WO2023059554A1 - Parlay poker game for sportsbook betting - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events. A first preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a first predicted outcome is received by the first bettor. Additional preassigned cards are received by the bettor and attributed to a poker hand that has an associated winning payout corresponding to the predicted outcomes all being successful.

Description

PARLAY POKER GAME FOR SPORTSBOOK BETTING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/251,779 filed October 4, 2021. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally a card game involving playing cards and more particularly to a card game and related electronic game that assigns traditional playing cards to sporting or non-sporting events associated with a sportsbook bet.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Sports betting is the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome. The frequency of sports bet upon varies by culture, at both the amateur and professional levels. Sports betting can also extend to non-athletic events, such as reality show contests and political elections, and non-human contests as well as for entertainment events. Sports bettors place their wagers through a legitimate bookmaker/sportsbook. The term "book" is a reference to the books used by wage brokers to track wagers, payouts, and debts.

[0004] The four main types of sports betting in scope for this game are Spread, Moneyline, Total (Over/Under), and Prop bets. Other bet types may be included by sportsbooks as needed.

SUMMARY

[0005] A method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events. A first, second and third preassigned cards having values corresponding to odds associated with first, second and third predicted outcomes of the respective predicted outcomes are received. The first, second and third preassigned playing cards are attributed to a poker hand. The poker hand has an associated winning payout corresponding the first, second and third predicted outcomes all being successful. [0006] In other features, a value of the preassigned playing card increases as the odds associated with the respective wager decreases. A value of the preassigned playing card decreases as the odds associated with the respective wager increases. The event can be a sporting event and the predicted outcome can be a moneyline wager, an over/under wager and a spread wager.

[0007] In other examples, a method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events. First and second preassigned playing cards are received. The first and second preassigned playing cards are deemed hole cards and are associated with first and second predicted outcomes. Third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned community playing cards are assigned to respective third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes. A first wager based on the first and second preassigned playing cards is placed. The first wager is successful based on the first and second predicted outcomes being successful. Based on the first and second predicted outcomes being successful, a five-card poker hand is attributed to the first and second preassigned playing cards and any remaining successful predicted outcomes from the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned community playing cards. An associated winning payout is assigned to the five-card poker hand. [0008] In other examples, a method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events. First, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned cards having respective values corresponding to odds associated with respective predicted outcomes are received. Five of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned cards having successful outcomes are assigned to a five card stud poker hand.

[0009] In additional examples, a method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events. First and second preassigned cards having values corresponding to odds associated with first and second predicted outcomes are received. The first and second preassigned cards are attributed to a first blackjack hand of the first bettor. The sportsbook receives third and fourth preassigned playing cards from the deck of cards associated with third and fourth predicted outcomes. The third and fourth preassigned cards are attributed to a second blackjack hand of the sportsbook. A determination is made whether the first or second blackjack hand has a higher blackjack hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates various example card assignment levels according to non- limiting examples of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary sequence of card assignments according to examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the disclosure. On the contrary, the instant disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0014] As will be described in greater detail herein, the present disclosure provides unique card games with unique rules that can be adapted for play as a physical game or a virtual game. In this regard, the card games can be played with physical cards, such as on a game table or virtually, such as on a phone, tablet or computer. Furthermore, the card games may also be played on various casino machines, such as slot machines, video poker and the like. As will be described herein, parlay poker includes multiple game modes including wagering (gambling) and non-gambling. It will be appreciated that the following disclosure encompasses methods of playing a card game, based on sportsbook games in addition to application software programmed to execute the playing of the card game on a physical casino machine or virtually by way of a computer, tablet or mobile device.

[0015] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed technology, in other examples, the techniques introduced here can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features, such as specific functions or routines, are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. References in this description to an “example”, “one example”, or similar terms with "example” mean that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic being described is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. The appearances of such phrases in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same example. On the other hand, such references are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples.

[0016] It is to be understood that the various examples shown in the figures are merely illustrative representations. Further, the drawings showing examples of the system are semi-diagrammatic, and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawing figures. Similarly, although the views in the drawings for ease of description generally show similar orientations, this depiction in the figures is arbitrary for the most part. Generally, the invention can be operated in any orientation.

[0017] Several details describing structures or processes that are well-known and often associated with computer systems and subsystems, but that can unnecessarily obscure some significant aspects of the disclosed techniques, are not set forth in the following description for purposes of clarity. Moreover, although the following disclosure sets forth several examples of different aspects of the present technology, several other examples can have different configurations or different components than those described in this section. Accordingly, the disclosed techniques can have other examples with additional elements or without several of the elements described below. [0018] Many examples or aspects of the present disclosure described below can take the form of computer-executable or controller-executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller or electronic devices. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the disclosed techniques can be practiced on electronic or computer or controller systems other than those shown and described below. The techniques described herein can be embodied in a special- purpose electronic or computer or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to execute one or more of the computer-executable instructions described below. Accordingly, the terms "computer" and "controlled' as generally used herein refer to any data processor and can include servers, distributed computing systems, cloud computing, Interet appliances, and handheld devices, including palm-top computers, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi- processorsystems, processor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network computers, mini computers, and the like. Information handled by these computer systems and computers and controllers can be presented at any suitable display medium, including a liquid crystal display (LCD). Instructions for executing electronic- or computer- or controller-executable tasks can be stored in or on any suitable computer-readable medium, including hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and firmware. Instructions can be contained in any suitable memory device, including, for example, a flash drive, USB device, and/or other suitable medium.

[0019] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, can be used herein to describe structural relationships between components. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular examples, "connected" can be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct contact with each other. Unless otherwise made apparent in the context, the term "coupled" can be used to indicate that two or more elements are in either direct or indirect (with other intervening elements between them) contact with each other, or that the two or more elements cooperate or interact with each other (e.g., as in a cause-and-effect relationship, such as for signal transmission/reception or for function calls), or both.

[0020] The following examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other examples would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of an example of the present invention.

[0021] The term “module” or “unit" referred to herein can include software, hardware, mechanical mechanisms, or a combination thereof in an example of the present invention, in accordance with the context in which the term is used. For example, the software can be machine code, firmware, embedded code, or application software. Also, for example, the hardware can be circuitry, a processor, a special purpose computer, an integrated circuit, integrated circuit cores, a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), a passive device, or a combination thereof. Further, if a “module” or “unit” is written in the system claims section below, the “module” or “unit” is deemed to include hardware circuitry for the purposes and the scope of the system claims. [0022] Parlay Poker combines event betting such as sporting events and/or non- sporting events with poker by assigning a traditional playing card to a single bet event or “leg” in the parlay betting format based on the line odds, favorite, or other variables/methods. The game can be played on its own or as a bonus game/round to traditional sportsbook betting systems.

[0023] As explained above, sports betting is the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome. The frequency of sports bet upon varies by culture, at both the amateur and professional levels. Sports betting can also extend to non-athletic events, such as reality show contests and political elections, and non- human contests as well as for entertainment events. Sports bettors place their wagers through a legitimate bookmaker/sportsbook. The term "book" is a reference to the books used by wage brokers to track wagers, payouts, and debts. The four main types of sports betting in scope for this game are Spread, Moneyline, Total (Over/Under), and Prop bets. Other bet types may be included by sportsbooks as needed. It will be appreciated that while the below discussion is based on sporting events, the same principals apply to non-sporting events. Non-sporting events can include predictions of any event or competition such as, but not limited to, political outcomes, award show outcomes, television show outcomes, weather, e-sports or video game competitions, music charting results, etc.

[0024] One type of betting includes “teasers”. A teaser is a parlay that gives the bettor an advantage at a lower, but still positive, payout if successful. The bettor selects the sport(s), number of games, and number of points given. For example, if the bettor takes two NBA games at +6.5 it will adjust the individual bets at that rate. So, a bet on a 3-point underdog at +3 will become a bet at +9.5 points, and for favorites, it will change a 3-point favorite at 3 to +3.5 points. Although the rules to win his bet are the same as a parlay, the bettor is paid less than a regular parlay due to the increased odds of winning.

[0025] Another type of betting includes “if bets”. An if bet consists of at least two straight bets joined together by an if clause which determines the wager process. If the player's first selection complies with the condition (clause), then the second selection will have action. If the second selection complies with the condition, then the third selection will have action and so on.

[0026] Other bets indude run line, puck line, or goal line bets. These are wagers offered as alternatives to moneyline wagers in baseball, hockey, or soccer, respectively. These bets are effectively point spread bets that have the same moneyline odds on either side of the wager (i.e., industry standard of -110 to -115). Sportsbooks will occasionally shift the moneyline by a few points on either side of these spread bets.

[0027] Other bets include “futures" wagers. While all sports wagers are on future events, bets listed as "futures" generally have a long-term horizon measured in weeks or months; for example, a bet that a certain NFL team will win the Super Bowl for the upcoming season. Such a bet can be made before the season starts in September for the best possible payout, but futures are typically available year-round, with payouts being reduced as the season progresses and it becomes easier to predict a champion. In this example, winning bets will not pay off until the conclusion of the Super Bowl in January or February (although many of the losing bets will be clear well before then and can be closed out by the book). Odds for such a bet generally are expressed in a ratio of units paid to unit wagered. The team wagered upon might be 50-1 (or +5000) to win the Super Bowl, which means that the bet will pay 50 times the amount wagered if the team does so. In general, most sportsbooks will prefer this type of wager due to the low win-probability, and the longer period in which the house holds the player's money while the bet is pending. For this same reason, most professional bettors do not prefer to place futures bets.

[0028] Additional bets include “Head-to-Head” bets. In these bets, bettor predicts competitors results against each other and not on the overall result of the event. One example is Formula One races, where you bet on two or three drivers and their placement among the others. Sometimes you can also bet a “tie”, in which one or both drivers either have the same time, drop out, or get disqualified.

[0029] Other bets include “totalizators”. In totalizators (sometimes called flexible- rate bets) the odds are changing in real-time according to the share of total exchange each of the possible outcomes have received considering the return rate of the bookmaker offering the bet. For example: If the bookmakers return percentage is 90%, 90% of the amount placed on the winning result will be given back to bettors and 10% goes to the bookmaker. Naturally the more money bet on a certain result, the smaller the odds on that outcome become. This is like parimutuel wagering in horse racing and dog racing.

[0030] Other bets include “half bets”. A half (halftime) bet applies only to the score of the first or second half. This bet can be placed on the spread (line) or over/under. This can also be applied to a specific quarter in American football or basketball, a fewer number of innings in baseball, or a specific period in hockey.

[0031] Other bets include “in-play” betting. In-play betting, or live betting, is a new feature offered by some online sports books that enables bettors to place new bets while a sporting event is in progress. The availability of a particular sport and in-play markets varies from bookmaker to bookmaker.

[0032] Additional betting functions include “Cash out”. A Cash out betting functionality lets the user of a betting website take profit early if their bet is coming in or get some of their stake back if their bet is going against them — all before the event is over. Cash out offers are optionally made by the website in real time on some of the current bets held by the user and are optionally taken by the user by clicking on a button on the webpage to "Cash out". 'Cash out' is offered to users by online sportsbook operators based on the profitability of offering the option to the user to divest their existing bet on an outcome and is sometimes available on singles and multiples. It is regularly offered on a wide range of sports, including American football, tennis, horse racing, basketball, and most other markets. A bettor can Cash Out of bets pre-play, in-play, and between legs, prior to the outcome of the event. It has proved a key customer retention tool for sports book operators looking to capitalize on the use of mobile handsets while the bettor/user is also watching a given event.

[0033] The four main types of sports betting in scope for this game are Spread, Moneyline, Total (Over/Under), and Prop bets. Other bet types may be included by sportsbooks as needed.

[0034] As explained herein, the present teachings combine sports betting (or non- sports betting) with poker by assigning a traditional playing card to a single bet event or “leg” in the parlay betting format based on the line odds, favorite, or other variables/methods. The game can be played on its own or as a bonus game/round to traditional sportsbook.

[0035] Poker, by definition, is any of several card games in which a player bets that the value of his or her hand is greater than that of the hands held by others, in which each subsequent player must either equal or raise the bet or drop out, and in which the player holding the highest hand at the end of the betting wins the pot. For the scope of this game, the game will utilize the poker hand rankings for payout purposes. The higher the hand rank that is being wagered on, the higher the bonus and/or payout for the bettor. The two main poker games in scope for the game are 3-Card Poker, 4- Card Poker and 5-Card Stud Poker. Other poker games may be included by sportsbooks as needed.

[0036] Parlay betting will now be described. A parlay bet simply combines multiple wagers into one bet. It does this by rolling over the winnings from each individual wager into the next leg of the wager. Each “leg” or individual bet in the parlay must win for the parlay to grade as a winner.

[0037] For example, take the 2020 National Football League’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (“BUGS”). According to Pro Football Reference, the Chiefs closed -3 on the spread with a betting total of 54.5 between the two teams.

[0038] Non-Parlay Bet: A bettor places a wager on both the spread and the total, risking $100. They wager $50 and bet on the BUGS +3, then wager the other $50 and take the under 54.5. When both bets win, the bettor nets $90.90, assuming a -110 price on both bets.

[0039] Parlay Bet: Bettor places a parlay bet and put both wagers into a $100 parlay. Now, the bets become linked - both sides of the bet must win for the bet to win. This time, when the BUGS won on after their 31-9 victory, the bettor nets $264.

[0040] Countries outside of the United States have different terminologies for parlays. Depending on the sportsbook or the region, they may also be called “accumulators” or “multis.”

[0041] Card value assignments will now be described. The value cards of a traditional fifty-two (52) card deck will be used in the game. The numbered values will be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The face cards will be Jack, Queen, King, and Ace cards. Bonus or extra cards such as Jokers or other cards may be used accordingly. Card assignment(s) will be determined by the sportsbook managing the game. The baseline card assignment algorithm/rule (see appendix figure 5) is the underdog or least favorite team(s)/results will be assigned higher-valued cards such as face cards and the favorite or better resulting selections will result in a lower, numbered, card assignment. The managing sportsbook may adjust card assignments or apply their own rules as necessary.

[0042] A sportsbook may offer ability for players to adjust or upgrade the published card assignments. Betters can adjust or upgrade a card value and/or suit assignment by purchasing (“Buy Cards”, below) better cards published by the sportsbook. For example, if a card assignment is a King of Hearts for a given leg, the bettor can purchase an Ace of Hearts to upgrade their hand. By making their hand better, they will be offered a bonus of equal or better value correlated with the purchase price of the upgraded card they received. The tables below identify exemplary card assignments based on underdog, favorite and even betting odds.

[0043] Card suit assignment will now be described. The game will assign the traditional playing card suits of Hearts, Clubs, Spades, and Diamonds. Card suits will be assigned by the sportsbook hosting the bets. Card suits can be assigned in multiple ways such as: by sport, by team, by player, by event, etc.

[0044] For example: For a given week all National Football League (NFL) games will be assigned a Heart suit, while ail Major League Soccer (MLS) games will be assigned a Spade suit, while all Major League Baseball (MLB) and English Premiere League Soccer games will be assigned a Diamond suit, and finally all other games will be assigned as a Club suit.

[0045] Suits can also be assigned by certain terms within a sport (I.e., All Chicago Bears wagers is a Spade suit while New York Jets wagers are a Diamond suit). Suits can also be assigned by certain players in non-team sports such as tennis, boxing, ultimate fighting, etc. (i.e., for a given boxing match Boxer A is a Heart suit while boxer B is a Spade suit.)

[0046] The advantage to multiple suit assignments is it entices bettors to place bets in multiple sporting events to build a better poker hand. The variables and algorithms will be controlled by the sportsbook. Sportsbooks could also offer several bonuses to bettors if they switch or choose a certain suit in their hand as an upgrade (I.e., Bettor has two Heart cards and a Spade card in their parlay poker bet slip. Sportsbook may offer bettors a bonus bet to switch the Spade suit to a Heart suit to qualify for the Flush hand ranking).

[0047] The game can be played in various modes. For example, the game can be played in a physical sportsbook, virtual sportsbook, player-to-player mode, virtual reality (VR), alternate reality (AR) and fantasy mode. Other modes are contemplated. [0048] There are two modes to play in a sportsbook- physical and virtual. The first physical mode will be a bettor against a sportsbook. The sportsbook can operate in the traditional way of a brick-and-mortar casino or sportsbook operation where a bettor physically attends the casino/sportsbook and plays the game at the location. In return, the bettor will receive a physical bet slip of their gameplay and placed bets and will be paid accordingly at the location if they should win.

[0049] The second virtual mode will be by using technology or computer/software applications and/or websites. The bettor will access the sportsbook application via internet browser or a native application on their mobile products (cellular telephones, tablets, etc.). The bettor will need to register at the application and deposit funds into their account to play the game and place bets. They will be returned a digital bet slip of their gameplay and placed bets and will be paid according to the application rules and guidelines if they should win.

[0050] In player-to-player mode, a non-traditional game mode is carried out but can be played between multiple players using the same game rules, in fantasy mode, ail wagers and gameplay will not be played for real money but for entertainment purposes only. The base gameplay and rules will not change but the sportsbook may choose to offer the game in a fantasy style where the bettor will not need to place actual real money wagers.

[0051] Various parlay bet types according to examples of the present disclosure will be described including spread, moneyline, total (over/under) and proposition bets. [0052] Spread betting are wagers that are made against the spread. The spread, or line, is a number assigned by the bookmakers which handicaps one team/option and favors another when two teams/options play each other, and one is perceived as being more likely to win. The favorite "gives" points from the final score and the underdog "takes" points. This number can also be in increments of half-a-point (.5) to avoid the possibility of a tie.

[0053] In Parlay Poker, cards can be assigned based on the spread amount for either favorite, underdog, or even. The higher the spread either way the higher the card and vice-versa. For example, the highest spread underdog will result in an Ace card, while the highest spread favorite, will be assigned a 2. The sportsbook can assign cards within this range as necessary. Example of spread card type assignments below:

• Example Spread Card Assignments:

• Spread Favorite = 2 to 10. o Example range assignments: Lowest Favorite -1 = 10 card

Low Favorite -2 = 9 card

Low Favorite -3 = 8 card

Medium Favorite: -4 = 7 card

Medium Favorite: -5 = 6 card

Medium Favorite: -6 = 5 card

High Favorite: -7 = 4 card ■ High Favorite: -8 = 3 card

■ Highest Favorite: -9+ = 2 card

• Spread Underdog = Jack, Queen, King, or Ace. o Example range assignments:

■ Lowest Underdog: +1 = Jack card

■ Low Underdog: +2 = Jack card

■ Low Underdog: +3 = Jack card

■ Medium Underdog: +4 = Jack card

■ Medium Underdog: +5 = Queen card

■ Medium Underdog: +6 = Queen card

■ High Underdog: +7 = King card

■ High Underdog: +8 = King card High Underdog: +9 = King card

[0054] An exemplary sequence of assigning cards based on associated odds of the event is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 10. At 12 it is determined whether the wager on the predicted outcome is placed on a favorite. At 14 it is determined what level of favorite has been wagered upon. In general, the favorite can be classified in categories such as high/heavy favorite, medium favorite or low/slight favorite. At 16 the card will be assigned based on the level of favorite. If the favorite is not bet upon, it is determined whether the wager on the predicted outcome is placed on an underdog at 20. At 22 it is determined what level of underdog has been wagered upon. At 24 the card will be assigned based on the level of underdog. If the underdog has not been bet upon, a card is assigned at 30. Bettor will be able to buy cards in spread betting to increase their odds of winning and their payout.

[0055] For example: A current spread for a game has an underdog at +5 which results in a Queen card assignment. The sportsbook may allow an opportunity to buy an upgraded card for a fee, making the point spread +6 (or higher), which results in a King card (or higher) for the parlay bet in question, thus possibly increasing their hand rank and overall payout. This option could be made available for all legs of a parlay bet. The sportsbook may allow but not limited to: spread adjustments by value, multiplier, tier, game, sport, player, etc. [0056] Another example of card assignment adjustments by spread multiplier: Regular Spread = Jack Card; Purchase 2x Spread = Queen Card; Purchase 3x Spread = King Card; Purchase 4x Spread = Ace Card.

[0057] Moneyline bets do not have a spread or handicap and require the chosen team or option to win the game/event/situation outright. The favored team pays lower odds than does the underdog, thus, it acts mainly as an enticement to take the underdog for a better payout.

[0058] Moneyline bets in Parlay Poker will be more straightforward. The card assignments can be variable based on sportsbook but should follow the general rule that the highest underdog will result in an Ace card and the highest favorite will result in a 2 card. The sportsbook can assign any card in between as necessary.

Example Money Line Parlay Card Assignment:

• Sport 1 - Game 1 - Team 1 - Money Line Medium Favorite = 7 Card

• Sport 1 - Game 2 - Team 2 - Money Line High Underdog = King Card

• Sport 2 - Game 3 - Team 1 - Money Line Highest Favorite = 2 Card

• Etc.

OR

Example Money Line Parlay Card Assignment:

Moneyline Favorite = 2 to 10. o Example range assignments below:

■ -100 = 10 card

-200 = 9 card

-300= 8 card

-400 = 7 card

-500 = 6 card

-600 = 5 card

-700 = 4 card

-800 = 3 card

-900+ = 2 card

Moneyline Underdog = Jack, Queen, King, or Ace. o Example range assignments below:

■ +100 to +499 = Jack card

+500 to +799 = Queen card ■ +800 to +999 = King card

■ +1 ,000+ = Ace card

[0059] Bettor will be able to buy cards in moneyline betting to increase their odds of winning and their payout.

[0060] For example: A current moneyline for game one of sport one has an underdog line at +100, which results in a Jack card assignment. The sportsbook may allow an opportunity to buy an upgraded card for a fee, making the assigned moneyline card higher (+800 for example), which may result in a King card (or higher) for the parlay bet in question, thus possibly increasing their hand rank and overall payout. This option could be made available for all legs of a parlay bet. The sportsbook may allow but not limited to: moneyline adjustments by value, multiplier, tier, game, sport, player, etc.

[0061] Total (Over/Under) bets are wagers made based on the total score between both teams/options. Example, if an MLB game has a total of 10.5, an over bettor will want the combined total to be greater, and the opposite for a bettor taking the under. If the combined total is the same as the proposed total, the bet is a push. Most sportsbooks refund all wagers on pushes, though a minority counts them as losses.

[0062] Total (Over/Under) bets in Parlay Poker will be more straightforward. The card assignments can be variable based on sportsbook, but the general rule would be to assign a range of cards based on the over, push, or under value. The sportsbook can assign any card in between as necessary. The actual total points value may or may not influence the total payout.

Example Total (Over/Under) Card Assignments: a. Example range assignments below: i. Game 1 Over = Any number valued card except 7 ii. Game 1 Push = 7 card iii. Game 1 Under = Any face card iv. Game 2 Over = Any face card v. Game 2 Push = 7 card vi. Game Under = Any number valued card except 7

[0063] Bettor will be able to buy cards in total (over/under) betting to increase their odds of winning a better payout.

[0064] For example: A current total for a game is 50, and the sportsbook is assigning a Queen to the under. The sportsbook may allow an opportunity to buy an upgraded card for a fee, making the new total line to 75, which will make the assigned card higher, which may result in a King card (or higher) for the parlay bet in question, thus possibly increasing their hand rank. This option could be made available for all legs of a parlay bet.

[0065] Proposition bets are wagers made on a very specific outcome of a match not related to the final score, usually of a statistical nature. Examples include predicting the number of goals a star player scores in an association football match, betting whether a player will run for a certain number of yards in an American football game or wagering that a baseball player on one team will accumulate more hits than another player on the opposing team.

[0066] Proposition bet cards can be assigned based on the proposition bet line for either favorite, underdog, or even. The higher the proposition bet line either way the higher the card and vice-versa. For example, the highest proposition bet underdog will result in an Ace card, while the highest proposition bet favorite, will be assigned a 2. The sportsbook can assign cards within this range as necessary. Example of proposition bet card type assignments below:

Example Singular Proposition Bet Odds with Card Assignment:

• +5,000 to +10,000+ = Ace

• +2,000 to +4,999 = King

• +1 ,000 to +1 ,999 = Queen

• +500 to +999 = Jack

+100 to +499 = Ten

Even = 7

-100 to -499 = 6

-500 to -999 = 5

• -1,000 to -1 ,999 = 4

• -2,000 to -4,999 = 3

• -5,000 to -10,000+ = 2

Example Proposition Bet (Over/Under Stat) Favorite = 2 to 10.

• Example range assignments below: o Game 1 Over = Any number valued card except 7 o Game 1 Push = 7 card o Game 1 Under = Any face card o Game 2 Over = Any face card o Game 2 Push = 7 card o Game 2 Under = Any number valued card except 7

• Sportsbook may assign cards as needed in between these values.

Example Proposition Bet Stat/Event Favorable = 2 to 10.

• Example range assignments below: o -100 = 10 card o -200 = 9 card o -300= 8 card o -400 = 7 card o -500 = 6 card o -600 = 5 card o -700 = 4 card o -800 = 3 card o -900+ = 2 card

Example Proposition Bet Stat/Event Unfavorable = Jack, Queen, King, or Ace.

• Example range assignments below: o +100 to +399 = Jack card o +400 to +599 = Queen card o +600 to +799 = King card o +800+ = Ace card

[0067] Bettor will be able to buy cards in proposition betting to increase their odds of winning and their payout.

[0068] For example: A current line of +500 for a boxing match is for boxer one to knock out their opponent in round four is assigned a Jack card. The sportsbook may allow an opportunity to buy an upgraded card for a fee, making the assigned line higher (+1 ,000 for example, which may result in a higher card assignment (Queen card or higher) for the parlay bet in question, thus possibly increasing their hand rank and overall payout. This option could be made available for all legs of a parlay bet.

[0069] Various game versions including three-leg parlay poker, five-leg parlay poker, multiple-leg parlay poker/other games, two-game parlay (parlay blackjack), Texas hold ‘em parlay poker according to examples of the present disclosure will now be described. [0070] Game Version: Three- Leg Parlay Poker

[0071] Objective is to create a high ranking three-card poker hand based on the result of the three-leg parlay bet.

[0072] Each leg in a three-game parlay bet is assigned a playing card resulting in a three-card poker hand. The baseline version will assign numbered value card 2 to 10, and the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace face cards. Bonus payouts/rules or extra cards like Jokers or other cards may be used accordingly. Assignment is determined by the sportsbook running the game. The baseline rule is underdog or least favorite team(s)/results will be assigned higher-valued cards such as face cards and the favorite or better resulting selections will result in a lower card assignment.

[0073] Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary method of playing a three-leg parlay poker game is shown and generally identified at 50. At 54, a bettor receives a first preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with the first predicted outcome. At 58, a bettor receives a second preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with the first predicted outcome. At 60, a bettor receives a third preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with the third predicted outcome. At 64, the first, second and third cards are attributed to a poker hand. At 66 a bettor places a wager on the poker hand assigned having the first, second and third cards. A bettor wins the bet based on the predicted outcomes being successful. It is appreciated that while the example shown in FIG. 2 includes a parlay bet having three cards, the bettor may wish to increase the number of cards in the parlay bet. In this regard, additional cards such as a fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. may be received by the bettor that are collectively assigned to the parlay poker hand. As explained herein, as additional cards are added to the parlay poker hand, the associated odds of winning (all games associated with all cards are successful) decrease while the payout increases.

[0074] Each leg in a three-leg Parlay Poker bet can include any combination of the spread, moneyline, total (over/under), proposition, or other bet type the sportsbook utilizes. Exemplary three-leg parlay spread bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0075] Exemplary three-leg moneyline bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0076] Exemplary three-leg over/under bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0077] Exemplary three-leg proposition bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0078] Game Version: Four-Leg Parlay Poker. Each leg in a four-leg Parlay Poker bet can include any combination of the spread, moneyline, total (over/under), proposition, or other bet type the sportsbook utilizes. Exemplary four-leg parlay spread bet examples are shown in the tables below. [0079] Each leg in a four-game parlay bet is assigned a poker card resulting in a four-card stud poker hand. The baseline version will assign numbered value card 2 to

10, and the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace face cards. Bonus payouts/rules or extra cards like Jokers or other cards may be used accordingly. Assignment is determined by the sportsbook running the game. The baseline rule is underdog or least favorite team(s)/results will be assigned higher-valued cards such as face cards and the favorite or better resulting selections will result in a lower card assignment. Each leg in a four-leg Parlay Poker bet can include any combination of the spread, moneyline, total (over/under), proposition, or other bet type the sportsbook utilizes. Exemplary four-leg parlay spread bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0080] Exemplary four leg moneyline bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0081] Exemplary four-leg over/under bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0082] Exemplary four-leg proposition bet examples are shown in the tables below.

Hand: Four-of-a-Kind

Game Version: Five-Leg Pariay Poker

[0083] Objective is to create a high ranking five-card stud poker hand based on the result of the five-leg parlay bet.

[0084] Each leg in a five-game parlay bet is assigned a poker card resulting in a five-card stud poker hand. The baseline version will assign numbered value card 2 to

10, and the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace face cards. Bonus payouts/rules or extra cards like Jokers or other cards may be used accordingly. Assignment is determined by the sportsbook running the game. The baseline rule is underdog or least favorite team(s)/results will be assigned higher-valued cards such as face cards and the favorite or better resulting selections will result in a lower card assignment. Each leg in a five-leg Parlay Poker bet can include any combination of the spread, moneyline, total (over/under), proposition, or other bet type the sportsbook utilizes. Exemplary five-leg parlay spread bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0085] Exemplary five-leg moneyline bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0086] Exemplary five-leg over/under bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0087] Exemplary five-leg proposition bet examples are shown in the tables below.

[0088] Texas Hold ‘Em exemplary bet examples are shown in the tables below.

The pattern continues for the other hand types much like the previous bet types.

[0089] Game Version: Multiple-Leg Parlay Poker/Other Games

[0090] Objective is to create a high-ranking hand based on the result of the multiple

(5+) parlay bet. [0091] Each leg in a multiple-game (5+) parlay bet is assigned a poker card resulting in a hand correlating to that game version. The baseline version will assign numbered value card 2 to 10, and the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace face cards. Bonus payouts/rules or extra cards like Jokers or other cards may be used accordingly. Assignment is determined by the sportsbook running the game. The baseline rule is underdog or least favorite team(s)/results will be assigned higher-valued cards such as face cards and the favorite or better resulting selections will result in a lower card assignment. Each leg in a multi-leg Parlay Poker bet can include any combination of the spread, moneyline, total (over/under), proposition, or other bet type the sportsbook utilizes.

[0092] Optional Version Game Version: Two-Game Parlay (Parlay Blackjack)

[0093] A two-leg parlay will be used for this game version. Each parlay leg will be assigned a card based on the card assignment algorithm described in this document (can be changed by managing sportsbook accordingly). The objective of this game is to create a value combination closest to the value of twenty-one (21) with the selected card assignments. The closer the value is to a twenty-one (21) the higher the bonus. If the better selects an exact value of twenty-one (21), this will result in a Blackjack and will be the highest payout accordingly. Two-Game-Parlay (Parlay Blackjack) bets can include any combination of the spread, moneyline, total (over/under), proposition, or other bet type the sportsbook utilizes.

[0094] Optional Version Game Version: Texas Hold ‘Em Parlay Poker

[0095] The objective of this game version is to play a Texas Hold ‘Em style game using the Parlay Poker game rules. The managing sportsbook can host this version between one or more players accordingly.

[0096] Community Cards Selection - Sportsbook

[0097] The game will start with the sportsbook selecting five events (legs) to represent the community cards of the flop (first three cards), turn (fourth card), and the river (final card). Each event will follow the same Parlay Poker rules of card assignments but may be adjustable by the sportsbook. The rules will follow the 5-leg parlay game mode. The sportsbook may or may not publish the selected community cards prior to the game starting. If not published prior to event/leg start, then the sportsbook must publish after the events/legs complete. These community cards will represent the overall hand that the bettor is trying to build via traditional Texas Hold ‘Em rules in addition to their two hole cards. [0098] Hole Cards Selection - Sportsbook

[0099] In this version the bettor will select the hole cards for the game by the event/leg lines/odds published by the sportsbook by wagering a two-leg parlay bet aligned to the published wagers of the sportsbook. The objective is to build a full poker hand using the sportsbook selected community cards (events/legs) in the Texas Hold ‘Em playing format.

[0100] Community Cards Selection - Bettor

[0101] The game will start with the bettor selecting total wager of two parlay bets: first is a five-leg parlay and second is a 2-leg parlay. For the five-leg parlay, the bettor selects five events (legs) to represent the community cards of the flop (first three cards), turn (fourth card), and the river (final card). Each event/leg will follow the same Parlay Poker rules of card assignments but may be adjustable by the sportsbook. The rules will follow the 5-leg parlay game mode. These community cards will represent the overall hand that the bettor is trying to build via traditional Texas Hold ‘Em rules in addition to their two hole cards.

[0102] Hole Card Selection - Bettor

[0103] Once the community cards are selected, the Bettor then wagers a separate two-leg parlay which will represent their hole cards, which is tied to their five-leg parlay above. Each event/leg will follow the same Parlay Poker rules of card assignments but may be adjustable by the sportsbook. These hole cards will represent the overall hand that the bettor is trying to build via traditional Texas Hold ‘Em rules.

[0104] Hand Rankings

[0105] The hand rankings for this game version will follow the 5-Card Stud poker hand rankings as indicated herein.

[0106] Betting

[0107] The game may have separate betting events, typical of Texas Hold ‘Em style poker, throughout the parlay legs. For example, there may be a separate bet associated with each stage of flop, turn, and river card exposure.

[0108] Seven-Leg Parlay Consolidation

[0109] The game may also be consolidated as a seven-leg parlay where the bettor combines the community and hole cards into one bet ticket. Each event/leg will follow the same Parlay Poker rules of card assignments but may be adjustable by the sportsbook. The best poker hand will be used from the combination of the assigned cards per leg of the seven-game parlay. [0110] Gameplay

[0111] The gameplay will follow the traditional Texas Hold ‘Em rules of dealing cards face-down to the player (bettor) and the sportsbook. In player-to-player gameplay, a round of betting starts the game and bettors can play or fold based on the bets placed. Then three sportsbook cards are exposed (the flop) and another round of betting amongst the players. Players can bet or fold at this stage based on the bets placed. The fourth sportsbook card or turn is then exposed and another round of betting amongst the players continues. Players can bet or fold at this stage based on the bets placed. Finally, the fifth and last sportsbook card (the river) is exposed, and the final round of betting commences. Players may play or fold at this stage as well. The game ends when a final player has been determined by not folding amongst all players. The game can end at any point at the stages in the game. If there is a tie or push against the sportsbook results or there is a tie or push from player to player matchups, the overall bonus or payout will be half of the total collected bets (the pot) for each remaining player.

[0112] In a singular player to sportsbook version, the same above applies but a single player will bet or fold at each round versus playing against other players. They are playing their hole cards against the sportsbook five community cards. In the Parlay Poker version, the leg card assignments will represent all cards. A single community or hole card may be a result of a singular sportsbook bet.

[0113] Payouts will be determined by the hosting sportsbook and correlated to the documented hand rankings for each card game associated with the parlay bet placed. [0114] There will be optional bonus opportunities that the hosting/managing sportsbook may implement which may include but not limited to: Bonus for card and/or suit assignments; Bonus for specific leg/game situations; Bonus for specific proposition wagers; and other bonuses as needed.

[0115] The following are exemplary, non-limiting definitions of terms associated with the instant application.

[0116] Action - A bet or wager. Against the spread - The result of a game including the point spread. Bad Beat - A bet that looks like the bettor is going to win but doesn't. Book (Sportsbook) - A place where someone can bet on the outcome of sporting events. Buck - A $100 bet. Chalk - The favorite in a game. Consensus - Percentage of the betting public on each side of a game. Some bettors will bet against the "public money" (whichever team more bettors have placed their bets on). Cover - The betting outcome on a point spread bet. For a favorite to cover, it must win by a number higher than the spread. An underdog can cover by losing by a number less than the spread or by winning the game outright.

[0117] Dime - A $1 ,000 bet. Dollar - A $100 bet. Edge - The advantage a bettor has before a bet is placed. Even (Even Money) - A $100 bet to win $100. Favorite - A team favored to win a game. Future bets - A bet on events that will happen further in the future like who will win a division or who will win a championship well in advance. Handle - The total amount of money wagered on a game. Handicapping - Researching sports statistics to pick winners. Hedging - Betting opposite of a previous bet to guarantee winning at least a small amount of money. Hook - A half-point in the spread. In-game wagers - Bets made after a game started. Juice - A commission books win on each bet. Limit - The maximum allowed wager on a single bet. Lock - A large favorite. Long Shot - A large underdog. Moneyline bet - A bet made if a team will win or lose outright with no point spread. Nickel - A $500 bet. No Action - A game that is no longer taking bets and all wagers are refunded. Oddsmaker (Linemaker) - Someone who sets the opening line on a game. Off the Board - A game bettors cannot wager on. Over - The combined score of two teams is more than what the sportsbook set. Parlay - A bet that combines multiple games for a higher payout. The more games, the higher the risk but the greater the payout. For the parlay to win, each game must win or push (tie). If any of the games lose, the entire wager loses. Pick’em - A game with no favorite or underdog.

[0118] Point spread - Margin of victory set by oddsmakers to attract bets action on both the favorite and the underdog. A favorite must win by a number higher than the point spread to cover the spread. An underdog can cover by losing by a number less than the spread or by winning the game outright. Puckline - Hockey has a point spread of -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. Proposition bets (prop) - A bet on anything that is not directly tied to the outcome of the game. For example, it can be the first team or the first player to score in a game. Push - When neither team covers the spread (the actual margin of victory lands exactly on the spread), no one wins the bet, and all wagers are refunded. Runline - Baseball has a point spread of -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. Sharp - A professional sports bettor. Steam - A quick change on a line due to heavy wagering. Taking the points - Betting an underdog against the spread. T easer - Like a teaser, spreads are favored towards the bettor but has a lower payout. Total bet (over/under) - A bet on the combined number of points scored by both teams in a game, including overtime/extra innings. Under - The combined score of two teams is less than what the sportsbook set. Underdog (dog) - A team not favored to win a game. Wager - A get placed at a sportsbook.

[0119] Poker hand ranking according to various examples of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0120] Optional: 2-Leg Parlay (Blackjack)

[0121] For a two-leg parlay, a pair hand will only be used, suit does not matter. Example below of a pair of 10 cards that equal a value of 20 in the game of Blackjack.

[0122]

[0123] 3-Leg Parlay (3-Card Poker)

[0124] For a three-leg parlay, the following three-card poker hand ranking will be used, from highest to lowest:

[0125] Mini Royal Flush - The highest straight flush: Ace, King and Queen all the same suit.

[0126]

[0127] Straight Flush - Three cards in sequence of the same suit. Example below of a 6, 7, and 8 of the same Club suit.

[0128]

[0129] Three of a Kind - Three cards of the same value. Suit does not matter.

Example below of three 10 cards of different suits.

[0130]

[0131] Straight - Three cards in sequence. Suit does not matter. Example below of a 9, 8, and 7 of different suits.

[0132]

[0133] Flush - Three cards of the same suit. Example below of three different cards of the same suit.

[0134]

[0135] Pair - Two cards of the same value. Suit does not matter, with a third card.

Example below of two 10 cards of different suits with a Jack card.

[0136]

[0137] 4-Leg Parlay (4-Card Poker)

[0138] For a four-leg parlay, the following four-card poker hand ranking will be used, from highest to lowest:

[0139] Four of a Kind - Four cards of the same value. Suit does not matter.

Example below of four Jack cards of different suits.

[0140]

[0141] Straight Flush - Four cards in sequence of the same suit. Example below of a 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the same Club suit. [0142]

[0143] Three of a Kind - Three cards of the same value. Suit does not matter.

Example below of three 10 cards of different suits with a 6 card.

[0144]

[0145] Flush - Four cards of the same suit. Example below of four different cards of the same suit.

[0146]

[0147] Straight - Four cards in sequence. Suit does not matter. Example below of a 10, 9, 8, and 7 of different suits.

[0148]

[0149] Two Pair - Two different pairs. Example below is a pair of 4’s and a pair of

3’s.

[0150]

[0151] Pair - Two cards of the same value. Suit does not matter, with a third and fourth card. Example below of two 10 cards of different suits with a Jack card and a 4 card. [0152]

[0153] 5-Leg Parlay (Five Card Stud Poker)

[0154] For a five-leg parlay, the following five-card poker stud hand ranking will be used, from highest to lowest:

[0155] Optional: Five of a kind - Five cards of the same value/rank. Example below of five Jack cards. If enabled by sportsbook, this is the highest ranked hand.

Could also be combined with bonus/wild cards to form hand as needed/allowed.

[0156]

[0157] Royal Flush

[0158] Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all the same suit.

[0159]

[0160] Straight Flush - Five cards in a sequence, all in the same suit. Example below of a 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 all of Clubs.

[0161]

[0162] Four of a kind - Four cards of the same value/rank. Example below of four

Jack cards with a 7 card.

[0163]

[0164] Full House - Three of a kind with a pair. Example below is three 10 cards with two 9 cards.

[0165]

[0166] Flush - Any five cards of the same suit, but not in a sequence. Example below of five different cards with all the same suit.

[0167]

[0168] Straight - Five cards in a sequence, but not of the same suit. Example below of a sequence of 5 through 9 cards, not being the same suit.

[0169]

[0170] Three of a kind - Three cards of the same value/rank. Example below of three 7 cards with two other cards.

[0171]

[0172] Two Pair - Two different pairs. Example below is a pair of 4’s and a pair of

3’s with a different card.

[0173]

[0174] Pair - Two cards of the same value. Suit does not matter, with other cards.

Example below of two 10 cards of different suits with other cards. [0175]

[0176] It is appreciated that a four-leg parlay can include similar four-card poker hand rankings as described above. In examples, the card game is played at one of a physical sportsbook, a physical video terminal, a sportsbook hosted poker room, a hosted private poker room, a virtual video terminal, a virtual reality (VR) system, and an alternate reality (AR) system.

[0177] In examples the game can be a fantasy entertainment game. A bettor selects one or more fantasy players or entries to create their fantasy team against a sportsbook or other hosted system. The game assigns traditional playing cards to each player or entry in the game according to their earned statistics of their game or event performance. Poker hands are formed based on the assigned cards from the number of fantasy players or entries on the bettors team. If the bettor has a highest hand rank than the sportsbook or hosted system, they will win the game.

[0178] In other examples the game can be a fantasy entertainment game, the bettor selects one or more fantasy players or entries to create their fantasy team against another bettor. The game assigns traditional playing cards to each player or entry in the game according to their earned statistics of their game or event performance. Poker hands are formed based on the assigned cards from the number of fantasy players or entries on the bettors team. The bettor with a highest hand rank than other participating bettors, they will win the game.

[0179] In examples, the game can be a sportsbook hosted poker room. The sportsbook or gaming operator hosts or manages a virtual poker room. The sportsbook or gaming operator can select participation rules to join a virtual poker room. The virtual poker room must have at least two participating players. The virtual poker room maximum participating player entries will be determined by the sportsbook or gaming operator rules. The player agrees to the virtual poker room rules. The player joins the virtual poker room and participates at the table. The player submits the virtual poker room entry wager, or buy-in, according to the virtual poker room rules to participate in the virtual poker room. A pot, orwin total, is created by adding all buy- ins from all participating players. The sportsbook or gaming operator may elect to take a rake, or percentage, of the total pot. Each participating player selects their parlay entries to form their poker hand for the game. Playing cards are assigned to each player parlay entry based on their odds value and virtual poker room rules. Poker hand ranks are created once the player has selected the number of parlay entries as required by the virtual poker room rules. All parlay selections must fall within the virtual poker room active start time and virtual poker room active end time. Once all participating players have submitted their buy-ins and their poker hand rank before the given active start time, the virtual poker room is active, and players cannot change their submitted poker hand. At the virtual poker room active end time, the virtual poker room will be inactive. Once a virtual poker room is inactive, if a participating player has not won all their parlay selections, their status is bust, and they do not qualify for the pot winnings. Once a virtual poker room is inactive, if a participating player has won all their parlay selections, their status is qualified. They are qualified to win the pot winnings. Once a virtual poker room is inactive, whichever qualified player has the highest-ranked poker hand according to the virtual poker room hand rank rules, compared against the other qualified participating players, wins the total pot of the virtual poker room. Once a virtual poker room is inactive, if two or more participating qualified players have the same exact poker hand rank, they each will split the virtual poker room pot equally amongst themselves. Once a virtual poker room is inactive, if exactly one participating player qualifies, that participating player automatically wins the virtual poker room pot winnings. Once a virtual poker room is inactive, if no participating player qualifies, the sportsbook or gaming operator hosting the virtual poker room will keep all the pot winnings.

[0180] In additional examples, the game can be a player hosted private poker room, sportsbook or gaming operator hosts or manages a private virtual poker room, sportsbook or gaming operator allows player to create private virtual poker rooms, sportsbook or gaming operator player selects participation rules to join their private virtual poker room. The private virtual poker room must have at least two participating players. The private virtual poker room maximum participating player entries will be determined by the sportsbook or gaming operator rules or the hosting player, sportsbook or gaming operator player invites other sportsbook or gaming operator players to participate in their private virtual poker room. The hosting player must participate in their own private virtual poker room. The invited players must agree to the private virtual poker room participation rules. The invited players join the private virtual poker room and participate at the table. Each private virtual poker room player submits their entry wager, or buy-in, according to the private virtual poker room rules to participate in the private virtual poker room. A pot, orwin total, is created by adding all buy-ins from all participating players, sportsbook or gaming operator may elect to take a rake, or percentage, of the total pot. Each participating player selects their parlay entries to form their poker hand for the game. Playing cards are assigned to each player parlay entry based on their odds value and private virtual poker room rules. Poker hand ranks are created once the player has selected the number of parlay entries as required by the private virtual poker room rules. All parlay selections must fall within the private virtual poker room active start time and private virtual poker room active end time. Once all participating players have submitted their buy-ins and their poker hand before the given start time, the private virtual poker room is active, and players cannot change their submitted hand. At the private virtual poker room end time, the private virtual poker room will be inactive. Once a private virtual poker room is inactive, if a participating player has not won all their parlay selections, their status is bust, and they do not qualify for the pot winnings. Once a private virtual poker room is inactive, if a participating player has won all their parlay selections, their status is qualified. They are qualified to win the pot winnings. Once a private virtual poker room is inactive, whichever qualified player has the highest-ranked hand according to the private virtual poker room hand rank rules, compared against the other qualified participating players, wins the total pot of the private virtual poker room. Once a private virtual poker room is inactive, if two or more participating qualified players have the same exact hand rank, they each will split the private virtual poker room pot equally amongst themselves. Once a private virtual poker room is inactive, if exactly one participating player qualifies, that participating player automatically wins the virtual poker room pot winnings. Once a private virtual poker room is inactive, if no participating player qualifies, the Sportsbook or Gaming Operator will keep all the pot winnings.

[0181] The foregoing description of the many examples has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular aspect are generally not limited to that particular example, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook that assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events; the method comprising: receiving a first preassigned card having a value corresponding to established odds associated with a first predicted outcome of the respective predicted outcomes; receiving a second preassigned card having a value corresponding to established odds associated with a second predicted outcome of the respective predicted outcomes; receiving a third preassigned card having a value corresponding to established odds associated with a third predicted outcome of the respective predicted outcomes; and attributing the first, second and third preassigned playing cards to a poker hand wherein the poker hand has an associated winning payout corresponding to the first, second and third predicted outcomes all being successful.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a value of the preassigned playing card increases as the odds associated with the respective wager decreases and wherein a value of the preassigned playing card decreases as the odds associated with the respective wager increases.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein one of the first, second and third predicted outcomes is a moneyline wager on one team in the sporting and non- sporting events.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and wherein one of the first, second and third predicted outcomes is an over/under wager associated with a final score of the sporting event.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and the first, second and third predicted outcomes is a spread wager associated with one team in the sporting event.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and the first, second and third predicted outcomes is a proposition bet, wherein the proposition bet is associated with a predicted event occurring within the sporting event.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and the first, second and third predicted outcomes is a fantasy wager, wherein the fantasy wager is associated with a fantasy player in the sporting event and wherein the preassigned playing card is assigned based on a statistic earned by the fantasy player.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: one of purchasing and earning an upgraded playing card wherein the upgraded card replaces one of the first, second and third preassigned playing cards in the poker hand, wherein the purchased upgraded card has a higher poker hand value.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a fourth preassigned card having a value corresponding to established odds associated with a fourth predicted outcome of the respective predicted outcomes; attributing the fourth preassigned playing cards to the poker hand wherein the poker hand has an associated winning payout corresponding to the first, second, third and fourth predicted outcomes all being successful.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the card game is played at one of a physical sportsbook, a physical video terminal, a sportsbook hosted poker room, a hosted private poker room, a virtual video terminal, a virtual reality (VR) system, and an alternate reality (AR) system.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the card game is virtual poker game wherein cards are further assigned to a second player, the method comprising: receiving a fourth card by the second player, wherein a value of the fourth preassigned playing card corresponds to established odds associated with the fourth predicted outcome; receiving a fifth preassigned card by the second player wherein a value of the fifth preassigned playing card corresponds to established odds associated with the fifth predicted outcome; receiving a sixth preassigned card by the second player wherein a value of the sixth preassigned playing card corresponds to established odds associated with the sixth predicted outcome; attributing the fourth, fifth and sixth preassigned playing cards to a second poker hand wherein the second poker hand has an associated winning second hand payout corresponding to the fourth, fifth and sixth predicted outcomes all being successful; comparing the first and second winning hand payouts; determining a winner between the first and second winning hand payouts based on the higher winning payout.

12. A method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook that assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events; the method comprising: receiving first and second preassigned playing cards from the deck of playing cards, the first and second preassigned playing cards deemed hole cards and associated with first and second predicted outcomes of the sporting and non-sporting events; assigning third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned community playing cards from the deck of playing cards to a respective third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes of the sporting and non-sporting events; placing a first wager based on the first and second preassigned playing cards, wherein the first wager is successful based on the first and second predicted outcomes being successful; based on the first and second predicted outcomes being successful, attributing a five-card poker hand to the first and second preassigned playing cards and any remaining successful predicted outcomes from the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned community playing cards; and assigning an associated winning payout to the five-card poker hand.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned playing cards each have poker hand values commensurate with odds assigned to the respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh outcomes of the sporting and non-sporting events.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein a value of the preassigned playing card increases as the odds associated with the respective wager decreases.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein a value of the preassigned playing card decreases as the odds associated with the respective wager increases.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes comprises a moneyline wager on one team in the sporting and non-sporting events.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is an over/under wager associated with a final score of the sporting event.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is a spread wager associated with one team in the sporting event.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is a proposition bet, wherein the proposition bet is associated with a predicted event occurring within the sporting event.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is a fantasy wager, wherein the fantasy wager is associated with a fantasy player in the sporting event and wherein the preassigned playing card is assigned based on a statistic earned by the fantasy player.

21. A method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook that assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events; the method comprising: receiving a first preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a first predicted outcome of the respective outcomes; receiving a second preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a second predicted outcome of the respective outcomes; receiving a third preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a third predicted outcome; receiving a fourth preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a fourth predicted outcome; receiving a fifth preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a fifth predicted outcome; receiving a sixth preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a sixth predicted outcome; receiving a seventh preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a seventh predicted outcome; attributing five of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned cards having successful outcomes to a five card stud poker hand, wherein the five card stud poker hand has an associated winning payout.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh preassigned playing cards each have poker hand values commensurate with odds assigned to the respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh outcomes of the sporting events.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein a value of the preassigned playing card increases as the odds associated with the respective wager decreases.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein a value of the preassigned playing card decreases as the odds associated with the respective wager increases.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes comprises a moneyline wager on one team in the sporting event.

26. The method of claim 21 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is an over/under wager associated with a final score of the sporting event.

27. The method of claim 21 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event and wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is a spread wager associated with one team in the sporting event.

28. The method of claim 21 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is a proposition bet, wherein the proposition bet is associated with a predicted event occurring within the sporting event.

29. The method of claim 21 wherein one of the sporting and non-sporting events is a sporting event wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh predicted outcomes is a fantasy wager, wherein the fantasy wager is associated with a fantasy player in the sporting event and wherein the preassigned playing card is assigned based on a statistic earned by the fantasy player.

30. A method of playing a card game associated with a sportsbook that assigns cards to a first bettor from a deck of traditional playing cards to respective predicted outcomes associated with at least one of sporting events and non-sporting events; the method comprising: receiving a first preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a first predicted outcome of the predicted outcomes; receiving a second preassigned card having a value corresponding to odds associated with a second predicted outcome of the predicted outcomes; attributing the first and second preassigned cards to a first blackjack hand of the first bettor; receiving, by the sportsbook, a third and fourth preassigned playing card from the deck of cards associated with third and fourth predicted outcomes; attributing the third and fourth preassigned cards to a second blackjack hand of the sportsbook; and determining whether the first or second blackjack hand has a higher blackjack hand.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the first blackjack hand is attributed based on the first and second predicted outcomes being successful and wherein the second blackjack hand is attributed based on the third and fourth predicted outcomes being successful.