Location-Based Wagering Via Remote Devices

What is this patent about?

’679 is related to the field of online gaming and wagering, specifically addressing the challenge of providing location-based access to wagering services via mobile devices. The background acknowledges the multi-billion dollar sports and event betting industry and the increasing prevalence of online gaming. A key problem is ensuring that users accessing these services comply with the varying legal and regulatory requirements of different jurisdictions.

The underlying idea behind ’679 is to use the location of a mobile device to determine the applicable jurisdiction and then tailor the wagering service accordingly. This involves a system that can detect the device's location, identify the relevant jurisdiction, and then authorize or restrict access to the wagering service based on the legal and regulatory constraints of that jurisdiction. The system also dynamically adjusts the wagering options presented to the user to conform to these constraints.

The claims of ’679 focus on a computer-implemented method and a system for location-based wagering. The core elements include invoking an online wagering service via a mobile device, determining the device's location and associated jurisdiction, and authorizing access to the service based on this location data. The online wagering service features a micro-betting GUI and a control function that manages the timing of betting opportunities.

In practice, the invention works by first detecting the user's location through the mobile device's capabilities (e.g., GPS). This location data is then used to identify the specific jurisdiction (state, county, city, etc.). The system then checks whether online wagering is legal in that jurisdiction and, if so, what specific rules and limitations apply. Finally, the system presents the user with a tailored wagering interface that only offers options compliant with local laws, ensuring that the user can only place bets that are legally permissible.

This approach differentiates itself from prior solutions by providing a dynamic and adaptive wagering experience that automatically adjusts to the user's location. Traditional online wagering systems often rely on users to self-report their location or may not adequately address the complexities of varying jurisdictional regulations. By automating the location detection and compliance process, ’679 offers a more seamless and legally sound solution for providing mobile wagering services, particularly in the context of micro-betting where rapid and frequent wagering decisions are made.