Patent Grant
8538563
This invention relates to fantasy sports contests, and more particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for providing wagering opportunities in conjunction with fantasy sports contests.
In known fantasy sports contests, a user (i.e., a fantasy sports contestant) selects a roster, a team, a particular individual, or a group of individuals in a season-long athletic competition. Fantasy sports contests are typically based on real-life team sports (e.g., football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, rugby, etc.), real-life athletic events in which individuals compete (e.g., golf, tennis, automotive racing, etc.), and real-life sporting events involving animals (e.g., horse and dog racing). The user is given the ability to take on the role of a fictional general manager with powers which may include the ability to draft, trade, dismiss and otherwise manage the user's fantasy sports contest team selections.
Known fantasy sports contest systems provide services to users which include providing statistical information for real-life athletic competition and tracking users' standings (i.e., rankings) in fantasy sports contests. Known fantasy sports contest systems typically determine a user's standing (i.e., ranking) in a fantasy sports contest based on the performance of the user's fantasy sports contest team selections in real-life athletic competition. For example, a conventional fantasy sports contest system might award five fantasy sports contest points to the user for every goal scored in real-life by a member of the user's fantasy sports contest soccer team. Generally, the user who has accumulated the most fantasy sports contest points by the conclusion of a fantasy sports contest (e.g., the end of a real-life athletic season) is the overall winner of that fantasy sports contest.
Fantasy sports contestants may often find it desirable to wager with one another based on, for example, which of the fantasy sports contestants accumulates the most fantasy sports contest points in a fantasy sports contest (e.g., for a particular week of the fantasy sports contest, over the entire fantasy sports contest, etc.). Fantasy sports contestants may also find it desirable to wager based on real-life athletic events (e.g., real-life athletic events that are related to the contestants' fantasy sports contest). In particular, because fantasy sports contestants typically track closely real-life athletic events (e.g., to plan favorable trades of the contestants' fantasy sports contest team selections, as a hobby or pastime, for entertainment purposes, etc.), fantasy sports contestants may find it desirable to wager (e.g., with other fantasy sports contestants, through a wagering service) based on the outcomes of these real-life athletic events.
Known fantasy sports contest systems do not provide to a user the ability to wager. In particular, a user of a known fantasy sports contest system is required to establish independently from the fantasy sports contest system terms of a wager with, for example, another fantasy sports contestant. Therefore, fantasy sports contest data (e.g., real-life sports statistics, fantasy sports standings, etc.) that may otherwise be useful in establishing the terms of a wager may be not be conveniently accessible to a user who is determining whether to wager. Additionally, the user may have no choice but to reiterate (i.e., independent from the fantasy sports contest system) an opportunity to wager to, for example, a second fantasy sports contestant in the event that wager terms cannot be established with a first fantasy sports contestant. Furthermore, because known fantasy sports contest systems do not store or otherwise process data for the user's wagers, the user may forget the agreed-upon terms of a wager or, even worse, whether a wager was ever made.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for providing wagering opportunities in conjunction with fantasy sports contests.
It is an object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for providing wagering opportunities in conjunction with fantasy sports contests.
This and other objects are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by providing a fantasy sports contest application that provides to a user the ability access to fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities.
Systems and methods for providing to a user the ability to use a fantasy sports contest application to access fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities are provided in accordance with the present invention. The fantasy sports contest application may display to the user fantasy sports contest information that is associated with a fantasy sports contest in which the user participates. The fantasy sports contest information may include, for example, information for real-life athletic competition that is associated with the user's fantasy sports contest or information that indicates the user's performance in the fantasy sports contest. The fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to place a wager related to the fantasy sports contest and may process the wager for the user.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to place a wager based on the user's performance in a fantasy sports contest. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to place a wager based on whether the user wins the fantasy sports contest or a portion of the fantasy sports contest (e.g., a particular week of a season-long fantasy sports contest). In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to place a wager based on a portion of a sporting event, a sporting event, or more than one sporting event that is related to a fantasy sports contest in which the user participates. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a contestant of a fantasy sports Major League Baseball contest the ability to place a wager based on Major League Baseball events. In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to use the fantasy sports contest to place a wager unrelated to a fantasy sports contest in which the user participates.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display to the user information indicating a wagering opportunity that is related to a fantasy sports contest in which the user participates. In response to receiving with the fantasy sports contest application a user indication of the wagering opportunity, the wager may be accepted for the user.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may use application data to at least partially define a wagering opportunity for the user. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may use application data that indicates an account balance of the user to define a maximum wager amount for the user. The maximum wager amount for the user may also be set to an arbitrary number. The total amount of wagers by a user for a given time period may also be set (e.g, daily wagering limits). In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to at least partially define a wagering opportunity. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to at least partially define wagering opportunity terms such as a wagering opportunity description and to whom a wagering opportunity is directed.
Wagering opportunities of the present invention may be opportunities to wager for, for example, fantasy sports contest points (i.e., points that accumulate to increase the user's standing in the fantasy sports contest), points redeemable for prizes (i.e., cash or non-cash prizes), non-cash prizes, or money. Wagering opportunities of the present invention may have, for example, a predetermined payout schedule (e.g., the winner receiving 25 points redeemable for prizes, the winner receiving a specified percentage of the sum of all the entry fees to a wagering pool, etc.) or may be organized in a pari-mutuel approach (i.e., determining a winning wagerer's payout based on the number and disposition of other wagerers). In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to access only wagering opportunities that are valid for the user (e.g., wagering opportunities for money if wagering for money is legally permitted in the user's geographic region).
In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple fantasy sports contest leagues can be grouped together into a fantasy sports contest. A fantasy sports contest league for a particular sport may be a sub-division of a larger fantasy sports contest for that sport (e.g., multiple fantasy sports NBA Basketball contest leagues can be grouped together into a fantasy sports contest). A fantasy sports contest of the present invention may include one or more leagues all of which are for a particular sport, may include one or more leagues for multiple sports, or may not be sub-divided into leagues.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to one or more fantasy sports contestants the ability to access wagering opportunities. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to one or more fantasy sports contestants that participate in a fantasy sports contest league the ability to access intra-fantasy sports contest league (“intra-league”) wagering opportunities. Intra-league wagering opportunities are opportunities to wager between contestants of the same fantasy sports contest league or wagering opportunities for fantasy sports contest points between a contestant of a fantasy sports contest league and the fantasy sports contest application system.
As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to one or more fantasy sports contestants that participate in fantasy sports contest leagues the ability to access inter-fantasy sports contest league (“inter-league”) wagering opportunities. Inter-league wagering opportunities are opportunities to wager between different fantasy sports contest leagues or between contestants of different fantasy sports contest leagues. Inter-league wagering opportunities need not be limited to those between leagues or contestants of the same fantasy sports contest. Still another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to one or more fantasy sports contestants the ability to access out-of-fantasy sports contest league (“out-of-league”) wagering opportunities.
Out-of league wagering opportunities include all other wagering opportunities that are not intra-league or inter-league wagering opportunities (e.g., traditional sports-related wagering opportunities on the outcome of a game).
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may store data for a wager of the user. The fantasy sports contest application may display to the user various wagering information including, for example, information for an outcome of a wager, information indicating the parties involved in a wager, information indicating when a wager was placed, and information indicating whether a wager has been paid.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to enable wagering related to a fantasy sports contest in which the user participates. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user an option to enable one or more of intra-league wagering, inter-league wagering, and out-of league wagering related to the fantasy sports contest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user alternatives to wagering for money if wagering for money is not legally permitted in the user's geographic region. In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to enable wagering unrelated to a fantasy sports contest in which the user participates.
The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
Systems and methods for providing wagering opportunities in conjunction with fantasy sports contests are presented.
Fantasy sports contests of the present invention may include any suitable sports contest in which the user is given the ability to make decisions that may affect the standing of the user in the sports contest. For example, in typical team-oriented fantasy sports contests, the user may participate in the capacity of a fictional general manager. In this situation, the user may be have responsibilities such as creating a team roster (e.g., drafting players), selecting reserves, making trades, and otherwise maintaining the composition of the user's team roster. It will be understood that any other suitable decision-making capability may be given to the user in a fantasy sports contest in addition to or in place of those indicated above.
Fantasy sports contests of the present invention need not be limited or restricted in time. For example, a fantasy sports contest may last an entire season, a portion of a season, multiple seasons, a definite period of time (e.g., one month, two weeks, three days, one hour, etc.), the duration of a particular event (e.g., Wimbledon, etc.), a portion of a particular event, or any other suitable period of time.
In one suitable approach, fantasy sports contests of the present invention may include contests in which the user is not necessarily playing the role of a fictional general manager. For example, fantasy sports contests may involve the user selecting (i.e., blindly or with calculation) whether particular outcomes will occur (e.g., whether a particular golfer will make the next putt). Any such suitable decision-making may be the basis of a fantasy sports contest or a part of a fantasy sports contest.
Fantasy sports contests of the present invention may use any suitable one or more scoring systems. For example, existing fantasy scoring systems include straight point systems (e.g., points are awarded and subtracted based on real-life plays without regard to the performance of other players on other fantasy teams in a league), rotisserie systems (e.g., points are awarded based on the user's relative ranking against other users), and head-to-head systems (e.g., users in a league are matched against one another in a round-robin series of one-on-one contests during the course of a season). These are merely illustrative scoring systems. Any other suitable scoring system may be used in the fantasy sports contests of the present invention.
It will be understood that the above are merely illustrative elements of fantasy sports contests. Any other suitable arrangement or approach may be used. It will further be understood that the nature of the fantasy sports contests may vary depending on which activity or sport is involved or based on any other suitable criteria.
The present invention is primarily described herein in terms of a fantasy sports contest application. The fantasy sports contest application may be any suitable software, hardware, or both that may be used to implement the features of present invention. It will be understood that any other suitable software, hardware, or both (e.g., a wagering application) may be used in conjunction with the fantasy sports contest application or in place of the fantasy sports contest application to implement some or all of the features of the present invention.
Illustrative systems and methods for providing fantasy sports contest applications are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,918,603 (Hughes, et al.), 5,846,132 (Junkin), 5,971,854 (Junkin) and 6,193,610 (Junkin), as well as Hughes et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/428,991, filed Oct. 29, 1999, Hughes et al. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/329,587, filed Oct. 15, 2001, and Hughes U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/338,916, filed Nov. 5, 2001, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Rules data source 104 may be any equipment suitable for generating, storing, or otherwise providing application data including fantasy sports contest rules to server 102. In some embodiments of the present invention, rules data source 104 may provide application data that indicates rules specific to one or more fantasy sports contests and one or more fantasy sports contestants to server 102. For example, rules data source 104 may provide data that governs user participation in fantasy sports contests (e.g., data governing a Maximum number of fantasy sports contests that a user may participate in, data governing a maximum number of fantasy sports contest trades that may be made in a week, other fantasy sports contest application options, etc.). As another example, rules data source 104 may provide data that governs user participation in wagering opportunities (e.g., data governing whether a user is permitted to view, propose, accept and otherwise manage wagering opportunities, data governing whether users of the fantasy sports application are eligible to compete for non-cash prizes, money, or points redeemable for prizes, data setting a limit on the amount of a wager, data determining other wagering options, etc.).
Statistics data source 106 may be any equipment suitable for generating, storing or otherwise providing application data including statistics data to server 102. In some embodiments of the present invention, statistics data source 106 may provide real-life sports statistics data including real-life play-by-play accounts to server 102. For example, statistics data source 106 may provide statistics data for a real-life football game, baseball game, soccer game, automobile racing event, horse racing event, or any other sports event to server 102. The fantasy sports contest application may use data from statistics data source 106 to, for example, calculate fantasy sports contest standings. In some embodiments of the present invention, statistics data source 106 may provide data for events that can be wagered on to server 102. For example, statistics data source 106 may provide data for sporting events, televised events, events broadcasted on radio, or any, other events that can be wagered on. Statistics data from statistics data source 106 may be used to, for example, determine wagering opportunities and to determine wagering outcomes.
Contest data source 108 may be any equipment suitable for generating, storing or otherwise providing application data including data for fantasy sports contests to server 102. For example, contest data source 108 may provide application data including a list of fantasy sports contestants of a particular fantasy sports contest league, fantasy sports contest standings, a list of available fantasy sports contest selections (e.g., sports players), or any other data for fantasy sports contests. In some embodiments of the present invention, contest data source 108 may provide application data specific to one or more fantasy sports contestants to server 102. For example, contest data source 108 may provide application data including fantasy sports contestant preferences (e.g., whether a contestant wishes to view wagering opportunities), a list of a fantasy sports contestant's team selections, or any other data specific to one or more fantasy sports contestants.
Wagering data source 110 may be any equipment suitable for generating, storing or otherwise providing application data including wagering data to server 102. In some embodiments of the present invention, wagering data source 110 may provide data for available wagering opportunities to server 102. For example, wagering data source 110 may provide data indicating events that can be wagered on. In some embodiments of the present invention, wagering data source 110 may provide data for wagers (i.e., wagering opportunities that have been accepted) to server 102. For example, wagering data source 110 may provide data that indicates the terms of wagers (e.g., the parties involved in a wager, an amount of a wager, a type of a wager, an outcome of a wager, other data indicating the terms of a wager, etc.). In some embodiments of the present invention, wagering data source 110 may provide data that indicates guidelines of acceptable wagering opportunities and wagers. For example, wagering data source 110 may provide data indicating a limit on the amount of an acceptable wagering opportunity or wager, types of acceptable wagering opportunities or wagers, or any other data indicating guidelines of acceptable wagering opportunities or wagers. Wagering data may also include handicapping, tote board, current track conditions, other information used in horse racing, or any other wagering odds, spreads, or betting lines used in other sports.
In the example of
Server 102 accesses or otherwise receives application data from data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110 over communications paths 112, 114, 116 and 118, respectively. Each of communications paths 112, 114, 116 and 118 may be one or more satellite communications paths, fiber-optic paths, coaxial cable paths, radio frequency paths, electromagnetic communications paths, microwave communications paths, Internet paths, or any other suitable wired or wireless communications paths or combination of such paths. Communications paths 112, 114, 116 and 118 may have sufficient bandwidth to transmit video signals. Server 102 may also communicate data to data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110 over communications paths 112, 114, 116 and 118, respectively, or other suitable communications paths.
An application client running on user equipment 120 retrieves application data from server 102 over communications path 122. The fantasy sports contest application may be at least partially implemented by user equipment 120. For example, the portions of the fantasy sports contest application that implement features involved in user interaction may be implemented by user equipment 120. User equipment 120 may be based on any suitable hardware platform or topology. Suitable hardware platforms may include, for example, satellite receivers, personal computer televisions (PC/TVs), personal computers (e.g., with television tuner cards), cable set-top boxes, televisions, any other suitable hardware platform or combination of such hardware platforms. User equipment 120 may be based on one or more computers. There may be numerous installations of user equipment 120. However, only one installation of user equipment 120 has been shown in
An application client running on user equipment 120 may retrieve fantasy sports contest data and wagering data from server 102 using any suitable approach. For example, the application client may pass SQL (structured query language) requests as messages to server 102. In another suitable approach, the application client may invoke remote procedures that reside on server 102 using one or more remote procedure calls. Server 102 may execute SQL statements for such invoked remote procedures. In still another suitable approach, client objects executed by the application may communicate with server objects executed by server 102 using, for example, an object request broker (ORB). Server 102 may, for example, run a suitable database engine (e.g., SQL Server by Microsoft) and provide data to the application client implemented on user equipment 120. In some embodiments of the present invention, server 102 may provide one or more of fantasy sports contest data and wagering data to user equipment 102 using a suitable “push” methodology (e.g., forced messages).
In some embodiments of the present invention, server 102 may transmit, in response to an application client request, application data to user equipment 120 discretely as separate files, messages, or packets, in a continuous data stream (e.g., using a carousel-based approach), or both. For example, responsive to initialization (e.g., boot-up) of the fantasy sports contest application by user equipment 120, server 102 may transmit real-life sports statistics data obtained from statistics data source 106 to user equipment 120 in a real-time, continuous data stream. As another example, server 102 may transmit rules data from rules data source 104 to user equipment 120 on-demand and in separately-addressed data packets.
In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more servers of server 102 may provide fantasy sports contest data to user equipment 120 and one or more servers of server 102 may provide wagering data to user equipment 120. For example, one or more servers of server 102 may provide fantasy sports contest data from rules data source 104, statistics data source 106 and contest data source 108 to user equipment 120, and one or more servers of server 102 may provide wagering data from wagering data source 110 to user equipment 120. In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more servers of server 102 may provide both fantasy sports contest data and wagering data to user equipment 120. For example, one or more servers of server 102 may provide both fantasy sports contest data and wagering data from data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110 to user equipment 120.
Fantasy sports contest data and wagering data may be integrated to provide an at least partially unified presentation at user equipment 120. For example, fantasy sports contest data may be displayed in a first region of a display screen and wagering data may be displayed in a second region of the display screen. As another example, fantasy sports data may be displayed in a first display screen and may include a user-selectable option to view wagering data in a second display screen. Still another example, fantasy sports data and wagering data may be fully integrated in the same display screens.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports application may be fully operative to provide fantasy sports contests with wagering opportunities to a user. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may use application data from data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110 to define and display fantasy sports contest options and wagering options for a user.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may interface with one or more wagering applications (e.g., implemented at least partially by server 102 and user equipment 120) to provide fantasy sports contests with wagering opportunities to a user. The fantasy sports contest application and the one or more wagering applications may communicate using, for example, various Application Programming Interfaces (“APIs”) to provide fantasy sports contests with wagering opportunities to the user. At least a portion of the data provided to user equipment 120 may be common to both the fantasy sports contest application and the one or more wagering applications. For example, statistics data from statistics data source 106 may be used to calculate fantasy sports contest standings with the fantasy sports contest application and to define wagering opportunities and outcomes with the one or more wagering applications. As another example, rules data from rules data source 104 may be used to determine whether a user is permitted to wager (which may determine various options and settings of both the fantasy sports contest application and the one or more wagering applications).
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application (e.g., and one or more wagering applications) may be at least partially implemented by one or more of data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110. For example, portions of the fantasy sports contest application that implement features involved in the processing of client requests and in the tracking of the performance of fantasy sports contestants may be implemented by one or more of data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110.
In some embodiments of the present invention, data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110 may transmit application data directly to user equipment 120. Data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110 may transmit application data to user equipment 120 using any suitable approach. For example, statistics data source 106 may transmit application data including statistics data to user equipment 120 in a real-time data stream. As another example, rules data source 104 may transmit application data including fantasy sports contest rules data and contest data source 108 may transmit application data including fantasy sports contest data to user equipment 120 continuously, periodically (e.g., providing application data to user equipment 120 weekly, each time user equipment 120 initializes the fantasy sports contest application, etc.), on-demand, or using any other suitable approach or combination of approaches. Still another example, wagering data source 110 (e.g., having one or more servers) may transmit application data including wagering data to user equipment 120 in response to an application client request.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may be implemented on an interactive television platform. For example,
Main facility 202 may transmit application data for the fantasy sports contest application to television distribution facility 206 using any suitable approach. For example, main facility 202 may transmit application data to television distribution facility 206 continuously (e.g., via a real-time data feed), periodically (e.g., via localizations directed to one or more television distribution facilities 206 that receive similar data or are located in a similar geographical region or coverage area), on-demand (e.g., using a client/server based approach), or using any other suitable approach or combination of approaches. Television distribution facility 206 may communicate data to main facility 202 using communication path 208 or other suitable communication path.
Television distribution facility 206 may be any facility suitable for distributing television signals and application data including fantasy sports contest application data to user equipment 210 via communications path 212. For example, television distribution facility 206 may be a cable system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, a satellite television distribution facility, or any other suitable facility for distributing television signals and application data to users. User equipment 210 may communicate data to television distribution facility 206 using communications path 212 or other suitable communications path.
Each of communications paths 208 and 212 may be one or more satellite communications paths, fiber-optic paths, coaxial cable paths, radio frequency paths, electromagnetic communications paths, microwave communications paths, Internet paths, or any other suitable wired or wireless communications paths or combination of such paths. Communications paths 208 and 212 may have sufficient bandwidth to transmit video signals.
Television distribution facility 206 may include distribution equipment 214. Distribution equipment 214 may be any equipment suitable for distributing application data to user equipment 210. Distribution equipment 214 may include, for example, suitable transmission hardware for distributing application data on a television channel sideband, in the vertical blanking interval of a television channel, using an out-of-band digital signal, or by any other suitable data transmission technique. Distribution equipment 214 may transmit analog or digital signals including fantasy sports contest application data to user equipment 210 on, for example, multiple television channels.
In some embodiments of the present invention, distribution equipment 214 may include one or more servers capable of providing, in response to an application client request, application data for the fantasy sports contest application to user equipment 210. For example, distribution equipment 214 may include one or more servers capable of providing data for fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities and wagers to user-equipment 210 using any suitable approach (e.g., on-demand, in a carousel-based approach, etc.).
In some embodiments of the present invention, distribution equipment 214 may communicate application data with user equipment 210 via the Internet using an internet service system. For example, distribution equipment 214 may communicate statistics data (e.g., used to determine fantasy sports contest standings and wagering opportunities and outcomes) received from main facility 202 or other suitable facility to user equipment 210 via the Internet. In some embodiments of the present invention, distribution equipment 214 may receive application data via the Internet and may distribute the data to user equipment 210 (e.g., via the Internet, via satellite, or via any other suitable wired or wireless path or combination of such paths).
Television distribution facility 206 may transmit application data for the fantasy sports contest application to user equipment 210 using any suitable approach. For example, television distribution facility 206 may transmit application data to user equipment 210 periodically, continuously (e.g., in a real-time data stream, using a carousel-based approach, etc.), on-demand, or using any other suitable approach or combination of approaches.
In some embodiments of the present invention, data sources may be located at facilities separate from main facility 202. For example, external information service 216 may provide data to main facility 202 via communications path 218 for distribution. External information service 216 may be any facility suitable for providing application data (e.g., for the fantasy sports contest application, for one or more wagering applications that interfaces with the fantasy sports contest application, etc.) to main facility 202. There may be multiple installations of external information service 216. However, only one installation of external information service 216 is shown in
External information service 216 may contain external data source 220. External data source 220 may be any suitable computer or computer-based system for generating, storing, or obtaining application data (e.g., manually from an operator, electronically via a computer network or other connection, or via storage media) and putting the data into electronic form for distribution to main facility 202 or other facility.
In some embodiments of the present invention, external information service 216 may provide statistics data, rules data, contest data, wagering data or any other application data to main facility 202. For example, external information service 216 may be a statistics service that provides real-life sports statistics data to main facility 202. The statistics data may be used, for example, to calculate fantasy sports contest league standings and to determine wagering opportunities and outcomes. As another example, external information service 216 may be a rules service that provides rules data to main facility 202. The rules data may be used, for example, to determine whether a fantasy sports contestant is permitted to wager for money, non-cash prizes, fantasy sports contest points or points redeemable for prizes based on the user's geographical location, account information, or any other information or combination of such information. Still another example, external information service 216 may be a wagering service that provides wagering data (e.g., data indicating wagering opportunities, wager terms, etc.) to main facility 202. The wagering data may be used to, for example, determine wagering opportunities and outcomes, determine whether a user has deposited sufficient funds to the user's account for wagering, and to determine whether a user should be otherwise restricted from wagering (e.g., a user with a history for failing to settle lost wagers). In some embodiments of the present invention, external information service 216 may provide application data directly to one or more of television distribution facility 206 and user equipment 210. In some embodiments of the present invention, external information service 216 may be a tote used in pari-mutuel wagering or other wagering server that keeps track of wagering pay-offs.
The fantasy sports contest application may be implemented at any suitable location in system 200. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may be implemented at user equipment 210, at television distribution facility 206, at main facility 202, at any other suitable location (that is not necessarily shown in system 200), or at any combination thereof. Certain portions of the fantasy sports contest application may be implemented at user equipment 210 (e.g., those portions that implement features involved in user interaction), whereas certain other portions of the fantasy sports contest application may be implemented at main facility 202, television distribution facility 206, or external information service 216 (e.g., those portions that implement features involved in the processing of client requests and in the tracking of the performance of fantasy sports contestants). Any such suitable arrangement of the fantasy sports contest application may be implemented in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to both
During normal television viewing, a user may tune set-top box 304 to a desired television channel. The signal for that television channel may then be provided at video output 306. The signal supplied at output 306 is typically either a radio-frequency (RF) signal on a predefined channel (e.g., channel 3 or 4), or an analog demodulated video signal, but may also be a digital signal provided on an appropriate digital bus (e.g., a bus using the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard (not shown)). The video signal at output 306 may be received by secondary storage device 308, which may be an optional component in the embodiment of
Set-top box 304 may have memory 310. Memory 310 may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, or any memory suitable for storing application instructions and application data for use by the fantasy sports contest application.
Set-top box 304 may have communications device 312 for communicating directly with distribution facility 206, main facility 202, external information service 216, or any other suitable equipment or a combination thereof, over suitable communications paths. Communications device 312 may be a modem (e.g., cable modem, telephone modem, digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, integrated service digital network (ISDN) modem, or any suitable analog or digital modem), network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card, etc.), or other suitable communications device. Communications device 312 may also be a personal computer with an Internet connection if, for example, distribution equipment 214 or other suitable equipment communicates data with user equipment 210 via the Internet. In some embodiments, communications device 312 may be a component of television 314.
Optional secondary storage device 308 may be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device or player (e.g., a videocassette recorder (VCR), a personal video recorder (PVR), a digital versatile disc (DVD) player, etc.). In some embodiments of the present invention, data for fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities and wagers may be stored in secondary storage device 308. Program recording (e.g., recording of sporting events that are related to a contestant's fantasy sports contest or wagers) and other features may be controlled by set-top box 304 using control path 316. If secondary storage device 308 is a videocassette recorder or a personal video recorder, for example, a typical control path 316 may involve the use of an infrared transmitter coupled to the infrared receiver in the recorder that normally accepts commands from a remote control such as remote control 318. Remote control 318 may be used to control set-top box 304, secondary storage device 308, and television 314.
The fantasy sports contest application may run on set-top box 304, television 314 (provided that television 314 has suitable processing circuitry and memory), a suitable analog or digital receiver (not shown) connected to television 314, or digital storage device 320 if digital storage device 320 has suitable processing circuitry and memory. The fantasy sports contest application may also run cooperatively on a suitable combination of these devices.
If desired, a user may record programming (e.g., television programs, pay-per-view programs, video-on-demand (VOD) programs, non-video-on-demand programs, etc.) in digital form on digital storage device 320. Digital storage device 320 may also record data for fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities and wagers including, for example, statistics data and rules data. Digital storage device 320 may be contained in set-top box 304 or it may be an external device connected to set-top box 304 via an input/output port and appropriate interface. Digital storage device 320 may be a writeable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device.
Processing circuitry in set-top box 304 may format received video, audio and data signals into a digital file format. The file format may be an open file format such as the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) MPEG-2 standard or the Moving Joint Photographic Experts Group (MJPEG) standard. The resulting data may be streamed to and stored in digital storage device 320, secondary storage device 308, or other storage device via an appropriate bus (not shown) (e.g., a bus using the Institute Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard). In some embodiments, an MPEG-2 data stream or series of files may be received from television distribution facility 206, main facility 202, external information service 216, or other equipment and stored by digital storage device 320 or secondary storage device 308.
Television 314 may receive video signals from secondary storage device 308 via communications path 322. The video signals on communications path 322 may either be generated by secondary storage device 308 when playing back a prerecorded storage medium (e.g., a videocassette or a recordable digital video disc), by digital storage device 320 when playing back a prerecorded digital medium, may be passed through from set-top box 304, may be provided directly to television 314 from set-top box 304 if secondary storage device 308 is not included in user television equipment 210, or may be received directly by television 314 from any other suitable facility or location (e.g., main facility 202). During normal television viewing, the video signals provided to television 314 may correspond to the desired channel to which a user has tuned with set-top box 304. Video signals may also be provided to television 314 by set-top box 304 when set-top box 304 is used to play back information stored on digital storage device 320.
Referring to
Control circuitry 402 may include a processor or processing circuitry for receiving and processing application instructions for the fantasy sports contest application. Control circuitry 402 may include any suitable processor, such as a microprocessor or group of microprocessors, and other processing circuitry such as caching circuitry, direct memory access (DMA) circuitry, input/output (I/O) circuitry, etc. For example, control circuitry 402 may process application instructions to generate application display screens. The functions of control circuitry 902 may be integrated into an advanced television receiver, personal computer television (PC/TV), or any other suitable arrangement. If desired, a combination of such arrangements may be used.
Digital storage device 406 and secondary storage device 408 may record media (e.g., television programming if fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities are provided in an interactive television platform) and store data for fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities and wagers. For example, secondary storage device 408 may be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device (e.g., a videocassette recorder (VCR), a personal video recorder (PVR), a digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.). Digital storage device 406 may be, for example, a writeable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device. In embodiments in which the fantasy sports contest application is provided in an interactive television arrangement, program recording and other features may be controlled by control circuitry 402. For example, in response to commands from a user, control circuitry 402 may instruct secondary storage device 408 and digital storage device 406 to record television programming for events that affect fantasy sports contest league standings and wagering outcomes.
Memory 410 may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable for storing fantasy sports contest data and wagering data for use by control circuitry 402.
Communications device 404 may support communications between user equipment 120 and server 102, or any other suitable equipment or combination of equipment. In embodiments in which the fantasy sports contest application is implemented in an interactive television arrangement, communications device 404 may support communications between user equipment 210 and distribution equipment 214, main facility 202, external information service 216, or any other suitable equipment or combination of equipment. Communications device 404 may be a modem (e.g., a cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, telephone modem, integrated services digital network (ISDN) modem, or any suitable analog or digital modem), network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card, Token ring card, etc.), or any other suitable communications device.
User input device 412 may be any suitable input device for allowing a user to communicate to the fantasy sports contest application. For example, a user may make a fantasy sports contest team selection or accept a wagering opportunity from an application display screen (e.g., indicate a fantasy sports contest application option) using user input device 412. User input device 412 may be a pointing device, wireless remote control, keyboard, touch-pad, voice recognition system, or any other suitable user input device. User-entered instructions from user input device 412 may instruct control circuitry 402 to direct an audio device (not shown) to provide audio (e.g., music, talk-radio, television audio, etc.). During normal television viewing (i.e., when the fantasy sports contest application is implemented in an interactive television arrangement), user-entered instructions from user input device 412 may instruct control circuitry 402 to direct display device 414 to display a desired television channel on display device 414. Display device 414 may be any suitable display device such as a personal computer monitor, a television, or a PC/TV. To provide a user with fantasy sports contest options and wagering options, the fantasy sports contest application running on user equipment 210 (
Referring to both
Systems 100 and 200 may use techniques including using cryptographic checksums, digital signatures, secure socket layer and other techniques to verify the integrity of data. For example, data received by user equipment (120, 210), server 102, television distribution facility 206 or any other equipment can be signed and its integrity can be checked using techniques such as hashing, exchanging keys, and checking digital certificates by a third party (e.g., VeriSign, Inc. provides services for securing web sites such as its object signing digital ID service for Java which allows end users to confirm the source and integrity of received content).
Systems 100 and 200 may use various techniques to identify and authenticate the sender of data (e.g., a user of user equipment (120, 210), server 102, etc.). For example, the identity of a user of user equipment (120, 210) can be signaled by requiring that the user enter his password, user ID, card key or other suitable means of identification (e.g., a fingerprint or some other observational technique that identifies an individual, entering a token ID that dynamically changes and is displayed on a token, etc.) or combination thereof.
The security features of systems 100 and 200 can be implemented utilizing support from, for example, hardware (e.g., secure processor operating modes), an operating system (e.g., secure processes, memory, file systems and devices), and an application (e.g., a signed application running in a trusted computing environment). The security features of systems 100 and 200 can also be implemented using the services of digital rights management (DRM) system that is integrated into an operating system or otherwise added to an end-user computing environment (e.g., at user equipment (120, 210)). Data which is to protected by the rights system can be sent in secure containers or objects protected using the confidentiality and integrity techniques described above.
Referring to both
User equipment (120, 210) may request or otherwise receive application data for various types of wagering opportunities. For example, user equipment 120 may receive data for various types of wagering opportunities from server 102, from data sources 104, 106, 108 and 110 (e.g., each having one or more servers), and from user input device 412 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, intra-league wagering opportunities may be based on one or more fantasy sports contestants' performance in a fantasy sports contest. For example, an intra-league wagering opportunity between a user who participates in a fantasy sports contest league and one or more other contestants of that fantasy sports contest league may be based on whether the user will accumulate the most fantasy sports contest points (e.g., by the conclusion of a particular week of a fantasy sports contest league, by the conclusion of the entire fantasy sports contest league, etc.). As another example, an intra-league wager between a user of a particular fantasy sports contest and the fantasy sports contest application system may be based on whether the user wins the fantasy sports contest of which the user's fantasy sports contest league is a sub-division.
In some embodiments of the present invention, intra-league wagering opportunities may be based on real-life sporting events that are related to contestants' fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, intra-league wagering opportunities between contestants of the same fantasy sports NFL football contest league may be based on NFL football events (e.g., the outcome of a particular game or group of games, the outcome of a particular quarter, the outcome of a particular possession, the outcome of a particular field goal attempt, the outcome of a televised NFL draft, etc.). As another example, intra-league wagering opportunities between a contestant of a fantasy Major League Baseball contest league and the fantasy sports contest application system may be based on real-life Major League Baseball events.
In some embodiments of the present invention, intra-league wagering opportunities may be based on real-life sporting events and other events that are unrelated to contestants' fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, intra-league wagering opportunities between contestants of the same fantasy soccer league may be based on Major League Baseball events. Intra-league wagering opportunities may be based on any other events that are unrelated to contestants' fantasy sports contests leagues and that can be wagered on such as, for example, televised events, broadcasted events, or events that are otherwise made public (e.g., the Grammy awards).
In some embodiments of the present invention, user equipment (120, 210) may receive data for inter-fantasy sports contest league (“inter-league”) wagering opportunities. Inter-league wagering opportunities are opportunities to wager between different fantasy sports contest leagues or between contestants of different fantasy sports contest leagues. The fantasy sports contest application may provide opportunities to view, propose, accept and otherwise manage inter-league wagering opportunities.
In some embodiments of the present invention, inter-league wagering opportunities may be based on one or more fantasy sports contestants' performance in a fantasy sports contest. For example, inter-league wagering opportunities between one or more contestants of a first fantasy sports contest league and one or more contestants of a second fantasy sports contest league may be based on which league will perform better in its corresponding fantasy sports contest (e.g., the first and second fantasy sports contest leagues being of the same type and sub-divisions of the same fantasy sports contest).
In some embodiments of the present invention, inter-league wagering opportunities may be based on real-life sporting events that are related to contestants' fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, inter-league wagering opportunities between a first fantasy Major League Baseball contest league and second fantasy Major League Baseball contest league may be based on real-life Major League Baseball events.
In some embodiments of the present invention, inter-league wagering opportunities may be based on events that are unrelated to contestants' fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, inter-league wagering opportunities between fantasy sports contest leagues or contestants of fantasy sports contest leagues may be based on trivia contests, televised game shows, quiz shows, or other events that are unrelated contestants' fantasy sports contest leagues.
In some embodiments of the present invention, inter-league wagering opportunities between one or more contestants of a first fantasy sports contest league and one or more contestants of a second fantasy sports contest league may be based on events that are related to only the first fantasy sports contest league. For example, inter-league wagering opportunities between a contestant of a fantasy college football contest league and a contestant of a fantasy soccer contest league may be based on real-life college football events.
In some embodiments of the present invention, user equipment (120,210) may receive data for out-of-fantasy sports contest league (“out-of-league”) wagering opportunities. Out-of-league wagering opportunities include all wagering opportunities that are not intra-league wagering opportunities and inter-league wagering opportunities. The fantasy sports contest application may provide opportunities to view, propose, accept and otherwise manage out-of-league wagering opportunities.
In some embodiments of the present invention, out-of-league wagering opportunities may be based on events that are related to contestants' fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, out-of-league wagering opportunities (e.g., wagering opportunities based on defined wagering odds or spreads) between a contestant of a fantasy sports contest league and a wagering service or a non-fantasy sports contestant (e.g., a user of the fantasy sports contest application that is not currently involved in a fantasy sports contest) may be based on events that are related to that fantasy sports contest league.
In some embodiments of the present invention, out-of-league wagering opportunities may be based on events that are unrelated to fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, out-of league wagering opportunities between a contestant of a fantasy Major League Baseball contest league and a wagering service may be based on real-life Minor League baseball events.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager for fantasy sports contest points. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to contestants of the same fantasy sports contest league (i.e., intra-league wagering opportunities) the ability to wager for fantasy sports contest points to enhance league competition and user-enjoyment. As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to contestants of different fantasy sports contest leagues (i.e., inter-league wagering opportunities) that are competing to accumulate the most fantasy sports contest points the ability to wager for fantasy sports contest points.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager for money. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user who participates in a fantasy sports contest the ability to wager one or more other fantasy sports contestants for money based on the user's performance in the fantasy sports contest. As another example, because fantasy sports contestants may track closely real-life sporting events (e.g., that may be both related and unrelated to the contestants' fantasy sports contest leagues), and because the contestants may find it desirable to wager on these events, the fantasy sports contest may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager for money based on real-life sporting events.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager for prizes (i.e., non-cash prizes). For example, because wagering for money may not be legally permitted in particular geographic regions, to fantasy sports contestants of these geographical regions the ability to wager for prizes. As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to contestants who prefer to wager for prizes the ability to wager for prizes (e.g., gift certificates, free subscriptions to the fantasy sports contest application service, a trophy, etc.).
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager for points redeemable for prizes. For example, because fantasy sports contestants (e.g., of different fantasy sports contest leagues) may live in geographical regions in which monetary currencies are different, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager for points redeemable for cash prizes to allow the contestants of the different geographical regions to better understand wagering opportunity terms (e.g., wagering opportunity amount). As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants in geographical regions in which wagering for money is not legally permitted the ability to wager for points redeemable for non-cash prizes.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager based on outcomes of single events. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager based on an outcome of a single sporting event or a portion of a single sporting event (e.g., a winner of a baseball game, whether a particular player gets a hit during a particular at-bat in a baseball game, a winner of an automobile race, etc.). As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager based on an outcome of a single non-sports event or a portion of a single non-sports event (e.g., the winner of the Oscar Award for “Best Movie”, whether a contestant in a televised game show answers a particular question correctly, etc.).
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager based on more than one event. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager based on more than one sporting event (e.g., a wagering pool for the World Series or NCAA Basketball tournament, how close a particular baseball player will come to breaking the record for longest hitting streak, etc.).
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager for a predefined wagering opportunity amount. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager on a sporting event for a predefined amount of money (e.g., $10). As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager on a non-sports event for a predefined amount of points (e.g., 15 points) redeemable for prizes.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager based on defined odds or spreads. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager on a non-sports event in which the payout is determined by the number and disposition (i.e., wagering choice) of wagerers that accept the wagering opportunity (i.e., a pari-mutuel type wagering opportunity). As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to fantasy sports contestants the ability to wager on a sporting event in which a certain team or player must clear a defined spread (e.g., a point spread for a basketball game, a number of strikeouts for a baseball pitcher) for a wagerer to win the wager.
The fantasy sports contest application (e.g., implemented at least partially on user equipment (120, 210)) may change its displays and available options based on application data for fantasy sports contests and wagering opportunities and wagers.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to set a password. The password may prevent others from tampering with a user's fantasy sports contest settings and wagering settings. For example, in response to a user selection of option 504, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to enter a desired password into data region 506 and re-enter the password into data region 508. The fantasy sports contest application may set the password entered into data regions 506 and 508 in response to a user selection of “OK” option 510 or other option indicating a user confirmation of the password entered into data regions 506 and 508 (e.g., an “Enter” key of remote control 318 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view and edit fantasy sports contest and wagering settings. For example, returning to
In some embodiments of the present invention, a user may be required to enter a password to view and edit fantasy sports contest and wagering settings.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display to a fantasy sports contestant the contestant's personal fantasy sports contest statistics. For example, in response to a user selection of option 802 (or by default in response to, for example, a user selection of option 512 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display information for different types of fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, icon 820 indicates that fantasy sports contest league 808 is a private league (e.g., a league organized by and consisting of a group of friends, colleagues, etc.). Membership to a private fantasy sports contest league may be controlled by, for example, a league commissioner of the fantasy sports contest league. As another example, icon 822 indicates that fantasy soccer contest league “World Cup Soccer” 824 is a national league (i.e., a league organized by the fantasy sports contest application system and consisting of contestants who may or may not know each other). The fantasy sports contest application may indicate different types of fantasy sports contest leagues using any other suitable method (e.g., displaying data for different types of leagues in different colors). For example, the fantasy sports contest application may use any suitable display means to distinguish leagues utilizing pari-mutuel wagering and leagues that utilize fixed odds for wagering. The fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to start or participate in a new fantasy sports contest league and may allow a user to define various fantasy sports contest and wagering options and settings for the new fantasy sports contest league (e.g., whether the league is private or national, whether and how the winners of a fantasy sports contest league will be compensated, other fantasy sports contest and wagering settings, etc.) in response to a user selection of option 825 to start a new fantasy sports contest league.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display to a fantasy sports contestant league standings for a fantasy sports contest league.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view league rules for a fantasy sports contest league.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may direct one or more wagering applications to display wagering information in, for example, a region of a fantasy sports contest application display screen or in a separate wagering application display screen in response to user selection from a fantasy sports contest application display screen. For example, a wagering application that interfaces with the fantasy sports contest application may display wagering rules information in display region 1002 in response to a user selection of option 828 to view league rules.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to edit rules for a fantasy sports contest league.
In some embodiments of the present invention, only a portion of the league rules may be editable throughout a fantasy sports contest league season. For example, salary cap 1004 may be editable only until the half-way point of a fantasy sports contest league season. As another example, users may be permitted to enable or disable only inter-league wagering 1010 (e.g., for points redeemable for prizes) throughout an entire fantasy sports contest league season. Still another example, users may be permitted to modify settings for intra-league wagering for money (e.g., enabling or disabling inter-league wagering for money, modifying a limit on the monetary amount for inter-league wagering, etc.) throughout an entire fantasy sports contest league season, but settings for intra-league wagering for fantasy sports contest league points may be locked-in (i.e., not editable) once the fantasy sports contest league season has started, is halfway over, etc.
In some embodiments of the present invention, a user may be required to enter a password to edit league rules.
In some embodiments of the present invention, at least some of the fantasy sports contest and wagering rules may be determined for a user. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may use application data (e.g., accounting data indicating whether the members of a fantasy sports contest league have a history of timely settling lost bets) to determine whether wagering (e.g., intra-league wagering, inter-league wagering, and out-of-league wagering) is enabled or disabled for the members of a fantasy sports contest league. As another example, the fantasy sports contest application may use application data (e.g., data indicating a contestant's geographical location) to determine whether a particular fantasy sports contestant is permitted to wager for money, fantasy sports contest points, or points redeemable for prizes. Still another example, the fantasy sports contest application may determine all fantasy sports contest and wagering rules for members of a national fantasy sports contest league (e.g., national rotisserie soccer league “World Cup Soccer” 824 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display to a fantasy sports contestant information for winners of previous weeks of a fantasy sports contest league season.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to edit a fantasy sports contest team roster for a fantasy sports contest league.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display information indicating that a trade attempt is invalid (e.g., because a user has exceeded the limit on the amount of trades that can be made, because a user already has one or more players for a particular position, etc.) when a user attempts to complete an invalid trade.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to make selections for, for example, a wagering pool (e.g., a wagering pool that is related to the user's fantasy sports contest). For example, the fantasy sports contest application may display information for a wagering pool in response to a user selection of an option to edit wagering selections (not shown). An edit wagering settings display screen may appear similar to edit team roster display screen 1500 in that a user may be provided with an opportunity to make wagering pool selections (e.g., for a particular week of an NFL football season, for an entire tournament such as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, etc.) using data provided by the fantasy sports contest application.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for outstanding intra-league wagers (e.g., intra-league wagers for a current week, intra-league wagers that have not been paid, etc.).
In other embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display outstanding intra-league wager display screens that include information for wagers for non-cash prizes, fantasy sports contest points, or points redeemable for prizes. For example,
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for particular outstanding intra-league wagers for fantasy sports contest points between a fantasy sports contestant and the fantasy sports contest application system.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for particular outstanding intra-league wagers between fantasy sports contestants of the same fantasy sports contest league.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to view information for intra-league wagers that are unrelated to fantasy sports contest leagues.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for outstanding inter-league wagers (e.g., inter-league wagers for a current week, inter-league wagers that have not been paid, etc.).
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to view information for particular outstanding inter-league wagers. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may display information for particular inter-league wagers between different fantasy sports contest leagues.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for particular outstanding inter-league wagers between members of different fantasy sports contest leagues.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to view information for outstanding out-of-league wagers (e.g., out-of-league wagers of a current week, out-of-league wagers for that have not yet been paid, etc.).
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to view information for different types of outstanding wagers (e.g., outstanding intra-league wagers, outstanding inter-league wagers, and outstanding out-of-league wagers) in the same display screens. For example, the information for outstanding wagers of
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to view information for archived wagers (e.g., wagers not of the current week, wagers that have been paid, etc.). For example, the fantasy sports contest application may display a list of archived wagers including archived intra-league wagers, archived inter-league wagers, and archived out-of-league wagers in response to a user selection of option 840 to view archived wagers. The list of archived wagers may appear similar to the lists shown in
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display wager numbers that indicate to a user different types of wagers (e.g., intra-league wagers, intra-league wagers between two contestants of the same fantasy sports contest league, inter-league wagers, inter-league wagers between members of different fantasy sports contest leagues, out-of-league wagers, etc.). For example, wager numbers for intra-league wagers between a contestant and the fantasy sports contest application system may include numerals only (e.g., intra-league wager number “2” 2004 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for wagering opportunities available to the user.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for available intra-league wagers between fantasy sports contestants of the same fantasy sports contest league. For example, wagering opportunity description 2712 may indicate an opportunity to wager with contestant “Alex” (i.e., a contestant of one of the user's fantasy sports contest leagues) on “I will earn more fantasy sports contest points than you in week 6.”. In particular, contestant “Alex” may be willing to wager that “Alex” will earn more fantasy sports contest points in week 6 of fantasy sports contest league “Friends Baseball” 808 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for intra-league wagering opportunities for fantasy sports contest points between a fantasy sports contestant and the fantasy sports contest application system. For example, wagering opportunity description 2716 may indicate an opportunity to wager with the fantasy sports contest application system on “Who will win Friday's Baltimore/Boston baseball game?”. In this example, the wagering opportunity described by wagering opportunity description 2716 may be based on an event related to one of the contestant's fantasy sports contest league (e.g., league 808 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for available inter-league wagering opportunities.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for inter-league wagering opportunities between different fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, wagering opportunity description 2806 may indicate an opportunity to wager with fantasy sports contest league “<Another League>” on “Major League Baseball: NYY will defeat NYM on Thursday.” Wagering opportunity description 2806 may indicate an opportunity to wager for wagering opportunity amount “$20” 2808. In this example, the wagering opportunity described by wagering opportunity description 2806 may be based on an event related to one of the user's fantasy sports contest leagues (e.g., active league 808 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user an opportunity to view information for inter-league wagering opportunities between contestants of different fantasy sports contest leagues. For example, wagering opportunity description 2810 may indicate an opportunity to wager with fantasy sports contestant “Jeff” (i.e., a contestant of a different fantasy sports contest league) on “NFL Football: Bears will defeat Jets on Saturday.” Wagering opportunity description 2810 may indicate an opportunity to wager for wagering opportunity amount “A $30 dollar gift certificate to “Outback Steakhouse”” 2812. In this example, wagering opportunity description 2810 may describe an opportunity to wager based on an event unrelated to one of the user's fantasy sports contest leagues (e.g., league 808 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for available out-of-league wagering opportunities.
In some embodiments of the present invention, a user may be required to enter a password to wager.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display information that confirms valid wagers.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for different types of available wagering opportunities (e.g., intra-league wagering opportunities, inter-league wagering opportunities, and out-of-league wagering opportunities) in the same display screens. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may display the wagering opportunities of
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to view information for a particular user's account.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to propose a wagering opportunity.
The fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to propose a wagering opportunity using any suitable approach. For example,
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user (or league) the ability to propose at least partially predefined wagering opportunities (i.e., wagering opportunities at least partially predefined by the fantasy sports contest application) to, for example, another fantasy sports contestant, another fantasy sports contest league, the fantasy sports contest application system, or a wagering service.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display information indicating an invalid wagering opportunity proposal in response to a user submission of an invalid wagering opportunity proposal.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may display information indicating confirmation of a valid wagering opportunity proposal.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may be implemented on an interactive television platform. Fantasy sports contest application display screens (e.g., and wagering application display screens if the fantasy sports contest application interfaces with one or more wagering applications to provide fantasy sports contests with wagering opportunities) may be displayed on a television or other suitable equipment for displaying television programming (e.g., a PC/TV).
The user may be provided with the ability to use the fantasy sports contest application to place a wager related to the fantasy sports contest at step 4004. In some embodiments of the present invention, the user may be provided with the ability to use the fantasy sports contest application to place a wager based on the performance of the user in the fantasy sports contest (e.g., by indicating wagering opportunity 2712 (
The fantasy sports contest application (e.g., or one or more wagering applications that interfaces with the fantasy sports contest application) may process the wager for the user at step 4006. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may display to the user information indicating a wager amount (e.g., “$5” 1816 (FIG. 18)), a wager description (e.g., wager description 2406 (FIG. 24)), the parties involved in a wager (e.g., wagerers 1804 (FIG. 18)), when the wager was placed (e.g., by indicating that the wager is an outstanding inter-league wager 836 (
In some embodiments of the present, the fantasy sports contest application may display to the user information indicating a wagering opportunity for the wager.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may use application data to at least partially define the wagering opportunity for the user. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may define a wagering opportunity description 3620 (
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to at least partially define the wagering opportunity.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest may determine whether the wagering opportunity at least partially defined by the user is a valid wagering opportunity.
Returning to
The fantasy sports contest application may receive a user indication of the wagering opportunity at step 4106. For example, the user may use remote control 318 (
The fantasy sports contest application may accept the wager for the user at step 4108. In some embodiments of the present invention (e.g., in embodiments in which the fantasy sports contest application may display to the user information for wagering opportunities that are not necessarily in compliance with rules governing wagering for the user), the fantasy sports contest application may determine whether the user has selected a valid wagering opportunity.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may define a limit on the wagering amount of a wager.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may provide to a user the ability to enable wagering related to the fantasy sports contest.
In some embodiments of the invention, the fantasy sports contest application may determine for the user whether to provide to the user the ability to use the fantasy sports contest application to place a wager related to the fantasy sports contest application.
The fantasy sports contest application may provide to the user the ability to use the fantasy sports contest application to wager for other than money at step 4908 (e.g., in addition to or as an alternative to wagering for money) provided that the wagering is legally permitted. For example, the fantasy sports contest may provide to the user the ability to use the fantasy sports contest to wager for non-cash prizes (e.g., a trophy) or points redeemable for non-cash prizes if wagering for money is not legally permitted in a user's geographic region.
Thus it is seen that systems and methods for providing fantasy sports contests with wagering opportunities are provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.
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