WAGERING

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to methods of playing multi-player games with wagering in multiple iterations.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Golf is a sport wherein multiple players take turns hitting balls in order to reach a goal - the hole. While golf is very popular, it requires substantial skill and commitment in order to play well. In addition, an 18-hole round of golf takes approximately 3-5 hours, representing a significant time commitment.

[0003] Many persons who play golf recreationally often place some money at stake through betting. Common golf betting routines include Nassau (low score on front nine, low score on back nine, and low score for the full 18 holes) and Skins (each hole has a particular dollar amount and ties carry over the ' ^" pot" to the next hole). Variations can be applied in which a foursome is split into two teams, and those teams can play best ball (lowest score by a team, member represents the team's score on a hole), alternate shot (the players on a team alternate shots), or scramble (each player on a team plays a shot from the tee, and then each player plays a shot from the best position of the subsequent shots). There are numerous variations in the nature of betting golf, and the above list is not meant to be limiting or exclusive.

[0004] In fact, the United States Golf Association has a "handicap" or "index" system that prov ides golfers with a means of competing, and fairly betting, against each other even if they are not of equivalent ability. [0005] In recent years, one of the more popular games to bet, in general, has been poker, including the "Texas Hold 'Em"-style of poker, where bets can be placed in multiple stages of a given hand of poker.

[0006] Similar to the "Texas Hold 'Em"-style of poker in which each hand constitutes the basis for a betting system, golf bets are often based on a hole-by -hole scoring system. Thus, while not previously recognized, there may be some applicability of a "Texas Hold Έιη"- style betting system and a round of golf. The major drawback to this concept, however, is that a round of golf takes a long time to play, and many persons who might enjoy betting in a golf context are unable or unwilling to devote a half of a day to such an endeavor, but would rather have a more time-effective, casino-like application of a "Texas Hold Έην'-style betting system to golf.

[0007] To that end, with the advent of mobile applications and mobile games, it is now feasible to apply a "Texas Hold 'Em"-style betting system in a golf context in which an online, digital, electronic, mobile, or other similar platforms such as a virtual golf simulator or casino floor game, for a golf game can be infused with a betting scheme that is like "Texas Hold 'Em "-style poker betting.

[0008] With the immense popularity of golf, poker (including online poker), and online games, there is a need for a system and method of playing and betting golf that does not require a high skill level and time commitment needed for an actual golf game, but that maintains a high level of interest and enjoyment, and facilitates a betting scheme.

SUMMARY

[0009] The invention described herein is directed to a system and method of playing goal-oriented multiple-round games with wagering potentially involved in each round. The system and method comprises providing a computer application connecting players in a network wherein the players are capable of making wagers in multiple rounds of play, wherein each round of play advances each player towards a goal. Players win by reaching a goal in less iterations than other players, or by getting opponents to drop out of a game during betting sequences (i.e., folding).

[0010] More specifically, the invention described herein is directed to a system and method of playing a virtual, multi-player, golf game, featuring fictitious or actual golf courses, that includes the potential for wagering before each shot. The invention described herein may comprise an 18 hole round of virtual golf, but is not required to be 18 holes. Furthermore, each hole is independent in terms of wagering, and can be wagered in a "no limit" or "pot limit" context.

[0011] Prior to playing the game, each user may outfit his or her respective player with certain virtual golf equipment that may have its own characteristics that may affect shot outcome (e.g., distance, height, direction, spin).

[0012] Regarding the wagering process, for example, a four-person game can be played in which prior to teeing off on the first hole, two of the four players (which to they are may rotate) would pay an "ante" (the "small blind" and "big blind" in poker parlance), or all of the players could be required to pay an "ante"), and then each player could place a bet, call, or fold (although it would be unusual for a player to fold before any part of the hand is dealt, or any golf shot is hit in a virtual sense). Then, depending on the outcome of the initial tee shots, some players would be in better positions than others, and could increase the stakes, causing other players to fold, call, see the increased wager, or raise. Then, further shots on a given hole would be played, and the player with the lowest number of shots on a hole wins the pot. At the end of each hole, there is a resolution process in which the winner of the hole receives the "pot," and the other players have their accounts reconciled against what each lost. If there is a tie, the "pot" would be split among the winners of the hole. This process can be played out for each of the 8 holes on the virtual golf course. This process can also be augmented into a tournament format in winch multiple groups of four people can compete in a larger tournament in a bracket-type format, or a format in which the top money winners in a given round of the tournament would move on to the next round for further competition.

[0013] The virtual golf game described herein may be based on gaming skill, betting skill, or both. In one embodiment of the game, the players' shot outcomes are essentially randomized such that no gammg skill (i.e., ability to perform a physical manipulation of a mobile or other gaming device to hit a golf shot) is required, but betting skill is emphasized. In another embodiment of the game, the ability to perform a physical manipulation of a mobile or other gaming device may affect the golf shots played in terms of distance, direction, ball flight (draw or fade), and ball height (lower ball flight or higher ball flight). In yet another embodiment of the game, both gaming skill and betting skill may be required. Accordingly, there are at least several variations on the implementation of the game that would foster user enjoyment.

[0014] Regarding the essentially randomized shot outcomes, a random number generator may be used wherein a player actuates an element such as a digital button, digital wheel, or digital "rolierbali" to commence the golf shot, and upon such actuation, a random number generator generates a number that corresponds to an outcome for the shot. As set forth in greater detail below, there are numerous variables that can affect the shot outcomes base on the random number generator, and the random number generator can be correlated with specific shot outcomes based on the location and circumstances from where the shot is hit (e.g., fairway, rough, bunker, distance from hole).

[0015] Ultimately, based on the randomness, but specificity of possible shot outcomes, and the objective of obtaining the lowest score possible on a hole, the system described herein may be enabled with the capability of generating at each shot iteration a percentage likelihood of winning a given hole, thus, creating a risk-reward paradigm that will inform the player's wagering before a given shot. Furthermore, as the round progresses, and players' virtual (or real) cash fluctuates based on success or failure of wagering and playing earlier in the round, additional strategy regarding betting will exist.

[0016] Regarding the embodiment in which a physical manipulation is required to effectuate the golf shot, a digital "rollerball" or similar element may be used in which the velocity and direction of the spin of the digital "roilerbaU ^" ' may be measured and translated into a distance and direction for the golf shot. Player pre-sets for ball flight and ball height may also factor into the shot outcome.

[0017] In other embodiments of the game, whether one requiring gaming skill or not, additional permutations affecting success on a given hole may be applied. Such variations may include the presence of various cuts of rough (high grass) on the golf course, "plugged" lies in bunkers, green speeds, different types of grass (e.g., bermuda, kikuyu, zoysia), wind speed and direction, undulations (or breaks) on putting greens, playing a certain type of golf ball that is known to spin more or less or travel farther or shorter, using certain types of golf clubs that are known to have particular characteristics related to ball flight patterns. The presence of such conditions may be applied to the random number generator to affect the outcome of a given shot, and thus, a player's potential score on a hole.

[0018] Still further, it is envisioned that the golf courses used in conjunction with the invention described herein could be fictitious or virtual exemplars of real golf courses. Under either circumstance, the particular characteristics and terrain of the golf course could also be factored into the outcomes from the random number generator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplar}' environment in which the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0020] Figure 2A-2F show an exemplary computer implementation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a process in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figures 4A-4G show an exemplary computer implementation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 5 shows a high-level diagram of a computing device that may be used to implement various aspects of the present disclosure in certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the invention described herein may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0025] It will be understood thai, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first player could be termed a second player, and, similarly, a second player could be termed a first player, without departing from the scope of the invention described herein.

[0026] The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms ^" 'a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0027] In various embodiments, the method steps described herein, including the method steps described in Figure 3, may be performed in an order different from the particular order described or shown. In other embodiments, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described methods.

[0028] The system of the invention described herein combines a multiple iteration, multi- player game of chance for a computing device wherein each player attempts to reach a termination point before other players, wherein players have an opportunity to bet each round and each player advances based on the outcome of a random number generator. By way of example only, the invention described herein is described herein as implemented as a golf game.

[0029] More specifically, the system of the invention described herein combines a multiple iteration (each iteration corresponding to a virtual golf shot), multi-player game wherein each player attempts to score the lowest score relative to the other players on each golf hole. While players are playing a given hole, each player has the opportunity to bet at each iteration (i.e., each golf shot), with each player's score on a given hole is based on the outcome of a random number generator, and each player's monetary (virtual or real) on a given hole is based on how each wagered during the course of a hole, and cumulatively during the course of the game (i.e., round of golf).

[0030] The collective environment for the system, and method for playing the multiple iteration virtual golf game with wagering can be provided and accessed in a variety of forms. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 in which the present disclosure may be implemented. A plurality of computing devices 122, 124, 126, 132, 134, 136 using proprietary applications may communicate with each other, system server 142, system database 146, third party server 152, and/or third party database 154 in a computing environment in order to facilitate a method of playing the multiple round gambling golf game.

[0031] As illustrated in Figure 1, a first user at a computing device 122, 324, 126 having a proprietary computer application, accesses system servers 142 via a network 1 10. The servers 142 can provide multiple services. For example, the server 142 can provide interfaces for account creation, database access, third party social network access, game hosting, and other such features. The database 144 stores information, such as user information, social network, and virtual currency. The server 142 and database 144 could be accessible from computing devices via a network 1 10, such as the Internet or cellular network. While only- one server 142 and database 144 are depicted, multiple servers and databases may work together in a collective computing environment 140.

[0032] In some embodiments, the server comprises an application server for communication with computing devices 122, 124, 126, 132, 134, 136. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, tablets 122, 132, smartphones 124, 134, and desktop computers 126, 136 (or known variations thereof, such as laptop computers, phablets, and the like). In some embodiments, the computing device may include arcade cabinets or gambling machines in a casino connected via an internal network to an interaal server. In other embodiments, the computing device may include a golf simulator machine.

[0033] In some embodiments, the server interfaces with a digital contacts application and/or third pasty servers 152 of social networks in order to establish social contacts for connecting various users of the system. For example, after a user creates an account, a user can choose to import contact phone numbers from a mobile phone 124 or from a social network such as Facebook in order to find users to interact with on the social network.

[0034] Figures 2A-2F show examples of computer implementation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A illustrates an example home screen. As illustrated, the home screen comprises an option to join a match 202, a display of the user's virtual currency 204, and options to manage the user's user account. For example, the user may select a settings option 208 to view the user's profile and settings, a locker option 210 in order to customize an avatar (which may correspond to a fully clad golfer), a pro shop option 212 in order to vie and purchase goods or benefits, a social network option 214 to view and manage connections in a social media network, and a notice option to view the latest news and updates about the game, such as promotional events or daily challenges and rewards.

[0035] Figure 2B shows an exemplary embodiment of a settings tab of a user account. As illustrated, the settings tab may comprise a user profile. The user profile may comprise a user's name 220, a representative picture 222, a user's status or title 224, a user's progression level 226 through the game, statistics 228, and other information relating to the user account. As shown, a player may earn trophies 230 and badges 232 to display in the profile.

[0036] The user's progression level may reward the player with prizes. For example, each level may reward a player with trophies, badges, titles, customization options for the player's avatar, virtual currency, and/or qualifications to enter special promotional events. For example, in order to join a special tournament, a user may have to have attained a given level (e.g., level five) as a prerequisite for entering a particular tournament. In some embodiments, joining a special tournament may provide additional progression, achievements, and rewards. In other embodiments, virtual golf equipment (e.g., bails, clubs, etc.) may be available for purchase, and may be used to increase a user's level or ability if purchased or downloaded.

[0037] Additional features may be implemented in order to reward a player with progression or virtual currency. For example, as illustrated in Figure 2C, linking a user account to a social media network or taking surveys 234 may reward a user with benefits tied to the user account.

[0038] Figures 2D and 2E show example locker room and avatar customization options. As shown, the player may choose to customize an avatar 238 to represent the user when playing games with other people. The avatar 238 may have a name, and may have customizable features and accessories. For example, the avatar 238 may be modified by a selection of sex, skin, hair, shirts, pants, shoes, hats, gloves, golf clubs, golf balls, and the like. In some embodiments, customizable features are unlocked by advancing in the progression system. In some embodiments, customizable features are unlocked by specific tasks, such as winning five games in a row. In some embodiments, customizable features may be purchased through virtual currency and/or real currency. In some embodiments, customizable features may be won by participating and/or winning in special promotional events. In some embodiments, the avatar 238 may also be shared via social network. These customization features are prefatory to actually playing the game, but may be an important feature related to monetization of the application or creating "tie-ins ^' ' with known golf companies or facilities related to the golfing industry,

[0039] As shown in Figure 2F, a social network may also be used to allow a user to play ^¬ games with other members of the social network. In some embodiments, contact information may be imported from a user's phone or from a third party social network in order to invite players to the system. The contacts or friends are displayed in a friends list 240, Pending Invites are shown in a pending requests list 242. The friends list may be used to see which players are online and may be invited into a game of virtual golf. In some embodiments, a user may achieve rewards for successfully inviting a member of a social network to join the system.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, a game comprises a starting point, a bet sequence, a play- sequence, a termination condition or event (of which there is more than one type), and a resolution event. When users decide to begin a game, each user is put in a starting point with the other users before proceeding to game actions. After paying an initial ante into the pot, the players proceed to alternate between bet sequences and play sequences until a termination condition occurs. In this example embodiment, a termination condition occurs when one player remains during a bet sequence or a player reaches the goal during a play sequence. After a termination condition occurs, the pot is resolved at the resolution event and distributed to one or more winners. If the players choose to continue playing and meet the conditions of having the ante amount, they may continue on to a new game with a new starting point. In some embodiments, if the termination condition occurs during a play- sequence, players are given the option to continue the play sequence without bet sequences in order to end the hole. In some embodiments, the numbers of strokes per hole are aggregated into a final score. In some embodiments, folding during a bet sequence automatically- assigns a number of strokes for that hole.

LOBBY SEQUENCE

[0041] Prior to joining a virtual game described herein, users are put in a lobby sequence before proceeding. As shown in Figure 4A, a lobby allows the user to select what type of game to play. In some embodiments, the user may create a game 40 ! or join a game 403. Game selections may have customizable settings. For example, games may differ in buy-in amount, blind, minimum/maximum wagering limits, number of players, game type, and which players are in them. In some embodiments, the user is matched randomly with other users. In some embodiments, the user is matched with social network contacts. As shown, filters may allow a user to search for particular types of games, such as games that are not full 407, or games that include at least one friend on the user's friend list 405. In some embodiments, the user may search and enter into a larger tournament that requires multiple games to be played to determine an overall tournament winner.

STARTING POINT

[0042] Figure 4B shows an example starting point screen, in this case a hole commencement screen, representing the beginning of each hole. This hole commencement screen displays each player 402 currently playing the game, the ante amount 404 required to be part of the game (as to a particular hole), and an option to pay the ante 406. During this stage, some embodiments may include an option for pre-play wagering separate and apart from the ante and the bet sequence. In other words, players can make wagers prior to commencing play on a given hole.

[0043] The hole commencement screen also shows each player's ball position 432, the hole number 408, the par for the hole 410, the minimum required bet 412, and the distance of each player to the hole 414, and a visual depiction of the hole (from the perspective of where the user is on the hole, although other views such as overhead or perspective views are also contemplated). The hole commencement screen further shows each player's current cash on hand 418, the current pot 420, and amount of highest bet per bet sequence 422.

[0044] Figure 4C shows an example screen representing a hole in progress after players have paid the ante. The paid ante is deducted from the player's cash reserves 418 and is aggregated in the virtual pot 420. This screen also indicates the location of each player's hall 432 on the hole, the distance of the shot, and the chance to reach the hole 442. This screen may also have an optional further betting indication .

[0045] In some embodiments, the game proceeds to a bet sequence after the lobby sequence. In other embodiments, the game proceeds to a play sequence after the lobby- sequence. The game alternates between bet sequences and play sequences until a termination event occurs.

[0046] The pot holds the "ante" and the wagers that each player makes throughout the match, typically on a hole-by-hole basis. The pot is rewarded after a termination event occurs (i.e., the end of a given hole). A termination event occurs during the bet sequence if one player remains active, or if one player wins the hole. If more than one player, but less than all players, win the hole via a tie, the pot is divided evenly amongst those players. If all players tie on a hole, the pot may be evenly divided among the players, or each player's ante money and money wagered may be returned to the player. In one embodiment of the invention described herein, if the termination condition occurs before each active player completes the golf hole, one option is for the system to allow the active players that did not complete the golf hole to complete the golf hole.

BET SEQUENCE

[0047] During a bet sequence, each player plays sequentially one after the other. For example, the order may be determined based on the order the players entered a game lobby and joined the game. In another embodiment, and more akin to real golf, a the order may be determined by the distance a player is from the whole, with the player furthest from the hole having to bet first.

[0048] Figure 4D illustrates a player wagering screen during a bet sequence. In this example embodiment, options for wagering 448 are displayed allowing the user to check, call, fold. The piayer may additionally raise the amount of the bet, with options for different betting amounts 450 shown. Figure 4D also shows the "little blind" and "big blind" amounts 446, as well as an indication 444 that the per hole "ante" will increase on a future hole.

[0049] Players may bet in advance of each shot, although some embodiments of the present invention may exist in which players are not permitted to bet prior to the tee shot.

[0050] During a player's turn, the player may choose among several options regarding wagering, such as check, fold, raise, and call. Check allows a user to stay active in the game without betting if no one had previously raised in that particular sequence. Fold makes a user inactive, thus forfeiting any chance at winning the pot. Raise increases the wager amount the player puts in the pot. Call matches the highest amount put in by previous players. The betting phase continues in conjunction with each player taking a shot, and lasts until every player has chosen to fold and become inactive (by losing a hole or by running out of money ). At the end of each hole, a resolution event occurs in which the winner(s) of the hole receive the money in the pot.

[0051] In some embodiments, each piayer has a timer to limit the time allowed to choose a move, in some embodiments, if a player does not play within the time limit, the player automatically folds. In some embodiments, if a player does not play within the time limit and no piayer has raised, the player will automatically check. In some embodiments, the set of choices may include a "check/fold" choice which automatically chooses check on the player's turn if another player has not chosen raise, and chooses fold if another piayer has chosen to raise.

PLAY SEQUENCE

[0052] During the play phase, each active player progresses on a golf hole based on outcomes based on a random number generator. Each hole may indicate the par for the hole. The par for the hole may influence a user's betting strategy. For example, for a higher par for the course, a player may believe there are more betting iterations to use to try to place themselves in a position to win or tie a pot, or to "bluff to cause other players to fold. In another example, a player may believe that a higher par for the hole means the player would be required to invest more money to gamble in a situation.

[0053] In some embodiments, a random number generator generates a single random number and each player's golf shot depends on the single number generated. For example, a shot outcome may be based on a table, containing a list of possible shot outcomes, that considers the number of players and has predetermined movements for each player based on the random number generated. In other embodiments, the random number generator generates a random number for each player, and each player's shot outcomes are determined by the random number generated according to a table containing a list of possible shot outcomes and a number corresponding with each possible shot outcome in the list.

[0054] In some embodiments, the player's possible shot outcomes can be made to depend on the location from which the ball is hit. For example only, the ball may be located on a fairway, bunker, rough, or putting green. In some embodiments, a ball hit from a fairway may- have a greater possibility than a ball hit from a bunker or rough to travel a greater distance, which could significantly impact betting strategy and outcomes on a par 5 hole. In some embodiments, a ball hit from a bunker may have a larger range of possible movements and angles compared to a ball hit from a fairway, which can be predetermined to have less variety in shot outcome.

[0055] In some embodiments, the player's possible shot outcomes may depend on the distance of the ball from the hole. For example, the distance from the hole may determine a type of golf club used, which determines the possible distance and accuracy of the shot. [0056] In some embodiments, additional variables may affect a movement set. For example, a wind direction and speed may be determined by a random number generation. This variable may remain constant between rounds, or may change for each round or each player.

[0057] More specifically, for each shot on each hole, a random number generator, or analogous feature, is tied to a shot outcome. For example, if the game was set up to have 15 outcomes per shot, then a random number generator would provide for 15 possible outcomes to the first shot on a hole (i.e., the "drive"). The outcomes may vary by distance of the drive, whether the drive is in the fairway, rough (including variations for first cut, intermediate cut, and "primary" rough), trees, bunker, water, or out of bounds. The outcomes may also vary- by whether the shot is to the left or right.

[0058] Then, if the hole is a par 4 hole, the second shot outcomes may be similarly generated for each possible outcome of the drive. That is, a 250 yard drive in the fairway would have 15 possible outcomes. The same process is applied for putting, chipping, greenside bunker shots, etc.

[0059] To more closely simulate real golf, a specified number of possible outcomes from 1-15, from the above examples, could be correlated to the same outcome to increase the percentage chance to obtain a more realistic result. For example, a second shot after a 250 yard drive in the fairway on a 400 yard par 4 hole would have a relatively high likelihood of being hit onto the putting green. As such, a substantial number of the 15 numbers could be correlated to being hit onto the putting green.

[0060] Furthermore, if, continuing the example, 9 of the 15 numbers were correlated to the second shot winding up on the putting green, that outcome could be further specified by correlating those same 9 numbers with a given proximity to the hole.

[0061] Finally, regarding putting, the same general descriptions for the golf shots above apply. The closer one is to the hole, the more likely that a putt will be made, and vice-versa. It is possible that undulations in the putting greens can be incorporated into the shot outcomes for putts via the random number generator.

[0062] Figures 4E and 4F show an example map progression of a player. These show a tee location 462, a player's ball location 464, a green 470, and the goal 466. A map display- may be used to show a player's progression and distance to the goal (i.e., the hole), as well as showing the relative distance of each player on the map. In some embodiments, an animation may be shown in the display showing a bail's flight after it is hit. In some embodiments, an overlay may be displayed to show the likelihood of a ball being hit in or past a certain area. In some embodiments, obstacles and wind direction may be indicated to further indicate to the play er the likelihood of certain outcomes.

[0063] Typically, the game is played based on standard stroke play scoring. The game may be configured, however, to utilize match play, Stableford, or other known scoring systems, as well. Furthermore, the game may be configured to allow for team play, and invoke team scoring systems such as four-ball, best ball, scramble, or other known scoring systems.

[0064] Additional permutations affecting the result of a given shot may be applied. Such variations may include the presence of various cuts of rough (high grass) on the golf course, ^" 'plugged" lies in bunkers, green speeds, different types of grass (e.g., bermuda, kikuyu, zoysia), wind speed and direction, undulations (or breaks) on putting greens, playing a certain type of golf ball that is known to spin more or less or travel farther or shorter, using certain types of golf clubs that are known to have particular characteristics related to bail flight patterns. The presence of such conditions may be applied to the random number generator to affect the outcome of a given shot, and thus, a player's potential score on a hole.

[0065] By way of further example only, after the players have made their wagers, the first player may begin his stroke by selecting a club, which, if used in a specific embodiment of the system described herein, could be influenced by whether the shot is the first on a hole, and if so, whether the hole is a par 3 hole, or a par 4 or 5 hole. If the shot is not the first on a given hole, the parameters involved may depend on the outcome of the player's previous shot, such as his current distance and location of the ball, and optionally, the club selected, and thus, the computer will select the appropriate table of outcomes. Each table of outcomes comprises a range of numbers and a possible outcome associated with each number within the range of numbers. When the player actuates the play, the random number generator randomly selects a number within the range of numbers in the table of outcomes selected. When the random number is selected, the computer identifies the possible shot outcome corresponding to the random, number selected. The computer then executes the possible shot outcome making it the outcome of that play.

[0066] The game stores a plurality of different tables of outcomes. The actual table of outcomes for a given shot may depend on a number of factors, such as whether the player is teeing off, the hole number, the course being played, the current location and distance from the hole, the club selected, environmental conditions (wind, ram, etc.), grass type, and the like.

[0067] By way of example only, when teeing off at a par 3 hole with no environmental conditions of concern, selection of the proper golf club may provide a table of outcomes that has, for example, 10 numbers, each corresponding to an outcome for the present shot. A possible outcome of one of those numbers may be a hole in one. A possible outcome of four of those numbers may be landing on the green. A possible outcome of three of those numbers may be to land on the fairway. A possible outcome of the remaining two numbers may be to land in the sand and the water, respectively. Th re Sore, based on this table of outcomes in this example, the player has a 50% chance of a favorable outcome, such as a hole in one or landing on the green, a 30% chance of a fair outcome, such as landing on the fairway, and a 20% chance of a harsh outcome, such as landing in the sand or in the water.

[0068] Of course, for any table of outcomes, the range of numbers (in other words, the number of numbers in the table) can be increased (or decreased) and the possible shot outcomes can be more or less detailed. For example, the range of numbers corresponding to a given outcome may be increased to 20 or more, and the nature of the various outcomes whether favorable, average (or fair), and unfavorable may be more detailed. For instance, rather than simply specifying that the ball lands on the green or the fairway, some of the numbers may correspond with landing on the green or the fairway, but at varying distances away from the hole and at various positions relative to the hole.

[0069] As the player approaches closer and closer to the hole, the available table of outcomes may contain more favorable outcomes than unfavorable outcomes. For example, using the simple example of 10 numbers each corresponding to an outcome, when the player's ball lands on the green, the table of outcomes may now have 7 numbers corresponding with the ball ending up in the hole, and 3 numbers assigned to the ball ending up a specific distance away from the hole that is closer than its current location. Therefore, the player has a 70% chance of getting the bail in the hole, but still a 30% chance that he will miss but approach closer to the hole. If the player misses, then on his next turn, the table of outcomes selected by the computer may have 9 of 10 numbers assigned to the ball ending up m the hole and one number still assigned to missing the hole, but getting closer. In this manner, the table of outcomes is intended to be a general parallel to the manner in which actual golf is played and contemplated, such that the wagering process takes into account realistic golf scenarios.

[0070] Referring back to the scenario when the players are teeing off, if potentially- adverse environmental conditions are in play, such as a wind factor, then the available table of outcomes selectable by the computer may contain more unfavorable or harsh outcomes rather than favorable outcomes. For example, 7 of the 10 numbers may correspond with unfavorable or harsh outcomes and only 3 numbers may correspond with a favorable outcome.

[0071] Once the game is in play, the location and distance of the ball from the hole may affect the applicable table of outcomes for the computer to choose from. In other words, the outcome of the player's previous shot may affect the player's chances for a favorable outcome on his next shot. For example, if the ball lands in a sand trap, the table of outcomes selected may contain more shot outcomes that are harsh, rather than favorable. If the ball lands in the rough, the table of outcomes selected may contain an equal number of harsh, average, and favorable outcomes. If the ball lands on the fairway close to the green, the table of outcomes selected may contain more favorable outcomes relative to average and harsh/unfavorable outcomes.

[0072] Similarly, if the player does not understand the fine nuances of the game of golf, it is possible that the player will not know which club to select, or a proper wagering strategy to adopt. Selection of an inappropriate club for the location and distance of the ball, for example, selecting a 3 iron when the ball is in a sand trap 50 yards away from the hole, may- result in the computer selecting a table of outcomes having more unfavorable outcomes than favorable outcomes.

[0073] Therefore, a number of factors can determine which of the available table of outcomes is selected, which the players can take into consideration as they make their wagers.

RESOLUTION EVENT

[0074] When a termination condition or event occurs, such as when one or more players have "won" the hole, or when all players except one have folded before the end of the hole, a resolution event is triggered that resolves the money distribution from the pot. Figure 4G shows an example resolution screen . The resolution event occurs after each golf hole once there has been a termination condition or event. As shown in Figure 4G, the virtual currency in the virtual pot 420 is shown and distributed to the winner(s) of a given hole. A user is a winner if the user is the only active user left in the game, or the user reached the goal of winning the hole. In instances where multiple users reach the goal of winning the hole during the same play sequence, the pot is distributed evenly among the winners. If all players tie on a hole, the pot may be evenly divided among the players, or each player's ante money and money wagered may be returned to the player.

[0075] In some embodiments, players may be given the option to continue play sequences in order to finish the hole, if the player has not finished. No more bet sequences are initiated, but the players may finish in order to obtain closure by finishing a hole. In some embodiments, only active players are allowed to finish the hole. In some embodiments, both active and inactive players are allowed to finish the hole. In some embodiments, the play sequences are not shown, but the final stroke count are calculated.

[0076] In some embodiments, the user may then choose to continue to the next hole with the same players, or to quit back to a home screen. If a user decides to quit, other users may- see the player's name removed at the resolution event.

[0077] In some embodiments, the resolution screen also displays advances in a user's progression system, such as how much experience a user has earned, or if the user has completed a challenge. In some embodiments, the resolution may also provide options of adding players to a social network.

TOURNAMENT MODE [0078] In some embodiments, the system may provide a tournament mode. A tournament mode comprises multiple golf games with a set of users. In the tournament mode, each user enters a set buy -in amount of virtual currency to be used in the tournament. Each golf game requires an ante. Even if users become inactive during a golf game, all users with the virtual currency for the ante become active again in the next golf game. The tournament continues until the set number of golf games has concluded or until only one user can afford the ante. If a user cannot afford the ante, the user is completely eliminated from the tournament. The user with the highest amount of virtual currency at the end of a tournament is deemed the winner. In some embodiments, the ante may increase as the rounds progress. In some embodiments, the minimum bet may increase as the rounds progress. A tournament may be designed in numerous ways, such as a bracket challenge, teams, top individuals in each round move on, or the like.

[0079] In some embodiments, the tournament may reflect an actual golf course. Users may be eligible to win prizes related to the golf course, such as branded virtual or real merchandise, achievements, titles, and/or trips to the golf course.

COMPUTER HARDWARE

[0080] Systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be implemented using digital circuitry, or using one or more computing devices using well known computer processors, memory units, storage devices, computer software, and other components. Typically, a computing device includes a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. A computing device may also include, or be coupled to, one or more storage devices, such as one or more magnetic disks, internal hard disks and removable disks, optical disks, etc.

[0081] A high-level block diagram of an exemplary computing device 500 that may be used to implement systems, apparatus, and methods described herein is illustrated in Figure 5, The computing device 500 comprises a processor 510 operatively coupled to a data storage device and memory. Processor 530 controls the overall operation of the computing device 500 by executing computer program instructions that define such operations. The computer program instructions may be stored in data storage device 520, or other non-transitory computer readable medium, and loaded into memory 530 when execution of the computer program instructions is desired. Thus, the method steps of Figure 3 can be defined by the computer program instructions stored in memory 530 and/or data storage device 520 and controlled by processor 510 executing the computer program instructions.

[0082] For example, the computer program instructions can be implemented as computer executable code programmed by one skilled in the art to perform an algorithm defined by the method steps in Figure 3. Computing device 500 also includes one or more network interfaces 540 for communicating with other devices via a network. Computing device 500 also includes one or more input/output devices 550 that enable user interaction with computing device 500 (e.g., display, keyboard, touchpad, buttons, etc.).

[0083] Processor 510 can include, among others, special purpose processors with software instructions incorporated in the processor design and general purpose processors with instructions in storage device 520 or memory 530, to control the processor 510, and may ^¬ be the sole processor or one of multiple processors of computing device 500. Processor 510 may be a self-contained computing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric. Processor 510, data storage device 520, and/or memory 530 may include, be supplemented by, or incorporated in, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and/or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). It can be appreciated that the disclosure may operate on a computing device 500 with one or more processors 510 or on a group or cluster of computing devices networked together to provide greater processing capabilit -.

[0084] Data storage device 52.0 and memory 530 each comprise a tangible non-transitory computer readable storage medium. By way of example, and not limitation, such non- transitory computer-readable storage medium can include random access memory (RAM), high-speed random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRRAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read-only memory (DVD-ROM) disks, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions, data structures, or processor chip design. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or combination thereof) to a computing device, the computing device properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of the computer-readable media.

[0085] Network/communication interface 540 enables the computing device 500 to communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and /or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices using any suitable communications standards, protocols, and technologies. By way of example, and not limitation, such suitable communications standards, protocols, and technologies can include Ethernet, Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11), Wi-MAX (e.g., 802.16), Bluetooth, near field communications ("NFC"), radio frequency systems, infrared, GSM, EDGE, HS-DPA, CDMA, TDMA, quadband, VoIP, IMAP, POP, XMPP, SIMPLE, IMPS, SMS, or any other suitable communications protocols. By way of example, and not limitation, the network interface 540 enables the computing device 500 to transfer data, synchronize information, update software, or any oilier suitable operation.

[0086] Input/output devices 550 may also include parts of a computing device, such as a smartphone having a camera, a touchscreen, a display, buttons, speakers, and the like. For example, input/output devices 550 may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor for displaying information to the user, touchscreen by which the user can provide input and output to the computing device 500, or a camera for capturing QR codes. Input/output devices 550 may include peripherals.

[0087] Any or all of the systems and apparatus discussed herein, including personal computers, tablet computers, hand-held devices, cellular telephones, servers, database, cloud- computing environments, and components thereof, may be implemented using a computing device such as computing device 500.

[0088] One skilled in the art will recognize that an implementation of an actual computing device or computer system may have other structures and may contain other components as well, and that Figure 5 is a high level representation of some of the components of such a computing device for illustrative purposes.

[0089] While the invention described herein has been illustrated using golf, the system may also be used in other types of games that involve multiple rounds with progress towards a goal. For example only, the invention described herein may apply to racing, croquet, and Frisbee golf.

[0090] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein has been presented for the puiposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive, or to limit the invention to the precise fonn(s) disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.