Abstract:
The online poker gaming system comprises a live or recorded casino-type game-of-chance, and at least one gaming terminal. The live or recorded poker, blackjack, craps, or roulette game involves a group of players sitting around a table. Each player is playing for prize money so there is a cash incentive for each to win. The player terminal displays images of the live or recorded game being broadcast for view by an online player. The player terminal also includes a schematic of the game for presenting in a concise and visual way, the game status and gaming data of the live or recorded game. The player terminal also includes a keypad, enabling the online player to select one or more players to win, and select a value for each selection. For poker, while the online player cannot make gaming decisions—fold, call, check, and raise—the online player can participate by making selections, much as one would make selections at a racetrack. The online player can make multiple playing selections unavailable to the player sitting at the table.

Description:
[0001]    This Application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,888, entitled “Poker Online Playing System” filed on Jan. 10, 2005; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/930,246, entitled “Off-Site Casino Play” filed on Sep. 1, 2004. 
     
     FIELD OF USE 
       [0002]    The gaming system of the present invention enables an online player to enjoy quality play at any game within the casino complex, at any time, and from any location. The system enables the online player to select any player at a poker table and participate from a remote location, and secure the bet biometrically. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Casinos monitor the play of table gaming activities with mirrors and cameras recording twenty-four hours each day looking for dealer errors, player cheating, player use of systems, or any other irregularities. Also, pit crews constantly monitor play. 
         [0004]    While casinos have means to enable players to wager on horse races in various racetracks around the country and the world in real time, such a system is not available for other live play in the casino. 
         [0005]    While there are many poker-type games that can be played on the Internet, practically all of them offer the same wagering options, and many of them are canned or preprogrammed. As racetracks have expanded their reach with off-track betting, casinos can dramatically increase revenues by enabling play online. While wagers can be placed on horse races in various racetracks around the country and the world online and in real time, such system are not available for other live play in the casino. U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,552 (Vuong) discloses a network based gaming system that enables a plurality of players to place wagers on a real-time game of chance being conducted in a casino via a distributed network system or, alternatively, to place wagers on a game of chance using internally generated game sequences. In the preferred embodiment of the system, a gaming machine provides a menu of a plurality of live-action board games of chance, such as roulette, craps or baccarat. 
         [0006]    Many people enjoy poker but lack the skill or the bankroll to play in a high-profile game. Some people are uncomfortable in a crowded casino, particularly, alone prime time in the bigger casinos. The air is smoke-filled, heavy drinking is common, the crowds are shoulder to shoulder, people become separated, and space at gaming tables is rare. 
         [0007]    Once gaming information is captured on current gaming activity, quality online play becomes a reality. Each online player directly enters his playing decisions (hi/lo, winning player or best cards, player, value) into the gaming computer through a keypad. Once the hand is completed, the gaming computer knows all relevant information about the game in progress. This information is used to provide the online player with historical information about the players and the game. 
         [0008]    While there are many gaming sites online, they are programmed. A player makes a small bet and wins, another small bet and wins. When the online player makes a much larger bet, and loses, there is a lingering doubt as to the integrity of the gaming site. If the player is enabled to watch either a live game or a pre-recorded game from, perhaps, cameras above the gaming table, the integrity of the game can never be questioned. 
         [0009]    Poker is now the most popular card game because of television. On almost any evening, there is at least one poker tournament on cable television—usually “No-Limit Texas Hold&#39;em.” In the No-Limit version of Texas Hold&#39;em, any participating player can wager any portion of his chips at any time. There is also a Limit version of Texas Hold&#39;em, where there are limits to the amount of the wager. The use of windows and cameras located in front of each player enables the game to be broadcast and the home viewer can watch each player as the cards are dealt each round. 
         [0010]    What is needed is a gaming system that will enable a casino to increase the gaming activity throughout the casino without adding additional floor personnel (dealers, security guards, pit crew, etc.); that enables fully automated play of all gambling activities within a casino in a real time from anywhere within the complex, including but not limited to restaurants and lounges, luxury suites, and guest rooms; that will enable players to participate in quality off-site play; that will enable the off-site player to bet indirectly by selecting an active player and piggyback onto the player&#39;s play of the gaming unit; that will enable the off-site player to wager directly on live play in real time in games such as craps and roulette within the casino; and that will enable an off-site player to bet on live action within the casino from an Intranet or an Internet terminal. 
         [0011]    What is needed is a way to enable a player to place a wager online, while watching the play of the game in real-time to the online player to know that the game is legitimate and have confidence in the integrity of the game. What is needed is an online playing system that not only enables the online player to have the same excitement as a player sitting at a gaming table, but to have additional playing options that players seated at the table do not have. 
         [0012]    What is needed is a playing system that enables an online player to move from one table to another table, from one table game to another table game, from poker to blackjack to craps to roulette, from one casino site to another casino site, after each game to escape any perceived “cold streak.” 
         [0013]    What is needed is an online playing option that enables an online player to select an onsite player and bet on that player&#39;s outcome much the same as an online player selects a horse at a racetrack based on previous winnings. 
         [0014]    At the same time, the gaming site must be confident of the identity of the player making the bet, so that once the bet is placed and the game begins, there is no question as to the source of the person placing the bet. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The system of the present invention enables any player in the world with a television or an Internet terminal to sit alongside a poker superstar and place a small wager with them. This is in contrast to existing Internet sites that provide simulated and preprogrammed play. Participating casinos can dramatically increase revenues by reaching players located throughout the world. 
         [0016]    The system of the present invention enables any guest within the hotel complex to participate through Intranet terminals located in guest rooms, suites, lounges, and restaurants to participate in any live or recorded game at any time. 
         [0017]    The system of the present invention provides players with a quality online play option that is comparable to live play at the gaming tables, and for some players is actually preferred. The online player is able to move from player to player, from table to table, and from game to game without leaving the playing terminal. 
         [0018]    The system of the present invention enables the online player to select any player in the casino and wager on the outcome of the on-site player at the gaming table. The system can be used in any casino-type game (blackjack, poker, baccarat, craps, roulette, and slot machines). 
         [0019]    In the first preferred embodiment of the online poker gaming system of the present invention, the gaming system comprises a live poker game, and at least one gaming terminal. 
         [0020]    The live or recorded game of poker involves a group of players sitting around a table. The game is essentially a conventional game, whereby the players have fold, call, check, and raise playing options. Each player is playing for prize money so there is a cash incentive for each to do well. 
         [0021]    The player terminal displays images of the live or recorded game being broadcast for view by a player. The player terminal also includes a schematic of the game for presenting in a visual, of pertinent gaming data and game status. The player terminal also includes a keypad, enabling the online player to select one or more players to win; either a hand, the tournament, or both. The online player also selects a value for each selection. 
         [0022]    So while the online player cannot make gaming decisions—fold, call, check, and raise—the online player can participate by making selections, much as one would make selections at a racetrack. The online player can make multiple playing selections unavailable to the player sitting at the table. The online player can move from player to player, or even to another table. The online player wins whenever the player selected wins. 
         [0023]    In another preferred embodiment of the online poker gaming system of the present invention, the online player can select which player receives the best cards (rather than the winning player). There is a certain frustration in these games for viewers when the player sitting at the table with the best cards folds. This embodiment enables the online player to win in those instances. 
         [0024]    In still another preferred embodiment of the online poker gaming system of the present invention, a portion of each pot is set aside. When several online players are involved, the online player who makes the best selections wins this pot. 
         [0025]    In yet another preferred embodiment of the poker gaming system of the present invention, the players at the table are committed to use basic poker strategy, which limits bluffing and also massive betting (all-in). This embodiment on also be used as a teaching tool for the online player. 
         [0026]    The system of the present invention can be used anywhere, including a restaurant, a lounge, a suite or hotel room, a racetrack, an arcade, a swimming pool. The quality of play for the off-site playing option is at least comparable to the quality of on-site play, and offers gaming options not available to the on-site player. In on-site play, a player will often be in a losing streak at a table and rather than leaving the table, fighting the crowds in an environment filled with people smoking and drinking, and finding a position at another table, will decide to ride out the streak at the current table. The off-site player is able to move from player position to player position, from table to table, and from game to game without leaving the off-site player station. 
         [0027]    For purposes of illustration only this specification is directed at Texas Hold&#39;em and Blackjack. However it is understood that the principles set forth herein will enable one skilled in the art to be used in other poker games or even in other games of chance. As used herein a “game” refers to a poker hand, where each participating player is dealt two cards and then betting then occurs as the community cards are turned over. A “tournament” refers to a series of games where a winner is determined. 
         [0028]    For a complete understanding of the biometric online gaming system of the present invention, reference is made to the following summary of the invention detailed description and accompanying drawings in which the presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example. As the invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from spirit of essential characteristics thereof, it is expressly understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
     
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  discloses the preferred embodiment of a player station for use in the biometric online player station of the present invention, comprising a television monitor for viewing the live broadcast, a schematic showing the table and the players with game status and gaming data, and a keypad, the system disclosing a game of poker. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  discloses a preferred embodiment of a simplified screen for an online player to select a player at the table to win the tournament before there has been any play at the table using the online poker gaming system of the present invention, this preferred embodiment being used in conjunction with a large display in a lobby or a lounge. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3A  discloses a first enlarged table schematic and keypad for the preferred embodiment of the online poker player station of  FIG. 1 , whereby the online player can select which of the ten players playing at the table will be the winner of the current hand that enables the online player to select a player who will win the current hand. The screen image is an actual image with graphics next to each player showing the betting odds for each player winning and the amount of chips the on-site player is playing with. At the top right of the images is a table of special wagers, and at the bottom right is a history of the past 30 hands. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3B  discloses a second enlarged table schematic and keypad for the preferred embodiment of the online poker player station of  FIG. 1  of the game schematic, whereby the online player can select which of the ten players playing at the table will be the winning player, the schematic showing the betting odds for each player, and the amount of cash each player has. The screen image is an actual image with graphics next to each player showing the betting odds for each player winning and the amount of chips the on-site player is playing with. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3C  discloses a third enlarged table schematic and keypad for the preferred embodiment of the online poker player station of  FIG. 1  of the game schematic, whereby the online player can select which of the ten players playing at the table will be the winner of the current hand. The screen image is an actual image with graphics next to each player showing the betting odds for each player winning and the amount of chips the on-site player is playing with. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3D  discloses a fourth enlarged table schematic and keypad for the preferred embodiment of the online poker player station of  FIG. 1 , and a preferred embodiment of the game schematic whereby the online player can select which of the ten players playing at the table will be dealt the best high cards and/or the best low cards in the current hand. The screen image is an actual image with graphics next to each player showing the betting odds for each player winning and the amount of chips the on-site player is playing with. In this preferred embodiment, the online player can wager as to the best high cards or the best low cards after only two cards are dealt, and after the flop, and after the turn, and after the river. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3E  discloses a fifth enlarged table schematic and keypad for the preferred embodiment of the online poker player station of  FIG. 1 , and another preferred embodiment of the game schematic whereby the online player can select which of the ten players playing at the table will be dealt the best high cards and/or the best low cards in the current hand. In this preferred embodiment, the online player can wager as to the best high cards or the best low cards after only two cards are dealt, and after the flop, and after the turn, and after the river. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3F  discloses a sixth enlarged table schematic and keypad for the preferred embodiment of the online poker player station of  FIG. 1 , and another preferred embodiment of the game schematic whereby the online player can select which of the ten players playing at the table will be dealt the best high cards and/or the best low cards in the current hand. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3G  discloses a seventh enlarged table schematic and keypad for the preferred embodiment of the online poker player station of  FIG. 1 , and still yet another preferred embodiment of the game schematic whereby the online player can select which of the ten players playing at the table will be the winner of the current hand, and also which player will be dealt the best cards. The screen image is an actual image with graphics next to each player showing the betting odds for each player winning and the amount of chips the on-site player is playing with. In this preferred embodiment, the online player can wager as to the best high cards or the best low cards after only two cards are dealt, and after the flop, and after the turn, and after the river. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  discloses a simplified schematic of a logic diagram for the biometric online playing system of the present invention for a game of poker, whereby the online player can select the mode of play and the table, and then sees in real-time the game the selected table with the opportunity to place multiple bets type of selections for gaming. The onsite players are either live or pre-recorded. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a simplified typical screen for an online player selecting the type of game to watch for participate in A, selecting from Texas Hold&#39;em, Omaha, blackjack, roulette, and craps, the card games each including high, low, and high-low combinations. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6A  discloses a preferred embodiment of a simplified logic diagram for a registration process for the biometric online playing system of the present invention of the present invention; and  FIG. 6B  discloses a preferred embodiment of a simplified logic diagram for identity confirmation methods using the biometric online playing system of the present invention of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 7A  is a simplified logic diagram of a logic diagram for the biometric online playing system of the present invention for the main facility blackjack network for the on-site casino gaming system for use with the biometric online playing system of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the on-site players play basic strategy (draw with the mathematical probabilities). 
           [0042]      FIG. 7B  is a simplified logic diagram for the biometric online playing system of the present invention for use with on-site system depicted in  FIG. 7A  for blackjack play. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  depicts a simplified overview of four blackjack tables, with the history of the dealer&#39;s play during the most recent five hands, so that the online player may select which table has a cold dealer or at least a dealer that is not on a hot streak. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  depicts the players a table  2  from the four tables of  FIG. 8  before any cards are dealt, so the online player can select which player or players will most likely have a positive outcome during the next deal of the cards. 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  depicts the players table  2  from  FIG. 9  after one card is dealt to each player, the online playing system of the present invention enabling another round of betting at this stage of play. 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  depicts the players table  2  from  FIG. 10  after both cards are dealt to each player, the online playing system of the present invention enabling another round of betting at this stage of play. This embodiment also depicting a card reader  75  for reading a token that includes a biometric reference print. 
           [0047]      FIG. 12A  is an exploded detail view of another preferred embodiment of the biometric online playing system of the present invention, the player station for playing roulette. 
           [0048]      FIG. 12B  is an exploded detail view of still another preferred embodiment of the biometric online playing system of the present invention, the player station for playing craps. 
           [0049]      FIG. 13A  is block diagram of the biometric online playing system of the present invention, 
           [0050]      FIG. 13B  being a hardware schematic of the main facility network, 
           [0051]      FIG. 13C  being a hardware schematic of a typical gaming system, 
           [0052]      FIG. 13D  being a hardware schematic of a local online play network for the casino gambling system of  FIG. 13B , and 
           [0053]      FIG. 13E  being a block diagram of remote off-site play network accessed through leased lines or satellite communications for the casino gambling system of  FIG. 13B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0054]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  discloses the playing terminal for the online gaming system of the present invention—which comprises a live or recorded game of poker and a player terminal.  FIG. 1  discloses the preferred embodiment of a player station for use in the biometric online player station of the present invention, comprising a television monitor for viewing the live broadcast, a schematic showing the table and the players with game status and gaming data, and a keypad, the system disclosing a game of poker. Each player has such a terminal. The gaming terminal of the present invention enables play by an online player in a live or recorded casino-type game-of-chance, such as poker, blackjack roulette, and craps. 
         [0055]    The gaming terminal includes a display of the live or recorded casino-type game-of-chance, the live or recorded casino-type game-of-chance for play about a playing table in real time, a plurality of on-site players competing at the live or recorded casino-type game-of-chance. 
         [0056]    The gaming terminal also includes display capability of on-site player histories at the live or recorded casino-type game-of-chance. This information is vital so that the online player can determine the skill-level of the various players and also any hot and cold streaks. 
         [0057]    The gaming terminal also includes a keypad enabling the online player to select one of the plurality of on-site players at the live or recorded game-of-chance. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the keypad enables the online player to display a wealth of information about the game being played, the information being requested preferably being displayed on the keypad. 
         [0058]    The player registers off-line and is given a smart card or a mag-stripe card that includes reference biometrics for the online player. While a facial image, or voice print may be used, a fingerprint is the biometric of choice. When the player goes on-line, he/she inserts the card into the card-reader  75  (see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 11 ) in the player station. Once a wager has been selected prior to a game, the player hits the “ENTER” button  65 . If the print captured from the enter button matches the print on the card and there are sufficient funds in the account, the bet is accepted. In another preferred embodiment, a player has an account with the gaming site and submits a fingerprint. In this embodiment, no token is deployed. 
         [0059]    The fingerprint sensor of choice is Authentec&#39;s EntréPad® AES4000 is Authentec&#39;s low-power, mid-sized touch sensor. The EntréPad AES4000 uses familiar and reliable 0.6 μ CMOS technology. The sensor is optimized for use in portable and laptop personal computers, and PDAs. The detection matrix is 96×96 pixels and the array size is 9.75 mm×9.75 mm Array Size. 
         [0060]    Wagering selection is accepted if a biometric identifier submitted by the online player matches a reference biometric identifier digitally linked to the online player. Value is added to the account of the online player if the one of the plurality of on-site players selected from the live or recorded game-of-chance wins. 
         [0061]    In one preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, the game of poker is a live game, actually taking place in real time. This embodiment ensures that none of the online players know the results of any game, round, or tournament. 
         [0062]    In another preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, the game of poker is recorded. The primary advantage here is that the game moves faster, since there are no breaks in the action. In this embodiment, care must be taken that none of the gaming results are known by any of the online players. 
         [0063]    Whether the poker game is live or recorded, multiple tables are made available to the online player, play at multiple tables are made available to the online player, to increase gaming options, to minimize downtime during breaks, to enable an online player to monitor and participate in gaming activity at more than one table. 
         [0064]    The live or recorded game of poker involves a plurality of participating players. The participating players are positioned about a poker table. The participating players have conventional fold, call, check, and raise playing options. The participating players use their best gaming skills to win each hand of poker. 
         [0065]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1 , the player terminal includes a television receiver for viewing a live broadcast combined with a computer terminal. The screen of the computer terminal displays a schematic of the live or recorded game being viewed on the receiver, and the computer keypad enables an online player to make selections relative to the game being viewed. 
         [0066]    Initially, the online player selects the type of game of interest. If the interest is poker, he may opt for Texas Hold&#39;em, Omaha, seven-card stud, five-card draw, and a plurality of other games. If he selects Texas Hold&#39;em  FIG. 6  discloses a preferred embodiment of a menu that can be used. Once the online player selects the type of game, he is directed to a table, images of which are received on his television receiver.  FIGS. 3A through 3G  disclose various schematics of screens that can be used for viewing. 
         [0067]    A new player will be directed to a basic screen image and schematic where he can select which player or players at the table will be the winning player for the next hand. Once he becomes more comfortable with the system, he can move to other screens. 
         [0068]    The keypad can be a conventional computer keypad, or can be one specifically designed for the game (poker) as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 9 . Also, the keypad can be merged into the schematic and form a touch sensitive screen. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a handheld computer is used to enable viewing of the game and to participate online. 
         [0069]    The player terminal displays images of the live or recorded game for view by an online player. The player terminal enables selection by the online player from any of participating players in the live or recorded game. The online player can select one or more of the participating players as to who will be the winning player of each hand in the live or recorded game. The online player can also select one or more of the participating players as to who will be dealt the best cards in the live or recorded game. The player terminal also enables the online player to enter value regarding each player selection for the live or recorded game. The use of the system of the present invention encourages the online player to select more than one player. 
         [0070]    The first online player is provided with a plurality of playing options through the first player terminal. The plurality of playing options are in addition to the fold, call, check, or raise playing options for the plurality of participating players in the live or recorded game. 
         [0071]    The online player can select which of the players at the table will win each round or hand. The online player can also select which of the live or recorded participating players will win a tournament, as well as show win, place, and show odds determined by the volume of the wagering on each of the participating live or recorded players. Generally, the more skillful players will win more often than the weaker players. The schematic of the table shows data of the amount of chips for each player at the table, which affects the probability of winning each hand. The players with the bigger stacks can often bluff players with smaller stacks. The probability is also affected by the position of the dealer, since a player has an advantage when he can see what other players at the table are doing before he makes his decision. The online player has access to the odds for each hand, which change with each hand, as the blinds rotate around the table. 
         [0072]    In many poker games, and primarily games involving community cards, a determination can be made after the hand has been played, as to which player when using his blind plus the community cards, was dealt the best cards. A player can folder initially because of what appears to be a weak hand, but when all of the community cards are dealt, such player actually has the best cards. An online player can therefore select which player will be dealt the best cards. This is independent of the skill of any of the players at the table and independent of the winning hand. 
         [0073]    This is like betting on roulette or craps—the luck of the draw. Also, by enabling a best cards option, the poker game has many of the same aspects as a horserace, and the online poker player can select Trifectas, QuinieLas, Perfectas, Superfectas and other types of exotic gaming to make the game more interesting. These same wagering options also apply to the final standings if the online player is wagering on tournament play. These options may also be used on other live or recorded play, with the wagering on record play being restricted. 
         [0074]    The player terminal registers a winning selection whenever the player selection from the plurality of participating players is the winning player of the live or recorded game of the poker hand. 
         [0075]    The player terminal registers a winning selection whenever the player selection from the plurality of participating players is dealt the best poker hand in the live or recorded game of the poker hand, said player selection being independent of the winning player of the live or recorded game. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 8 through 11  depict a stable of four onsite blackjack tables that the online player may select from. The histories become particularly relevant since many gamblers believe in streaks. By examining player histories, particularly the most recent player history, the online player can determine which dealers are hot and cold, and once a cold dealer is found, which of the players at the table are playing hot. 
         [0077]    Once a game is selected, the off-site player is presented with a series of table selection criteria. For example, in blackjack, the selections include:
       Identify the coldest dealer.   Identify the hottest dealer.   Identify the coldest table.   Identify the hottest table.   Identify the dealer with the most cold streaks.   Identify the dealer with the fewest hot streaks.   Identify the oldest male dealer.   Identify the oldest female dealer.   Identify the youngest male dealer.   Identify the youngest female dealer.       
 
         [0088]    Once the off-site player has located a table, the monitor displays the next screen which is the view from the overhead camera, enabling the player to monitor play in real time, while not enabling the off-site player to identify any individual player in order to select on-site player privacy. Numerical histories appear on the screen overlaying the image of the dealer which show the five most recent hands (bust—20—17—bust—20). There is an overlay of the five most recent hands (W-W-W-T-L) for each player position which is continually updated. The off-site player will know immediately the game outcome by watching the play on the screen in real time. 
         [0089]    The off-site terminals can also be used by the casino to monitor play at each table to check for irregularities. Also, the off-site terminals may be used outside of the complex. 
         [0090]      FIG. 12A  is an exploded detail view of another preferred embodiment of the biometric online playing system of the present invention, the player station for playing roulette. The roulette player station looks much the same as the roulette table. When the game is displayed on a separate screen, the player can either select another player at the table and bet that the player selected wins, or wager directly on the game as if being positioned at the gaming site. 
         [0091]      FIG. 12B  is an exploded detail view of still another preferred embodiment of the biometric online playing system of the present invention, the player station for playing craps. The craps player station looks much the same as the roulette table. When the game is displayed on a separate screen, the player can either select another player at the table and bet that the player selected wins, or wager directly on the game as if being positioned at the gaming site. 
         [0092]      FIG. 13A  discloses the system comprising a mainframe computer and data storage for the hotel such as an IBM 360 or similar computer as required for the operation of the facility and related networks; a similar computer and data storage system for the casino gaming operations; an SNA Gateway or similar servers which interconnect the mainframe computers to the facility Intranet system; and separate servers as IBM AS400 or other units of sufficient capacity such as current 300 MHZ or better IBM compatible Pentium IIJ type servers as required for the operation of the respective Internet, Intranet, facility operations and security, financial, and gaming functions.  FIG. 13E  discloses remote off-site gaming locations accessed through a Wide Area Network (WAN) server with T1/T3 leased lines and/or satellite communications to the remote sites. 
         [0093]    The online player can move from table to table, from game to game, from player to player, or switch casinos, or even countries where the site of the real-time game is being played. The game can be played on the Internet or Intranet. 
         [0094]    Throughout this application, various Patents and Patent Applications are referenced by patent number and inventor. The disclosures of these Patents and Applications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. 
         [0095]    Furthermore, it is evident that many other alternatives, modifications, and variations of the biometric online playing system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.