US20090026706A1 - Sports wagering based on player verses player matchups - Google Patents

Abstract

A sports wagering contest having where contestants make player selections from one or more player match-ups set up by a contest operator, such as a gaming establishment, is disclosed. Player selections are deemed winning selections based on the points players within a match-up earn based on their performance in a game. A primary contest having one or more rounds and requiring an entry fee may be provided. Each round may comprise a set of player match-ups and a prize which is winnable based on the number of winning selections a contestant makes. A secondary or bonus contest may be provided for contestants who do well in the primary contest. The secondary contest may have one or more rounds and a larger prize. In one embodiment, the primary contest utilizes players from the regular season and the secondary contest uses players in the post season of a sport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/962,222 entitled SPORTS WAGERING BASED ON PLAYER VERSES PLAYER MATCHUPS, filed Jul. 26, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The invention relates to sports wagering and in particular to a method and apparatus for wagering on player performance for match-ups between two or more players.
• 2. Related Art
• Sports wagering is a popular form of wagering in casinos and other sports betting books. Traditional sports wagering has revolved around which team will win an event, or the points spread differential resulting from a sporting event.
• While existing sports wagering opportunities are widely popular, some bettors have expressed a desire for different and unique wagering opportunities. In addition, other new bettors may be overwhelmed by the complexity of selecting a team to wager upon, given all the variables associated with team play and the point spread.
• As a result, the prior art sports wagering opportunities have drawbacks which are overcome by the sports wagering system described herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A method for a sports wagering contest is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a primary contest having one or more primary rounds. The one or more primary rounds may comprise setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players for comparison, presenting the one or more player match-ups to one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections, receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants, determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players, ranking the one or more contestants from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during at least one of the one or more rounds, and awarding a prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having a highest ranking in the at least one of the one or more rounds. In one embodiment, the primary contest further comprises an end of contest prize which may be awarded to one or more of the one or more contestants having the highest total number of winning player selections at the end of the primary contest.
• The method may include providing a secondary or bonus contest. Generally, contestants must be qualified for the secondary contest in order to participate in the secondary contest. The secondary contest may have one or more secondary rounds which comprise setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players for comparison, presenting the one or more player match-ups to one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections, receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants, and determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players. To determine winning contestants, the secondary contest includes ranking the one or more of the one or more contestants in the secondary contest from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during the secondary contest. A secondary contest prize may be awarded to one or more of the one or more contestants having a highest ranking in the secondary contest. In one embodiment, the secondary contest the secondary contest prize may be aggregated among one or more of the one or more contestants having the highest ranking in the secondary contest prior to awarding the secondary contest prize.
• An entry fee from the one or more contestants may be collected in some embodiments before the one or more contestants are allowed to enter the primary contest. In addition, player match-ups may be set up in various ways. For example, the one or more player match-ups are set up by a gaming establishment without a draft. The one or more player match-ups in the one or more primary rounds may also be set up using one or more players from the regular season of a sport. Further, the one or more player match-ups in the one or more secondary rounds may be set up using one or more players from the post season of a sport. It is noted that the one or more player match-ups may be presented on one or more contest cards in one or more embodiments.
• In another embodiment, the method for a sports wagering contest comprises collecting an entry fee from one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to participate in the sports wagering contest, and providing one or more rounds. The one or more rounds may comprise setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players from one or more upcoming sporting events for comparison, presenting the one or more player match-ups to the one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections, receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants, determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players, ranking the one or more contestants from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during at least one of the one or more rounds, and awarding a prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having achieved a highest ranking in at least one of the one or more rounds.
• As with above, an end of contest prize may be awarded to one or more of the one or more contestants having the highest total number of winning player selections at the end of the sports wagering contest, and the one or more player selections may be received on the one or more contest cards. In addition, the one or more upcoming sporting events may be one or more regular season football games.
• In this embodiment a winning contestant or contestants may be determined by ranking the one or more contestants from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections they have made with the one or more contestants having more winning player selections being ranked higher than the one or more contestants having less winning player selections.
• In another embodiment, the method for a sports wagering secondary contest comprises qualifying one or more contestants for the secondary contest, and providing one or more rounds. The one or more contestants may be qualified for the secondary contest by winning at least one round of a primary contest. Alternatively, the one or more contestants may be qualified for the secondary contest if the one or more contestants have a primary contest ranking of at least a predetermined rank, and if the one or more contestants have not won any rounds of the primary contest.
• The one or more rounds may comprise setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players from one or more upcoming sporting events for comparison, presenting the one or more player match-ups to the one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections, receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants, and determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players.
• In this embodiment, a winning contestant or contestants may be determined by ranking the one or more contestants from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during the secondary contest. A prize may then be awarded to one or more of the one or more contestants having achieved a highest ranking in the secondary contest.
• As with above, the one or more upcoming sporting events may be one or more post season football games, and the one or more player selections are received on the one or more contest cards. In addition, the prize may be aggregated among the one or more of the one or more contestants having achieved the highest ranking in the secondary contest prior to awarding the prize. Also, the one or more contestants may be ranked from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections they have made with the one or more contestants having more winning player selections being ranked higher than the one or more contestants having less winning player selections.
• Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
• FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a contest card according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a contest according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a secondary contest according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
• To overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide additional benefits, a sports wagering system is disclosed wherein a bettor may wager on the compared performance of two or more players of a sport or any aspect of their performance. The sports wagering system includes various embodiments where a contestant may win a contest or round thereof based on the compared performance of two or more players of a sport or any aspect of their performance. It is contemplated that after reading this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art may generate other contest methods and wagering opportunities that are based on this disclosure.
• In one embodiment, the bettor has the opportunity to place a wager based on the performance of a player in relation to the performance of other players. In a contest embodiment, the contestant tries to select a winning player or players as determined by their relative performance. As described further below, player's performance generally comprises any aspect of player achievements during play of the sporting contest. One or more aspects of player performance (i.e. achievements) are assigned points and the point value for each player is compared to determine which of the two or more players in a head to head match up is a winner. As such, the player with highest point score is the winner. If a contestant selected the winning player, then that selection is deemed a winning selection. Multiple selections may be. Contestants with the most or a pre-determined number of winning selections or points may be provided awards.
• As used herein, the term player match-up may be defined as a match-up of two individual players or two groups of players. Typically, a player match-up will list two individual players for head to head comparison however. The players or player groups may be on the same team or different teams. In either instance, the contestant selections may be based on which player or which group of players, will have the most or greatest achievements. Achievements are discussed in more detail below. For example, it is contemplated that more than two players or more than two groups of players may be in a match-up, such that the contestant wagers which player or group out of three or four (or any number) obtains the best, worst, or closest to a predetermined number of achievements.
• It is also contemplated that various player groups may be wagered upon or part of a contest, such as for example and not limitation, in football, a backfield group of players (running backs) or a receiver group form a player group. Likewise, in other sports player groups may comprise the group of players playing the center position in basketball, or in baseball, the player group may be defined as the pictures or the outfield players. This player group would then be matched against and compared to another player group, such as from a different team. The bettor or contestant can select which player group will perform the best or achieve the greatest number of achievements. A wager may be placed on the bettor's selections if desired.
• As can be appreciated, the achievements for which players may earn points depend on the sporting event. In the exemplary sport of football, the achievement may comprise yards rushed, yards passed, points, kicks resulting in points, kick or punt distance, run-back yardage, catches, yards from passing, yards from reception, touchdowns, field goals, touchbacks, sacks, penalties, first downs, interceptions, tackles, or any other parameter of play. In another exemplary sport, such as basketball, players may compete based on performance where the achievements are points, free throws points, assists, fouls, blocked shots, steals, dunks, or any other aspect of achievement in basketball.
• As can be appreciated, these principles may be applied to other sports when the achievements are player based. It is further contemplated that the performance may be based on a combination of achievements, such as points and yards rushed, or assists and points. Achievements may be weighted in any manner to achieve a combined point score based on pre-determined point assignment plan. For example, a touch down could be assigned two points for the player, while a field goal may be assigned one point. Alternatively, a run in excess of 10 yards may be assigned 3 points in addition to a point for each yard gained. Any combination may be established as a possible player selection and used in comparison to performance of other players.
• It is further contemplated that points may be assigned to winning contestants on a per match-up basis, or based on numerous match-up selections. The correct selections by a contestant may be awarded points, and these points may be combined to form a point total. Contestants with the most points may win the contest. In addition, the competition may run for a week period, on a per game basis, over the course of sporting season, pre-season, post season, or any other time frame. Awards may be funded by the casino or book, or funded by on wagers, such as a percentage of wagers. Payouts may be fixed, or based on a pay table, or dependant on the total wagers placed by bettors or total entry fees paid by contestants. In addition, prior winners, contestants or bettors having earned sufficient points or awards, or contestants having selected the most winning selections, may be entered into a secondary drawing, bonus round, or secondary competition for additional awards.
• It is contemplated that the invention may be presented and played via parlay cards in one or more embodiments. These parlay cards allow bettors to pick who will have the most achievements out of several groups of players, providing another way for sports fans to wager on sporting events.
• A sports wagering system computer may be provided by the casino or sports book such that the wagering system computer is utilized by the casino or book to enter player selections and data. The wagering system computer may comprise any type computing device or system and may include user input and output interfaces. The wagering system computer may interface with a server or computer network to exchange data between remote locations. A card reader or other input device may be provided to facilitate reading or player selections. A ticket printer may be part of the wagering system computer to provide hardcopy output to contestants indicating their selections and wager amount. An example card, which may be read by such a reader is described below.
• As stated, the invention may be a contest in one or more embodiments. As will be described further below, the contest will typically be between the contestants to achieve the highest number of points through their player selections to win one or more prizes, rather than between contestants and a gaming establishment as would generally be the case of a wagering embodiment of the invention.
• It is contemplated that the contest may be played by contestants at a gaming establishment. One typical embodiment of the invention may be a football contest. Some football embodiments will be referred to repeatedly further below, however, it is noted that these are but some of the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. For example, the invention may utilize various other sports, contest cards, achievements, and player match-ups in its various embodiments.
• Generally, the prize for winning or being highly ranked in the contest will be money. Of course, other items, goods, services, or a combination thereof may be used as a prize. There may be more than one prize as well, such as for example, in the case of a tie or for the top 5, 10, or other number of contestants. Offering more than one prize is advantageous in that more winning opportunities are provided which encourage contestants to play as well as pay their entry fee.
• Various embodiments of a contest will now be described with regard to the figures.FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of acontest card104 upon which a contestant may make his or herplayer selections116. Thecontest card104 shown illustrates a contest card for a football embodiment of the invention. It can be seen however that players of other sports may be included as one or more player match-ups108 in other embodiments.
• In one or more embodiments, thecontest card104 comprises a plurality ofplayer identifiers112, at least onecontestant identification box120, and a plurality ofplayer selection boxes116. Acontest card104 may also provide one or more match-upidentifiers128 which identify which game or day one or more of its player match-ups108 are for. In addition,contest information132, such as thetime contest cards104 must be turned in (i.e. contest closing time), or contest instructions, prize amounts, and other notifications may be printed on thecontest card104 in some embodiments.
• Acontestant identification box120 will typically be used to allow a contestant to enter his or her contestant identifier. As described below, the contestant identifier identifies the contestant for purposes of the contest and for payment of prizes. It is noted that though described as a box, thecontestant identification box120 may be any shape or area on thecontest card104 which allows a contestant to enter, write, or otherwise record their contestant identifier. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, thecontestant identification boxes120 allow entry of the contestant's name as well as an alphanumeric or numeric code which uniquely identifies the contestant. As shown, a combination of write in and fill in the bubblecontestant identification boxes120 are provided. It is noted thatcontest cards104 may include one or more types and one or more combinations of write in, fill in, or other areas as desired.
• Theplayer identifiers112 are used to identify players in an upcoming game so that they may be selected by a contestant. Generally,player identifiers112 will comprise the names of the players however; other information may be used as well. For example, a player's position may be part of theplayer identifier112 as well to allow the contestant to readily determine the player's position and, consequently, the achievements the player must make to obtain points. The team the player plays for, the player's number, or both may also be included in theplayer identifier112 to accurately identify the player to the contestants. This is advantageous in that contestants can easily identify a player from theplayer identifier112 and make an accurate selection even where players have the same or similar names or positions.
• In one or more embodiments, player selections may be made by identifying the player that the contestant believes will obtain the most points in a player match-up108. At least oneplayer selection box116 may be provided on acontest card104 to allow contestants to identify their selected players. It is noted that though described as a box, any area on thecontest card104 provided to accept contestant selections may be a player selection box. InFIG. 1, theplayer selection boxes116 are circular fill-in bubbles. It is contemplated that eachplayer selection box116 may be associated with a player, and thus marking or filling in aplayer selection box116 associated with a player selects that player. It is also contemplated that aplayer selection box116 may be used to select multiple players, such as for example, a player selection box which provides an area for contestants to write in their selections. Typically, eachplayer selection box116 will be associated with a single player so that players may be selected by marking or filing in the desiredplayer selection box116. In this manner, player selections may be quickly and accurately made on and collected by acontest card104.
• In one embodiment, an alphanumeric code may be part of theplayer identifier112 and used to make player selections. In this manner, a contestant may select a player by the player's alphanumeric code. For example, inFIG. 1, theplayer identifiers112 include alphanumeric codes and thecontest card104 hasplayer selection boxes116 corresponding to these alphanumeric codes. Using thecontest card104, a contestant may select a player by marking or filling in theplayer selection box116 having the same alphanumeric code as the player the contestant desires to select.
• FIG. 1 also illustrates an example set of 12 player match-ups108. Of course, more or less player match-ups108 may be used in one or more embodiments. Player match-ups108 may be presented in rows with each row being an individual player match-up. It is noted that, player match-ups108 may be presented in any format, such as in columns or tables.
• In some embodiments, such as the embodiment ofFIG. 1, only players playing the same position may be matched up. It is contemplated that players of different positions or roles may be matched-up, if desired. In addition, it is contemplated that an individual player may be matched-up with a plurality of players on asingle contest card104 in some embodiments. However, player match-ups108 using players that are playing the same position are desirable because player achievements will be the same and thus easy to compare.
• For instance, in some sports, events which qualify as achievements may differ depending on a player's position or role on a team. In a football embodiment for example, completions and passing yards may be achievements for quarterbacks while field goals made and extra points made may be achievements for kickers. It is contemplated that achievements may different for defensive players than for offensive players as well.
• Achievements may also be the same for all players in a sport regardless of their position. For example, in a basketball embodiment, field goals, foul shots made, blocks, assists, etc. . . . may be achievements for any player regardless of whether the player is playing at guard, forward, center, or any other position. This is advantageous in that it allows the wagering system to be used with a wide variety of sports including sports where player achievements are uniform or where player achievements are different depending on the position the player is playing.
• It is contemplated that achievements may also be specifically defined for a particular player match-up108 as well. For example, the quarterbacks matched-up inFIG. 1 may only be given points for their touchdown passes. In a basketball embodiment, players in a match-up may only be given points for their rebounds. Where achievements have been specifically defined contestants may be notified on thecontest card104 or by other methods (e.g. posted signs and instructions) prior to making theirplayer selections116.
• FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method of the invention. At astep204, an entry fee is collected to enter a contestant into the contest. In one or more embodiments, the entry fee may be $10.00, $25.00, $30.00. Of course any other amount may be used. It is contemplated that the entry fee may be waived for some people, such as for example, slot club or players club members at the gaming establishment offering the contest.
• The entry fee may be collected any time before the contest begins. However, the invention provides the advantage of allowing people to enter the contest (with payment of an entry fee) after the contest has begun. For example, in a football embodiment, a person may be allowed to enter the contest at any time during the regular season. As will be described further below, the contestant selects players from assigned player match-ups for each round of the contest. Thus, unlike fantasy football or other fantasy type games where a contestant must take part in a draft prior to the contest, the invention herein allows people to enter the contest at any time.
• Typically payment of a single entry fee allows a contestant to have a single entry in the contest. It is contemplated that a contestant may pay multiple entry fees to obtain multiple entries. In fact, a single contestant may have as many entries as he or she desires as long as the contestant pays the required entry fee for the entries. In one or more embodiments, the entry fee may be lowered if the contestant purchases more than one entry. For example, the contest may provide a free entry with the purchase of two or more entries. The contest may also provide specials. For example, contestants who purchase one or more entries before a certain date or time may be given one or more free entries, or may be given a special low price on entries.
• In one embodiment, the number of entries for a single contestant will be limited. For example, a single contestant may only be allowed 3 entries. This is advantageous in that the limited number of entries prevents contestants from purchasing enough entries to ensure that they win by choosing most or all the variations of player selections. This promotes fairness in the contest which encourages individual contestants to enter the contest. Contestants found to have an unauthorized number of entries may be declared ineligible and not entitled to any prize or a refund for any and all of his or her entries.
• In one or more embodiments, each entry allows a contestant to make player selections for the duration of the contest without payment of an additional entry fee. For example, in these embodiments, after paying a single entry fee, a contestant would be allowed to make selections for each round of the contest until the contest ends. However, in some embodiments, an entry fee may be required before each round of the contest. As described further below, a round of the contest may be defined by a set of player match-ups for a set of upcoming games.
• Contestant information will typically be collected along with the entry fee in order to identify individual contestants during the contest and for prize payments. Contestant information may be any information capable of identifying a contestant such as but not limited to, a Social Security Number or portion thereof, drivers license, state ID, military ID, or passport. It is noted that contestants must present this information again for verification before a prize may be collected by the contestant.
• At astep208, a contestant identifier is given to the contestant. The contestant identifier may be any information capable of identifying a particular contestant. In one embodiment, the contestant identifier is an alphanumeric or numeric code associated with the contestant information. This association may be done electronically or manually. For example, the contestant's name and driver's license number may be recorded along with a unique contestant identifier on paper or in a database. Once associated with the contestant information, the contestant identifier may be used to identify the contestant during and after the contest. This is advantageous because contestant rankings, winnings, and other information may be posted or published with the contestant identifier which keeps the contestant's true identity private.
• It is noted that if more than one entry is purchased, the contestant may be given a contestant identifier for each entry. Where there is a limit to the number of entries per contestant, the number of contestant identifiers associated with a particular contestant's information may be checked prior to issuing an entry or customer identifier to ensure that the contestant does not obtain more than the allowed number of entries.
• Once one or more contestants have entered, the contest may begin. At astep212 player match-ups are set up by the gaming establishment. As described herein, a gaming establishment operates the contest, however, it is noted that other organizations or even individuals may operate the contest in one or more embodiments. Generally, player match-ups are set up by the gaming establishment choosing two players from an upcoming game for head to head or player versus player comparison of their achievements in one or more upcoming games.
• As described above, a player match-up may comprise only players that are playing the same position, or may comprise players at different positions. As shown inFIG. 1, a set of player match-ups108 may be set up by a gaming establishment to include players from various teams and players playing various positions. A contestant may then make a player selection for each player match-up108. It is noted that this is distinct from fantasy type games in that player match-ups are set up during the contest and without a draft. In addition, a single player may be listed in one or more match-ups on a single contest card. Each player match-up will typically list or indicate two individual players for comparison.
• In a contest embodiment, it is desirable that the players in the player match-ups are competitive as far their ability to score points through achievements in a game (i.e. evenly matched). This makes it more difficult to easily determine the winner of a player match-up which is advantageous in that contestants will want to play for the challenge of selecting the winning player. This is also advantageous because challenging match-ups will make it more difficult for contestants to qualify for a secondary or bonus post-season contest. Thus, in one or more embodiments, player match-ups may be set up based on past achievements of players such that a player match-up is comprised of two evenly or closely matched players.
• Though even or close match-ups are desirable, it is noted that not every match-up must be comprised of evenly or closely matched players according to the invention. In fact, other criteria for setting up player match-ups may be included as well. For example, match-ups comprising well known or famous players may be set up. These match-ups are advantageous because contestants are more likely to know the abilities of well known players and because, upon seeing a recognizable match-up new contestants may be enticed to enter the contest.
• It is specifically contemplated that the match-ups set up for the contest embodiment of the invention be designed to make the contest interesting, challenging, and fun for contestants. In one configuration, the gaming establishment's profits depend on the number of entry fees paid, thus it is desirable to make the contest as entertaining as possible to entice additional contestants to enter the contest.
• It is contemplated that players in different leagues or sports may be substituted during the contest if desired or necessary. For instance, if a disruption or cancellation to certain games occurs, players from different leagues or sports may be used in one or more rounds of the contest. For example, collegiate players may be used in one or more rounds of the contest. It is contemplated that such substitutions will typically occur only where necessary such as in the case that there are not enough players to set up the required number of player match-ups to continue the contest. Of course, substitutions may occur at any time as desired by the gaming establishment or contest operator. This may create enticing player match-ups. For example, players in collegiate, arena football, and NFL players may be matched-up in one or more rounds of a contest.
• One or more player match-ups may be set up and made available to contestants such as on a contest card to allow the contestants to make their selections. The player match-ups may be set up anytime before one or more games. Typically, however, the player match-ups will be set up at a time which gives contestants time to make their selections. For example, player match-ups for one or more upcoming games may be made available on a contest card one or more days or weeks prior to the earliest of the one or more upcoming games. To illustrate, in a football embodiment, contest cards with player match-ups from Sunday and Monday games may be made available on the preceding Thursday. Other time periods may be used as well.
• It is contemplated that if one or more players in a player match-up do not play in the upcoming game, that match-up may be eliminated or not counted for that round of the contest. Alternatively, a point (or multiple points if desired) may be given to each contestant or each player in the match-up may be deemed a winner where one or more players in a player match-up do not play. This ensures that the contest is fair to contestants that select a player who does not play. As is known, players may not play for various reasons including illness or injury. In one or more embodiments, a player “plays” in a game as soon as the player is in a timed portion of the game. For example, a football player plays in a game once he or she goes on the field during play of the game.
• At astep216, contestant selections are received by the gaming establishment. This may occur by the contestant making his or selections, and turning in or submitting the contest card to the gaming establishment. A contestant may make player selections by indicating the individual player for each player match-up which the contestant believes will be the winning player. The selections may be made and turned in (i.e. received by the gaming establishment) on a contest card. The gaming establishment may require that the contestant include his or her contestant identifier on the contest card. It is contemplated that contest cards may be provided to contestants with their contestant identifier printed thereon in one or more embodiments. Of course, contestants would have to present their customer information prior to receiving such a contest card to prevent contest cards from being issued incorrectly.
• In one or more embodiments, contest cards with contestant selections must be received before any of the one or more games begin. Other deadlines may be used as well. For example, in one embodiment, contest cards may be accepted as long as no player in a player match-up thereon has played even though the game may have already started. In the football embodiment described above, contest cards made available on Thursday may be required to be turned in by Sunday at 10:00 AM.
• Though contest cards will typically be used, other ways of receiving contestant selections may be used with the invention. For example, selections may be collected by phone, fax, email, or through the internet in one or more embodiments. Contestants may be assigned a password to verify their identity in these embodiments. It is noted that contest cards are advantageous in that they required contestants to enter a gaming establishment to pickup and return the cards. The contestants may then spend money on goods, services, or other gaming while in the establishment.
• After the one or more games are played, at astep220, players are assigned points associated with any achievements the players make during the one or more games to determine the winning players. For each player match-up, the winning player may be the one having the most points. Of course, the winning player may be defined according to other criteria. For example, the winning player may be the player having the lowest number of points or be the player closest to or having a predetermined number of points. In the case of a tie, the match-up may be ignored, both players may be deemed winners, or the contestants may be given a point (or other number of points) regardless of which player was selected by the contestants.
• The following illustrates how player achievements may be defined and used to assign points to a player according to a football embodiment of the invention. These points may be added together to determine a player's total points and to ultimately determine which players are winners in their respective player match-ups. It is noted again that achievements and their associated points may be defined in various ways as desired by the gaming establishment or contest operator.
• In one embodiment, the points for running backs may be counted by taking the sum of: TOTAL RUSHING YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE+RECEIVING YARDS+NUMBER OF RECEPTIONS+TOUCHDOWNS SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCHDOWNS THROWN (6 PTS). Note that, passing yards, number of thrown completions, kick/punt return touchdowns and yards may or may not be defined as achievements (i.e. no points will be given) for running backs.
• In one embodiment, the points for receivers may be counted by taking the sum of: TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS+RUSHING YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE+NUMBER OF RECEPTIONS+TOUCHDOWNS SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCHDOWNS THROWN (6 PTS). Note that, passing yards, number of thrown completions, kick/punt return touchdowns and yards may or may not be defined as achievements for receivers.
• In one embodiment, the points for kickers may be counted by taking the sum of: TOTAL YARDS OF MADE FIELD GOALS+FG'S MADE (3 PTS)+EXTRA POINT MADE (1 PT)+TOUCH DOWN SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCH DOWN THROWN (6 PTS). Note that, passing yards, rushing yards, special team yards, number of thrown completions or receptions may or may not be defined as achievements for kickers.
• In one embodiment, the points for quarterbacks may be counted by taking the sum of: TOTAL GROSS PASSING YARDS+NUMBER OF COMPLETIONS+TOUCH DOWNS SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCH DOWNS THROWN (6 PTS). Note that, the number of receptions, receiving yards, or rushing yards may or may not be defined as achievements for quarterbacks.
• At astep222, points may be assigned to contestants based on the number of winning selections they have made. For example, one point may be assigned for each winning selection. Of course other point values may be assigned. It is contemplated that some player match-ups such as challenging (i.e. difficult to predict) match-ups or match-ups comprising well known players may be assigned different or higher point values. It is noted that assigning points is not required in all embodiments because contestants, as will be described below, may be ranked according to the number of winning selections they have made, rather than the number of points they accumulate.
• At astep224, each properly submitted contest card is then evaluated and ranked from highest to lowest, based on the number of points the contestant has earned. It is noted that the rankings may be based on the number of winning players selected (i.e. winning player selections) in embodiments that do not assign points to contestants. For example, contest cards may be ranked from the most winning players selected to the least winning players selected, with cards having the most winning players being the highest. Of course, contest cards may be ranked from highest to lowest in various other ways including from least to most winning players selected, or from closest to furthest (and vice versa) from a predetermined number of winning players.
• In some embodiments, contestants may be given one or more points for each winning player selection. In these embodiments, the contestants may be ranked according to the number of points they earn. Generally, one point will be given for each winning selection and thus ranking contestants according to points will typically result in the same rankings as above. However, it is contemplated that certain player match-ups may be given two or more points as desired by the gaming establishment. This is advantage in that contestants may be given additional points for making winning selections in difficult match-ups.
• At astep228, one or more of the highest ranking contestants may be paid or awarded a prize. Generally, only a limited number of rankings will be awarded a prize. For example, in one embodiment only the highest ranked contestants (e.g. contestants with the most winning players selected per contest card) will be paid. Of course, it is contemplated that prizes may be paid to one or more of the lower ranked contestants as well. For example, in one embodiment, the first three (or other number) highest ranked contestants will be paid a prize. It is contemplated that all contestants sharing a particular rank may share the prize for that particular rank. For example, a first place prize of $5,000 may be divided between all contestants sharing the first place rank. A prize will typically be divided equally; however, unequal divisions may be used as well.
• As stated above, the contest may have a plurality of rounds. A round of the contest is generally defined by a beginning and an end. The beginning of a round may occur when contestants are given the player match-ups, such as on a contest card. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, this occurs atstep212. The end of a round may occur after the games have been played and the contestants have been awarded prizes based on their ranking. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, this occurs atstep228.
• A round may take place each week during the contest. For example, if the contest is to run for the regular season of a sport, there may be a round for each week of the regular season. Of course other time periods may define a round as well. It is contemplated that any time period may be used as a round so long as sufficient time is given to set up player match-ups and allow contestants to make their selections.
• At astep232, it is determined whether or not the contest is over. This may occur in various ways. If, for example, the contest is associated with the regular season, the contest would be over after the last game or games of the regular season. Of course, the end of the contest may be arbitrarily defined. For example, the contest may end after a predetermined time period such as a number of days, weeks, months, or other time. The contest may also end after a predetermined number of rounds if desired.
• If the contest is not over, then another round may begin atstep212. If the contest is over, an end of contest prize may be awarded to one or more contestants at astep236. It is noted that the end of contest prize is not required in all embodiments. In one embodiment, the end of contest prize is awarded to the contestant with the highest total number of points (or winning player selections) for the contest. If two or more contestants have tied for the highest number of points then the end of contest prize may be divided among these contestants. Typically, the end of contest prize will be divided equally; however, other divisions may be used as well.
• The end of contest prize may be awarded based on other criteria as well. For example, the contestant having won the most rounds during the contest may be awarded the end of contest prize. Alternatively, the contestant with the highest number of points in a round may be awarded the prize. In addition, the contestant with the highest number of points who has not won a round may be awarded the prize. In one embodiment, the end of contest prize may be $5,000, $7,500, $10,000 or any other amount.
• As stated, a secondary competition may be provided in one or more embodiments. In a contest embodiment of the invention, this may be a secondary contest.FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method of the invention with regard to a secondary contest. It is noted that the secondary contest will typically be a bonus or playoff contest where the prizes are larger than in the primary contest. In one or more embodiments, the primary contest may be associated with the regular season, while the secondary contest may be associated with the post season of a sport and use games played therein to set up player match-ups.
• As will be described further below, winning contestants will typically not be awarded prizes for each round of the secondary contest. In one or more embodiments, contestants will be awarded prizes at the end of the secondary contest based on the number of winning selections that they have made or points that have accumulated during the secondary contest. Of course, in some embodiments, contestants may be awarded prizes for winning one or more rounds of the secondary contest, such as described above with regard to the primary contest.
• At astep304, contestants are qualified for (i.e. given entry to) the secondary contest. In one or more embodiments, the contestant's performance in the earlier or primary contest may be used to qualify the contestant for the secondary contest. For example, entry to the secondary contest may be granted to contestants who win at least one round of the primary contest. Entry to the secondary contest may also be granted to contestants according to the number of points the collected during the primary contest through correct selections. In one embodiment, the top 5, 10, 20, 50, or other number of contestants in points may be granted entry to the secondary contest. In some embodiments a combination of top point scorers and primary contest winners are qualified for the secondary contest. For example, all contestants that won at least one round of the primary contest, and the top 50 (or other number of) contestants in points that did not win a round of the primary contest may be qualified for the secondary contest.
• These contestants will not typically be required to pay an additional entry fee for the secondary contest; however, one may be collected if desired. In addition, it is contemplated that in some embodiments any person may buy entry into the secondary contest by paying an entry fee for the secondary contest. This entry fee may be higher than the entry fee for the preceding contest because the awards of the secondary contest will generally be higher. A buy in may not be desired in all embodiments because a buy in allows anyone to enter the secondary contest which reduces the contest's exclusivity as well as its appeal to contestants who have earned an entry through their earlier selections.
• At astep308, player match-ups are set up and contest cards are provided for the secondary contest. Player match-ups may be set up as described above with regard to step212 ofFIG. 2; however, the secondary contest will typically utilize post season games to create player match-ups. In a football embodiment, the secondary contest may use Saturday and Sunday playoff games to create player match-ups. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the secondary contest may be analogous to the playoffs or finals for a sporting event. Contestants qualify for the secondary contest based on their past performance much like teams qualify for the post-season based on their performance in the regular season. These similarities allow the secondary contest to benefit from the excitement of post-season games. This is advantageous in that it provides an incentive for contestants to enter the earlier contest.
• At astep312, contestant selections may be received by the gaming establishment prior to the start of any of the upcoming games. This may occur by the contestant submitting a contest card. After the games have been played, points are assigned to players based on their achievements at astep316. Points may be assigned as described with regard to step220 ofFIG. 2. It is contemplated that achievements may be different from the achievements for the primary contest if desired.
• Similar to the primary contest, a round of the secondary contest comprises a beginning and an end. The beginning of a round may occur when contestants are given the player match-ups, such as on a contest card. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, this occurs atstep308. The end of a round may occur after the games have been played and the contestants have been assigned points according to player achievements and contestant selections. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, this is shown asstep316.
• One or more rounds of the secondary contest may occur prior to determining the winning contestant(s) of the secondary contest. Similar to the primary contest, rounds may take place each week or other time period during the post season. Rounds may also take place according to the elimination rounds of the post season schedule. For example, rounds may take place for the first round, second round, semi-finals, and finals of a sport. In a football embodiment, a round may take place for the wild card round, divisional round, conference championship, and super bowl. Rounds do not have to be associated with each elimination round of the post season. For example, in a football embodiment, the secondary contest may feature only rounds leading up to an including the conference championship. This is advantageous in that, as teams are eliminated from the post season the number of players available for match-ups is reduced, and thus there may be an insufficient number of players to set up desirable match-ups as the post season progresses.
• At astep320, it is determined whether or not the secondary contest is over. As discussed above with regard to the primary contest, the end of the secondary contest may be defined by a predetermined number of rounds, days, weeks, months, or other time periods. In addition, the secondary contest may be associated with the post season of a sport and thus would end with the end of the post season. As discussed above with regard to the secondary contest's rounds, it is contemplated that the secondary contest may end before the end of a sport's post season because there may be an insufficient number of players as teams are eliminated in the post season. For example, in a football embodiment, the end of the secondary contest may occur after the conference championship.
• If the secondary contest is not over, another round may begin atstep308. If the secondary contest is over, then at astep324 the contestants may be ranked based on the number of winning selections they have made such as described above with regard to step224 ofFIG. 2. In one embodiment, contestants may be ranked from the highest number of winning selections to the lowest number of winning selections. Contestants may be ranked by the points they have earned as well. Contestants may also be ranked in various other ways as desired by the gaming establishment or contest operator.
• It is noted thatstep324 may occur for each round of the secondary contest afterstep316 because, if posted or otherwise published during the secondary contest, the rankings allow contestants to determine their standing in the secondary contest. In addition, the rankings allow the winning contestants of the secondary contest to be determined at the end of the secondary contest.
• At astep328, the one or more winning contestants, as determined by their rankings, of the secondary contest are awarded one or more prizes. Typically the prize will be money, however, it is contemplated that goods or services may be prizes as well. In one or more embodiments, the contestant having or contestants sharing the highest rank will be award a prize. In some embodiments, contestants having high rankings, but not the highest ranking, will also be awarded prizes such as described above with regard to step228 ofFIG. 2. In one embodiment, the top 10 or other number of ranks will be awarded a prize with higher rankings typically being awarded higher prizes. The following table illustrates an example of prizes that may be awarded according to contestant rank. Of course, the number of ranks and the size and type of prizes may differ as desired.

• 	RANK	PRIZE
  	1stPLACE	$10,000
  	2ndPLACE	$6,000
  	3rdPLACE	$5,000
  	4thPLACE	$4,000
  	5thPLACE	$3,000
  	6thPLACE	$2,500
  	7thPLACE	$1,500
  	8thPLACE	$1,000
  	9thPLACE	$1,000
  	10thPLACE	$1,000

• Prizes may be paid to contestants sharing the same rank in various ways. In one embodiment, the contestants may divide the prize for a particular rank equally or in any other way. This may be undesirable in some circumstances however because it may lead to a situation where higher ranking contestants actually win less than lower ranking contestants. For example, in the table above, if two contestants obtain a first place ranking and one contestant obtains second, the second place contestant will win more than the first place contestants after the first place prize of $10,000 is divided into two equal portions. Thus, in one or more embodiments, prizes may be aggregated prior to dividing them between contestants having the same rank. For example, if two contestants are tied for first place, the first and second place prizes may be aggregated and then divided between the contestants. In the table above the prize would be $10,000+$6,000 or $16,000 to be divided between the two contestants. The number of tied contestants determines how the prizes will be aggregated. In one embodiment, the number of tied contestants determines the number of prizes that will be aggregated. For example, X number of tied contestants will share an aggregate prize comprising the prizes from X number of ranks. Typically these ranks will include the rank they are tied for and those immediately below. To illustrate, four contestants tied for third place will share an aggregated prize comprising the prizes for third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place.
• In addition to the above, the following sections disclose one possible example of how a football embodiment of the invention may be implemented at a gaming establishment. In the following, a set of instructions for this embodiment provide an example method of operation for the contest. It is contemplated that these exemplary instructions, or instructions according to other embodiments of the invention, may be provided to contestants prior to their entry into the contest or again at anytime thereafter. The claims that follow are not limited to the following set of rules.
Cannery Resorts Football Contest Guaranteed $125,000 in Prize Money
• 1. $25 ONE TIME ENTRY FEE (THREE ENTRIES PER PERSON MAX) ENTRIES ACCEPTED DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS. 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.
• 2. A VALID ID MUST BE PRESENTED AT SIGN UP. (DRIVERS LICENSE, STATE ID, MILITARY ID OR PASSPORT).
• 3. WHEN COLLECTING CASH PRIZES, BOTH SS# AND A VALID ID (MATCHING THE SIGN UP INFORMATION) MUST BE PRESENTED.
• 4. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL—SIGN UP BY 8-31-08. BUY TWO ENTRIES GET ONE FREE (THREE ENTRIES FOR $50).
• 5. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN! AN ENTRANT MAY SIGN UP ANY TIME (DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS) FOR THE FIRST 17 WEEKS OF THE NFL REGULAR SEASON (EXCLUDING SUNDAYS).
• 6. IN THE EVENT THAT AN ENTRANT IS FOUND TO HAVE MORE THAN THREE ENTRIES, THAT ENTRANT WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DECLARED INELIGIBLE AND IS NOT ENTITLED TO CASH PRIZES OR REFUNDS OF ENTRY FEES.
• 7. ALL REGISTRATION FEES AND CASH PRIZES ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE.
• 8. ALL ENTRANT'S MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE.
• 9. EMPLOYEES OF THE CANNERY RESORTS CASINOS AND ITS AFFILIATE COMPANIES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES ARE INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FOOTBALL CONTEST.
• 10. THE CANNERY RESORTS CASINOS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR CANCEL THIS CONTEST AT ANY TIME AND EXCLUDE ANY INDIVIDUALS FROM PARTICIPATING IN MANAGEMENT'S SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION.
• 11. SELECTIONS FOR THE WEEK MUST BE TURNED IN BY SUNDAY AT 10:00 AM. (EARLY TURN IN IS SUGGESTED TO AVOID MISSING THE 10:00 AM DEADLINE).
• 12. THE FOOTBALL CONTEST WILL USE NFL PLAYERS FROM SUNDAY AND MONDAYS GAMES. EXCEPTION—SATURDAY & SUNDAY GAMES WILL BE USED DURING THE PLAYOFF CONTEST (i.e. SECONDARY CONTEST). THE OFFICIAL STATS WILL BE OBTAINED FROM NFL.COM AND WILL BE USED FOR ALL GRADING PURPOSES FOR THE CANNERY RESORTS FOOTBALL CONTEST.
• 13. SHOULD DISRUPTIONS OR CANCELLATIONS OCCUR DURING THE NFL'S REGULAR SEASON, THE CANNERY RESORTS CASINOS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUBSTITUTE COLLEGIATE PLAYERS. IF THIS OCCURS, MANAGEMENT MAY USE SATURDAY'S GAMES AND THEIR POST TIMES FOR CARD SUBMISSIONS.
• 14. EACH ENTRANT WILL BE ASSIGNED A UNIQUE NUMBER FOR EACH OF THEIR ENTRIES (UP TO THREE MAX). PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED BASED ON THE ENTRANT'S SELECTIONS OF FOOTBALL PROPOSITIONS LISTED ON THE WEEKLY CONTEST CARD.
• 15. IT IS THE ENTRANT'S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECTLY FILL OUT EACH CONTEST CARD PROPERLY. THE ENTRANT WILL THEN RECEIVE A COMPUTER GENERATED CONTEST TICKET FOR THAT WEEK'S SELECTIONS. IT IS THE ENTRANT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO VERIFY THE CONTEST NUMBER, NAME ON THE TICKET AND SELECTIONS MADE BEFORE LEAVING THE WINDOW. ONCE THE SELECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED. ONLY SELECTIONS ON THE COMPUTER GENERATED CONTEST TICKET WILL BE VALID FOR GRADING WINS AND LOSSES.
• 16. IN THE EVENT AN ENTRANT PLAYS A WRONG CONTESTANT NUMBER, THAT ENTRANT WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR CASH PRIZES FOR THE WEEK AND THEIR SELECTIONS WILL BE VOID FOR THE WEEK.
• 17. CONTEST CARDS FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK'S GAMES WILL BE AVAILABLE EACH THURSDAY. A COMPLETE LIST OF STANDINGS/RANKINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE EACH WEDNESDAY AT NOON. PAYMENT OF WEEKLY CASH PRIZES WILL BEGIN AT NOON ON THE THURSDAY FOLLOWING THAT WEEK'S GAMES. PLAYOFF CASH PRIZES WILL BE SETTLED ON THURSDAY AT NOON AFTER THE NFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES.
• 18. PARTICIPATION IN THIS CONTEST CONSTITUTES THE ENTRANT'S AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY THE RULES OF THIS CONTEST. ANY AND ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND FEES RELATING TO THE CONTEST ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ENTRANT.
• 19. ADDED BONUS—THE TOP 50 CONTEST ENTRANTS WHO HAVE THE HIGHEST ACCUMULATED TOTAL POINTS OVER THE LENGTH OF THE 17 WEEK CONTEST, AND WHO HAVE NOT WON A WEEKLY ROUND OF THE CONTEST, WILL RECEIVE A “WILD CARD” BIRTH INTO THE PLAYOFF CONTEST.
How to Play
• 1. THE FOOTBALL CONTEST WILL USE THE NFL'SFIRST 17 WEEKS OF THE REGULAR SEASON GAMES IN DETERMINING WHO WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFF CONTEST. THE PLAYOFF CONTEST WILL USE THE NFL'S PLAYOFF GAMES TO DETERMINE THE FOOTBALL CONTEST CHAMPION.
• 2. THERE WILL BE 12 HEAD TO HEAD PLAYER MATCHUPS EACH WEEK (NFL PLAYER VS NFL PLAYER). THE ENTRANT MUST MAKE A SELECTION ON ALL 12 MATCHUPS. THE HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUP WINNER WILL RECEIVE ONE POINT, THAT POINT IS DETERMINED BY MOST POINTS SCORED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA.
• NOTE-FOR SCORING PURPOSES ENTRANT WILL RECEIVE 1 POINT FOR EACH OFFICIAL RUSHING OR RECEIVING YARD GAINED BY HIS/HER SELECTIONS MADE ON THE WEEKLY CONTEST CARD. EXAMPLE: A RUNNING BACK GAINS 38 RECEIVING YARDS AND 79 RUSHING YARDS. ENTRANT WILL RECEIVE 38PT5+79PT5=117 TOTAL POINTS.
Running Backs=RB
• TOTAL RUSHING YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE+RECEIVING YARDS+NUMBER OF RECEPTIONS+TOUCHDOWNS SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCHDOWNS THROWN (6 PTS). PASSING YARDS, NUMBER OF THROWN COMPLETIONS, KICK/PUNT RETURN TD'S AND YARDS WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN RB'S TOTALS.
Receivers=R
• TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS+RUSHING YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE+NUMBER OF RECEPTIONS+TOUCHDOWNS SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCHDOWNS THROWN (6 PTS). PASSING YARDS, NUMBER OF THROWN COMPLETIONS, KICK/PUNT RETURN TD'S AND YARDS WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN WR'S TOTALS.
Kickers=K
• TOTAL YARDS OF MADE FIELD GOALS-!-FG'S MADE (3 PTS)+EXTRA POINT MADE (1 PT)+TOUCHDOWNS SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCH DOWN THROWN (6 PTS). PASSING YARDS, RUSHING YARDS, SPECIAL TEAM YARDS, NUMBER OF THROWN COMPLETIONS OR RECEPTIONS WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE KICKERS TOTAL.
Quarter Backs=QB
• TOTAL GROSS PASSING YARDS+NUMBER OF COMPLETIONS+TOUCH DOWNS SCORED (6 PTS)+TOUCHDOWNS THROWN (6 PTS). NUMBER OF RECEPTIONS, RECEIVING YARDS OR RUSHING YARDS WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN QB'S TOTAL.
• NOTE: NO TWO POINT CONVERSION STATS WILL APPLY TO ANY OF THE POINT TOTALS. THE FOOTBALL CONTEST WILL USE ALL NFL.COM OFFICIAL STATS TO DETERMINE ALL POINT TOTALS FOR CATEGORIES USED.
• IN THE EVENT A HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUP TIES, BOTH SIDES WILL RECEIVE A POINT.
• BOTH PLAYERS IN THE HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUP MUST HAVE PLAYED IN AT LEAST ONE TIMED PLAY IN THE GAME. IN THE EVENT ONE OR BOTH PLAYERS DO NOT MEET THESE CRITERIA, BOTH SIDES WILL RECEIVE A POINT.
Prize FundsWeekly Prize Fund
• $5,000 WILL BE THE WEEKLY PRIZE FUND FOR THE FIRST 17 WEEKS OF THE NFL REGULAR SEASON. THE ENTRANT PICKING THE MOST WINNERS THAT WEEK WILL WIN THE WEEKLY PRIZE. IN CASE OF TIES FOR MOST WINNERS THE WEEKLY PRIZE MONEY WILL BE DIVIDED AMONG ALL TIED ENTRANTS. THERE ARE NO TIEBREAKERS. ALL CASH PRIZE WINNERS (DURING THE 17 WEEKS) WILL BE CONSIDERED CONTEST ROYALTY AND ONLY CASH PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE QUALIFIED TO ENTER INTO THE PLAYOFF CONTEST. NOTE EXCEPTION—SEE RULE 19.
• WEEKLY CASH WINNERS WILL ONLY RECEIVE ONE ENTRY INTO THE PLAYOFF CONTEST. REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY CASH AWARDS AN ENTRANT WINS DURING THE FIRST 17 WEEKS OF THE CONTEST. NO ENTRANT WILL HAVE TWO OR MORE ENTRIES INTO THE PLAYOFF CONTEST.
End of Regular Season Prize Fund
• $5,000 WILL BE THE END OF REGULAR SEASON PRIZE FUND. THE ENTRANT WITH THE MOST CUMULATIVE WINNERS DURING THE 17 WEEK REGULAR SEASON WILL BE THE WINNER OF THE $5,000 PRIZE. IN CASE OF TIES FOR THE END OF REGULAR SEASON PRIZE, THE $5,000 WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN ALL FIRST PLACE END OF REGULAR SEASON WINNERS.
Playoff Prize Fund
• THE PLAYOFF CONTEST WILL USE THE CUMULATIVE TOTAL OF THE CORRECT SELECTIONS MADE (BY QUALIFIED ENTRANTS—SEE ABOVE) DURING THE NFL PLAYOFFS ENDING WITH THE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS. THERE WILL BE NO WEEKLY CASH PRIZES DURING THE PLAYOFF CONTEST. ALL PAYOUTS ARE AGGREGATE. EXAMPLE: IF TWO ENTRANTS TIE FOR FIRST PLACE THEY WILL SPLIT FIRST AND SECOND PLACE MONEY.

• 	1stPLACE	$10,000
  	2ndPLACE	$6,000
  	3rdPLACE	$5,000
  	4thPLACE	$4,000
  	5thPLACE	$3,000
  	6thPLACE	$2,500
  	7thPLACE	$1,500
  	8thPLACE	$1,000
  	9thPLACE	$1,000
  	10thPLACE	$1,000

• While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.

Claims (20)

1. A method for a sports wagering contest comprising:

providing a primary contest having one or more primary rounds, the one or more primary rounds comprising:

setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players for player versus player comparison;

presenting the one or more player match-ups to one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections;

receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants;

determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players;

ranking the one or more contestants from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during at least one of the one or more rounds; and

awarding a prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having a highest ranking in the at least one of the one or more rounds; and

providing a secondary contest having one or more secondary rounds, the one or more secondary rounds comprising:

setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players for player versus player comparison;

presenting the one or more player match-ups to one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections;

receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants; and

determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players;

qualifying one or more of the one or more contestants for the secondary contest;

ranking the one or more of the one or more contestants in the secondary contest from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during the secondary contest; and

awarding a secondary contest prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having a highest ranking in the secondary contest.

2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising collecting an entry fee from the one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to enter the primary contest.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more player match-ups are set up by a gaming establishment without a draft by the one or more contestants.

4. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising providing one or more contest cards, wherein the one or more player match-ups are presented on one or more contest cards.

5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more player match-ups in the one or more primary rounds are set up using one or more players from the regular season of a sport.

6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more player match-ups in the one or more secondary rounds are set up using one or more players from the post season of a sport.

7. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising awarding an end of contest prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having the highest total number of winning player selections at the end of the primary contest.

8. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising aggregating the secondary contest prize among one or more of the one or more contestants having the highest ranking in the secondary contest prior to awarding the secondary contest prize.

9. A method for a sports wagering contest comprising:

collecting an entry fee from one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to participate in the sports wagering contest; and

providing one or more rounds comprising:

setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players from one or more upcoming sporting events for comparison;

presenting the one or more player match-ups to the one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections;

receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants;

determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players;

ranking the one or more contestants based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during at least one of the one or more rounds; and

awarding a prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having achieved a highest ranking in at least one of the one or more rounds.

10. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising awarding an end of contest prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having the highest total number of winning player selections at the end of the sports wagering contest.

11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more upcoming sporting events are one or more regular season football games;

12. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising providing one or more contest cards, wherein the one or more player selections are received on the one or more contest cards.

13. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more contestants are ranked from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections with the one or more contestants having more winning player selections being ranked higher than the one or more contestants having less winning player selections.

14. A method for a sports wagering secondary contest comprising:

qualifying one or more contestants for the secondary contest;

providing one or more rounds comprising:

setting up one or more player match-ups by presenting at least two players from one or more upcoming sporting events for comparison;

presenting the one or more player match-ups to the one or more contestants to allow the one or more contestants to make one or more player selections;

receiving the one or more player selections from the one or more contestants; and

determining which of the one or more player selections are winning player selections based on the achievements of the at least two players;

ranking the one or more contestants based on the number of winning player selections received from the one or more contestants during the secondary contest; and

awarding a prize to one or more of the one or more contestants having achieved a highest ranking in the secondary contest.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the one or more upcoming sporting events are one or more post season football games;

16. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising providing one or more contest cards, wherein the one or more player selections are received on the one or more contest cards.

17. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising aggregating the prize among the one or more of the one or more contestants having achieved the highest ranking in the secondary contest prior to awarding the prize.

18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the one or more contestants are qualified for the secondary contest by winning at least one round of a primary contest.

19. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the one or more contestants are qualified for the secondary contest if the one or more contestants have a primary contest ranking of at least a predetermined rank, and if the one or more contestants have not won any rounds of the primary contest.

20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the one or more contestants are ranked from highest to lowest based on the number of winning player selections with the one or more contestants having more winning player selections being ranked higher than the one or more contestants having less winning player selections.

Images