 of the fans in attendance) may
receive (e.g., based on a
random draw) the balance of the payout money (e.g., half of the payout money).
In another example related to payment of the money (which example is intended
to be
illustrative and not restrictive), essentially all of the fans in attendance
may share, based upon the
occurrence of the feat, essentially all of payout money.
In another example related to payment of the money (which example is intended
to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the payout may be a lump sum payout (e.g.,
the payout to be shared
by essentially all of the fans in attendance may be a lump sum payout).
In another example related to payment of the money (which example is intended
to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the payout may be spread over time (e.g.,
the payout to the single
fan (or the fans comprising a subset of all fans in attendance) may comprise a
20 year annuity).
In another example related to payment of the money, the payout money may be
insured
(e.g., via an insurance policy). That is, the party sponsoring the payout of
the money (e.g., a stadium
owner, a team owner, a promoter) may hedge (i.e., limit liability) relating to
some or all of the
potential payout (e.g., with an insurance company or other financial
institution).
In one example related to the feat to be achieved to trigger payment of the
money (which
example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the feat may be:
= If the starting pitcher for a particular baseball team pitches a complete
game no hitter
= If a player for a particular baseball team hits for the cycle (i.e., home
run, triple, double and
single) in a particular game
= If a player for a particular baseball team hits four home runs in a
particular game
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= If the pitching staff of a particular baseball team strikes out 20 or more
players from the
opposing team in a particular game
In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive), a
number of promotions may be executed on separate days. To give a specific
example (which
example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), each of the
aforementioned promotions
(e.g., no hitter, hit for cycle, four home runs, 20 strike outs) may be
carried out once in turn on
separate occasions. To give another specific example (which example is
intended to be illustrative
and not restrictive), each of the aforementioned promotions (e.g., no hitter,
hit for cycle, four home
runs, 20 strike outs) may be carried out more than once in turn on separate
occasions. Upon the
occurrence of a payout, the remaining promotion(s) may be continued or
discontinued (e.g., as
desired by the party sponsoring the payout of the money).
In another embodiment of the present invention, a payout may be made (e.g., to
one or more
fans in aitendance) based upon a lotto-type drawing in which each fan selects
numbers (e.g., 9
numbers) to be drawn (e.g., randomly drawn) from a universe of numbers (i.e.,
set of numbers)
consisting of uniform numbers of the players and/or coaches (payouts may be
made to fan(s)
selecting the correct numbers as discussed above).
Accordingly, as described herein, various embodiments of the present invention
may be
utilized to add an element of excitement and value to attending a sporting
event (thus potentially
driving attendance and creating "buzz" around the event),
Further, the present invention may be structured such that the promotion is
easy to
communicate and easy for fans to understand/root for (in this regard, the
present invention may be
structured such that the payout provides incentive for the fans in attendance
(and/or watching, such
as via television) to root for a common goal).
Further still, the present invention may be utilized such that the promotion
is efficient (e.g.,
by insuring (or hedging) the potential payout).
In another example, the present invention may be utilized in connection with a
television
promotion (e.g., an ESPN game of the week promotion). In this example, viewers
may enter a
sweepstakes. Each viewer picked in the sweepstakes then has a chance to win
money associated
with a sports feat achieved in a specific game during the promotion (e.g., if
no hitter is thrown in a
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specific game during the promotion the viewer(s) picked in the sweepstakes for
that game may
share a payout (e.g., a one million dollar payout) and one of the viewer(s)
picked in the sweepstakes
for that game (e.g., a randomly chosen viewer) may get his own payout (e.g., a
one million dollar
payout).
In another embodiment, a sporting event (e.g., team sporting event) promotion
method is
provided, comprising: defining at least one sports feat to be achieved to
trigger payment of
money to essentially all of a plurality of spectators, wherein the payment of
money to essentially
all of the plurality of spectators is triggered by the same sports feat;
associating the defined sports
feat with a particular sporting event (e.g., a baseball game at Yankee Stadium
on May 1, 2007, a
football game at Giants stadium on December 1, 2008); and promoting (e.g., via
radio, television
and/or print advertising) the potential payment of money to be made if the
sports feat is achieved
at the particular sporting event.
In one example, at least some of the plurality of spectators who can
potentially receive
money may watch the particular sporting event live, in person.
In another example, all of the plurality of spectators who can potentially
receive money
may watch the particular sporting event live, in person.
In another example, at least some of the plurality of spectators who can
potentially
receive money may watch the particular sporting event remotely, via
television.
In another example, all of the plurality of spectators who can potentially
receive money
may watch the particular sporting event remotely, via television.
In another example, the defined sports feat may be associated with a sport
selected from
the group including (but not limited to): a) baseball; b) football; c) soccer;
d) hockey;
e) basketball; f) doubles tennis; g) singles tennis; h) boxing; and i)
wrestling.
In another example, essentially all of the money may be paid to essentially
all of the
plurality of spectators who can potentially receive money if the sports feat
is achieved at the
particular sporting event.
In another example, a portion (e.g., half) of all of the money may be paid to
essentially all
of the plurality of spectators who can potentially receive money if the sports
feat is achieved at
the particular sporting event and the balance of the money (e.g., half) may be
paid to a subset of
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the plurality of spectators who can potentially receive money if the sports
feat is achieved at the
particular sporting event.
In another example, the balance of the money may be paid to a single one of
the plurality
of spectators who can potentially receive money (e.g., the single spectator
may be chosen via a
random draw).
In another example, the payment of money to essentially all of the plurality
of spectators
who can potentially receive money may be made in a lump sum.
In another example, the payment of money to the subset of the plurality of
spectators who
can potentially receive money may be made over time.
In another example, a first party (e.g., the owner of a sports team, the owner
of a stadium,
an independent promoter) may promote the potential payment of money and a
second party (e.g.,
an insurance company) may be obligated to make the payment of money.
In another example, the second party may issue an insurance policy obligating
the second
party to make the payment of money (e.g., in return for one or more premium
payments).
In another example, the defined sports feat may be selected from the group
including (but
not limited to): a) a starting pitcher for a baseball team pitches, in the
particular sporting event,
complete game no hitter; b) a player for a baseball team hits, in the
particular sporting event, a
home run, a triple, a double and a single; c) a player for a baseball team
hits, in the particular
sporting event, four home runs; d) a pitching staff of a baseball team strikes
out, in the particular
sporting event, 20 or more players from an opposing team.
In another example, the steps may be carried out in the order recited.
In another embodiment, a sporting event (e.g., team sporting event) promotion
method is
provided, comprising: defining a first sports feat to be achieved to trigger
payment of money;
defining a second sports feat to be achieved to trigger payment of money;
associating the first
defined sports feat with a first sporting event (e.g., a baseball game at
Yankee Stadium on May 1,
2007, a football game at Giants stadium on December 1, 2008), wherein
achievement of the first
sports feat at the first sporting event triggers the payment of money to
essentially all of a plurality
of spectators at the first sporting event; associating the second defined
sports feat with a second
sporting event (e.g., a baseball game at Yankee Stadium on May 1, 2007, a
football game at
Giants stadium on December 1, 2008), wherein achievement of the second sports
feat at the
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second sporting event triggers the payment of money to essentially all of a
plurality of spectators
at the second sporting event; and promoting (e.g., via radio, television
and/or print advertising)
the potential payment of money to be made if at least one of: a) the first
sports feat is achieved at
the first sporting event; and b) the second sports feat is achieved at the
second sporting event.
In one example, each of the first and second sports feats may be distinct from
one
another.
In another example, achievement of the first sports feat at the first sporting
event may
discontinue the promotion such that achievement of the second sports feat at
the second sporting
event no longer triggers the payment of money to essentially all of the
plurality of spectators who
can potentially receive money at the second sporting event.
In another example, the steps may be carried out in the order recited.
In another embodiment, a sporting event (e.g., team sporting event) promotion
method is
provided, comprising: defining a set of numbers consisting of the uniform
numbers of each of the
players and/or coaches (e.g., from one or more opposing teams) participating
in a particular
sporting event e.g., a baseball game at Yankee Stadium on May 1, 2007, a
football game at
Giants stadium on December 1, 2008); permitting each of a plurality of
spectators of the
particular sporting event to select X numbers, wherein X is an integer between
I and 100 and
wherein the numbers selected are chosen from the defined set of numbers;
randomly drawing X
numbers to trigger payment of money to each of the plurality of spectators who
had selected at
least one of the randomly drawn numbers; and promoting (e.g., via radio,
television and/or print
advertising) the potential payment of money to be made at the particular
sporting event.
In one example, the method may further comprise randomly drawing X numbers to
trigger payment of money to each of the plurality of spectators who had
selected all of the
randomly drawn numbers.
In another example, at least some of the plurality of spectators who can
potentially
receive money may watch the particular sporting event live, in person.
In another example, all of the plurality of spectators who can potentially
receive money
may watch the particular sporting event live, in person.
In another example, at least some of the plurality of spectators who can
potentially
receive money watch may the particular sporting event remotely, via
television.
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In another example, all of the plurality of spectators who can potentially
receive money
may watch the particular sporting event remotely, via television.
In another example, the steps may be carried out in the order recited.
Of note, the embodiments described herein may, of course, be implemented using
any
appropriate computer hardware and/or computer software (e.g., to randomly or
pseudorandomly
draw numbers, calculate odds, output tickets, track winnings). 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., a
mainframe, a mini-computer, a personal computer ("PC"), a network (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, AJAX, Javascript). The aforementioned examples are, of course,
illustrative and not
restrictive.
While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it
is
understood that these embodiments 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". In this
regard, it is
noted that while such methods can be implemented using a computer, the methods
do not
necessarily have to be implemented using a computer. Also, to the extent that
such methods are
implemented using a computer, not every step must necessarily be implemented
using a
computer. Further, the specific dates, time spans, rates, prices, values and
the like described with
reference to the various examples are, of course, illustrative and not
restrictive. Further,
conditions related to the payout of the money if a certain feat is achieved
may be printed on the
event entry ticket and/or on a separate ticket. Further, the random draw may
be based upon the
fan's seat assignment. Further still, the present invention may be applied to
any desired sporting
event, whether a "team" event (e.g., baseball, football, soccer, hockey,
basketball, doubles tennis)
or a "non-team" event (e.g., singles tennis, boxing, wresting). Further still,
the present invention
may be applied to any desired league (e.g., MLB, NFL, NBA, WNBA). Further
still, the present
invention may be applied to any desired level of proficiency/ranking (e.g.,
professional, major
league, minor league, amateur, Olympic, college, high-school). Further still,
the present invention
may be utilized in connection with any desired event (e.g., a non-sporting
event). Further still, the
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present invention may include a 'no purchase necessary option". In this
regard, the present
invention may provide people the opportunity to receive money without making a
purchase (e.g.,
such as by contacting the party sponsoring the payout of money for a gamepiece
and/or
requesting entry in a drawing). Further still, the present invention may be
utilized in the context
of any desired cable, satellite, and/or broadcast television channels/radio
stations. Further still,
any steps described herein may be carried out in any desired order (and any
desired steps may be
added and/or deleted).
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