Method and system for using skill-based gaming strategies with bowling

Abstract

A variation of the traditional game of bowling combining skill-based gaming methods and systems for maximizing interest and strategy within the traditional bowling scoring and playing environment to enable the bowler to compete for prizes. In one embodiment, the bowler is rewarded for exactly bowling a predetermined score. Such score may be chosen by the bowler, by a third party, or randomly generated. Such score may be chosen prior to the first frame or at another designated time. Prizes are awarded based on how close the bowler comes to bowling the exact score required. Games may be played at an individual level, as a competition among bowlers at a given bowling alley, or between a plurality of bowling alleys.

1 . A method for using skill-based strategies with bowling, comprising: 
 displaying a challenge introduction screen to a player;    receiving a challenge selection from the player;    displaying a player selection screen to the player;    receiving a lane-player identification from the player;    displaying a challenging setup screen to the player;    receiving challenge attribute selections from player;    displaying a challenge activity screen to the player; and    monitoring the performance of the player with respect to a challenge to determine whether the player has won the challenge.    
   
   
       2 . A system for using skill-based strategies with bowling, comprising: 
 computer logic for displaying a challenge introduction screen to a player;    computer logic for receiving a challenge selection from the player;    computer logic for displaying a player selection screen to the player;    computer logic for receiving a lane-player identification from the player;    computer logic for displaying a challenging setup screen to the player;    computer logic for receiving challenge attribute selections from player;    computer logic for displaying a challenge activity screen to the player; and    computer logic for monitoring the performance of the player with respect to a challenge to determine whether the player has won the challenge.    
   
   
       3 . A method of tracking game activity at a bowling lane, comprising, 
 accepting a wager through an interface associated with a bowling lane, wherein the wager is associated with a predetermined score;    monitoring a current score of each ball roll in a game;    updating the current score on a display after each ball roll in the game;    determining a total score associated with the game;    comparing the total score with the predetermined score; and    crediting winnings when the total score is within a particular range of the predetermined score.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising accepting a selection of the predetermined score through the interface prior to the start of the game.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising associating the credited winnings with a player account as credits to later be exchanged for prizes or money.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein accepting a wager through an interface associated with a bowling lane includes associating the wager with a player account.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of debiting the wager amount from the player account after accepting the wager associated with the player account.  
   
   
       8 . A method of tracking game activity at a bowling lane comprising, 
 accepting a wager through an interface located at a bowling lane, wherein the wager is associated with at least one predetermined score associated with at least one predetermined frame;    monitoring an actual score of each ball roll made during the at least one predetermined frame    comparing the actual score of each ball roll made during the at least one predetermined frame with the associated predetermined score;    crediting winnings when the actual score is equal to the at least one predetermined score.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising associating the credited winnings with a player account as credits to later be exchanged for prizes or money.  
   
   
       10 . A system for monitoring game activity at a bowling lane comprising 
 a plurality of bowling lane point of service devices, wherein each bowling lane point of service device includes a bowling lane user interface configured to accept wagers; and    a processor associated with each bowling lane point of service device, wherein the computer contains programmed logic executing software instructions for 
 associating the wager with a predetermined score,  
 monitoring a current score of each ball roll in a game,  
 updating the current score on a display after each ball roll in the game,  
 determining a total score associated with the game,  
 comparing the total score with the predetermined score, and  
 crediting winnings when the total score is within a particular range of the predetermined score.  
   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising, at least one database in communication with at least one of the bowling lane point of service devices, wherein the database is configured for storage of a plurality of data associated with a particular bowling lane point of service device.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising, a bowling center server in communication with the plurality of bowling lane point of service devices.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising, at least one database in communication with the bowling center server, wherein the database is configured for storage of a plurality of data associated with a particular bowling lane point of service device.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of data associated with particular bowling lane point of service device includes wagers and scores associated with a particular bowler associated with the particular bowling lane point of service device.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising, a card reader disposed at a bowling lane for accepting a card associated with a player account.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of bowling lane point of service devices is associated with a plurality of bowling lanes.