System and method for betting on a subset of participants in an event wherein betting parameters may change over time

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/788,897 filed Jun. 3, 2003 entitled “System and Method for Betting on a Subset of Participants in an Event” by Lee M. Amaitis et al. (Attorney Docket No. 069547.0152), which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0002] This invention relates in general to betting on events and, more particularly, to a system and method for betting on a subset of participants in an event wherein betting parameters may change over time.

[0003] Wagering on sporting events, such as horse races, for example, is a large and growing industry in many parts of the world. Various types of betting products or systems are available for various types of sporting events For example, typical horse racing bets allow bettors to bet on a single horse or on several horses in a particular race or series of races. For instance, a bettor can bet on a particular horse to finish first (win), finish in the top two (place), or finish in the top three (show). A bettor may also make various combination bets with multiple horses, such as an exacta bet (covering the top two horses in order) or a trifecta bet (covering the top three horses in order). In addition, a bettor may bet on a series of races, such as the daily double (winners of two consecutive races), the pick-three (winners of three consecutive races), and the pick-six (winners of six consecutive races), for example.

[0004] In a pari-mutuel betting system, all bets regarding a particular event are aggregated, a commission (or “take-out”) is taken by the track, and the remainder is distributed among the winning bettors. For example, pari-mutuel betting systems are commonly used in North America (and other various places throughout the world) for betting on horse races.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method of managing bets is provided. The method includes receiving one or more win bets and one or more group bets. Each win bet includes a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will win the event. Each group bet includes a bet that one of a subset of the set of participants will win the event, wherein the subset includes a plurality of the set of participants. Results of the event identifying a winning participant from the set of participants are received. An amount of a win bet payout for at least a portion of the win bets that comprise a bet on the winning participant is determined. An amount of a group bet payout for at least one of the group bets is also determined.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a system for managing bets is provided. The system includes a memory coupled to a processor. The memory is operable to store one or more win bets and one or more group bets. Each win bet includes a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will win the event. Each group bet includes a bet that one of a subset of the set of participants will win the event, wherein the subset includes a plurality of the set of participants. The memory is also operable to store results of the event identifying a winning participant from the set of participants. The processor is operable to determine an amount of a win bet payout for at least a portion of the win bets that comprise a bet on the winning participant, and also to determine an amount of a group bet payout for at least one of the group bets.

[0007] According to yet another embodiment, another method of managing bets is provided. The method includes identifying a set of participants in an event and receiving a group bet for the event. The group bet comprises a bet that one of an undefined subset of the set of participants will win the event. The undefined subset of participants associated with the group bet is defined at some time after receiving the group bet by determining participants for the subset of participants. For example, the undefined subset of participants may be defined after the close of betting on the event. Results of the event that identify a winning participant are received, and an amount of a group bet payout for the group bet is determined based at least on whether the defined subset of participants includes the winning participant.

[0008] According to still another embodiment, another method of managing bets is provided. A set of participants in an event are identified. A group bet that one of a subset of the set of participants will win the event is received. Odds of winning the race for at least one of the set of participants are determined at the time the group bet was received. Results of the event are received, the results identifying a winning participant. An amount of a group bet payout for the group bet is determined based at least on (a) whether the subset of participants includes the winning participant and (b) the odds of winning the race determined for the at least one participant at the time the group bet was received.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention may benefit from numerous advantages. It should be noted that one or more embodiments may benefit from some, none, or all of the advantages discussed below.

[0010] One advantage of the invention is that in an event which includes a set of participants, a bettor may bet on a subset of the set of participants, and win the bet if any of the subset of participants wins the event. Thus, for example, a bettor who believes that a particular participant in an event will not win the event, but is unsure of which other participant to bet on, may purchase a group bet which includes a group of participants which excludes the particular participant. For example, a bettor who believes that the favorite in a horse race will not win the race, but is unsure on which other horse to bet, may purchase a group bet which includes every horse in the field except for the favorite.

[0011] In this manner, a bettor may bet on all horses other than the favorite (or another particular horse), thus effectively betting against the favorite, without having to place individual bets on each of the non-favorite horses. In some situations, a bettor may make such a group bet on an event when he or she otherwise would not have made a bet on the event, since the bettor need not place individual bets on each of the non-favorite horses. This may increase the total pool of wagers on the event, which may increase profits at least for the one or more entities that collect a percentage of the take-out on such wagers.

[0012] Another advantages is that in various embodiments, group bets offered to bettors may exclude any number of participants in a race, thus allowing a bettor to effectively bet against any number of participants in a race. For example, group bets may be offered that cover a group of participants which excludes one, two, three, or more particular participants, or one, two, three, or more favorites in the race. In some embodiments, the group of participants covered (or excluded) by a particular group bet may be undefined until some point after the particular group bet is received from a bettor. For example, a group bet may exclude (i.e., effectively comprise a bet against) one, two, three, or more favorite participants in a race, which favorite participant(s) may not be defined until, or after, the close of betting on the race, since one or more favorite participant(s) in a race may change during the period of betting on the race. Thus, a bettor may effectively bet against the favorite horse (or more than one favorite horses) in a race regardless of which horse ends up as the favorite horse after betting has closed on the race.

[0013] Another advantage of the invention is that group bets may be offered having potential payouts fixed at the time that the group bets are placed by bettors. The potential payout for a particular group bet placed by a bettor at a particular time may be determined, and fixed, based on the various bets received on the race prior to that particular time. Thus, a bettor may effectively lock in a potential payout for a group bet, which may be desirable to the bettor.

[0014] Another advantage of the invention is that any of the various group bets described herein may be provided in a pari-mutuel betting system in which all bets regarding a particular event are pooled.

[0015] Other advantages will be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for receiving and managing win bets and group bets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate example types of current odds data which may be determined by a betting system platform and communicated to clients in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates various equations for calculating the potential payouts and profits for both win bets and group bets, accounting for take-out;

[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates various equations for calculating the potential payouts and profits for both win bets and group bets, without accounting for take-out;

[0021] FIGS. 4A through 4F are charts illustrating various payouts for win bets and group bets for various results of an example horse race using the equations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of receiving, managing, and paying win bets and group bets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of determining various odds, payouts and/or profits for win bets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of determining various odds, payouts and/or profits for group bets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of receiving, managing, and paying a group bet on a horse race covering a group of horses that is undefined until after the close of betting on the race in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates an example method of receiving, managing, and paying group bets having potential payouts determined and fixed at the time the group bets are placed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 10A illustrates tables indicating total amounts wagered and potential payouts for various bets at the time that a first client places a first group bet during in the method of FIG. 9; and

[0028] FIG. 10B illustrates tables indicating total amounts wagered and potential payouts for various bets at the time that a second client places a second group bet during in the method of FIG. 9.

Bet Management System

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 10 for receiving and managing bets 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System 10 includes one or more betting system interfaces 14 and a betting system platform 16 coupled by one or more communications networks 18. In general, one or more clients 20 may receive betting information (such as event times, betting rules, betting options and odds, for example) and/or place bets 12 via betting system interfaces 14. Betting system interfaces 14 communicate such bets 12 received from clients 20 to betting system platform 16. Betting system platform 16 stores the received bets 12, determines appropriate odds and payouts, and communicates such odds and payouts to one or more of the betting system interfaces 14.

[0030] System 10 permits clients 20 to place at least both win bets (or straight wagers) 22, as well as group bets 24 on a betting event having a set of event participants, such as a horse race, dog race, auto race, or golf tournament, for example. A win bet (or straight wager) 22 is a bet that a particular participant will win the event. For example, in a horse race, an example of a win bet 22 is a bet that Horse #3 will win the race. A group bet 24, on the other hand, is a bet that one of a group, or subset, of the set of participants will win the event. In some situations, the subset or group may include all of the participants in an event except for a single participant. In such situations, the group may include all of the participants in an event except for the “favorite,” or in other words, the participant having (or predicted to have) the best chance of winning the event. For example, in a 14-horse race in which Horse #3 is the favorite, an example group bet 24 is a bet that any of the horses except for Horse #3 will win the race.

[0031] By placing a group bet 24, a client 20 may bet on all participants other than the favorite (or another particular participant), thus effectively betting against the favorite, without having to place individual bets on each of the non-favorite participants. Thus, for example, a bettor who believes that the favorite horse in a horse race a will not win the race, but is unsure on which other horse to bet, may purchase a group bet 24 which includes all horses except the favorite.

[0032] In some embodiments, more than one different group bet 24 may be available to clients 20. For example, for a particular ten-horse race, a first group bet 24 may be available which covers Horses #2-#10, thus effectively providing a bet against Horse #1; a second group bet 24 may be available which covers Horses #1 and #3-#10, thus effectively providing a bet against Horse #2; and a third group bet 24 may be available which covers Horses #1-#4 and #6-#10, thus effectively providing a bet against Horse #5.

[0033] In alternative embodiments, the group of participants covered by a particular group bet 24 may exclude two, three, or any other number of participants in the event. For example, for the ten-horse race discussed above, a group bet 24 may be available which covers Horses #3-#4 and #6-#10, thus effectively providing a bet against Horses #1, #2 and #5. The number of participants for which a particular group bet 24 may cover may be related to the number of participants in the event. For example, in one embodiment, a group bet 24 in a six-horse race may cover all but one horse (such as the favorite horse), a group bet 24 in a eight-horse race may cover all but two horses (such as the top two favorites), and a group bet 24 in a race of ten or more horses may cover all but three horses (such as the top three favorites).

[0034] In addition, in certain embodiments, the group of participants covered by a particular group bet 24 is undefined until some time after the group bet 24 is received from a client 20. For example, a particular group bet 24 may comprise a bet against one or more favorite participants in a race event, where the one or more favorite participants are not determined until some point after the group bet 24 is placed by a client 20, such as after betting on the race has been closed, for example. Thus, the group bet 24 may cover all of the participants in the race event excluding the one or more favorite participants, at least one of which may change one or more times between the time that the group bet 24 is placed by the client 20 and the time at which the favorite participants are determined, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 8.

[0035] In some embodiments, system 10 is a pari-mutuel betting system in which all bets 12 (or at least a relevant group of bets 12) regarding a particular event are pooled, a commission (or “take-out”) is taken by the track or other wagering provider, and the remainder is distributed among the winning bettors. In other embodiments, system 10 may be another type of betting system, such as a betting system in which clients 20 take positions against a bookmaker, for example.

[0036] Group bets 24 may be incorporated into an existing pari-mutuel pool in the following manner. Suppose, for example, a group bet 24 which covers all participants in an event except for the favorite participant. At the close of betting on a particular event, the amount of each individual group bet 24 (less the take-out rate) is divided and allocated among all participants covered by the group bet 24 such that the potential payout (in other words, the payout if the group bet 24 wins) for the group bet 24 is related to the odds on the favorite participant. Generally, the lower the odds on the favorite participant (in other words, the more that has been bet on the favorite), the greater the potential payout for the group bet 24. Thus, a group bet 24 in a race in which the favorite participant has 3-5 odds pays more than a similar group bet 24 in a race in which the favorite participant has 2-1 odds. In one embodiment, the payout for the group bet 24 is equal to the inverse of the odds on the favorite participant. Thus, in this embodiment, if the favorite participant has 2-5 odds, the group bet 24 will payout at a 5-2 rate.

[0037] In some embodiments, payouts for group bets 24 for an event are determined based on the final odds determined for participants in the event (i.e., the odds determined for participants after betting has closed on the event). Thus, the potential payouts for group bets 24 may change over time during the period of betting on the event as win bets 22 and group bets 24 continue to be received for the event. Examples of such embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 4-8.

[0038] In other embodiments, payouts for each group bet 24 for an event are determined—and fixed—based on odds determined for one or more participants in the event at the time (or substantially at the time) that that group bet 24 is placed by a client 20. Thus, the potential payout for a group bet 24 may be essentially locked in when the group bet 24 is placed. For example, suppose a first client 20 places a particular group bet 24 for $2 that includes every horse in a race except for a particular horse. At the time that the first client 20 places the particular group bet 24, the potential payout for the first client 20's group bet 24 is determined (based on the then-current amounts wagered on and/or allocated to each horse in the race), and locked in, at $2.80. Further suppose that at some later time during the betting on the race, a second client 20 places the same particular group bet 24 (i.e., covering every horse in the race except for the particular horse) for $2. At the time that the second client 20 places the particular group bet 24, the potential payout for the second client 20's group bet 24 is determined (based on the then-current amounts wagered on and/or allocated to each horse in the race), and locked in, at $3.05. Thus, if the group bet 24 is determined to be a winning bet, first client 20 will receive a payout of $2.80 and second client 20 will receive a payout of $3.05. A more detailed example of such an embodiment is discussed below with reference to FIG. 9.

Betting System Interfaces

[0039] Betting system interfaces 14 may include any suitable interface between a client 20 and betting system platform 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, betting system interfaces 14 may include physical interfaces, such as track interfaces 26 and/or off-track interfaces 28. Track interfaces 26 are generally located at a track, while off-track interfaces 28 are generally located at an off-track-betting (OTB) establishment, such as an OTB parlor. Track interfaces 26 and off-track interfaces 28 may include tellers 30, which may receive bets 12 from and distribute payouts to clients 20, and/or monitors 32, which may be viewed by clients 20 to monitor betting information such as the event time, the current odds, and the projected or actual payouts for various bets 12, for example. In some situations, such information may be updated substantially in real time or at preset intervals (such as every 30 seconds, for example) as new bets 12 are placed and/or as information regarding the event changes, for example. Monitors 32 may include, for example, tote-boards or closed-circuit televisions located at a track or OTB establishment.

[0040] Track interfaces 26 and/or off-track interfaces 28 may also include one or more self-service betting machines 33. In some embodiment, self-service betting machines 33 allow clients 20 to insert payment into the machine (such as cash or by using a voucher or a credit or debit card), place one or more win bets 22 and/or group bets 24, and receive a printout (such as a ticket, for example) indicating the bet or bets placed. Printouts for winning bets may be inserted into the self-service betting machine, such as to receive a payment voucher (which may be used to receive a payout from a teller 30) or to place additional bets 12. In other embodiments, self-service betting machines 33 allow clients 20 to use a credit or debit card to place bets 12. The credit or debit card may have an associated account, which may be a betting account provided and/or managed by a betting account provider. In some embodiments, after the betting event is completed, a client 20 may insert or swipe his or her credit or debit card in the self-service betting machines 33 in order to update the balance on the card. Self-service betting machines 33 may also allow the client 20 to print out payment vouchers which may be presented to a teller 30 in order to receive payments.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, betting system interfaces 14 may also include various non-physical interfaces, such as one or more telephone operators 34 and one or more websites 36. Clients 20 may access or communicate with such non-physical interfaces via one or more communications networks 44. Communications networks 44 may include one or more servers, routers, switches, repeaters, backbones, links and/or any other appropriate type of communication devices coupled by links such as wire line, optical, wireless, or other appropriate links. In general, communication network 28 may include any interconnection found on any communication network, such as a telephone network, a local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, portions of the Internet, or any other data exchange system. To access betting system interface 14 using communication networks 44, clients 20 may use a computer, a personal digital assistant (pda), a cell-phone, a remote paging device, an electronic mail communication device, a handheld betting device, or any other suitable mobile device. In certain embodiments, clients 20 may receive any suitable information, such as betting information, from betting system platform 16 via mobile devices using, for example, communication networks 44 and betting system interfaces 14.

[0042] Telephone operators 34 may communicate betting information (such as event times, betting rules, betting options and odds, for example) to, and take bets 12 from, clients 20. Similarly, websites 36 may communicate betting information to clients 20 and allow clients 20 to place bets 12. One or more of such websites 36 may be hosted by one or more servers associated with system 10, which server or servers may also host betting system platform 16 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, betting information available to clients 20 via websites 36 may be updated substantially in real time or at preset intervals (such as every 30 seconds, for example) as new bets 12 are placed and/or as information regarding the event changes, for example.

[0043] In some embodiments, one or more websites 36 may be provided by, or associated with, an Internet betting provider 46, for example. Internet betting provider 46 may provide Internet account wagering by providing online betting accounts to one or more clients 20. Using an online betting account, a client 20 may interface with one or more websites 36 associated with the Internet betting provider 46 in order to fund the account, view betting information regarding betting events, and place bets (such as win bets 22 and/or group bets 24). Such online betting accounts may include one or more various types of accounts, such as deposit accounts, credit accounts, stop-loss accounts, and hybrid accounts, for example.

[0044] Some or all of the betting system interfaces 14 of system 10 may be operable to offer or receive both win bets 22 and group bets 24. However, in some embodiments, one or more betting system interfaces 14 may only offer or receive either win bets 22 or group bets 24. For example, in a particular embodiment, a website 36 may allow clients 20 to place both win bets 22 and group bets 24, while a particular OTB parlor 28 may only allow clients 20 to place win bets 22.

Betting System Platform

[0045] As discussed above, betting system platform 16 is operable to receive bets 12 (including both win bets 22 and group bets 24) from betting system interfaces 14, store the received bets 12, determine appropriate odds and payouts, and communicate such odds and payouts to one or more of the betting system interfaces 14, which may then display such odds and/or payouts to clients 20. As shown in FIG. 1, betting system platform 16 includes a processor 38 coupled to a memory 40. Processor 38 is generally operable to execute various algorithms or calculations to determine current odds data 50, such as current pool data 52, current odds data 54 and/or potential payout data 56, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, which are discussed below in greater detail.

[0046] As discussed above, betting system platform 16 comprises processor 38 and memory 40. Processor 38 may comprise any suitable processor that executes a betting system software application 42 or other computer instructions, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other microprocessor, and may include any suitable number of processors working together. Memory 40 may comprise one or more memory devices suitable to facilitate execution of the computer instructions, such as one or more random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), fast cycle RAMs (FCRAMs), static RAM (SRAMs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), microcontrollers, or microprocessors.

[0047] Memory 40 is generally operable to store various information that may be used by processor 38 in determining odds and/or payouts. For example, memory 40 may comprise any suitable number of databases, which may be co-located or physically and/or geographically distributed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, memory 40 may store any or all of the following: betting system software application 42, current odds data 50, one or more event parameters 58, one or more bet parameters 60, one or more calculation rules 62, one or more event results 64, and one or more bet results 66. Event parameters 58 may comprise various parameters of one or more betting events, such as, for example, the type of event, the time, date and location of the event and/or the number (or in some cases, the name) of each of the participants in the event. Bet parameters 60 may comprise various parameters of one or more received bets 12, such as the identity of the client 20 who placed the bet 12, the manner in which the bet 12 was placed (such as via telephone, the Internet, or in person at a track or OTB establishment, for example), the type of bet 12 (such as whether the bet 12 is a win bet 22 or a group bet 24, for example), the commission rate on the bet 12, the participant or participants covered by the bet 12 and/or the amount of the bet 12, for example. Calculation rules 62 may comprise various equations or other algorithms to be used by processor 38 in determining various current odds data 50. Examples of such equations are illustrated and discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Event results 64 may comprise various data regarding the results of one or more betting events, such as the final position of each participant in an event, whether there was a tie for any position and/or whether any participants did not finish the event, for example. Bet results 66 may comprise various data regarding the results of various bets 12, such as the identity of the client 20 who placed the bet 12, whether the bet 12 was a winning bet, the determined payout for the bet 12 and/or whether the payout was distributed to the client 20, for example.

[0048] As discussed above, one or more communications networks 18 couple and facilitate wireless or wireline communication between one or more betting system interfaces 14 and betting system platform 16. Each communication network 18 may include one or more servers, routers, switches, repeaters, backbones, links and/or any other appropriate type of communication devices coupled by links such as wire line, optical, wireless, or other appropriate links. In general, each communication network 18 may include any interconnection found on any communication network, such as a local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, portions of the Internet, or any other data exchange system.

[0049] As discussed above, processor 38 is operable to execute betting system software application 42 to determine current odds data 50, such as current pool data 52, current odds data 54 and/or potential payout data 56, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. Processor 38 may determine such current odds data 50 based at least on data received from memory 40 and/or one or more betting system interfaces 14. In addition, processor 38 may update such current odds data 50 based on new information being received by betting system platform 16. In some embodiments, processor 38 may update current odds data 50 in real time, substantially in real time, or at preset intervals (such as every 30 seconds, for example).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, current odds data 50 may be communicated to one or more betting system interfaces 14 via communications network 18, as indicated by arrow 70. Current odds data 50 may then be made available to clients 20, such as via tote boards or monitors 32 located at a track or OTB establishment, for example, or on an appropriate website 36 that may be accessed by clients 20, for example. In this manner, clients 20 may have access to real-time or substantially real-time current odds data 50 regarding various betting events.

Calculating Current Odds Data for Win Bets and Group Bets

[0051] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate example types of current odds data 50 for an example horse race in which Horse #4 is the favorite and a group bet 24 is offered which covers Horse #1, Horse #2, Horse #3 and Horse #5 (all horses except Horse #4). FIG. 2A illustrates current pool data 52 reflecting the current total amount, or the current stake, of win bets 22 on each horse and the current total amount, or the current stake, of group bets 24. Thus, FIG. 2A illustrates the total current win bet stake on each horse, as well as the total current group bet stake on the group bet 24.

[0052] FIG. 2B illustrates current odds data 54 reflecting the current odds on the win bet 22 for each horse and current odds on the group bet 24, both without and with take-out at a 15% rate. FIG. 2C illustrates potential payout data 56 reflecting the potential payout for each win bet 22 for each horse and the potential payout for the group bet 24 if betting were closed at that point (in other words, if no additional bets were accepted for that betting event). FIG. 2C illustrates the potential payout for each bet both without and take-out at a 15% rate.

[0053] As discussed above, processor 38 may calculate various current odds data 50 using various algorithms or equations. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of such algorithms or equations in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates various equations for calculating the current potential payout for each bet 12, including both win bets 22 and group bets 24, associated with a particular betting event. The equations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are similar; however, the equations shown in FIG. 3A account for take-out, while the equations shown in FIG. 3A do not. The equations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are best understood when viewed in conjunction with FIGS. 4A-4F, as discussed below.

[0054] As discussed above, FIG. 3A illustrates various equations for calculating the current potential payout for both win bets 22 and group bets 24, accounting for take-out (commission). In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates an after-commission (AC) group bet pool equation 100; a participant's AC win bet stake equation 102; a total AC win bet stake equation 104; an AC group-participant win bet pool equation 106; a total AC pool on all participants equation 108; an AC group bet pool allocation equation 110; a participant's total AC stake equation 112; a pair of alternative total AC group bet payout equations, 114A and 114B; a total AC group bet profit equation 116; a pair of alternative AC payout per group bet unit currency equations, 118A and 118B; a pair of alternative total AC win bet payout equations, 120A and 120B; a total AC win bet profit equation 122; and a pair of alternative AC payout per win bet unit currency equations, 124A and 124B.

[0055] The AC group bet pool equation 100 may be used to determine the after-commission group bet pool, which is equal to the before-commission (BC) group bet pool minus the take-out. In some embodiments, the take-out is a percentage of each bet 12, and the total take-out for an event is thus that percentage of the total pool. For example, if the take-out rate is 15%, the take-out on each win bet 22 or group bet 24 is equal to 15% of such win bet 22 or group bet 24, and the total take-out for the event is 15% of the total pool for the event. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the take-out (commission) may be otherwise calculated. For example, a separate take-out rate may be charged for win bets 22 and group bets 24.

[0056] The participant's AC win bet stake equation 102 may be used to determine the total AC win bet stake on each participant in the event. According to equation 102, the AC win bet stake on each participant is equal to the BC win bet stake on that participant minus the take-out.

[0057] The total AC win bet stake equation 104 may be used to determine the total AC win bet stake on all participants, which equals the sum of the AC win bet stake on each participant (as determined using equation 102).

[0058] The AC group-participant win bet pool equation 106 may be used to determine the total AC stake of win bets 22 on each participant in the group, or subset, of participants covered by the group bet 24. The participants in the group of participants covered by the group bet 24 may be referred to as the “grouped participants.” For example, in a 5 horse race in which Horse #4 is the favorite and a group bet covers Horses #1, 2, 3 and 5, the group-participant win bet pool equation 106 may be used to determine the total AC stake of win bets 22 placed on Horses #1, 2, 3 and 5.

[0059] The total AC pool on all participants equation 108 may be used to determine the total AC pool, including the total pool of back bets 22 and group bets 24. According to equation 108, the total AC pool is the sum of the total AC win bet stake (as determined by equation 104) and the AC group bet pool (as determined by equation 100).

[0060] The AC group bet pool allocation equation 110 may be used to determine the allocation of the AC group bet pool among each of the grouped participants. According to equation 110, the AC group bet pool (as determined using equation 100) is allocated among the grouped participants in direct proportion to the stake of AC win bets 22 placed on each of the grouped participants (as determined using equation 102).

[0061] The participant's total AC stake equation 112 may be used to determine the total AC stake on each participant in an event. According to equation 112, the total AC stake on each participant is the sum of the AC win bet stake on that participant (as determined using equation 102) and the portion of the AC group bet pool allocated to that participant (as determined using equation 110).

[0062] Each of the alternative total AC group bet payout equations, 114A and 114B, may be used to determine the potential total AC payout for the AC group bet pool if each participant were to win the event. According to equation 114A, the total AC group bet payout for each particular participant is based on the total AC stake on all participants except for the particular participant (as determined using equation 112), the total AC stake on the particular participant (as determined using equation 112), and the portion of the AC group bet pool allocated to the particular participant (as determined using equation 110). According to equation 114B, the total AC group bet payout for each particular participant is based on the total AC pool on all participants (as determined using equation 108), the portion of the AC group bet pool allocated to the particular participant (as determined using equation 110), and the total AC stake on the particular participant (as determined using equation 112).

[0063] It should be understood that using the equations shown in FIG. 3A, the AC group bet payout will be the same if any of the subset of participants covered by the group bet 24 wins the event. Thus, by placing a group bet 24, a bettor may effectively bet against a particular participant (the participant excluded from the subset of participants covered by the group bet 24), and be assured of a particular payout if any of the participants covered by the group bet 24 wins the event.

[0064] The total AC group bet profit equation 116 may be used to determine the potential total AC profit on the AC group bet pool if each participant were to win the event. According to equation 116, the total AC group bet profit is equal to the total AC group bet payout (as determined using equation 114) minus the total BC group bet pool.

[0065] Each of the alternative AC payout per group bet unit currency equations, 118A and 118B, may be used to determine the potential AC payout per unit of currency (such as one dollar, one pound, or other unit of currency) wagered on group bet 24 if the group bet 24 were to win. For example, equations 118A and/or 118B may be used to determine the potential AC payout per dollar wagered on group bet 24.

[0066] According to equation 118A, the potential AC payout per unit currency for each group bet 24 is based on the BC group bet pool and the total AC group bet payout (as determined using equation 114). According to equation 118B, the potential AC payout per unit currency for each group bet 24 is based on the total AC pool on all participants (as determined using equation 108), the total AC stake on a particular participant (as determined using equation 112), the portion of the AC group bet pool allocated to the particular participant (as determined using equation 110), and the AC group bet pool (as determined using equation 100).

[0067] Each of the alternative total AC win bet payout equations 120 may be used to determine the potential total AC payout for the total AC win bet stake on each particular participant if that participant were to win the event. According to equation 120A, the total AC win bet payout for each particular participant is based on the total AC stake on all participants except for the particular participant (as determined using equation 112), the total AC stake on the particular participant (as determined using equation 112), and the AC win bet stake on the particular participant (as determined using equation 102). According to equation 120B, the total AC win bet payout for each particular participant is based on the total AC pool on all participants (as determined using equation 108), the AC win bet stake on the particular participant (as determined using equation 102), and the total AC stake on the particular participant (as determined using equation 112).

[0068] The total AC win bet profit equation 122 may be used to determine the potential total AC profit on the total win bet stake on each particular participant if that participant were to win the event. According to equation 122, the potential AC profit on the total win bet stake on each participant is equal to the potential total AC win bet payout for that participant (as determined using equation 120) minus the total BC win bet stake on that participant.

[0069] Each of the alternative AC payout per win bet unit currency equations 124 may be used to determine the potential AC payout per unit of currency (such as one dollar, one pound, or other unit of currency) wagered on each win bet 22 if that win bet 22 were to win. For example, equations 124A and/or 124B may be used to determine the potential payout per dollar wagered on each winning win bet 22.

[0070] According to equation 124A, the potential AC payout per unit currency for each win bet 22 on a particular participant is based on the total BC win bet stake for that participant and the potential AC total win bet payout for that participant (as determined using equation 120). According to equation 124B, the potential AC payout per unit currency for each win bet 22 on a particular participant is based on the total AC pool on all participants (as determined using equation 108) and the total BC stake on the particular participant (as determined using equation 138, shown in FIG. 3B).

[0071] As discussed above, FIG. 3B illustrates various equations for calculating the current potential payout for both win bets 22 and group bets 24, without accounting for take-out (commission). In particular, equations FIG. 3B illustrates a total BC win bet stake equation 130; a BC group-participant win bet pool equation 132; a total BC pool on all participants 134; a group bet pool allocation equation 136; a participant's total stake equation 138; a pair of alternative total group bet payout equations, 140A and 140B; a total group bet profit equation 142; a pair of alternative payout per group bet unit currency equations, 144A and 144B; a pair of alternative total win bet payout equations, 146A and 146B; a total win bet profit equation 148; and a pair of alternative payout per win bet unit currency equations, 150A and 150B. Equations 130 through 150 are similar to equations 104 through 124, respectively, shown in FIG. 3A, but without accounting for take-out.

Example Calculation of Payouts/Profits for Win Bets and Group Bets

[0072] FIGS. 4A through 4F may be used to illustrate the calculation of payouts and profits for win bets 22 and group bets 24 for various results of an example horse race using the example equations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIGS. 4A through 4F, the horse race is a five-horse race, Horse #4 is the favorite, and a group bet 24 is provided which covers Horses #1, 2, 3 and 5 (all horses except Horse #4). It should be understood that the payouts and profits calculated as described above may comprises potential payouts and profits, which may be calculated and/or updated dynamically prior to the race, or actual payouts and profits, which may be calculated after betting on the race has been closed, or after the race has been run and/or declared “official.”

[0073] Each of FIGS. 4A through 4E illustrates the calculation of the potential payouts and profits for win bets and group bets if a particular horse were to win the race. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates the calculation of the potential payouts and profits if Horse #1 were to win; FIG. 4B illustrates the calculation of the potential payouts and profits if Horse #2 were to win; FIG. 4C illustrates the calculation of the potential payouts and profits if Horse #3 were to win; FIG. 4D illustrates the calculation of the potential payouts and profits if Horse #4 were to win; and FIG. 4E illustrates the calculation of the potential payouts and profits if Horse #5 were to win. In addition, each of FIGS. 4A through 4E illustrates the calculation of the potential payouts and profits before (or without) accounting for take-out and after (or with) accounting for take-out.

[0074] FIG. 4A illustrates a payout table 200A and a stakes table 202. Payout table 200A indicates various payouts and profits assuming Horse #1 were to win. Such payouts and profits are based at least on stakes table 202 and one or more calculations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0075] Payout table 200A includes various payouts and profits as calculated before-commission (BC), as indicated by row 206A, and after-commission (AC), as indicated by row 204A. A take-out rate of 15% is used in this example. However, it should be understood that any suitable take-out rate may be used. For each case, BC and AC, payout table 200A indicates the take-out rate 208A; the total stake on all horses, 210A; the total stake on Horse #1, 212A; the total win bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 214A; the payout per win bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 216A; the total win bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 218A; the total group bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 220A; the payout per group bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 222A; and the total group bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 224A.

[0076] Stakes table 202 includes a before-commission (BC) section 250 and an after-commission (AC) section 252. BC section 250 indicates example current BC win bet stakes 254 on each horse, a current BC total of win bets on all horses 256, a BC group-participant win bet pool 258, an example current BC group bet pool 260, and the BC allocation of the group bet pool, indicated by reference number 262. AC section 252 indicates example current AC win bet stakes 270 on each horse, a current total of win bets on all horses 272, an AC group-participant win bet pool 274, an example current AC group bet pool 276, and the allocation of the AC group bet pool, indicated by reference number 278.

[0077] Various data within BC section 250 and AC section 252 may be determined using one or more calculations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, regarding BC section 250, the current BC total of win bets on all horses 256 may be determined using equation 130; the BC group-participant win bet pool 258 may be determined using equation 132; and the BC allocation of the group bet pool, indicated as 262, may be determined using equation 136.

[0078] Regarding AC section 252, the current AC win bet stakes 270 on each horse may be determined using equation 102; the current AC total of win bets on all horses 272 may be determined using equation 104; the AC group-participant win bet pool 274 may be determined using equation 106; the current AC group bet pool 276 may be determined using equation 100; and the allocation of the AC group bet pool, indicated as 278, may be determined using equation 110.

[0079] In addition, as discussed above, the payouts and profits shown in payout table 200A may be determined based on stakes table 202 using one or more calculations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. First, the various payouts and profits calculated with or after take-out, as indicated along row 204A, may be determined using one or more calculations shown in FIG. 3A. For example, the total stake on all horses (before take-out), 210A, may be determined using equation 136. The total AC stake on Horse #1, 212A, may be determined using equation 112, for example. The total AC win bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 214A, may be determined using either equation 120A or equation 120B, for example. The AC payout per win bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 216A, may be determined using either equation 124A or 124B, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the AC payout per win bet unit currency is defined as the AC payout per dollar wagered on a win bet on Horse #1. The total AC win bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 218A, may be determined using equation 122, for example. The total AC group bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 220A, may be determined using either equation 114A or 114B, for example. The AC payout per group bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 222A, may be determined using either equation 118A or 118B, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the AC payout per group bet unit currency is defined as the payout per dollar wagered on the group bet 24. Finally, the total AC group bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 224A, may be determined using equation 116, for example.

[0080] Similarly, the various payouts and profits calculated without or before take-out, as indicated along row 206A, may be determined using one or more calculations shown in FIG. 3B. For example, the total BC stake on Horse #1, 212A, may be determined using equation 138. The total win bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 214A, may be determined using either equation 146A or 146B, for example. The payout per win bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 216A, may be determined using either equation 150A or 150B, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the payout per win bet unit currency is defined as the payout per dollar wagered on a win bet on Horse #1. The total win bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 218A, may be determined using equation 148, for example. The total group bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 220A, may be determined using either equation 140A or 140B, for example. The payout per group bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 222A, may be determined using either equation 144A or 144B, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the payout per group bet unit currency is defined as the payout per dollar wagered on the group bet 24. Finally, the total group bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 224A, may be determined using equation 142, for example.

[0081] In this manner, the various payouts and profits included in payout table 200A may be determined for situations both with and without take-out. As discussed above, the various payouts and profits included in payout table 200A are relevant in the event that Horse #1 wins the race. FIGS. 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E illustrate payout tables 200B, 200C, 200D and 200E, respectively, which indicate the relevant payouts and profits in the event that Horse #2, Horse #3, Horse #40 r Horse #5, respectively, wins the race.

[0082] In view of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4E, it can be seen that the potential total group bet payout (indicated as 220A, 220B, 220C and 220E, respectively) is the same ($4,000 without take-out and $3,400 with a 15% take-out rate) if any of the horses covered by the group bet 24 (Horses #1, #2, #3 and #5) win the race. However, as shown in FIG. 4D, it can be seen that the potential total group bet payout 220D if the favorite horse (Horse #4) wins is zero. It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the potential total group bet payout may not be different depending on which of the grouped participants wins the event.

[0083] FIG. 4F illustrates a payout table 240 which includes the potential after-commission payouts and profits for each of the five horses as determined above with reference to FIGS. 4A through 4E. In other words, table 240 combines the after-commission rows shown in FIGS. 4A through 4E as rows 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D and 204E.

Example Operation of Bet Management System 10

[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of receiving, managing, and paying win bets 22 and group bets 24 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 300, win bets 22 are received from one or more clients 20 via one or more betting system interfaces 14, such as described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, in the example horse race discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4A through 4F, assume various win bets 22 are received which create the win bet stakes for each horse shown in column 254 of FIG. 4A. At step 302, group bets 24 are received from one or more clients 20 via one or more betting system interfaces 14, such as described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, in the example discussed above, assume various wagers are received on the group bet 24 covering Horses #1, #2, #3 and #5 which creates a before-commission group bet pool 260 of $2,000 as shown in FIG. 4A. In some situations, steps 300 and 302 may be occur simultaneously, or may at least partially overlap.

[0085] Each win bet 22 or group bet 24 received at steps 300 and/or 302 may be stored at step 304, such as within memory 40, for example. A take-out (commission) rate may be applied to each received win bet 22 and group bet 24 at step 306, such as described above with reference to FIG. 4A. For example, regarding win bets 22, a take-out rate of 15% may be applied to received win bets 22 shown in column 254 of FIG. 4A to generate the after-commission win bet stakes for each horse shown in column 270 of FIG. 4A. Similarly, a take-out rate of 15% may be applied to each group bet 24, or to the group bet pool 260, to generate the after-commission group bet pool 276 of $1,700, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0086] At step 308, each received group bet 24 may be divided and allocated among all participants covered by the group bet 24, or all grouped participants, such that the potential payout for the group bet 24 is related to the odds on the favorite participant, such as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4A. For example, the after-commission group bet pool 276 may be divided an allocated as shown in column 278 of FIG. 4A.

[0087] At step 310, various odds, payouts and/or profits for some or all received and/or stored win bets 22, such as various current odds 50 or various payouts and profits shown in FIGS. 4A through 4F, for example, may be determined by betting system platform 16. For example, in the example discussed above, various win bet payouts and profits shown in table 200A of FIG. 4A (and similarly for those shown in tables 200B, 200C, 200D and 200E shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, respectively) may be determined at step 310, such as the total win bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 214A; the payout per win bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 216A; and the total win bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 218A. Step 310 is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0088] At step 312, various odds, payouts and/or profits for some or all received and/or stored group bets 24, such as various current odds 50 or various payouts and profits shown in FIGS. 4A through 4F, for example, may be determined by betting system platform 16. For example, in the example discussed above, various group bet payouts and profits shown in table 200A of FIG. 4A (and similarly for those shown in tables 200B, 200C, 200D and 200E shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, respectively) may be determined at step 312, such as the total group bet payout if Horse #1 were to win, 220A; the payout per group bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 222A; and the total group bet profit if Horse #1 were to win, 224A. Step 312 is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 7.

[0089] At least portions of steps 310 and 312 may be performed simultaneously. In addition, in some embodiments, steps 310 and 312 are performed in real time, substantially in real time, or at preset intervals (such as every 30 seconds, for example) as win bets 22 and/or group bets 24 are received by betting system platform 16.

[0090] At step 314, it is determined whether the betting pool is closed. In some embodiments, the betting pool, which includes all bets on the event to be considered in the final determination of payouts, may be closed substantially at the time of or after betting is closed on the event. For example, in some embodiments, bets which are made prior to the close of betting but are processed (at least partially) after the close of betting (such as due to processing and transmission delays, for example) may be included within the betting pool.

[0091] If the betting pool is still open, the method may return to steps 300 through 312, to receive and store additional win bets 22 and/or group bets 24, and to recalculate the current odds, payouts and/or profits. In this manner, betting system platform 16 may update the current odds, payouts and/or profits associated with the various bets 12 associated with the event. In some embodiments, betting system platform 16 may perform such updates continuously and/or in real time, substantially in real time, or at preset intervals (such as every 30 seconds, for example).

[0092] Thus, it should be understood that each time the method returns to steps 300 through 312 while the betting pool remains open, the allocation of the group bet pool is recalculated at step 308 for newly received win bets 22 and/or group bets 24. In this manner, the allocation of the group bet pool may be continuously (or at preset intervals) updated in order to provide the appropriate win bet and group bet payouts (which are determined at steps 310 and 312, respectively.)

[0093] If it is determined at step 314 that the betting pool is closed, the method proceeds to step 316. At step 316, it is determined whether any of the participants in the event will not be competing in the event, such as if a participant is scratched, withdrawn, or becomes a non-runner, for example. For example, betting system platform 16 may receive a notification that one or more of the participants has been withdrawn from the event prior to the start of the event. If it is determined at step 316 that one or more participants will not be competing in the event, the method may return to step 308 to recalculate the allocation of the group bet pool based on the updated set of participants in the event. Otherwise, the method may proceed to step 318. In an alternative embodiment, if it is determined at step 316 that one or more participants will not be competing in the event, all group bets 24 may be cancelled, and refunds may be issued for such group bets 24. It should be understood that step 318 may be performed before, after, or both before and after step 314.

[0094] At step 318, the results of the event are received, such as the final position of each participant in the event and whether there was a tie for any position, for example. At step 320, win bet payouts may be distributed to clients 20 who made win bets 22 on the winning participant. For example, assuming in the example discussed above that Horse #1 won the race, win bet payouts may be distributed to clients 20 who made win bets 22 on Horse #1, which payouts may be based on payouts determined at step 310, such as payout per win bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 216A, for example. In some embodiments, win bet payouts may be distributed according to the final determination of win bet payouts made at step 310. In alternative embodiments, win bet payouts may be distributed according to a final determination of win bet payouts made after the betting closed or even after the event was completed.

[0095] At step 322, group bet payouts may be distributed to clients 20 who made winning group bets 24. For example, assuming in the example discussed above that Horse #1 won the race, the group bet 24 is a winning bet, and thus group bet payouts may be distributed to all clients 20 who wagered on the group bet 24. Such group bet payouts may be based on payouts determined at step 312, such as payout per group bet unit currency if Horse #1 were to win, 222A, for example. In some embodiments, group bet payouts may be distributed according to the final determination of group bet payouts made at step 312. In alternative embodiments, group bet payouts may be distributed according to a final determination of group bet payouts made after the betting closed or even after the event was completed. In some situations, steps 320 and 322 may be occur simultaneously, or may at least partially overlap.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of determining various odds, payouts and/or profits for win bets 22, such as described above with reference to step 314 shown in FIG. 5. This method may be used to determining various odds, payouts and/or profits for win bets 22 associated with each participant in an event. For example, in the example discussed above, the method may be used to determine the payouts for win bets 22 made on each of the five horses. At step 340, a participant in the set of participants in the event is selected. For example, in the example discussed above, Horse #1 may be selected first, and steps 342 through 350 may then be performed to determine the total win bet payout for win bets 22 made on Horse #1.

[0097] At step 342, the total after-commission (AC) stake on all non-selected participants is determined. For example, equation 112 shown in FIG. 3B may be used to determine the total stake of each non-selected participant, and the total stake of each non-selected participant may be added together. In the example discussed above, the total after-commission (AC) stake on all non-selected participants is the total AC stake on Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5, which equals $10,710, as determined by adding the win bet and group bet stakes for Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5, as shown in columns 270 and 278 of table 202 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0098] At step 344, the total AC stake on the selected participant is determined, such as using equation 112 shown in FIG. 3B. In the example discussed above, the total AC stake on Horse #1 is $1,190, as shown in column 212A of table 200A shown in FIG. 4A. The total AC win bet stake on the selected participant is determined at step 346. In the example discussed above, the total AC win bet stake on Horse #1 is $850, as shown in column 270 of table 202 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0099] At step 348, the total AC win bet payout for the selected participant is determined, such as using either equation 120A or 120B shown in FIG. 3B. In the example discussed above, the total AC win bet payout for Horse #1 is $8,500, as shown in column 214A of table 200A shown in FIG. 4A.

[0100] At step 350, the AC payout per win bet unit currency for the selected participant is determined, such as using either equation 124A or 124B shown in FIG. 3B. This may comprise, for example, determining the payout per one dollar wagered on a win bet on the selected participant.

[0101] At step 352, it is determined whether there are any more participants in the set of participants in the event. If so, the method returns to repeat steps 340 through 350 for each remaining participant. If not, the method ends. For example, in the example discussed above, 340 through 350 are repeated for Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5 to determine the payouts for win bets 22 made on each of the Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of determining various odds, payouts and/or profits for group bets 24, such as described above with reference to step 318 shown in FIG. 5. For example, in the example discussed above, the method may be used to determine the payouts for group bets 24. At step 360, a participant in the set of participants in the event is selected. Steps 362 through 370 are then performed, as discussed below, to determine the group bet payout if the selected participant were to win the event. For example, in the example discussed above, Horse #1 may be selected first at step 360 to determine (at steps 362 to 370) the group bet payout if Horse #1 were to win the race.

[0103] At step 362, the total after-commission (AC) stake on all non-selected participants is determined. For example, equation 112 shown in FIG. 3B may be used to determine the total stake of each non-selected participant, and the total stake of each non-selected participant may be added together. In the example discussed above, the total after-commission (AC) stake on all non-selected participants is the total AC stake on Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5, which equals $10,710, as determined by adding the win bet and group bet stakes for Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5, as shown in columns 270 and 278 of table 202 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0104] At step 364, the total AC stake on the selected participant is determined, such as using equation 112 shown in FIG. 3B. In the example discussed above, the total AC stake on Horse #1 is $1,190, as shown in column 212A of table 200A shown in FIG. 4A. The AC portion of the group bet allocated to the selected participant (such as at step 312 shown in FIG. 5) is determined at step 366. In the example discussed above, the AC portion of the group bet allocated to Horse #1 is $340, as shown in column 278 of table 202 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0105] At step 368, the total AC group bet payout if the selected participant were to win the event is determined, such as using either equation 114A or 114B shown in FIG. 3B. In the example discussed above, the total AC group bet payout if Horse #1 were to win the race is $3,400, as shown in column 220A of table 200A shown in FIG. 4A.

[0106] At step 370, the AC payout per group bet unit currency for the selected participant is determined, such as using either equation 118A or 118B shown in FIG. 3B. This may comprise, for example, determining the payout per one dollar wagered on the group bet 24.

[0107] At step 372, it is determined whether there are any more participants in the set of participants in the event. If so, the method returns to repeat steps 360 through 370 for each remaining participant. If not, the method ends. For example, in the example discussed above, 360 through 370 are repeated for Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5 to determine the payouts for group bets 24 if each of the Horses #2, 3, 4 and 5 were to win the race.

[0108] It should be understood that in various embodiments, the steps of the methods shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 may be performed in any suitable order and may overlap in whole or in part without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, various steps and methods shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 may be performed in serial or parallel, notwithstanding the example representations shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. For example, as discussed above, in some embodiments, steps 310 and 312 shown in FIG. 5 may be performed after step 314. As another example, steps 320 and 322 shown in FIG. 5 may be performed in series or in parallel without departing from the scope of the invention.

Group Bets Defined After Close of Betting

[0109] As discussed above, the group of participants covered by a particular group bet 24 is undefined until some time after the group bet 24 is received from a client 20. For example, a particular group bet 24 may comprise a bet against one or more favorite participants in a race event, where the one or more favorite participants are not determined until some point after the group bet 24 is placed by a client 20, such as after betting on the race has been closed, for example. Thus, the group bet 24 may cover all of the participants in the race event excluding one or more favorite participants, at least one of which may change one or more times between the time that the group bet 24 is placed by the client 20 and the time at which the favorite participants are determined, as discussed below.

[0110] The current favorite participant at any particular point in time may be the participant on which the greatest total amount has been wagered to win the race at that particular point in time. Thus, the current favorite participant may change over time as various amounts are wagered on the participants in the race event. For example, after a number of wagers have been placed on a particular horse race, horse #3 may be the current favorite (i.e., the total amount wagered on horse #3 is greater than the total amount wagered on any other horse in the race). Suppose after some time, the total amount wagered on horse #5 exceeds the total amount wagered on horse #3(as well as the amount wagered on each other horse in the race). Horse #5 thus becomes the new current favorite.

[0111] To illustrate this type of group bet 24, in the ten-horse race discussed above, a group bet 24 may be available that comprises a bet against the “eventual favorite” horse, where the “eventual favorite” horse is the horse determined to be the favorite after considering all (or substantially all) of the bets received for the race. Thus, the eventual favorite horse that is excluded from the group bet 24, and thus the group of horses covered by the group bet 24, are undefined until the close of betting or some time after the close of betting on the race. As discussed above, the current favorite horse may change one or more times between the time that betting on the race opens and the determination of the eventual favorite horse. Thus, for example, suppose a client 20 places such a group bet 24 at a point when the favorite is horse #4. However, by the close of betting on the race, horse #7 has become the favorite horse in the race (i.e. the “eventual favorite” horse), based on all (or substantially all) of the bets received for the race. Thus, the favorite horse that is excluded from the client 20's group bet 24 is defined as horse #7, and the group of horses covered by client 20's group bet 24 is defined to include horses #1-#6 and #8-#10 or any subset thereof. Thus, client 20 wins the group bet 24 if any of the horses covered by his or her group bet 24 (namely, appropriate ones, or all, of horses #1-#6 and #8-#10) wins the race, but loses the group bet 24 if horse #7 wins the race.

[0112] In some embodiments, particular group bets 24 may comprise a bet against more than one favorite participant in a race event, where these favorite participants are not determined until some point after the group bets 24 are placed. For example, a particular group bet 24 may comprise a bet against the top two favorites in a race, such as discussed below in the example method of FIG. 8. As another example, a particular group bet 24 may comprise a bet against the top three favorites in a race.

[0113] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of receiving, managing, and paying a group bet 24 on a horse race covering a group of horses that is undefined until after the close of betting on the race in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For exemplary purposes only, the following discussion regards an example horse race having eight horses, Horses #1-#8. At step 400, win bets 22 on Horses #1-#8 are received from one or more clients 20 via one or more betting system interfaces 14, such as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Each win bet 22 received at step 400 may be stored at step 402, such as within memory 40, for example. At step 404, current odds data 50, such as current pool data 52, current odds data 54 and/or potential payout data 56, is determined, updated and/or otherwise managed. For example, potential payout data 56 for win bets 22 on each Horse #1-#8 to win the race, as well as for one or more different group bets 24, may be updated periodically or after each received win bet 22. At step 406, current odds data 50, such as current potential payout data 56, for example, may be communicated or made available to clients 20 via one or more betting system interfaces 14 in real time or substantially in real time.

[0114] At step 408, group bets 24 are received from one or more clients 20 via one or more betting system interfaces 14, such as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In this embodiment, each group bet 24 comprises a bet against the eventual top two favorite horses, where the eventual top two favorite horses are the two horses determined to be the top two favorites after considering all (or substantially all) of the win bets 22 and/or group bets 24 received for the race. It should be understood that the group bet 24 may exclude any suitable number of participants. Thus, at the time that each group bet 24 is received, the two horses that are excluded from the covered group, and thus the group of horses that are covered by the group bet 24, are undefined. In some situations, steps 400 and 408 may occur simultaneously, or may at least partially overlap. Each group bet 24 received at step 408 may be stored at step 410, such as within memory 40, for example.

[0115] At step 412, it is determined whether the betting for the race is closed. In some embodiments, the betting for the race may close at some time shortly before the start of the race. If betting for the race is still open, the method may return to steps 400 through 410 to receive and store additional win bets 22 and/or group bets 24, and to update the current odds, payouts and/or profits associated with the various bets associated with the race. Alternatively, if it is determined at step 412 that the betting for the race is closed, the method proceeds to step 414.

[0116] At step 414, it is determined whether any of the horses in the event will not be competing in the event, such as if a horse is scratched, withdrawn, or becomes a non-runner, for example. For example, betting system platform 16 may receive a notification that one or more of the horses has been withdrawn from the event prior to the start of the event. Otherwise, the method may proceed to step 416.

[0117] At step 416, the eventual top two favorite horses are determined, which are the top two favorite horses based on considering all (or substantially all) of the win bets 22 and/or group bets 24 received for the race. In some embodiments, the eventual top two favorite horses are the two horses having the highest total amount of money wagered on such horses considering all (or substantially all) of the win bets 22 received for the race. For example, if it is determined based on all (or substantially all) of the win bets 22 received for the race that of all the horses in the race, the total amount of money wagered on Horse #2 was the highest of any horse, and the total amount of money wagered on Horse #5 was the second highest of any horse, Horses #2 and #5 are determined to be the eventual top two favorite horses. As discussed above, Horses #2 and #5 may not have been the top two favorites throughout the period of betting on the race. In other embodiments, the eventual top two favorite horses are the two horses having the highest total amount of money wagered on such horses considering all (or substantially all) of the win bets 22 and/or other types of bets 12 (which may include various group bets 24, for example) received for the race.

[0118] At step 418, the group of horses covered by the received group bets 24 are defined based at least on the horses determined at step 416. In particular, the group of horses covered by the received group bets 24 are defined by excluding the eventual top two favorite horses determined at step 416 from the plurality of horses that participated in the race. Thus, in the example discussed above, the group of horses covered by the received group bets 24 is defined at step 416 as including all of Horses #1-#8 except for the eventual top two favorite horses, Horses #2 and #5. Thus, the group of horses covered by the received group bets 24 includes Horses #1, #3-#4, and #6-#8.

[0119] At step 420, the results of the race are received, such as the final position of each horse in the race and whether there was a tie for any position, for example. Steps 418 and 420 may occur in either order and/or at least partially simultaneously. At step 422, a take-out (commission) rate may be applied to each received and stored win bet 22 and group bet 24, such as described above with reference to step 306 of FIG. 5, for example. At step 424, each received group bet 24 may be divided and allocated among all horses covered by the group bet 24 (namely, Horses #1, #3-#4, and #6-#8) as described above with reference to step 308 of FIG. 5, for example. At step 426, various payouts and/or profits may be determined for some or all received and stored win bets 22, such as described above with reference to step 310 of FIG. 5, for example. For example, payouts may be determined for each win bet 22 placed on the winning horse. At step 428, various payouts and/or profits may be determined for some or all received and stored group bets 24 if any of the horses covered by the group bet 24 (namely, Horses #1, #3-#4, and #6-#8) won the race, such as described above with reference to step 312 of FIG. 5.

[0120] At step 430, win bet payouts may be distributed to clients 20 who made win bets 22 on the winning participant, such as described above with reference to step 320 of FIG. 5, for example. At step 432, if the group bet 24 was a winning bet (i.e., if any of Horses #1, #3-#4, and #6-#8—won the race), group bet payouts may be distributed to clients 20 who placed group bets 24, such as described above with reference to step 322 of FIG. 5, for example.

[0121] It should be understood that in various embodiments, the steps of the method shown in FIG. 8 may be performed in any suitable order and may overlap in whole or in part without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, various steps shown in FIG. 8 may be performed in serial or parallel, notwithstanding the example representations shown in FIG. 8.

A Group Bet Having a Payout Fixed at the Time the Group Bet is Received

[0122] As discussed above, in some embodiments, payouts for each group bet 24 for an event may be determined—and fixed—based on odds determined for one or more participants in the event at the time (or substantially at the time) that group bet 24 is received from, or placed by, a client 20. Thus, the potential payout for a group bet 24 may be essentially locked in when the group bet 24 is placed.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of receiving, managing, and paying group bets 24, each having a potential payout determined and fixed at the time that group bet 24 is placed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For exemplary purposes only, the following discussion regards an example horse race having seven horses, Horses #1-#7, in which a group bet 24 against Horse #3 is offered (i.e., the group bet 24 covers Horses #1-#2 and #4-#7). At step 500, win bets 22 on Horses #1-#7 are received from one or more clients 20 via one or more betting system interfaces 14, such as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Each win bet 22 received at step 500 may be stored at step 502, such as within memory 40, for example.

[0124] At step 504, current odds data 50, such as current pool data 52, current odds data 54 and/or potential payout data 56, is determined, updated and/or otherwise managed. For example, potential payout data 56 for win bets 22 on each Horse #1-#7 to win the race, as well as for one or more different group bets 24, may be updated periodically or after each received win bet 22. At step 506, current odds data 50, such as current potential payout data 56 for example, may be communicated or made available to clients 20 via one or more betting system interfaces 14 in real time or substantially in real time.

[0125] At step 508, a first client 20a places a $10 group bet 24a (covering Horses #1-#7 except Horse #3). At the time that first client 20a places the group bet 24a, which time may be referred to as “Time 1,” the potential payout for the first client 20a's group bet 24a is determined, and fixed, based on the amounts that have been wagered on and/or allocated to each of Horses #1-#7 in the race at Time 1. Thus, the potential payout for first client 20a's group bet 24a is determined based on bets 12 that have been received prior to Time 1. FIG. 10A illustrates tables 540 and 542 indicating total amounts wagered and potential payouts for various bets 12 at the time, Time 1, that first client 20a places group bet 24a. Regarding table 540, column 544 indicates the total amounts wagered on win bets 22 for each of Horses #1-#7 at Time 1; column 546 indicates the total amount—i.e., the group bet pool—wagered on the group bet 24 against Horse #3 at Time 1, including the $10 group bet 24a placed by client 20a; and column 548 indicates the allocation of the group bet pool among the horses covered by the group bet 24 at Time 1. The allocation of the group bet pool indicated in column 548 may be determined according to equation 136 shown in FIG. 3B. Columns 544-548 indicate amounts determined without accounting for a take-out, while columns 550-554 indicate amounts determined after a 10% take-out or commission (the 10% value for the take-out is used merely for exemplary purposes). In particular, column 550 indicates the total amounts wagered on win bets 22 for each of Horses #1-#7 at Time 1, accounting for the 10% take-out; column 552 indicates the total amount—i.e., the group bet pool—wagered on the group bet 24 against Horse #3 at Time 1, accounting for the 10% take-out; and column 554 indicates the allocation of the group bet pool among the horses covered by the group bet 24 at Time 1, accounting for the 10% take-out. The after-take-out allocation of the group bet pool indicated in column 554 may be determined according to equation 110 shown in FIG. 3A.

[0126] Regarding table 542, column 560 indicates the total pool of bets 12 received on the race at Time 1, including win bets 22 and group bets 24; column 562 indicates the potential payout per $1 wagered on group bet 24a placed at Time 1 if Horse #3 wins the race ($0 payout); and column 564 indicates the potential payout per $1 wagered on group bet 24a placed at Time 1 if any of the horses covered by group bets 24 (Horses #1-#2 and #4-#7) wins the race. The before-take-out value indicated in column 564 ($1.57 return/$1 bet) may be determined according to equations 144A or 144B shown in FIG. 3B, and the after-take-out value indicated in column 564 ($1.41 return/$1 bet) may be determined according to equations 118A or 118B. Thus, based on column 564, and accounting for a 10% take-out, the potential payout for the $10 group bet 24a placed by first client 20a would be $14.10 [($1.41 return/$1 bet)*$10 bet)] if any of the horses covered by group bet 24a (Horse #1-#2 and #4-#7) wins the race. This potential payout of $14.10 for group bet 24a is locked in at the time, Time 1, that first client 20a places group bet 24a. Referring back to FIG. 9, the group bet 24a received from first client 20a at step 508, and described with respect to FIG. 10A, may be stored at step 510, such as within memory 40, for example.

[0127] At step 512, at some later time during the period of betting on the race, which time may be referred to as “Time 2,” a second client 20b places a $10 group bet 24b (covering Horses #1-#7 except Horse #3). At Time 2, the potential payout for second client 20b's group bet 24b is determined, and fixed, based on the amounts that have been wagered on and/or allocated to each of Horses #1-#7 in the race at Time 2. Thus, the potential payout for second client 20b's group bet 24b is determined based on bets 12 that have been received prior to Time 2, including bets 12 placed between Time 1 (when group bet 24a was placed by first client 20a) and Time 2.

[0128] FIG. 10B illustrates tables 570 and 572 indicating total amounts wagered and potential payouts for various bets 12 at the time, Time 2, that second client 20b places group bet 24b. Regarding table 570, column 574 indicates the total amounts wagered on win bets 22 for each of Horses #1-#7 at Time 2; column 578 indicates the total amount—i.e., the group bet pool—wagered on the group bet 24 against Horse #3 at Time 2, including the $10 group bet 24a placed by client 20a; and column 578 indicates the allocation of the group bet pool among the horses covered by the group bet 24 at Time 2. The allocation of the group bet pool indicated in column 578 may be determined according to equation 136 shown in FIG. 3B. Columns 574-578 indicate amounts determined without accounting for a take-out, while columns 580-584 indicate amounts determined after a 10% take-out or commission (the 10% value for the take-out is used merely for exemplary purposes). In particular, column 580 indicates the total amounts wagered on win bets 22 for each of Horses #1-#7 at Time 2, accounting for the 10% take-out; column 582 indicates the total amount—i.e., the group bet pool—wagered on the group bet 24 against Horse #3 at Time 2, accounting for the 10% take-out; and column 584 indicates the allocation of the group bet pool among the horses covered by the group bet 24 at Time 2, accounting for the 10% take-out. The after-take-out allocation of the group bet pool indicated in column 584 may be determined according to equation 110 shown in FIG. 3A.

[0129] Regarding table 572, column 590 indicates the total pool of bets 12 received on the race at Time 2, including win bets 22 and group bets 24; column 592 indicates the potential payout per $1 wagered on group bet 24b placed at Time 2 if Horse #3 wins the race ($0 payout); and column 594 indicates the potential payout per $1 wagered on group bet 24b placed at Time 2 if any of the horses covered by group bets 24 (Horses #1-#2 and #4-#7) wins the race. The before-take-out value indicated in column 564 ($1.44 return/$1 bet) may be determined according to equations 144A or 144B shown in FIG. 3B, and the after-take-out value indicated in column 564 ($1.30 return/$1 bet) may be determined according to equations 118A or 118B. Thus, based on column 594, and accounting for a 10% take-out, the potential payout for the $10 group bet 24b placed by second client 20b would be $13.00 [($1.30 return/$1 bet)*$10 bet)] if any of the horses covered by group bet 24b (Horse #1-#2 and #4-#7) wins the race. This potential payout of $13.00 for group bet 24b is locked in at the time, Time 2, that second client 20b places group bet 24b. Referring back to FIG. 9, the group bet 24b received from second client 20b at step 512, and described with respect to FIG. 10B, may be stored at step 514, such as within memory 40, for example.

[0130] At step 516, win bets 12 on Horses #1-#7 and group bets 24 against Horse #3 may continue to be received from clients 20. The potential payout for each particular received group bet 24 may be determined based on the bets 12 received prior to that particular group bet 24, such as described above regarding particular group bets 24a and 24b.

[0131] At step 518, betting for the race is closed. In some embodiments, betting for the race may be closed at some time shortly before the start of the race. At step 520, the results of the race are received, such as the final position of each of Horses #1-#7 in the race and whether there was a tie for any position, for example.

[0132] At step 522, various payouts and/or profits may be determined for received and stored win bets 22, such as described above with reference to step 310 of FIG. 5, for example. For example, payouts may be determined for each win bet 22 placed on the winning horse. At step 524, win bet payouts may be distributed to clients 20 who made win bets 22 on the winning participant, such as described above with reference to step 320 of FIG. 5, for example.

[0133] At step 526, it is determined whether groups bets 24 are winning bets based on whether Horse #3 was the winning horse. If Horse #3 was the winning horse, groups bets 24 are losing bets and no payouts are distributed for group bets 24, as indicated at step 528. If any of the horses covered by group bets 24—namely, Horses #1-#2 and #4-#7—was the winning horse, groups bets 24 are winning bets and group bet payouts previously determined for each received group bet 24 may be distributed to clients 20 (including first client 20a and second client 20b) who placed group bets 24, as indicated at step 530. In particular, a payout of $14.10 may be distributed to first client 20a and a payout of $13.00 may be distributed to first client 20a It should be understood that in various embodiments, the steps of the method shown in FIG. 9A may be performed in any suitable order and may overlap in whole or in part without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, various steps shown in FIG. 9A may be performed in serial or parallel, notwithstanding the example representations shown in FIG. 9A.

[0134] Although embodiments of the invention and their advantages are described in detail, a person skilled in the art could make various alterations, additions, and omissions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.