Machine-readable form configuration and system and method for betting

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine-readable form configuration (and associated system and method). Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a system (e.g., one or more computers) for betting. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for betting. In one example, the machine-readable form may be a play slip for betting.

1 . A computerized betting system operative with at least one point of sale terminal, comprising:
 at least one server computer; and   at least one computer database, wherein the computer database is disposed on the server computer and wherein the computer database stores therein a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event;   wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a first sport;   wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a second sport;   wherein the first sport is different from the second sport;   wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the computer database; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the computer database; and   wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the server computer; (b) one record registered in the server computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the server computer.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bets are input by entering into the point of sale terminal at least: (a) the event code associated with the first sport; and (b) the event code associated with the second sport. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the point of sale terminal comprises at least one graphical user interface and the bets are input by entering at least the event code associated with the first sport and the event code associated with the second sport into the graphical user interface. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the bets are input by marking a betting play slip with at least the event code associated with the first sport and the event code associated with the second sport. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the point of sale terminal comprises an imaging device and the imaging device is used to scan the betting play slip. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first sport is selected from the group comprising: football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and motor racing; and   the second sport is selected from the group comprising: football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and motor racing.   
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer database is updated periodically, at a period selected from the group comprising: every day, every hour, every minute, and every second. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the computer database is updated in real-time 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each event code is a numeric code. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each event code is an alphanumeric code. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the server computer operatively communicates with a plurality of point of sale terminals. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of server computers. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) the Internet; and (b) an intranet. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) a hardwired connection; and (b) a wireless connection. 
   
   
       15 . A computerized betting system operative with at least one point of sale terminal, comprising:
 at least one server computer; and   at least one computer database, wherein the computer database is disposed on the server computer and wherein the computer database stores therein a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event;   wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a sporting event;   wherein at least one of the event codes in the computer database is associated with a non-sporting event;   wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the computer database; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event as reflected in the computer database; and   wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the server computer; (b) one record registered in the server computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the server computer.   
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the bets are input by entering into the point of sale terminal at least: (a) the event code associated with the sporting event; and (b) the event code associated with the non-sporting event. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the point of sale terminal comprises at least one graphical user interface and the bets are input by entering at least the event code associated with the sporting event and the event code associated with the non-sporting event into the graphical user interface. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the bets are input by marking a betting play slip with at least the event code associated with the sporting event and the event code associated with the non-sporting event. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the point of sale terminal comprises an imaging device and the imaging device is used to scan the betting play slip. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the sporting event is selected from the group comprising: football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and motor racing; and   the non-sporting event is selected from the group comprising: an election, a political vote;   a singing contest; a dancing contest.   
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the computer database is updated periodically, at a period selected from the group comprising: every day, every hour, every minute, and every second. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the computer database is updated in real-time. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein each event code is a numeric code. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein each event code is an alphanumeric code. 
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the server computer operatively communicates with a plurality of point of sale terminals. 
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of server computers. 
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) the Internet; and (b) an intranet. 
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the server computer operatively communicates with the point of sale terminal via at least one of: (a) a hardwired connection; and (b) a wireless connection. 
   
   
       29 . A betting play slip operative with at least one point of sale terminal having an imaging device used to scan the betting play slip, comprising:
 at least a first area comprising a plurality of first area end-user marking cells;   and at least a second area comprising a plurality of second area end-user marking cells;   wherein the first area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a first event code associated with a first sport;   wherein the second area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a second event code associated with a second sport;   wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; and   wherein the betting play slip is configured to be scanned by the imaging device of the point of sale terminal in order to input into the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport.   
   
   
       30 . A betting play slip operative with at least one point of sale terminal having an imaging device used to scan the betting play slip, comprising:
 at least a first area comprising a plurality of first area end-user marking cells;   and at least a second area comprising a plurality of second area end-user marking cells;   wherein the first area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a first event code associated with a sporting event;   wherein the second area end-user marking cells are configured to permit the identification of a second event code associated with a non-sporting event; and   wherein the betting play slip is configured to be scanned by the imaging device of the point of sale terminal in order to input into the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event.   
   
   
       31 . A method for taking bets performed in a computing system, the method operative with at least one point of sale terminal, the method comprising:
 obtaining by the computing system from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event;   storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures using the computing system, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a first sport, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a second sport, and wherein the first sport is different from the second sport;   operatively communicating between the computing system and the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and   wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computing system; (b) one record registered in the computing system; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computing system.   
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the computing system includes one or more programmed computers. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the computing system is distributed over a plurality of programmed computers. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the one or more data structures comprise one or more databases. 
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the steps are carried out in the order recited. 
   
   
       36 . A method for taking bets performed in a computing system, the method operative with at least one point of sale terminal, the method comprising:
 obtaining by the computing system from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event;   storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures using the computing system, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a sporting event, and wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a non-sporting event;   operatively communicating between the computing system and the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and   wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computing system; (b) one record registered in the computing system; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computing system.   
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the computing system includes one or more programmed computers. 
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the computing system is distributed over a plurality of programmed computers. 
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the one or more data structures comprise one or more databases. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the steps are carried out in the order recited. 
   
   
       41 . A programmed computer for taking bets, the programmed computer operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal, the programmed computer comprising:
 a memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code; and   a processor for executing the program code stored in the memory, wherein the program code comprises:
 (i) program code to obtain from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; 
 (ii) program code to store the obtained event codes in one or more data structures, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a first sport, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a second sport, and wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; and 
 (iii) program code to operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the programmed computer; (b) one record registered in the programmed computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the programmed computer. 
   
   
   
       42 . The programmed computer of  claim 41 , wherein the programmed computer includes one or more processors. 
   
   
       43 . The programmed computer of  claim 41 , wherein the programmed computer is distributed over several physical locations. 
   
   
       44 . The programmed computer of  claim 41 , wherein the one or more data structures comprise one or more databases. 
   
   
       45 . A programmed computer for taking bets, the programmed computer operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal, the programmed computer comprising:
 a memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code; and   a processor for executing the program code stored in the memory, wherein the program code comprises:
 (i) program code to obtain from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event; 
 (ii) program code to store the obtained event codes in one or more data structures, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a sporting event, and wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a non-sporting event; and 
 (iii) program code to operatively communicate with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting as reflected in the one or more data structures; and wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the programmed computer; (b) one record registered in the programmed computer; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the programmed computer. 
   
   
   
       46 . The programmed computer of  claim 45 , wherein the programmed computer includes one or more processors. 
   
   
       47 . The programmed computer of  claim 45 , wherein the programmed computer is distributed over several physical locations. 
   
   
       48 . The programmed computer of  claim 45 , wherein the one or more data structures comprise one or more databases. 
   
   
       49 . A computer readable medium encoded with computer readable program code for taking bets, the program code operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal, the program code including subroutines for:
 (i) obtaining from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event;   (ii) storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a first sport, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a second sport, and wherein the first sport is different from the second sport; and   (iii) operatively communicating with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the first sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the second sport as reflected in the one or more data structures; wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computer readable program code; (b) one record registered in association with the computer readable program code; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computer readable program code.   
   
   
       50 . The computer readable medium of  claim 49 , wherein the program code is distributed across one or more programmed computers. 
   
   
       51 . The computer readable medium of  claim 49 , wherein the program code is distributed across one or more processors. 
   
   
       52 . The computer readable medium of  claim 49 , wherein the program code is distributed over several physical locations. 
   
   
       53 . The computer readable medium of  claim 49 , wherein the one or more data structures comprise one or more databases. 
   
   
       54 . A computer readable medium encoded with computer readable program code for taking bets, the program code operative to communicate with at least one point of sale terminal, the program code including subroutines for:
 (i) obtaining from one or more sources of data a plurality of event codes, each event code corresponding to an outcome of an event;   (ii) storing the obtained event codes in one or more data structures, wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a sporting event, and wherein at least one of the event codes in the one or more data structures is associated with a non-sporting event; and   (iii) operatively communicating with the point of sale terminal to receive from the point of sale terminal as a single end-user transaction at least: (a) a first bet associated with the sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; and (b) a second bet associated with the non-sporting event as reflected in the one or more data structures; wherein the single end-user transaction consists of: (a) one record sent from the point of sale terminal to the computer readable program code; (b) one record registered in association with the computer readable program code; and (c) one reply sent back to the point of sale terminal from the computer readable program code.   
   
   
       55 . The computer readable medium of  claim 54 , wherein the program code is distributed across one or more programmed computers. 
   
   
       56 . The computer readable medium of  claim 54 , wherein the program code is distributed across one or more processors. 
   
   
       57 . The computer readable medium of  claim 54 , wherein the program code is distributed over several physical locations. 
   
   
       58 . The computer readable medium of  claim 54 , wherein the one or more data structures comprise one or more databases. 
   
   
       59 . A betting play slip, comprising:
 a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group, such that if the first event occurs and the second event occurs the first group is considered to have occurred;   a second area comprising a plurality of second area user marking cells, wherein the second area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring and a prediction of a fourth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the third event occurring and the prediction of the fourth event occurring comprises a second group, such that if the third event occurs and the fourth event occurs the second group is considered to have occurred; and   a third area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form a first column.   
   
   
       60 . The betting play slip of  claim 59 , further comprising a fourth area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking cells, wherein the fourth area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a fifth event occurring and a prediction of a sixth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the fifth event occurring and the prediction of the sixth event occurring comprises a third group, such that if the fifth event occurs and the sixth event occurs the third group is considered to have occurred. 
   
   
       61 . The betting play slip of  claim 60 , wherein the third area comprises a plurality of user marking cells for indicating that:
 (a) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form the first column;   (b) the events of the second group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a second column; and   (c) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a third column.   
   
   
       62 . The betting play slip of  claim 60 , wherein the third area comprises a plurality of user marking cells for indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group and cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a column. 
   
   
       63 . A computerized betting system, comprising:
 a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group, such that if the first event occurs and the second event occurs the first group is considered to have occurred;   a second graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of second area user marking indicia, wherein the second graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring and a prediction of a fourth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the third event occurring and the prediction of the fourth event occurring comprises a second group, such that if the third event occurs and the fourth event occurs the second group is considered to have occurred; and   a third graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for receiving input indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form a first column.   
   
   
       64 . The system of  claim 63 , further comprising a fourth graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking indicia, wherein the fourth graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a fifth event occurring and a prediction of a sixth event occurring, wherein the prediction of the fifth event occurring and the prediction of the sixth event occurring comprises a third group, such that if the fifth event occurs and the sixth event occurs the third group is considered to have occurred. 
   
   
       65 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the third graphical user interface area comprises a plurality of user marking indicia for indicating that:
 (a) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group to form the first column;   (b) the events of the second group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a second column; and   (c) the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a third column.   
   
   
       66 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the third graphical user interface area comprises a plurality of user marking indicia for indicating that the events of the first group participate cumulatively with the events of the second group and cumulatively with the events of the third group to form a column. 
   
   
       67 . A betting play slip, comprising:
 a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group;   a second area comprising a plurality of second area user marking cells, wherein the second area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring; and   a third area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that: (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a first column; and (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a second column.   
   
   
       68 . The betting play slip of  claim 67 , further comprising a fourth area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking cells, wherein the fourth area receives thereon user marks corresponding to at least a prediction of a fourth event occurring. 
   
   
       69 . The betting play slip of  claim 68 , wherein the third area comprises a plurality of user marking cells for indicating that:
 (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a third column; and   (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a fourth column.   
   
   
       70 . A computerized betting system, comprising:
 a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a first event occurring and a prediction of a second event occurring, wherein the prediction of the first event occurring and the prediction of the second event occurring comprises a first group;   a second graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of second area user marking indicia, wherein the second graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a third event occurring; and   a third graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for indicating that: (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a first column; and (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event to form a second column.   
   
   
       71 . The system of  claim 70 , further comprising a fourth graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of fourth area user marking indicia, wherein the fourth area receives input corresponding to at least a prediction of a fourth event occurring. 
   
   
       72 . The system of  claim 71 , wherein the third area comprises a plurality of user marking indicia for indicating that:
 (a) the first event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a third column; and   (b) the second event of the first group participates cumulatively with the third event and the fourth event to form a fourth column.   
   
   
       73 . A betting play slip, comprising:
 a first area comprising a plurality of first area user marking cells, wherein the first area receives thereon user marks corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring; and   a second area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that a selected number of permutations of the predicted plurality of events form respective columns.   
   
   
       74 . The betting play slip of  claim 73 , further comprising a third area comprising at least one user marking cell for indicating that a subset of the columns formed be subject to a multiplier. 
   
   
       75 . The betting play slip of  claim 74 , wherein each column out of the subset of the columns subject to a multiplier is repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier. 
   
   
       76 . A computerized betting system, comprising:
 a first graphical user interface area comprising a plurality of first area user marking indicia, wherein the first graphical user interface area receives input corresponding to a prediction of a plurality of events occurring; and   a second graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for indicating that a selected number of permutations of the predicted plurality of events form respective columns.   
   
   
       77 . The system of  claim 76 , further comprising a third graphical user interface area comprising at least one user marking indicium for receiving input indicating that a subset of the columns formed be subject to a multiplier. 
   
   
       78 . The system of  claim 77 , wherein each column out of the subset of the columns subject to a multiplier is repeated a number of times equal to the multiplier.