US5857911A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and apparatus for playing bingo over a wide geographic area
Assignee: IBC Investments Ltd
•
Filing: 1996-09-12
•
Granted: 1999-01-12
•
Expires: 2016-09-12
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus (systems) are set forth for enabling bingo (and similar games of chance, referred to hereinafter collectively as "bingo") to be played in real time at locations which are remote (geographically separated in a physical sense) from the location where the numbers (or more generally symbols) used to play a bingo type of game are being selected. The disclosed methods and apparatus are directed to both passive and interactive systems which allow bingo to be played from the aforementioned remote locations.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip R. Fioretti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:40
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/06; A63F3/00; A63F3/08; A63F3/081; A63F3/06; A63F3/0645; G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; A63F2003/082; A63F9/00; A63F9/0001; A63F2009/0003; A63F2009/0004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 76
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for issuing game card arrays in response to game card array issuance requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for issuing game card arrays in response to game card array issuance requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said communications path further comprises a telecommunications link.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said communications path is coupled to the internet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said communications path is coupled to an on-line service provider.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said communications path is coupled said means for issuing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for keeping track of all game card arrays issued.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for issuing further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an internet web site that facilitates the distribution of game card arrays.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for issuing further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an on-line service provider that facilitates the distribution of game card arrays.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for purchasing game card arrays in response to game card array purchase requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for purchasing game card arrays in response to game card array purchase requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said communications path further comprises a telecommunications link.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said communications path is coupled to the internet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said communications path is coupled to an on-line service provider.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said communications path is coupled said means for purchasing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 further comprising means for keeping track of all game card arrays purchased.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said means for issuing further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an internet web sit e that facilitates the sale of game card arrays.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said means for issuing further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an on-line service provider that facilitates the sale of game card arrays.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for creating game card arrays in response to game card array creation requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for creating game card arrays in response to game card array creation requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said communications path further comprises a telecommunications link.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said communications path is coupled to the internet.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said communications path is coupled to an on-line service provider.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said communications path is coupled said means for creating.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 17 further comprising means for keeping track of all game card arrays created.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said means for creating further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an internet web site that facilitates the creation of game card arrays.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said means for creating further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an on-line service provider that facilitates the creation of game card arrays.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for validating game card arrays in response to game card array validation requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for validating game card arrays in response to game card array validation requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said communications path further comprises a telecommunications link.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said communications path is coupled to the internet.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said communications path is coupled to an on-line service provider.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said communications path is coupled said means for validating.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 25 further comprising means for keeping track of all game card arrays validated.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said means for creating further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an internet web site that facilitates the validation of game card arrays.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said means for creating further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an on-line service provider that facilitates the validation of game card arrays.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for registering game card arrays in response to game card array registration requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for registering game card arrays in response to game card array registration requests, at the time of request; (b) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) a communications path over which game participants can communicate with the system.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 33 wherein said communications path further comprises a telecommunications link.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 33 wherein said communications path is coupled to the internet.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 33 wherein said communications path is coupled to an on-line service provider.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 33 wherein said communications path is coupled said means for registering.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 33 further comprising means for keeping track of all game card arrays registered.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 33 wherein said means for creating further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an internet web site that facilitates the registration of game card arrays.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 33 wherein said means for creating further comprises the combination of at least one digital computer and a telecommunications path coupled to an on-line service provider that facilitates the registration of game card arrays.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) issuing game card arrays in response to game card array issuance requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) issuing game card arrays in response to game card array issuance requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as set forth in claim 41 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to the internet.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as set forth in claim 41 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to an on-line service provider.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as set forth in claim 41 further comprising the step of keeping track of all game card arrays issued.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) purchasing game card arrays in response to game card array purchase requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) purchasing game card arrays in response to game card array purchase requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to the internet.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to an on-line service provider.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 further comprising the step of keeping track of all game card arrays purchased.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) creating game card arrays in response to game card creation purchase requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) creating game card arrays in response to game card creation purchase requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as set forth in claim 49 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to the internet.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as set forth in claim 49 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to an on-line service provider.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as set forth in claim 49 further comprising the step of keeping track of all game card arrays created.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) validating game card arrays in response to game card array validation requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) validating game card arrays in response to game card array validation requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to the internet.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to an on-line service provider.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as set forth in claim 53 further comprising the step of keeping track of all game card arrays validated.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) registering game card arrays in response to game card array registration requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) registering game card arrays in response to game card array registration requests, at the time of request; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance; and (c) linking game participants with the system utilizing a communications path to enable said participants to communicate therewith.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as set forth in claim 57 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to the internet.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as set forth in claim 57 further comprising the step of coupling said communications path to an on-line service provider.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as set forth in claim 57 further comprising the step of keeping track of all game card arrays registered.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game to thereby enable players over the wide geographic area to participate in the game of chance; and (b) a communications path for allowing game participants to communicate with the system when the game participants are physically located over a wide geographic area.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising: (a) means for communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game to thereby enable players over the wide geographic area to participate in the game of chance; and (b) a communications path for allowing game participants to communicate with the system when the game participants are physically located over a wide geographic area.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for operating a gaming system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) keeping track of game card arrays in play; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance to thereby enable players over the wide geographic area to participate in the game of chance; and (c) providing a communications path for allowing a game participant to communicate with the system.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for operating a gaming system for playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) keeping track of game card arrays in play; (b) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance to thereby enable players over the wide geographic area to participate in the game of chance; and (c) providing a communications path for allowing a game participant to communicate with the system.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for operating a gaming system for interactively playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance to thereby enable players over the wide geographic area to participate in the game of chance; and (b) providing a communications path for allowing game participants to communicate with the system when the game participants are physically located over a wide geographic area.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for operating a gaming system for interactively playing a game of chance over a wide geographic area, wherein said game requires a plurality of game card arrays, each formed from a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, and further wherein it is an object of the game to sequentially and randomly generate symbols from a predefined symbol universe, matching generated symbols against the symbols on said game card arrays, with a winner being declared whenever a predefined pattern of generated symbols is formed on at least one of said game card arrays, comprising the steps of: (a) communicating over a wide geographic area the sequence of random symbols being generated during a particular game of chance to thereby enable players over the wide geographic area to participate in the game of chance; and (b) providing a communications path for allowing game participants to communicate with the system when the game participants are physically located over a wide geographic area.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4689742A
Cited
US4494197A
Cited
US4926327A
Cited
US4760527A
Cited
US4885700A
Cited
US4848771A
Cited
US5007649A
Cited
GB2197971A
Cited
GB2214823A
Cited
US4909515A
Cited
US5043887A
Cited
WO1990014139A1
Cited
US4969183A
Cited
US5072381A
Cited
US5108115A
Cited
US5119295A
Cited
US5586937A
Cited
US5558339A
Cited
US5577727A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-01-11 | 2002-07-13 | 2003-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-11 | 2006-07-13 | 2007-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-11 | 2010-07-13 | 2011-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |