WO2009037560A1

WO2009037560A1 - A computerized system for baccarat-type gaming and a method of operating thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2009037560A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/002455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amir Askarov
Original assignee: Playtech Software Limited
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2008-09-22
Publication date: 2009-03-26

Abstract

The present invention discloses a computerized gaming system for baccarat-type games, a method of operating the system, and a module to be used in conjunction with the system. The method of operating the system comprises a) setting and accommodating a configuration comprising one or more predefined and/or configurable risk management groups with assigned respective allowable risks and rules of calculating a current risk per risk management groups; b) upon obtaining a wager request from a user for joining a game and/or for putting a certain wager at a certain table, automated associating said request with one of or more of said risk management groups; c) automated obtaining data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said associated one or more risk management groups respectively, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status, thus giving rise to wagering data per risk management groups; d) processing said obtained wagering data, thus giving rise to current risks calculated per respective risk management groups in accordance with accommodated rules; e) automated comparing the calculated one or more current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups; f) automated generating one or more instructions in accordance with, at least, comparing outcome, said instruction and/or derivatives thereof to be executed by at least one element from a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit.

Description

A COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR BACCARAT-TYPE GAMING AND A METHOD

OF OPERATING THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to computerized gaming over a communication network, and more particularly to a system and method for computerized baccarat-type gaming.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computerized baccarat-type games (as, by way of non-limiting example, mini-baccarat, 7seats-baccarat, progressive baccarat, in-running baccarat, VIP baccarat and other games characterized in a similar way of a bettor's selection and wagering on a possible outcome) over a communication network are well known in prior art. The games may be implemented in various ways known in the art as disclosed, for example, in the following patents and patent applications:

US Patent No. 5,800,268 discloses a method by which a player may participate in a live casino game from a location remote from the casino. A player establishes an information link with a casino from an interface station including a video monitor and keypad. In response to the player's entry of financial account information, the casino establishes an information line with the player's financial institution. The casino assigns the player to a gaming table at which a "live" game is occurring, transmitting all images of game play and instructions to the player. The player transmits bet and game play information to the casino. Because of the open line between the casino and player's financial institution, bets are checked, winnings paid, and losses debited, instantaneously.

US Patent No. 6,755,741 discloses a gambling game system comprising a central station including a plurality of betting-type game devices, and an electronic camera for each game device. A plurality of player stations are remotely located with respect to the central stations, each one including a monitor for displaying a selected game device at the central station, and input means for selecting a game device and for placing a bet by a player at the player's station relating to an action involving an element of change to occur at the selected game device. US Patent No. 6,969,320 discloses a back office system comprising one or more central computers. Each central computer stores a number of game records with each game record representing a play in a game. A database computer included in the back office system maintains an account for each authorized player in the gaming system. A casino floor system is operatively connected for communication with the back office system and includes a number of player terminals through which players may participate in various games offered in the gaming system. Each player terminal in the casino floor system is serviced by one central computer in the back office system. Each player terminal allows a player to log in and make a request for a game play, and then communicates the entered game play request to the respective central computer servicing that particular player terminal. In response to the game play request from the player terminal, the central computer system reads a selected game record from the group -of game records stored in the back office system and identifies the result associated with the game record. The central computer also directs the database computer to change the player's account balance according to the game play request and result of the selected game record. The central computer also sends information regarding the game play result back to the player terminal, which then uses the information to notify the player of the result.

US Patent Application No. 2005/159212 discloses a method of monitoring of live games of chance via a remote device that includes both a system for transporting video feed of a live game of chance via a wireless or wired communication link to the remote device, a method of placing bets on the live game of chance over a secured wireless or wired communication link via the device, a method of calculating the result of the placed bet after the game transaction is complete, and a method of resolving betting account balances based on the results of the bets. Embodiments of the invention comprise apparatus forming a part of a gaming network or system including any live game of chance, a server for coordinating game play, storage of all data, and resolving account balances with the house account system, and remote devices for monitoring game play and placing bets.

US Patent Application No. 2007/032283 discloses a method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games with an option for betting insurance.

US Patent Application No. 2007/015583 discloses a system capable of monitoring players in a game, extracting player and game operator data, allowing remote players to participate in betting in the live game and processing the data. The system captures relevant actions and/or the results of relevant actions of one or more players and one or more game operators in a game, such as a casino game. Remote gaming is implemented by capturing data from a live game, receiving a request for a remote game session associated with the live game, and providing a remote game session associated with the live game to the remote player. The data extracted can be processed and presented to aid in game security, player and game operator progress and history, etc.

US Patent Application No. 2008/045287 discloses a system and method for facilitating play of a game of chance by multiple players at multiple locations using a virtual card deck. The system includes a plurality of terminals at the multiple locations, the terminals receiving wagers from the plurality of players, the plurality of terminals issuing tickets to the plurality of players. Each ticket includes a respective player hand chosen from the virtual card deck and an identification code uniquely identifying the ticket. The system includes a plurality of displays at the multiple locations, the displays displaying a shared community hand chosen from the virtual card deck. The system includes a server in communication with the plurality of terminals and the plurality of displays. The server selects a set of removed cards from the virtual card deck prior to issuing tickets for the game. The server receives an indication of each player's wager from a terminal and responsively provides a respective unique identification number and a respective player hand for inclusion on the ticket delivered to the player, each player hand chosen from the virtual card deck but not from the set of removed cards. The server selects the shared community hand from the set of removed cards and communicates the shared community hand to the plurality of displays for display. The server determines if a ticket is a winning ticket in accordance with predetermined game rules, based on the player hand included on the ticket and the shared community hand.

US Patent Application No. 2008/076499 discloses an information display system for baccarat having multiple columns to indicate for up to a predetermined number of previous hands, the winning hand of each previous hand, including if the hand was won by a natural hand, and if the hand resulted in a tie. The display may also show the number obtained by each side in a hand. Further, the display will indicate the last hand dealt from a shoe or includes a reset to start display of hands from a new shoe. In addition, there is provided input means to a computer for storage of information to display, and a printing device to print at least some of the information displayed on the display. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Baccarat is a popular casino game where each bettor can make one of the following wagers: 1) that the banker hand will win; 2) that the player hand will win; or 3) that the banker hand and the player hand will tie. The bettor receives even money for Ms wager if he selects the winning hand or side and loses his wager if he selects the losing hand or side. The term "baccarat-type games" used in this patent specification shall be expansively construed to include any game and/or gambling characterized in that a bettor may select and wager on one possible outcome among a plurality of all possible outcomes of a certain event, all of such outcomes being mutually exclusive, while the bettor has no impact on favorableness of the outcome.

One of the major issues when managing a baccarat-type game is to control a risk of a game operator (e.g. a casino and/or a group of casinos) to exposure. The risk may be controlled by managing a number of players at one or more tables and/or managing wagering amounts on certain games and/or for certain players and/or groups thereof. Accordingly, the number of players at the table(s) and/or the wagered amount shall be managed in a manner that a real risk shall not exceed the allowable risk limits.

In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a computerized system for baccarat-type gaming configured to be used in a network environment and comprising a gaming server operatively coupled to a billing unit and a storage unit, the method comprising:

setting and accommodating a configuration comprising one or more predefined and/or configurable risk management groups with assigned respective allowable risks and rules of calculating a current risk per risk management groups;

- upon obtaining a wager request from a user for joining a game and/or for putting a certain wager at a certain table, automated associating said request with one of or more of said risk management groups;

- automated obtaining data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said associated one or more risk management groups respectively, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status, thus giving rise to wagering data per risk management groups; - processing said obtained wagering data, thus giving rise to current risks calculated per respective risk management groups in accordance with accommodated rules;

automated comparing the calculated one or more current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups;

- automated generating one or more instructions in accordance with, at least, comparing outcome, said instruction and/or derivatives thereof to be executed by at least one element from a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, there is provided a computerized system for baccarat-type gaming comprising a gaming server operatively coupled to a billing unit and a storage unit, wherein the system further comprises a control module operatively coupled to at least one element of a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit; wherein

- at least one element of said group is configured to provide data related to a wager request to the control module, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status;

the control module is configured:

o to accommodate a configuration comprising one or more predefined and/or configurable risk management groups with assigned respective allowable risks and rules of calculating a current risk per risk management groups;

o to associate said wager request with one of or more of said risk management groups and to obtain data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said associated one or more risk management groups respectively, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status, thus giving rise to wagering data per risk management groups;

o to process said obtained wagering data, thus giving rise to current risks calculated per respective risk management groups in accordance with accommodated rules; o to compare the calculated one or more current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups;

o to generate one or more instructions in accordance with, at least, comparing outcome, said instruction and/or derivatives thereof to be executed by at least one element from a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention there is provided a controle module configured as above.

In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the risk may be calculated as a function of a difference between total values of wagers on alternative outcomes. The wagering data are obtained upon receiving at least one of the following: a new wager request, a new joining request, certain number of requests, requests for a certain total wager value. The generated instructions may be related to an authorization of the wager request; stopping the wagering by a current player; preventing new users from joining the game and/or table; limiting a value of an allowable wager; providing joining and/or wagering preferences among pending wagering requests; and/or suggesting different win/lose rates for different wagers depending on status and/or expected outcome and/or other aspects related to managing number of players per table/game/casinos or wagering values.

In accordance with further aspects of the present invention the accommodated configuration may comprise risk management groups arranged in a hierarchical manner, each level of hierarchy is characterized by respective allowable risks. Accordingly, the method further comprises (and the system and/or module are configured to enable it accordingly):

- recognizing risk management groups with hierarchical levels higher than a level of at least one associated risk management group;

- automated obtaining data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said recognized risk management groups respectively,

- calculating hierarchical current risks per respective recognized risk management groups; - automated comparing the calculated hierarchical current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups;

wherein automated generating one or more instructions is provided in accordance with , final comparing outcome accomplished over the recognized risk management groups.

In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the method further comprises (and the system and/or module are configured to enable it accordingly):

upon receiving a non-favorable comparison outcome, calculating a current risk and comparing with respective allowable risk also for one or more risk management group which are not associated with said wager request in order to recognize a risk management group where said wager request may be allowable, and facilitating advising the user accordingly.

Among advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention is enabling managing baccarat-type games in accordance with differential risk limits, thus increasing the number of allowed players wagering simultaneously.

Among other advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention is enabling managing the baccarat-type games while accounting on-line and land-based wagers.

Among other advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention is enabling managing the baccarat-type gaming in accordance with risk allowable for each group in hierarchical structure (for example company - casino — game — table).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, certain embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a generalized network environment where the present invention may be implemented;

Fig. 2 illustrates a generalized functional block diagram of a gaming system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention; and Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic flowchart of a method of operating the gaming system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions Utilizing terms such as "processing",

"computing", "calculating", "determining", "generating", "recognizing", "setting", "selecting",

"configuring", "associating" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes provided by any combination of software hardware and firmware that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data, similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

The processes/devices presented herein are not inherently related to any particular electronic component or other apparatus, unless specifically stated otherwise. Various general purpose components may be used in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method. The desired structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the inventions as described herein.

The references cited in the background teach many principles of implementing and managing computerized baccarat-type network games that are applicable to the present invention. Therefore the full contents of these publications are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background. Bearing this in mind, attention is drawn to Fig. 1 illustrating a generalized network environment wherein the present invention may be implemented. The illustrated network environment comprises a plurality of game clients 10 operatively coupled to a game server 13 comprised in a gaming system 12. The game clients may be associated with any device having input and display capabilities (e.g. personal computer, workstation, PDA, mobile phone, WebTV device, wagering machine, land-base gaming machine, etc.) and capable to communicate with the game server 13 directly or via communication network 11 (e.g.

Wireline or Wireless Public Telephone Networks, Internet, Intranet, cable network, etc.).

Optionally, such a device may further have a video capturing capabilities device and/or audio output capabilities.

The game clients may be downloaded to the respective device and/or accessed with the help of such a device from the web via a web browser. In certain embodiments of the invention the device shall be also capable to execute at least part of a gaming application. In certain embodiments of the invention the game clients may be directly associated with the gaming system 12 (e.g. a game system in a land-based casino may support one or more directly associated clients).

In certain embodiments of the invention there may be provided an exchange of live video/audio inputs between the clients (and/or associated devices) and the game server. A part of the respective display capabilities may be reserved for the showing of the video image of the other players and/or dealer.

The game server 13 is configured to receive input data from one or more game clients, to execute logic of one or more certain games accordingly, and to report outcome(s) to the game clients in accordance with gaming principles and rules. Server 13 may be configured as a server-side gaming application, wherein each gaming client 10 may be configured to execute the corresponding client-side. The sharing of functions between the game server and the game clients may vary depending on the game and implementation thereof, for example the game client may provide only functions of input/output and/or additionally execute certain programs related to output graphics and/or additionally execute part or all programs related to a game logic and exchange the data with the game server, etc. The server and client applications may comprise software components written in any appropriate programming language such as, by way of non-limiting example, C, C#, C++, Java, VB, VB .Net, or the like, and developed under any appropriate development environment, such as, by way of non- limiting example, Visual Studio.Net, J2EE or the like. It will be appreciated that server and/or the clients can alternatively be implemented as firmware ported for a certain processor such as, by way of non-limiting example, digital signal processor (DSP) or microcontrollers, or can be implemented as hardware or configurable hardware such as, by way of non-limiting example, field programmable gate array (FPGA) or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The game system further comprises a storage unit 15 operatively coupled to the game server 13. The storage unit is configured to accommodate all necessary information related to the games and users, including configuration of the game server (e.g. available games, game limits, etc.), users data and profiles, subscription management data and subscriber management (e.g. data related to opening an account for a user, closing an account, allowing a user to add or withdraw funds from an account, changing the user's address or personal identification number, etc.), session histories, detailed game results, monetary transactions, statistical data, etc. By way of non-limiting example, user-related data may include the user's name, address, age, gender, marital status, number of children, salary, occupation, hobbies and preferences or any other personal data. Additionally, user-related data may include data related to the gaming of certain users, for example, number and sums of wagers during the former week, favorite fields of games, sum of money won, bonuses, etc.

The game system further comprises a billing unit 14 operatively coupled to the game server 13 and the storage unit 15. In certain embodiments of the invention the billing unit may be also operatively coupled to the game clients. The billing unit is configured to accommodate and to manage user accounts and to enable performing of monetary transactions in accordance with data received from the game server, the storage unit and, optionally, the user. Gaming server 13 is further configured to obtain (directly, via the billing unit or otherwise) wagers which the users put through the game clients and to enable informing the client on the occurrence of one or more game-related events and rewarding a user's account according to the results of events.

The gaming system may comprise other servers (not shown) operatively coupled to the storage unit 15, as, by way of non-limiting example, security server, balancer, management server, live game server and others. The servers are configured to exchange data with the storage unit 15 and/or gaming server 13. In a "live game" embodiments of the gaming system may further comprise a publishing server 16 operatively coupled to the storage unit and configured to obtain lobby information (e.g. images of a play, etc.) to the game client.

Note that the invention is not bound by the specific architecture described with reference to Fig. 1. Those versed in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is, likewise, applicable to any network architecture facilitating computerized network-based baccarat-type gaming.

Referring now to Fig. 2, there is illustrated a generalized functional block diagram of the gaming system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

A gaming system 20 comprises operatively coupled game server 21 (and, optionally, not shown live game server which may also be a part of the game server), storage unit 23 and billing unit 22. Optionally, the game system also comprises publishing server 24. For purpose of illustration only, the following description is made with respect to the gaming server. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings of the present invention are applicable in a similar manner to the gaming server configured as a live game server and any combination and/or division of game server and live game server functionalities.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the gaming system further comprises a control module 25 operatively coupled to the game server 21, storage unit 23, billing unit 22 and, optionally, to the publishing server 24. As will be further detailed with reference to Fig. 3, the control module 25 is configured to control a number of players at one or more tables and/or acceptability of wagering values on certain games and/or for certain players and/or groups thereof in accordance with an allowable risk of exposure. Such risk of exposure defines a maximal monetary amount allowed to be paid as rewards or to otherwise lose by a risk casino(s) and/or groups thereof during one or more sessions of a game, one or more games, or other time units and is referred to hereinafter as "allowable risk". The allowable risks may differ for different groups of casino and/or different groups of games/tables (risk management groups). The control module is configured to obtain data characterizing the allowable risk. The allowable risk may be predetermined and/or configurable (e.g. by administrator) and/or calculated by the controlling module in accordance with predefined rule(s). The data related to allowable risk may be accommodated by the game server and/or storage unit and/or billing unit and/or the control module. The control module is further configured to obtain (typically from the game server) data related to requests from one or more users to participate in a certain game/table -with a certain wager characterized by its value and type (e.g. banker or hand). The control module is configured to obtain user-related data (e.g. authorization of user, association of requesting users with certain casino and/or groups thereof or otherwise defined group, etc.) and wager- related data (e.g. currency, user account-related data, transaction authorization, etc.) for each of obtained wager requests. As will be further detailed with reference to Fig. 3, the control module is further configured to process the obtained data and, depending on an outcome, to provide instructions to the game server and/or the billing unit and/or publishing server with regard to the request and to update the storage unit accordingly. The processing comprises calculating a current risk in accordance with the respective number of players and requested wagers, comparing the current risk and the allowed risk and defining, accordingly, acceptability of a certain request as, for example, joining of a certain user to a certain table (joining request) and/or putting a certain wager (wager request). The processing is provided in accordance with a set of predefined rules accommodated by the controlling module. Optionally these rules or part thereof may be accommodated by the game server and/or the storage unit.

Optionally, the control module may be further configured to select users to be allowed to join a certain table in accordance with value and types of respective wagers.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the game server is configured to recognize a user's request for joining the table and/or putting a certain wager and to inform the control module accordingly.

The billing unit is configured to provide (in pull and/or push mode) to the control module account-related data necessary for request authorization. In alternative embodiments of the present invention the control module may inform the billing unit with regard to acceptability of a wager request and the billing unit will provide authorization accordingly.

The storage unit is configured to provide (in pull and/or push mode) the control module with game-related data and user-related data necessary for associating the user with a certain group, such association necessary for selection of respective allowable risk and further processing. In certain embodiments of the invention the control module may be configured to request and obtain data related to the request and/or processing thereof from the game server and/or the billing unit and/or storage unit in accordance with in-between processing results based on data obtained in a push mode. Based on accommodated rules, the control module may pull the data from the same source it got the pushed data and/or from another source.

The game server and/or the billing unit and/or publishing server are further configured to receive the instructions from the control module, and to enable interaction with the users accordingly. Such interactions may include alerting, presenting certain data, preventing certain user's actions, interactive dialog with the user, etc. In certain embodiments the control module may be also be configured to generate an alert to respective users (already playing users and/or requesting to join) about currently allowable value and/or type of wager, available tables, etc. The alert may be also addressed to a casino administrator notifying about the current and/or expected situation based on the processing results. The interaction (including alerting) may be provided via the game client 10 and/or via external system(s)' as, by way of non-limited example, phone or Internet.

The billing unit is further configured to update the players' accounts in accordance with the authorized wager request (e.g. deduct respective commission).

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is not bound by the configuration of Fig. 2; equivalent functionality may be consolidated or divided in another manner. In different embodiments of the invention the functional units and/or parts thereof may be placed in a single or in multiple geographical locations (including duplication for high-availability); operative connections between the units and within the units may be implemented directly or indirectly, including remote connection. The connections may be provided via Wire-line, Wireless, cable, Internet, Intranet, power, satellite or other networks and/or using any communication standard, system and/or protocol and variants or evolution thereof. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments. The gaming system of the present invention may be also fully or partly integrated with different systems, including 3rd party equipment.

Those skilled in the art will also readily appreciate that the storage unit and the data accommodated therein may be divided between different parts of the gaming system in various manners. The accommodated data or part thereof may also be shared with other systems, including 3rd party equipment. Referring now to Fig. 3, there is provided a generalized flowchart of operating the gaming system. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention the operation starts with pre-setting (300) one or more risk management groups (RGM), respective allowable risks and rules of calculating the current risk. Table 1 illustrates non- limiting example of setting various risk management groups for several land-based and online casinos associated with company XXX.

Table 1. Risk management groups with assigned allowable risks

The risk management groups may be arranged in accordance with certain casinos (land- based and online) and/or games and/or tables or otherwise and allowable risks may be assigned accordingly. The RMGs and respective allowable risks may be arranged in a hierarchical manner, wherein each level of hierarchy is characterized by respective allowable risks. By way of non-limiting example, total allowable risk assigned to the tables 1-5 of 7seats baccarat game is 25000, however total allowable risk over all tables comprised in the group B is limited as 30000, yet the entire allowable risk over all groups comprised in the company

XXX is limited by 50000 Rules of calculating (e.g. calculating per differentiation or per maximum value as illustrated in the table) the current risk(s) may also differ for different risk management groups and may be related to certain table and/or game and/or casino and/or any combination thereof

Upon receiving (301) a request from a user for joining a certain table and/or for putting a certain wager at a certain table, the gaming system associates (302) the request with one of the pre-arranged risk management group. The association may be provided in different manners as, by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with a user's selection of certain

RMG (and/or associated casino) during a registration process, in accordance with user-related data accommodated at the storage unit (e.g. known association with certain casino) or otherwise. In certain embodiments of the invention the user may be associated for more than one different risk management group. For example, the user may be associated with RGM selected per user's casino, per requested table (users from different on-line casinos may play at the same table), etc.

The game system further obtains (303) data with regard to substantially all current wager requests within said associated one or more RMGs₅ said data comprising values of such requests in the respective RMGs and status of the requests (allowed and waiting respective game results or pending before allowance). In certain embodiments of the invention in baccarat-type games, said wager requests are also characterized by expected outcomes (e.g. wager on a banker or on a player). In certain embodiments of the invention such data may be obtained by the control module (in pull and/or push mode), from the storage unit (e.g. data related to the allowed wager requests) and from the game server (e.g. data related to the pending wager requests). The data may be obtained upon receiving a new wager request, a new joining request, certain number of requests, requests for a certain total wager value and/or upon other event.

The gaming system further processes the obtained data related to wager requests, thus providing current risk calculations (304) in accordance with predefined rules.

There are several methods of determining the risk. For example, in case the total rewards that would be paid due to one possible result of an event is $40 and the total rewards that would be paid due to another result of the same event is $140, the risk may be calculated as the maximal reward, i.e. $140, the average of rewards, i.e. $90, the difference of rewards i.e. $100, or other function of the rewards associated with more than one event. The risk can be determined by multiplying possible rewards by a probability of respective results. For example, in case the probability for a first result is 0.3 and the possible rewards for the first result are $100, while the probability for a second result is 0.7 and the possible rewards for the second result are $200, the risk may be obtained as a weighted average $0.3*100$+0.7*200$~I70. The risk may be determined as a function of one or more parameters relating to the wagers or to the users or to the gaming environment. The parameters are selected amongst others from the total sum of wagers, the number of users connected to the gaming environment, number of users placing money on the result of one or more games, average sum of wagers, rates of one or more wagers, type of one or more games on which users place their money, and others. Other parameters may relate to the above list, such as age, location of the game or residence of one or more users. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, in baccarat-type gaming the risk may be calculated as a function of a difference between total values (or weighted total value) of wagers on alternative outcomes (e.g. between wagers to a 'Player' and the wagers to a 'Banker')- '

The calculated current risk is further compared (305) to the predefined allowable risk and the respective instructions are generated (306) in accordance with comparing outcome. The comparing may be provided between the risk values and/or derivations thereof. For example, the current risk may be compared to a function of the allowable risk. In certain embodiments of the invention this function may be updated in accordance with certain rules (e.g. according to the number of users placing money on specific results, according to the financial status of the gaming institute, the result of one or more events, and the like). The comparison can be done, for example, by the control module or by gaming server configured to receive calculated current risk from the control module.

Calculation and comparison operations in baccarat-type games may be illustrated by following a non-limiting example. The allowable risk is $10,000, the current "player" bets are

$15,000, and the current "banker" bets are $13,000. The calculated current risk is ($15,000 -

$13,000) = $2,000. Accordingly the players are allowed to place further bets, hi case a player at the table raises his bet by $5000 on the banker, the calculated current risk is $18,000-

$15,000=$3,000. Hence there is a $7,000 gap between current calculated risk and the allowable risk and further bets are still allowable. In case the calculated current risk(s) is lower than the allowable risk(s) or derivation thereof, the generated instructions may be related to allowance of joining requests and/or wager requests.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the calculation of risks and comparison outcome is provided for all multiple RMGs associated with certain user. Allowance may be provided if the calculated risk is lower than any of allowable risks associated with the respective RMGs. Alternatively or additionally, for hierarchical RMGs the calculation of risks is provided for all RMGs with hierarchy higher than the RMG associated with a certain user, comparison is provided between current risk calculated for RMG of certain hierarchical level and respective allowable risk. The instructions are generated in accordance with final outcome compared over all respective RMGs.

In case the calculated current risk(s) is higher than the allowable risk(s) or derivation thereof, the generated instructions may be related, for example, to stopping the wagering, to preventing new users from joining and/or to limiting the sum players can place as wager, to disallowing a player to increase the wager, or the like. The generated instructions may be also related to providing joining/wagering preferences among pending wagering requests.

The instructions may be also related to suggesting different win/lose rates between the money placed and the reward for different games or different results in order to decrease the risk. For example, in case the risk associated with a first result is higher than the compare value, the gaming server or administrator can significantly increase the winning rate offered to players for placing a wager on another result. A tills step may encourage users to place money on other results, and thus balance the possible rewards that may be paid to the users if any of the results occurs. For example, in case the total sum of rewards for result A to take place is $100 and the total sum of rewards for result B to take place is $150, the gaming institute may wish to increase the wagers placed on result A. This can be done, for example by increasing the winning rates for result A. In another example, if the maximal value is

- $25,000 and each of 100 users places $250 on the same result of an event, then the wager may be terminated other players may be prevented from wagering on that event, and "close" the gaming for the event. In other exemplary embodiments, the wager may be terminated before the sum reaches the maximal value, according to predetermined conditions, such as 90% of the maximal value. In certain embodiments of the invention, when the wager is not allowable, the current risk may be calculated and compared with respective allowable risk also for RMGs which are not associated with a certain wager request. Accordingly, the gaming system may recognize table, game, casino and/or group where a certain request may be allowable, and to advise the user accordingly.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is not bound by the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3; equivalent functions may be consolidated or divided in another manner, and sequence of some operations may be changed when appropriate. It shall be also noted that in certain embodiments of the present invention one or more players may be simulated by the game system; the dealer's functions may be provided by the game system and/or by a human dealer followed by transmitting respective images and/or results to the players.

The following numbered paragraphs define some embodiments of the invention: 1. A method of managing risks in an at least one session of an at least one game played in a gaming environment, the method comprising:

(a) obtaining an at least one maximal value associated with the at least one session or with the at least one game;

(b) collecting wagers from an at least one user, said wagers placed on an at least one result of an at least one event related to the at least one game; (c) determining a risk value associated with the wagers, with the at least one session, with the at least one game, or with the gaming environment;

(d) comparing the risk value to a compare value, said compare value being a function of the maximal value; and

(e) determining whether the risk value is higher than the compare value. 2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the maximal value is a function of rewards paid to the at least one user according to results related to the at least one game or related to the at least one event on which the at least one user placed a wager. 3. The method according to embodiments 1 or 2, further comprising a step of issuing a notification notifying that the risk value is higher than the compare value. 4. The method according to embodiment 3, wherein the notification is issued to an entity selected from the group consisting of: an administrator of the gaming environment, an at least one user, a governmental institute, a business partner of the gaming environment, a gaming operator, and a combination thereof. 5. The method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, further comprising a step of performing an at least one action associated with the at least one game in case the risk value is higher than the compare value.

6. The method according to embodiment 5, wherein the at least one action is selected from a group consisting of limiting the sum of money placed as a wager, limiting the number of the at least one user, limiting the currency used when placing the at least one wager, type of game on which the at least one wager is placed and a combination thereof.

7. The method according to embodiment 5, wherein the at least one action is preventing the at least one user from changing the wagers. 8. The method according to any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the steps of determining the risk value according to the wagers and comparing the risk value to a compare value are performed every predetermined period of time.

9. The method according to any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the steps of determining the risk according to the wagers and comparing the risk to a compare value are performed after a predetermined sum of wagers was placed or after a predetermined number of events occurred.

10. The method according to any one of embodiments 1-9 further comprising a step of encouraging users to place wagers on an at least one specific event or at least one specific result. 11. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 - 10, further comprising a step of allowing an at least one wager after determining that the risk value is higher than the compare value, if the risk value is decreased by the at least one wager.

12. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 - 11, further comprising a step of updating the risk value or the maximal value during wagering. 13. The method according to any one of embodiments 11 - 12, wherein the risk value is the sum of rewards paid to the users according to the results of at least one event. 14. The method according to any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the risk value is the difference between the sum of rewards paid to the users according to the results of at least one event and the sum of money earned by a gaming operator. 15. The method according to any one of the embodiments in claims 1-14, wherein the wagers are collected via a computerized network.

16. The method according to any one of the embodiments in claims 1 - 15, wherein the compare value is determined on parameters selected from the group consisting of: number of users, number of events, events type, residence of users, rate of at least one wager, currency, maximal wager, time units, time in a day, minimal wager, and a combination of the above.

17. A control module for managing risks in a gaming environment ,the control module comprising: (a) an input module;

(b) an output module; and

(c) a processing module adapted to determine an at least one risk as a function of an at least one wager and possible rewards.

18. The control module according to embodiment 17, further comprising an at least one storage device for storing data for determining the at least one risk.

19. The control module according to embodiment 18, wherein the data for determining the at least one risk is selected from the group consisting of: gaming history, users' personal details, wagers, users' financial status, number of users, field of the game, users' residence, managing institute or residence, total sum of wagers, number of users connected to the gaming environment, average sum of wagers, rates of one or more wagers, and type of one or more games on which users place money.

20. The control module according to the embodiment in claim 17, further comprising an alert mechanism for providing a notice when the at least one risk is higher than a compare value, said compare value is determined by an entity of the gaming environment. 21. The control module according to the embodiment in claim 20, wherein the risk value and the compare value depend on a factor selected from the group consisting of: time, location, language and currency, according to number of users, wagers, and a function thereof. 22. The control module according to embodiment 20, further comprising a gaming server for determining the compare value.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. It should be noted that the invention is not bound by the specific algorithm of processing or specific data structure. Those versed in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is, likewise, applicable to any other processing or presentation with equivalent and/or modified functionality which may be consolidated or divided in another manner. It will also be understood that the invention further contemplates a machine-readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for executing the method of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of operating a computerized system for baccarat-type gaming configured to be used in a network environment and comprising a gaming server operatively coupled to a billing unit and a storage unit, the method comprising:

a) setting and accommodating a configuration comprising one or more predefined and/or configurable risk management groups with assigned respective allowable risks and rules of calculating a current risk per risk management groups;

b) upon obtaining a wager request from a user for joining a game and/or for putting a certain wager at a certain table, automated associating said request with one of or more of said risk management groups;

c) automated obtaining data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said associated one or more risk management groups respectively, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status, thus giving rise to wagering data per risk management groups;

d) processing said obtained wagering data, thus giving rise to current risks calculated per respective risk management groups in accordance with accommodated rules;

e) automated comparing the calculated one or more current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups;

f) automated generating one or more instructions in accordance with, at least, comparing outcome, said instruction and/or derivatives thereof to be executed by at least one element from a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein the risk is calculated as a function of a difference between total values of wagers on alternative outcomes.

3. The method of Claims 1 or 2 wherein said wagering data are obtained upon receiving at least one of the following: a new wager request, a new joining request, certain number of requests, requests for a certain total wager value.

4. The method of any one of Claims 1 - 3 wherein the generated instructions are related to an authorization of the wager request.

5. The method of any one of Claims 1 -4 wherein the generated instructions are related to at least one of the following:

a) stopping the wagering by a current player;

b) preventing new users from joining the game and/or table;

c) limiting a value of an allowable wager;

d) providing joining and/or wagering preferences among pending wagering requests; and

e) suggesting different win/lose rates for different wagers depending on status and/or expected outcome.

6. The method of any one of Claims 1 - 5 wherein the accommodated configuration comprises risk management groups arranged in a hierarchical manner, each level of hierarchy is characterized by respective allowable risks, the method further comprising:

a) recognizing risk management groups with hierarchical levels higher than a level of at least one associated risk management group;

b) automated obtaining data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said recognized risk management groups respectively,

c) calculating hierarchical current risks per respective recognized risk management groups;

d) automated comparing the calculated hierarchical current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups;

wherein automated generating one or more instructions is provided in accordance with final comparing outcome accomplished over the recognized risk management groups.

7. Method of any one of Claims 1- 6 further comprising:

a) upon receiving a non-favorable comparison outcome, calculating a current risk and comparing with respective allowable risk also for one or more risk management group which are not associated with said wager request in order to recognize a risk management group where said wager request may be allowable, and

b) facilitating advising the user accordingly.

8. A computer program comprising computer program code means for performing all the steps of Claims 1-7 when said program is run on a computer.

9. A computer program as claimed in Claim 8 embodied on a computer readable medium.

10. A computerized system for baccarat-type gaming comprising a gaming server operatively coupled to a billing unit and a storage unit, wherein the system further comprises a control module operatively coupled to at least one element of a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit; wherein

a) at least one element of said group is configured to provide data related to a wager request to the control module, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status;

b) the control module is configured:

i) to accommodate a configuration comprising one or more predefined and/or configurable risk management groups with assigned respective allowable risks and rules of calculating a current risk per risk management groups;

ii) to associate said wager request with one of or more of said risk management groups and to obtain data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said associated one or more risk management groups respectively, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status, thus giving rise to wagering data per risk management groups;

iii) to process said obtained wagering data, thus giving rise to current risks calculated per respective risk management groups in accordance with accommodated rules;

iv) to compare the calculated one or more current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups; v) to generate one or more instructions in accordance with, at least, comparing outcome, said instruction and/or derivatives thereof to be executed by at least one element from a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit.

11. The system of Claim 10 wherein the risk is calculated as a function of a difference between total values of wagers on alternative outcomes.

12. The system of Claims 10 or 11 wherein the generated instructions are related to at least one of the following:

a) authorizing the wager request;

b) stopping the wagering by a current player;

c) preventing new users from joining the game and/or table;

d) limiting a value of an allowable wager;

e) providing joining and/or wagering preferences among pending wagering requests; and

f) suggesting different win/lose rates for different wagers depending on status and/or expected outcome.

13. The system of any one of Claims 10 - 12 wherein the accommodated configuration comprises risk management groups arranged in a hierarchical manner, each level of hierarchy is characterized by respective allowable risks, and the control module is further configured:

a) to recognize risk management groups with hierarchical levels higher than a level of at least one associated risk management group;

b) to obtain data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said recognized risk management groups respectively,

c) to calculate hierarchical current risks per respective recognized risk management groups;

d) to compare the calculated hierarchical current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups; wherein one or more instructions are generated in accordance with final comparing outcome accomplished over the recognized risk management groups.

14. A control module configured to be used with a computerized system for baccarat-type gaming comprising a gaming server operatively coupled to a billing unit and a storage unit, wherein the control module operatively coupled to at least one element of a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit; and configured:

a) to accommodate a configuration comprising one or more predefined and/or configurable risk management groups with assigned respective allowable risks and rules of calculating a current risk per risk management groups;

b) to obtain a wager request and associate said request with one of or more of said risk management groups and to obtain data with regard to substantially all current wager requests corresponding to said associated one or more risk management groups respectively, said data comprising wager values of the respective requests, their expected outcome and status, thus giving rise to wagering data per risk management groups, said data to be obtained from at least one element of said group;

c) to process said obtained wagering data, thus giving rise to current risks calculated per respective risk management groups in accordance with accommodated rules;

d) to compare the calculated one or more current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups;

e) to generate one or more instructions in accordance with, at least, comparing outcome, said instruction and/or derivatives thereof to be executed by at least one element from a group comprising the gaming server, the billing unit and the storage unit.

15. The module of Claim 14 wherein the risk is calculated as a function of a difference between total values of wagers on alternative outcomes.

16. The module of Claims 14 or 15 wherein the generated instructions are related to at least one of the following:

a) authorizing the wager request;

b) stopping the wagering by a current player; c) preventing new users from joining the game and/or table;

d) limiting a value of an allowable wager;

17. The module of any one of Claims 14 - 16 wherein the accommodated configuration comprises risk management groups arranged in a hierarchical manner, each level of hierarchy is characterized by respective allowable risks, and the module is further configured:

d) to compare the calculated hierarchical current risks with respective accommodated allowable risks corresponding to the assigned risk management groups;

wherein one or more instructions are generated in accordance with final comparing outcome accomplished over the recognized risk management groups.