MC2402A1 - Improved remote gaming system - Google Patents

Description

1

The present invention relates generally to a remote gaming system, and more particularly to a remote gaming system by which a player can bet on several games of chance and/or future public events whose outcome is uncertain, offered by a casino, a government lottery organization, or other gaming establishments.

In the past, a player wishing to bet on a game of chance, such as those offered in a casino, or on a public event with an uncertain outcome, such as sporting events, had a limited number of options. In order to bet on casino games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and the like, the player had to physically travel to a gambling establishment specifically engaged in such activities or to a location where self-service devices such as video poker terminals or slot machines were available. Although one could bet on public events such as horse races by telephone contact with an establishment

20 authorized gambling of the type "off-track" or with its agent, such methods using telephone contact are not permitted for typical casino games.

Thanks to technological advances in computers and telecommunications, remote gaming systems have been developed in which a player can participate in multiple games of chance offered by various gambling establishments without having to be physically present at the locations. An example can be found in US patents Nos. 4,339,798 and 4,467,424, both registered to Hedges et al.

3.0 Hedges' patents describe a remote gaming system in which a player gambles money against the casino at a remote gaming station that includes a display of the game in progress to allow the player to take part in real games of chance as they are 3.5 played in real time at a live dealer location consisting of one or more gaming tables located

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in the casino. The gaming station has a switchable keyboard that communicates with a microprocessor to display a selection of betting options, corresponding to a chosen game from among several possible games, and to display the results of the game played. The player becomes an active participant in the game as if they were physically present at the gaming table located in the casino. To provide secure telecommunications links, the remote gaming station communicates with the dealer station and with a credit control station through an encryption/decryption device designed to prevent manipulation by unauthorized sources.

Although such a system provides a means for a player to bet from a location 15 miles away, its main drawback is that the player can only bet by participating in games actually conducted in real time at a gambling establishment and monitored on a closed video circuit. Furthermore, such a system has limited practical capacity since

2.0 The player can only bet on a specialized gaming terminal that must be electronically connected to the casino. It is therefore highly desirable to provide a remote gaming system whereby a player can place a bet on a gaming computer located at a location 25 or more away at the player's convenience, for which the casino handles the purchase and reimbursement of casino credit, despite the absence of any direct electronic telecommunications link between the gaming computer and the casino.

30 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a remote gaming system by which the player can bet on any one of several games of chance typically offered by a gaming establishment (for example, a casino), at the player's convenience.

3.5 Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote gaming system by which the player

3

can bet against the gambling establishment on any of several betting opportunities such as games of chance generated by computer software located on any personal computer.

5 Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote gaming system by which a player can bet against the gaming establishment on a conventional multimedia device (for example, a commercial device under the registered trademark NINTENDO connected to a television set) via a compatible plug-in data storage medium.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote gaming system whereby the player can purchase and cash out betting credit from 15 locations situated at a distance without the need to establish electronic telecommunications links between the player's gaming computer and the gaming establishment.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a remote gaming system by which a

20 players may bet on any of several games of chance generated on a specialist gaming computer, including a handheld portable device, which may be provided to the player, but not requiring electronic connection to the gaming establishment in order to play and/or purchase and cash in betting credit.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a remote gaming system in which the encryption and decryption of codes transferred between a remote gaming computer and the establishment of

30 games, whether online (including wireless electronic telecommunications equipment) or offline (orally with an agent or via electronic telecommunications by telephone, but in which no connection is necessary between the gaming computer and the gaming establishment), prevent unauthorized users

to have access to betting credit or to fraudulently obtain betting credit or credit cash-out.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote gaming system whereby a player receives a tamper-proof read/write device from the gaming establishment, containing a data storage medium for specialized gaming software, which can be connected to any personal computer, while preventing unauthorized manipulation of the software.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote gaming system in which the gaming and/or banking software is introduced into a computer disk where the unique magnetic signature of this disk can be read by the disk memory forming device located in the gaming computer for encryption in order to detect any unauthorized duplication of the disk.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a remote gaming system whereby a player can bet on future public events with uncertain outcomes, such as a lottery, either through an online connection between a gaming computer and the gaming establishment, or offline when the player's bet is time-stamped to generate a registration code.

2 5 encrypted representing the player's choice among the betting elements (i.e., the numbers) for a given lottery event (appearing at some time in the future) which code is known only to the lottery authority.

This is yet another objective of the present invention

3 0 to provide a remote gaming system whereby a player can obtain betting credit and cash out betting credit from a gaming establishment, included in a tamper-proof physical data storage medium which has an interface with a 3 5 remote gaming computer.

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It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote gaming system whereby a specialized, self-contained personal digital gaming accessory can be obtained equipped with a pre-programmed and predetermined amount of non-renewable credit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote gaming system in which a player can take part in a knowledge game (e.g. crossword puzzles) made available on a specialized personal digital gaming accessory, having a pre-programmed and predetermined amount of non-renewable credit.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote gaming system in which a first application enables a player who buys hardware such as a computer, or software located on a data storage medium, to win something as determined by the outcome of the gaming program incorporated within such hardware.

It is yet another object of the present invention 20 to provide a remote gaming system whereby a player betting at a location situated at a distance is subject by a gaming establishment to predetermined limitations on winnings.

In accordance with the above purposes and other purposes 25 that will appear below, the present invention provides a remote gaming system that allows a player to bet against a gaming establishment using a gaming computer located at a remote location. The gaming computer may be electronically connected 30 (i.e., online) to a computer at the gaming establishment, or may not be, when the bet is placed. The gaming computer may be any personal computer, any portable computer-like device (e.g., a personal digital accessory), or multimedia device 35 that functions as a gaming computer (e.g., a device marketed under the registered trademark NINTENDO or

analogous) and may be a specialized gaming computer provided by the gaming establishment, or it may not be. If provided by the gaming establishment, the gaming computer is pre-loaded with gaming software. If the gaming computer is a regular personal computer, the gaming software is either pre-installed on a secure data storage device (e.g., a hard drive, a CD-ROM, etc.) or on a module provided by the gaming establishment or installed by the player directly on the computer.

The gaming software includes a game program and a banking program. The game program generates various games of chance typically offered by the gaming establishment (e.g., blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, slot machines, etc.) or makes available bets on future public events with uncertain outcomes (e.g., a lottery). The banking program provides the purchase or loading of credit from the gaming establishment to allow betting and increments or decrements the player's account balance to allow the player to receive any winnings from a bet. The gaming software may also include a verification program that records the outcomes of each bet and the transactions between the player and the gaming establishment.

2 5 the entries in the game computer and issued from it to buy credit and cash in credit.

The gaming establishment's computer includes a banking program that allows the player to purchase and cash out betting credit at the slot machine.

30 killed remotely, even if no online communication is

established with the gaming computer, and a verification program to record such transactions. This can be accomplished through several exchanges of encrypted codes that take place between the player and the casino, 35 either through oral communication between the player and a casino agent, or through communications between the player and a

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An automated answering service located at the casino (i.e., using a voice-frequency telephone) or by providing credit that is "granted" or pre-installed on a tamper-proof module intended for installation on a standard personal computer, or pre-installed on a specialized gaming computer provided by the gaming establishment. In the online implementation, the automated "agent" is associated with the gaming establishment's computer, but there is no direct electronic connection between the gaming computer and the gaming establishment's computer. Encryption provides means by which such exchanges are made secure to prevent a third party from gaining unauthorized access to, fraudulently obtaining, or fraudulently cashing in such credit.

If the gaming computer is networked with the gaming establishment's computer, the connection can be used to regulate or control the simulation of the casino game software on the gaming computer, or it may not

2.0 not used for this. For example, the connection can be used so that the gaming establishment's computer keeps a record of any activity, or selected activities, carried out at the gaming computer level for verification or additional security purposes. Alternatively, the 25 connection can be controlled to vary the odds for a given bettor based on a variety of factors such as bet duration or progressively increasing jackpot (for example, in a slot machine simulation). In such an online implementation,

3.0 Player security and verification can be achieved by using a standalone encryption device such as is commonly used in wireless money transfers. This device generates an encrypted verification code based on the user's personal identification code 35 and a second code provided to the user by the casino or stored in the standalone encryption device to prevent

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It is dangerous that an unauthorized user could gain online access when they have stolen a user's personal identification code.

At any given time, each bet placed by the player triggers an encrypted electronic countdown on the gaming computer and/or any networked computer, recording the amount of each bet, the outcome of each betting event, and any winnings or losses resulting from the bet. The financial resolution of the bet is tracked cumulatively by the software located on the gaming computer and possibly also on any networked computers, allowing the player to constantly manage their casino credit balance.

A player bets in much the same way as they would at a casino. The player chooses the game they want to play as presented by the game software, the amount of each bet, and the length of time they will play each game. The player can remain active in several different gaming sessions, which may...

2. Bets can be placed at several different times and/or locations. The player may at any time place practice bets that do not affect the player's betting credit balance. Optionally, the player's betting credit balance can be transferred or stored on a data storage device that can be installed on other computers where software has been installed, or can be installed to recognize the player's betting credits and credit balance. The player can then continue betting on any of such other computers.

3. At any time the player wishes to withdraw their credits or betting winnings, these can be withdrawn from the gaming establishment by contacting the establishment either by telephone in a non-connected implementation, or by direct electronic communication 3.5 in an online implementation. In the first implementation described above, a series of encrypted codes

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is then exchanged with the gaming establishment, either by telephone or electronically. In the offline implementation, these codes are generated by the gaming computer software and the casino's computer software to verify the player's identity before paying out winnings. In the online implementation, a standalone encryption device generates an encrypted operating code or a confirmation code for verification. Alternatively, when the gaming computer itself (e.g., a personal digital device) is provided to the player by the gaming establishment, it, or a tamper-proof plug-in module, can be physically returned to the gaming establishment for credit redemption. Such credits can be redeemed from the gaming establishment in various forms of settlement, including, but not limited to, cash settlement, bank line transfers, credit, or certain other forms of payment mutually agreed upon by the player and the gaming establishment. 20 We will now describe the present invention, at

This is an example title only, with reference to the attached drawings on which:

- Figure 1A is a schematic view of a remote gaming system in a first non-standard embodiment

25 connected,

- Figure 1B is a schematic view of the remote gaming system in a second, non-connected embodiment.

- Figure 1C is a schematic view of the 3.0 remote gaming system according to a third, non-connected embodiment.

- Figure 2 is a schematic view of the remote gaming system according to an online implementation,

- Figure 3 is a schematic view of a game computer connected to a memory support device.

10

Data storage of the read/write type, protected against manipulation, provided by the casino.

- Figure 4 is a flowchart of the startup and recording sequence of the non-implementation mode

5 connected,

- Figure 5 is a flowchart of the link establishment recognition sequence in the non-connected embodiment,

- Figure 6 is a flowchart of the sequence

10 credit purchases in offline mode,

- Figure 7A is a flowchart of the betting sequence for games of chance generated by the game program of the non-connected embodiment,

- Figures 7B-1 and 7B-2 are flowcharts

15 of the betting sequence of a non-connected embodiment

forming an unregistered lottery system,

- Figures 7C-1 to 7C-5 are flowcharts of the betting sequence in a non-connected embodiment of a registered lottery system,

20 - Figure 8 is a flowchart of the credit collection sequence in the non-connected embodiment,

- Figure 9 is a flowchart of the recording and startup sequence of the embodiment in

25th line,

- Figure 10 is the credit purchase sequence in the online implementation mode,

- Figure 11 is a flowchart of the betting sequence in the online implementation mode,

3.0 - Figure 12 is a flowchart of the credit collection sequence in the online implementation.

- Figure 13 is a diagram of a memory chip made safe by an external structure protected against

35 manipulations,

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- Figure 14 is a diagram of initial methods for verifying the integrity of the game software,

- Figure 15A is a diagram of secondary means intended to verify the integrity of the game software,

5 - Figure 15B is a diagram of third-party methods intended to verify the integrity of the game software,

- Figure 15C is a diagram of fourth methods intended to verify the integrity of the game software, and

- Figure 15D is a diagram of fifth means 10 intended to verify the integrity of the game software.

With reference to several views of the drawings, a remote gaming system, generally indicated by the numeral 10, has been depicted, in which a player 12 having access to a computer 14 ("the gaming computer") bets on several games of chance or on future public events, the outcome of such events being uncertain, and offered by a casino, a government lottery organization or other gaming establishment 16. For convenience, these will be referred to generally hereafter as "gambling establishment".

Referring now to Figure 1A, a player 12 has access to a gaming computer 14 having a video display 18 and a keyboard 20. The gaming computer 14 can be a personal computer located at home, a gold-

2.5 portable dining device or a device forming a digital accessory

personal handheld device which may be a specialized gaming device supplied by the gaming establishment 16, or not, or a multimedia device (for example, a device marketed under the registered trademark NINTENDO 30 or similar intended for use with a television set or similar equipment). The gaming computer 14 may be located off-site at a remote location, or at a gaming establishment 16 or certain other establishments (for example, at a retailer's

3.5 lottery tickets). A gaming computer 14 located at the level of the gaming establishment 16 can still be considered

12

The term "remote" is used with respect to the description and attached claims. It is assumed that a casino may provide the player, for example in the hotel where the casino is located, with a specialized gaming computer that can be used to bet both inside and outside the physical boundaries of the casino. A key advantage inherent in the fact that the gaming establishment provides the player with a gaming computer is greater security, more specifically because unauthorized access to the data storage medium is made more difficult, such as to the computer's disk memory. Furthermore, in a specialized gaming computer, the keyboard 20 can be customized using specialized function keys identifying commands (for example, keys dedicated to blackjack may have indicators indicating "card", "deal", "pass", etc.) that the player chooses to place bets on various games of chance offered by the gaming establishment 16. The gaming computer 14 operates special gaming software 22 consisting of a game program 20 24, a bankroll program 26, and optionally a verification program 27. The gaming software 22 may be pre-installed on a dedicated gaming computer 14 provided by the gaming establishment 16, pre-installed in a device 28 forming a data storage medium of the type lect-

2.5. Tamper-proof writing/writing provided by the gaming establishment 16. The GUI has an interface with a personal computer operating as a gaming computer 14, as shown in Figure 3, or is installed directly on the personal computer by the player. Furthermore,

3 0 the game software 22 may be available on a tamper-proof plug-in data storage module intended for use with a conventional multimedia device acting as a game computer 14, as will be described in more detail 35 below.

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A critical point is that the gaming establishment 16 must be able to determine whether the software itself or the data on it has been copied, modified or altered in any other way, 5 otherwise a player could make several copies and continue to play with identical discs until one of the copied discs becomes a winner, or the player could modify the software itself to try to control the outcome, the winnings or the losses, or a combination of these, i.e. a dishonest player 12 could modify the program of the gaming software 22 in such a way that this would cause the software to generate a winning outcome more frequently than chance dictates (for example in the case of a roulette simulation, by-15 causing the roulette wheel to stop more frequently on a more favorable number). This would result in replacing the software entirely or modifying certain lines of the program, either physically or through other externally applied influences such as a

20 high-intensity electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a high-frequency field). Naturally, the most secure system is an online connection in which the gaming software 22 is located on a gaming computer 30 located on the premises of the gaming establishment (see Figure 252). The most challenging security outcomes with regard to fraudulent manipulation appear in embodiments in which the gaming establishment provides the player 12 with software intended for use on a gaming computer 14 arranged remotely or on

3.0 A specialized gaming computer 14 itself (e.g., a personal digital accessory). From this perspective, various means of ensuring security can be provided.

In a first application, the software commands the game computer via the disk memory device 35 to read the unique magnetic signature of the specific disk on which the game software

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22 is made available for installation, and to encrypt the latter so that decryption by the gaming establishment can reveal unauthorized reproduction of the data located on that disk. Alternatively, a plug-in device may have an interface with the disk storage device to read a portion of the disk to acquire the disk's unique magnetic signature. This encrypted data may be recorded by the gaming establishment 16 or requested by it before payment. 10 In another embodiment such as represented

As schematically represented in Figure 13, the game software 22 is located on a chip 23 arranged inside the game computer 14 (i.e., when a specialized device is provided by the gaming establishment 16). The chip 15 23 must be located inside a physical housing 84 which is isolated and inaccessible from any external data access connection. In one embodiment given by way of example, the chip 23 can be received inside seals, insulators, specific windings 20 or the like 86 to reveal any unauthorized attempt to remove or fraudulently manipulate the chip 23. Thus, the gaming establishment 16 can be easily assured, if the player has fraudulently manipulated the gaming software and if such manipulations are discovered, 25 that it can refuse to such a player any future winnings and/or credit claimed.

In yet another embodiment, schematically represented in Figure 14, unique mathematical attributes are derived from certain program features in a self-monitoring process. To achieve such control, the program features are kept secret and known only to the setter (for example, a numeric type control algorithm based on the sum of the binaries located, for instance, in lines 476 to 655 of the program). Alternatively, the self-monitoring process can check special programs.

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gui are included within the instructions forming codes in a certain predetermined random way known only to the gaming establishment 16.

In a variant of the preceding guide, such as is schematically shown in Figure 15A, external keys known only to the gaming establishment 16 can be applied to check intermittently or continuously whether the program has been or is being fraudulently manipulated, causing 10 modified software to malfunction and interrupt the application of the game in the computer 14. This can be achieved in various ways including, but not limited to, the following: (1) sending a continuous external coded or encrypted signal (e.g., an electrical radio frequency 15) from the gaming establishment 16, received by receiving means 88 located in the gaming computer where such signals are subsequently decoded or decrypted by the gaming computer 14 and introduced into the gaming software 22 (see Figure 15B); (2) require player 12 to physically enter a code on an intermittent basis (see Figure 15C); or (3) use an internally generated clock signal provided by a tamper-proof clock 89 (see Figure 15D). From this perspective, the chip 23, or even the gaming computer 14 (if supplied by the gaming establishment 16), can be shielded against electromagnetic noise to prevent unauthorized attempts to influence the gaming software using electromagnetic radiation. The use of external keys may or may not use encryption to protect against it being easily counterfeited by player 12.

Apart from the use of external keys, the game software 22 can be designed to require data acquisition from an external source in order to function. For example, the game software 22 can have access to a radiotelephone broadcast or to a

16

an analogous stream of random numbers (possibly encrypted) such that these random numbers are called by the program as a basis for choosing a betting outcome in a predictable or unpredictable way. Such an external input can be incorporated inside a tamper-proof plug-in device or GUI module that interfaces with the gaming computer.

Another way to prevent attempts to fraudulently modify the gaming software 22 is the use of a verification program 27 to which only the gaming establishment 16 has access. To prevent a reverse verification from being falsified, the verification program 37 can, for example, create dozens or even hundreds of data sequences (for example, such as 15 in a roulette simulation, data sequences corresponding to the number of spins of the roulette wheel each time the wheel is set in motion) in which such data is then recorded for future verification if the gaming establishment 16 suspects 20 fraudulent manipulation of the gaming software 22.

It will be noted by a person skilled in the art that the gaming software 22 can be arranged in such a way that a sequence of alphanumeric codes, preloaded into each gaming computer 14, or supplied on a disk 25 or, alternatively, supplied on a non-copyable plug-in module, can be used to detect any fraudulent manipulation of the software, disk, or module by the player 12. From this perspective, the code sequence may be different for each gaming computer 14 or module, and copies of such codes may be kept by the gaming establishment 16. These codes can provide the basis for the randomness of the outcome of each gaming event and can therefore reveal fraudulent manipulation. In other words, a specific arrangement 35 of the codes may correspond to a certain outcome of a betting event (e.g., the roulette wheel).

17

stops on "S"). Even though these codes are known to the gaming establishment 16, they are sequenced to ensure a random outcome, an element that can be verified by a third independent party. If a player 12 thinks of modifying the gaming software, the modified programs can be discovered by comparison with those of the originals known only to the gaming establishment 16.

As other means to prevent player fraud, an element having a "double randomness" can be achieved by requiring the player to press a button for each choice imposed on the game computer or each desired response from it, twice, the time interval between selections (i.e., in milliseconds) being used to address a specific pre-programmed random outcome coded into corresponding programs.

The gaming program 24 allows the player 12 to bet on any of several betting opportunities, including games of chance, future public events 20 with uncertain outcomes, or games of knowledge (e.g., crosswords). The games of chance are created on the gaming computer 14 by the gaming program 24 according to standard techniques and include, but are not limited to, common casino betting activities such as blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, slot machines, or the like. Each game offers opportunities for the player 12 to place bets on one or more different betting elements within a given betting event, according to the rules applied to that game. This will be described in more detail below.

The 24-hour gaming program can be configured to accept bets on future public events where the outcome is uncertain, such as sporting events like football matches or boxing matches, or state lotteries or other lotteries. This can be

18

This is achieved by establishing oral or electronic communications with gaming establishments 16 in order to place, record, and confirm bets. The bet is placed on the gaming computer 14, which provides a timing code 5 to the gaming establishment 16. This code is then timestamped by the gaming establishment 16 to form an encrypted code using instructions from appropriate software to lock the bet or fix the time of the bet in order to ensure correct payment. This implementation will be described in more detail below. Similarly, knowledge games, such as crossword puzzles, can be implemented in which a timer sets the completion time so that prizes are distributed later based on the first player to finish the game 15.

The banking program 26 allows the player 12 to participate using available credit and to cash out in order to collect any winnings. In some embodiments, the banking program 26 facilitates the purchase of credit 20 from the gaming establishment 16, where such credit is "loaded" into the gaming computer in the form of codes. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1C, the banking program can receive instructions from an electronic card reader 91 compatible with credit or debit cards 93 in the usual way, or the banking program can receive credit from a plug-in credit module 90.

As a first means of ensuring security in the credit purchase/collection procedure, the bank program 26 or a specialized encryption/decryption device provides, for example, an encryption and decryption algorithm 29 of the type known in the art (e.g., using a public key) to encrypt and decrypt certain alphanumeric codes exchanged between the player 35 12 and the casino 16 which are entered into the gaming computer 14 and the computer 30 of the gaming establishment and

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generated by these. These codes are exchanged between player 12 and an agent 38 of the gaming establishment via a telephone 40. The term "agent" is understood to include an automated telephone or similar system 5 that generates computerized instructions to communicate with player 12 via a voice-frequency telephone 36 to enable player 12 to quickly communicate responses to the gaming establishment 16 by pressing appropriate numbers or symbols. 10 Such generated instructions may be provided by the gaming establishment's computer 30, or by telephone in accordance with well-known techniques.

The gaming establishment's computer 30 contains gaming software 33 which includes a bank program 15 35 and a verification program 37. The computer 30 contains a specialized device or software, or communicates with it, to implement an encryption and decryption algorithm 39 known only to the gaming establishment 16 to encrypt and decrypt these codes. In this way, the gaming establishment 16 allows a verified player 12 to purchase and cash out betting credit at a remote location. The sequence of steps for purchasing and cashing out such credit by exchanging encrypted codes is described in more detail below.

In the usual process of implementing the present invention, Figure 4 describes a flowchart of the startup and registration sequence in a non-connected embodiment, which must be executed before placing a bet. Player 12 first provides various personal information to the gaming establishment 16 and obtains a personal alphanumeric identification code 32. The gaming establishment 16 provides player 12 with gaming software 22 consisting of a gaming program 24 and a banking program 26 as described above, along with an alphanumeric software identification code 34. The lo

20

The gaming software 22 can be independently tested, verified, and provided on a data storage medium located in a sealed envelope by a third party. Such a data storage medium may include a hard drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or the like. The gaming establishment then provides an alphanumeric startup identification code that the player enters to activate the gaming software 22. Optionally, the gaming computer may include speech recognition means such as a voice chip or speech recognition software designed to recognize the unique characteristics of the player's voice to prevent unauthorized access. Such hardware and/or software is known from the art. The gaming software 22 is programmed to prompt the player to indicate whether the current session is for practice or betting. If it is a practice session, the gaming program 24 generates several game choices and confirms that the games are for practice only. If player 12 chooses to place a bet, the banking program 26 will allow the real bet provided there is sufficient betting credit available in the player's account. If the credit is insufficient, player 12 must contact the gaming establishment 16 and 25 go through the credit purchase sequence described below. As noted above, the gaming computer 14 can be online with the gaming establishment's computer 30 or be offline. If the gaming computer 14 is offline, greater flexibility in terms of the ability to place a bet from virtually any location is possible. In one embodiment given by way of example, a series of encrypted communication exchanges consisting, for example, of alphanumeric codes, between a player 12 and an agent 3 8 allows the purchase of credit and the collection of winnings at a remote location to be governed by the independent gaming establishment 16

21

The absence of an electronic link between the gaming computer 14 and the gaming establishment's computer 30 is a drawback. Alternatively, the gaming computer 14 can be networked to the gaming establishment's computer 30 via a telecommunications link 29 so that computer 30 manages and controls all or part of the activities taking place on the remote gaming computer.

In the non-connected embodiment shown in Figure 1, player 12 makes a call to the gaming establishment 16 via a telephone 36 and communicates with the agent 38 via a telephone 40 to obtain credit or a refund of betting credit. If player 12 already has credit, the gaming software 22 will allow betting on any of the games of chance provided by the gaming program 24 upon receipt of player 12's personal identification code 32. If player 12 needs credit to play, the gaming establishment 16 must be contacted and the following series of steps 20 is followed in order to verify the player's identity and confirm that the player is using gaming software 22 registered to their personal identification code 32.

Each time a player 12 contacts the gaming establishment 16, he or she goes through what is called a link establishment recognition sequence, the verification of the player's identity by the gaming establishment. To this end, as represented by the flowchart in Figure 5, the player 12 first calls the gaming establishment 16 via telephone 36, and an agent 38, communicating via telephone 40, asks the player 12 for their unique personal identification code 32 and the software identification code 34. The agent 38 enters these codes into the computer 30, which generates an encrypted link establishment code 42 that is provided to the player 12 to be entered into

22

The gaming computer 14 decrypts the connection establishment code 42 and then generates an encrypted acknowledgment response code 44, which is then provided to the gaming establishment 16. The agent 38 enters the acknowledgment response code 44 into the computer 30, which decrypts it to verify the identity of player 12 and confirm that the specific gaming software 22 registered for player 12 is in use. Once verified, player 12 then proceeds to an appropriate interaction with the casino.

Figure 6 is a flowchart describing a first embodiment of the credit purchase sequence in the non-connected embodiment. Player 12 first contacts the gaming establishment 16 and establishes their identification 15 via the connection establishment sequence shown in Figure 5 and described above. Agent 38 obtains an encrypted banking program activation code 46 from computer 30 and provides this to player 12 in order to allow player 12 to access the credit purchase/withdrawal function of the banking program 26 located in the gaming computer 14. Player 12 then enters the required amount of betting credit. For security reasons, the banking program 26 uses the personal identification code 32 and the software identification code 34, along with an encryption algorithm, to generate a credit request code 48. This code represents the numerical value of the requested credit amount and is unique to player 12 and their gaming software 22. The credit request code 48 is displayed on player 12's gaming computer 14, 30. Player 12 then provides the credit request code 48 to agent 38 for entry into the gaming establishment's computer 30. Computer 30 applies a decryption key known only to the gaming establishment 16 to decrypt the credit request code 48 and reveal the amount of credit requested by player 12. Agent 38 orally confirms this amount.

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to player 12. The gaming establishment 16 then decides whether or not to provide all or part of the required credit. If the required credit is refused, player 12 receives an encrypted reactivation code 50 which is decrypted by the gaming operator 14 to allow player 12 to continue betting using the available credit balance (or player 12 has the option to cash out any winnings in accordance with the sequence shown in Figure 8 and described below). If the credit request is partially or fully accepted, the process continues with regard to the amount of betting credit that the gaming establishment agrees to sell to the player. The computer generates a new encrypted credit code, which is provided to the player in order to load the required amount of pending credit into the player's gaming computer via the banking program of the gaming software. The player then enters the new credit code into the gaming computer, which decrypts the code and reveals the exact amount of new credit added to the available credit balance.

Player 12 is shown the amount of the new credit pending, but not yet available for use. The banking program then generates an encrypted pending credit code, which is based in part on the monetary value of the new credits. Player 12 provides this pending credit code to agent, who enters it into the gaming establishment's computer. The computer then decrypts the pending credit code to positively and irrefutably verify that the specific amount of credit requested has been...

3 0 loaded inside player 12's bank program 2 6.

The gaming establishment's computer 30 then generates an encrypted credit release code 56. This credit release code 56 is provided to player 12, who then enters it into the gaming computer 14. The amount of credits in instant 35 is then released for use by player 12. The banking program 26 then generates an encrypted code 58

24

The credit release verification code that player 12 provides to agent 38. Agent 38 enters the credit release verification code 58 into computer 30, which decrypts it and generates an encrypted program reactivation code 60. Player 12 receives the program reactivation code 60 and then enters it into the gaming computer 14, and the gaming program 24 is reactivated for use. Simultaneously, the gaming establishment 16 debits player 12 for the value of the purchased credits 10, in a manner mutually agreed upon by the player and the casino. For example, a credit card may be charged, a bank transfer may be authorized, or certain other forms of payment or deferred payment to the casino may be made in exchange for the purchased credits. If, at level 15 of a given point during this procedure, one or more of the various encrypted codes do not match those expected by the casino's encryption software, the player will be unable to access such credits. In such cases, the gaming software is disconnected until the conflict is resolved. In this way, the correct creation of each of the various codes by the gaming computer and the casino's computer serves to positively confirm the amount and value of the credits received by the player and that such credits have been released and made available for use by the player.

It will be noted that credit can also be provided to player 12 in predetermined amounts, pre-installed on a specialized gaming computer 14 (for example, a personal digital accessory) provided by the gaming establishment 16. Alternatively, a player 12 can obtain a disc or module 90 containing a given amount of authorized credit which is then "loaded" into the gaming computer's gambling program 14 to allow betting until that amount of credit is exhausted. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1C and cited above, credit can be obtained simply by using one's own credit card

25

said 93, either through communications with agent 3 8 or through an electronic device 91 forming a card reader connected to the issuing bank 95 as is well known in the technique.

5. After a player 12 has received betting credit, they can place bets by choosing betting elements within various betting events in any of the several games of chance offered by the gaming software 22. Each game provides opportunities for the player 12 to place bets on one or more different betting elements within a given betting event, according to the rules applicable to that game. As an example, a casino's roulette game involves a series of betting events based on the outcome of a random number chosen by the spin of a ball inside a roulette wheel. Each spin of the wheel is a unique betting event. Within that event, the player 12 can bet on several different betting elements such as the colors red and black, single numbers, groups of numbers, and similar combinations. All bets relating to each event are placed before the wheel is spun.

Figure 7A is a flowchart describing the betting sequence for games of chance created by the pro-

2.5 gram of games 24, which works as follows. Player 12 first enters the games program 24 of the gaming software 22 and chooses a particular game on which to bet. Player 12 can bet on one or more events within the game as described above. The program of

30 games 24 requires player 12 to confirm the position of the bets placed and the total amount of bets entered. Such bets can be withdrawn or modified until they are confirmed. Confirmation is typically carried out by player 12 entering a confirmation code 62 before closing all bets. The confirmation code 62 is provided by the games 24 program and

26

This confirmation code can be different for each bettor for security reasons. It can be a simple alphanumeric code, one or two binary digits, which is entered into the gaming software to confirm that each bet placed on any event is the intended one and was not placed in error. The gaming program can be configured so that the confirmation code is further simplified to a single key press in certain highly repetitive games, such as slot machines, or when the total amount of all bets falls below a certain predetermined level. After the confirmation code has been entered by the player, the gaming program, according to the rules of a given casino game, generates a specific outcome for that particular betting event (e.g., cards are dealt, the wheel is spun, etc.). The gaming program 24 determines the outcome of each bet placed (win, lose, or refunded), calculates, and then displays the correct settlement offered to player 12 20 for that bet on the gaming computer 14. Player 12 has the option to enter a yes/no code to accept the settlement outcome for all bets or to discuss any settlement that player 12 considers incorrect in any way. Any discussion can be initiated in-25 during bet processing and by calling agent 38 to resolve the issue by telephone or through certain other dispute resolution methods. When player 12 accepts the settlement of a given betting event, the correct amount of credit is added to, or subtracted from, player 12's betting credit balance by the gaming software's banking program. Player 12 can then restart the betting process on a subsequent betting event or choose to end the gaming session. At any time, player 12 can select a review mode for the gaming program and review the amount and settlement of each game and each bet placed by player 12.

27

12 and the results of such bets in chronological order. At any time, the player 12 may choose to collect or cash out all or part of the betting credit balance stored in the banking program 26 via a credit cash-out sequence. The gaming program 24 may also contain specific instructions for setting limits on winnings, at the discretion of the gaming establishment. It is also assumed that such gaming software 22 may be included in another product, 10 such as a computer or other software, to provide a bonus application that enables the purchaser of any product to win something, as determined by such an incorporated program (for example, a net prize awarded).

15 Figures 7B and 7C are flowcharts of se

Betting patterns related to future public events with uncertain outcomes, such as a lottery, in the offline embodiment. For the purposes of describing lotteries, the gaming establishment 20 will be referred to hereafter as the "lottery authority". The player 12 selects, via the gaming software 22, a specific lottery event (i.e., a draw) on which to bet. The gaming computer 14 then generates a unique lottery "ticket" pad for the specific lottery 25, and the player selects the desired betting elements (i.e., the numbers).

There are two types of lotteries given as examples here: the first is an instantaneous type, analogous to a standard scratch-off ticket, and the second is a future event with an uncertain outcome (i.e., a draw takes place). In the case of instant lotteries, verifying the date and time of the bet is not important by definition, since the program's near-instantaneous output determines the outcome. On the other hand, for future events, the date and time of the bet are critical in certain embodiments. This will be appreciated by the user.

28

of the trade that a remote gaming arrangement by which player 12 participates in a lottery can be classified as follows: (1) a non-recording system (by which the player bets independently of the lottery authority 16 and the bet cannot be recorded by the lottery authority since the gaming computer 14 provides means of marking the time of the bet) or (2) a recording system (by which the player selects the betting items on the remotely located gaming computer 14, but must then contact the lottery authority 16 to "record" the bet).

In a non-registration embodiment as shown in Figure 7B, a bet is placed as follows: Player 12 calls the lottery application located in the gaming computer 14 using their personal identification code 204, which is previously assigned by the lottery authority 16 through which Player 12 was pre-registered. From this perspective, an encryption/decryption device 82, shown in Figure 2 and described in more detail below, can be used to prevent

2.0 that minors do not access the lottery program. Such a device may use fingerprints or a voice recognition device for additional verification. Player 12 then chooses a specific lottery to play (e.g., the lotto). Player 12 then chooses the betting elements 206 in the usual way, which choice must be confirmed when the player receives a suitable request. The gaming computer 14 then generates an encrypted code 208 of several compressed binary numbers forming a ticket representing the chosen betting elements 206,

30 and a date/time mark 210 that cannot be counterfeited. Optionally, such a 208 ticket-forming code may include the personal identification code 204 or the software identification code 212. The 208 ticket-forming code is stored in the gaming computer 14 and can be decrypted only by the lottery authority 16 for authentication. If desired, a physical "ticket" representing

C'

29

The player's selection from the encrypted ticket code can be printed using standard printing methods associated with the gaming computer 14. This procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary to participate in multiple 5 lottery events or to select betting elements for a single event. Such an arrangement allows betting to be done independently of the Lottery Authority 16. The tamper-proof date/time stamp ensures that the player 12 cannot erase the bet "after the fact" (i.e., after the 10th draw, the player cannot change the chosen numbers). To collect their winnings, the player 12 provides the encrypted ticket code 208 to the Lottery Authority 16, which decrypts the ticket code to reveal the selected betting elements and the date/time stamp of the bet. Winnings are then paid out in the usual way 15. It is assumed that large winnings require the player 12 to return the physical device to the Lottery Authority 16 for verification.

Figure 7C depicts a recording sequence whereby player 12 registers their lottery choice(s) with the lottery authority 16. When the player is ready, the lottery authority 16 is contacted via an agent 38. Player 12 then enters their entry slip 204, either by pressing corresponding keys on the telephone, or into the gaming computer 14 25 (if these are online with either a temporary or permanent connection), or by orally stating the selections via the telephone for acquisition by a speech recognition program of a type known in the art. For further verification, player 12 may be asked to enter the computer identification or software identification code 212. The lottery authority will ask player to choose from a menu of lotteries that are still open for betting, and the player will then make their selection(s). Player then indicates the payment method. In some applications, a credit can be installed.

30

prior to entering the game computer 14 or module 90, as described above, such credit may be included and represented in an encrypted 208-forming ticket code. Normally, the 208-forming ticket code should not be encrypted in a recording embodiment (i.e., it only represents the selection of betting elements). If the ticket-forming code is encrypted, it is then decrypted using a key known only to the Lottery Authority 16. This ensures and verifies that a valid lottery selection and sufficient credit have been entered. The Lottery Authority 16 can confirm the transaction by reading back the betting elements included in the code. After the Lottery Authority 16 accepts the ticket code 208, it generates a registration code 21815 (encrypted or unencrypted) which constitutes the ticket code 208 and a current date-time mark 220. The registration code 218 can be provided to the player 12 and is stored by the Lottery Authority 16 in its computer 30 for future reference. The Lottery Authority 20 can then invite the player to confirm the bet by entering a simple yes/no response. If desired, the Lottery Authority 16 can impose a limit on the number of bets per player or per given time period and reject bets exceeding the established amounts. As an option, player 12 can obtain receipts in the form of printed tickets bearing the registration code 218 from the gaming computer 14. The bet processing can be repeated for each registered "ticket". When finished, player 12 simply disconnects or stops the connection with the lottery authority 16. After the lottery draw or processing, the lottery authority 16 compares any of the winning numbers with all registered tickets in accordance with standard practice. If the prize is below a specific threshold (e.g., 600.00 francs or $100), then such prize will be credited to the player's account or credit card, or, if it exceeds a certain threshold...

31

Once the threshold is reached, the payment can be made in the usual way.

In general, there are several ways in which player 12 can collect winnings when such winnings are accumulated or stored in the gaming computer 14. Figure 8A is a flowchart of the credit collection sequence in a first, unconnected embodiment. Player 12 first goes through the connection establishment sequence shown in Figure 105 and described above. When player 12's identity is confirmed, the gaming establishment 16 gives player 12 an encrypted bank activation code 64. Player 12 then activates the bank program 26 and enters the bank activation code 64, which is decrypted by the gaming computer 14 to access the buy/collect bank function. Player 12 then enters the amount of betting credit they wish to collect into the bank program 26. The amount to be collected is entered by the bank program 26 into a collection field in ins-

20 tance. The player's banking program 26 then generates an encrypted credit redemption code 66, which player 12 provides to the gaming establishment 16. Agent 38 enters the credit redemption code 66 into the gaming establishment's computer 30, which decrypts it to reveal 25 the amount of credit that player 12 requests to withdraw. This amount is confirmed orally by casino agent 38. The gaming establishment's computer 30 then generates an encrypted redemption knowledge code 68 and provides this code to player 12. Player 12 enters the code 68

3.0 knowledge of cash handling in the gaming computer 14

which decrypts this, and the banking program 26 then deducts the amount of the collected credits from the player's available credit balance for future bets. The banking program 26 then generates an encrypted verification code 70 and a deduction code 35, which indicates that the correct amount has been deducted from the player's account. This code is then provided to the agent 38

32

who enters it into computer 30. The gaming establishment's computer 30 decrypts the deduction verification code 70 and generates an encrypted program reactivation code 72, which is provided to player 12 to allow the game program 24 to continue playing without any available credit. The gaming establishment 16 then issues a payment to player 12 for the full amount of the wagering credit collected. The payment may be in the form of a credit to the player's credit card, a bank transfer, or any other mutually agreed payment method 10. It is also considered that when player 12 has been provided with a specialist gaming computer 14 (for example, a handheld device) the credit can be redeemed by simply bringing such a gaming computer 14 to the gaming establishment 15 16 or its agent, where the complete device itself is physically returned or a plug-in credit module 90 is exchanged (protected against tampering as described above).

Figures 9 to 12 are flowcharts of a

20 Online embodiment schematically represented in Figure 2, whereby a gaming computer 14 communicates directly, via a telecommunications link 29, such as a modem, with the gaming establishment's computer 30. The computer 30 comprises gaming software 25 74 consisting of a game program 76, a banking program 77, a verification program 78, and an encryption/decryption algorithm 79. To prevent unauthorized access, an encryption/decryption device 82, as schematically represented in Figure 2, is used.

3 0 read by player 12 to generate a unique code 83

alphanumeric identification to start the computer 30 in order to gain online access to an online game and/or to purchase and redeem credit. In a first embodiment, the device 82 resembles a 35 calculator in the shape of a credit card and includes a display 84, an integrated keyboard 86 and a device and/or a

33

Internal encryption/decryption software. Such a device is commonly used to carry out wireless money transfers, for example via "Fleet Bank". Codes entered into and transmitted from the device can be included in specific sounds identified by means of a specialized sound recognition program, which are transmitted to and received from the computer. The encryption/decryption device 82 is used to generate an encrypted login code 83 by encrypting the player's personal identification code 32 using a separate verification code 88 provided to the player 12 by the computer 30. Alternatively, the verification code 88 can be constructed within the encryption/decryption device 82. Thus, the player's knowledge of the player's personal identification code 32 is insufficient to allow an unauthorized third party, such as a minor or a known chronic gambler, to access a game and/or purchase and cash out betting credit. The computer 30 may contain

Appropriate instructions are provided for stopping the online connection in such a case and preventing further attempts to access that particular personal identification code 32. Furthermore, the device 82 can be associated with the banking program 26 to store the betting credit in-25 independently of the gaming computer 14, in which case the exchange of codes between the device 82 and the gaming computer 14 would represent actual "money". Thus, credit can be established in a device that is structurally independent of the gaming computer.

Figure 9 is a flowchart of the registration and startup sequence. Initially, player 12, via the game computer 14, calls computer 30 and connects to it via a telecommunications link 29. Player 12 then enters the required registration information and is assigned a personal identification code 32.

34

Player 12 then connects as described above. If Player 12's identity is confirmed, computer 30 then allows a bet and/or a credit purchase and a credit withdrawal.

5 As shown in Figure 10, the credit purchase sequence in the online embodiment consists of the following series of exchanges between the player 12 and the computer 30. The computer 30 first asks the player for the amount of credit they want for the particular gaming session 10. The player 12 responds to the request with the required amount of betting credit. The gaming establishment 16 then authorizes the required amount through approved credit methods such as credit cards or similar instruments. The approved credit amount is then deposited into player 12's betting credit account in the banking program. At this stage, player 12 can then bet on several of the games offered by the gaming establishment. To this end, at the end of each session, player 12 must request an encrypted code number which verifies the amount of credit available to him or her from the gaming establishment at that time, for the purpose of resolving any future disputes.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of the game sequence for the online implementation. Player 12 is active

2.5 First, the gaming computer 14 establishes electronic communication with the gaming establishment's computer 30 via a telecommunications link 29, and proceeds with the secure connection procedure described above. The gaming computer 14 then records a game session code 30 80 with the gaming establishment 16. The computer 30 then displays a selection of games of chance or future public events with uncertain outcomes on which bets can be placed.

Figure 12 is a flowchart of the sequence

3.5 credit collection in the online implementation mode. Player 12 first requests the collection of

35

The entire balance of the credit or a portion of the existing balance in the betting credit account managed by the casino's computer 30 is deducted. The gaming establishment 16 requests confirmation of the credit amount to be withdrawn by the player 12. The player 512 then enters their personal identification code 32 using the keypad to confirm this amount. The amount is then deducted from the player 12's credit account, and the gaming establishment 16 then authorizes a credit to be paid to the player's pre-assigned credit card or through one of the other approved payment methods. For additional verification, the encryption/decryption device 82 may be used to provide a verification code to the gaming establishment 16 before payment. In addition, the gaming establishment 16 may have a special telephone number 15 to call back the player 12 to confirm the payment which can then only be made when the player 12 calls back the gaming establishment 16 from this number, to provide an additional security measure.

Alternatively, in another embodiment in line 20, the gaming computer 14 includes gaming software 22 as in the first embodiment of Figure 1, but the gaming establishment's computer 30, via the telecommunications line 29, may or may not be used to regulate or control gaming software simulating casino games 25 located on the gaming computer 14. For example, the gaming establishment's computer 30 may directly keep a record of all activities or selected activities taking place on the gaming computer 14 for additional verification 30 or security purposes. Alternatively, the electronic link may be controlled to vary the odds for a given player based on any variety of factors such as the duration of play or other factors such as a progressively increasing jackpot 35 (for example, in a slot machine simulation).

36

In the non-connected embodiment, at any time, an encrypted reverse verification of all transactions can be recorded on a storage medium associated with the gaming establishment's computer 30 5 and independently of the gaming computer 14, to be ultimately downloaded or accessed by the gaming establishment 16. Such a reverse verification can also be recorded in the device 2 8 forming a read/write data storage medium protected against manipulation 10 provided by the gaming establishment 16 to the player 12 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

The present invention has been represented and described in this guide, which is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is assumed, however, that modifications are possible and that obvious modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

37

Claims (5)

DEMANDS 1. Remote gaming system characterized in that it comprises: a central computer (30) that allows a player 5 located at a remote location to purchase and cash out betting credit and that generates at least one encrypted code intended to be provided from said central computer (30), and that decrypts at least one encrypted code intended to be provided to said central computer (30), 10 an unconnected gaming computer (14) arranged at distance from said central computer (30), on which the player bets on at least one betting opportunity, said gaming computer being intended to generate at least one betting opportunity and to enable the purchase, recording and cashing out of a betting credit, said gaming computer (14) further generating said at least one encrypted code intended to be provided to said central computer (30) and decrypting said at least one encrypted code intended to be provided from said central computer, in which said encrypted codes exchanged between the central computer (30) and said gaming computer (14) enable the player to carry out at least one credit transaction among the purchase and cashing out of a betting credit. 2. Remote gaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) includes gaming software (22) designed to generate said at least one betting opportunity and enabling said purchase, recording and collection of betting credit, provided on a data storage medium. 30 3. Remote gaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) communicates with a data memory medium disposed within a read/write device protected against manipulation. 35 4. Remote gaming system according to claim 2, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) 38 reads the unique magnetic characteristics of said data storage medium in order to create a unique encrypted code to prevent undetectable reproduction of the data stored on said data storage medium. 5. Remote gaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) records and stores said codes provided to and from said gaming computer to generate a ve- 10. Reverse verification. 6. Remote gaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that said central computer (30) records and stores said codes provided to said host computer and from the latter to generate a verification 15 reverse cation. 7. Remote gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said gaming computer (14) is provided with a predetermined amount of casino credit stored in at least one medium selected from a storage medium of 20 data permanently installed on the gaming computer (14) and a data storage medium removablely installed on said gaming computer (14). 8. Remote gaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) 25 includes at least one of the following: speech recognition means for identifying the player's unique vocal characteristics and fingerprint identification means for identifying the player's unique fingerprint. 30 9. Remote gaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that said betting opportunity is a knowledge game. 10. Game system, characterized in that it comprises: 35 a central computer (30) which allows a player (12) networked, located at a remote location 39 to purchase and cash in betting credit and to bet on at least one betting opportunity, said central computer (30) generating at least one code intended to be communicated from said central computer and decrypting at least one encrypted code communicated to said central computer, a gaming computer (14) on which the player bets on said at least one betting opportunity, said gaming computer (14) being located remotely from said central computer, and 10 of the means (82) to generate at least one encrypted code intended to be communicated to said central computer (30) and to be decrypted by it to enable the player to have access to said central computer from said gaming computer (14). 15 11. Remote gaming system according to claim 10, characterized in that said means (82) for generating said at least one encrypted code are included in a device which is structurally independent of said gaming computer (14). 20 12. Gaming computer (14) intended for use in a gaming system for betting against a gaming establishment (16), characterized in that said gaming computer (14) generates and provides at least one betting opportunity and allows the player located at a remote location to 2 5 bet on said at least one betting opportunity and to purchase and cash in betting credit from said gaming establishment (16). 13. A gaming computer according to claim 12, characterized in that a predetermined amount of said credit 3 0 is pre-installed in said gaming computer (14) by said gaming establishment (16). 14. Gaming computer according to claim 12, characterized in that the credit is collected from said gaming establishment (16) by providing said establishment- 35 game computer (16) said game computer (14). 40 15. Gaming computer according to claim 12, characterized in that said credit is stored on a detachable data memory medium which has an interface with said gaming computer (14) and in which said 5 data storage support is provided to said gaming establishment (16) for credit collection. 16. Method of gambling by leguel a player bets on a gaming computer against a gaming establishment (16) in leguel no online connection exists between the computer- 10. Gaming operator (14) and gaming establishment (16), characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting of: (A) purchase betting credit from said gaming establishment (16) and make at least one of a loading and a preloading of said gaming credit in the- 15 said gaming computer, (B) generate at least one betting opportunity on said gaming computer, (C) to place a bet on said at least one gaming opportunity presented on said gaming computer, 2.0 (D) accumulate betting credits or debits on said gaming computer depending on the outcome of said at least one betting opportunity, and (E) collect betting credit from said gaming establishment (16) by entering codes provided by the- 25 said gaming establishment, of which at least one is encrypted, in said gaming computer which decrypts said at least one encrypted code and generates codes provided to said gaming establishment, of which at least one is encrypted, so that they may be decrypted by said gaming establishment (16). 3017. Gaming method where a player with a personal identification code (32; 204) bets against a gaming establishment (16) on a gaming computer (14) which presents a computer-generated betting opportunity where the gaming computer is located at the level 35 from a remote location and is networked to a computer 41 central unit (30) associated with a gaming establishment (16), characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting of: (A) establish a secure online connection between the gaming computer (14) and said central computer (30) in 5 generating an encrypted connection code constituting an identification code known only to the player and the gaming establishment and a separate code, said central computer then decrypting said encrypted connection code for verification, 10 (B) purchase betting credit from said gaming establishment, (C) generate at least one betting opportunity on said gaming computer (14), (D) place a bet on said at least one op- 15 betting units presented on said gaming computer (14) , (E) accumulate betting credits or debits resulting from the outcome of said at least one betting opportunity, and 20 (F) collect a betting credit from said gaming establishment (16). 18. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that step (F) further comprises the creation of an encrypted verification code constituting an identification code. 25 cation known only to the player (12) and the gaming establishment (16) and a separate code, intended to be decrypted by said central computer (30) for verification before collection of said betting credit. 19. Method according to claim 17, characterized 3 0 in that said encrypted connection code is generated by an encryption/decryption device (82) which is structurally independent of said gaming computer. 20. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that said betting credit is inserted into a device 35 (82) of encryption/decryption which is structurally independent of said gaming computer. 42 21. A gaming system that allows a player located at a remote location to bet against a gaming establishment, characterized in that the player bets on a gaming computer (14), which gaming computer generates 5 at least one betting opportunity and allows the player to realize at least one of the following: the purchase of betting credit and the collection of betting winnings. 22. Gaming system according to claim 21, characterized in that said purchased pre-installed credit is in- 10 ser in a pluggable module (90) protected against manipulation, supplied by the gaming establishment (16) and equipped with an interface with said gaming computer (14). 23. Gaming system according to claim 21, characterized in that said betting winnings are stored 15 electronically on a tamper-proof plug-in module (90) supplied by the gaming establishment (16) and equipped with an interface with said gaming computer (14). 24. Gaming system according to claim 21, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) comprises gaming software (22) intended to generate said at least one betting opportunity, and said gaming software is located on a tamper-proof chip (23) arranged in an inspectable housing. 25. Gaming system according to claim 21, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) comprises gaming software (22) intended to generate said at least one betting opportunity, which includes a random distribution of codes known only to the gaming establishment (16) to prevent unauthorized manipulation of said gaming software. 26. Gaming system according to claim 21, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) comprises gaming software (22) intended to generate said at least 35 betting opportunity, and means for receiving input via an external key to said gaming software, said- 43 your keys being used by said game software to perform a function and gui disconnect said game program if said game software (22) has been manipulated without authorization. 5 27. Gaming system according to claim 21, characterized in that said gaming computer (14) comprises gaming software (22) intended to generate said at least one betting opportunity upon receiving data from an external source to said gaming computer 10 (14). 28. Gaming system characterized in that it allows a player (12) located at a remote location to participate in a lottery by choosing a selection of betting items in a lottery on a gaming computer 15 (14). 29 Game system according to claim 28, characterized in that said selection is combined, with at least one element from among a date/time mark, a player identification code and a gold-20 dinner/software identification code, into a compressed code forming a ticket intended to be decrypted by a lottery authority for registration. 30. Game system according to claim 28, characterized in that said selection has a date/time margin 2.5 to form an encrypted code forming a ticket intended to be decrypted encrypted by a lottery authority to reveal a valid bet. 31. Procedure by which a player participates in a lottery offered by a lottery authority (16), characterized in 3.0 This guide includes the steps of: (A) select betting elements of a given lottery event, on a gaming computer (14), (B) generate a ticket-forming code on said gaming computer (14), which includes the selection of said elements 3 or 5 bets and at least one from a date/time margin, one L 44 a player identification code, a computer identification code, and a software identification code, (C) register the bet with the lottery authority by communicating said ticket code to the self- 5. Lottery authority, wherein said lottery authority has a central computer (30) which decrypts said ticket-forming code to reveal the player's choice among the betting elements, (D) confirm the bet by generating on said central gold-10 (30) a registration code encrypted by encryption of said ticket-forming code using a time/date mark using an encryption algorithm (29) known only to the Lottery Authority. original in pages containing Penvc's ... three naked José CURAU Conse'iTert) Industrial Property Princess Charlotte Blvd. MONTE-CMRL|f P»r procuratKW cl# WALKER ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ANAflEf a