Patent Publication Number: US-11640746-B2

Title: Computer-implemented method and system of providing gaming services

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/748,563, filed Jan. 21, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/138,748 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,580,256), filed Sep. 21, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/780,613, filed May 31, 2018, which is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/IB2017/000363, filed Mar. 21, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/311,958 filed on Mar. 23, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure generally relates to a computer-implemented method and system of providing gaming services, and more particularly to providing a gaming service that incorporates a sweepstakes game. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The persistent state of mechanics that exists within traditional world slot-machines is entirely different from those that exist in the virtual world. Significant technical uncertainty and challenges exist in the creation of persistent state mechanics for virtual in-game developments that take into account certain game elements such as gaming sessions and the elapsed time between players. In addition, various technical and legal challenges must be addressed when considering the award of non-monetary and monetary prizes on virtual gaming platforms. 
     Sweepstakes are a type of contest where a prize or prizes may be awarded to a winner or winners and, by definition (and law, in most jurisdictions), require that the winner or winners be determined by luck rather than skill. More specifically, a “sweepstakes” is any procedure for distributing anything of value by lot or chance. The main difference between a sweepstakes and a lottery is that the lottery participants have paid or promised to pay value for the chance to win the prize, whereas a sweepstakes model specifically prohibits a requirement to pay value for the chance to win the prize. Similarly, the main differences between a sweepstakes and a contest are that the contest participants must use at least some skill to win the prize and must pay some value to participate in the contest, whereas a sweepstakes may not require an element of skill. 
     In this specification where a document, act, or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act, or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. 
     Throughout this specification the word “comprise,” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of providing gaming services. The method includes allocating to a player, via a communications network, at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry for use in a sweepstakes game; providing at least one sweepstakes game having at least one successful outcome, the at least one sweepstakes game being configured to be open for entry to one or more eligible players; providing to the player, via a user device, a graphical user interface being configured to allow the player to assign the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry to the at least one sweepstakes game; receiving from the player, via the communications network, an indication that the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry has been assigned to the at least one sweepstakes game; playing the at least one sweepstakes game; awarding to the player, if the at least one sweepstakes game results in a successful outcome, an allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries based on the successful outcome from the at least one sweepstakes game; and notifying the player, via the graphical user interface, of the allocation of the non-monetary sweepstakes entries. 
     The present disclosure relates to software that when installed on a mobile communication device may cause the mobile communication device to perform the above-disclosed method. The present disclosure also relates to an Application Programming Interface (API) that when installed on a mobile communication device as part of a gaming application may cause the mobile communication device to perform the above-disclosed method. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a computer-implemented system of providing gaming services. The system includes a computer server accessible through a communications network, the computer server arranged to receive gaining data through the communications network; a processor, communicatively coupled, to the computer server, to one or more graphical information display devices, and to one or more input receiving devices. The processor is configured to allocate to a player, via the communications network, at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry for use in a sweepstakes game; provide at least one sweepstakes game having at least one successful outcome, the at least one sweepstakes game being configured to be open for entry to one or more eligible players; provide to the player, via a user device, a graphical user interface being configured to allow the player to assign the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry to the at least one sweepstakes game; receive from the player, via the communications network, an indication that the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry has been assigned to the at least one sweepstakes game; play the at least one sweepstakes game; award to the player if the at least one sweepstakes game results in a successful outcome, an allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries based on the successful outcome from the at least one sweepstakes game; and notify the player, via the graphical user interface, of the allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a method as performed by a gaming application installed on a mobile communication device or computing device. The method includes authenticating the gaming application with a computer server; receiving from the computer server, via the communications network, a first gaming data indicative of at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry for use in a sweepstakes game; sending to the computer server, via the communications network, a second gaming data indicative of an assignment of the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry to the sweepstakes game; and receiving from the computer server, via the communications network, a third gaming data indicative of an allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries based on a successful outcome associated with the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry assigned to the sweepstakes games. 
     The present disclosure also relates to software that when installed on a mobile communication device may cause the mobile communication device to perform the above-disclosed method. The present disclosure also relates to an Application Programming Interface (API) that when installed on a mobile communication device as part of a gaming application may cause the mobile communication device to perform the above-disclosed method. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a non-transient computer-readable medium including instructions for performing a method of providing gaming services. The method includes allocating to a player, via a communications network, at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry for use in a sweepstakes game; providing at least one sweepstakes game having at least one successful outcome, the at least one sweepstakes game being configured to be open for entry to one or more eligible players; providing to the one or more eligible players, via a user device, a graphical user interface being configured to allow the player to assign the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry to the at least one sweepstakes game; receiving from the player, via the communications network, an indication that the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry has been assigned to the at least one sweepstakes game; operating the at least one sweepstakes game; awarding to the player, if the at least one sweepstakes game results in a successful outcome, an allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries based on the successful outcome from the at least one sweepstakes game; and notifying the player, via the graphical user interface, of the allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a computer server for providing gaming services. The computer server includes a communication port to communicate with one or more user devices; a database to store multiple records of gaming data; and a processor configured to authenticate the one or more user devices with the computer server; send to the one or more user devices, via a communications network, a first gaming data indicative of at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry for use in a sweepstakes game; receive from the one or more user devices, via the communications network, a second gaming data indicative of an assignment of the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry to the sweepstakes game; store in the database the second gaming data received from the one or more user devices; operate the sweepstakes game; and send to the one or more user devices, via the communications network, a third gaming data indicative of an allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries based on a successful outcome associated with the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry assigned to the sweepstakes games; 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are given by way of illustration only and other embodiments of the invention are also possible. Consequently, the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description. 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system of providing a gaming service according to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic block diagram illustrating a web-based system of providing a gaming service according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of providing a gaming service according to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is flow diagram illustrating an allocation to a player of a virtual gaming currency and non-monetary sweepstakes entries according to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a screenshot of a graphical user interface presented to a player according to a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a line drawing of a graphical user interface presented to a player according to a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a line drawing of a graphical user interface presented to a player according to a further representative embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  7    is a line drawing of a graphical user interface presented to a player according to a still further representative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative embodiments of the present invention relate to a computer implemented method and system of providing gaming services. The present disclosure has particular application in relation to virtual casino-style slot games. As a result, it is convenient to describe the present invention with reference to those types of games and, more specifically, virtual casino-type slot games that provide to players the option of a sweepstakes game. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram illustrating a system  100  within which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. The system  100  uses a communications network  102 , e.g. the Internet, to facilitate the delivery of various gaming services and, specifically, the delivery of gaming services that incorporate a sweepstakes game. 
     In the exemplary embodiment  100 , a server  104  executes a web server software application for provision of services to user devices  106 . Communication between the server  104  and user devices  106  is thus conveniently based upon standard hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) and/or secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS). 
     User devices  106  (i.e., ‘users’ or ‘players’) may be, for example, fixed devices such as desktop computers and/or, preferably, mobile devices such a smart phones, tablets, notebook computers and so forth. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the communication arts, various mechanisms and technologies are available to provide access to the Internet  102  from fixed and user devices  106 , and all such technologies fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     The server  104  may generally comprise one or more computers, each of which includes at least one microprocessor  108 . The number of computers and processors  108  generally depends upon the required processing capacity of the system, which in turn depends upon the number of concurrent user devices  106  which the system is designed to support. In order to provide a high-degree of scalability, for example when supporting a global user base, the server  104  may utilize cloud-based computing resources, and/or may comprise multiple server sites located in different geographical regions. The use of a cloud computing platform, and/or multiple server sites, enables physical hardware resources to be allocated dynamically in response to service demand. These and other variations, regarding the server computing resources, will be understood to be within the scope of the present invention, although for simplicity the exemplary embodiments described herein employ only a single server  104  with a single microprocessor  108 . 
     The microprocessor  108  may be interfaced to, or otherwise operably associated with, a non-volatile memory/storage device  110 . The non-volatile storage  110  may be a hard-disk drive, and/or may include solid-state non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or the like. The microprocessor  108  is also interfaced to volatile storage  112 , such as random access memory (RAM), which contains program instructions and transient data relating to the operation of the server  104 . 
     In a conventional configuration, the storage device  110  maintains known program and data content relevant to the normal operation of the server  104 , including operating systems, programs and data, as well as other executable application software necessary to the intended functions of the server  104 . In the embodiment shown, the storage device  110  also contains program instructions which, when executed by the processor  108 , enable the server  104  to perform operations relating to the implementation of services and facilities embodying the present invention, such as are described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  7   . In operation, instructions and data held on the storage device  110  are transferred to volatile memory  112  for execution on demand. 
     The microprocessor  108  is operably associated with a network interface  114  in a conventional manner. The network interface  114  facilitates access to one or more data communications networks, including the Internet  102 , to enable communication between the server  104  and the user devices  106 . In use, the volatile storage  112  includes a corresponding body of program instructions  116  configured to perform processing and operations embodying features of the present invention, for example as described below with reference to  FIGS.  4  to  7   . 
     For example, the body of program instructions  116  include instructions embodying a web server application. Data stored in the non-volatile  110  and volatile  112  storage comprises web-based code for presentation and/or execution on user devices  106 , such as HTML and/or JavaScript code, for facilitating a web-based implementation of a payment transaction service. 
     An alternative implementation  200 , again by way of example only, is illustrated in the schematic diagram of  FIG.  2   . In this alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the executable program code implementing the system is executed within the user devices  106 . As shown, each user device is typically a computing device, including at least one microprocessor  202 , non-volatile storage  204  and volatile storage  206 . Each user device  106  also has a network interface  208 , operably associated with the microprocessor  202  in a conventional manner. Accordingly, the user devices  106  are able to conduct computational processing by execution of programs stored locally, in the volatile  206  and non-volatile  204  storage, and/or downloaded via the internet  102  through the network interface  208 . 
     In the embodiment  200  the server  104  may be in communication with one or more databases  212 , which may contain records relating to the operation of the gaming service, and additionally may include downloadable software components for execution on the user device  106 . For example, a portion of the system may be implemented via program instructions developed in a language such as Java, or some other suitable programming language, which execute on a user device  106  in order to retrieve data via the server  104 , and implement some or all of the functionality of the exemplary system of application deployment as described below with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  5   . 
     User-side implementations may also include downloadable and executable code in the form of browser plugins, such as ActiveX controls for Windows-based browsers, and/or other applets or apps configured for execution within a browser environment or within a smartphone operating system environment, such as an Apple iOS environment or an Android environment. 
     Various implementations of embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art of software engineering, including various combinations of server-side and user-side executable program components. 
     Historically, a slot machine is a common type of casino gambling machine that incorporated three or more reels which spin when a button is pushed. More recently, video slot machines have delivered the same style of game without any mechanical spinning reels, utilizing instead a pseudo random number generator (PRNG) to simulate the rotation of ‘virtual reels.’ In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the method of providing a gaming service relates to a virtual slot machine (accessible via a computing device on, for example, a social media platform such as Facebook or the like), such as shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  of the drawings, which depict a graphical user interface for a virtual slot machine. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is also applicable to other games (particularly casino games) such as, for example, poker and blackjack (as discussed in further detail below, and depicted in  FIGS.  6  and  7    of the drawings). The method allows for participation in the gaming service on a non-monetary basis, through the use of a virtual gaming currency (referred to herein, by example, as ‘Gold Coins’), which can be freely-obtained in limited amounts (and/or subject to time restrictions) or purchased by a player in required amounts. This virtual gaming currency can only be used for participation or ‘play’ in the gaming service and cannot be exchanged or redeemed for any monetary reward (e.g., legally accepted monetary tender such as, for example, US dollars). 
     In addition, the method allows for participation in the gaming service through the use of non-monetary entries in a sweepstakes game. The non-monetary sweepstakes entries cannot be purchased, but are allocated to players under certain circumstances. For example, non-monetary sweepstakes entries may be awarded to a player as a bonus offering when purchasing a quantity of virtual gaming currency. Alternatively, or in addition, non-monetary sweepstakes entries may be awarded to players for free as part of mail-ins, giveaways, and other promotions. In any event, the gaming service preferably allows players, during play on a virtual casino game, to select the use of either virtual gaming currency or non-monetary sweepstakes entries. As distinct from virtual gaming currency, non-monetary sweepstakes entries (or any accumulation thereof) can at any stage be ‘redeemed’ by a player for a monetary reward (e.g., legally accepted monetary tender such as, for example, US dollars). 
       FIG.  3   , for example, depicts a flowchart which illustrates an exemplary method  300  of providing gaming services in accordance with the present invention. A ‘user’ or ‘player’ participating in the gaming service will typically have access to a user device  106 , such as a mobile communications device (or computing device), including, for example, a smart phone, tablet, notebook computer and so forth. Prior to participation on the gaming service, a ‘user’ or ‘player’ may be required to provide certain identifying information (e.g. name, address, contact details), login details (e.g. username and password), and financial information (e.g. credit card details, PayPal account information, or bank account information). At the commencement of the method  300 , a player may be required to login to the gaming service in order to play. 
     At step  302  of exemplary method  300 , a player may be allocated at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry for use in a sweepstakes game. As described above, the non-monetary sweepstakes entry cannot be purchased by a player but may be awarded to a player as a bonus offering when purchasing a quantity of virtual gaming currency. By way of example, virtual gaming currency (referred to herein as ‘Gold Coins’) can be purchased by a player with a minimum initial purchase of, for example US SI. This may entitle a player to 35,000,000 Gold Coins and 6,000 Sweepstakes Credits (i.e. non-monetary sweepstakes entries) having a redeemable value of US $60, as a first-time purchase bonus. The Gold Coins facilitate gameplay on a virtual gaming currency only basis, are non-cash out enabled, and cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalents. An important implication of the Gold Coins not being redeemable for cash is that Gold Coin purchases and gameplay generally does not constitute gambling, even when used to play casino games, and can be offered to players in the majority of countries worldwide. 
     Sweepstakes Credits are generally awarded on a 1-for-1 basis, with a denomination of US $0.01 for each Sweepstakes Credit (i.e., non-monetary sweepstakes entry). For example, a US $10 purchase of 900,000 Gold Coins (i.e., virtual gaming currency) would also entitle the player to 1,000 Sweepstakes Cash Credits with a redeemable cash value of US $10. As will be described in further detail below, 
     Sweepstakes Credits are redeemable by the player for cash through PayPal (or similar payment transaction platforms), once used to play the casino games to determine their cash prizes. Advantageously, sweepstakes gameplay on the gaming services facilitates a cash prize gaming experience in markets where online gambling may be prohibited. 
     Alternatively, or in addition, non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) may be awarded to players for free as part of mail-ins, giveaways, and other promotions. For example, in exchange for completing a particular mail-in survey or questionnaire, a player (or prospective player) may be awarded an amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) for use on the gaming service. In some embodiments, a player (or prospective player) may be required to provide certain identifying information (e.g. name, address, contact details), login details (e.g. username and password), and financial information (e.g. credit card details, PayPal account information, or bank account information) before obtaining access to the gaming service and the awarded non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). 
     An exemplary system for acquisition of virtual gaming currency and non-monetary sweepstakes entries by a player is illustrated by the diagram  400  in  FIG.  4   . In this diagram  400 , the customer or player  402  is able to purchase from an online cashier  404  an amount of virtual gaming currency for use on the gaining service. In exchange for payment from the player  402 , via a suitable payment transaction platform (e.g., PayPal), the player  402  receives a requested quantity of virtual gaming currency (i.e., Gold Coins)  406  as well as a bonus quantity of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits)  408 , which can be redeemed for cash by the player  402  during the gaming service. 
     At step  304 , the method  300  provides a plurality of sweepstakes games, each of said sweepstakes games being open for entry to one or more eligible players each having at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry (e.g., Sweepstakes Credit). As described above, and in an exemplary embodiment, the method  300  provides access to a virtual slot machine (accessible via a computing device on, for example, a social media platform such as Facebook or the like). The method  300  allows for participation in the gaming service on a non-monetary basis, through the use of either a virtual gaming currency (e.g., ‘Gold Coins’), or non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). The operation of the virtual slot machine game provided to a player does not change based on the player&#39;s selection of either the virtual gaming currency (e.g., ‘Gold Coins’), or non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). 
     At step  306  of the method  300 , the player is provided, via a user device  106 , with a graphical user interface being configured to allow the player to assign the at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry to at least one sweepstakes game. An example of a graphical user interface provided to a player in accordance with step  306  of the method  300  is shown at  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , which illustrates an example of a virtual slot machine game shown on a graphical user interface  500  that provides a player with an option to use non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). The graphical user interface  500  provides the player with an option to use either the virtual gaming currency (e.g., Gold Coins), or non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). The player&#39;s current balance of virtual gaming currency (i.e., Gold Coins) is shown in the display  502  on the graphical user interface  500 . The player is also provided with an option, via the button  504  to switch play to the use of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). Once this option has been selected by the player, the gaining service essentially becomes one of providing sweepstakes games. 
     At step  308 , the method  300  involves receiving from the player, via the communications network, an indication that at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) has been assigned to the at least one sweepstakes game. Referring again to the graphical user interface  500  shown in  FIG.  5 A  and the line drawing of the graphical user interface  550  shown in  FIG.  5 B  of the drawings, once a player has selected the option to play with non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits), by pressing button  504  on the graphical user interface  500 , the gaming system (and specifically the computer server  104 ) receives an indication that the player has assigned at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry (e.g. Sweepstakes Credit) to the sweepstakes game. While not specifically illustrated in the Figures, it should also be appreciated that a player may have the option to increase or decrease the number of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) by utilizing additional functional gameplay features on the graphical user interface  500 . For example, as shown on the graphical user interface  500 , the user may select the control  510  to increase or decrease the number of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to a particular sweepstakes game, alternatively, select the ‘Max Bet’ option  512  to assign the maximum number of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) to a particular sweepstakes game. A sweepstakes game is effectively commenced when at least one player presses the ‘SPIN’ button  506  on the graphical user interface  500 . 
     At step  310 , the method  300  involves operating the at least one sweepstakes game. This step  310  firstly involves determining, at the server  104 , a sweepstakes pool based on the total number of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to the at least one sweepstakes game by the one or more eligible players. Once the total sweepstakes pool has been determined, the step  310  then involves randomly selecting one or more of the eligible players as the winner or winners of the sweepstakes game. Known techniques for randomly selecting the winner of the sweepstakes game are preferably employed such as, for example, the use of pseudo random number generators (PRNGs) to arrive at a winner or winners from the eligible players (in the case of the virtual slot machine game depicted in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B ). Alternatively, in some embodiments the winner or winners of the sweepstakes game may be determined based on a particular outcome of a game or by a player winning a contest. It should be appreciated that step  310  of the method  300  may vary depending on the game to which the method is applied. For example, in the virtual slot machine game depicted in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the operation of the game involves no element of skill, and payouts are determined according to standard slot machine odds (depending on the specific implementation of the game). 
     At step  312 , the method  300  involves awarding to the player, if the at least one sweepstakes game results in a successful outcome, an allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) representing the player&#39;s winnings (i.e., the payout received by the player) from the at least one sweepstakes game. Assuming that a player has been successful in a sweepstakes game at step  310  of the method  300 , step  312  involves awarding to the player a ‘payout,’ representing the player&#39;s winnings from the sweepstakes game. The specific amount of the ‘payout’ to the player will depend on various factors such as, for example, the number of eligible players that participated in the sweepstakes game, the type of sweepstakes game (e.g., virtual slot machine), and/or the amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned by the player to the sweepstakes game. For example, if five non-monetary sweepstakes entries were assigned to a particular sweepstakes game, then based on a 1-to-1 return for a successful entry, the allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries representing the player&#39;s winnings would be ten non-monetary sweepstakes entries. However, it should be appreciated that alternate payout ratios are also envisioned by the present disclosure. 
     At step  314 , the method  300  involves notifying the player (in the event of a successful outcome in the at least one sweepstakes game), via the graphical user interface  500 , of the allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) representing the player&#39;s winnings from the at least one sweepstakes game. While not specifically illustrated in Figures SA and SB, the allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) representing the player&#39;s winnings or ‘payout’ from the sweepstakes game may be presented to the player in the display  514  on the graphical user interface  500 . Once the ‘payout’ has been presented to the player, the allocation of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) representing the player&#39;s winnings is added to the player&#39;s current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits), and the total presented to the player in the display  502  on the graphical user interface  500  (note that the display  502  switches to display the balance of the player&#39;s non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) once the option  504  to use non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) has been selected. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the player&#39;s current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) is also displayed  520  on the graphical user interface  500  in terms of its redeemable cash value. For example, the player&#39;s current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) is converted to its redeemable cash value in US dollars, and displayed  520  to the player on the graphical user interface  500 . Again, as previously described, the player may opt to redeem or exchange their current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g. Sweepstakes Credits) for a monetary reward (e.g. legally accepted monetary tender such as, for example, US dollars). This process is commenced when the player presses the ‘Cash Out’ button  522  on the graphical user interface. Once the button  522  is pressed, the computer server  104  receives a notification to commence a cash payment to the player&#39;s nominated transaction account (e.g. the player&#39;s nominated PayPal account that was provided to the system during the registration process). 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the method  300  can be equally applied to a game of Blackjack, such as depicted by the graphical user interface shown in  FIG.  6   . As with the previous embodiment  500  described, the graphical user interface  600  provides the player with an option to use either the virtual gaming currency (e.g. Gold Coins), or non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). The player&#39;s current balance of virtual gaming currency (i.e., Gold Coins) is shown in the display  602  on the graphical user interface  600 . The player is also provided with an option, via the button  604  to switch play to the use of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). Once this option has been selected by the player, the gaming service essentially becomes one of providing sweepstakes games. 
     Once a player has selected the option to play with non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits), by pressing button  604  on the graphical user interface  600 , the gaming system (and specifically the server  104 ) receives an indication that the player has assigned at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry (e.g., Sweepstakes Credit) to the sweepstakes game. The specific amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to the sweepstakes game can be modified by the player using buttons  610  corresponding to various amounts of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g. Sweepstakes Credits). Once a player is satisfied with the amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to a particular game, the game can proceed in accordance with the specific rules of the game (e.g., a Blackjack game), which includes the odds and methods for determination of payouts of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) in the event of a winning game by a player. In accordance with the Blackjack game depicted in  FIG.  6    of the drawings, the player may have options to ‘play’ the game by selecting from play buttons  606  that control the flow of cards dealt to the player. 
     The player&#39;s current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) is also displayed  620  on the graphical user interface  600  in terms of its redeemable cash value. Again, as previously described, the player may opt to redeem or exchange their current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) for a monetary reward (e.g., legally accepted monetary tender such as, for example, US dollars). This process is commenced when the player presses the ‘Cash Out’ button  622  on the graphical user interface. Once the button  622  is pressed, the server  104  receives a notification to commence a cash payment to the player&#39;s nominated transaction account (e.g. the player&#39;s nominated PayPal account that was provided to the system during the registration process). 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the method  300  can be equally applied to a game of Poker, such as depicted by the graphical user interface shown in  FIG.  7    of the drawings. As with the previous embodiment  500  described, the graphical user interface  700  provides the player with an option to use either the virtual gaming currency (e.g. Gold Coins), or non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). The player&#39;s current balance of virtual gaming currency (i.e., Gold Coins) is shown in the display  702  on the graphical user interface  600 . The player is also provided with an option, via the button  704  to switch play to the use of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits). Once this option has been selected by the player, the gaming service essentially becomes one of providing sweepstakes games. 
     Once a player has selected the option to play with non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits), by pressing button  604  on the graphical user interface  700 , the gaming system (and specifically the computer server  104 ) receives an indication that the player has assigned at least one non-monetary sweepstakes entry (e.g., Sweepstakes Credit) to the sweepstakes game. The specific amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to the sweepstakes game can be modified by the player (subject to the maximum and minimum betting limits applicable to that game of Poker). Once a player is satisfied with the amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to a particular game, the game can proceed in accordance with the specific rules of the game (e.g., a Poker game), which includes the odds and methods for determination of payouts of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) in the event of a winning game by a player or based on a particular outcome. In accordance with the Poker game depicted in  FIG.  7    of the drawings, the player may have options to ‘play’ the game by operating one or more positions  706  on the Poker table and selecting the amount of cards to be dealt to those positions  706  (according to the specific rules of Poker relevant to that game). 
     The player&#39;s current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) is also displayed  720  on the graphical user interface  600  in terms of its redeemable cash value. Again, as previously described, the player may opt to redeem or exchange their current balance of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) for a monetary reward (e.g., legally accepted monetary tender such as, for example, US dollars). This process is commenced when the player presses the ‘Cash Out’ button  722  on the graphical user interface  600 . Once the button  722  is pressed, the server  104  receives a notification to commence a cash payment to the player&#39;s nominated transaction account (e.g., the player&#39;s nominated PayPal account that was provided to the system during the registration process). 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the method  300  can be equally applied to sporting games such as, for example, the outcomes of actual sporting events (e.g., soccer, football, tennis, etc.) and/or the outcomes of digital fantasy sports (DFS) competitions that take into consideration the outcomes of actual sporting events. Such DFS competitions may include any sweepstakes sports betting games known and used in the market, including, for example, ESPN&#39;s Streak for the Cash; Sports Illustrated&#39;s Kizzang Sweepstake, and Berkshire Hathaway&#39;s $1 Billion March Madness Sweepstakes. According to this embodiment of the invention, and by way of example, non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) may be awarded to a player for entering a round or league of play of a Digital Fantasy Sports (DFS) competition. The specific amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to the sweepstakes game can be modified by the player (subject to the maximum and minimum betting limits applicable to that game). Once a player is satisfied with the amount of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) assigned to a particular game, the game can proceed according to the specific rules of the game (e.g., a round or league of a fantasy sports competition, and/or the outcome of a particular sporting event), which includes the odds and methods for determination of payouts of non-monetary sweepstakes entries (e.g., Sweepstakes Credits) in the event of a winning game by a player or based on a particular outcome. 
     Methods for operating digital fantasy sports (DFS) games will be known to those skilled in the art, DFS, as used herein, may include traditional fantasy sports games, in which, for example, players compete against others by building a team of professional athletes from a particular league or competition. Restrictions may be put on team building, including, for example, setting a salary cap. In a DFS game utilizing a salary cap, each professional athlete may be assigned a cap number, i.e., an amount of points or money required to add that athlete to a team. The salary cap is the total number of points or money that may not be exceeded when building a team by adding professional athletes to the team. In DFS games, players earn points based on the actual statistical performance of the athletes in real-world competitions. Daily fantasy sports are an accelerated variant of traditional DFS that are conducted over a shorter time period, rather than over an entire professional or collegiate sports season. Time periods for daily fantasy sports can be as short as a portion of a game, e.g., an inning of a baseball game, and may also be based on single athletic event or game or a number of athletic events or games. DFS, including daily fantasy sports, are often structured or set up as paid competitions and are referred to as a “contest.” In a particular contest, winners may have an opportunity to earn a portion or share of a pre-determined pot funded by their entry fees, including, in some DFS, the entire pre-determined pot. In some DFS, a portion of player entry fee payments may go to the organizer or provider of the DFS. 
     In some embodiments, the operation of the sweepstakes games and the operation of the online games may be one and the same. In other words, the sweepstakes game and the online game may be identical in terms of game play. The difference is that participation in the sweepstakes game requires an assignment of a non-monetary sweepstakes entry, whereas participation in the online game requires assignment of an alternate entry such as, for example, an allocation of the virtual gaming currency. 
     As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments should not be considered to limit the present invention but rather should be construed broadly. Various modifications, improvements and equivalent arrangements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.