Computer networked game system utilizing subscription based membership and alternative methods of entry

• US 20060148567A1
• Filed: 12/30/2004
• Published: 07/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: MMJK LLC
• Inventors: Kellerman, Jason B., Marin, Marc E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,094,154 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/42
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3244 Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3255 Incentive, loyalty and/or promotion schemes, e.g. comps, gaming associated with a purchase, gaming funded by advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3276 wherein the players compete, e.g. tournament

Abstract

A computer networked, multi-user game system utilizing subscription based membership and alternative methods of entry, as well as the award of prizes of immediate value to the winner is described. A game tournament is hosted by a game server computer coupled to client computers operated by participating players. The games offered are games that involve elements of both skill and chance and require active player participation and decision making. A subscription-based membership is established for each player by charging a fee for a pre-determined membership time period. An alternative method of entry is provided to allow non-subscription players to participate in the tournament without payment of the fee. The non-subscribing players receive equal access to the games and at least the same chance of winning as the subscribing players, but are limited to a single entry per game or tournament. The game server hosts at least one game or tournament within the period, and players are potentially eliminated until a winning player and any runner-up players are determined. A prize pool is disbursed to the winning players in the form of cash, cash-equivalent notes, or prizes that have inherent and immediate value.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of allowing a plurality of players to play a game over a computer network, the method comprising the steps of:

establishing a subscription-based membership for each player of the plurality of players by charging each player a fee for a pre-determined membership time period;

hosting at least one game tournament for subscription-based players for a game that has elements of both chance and skill during the membership time period, the tournament consisting of at least one game round, each game round potentially eliminating one or more participant players until a winning player and one or more runner-up players are determined, wherein each player is required to make playing choices throughout the game;

establishing a prize pool for the tournament;

providing a means for allowing a non-subscription player to participate in the tournament without payment of the fee by submitting information relating to the non-subscription player prior to the hosting of the tournament, wherein the non-subscription player is limited to one entry per tournament; and

disbursing the prize pool to the winning player and any eligible runner-up players in the form of prizes that have immediate value, subsequent to completion of the tournament.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the game tournament is managed by a game administrator operating a game server computer coupled to one or more client computers operated by the participating players.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the computer network comprises the Internet.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the game comprises a card game.

5. A computer-implemented method of allowing a plurality of players to play a game over a computer network, the method comprising the steps of:

establishing a subscription-based membership for each player of the plurality of players by charging each player a fee for a pre-determined membership time period;

hosting at least one game tournament for subscription-based players for a game that has elements of both chance and skill during the membership time period, the tournament consisting of at least one game round, each game round potentially eliminating one or more participant players until a winning player and one or more runner-up players are determined, wherein each player is required to make playing choices throughout the game;

establishing a prize pool for the tournament;

distributing a fixed number of tokens to each player participating in the tournament for betting in the tournament, the fixed number not dependent upon any consideration provided by the player;

providing a means for allowing a non-subscription player to participate in the tournament without payment of the fee by submitting information relating to the non-subscription player prior to the hosting of the tournament, wherein the non-subscription player is limited to one entry per tournament;

distributing at least the same number of tokens to each non-subscription player participating in the tournament as each subscription player participating in the tournament, for betting in the tournament; and

disbursing the prize pool to the winning player and any eligible runner-up players in the form of prizes that have immediate value, subsequent to completion of the tournament.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the game tournament is managed by a game administrator operating a game server computer coupled to one or more client computers operated by the participating players.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the computer network comprises the Internet.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein the game is a card game.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the card game comprises poker.