Networked video game wagering

Abstract

A wagering system is disclosed which includes a server configured for operative connection to at least one multiplayer gaming network. The server may be configured for processing at least one wager on a video game played on the multiplayer gaming network. The wagering system also includes at least one database operatively associated with the server for storing information related to the video game wager. In the wagering system, the server may be configured to operate independently of the multiplayer gaming network.

1 . A wagering system comprising: 
 a server configured for operative connection to at least one multiplayer gaming network, the server being configured for processing at least one wager on a video game to be played by players on the multiplayer gaming network;    at least one database operatively associated with the server, the database being configured for storing information related to the video game wager; and,    the server being configured to operate independently of the multiplayer gaming network.    
   
   
       2 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , wherein the server includes a web server.  
   
   
       3 . The wagering system of  claim 2 , wherein the web server includes at least one web site having at least one page configured for receiving wagering information.  
   
   
       4 . The wagering system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to select from among a set of video games that can be played for wagers.  
   
   
       5 . The wagering system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to store a wager in association with at least one video game.  
   
   
       6 . The wagering system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to accept a wager in association with at least one video game.  
   
   
       7 . The wagering system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the web site pages includes multiple video game links separated into multiple sections according to a factor selected from the group consisting of a multiplayer gaming network associated with the video game, a type of video game, and a gaming mode.  
   
   
       8 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising connectivity software operatively associated with at least one game console of at least one of the players, the connectivity software being configured to communicate with the server.  
   
   
       9 . The wagering system of  claim 8 , further comprising the connectivity software being configured to notify the server when at least one player has logged into the multiplayer gaming network.  
   
   
       10 . The wagering system of  claim 8 , further comprising the connectivity software being configured to verify at least one winner of at least one video game match.  
   
   
       11 . The wagering system of  claim 8 , further comprising the connectivity software being configured to transmit an outcome of at least one video game match to the server.  
   
   
       12 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one wager account stored in the database, the wager account being associated with a credit balance of at least one of the players.  
   
   
       13 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one player profile stored on the database.  
   
   
       14 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising the server being configured to transfer a wager amount at the conclusion of a video game match.  
   
   
       15 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising a competency structure operatively associated with the server, the competency structure being configured for maintaining at least one skill level of at least one of the players.  
   
   
       16 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising the database being configured to store multiple wagers for a particular video game or for multiple video games.  
   
   
       17 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising the server being configured to automatically initiate a video game match between players upon determining compatibility of wagers.  
   
   
       18 . The wagering system of  claim 17 , wherein determining compatibility includes comparing skill levels associated with the players.  
   
   
       19 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising the server being configured to adjust a user rating of at least one player.  
   
   
       20 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , wherein the video game includes a video game tournament.  
   
   
       21 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , wherein the video game includes a video game that can be played by multiple players as a team.  
   
   
       22 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , wherein the video game includes a team tournament.  
   
   
       23 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , wherein the video game includes a single player competing against multiple opponents simultaneously on the multiplayer gaming network.  
   
   
       24 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , wherein the video game includes a gambling-oriented video game.  
   
   
       25 . The wagering system of  claim 1 , further comprising the server being configured to allow a non-player to place a bet on a player competing in a video game match.