INTERACTIVE GAMES LLC

Techniques for detecting users nearby with a mobile phone are described. For example, based on detecting a wireless signal (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi), a determination is made that near a mobile phone, located in an area where gambling is permitted, is another mobile phone. Based on the detection of the wireless signal, a user is enabled to submit a wager for a gambling event via the mobile phone, and a name of a user associated with the other mobile phone is determined. The name is determined by matching a pattern associated with the wireless signal to signal patterns maintained in a table stored on the mobile phone. Based on a signal pattern match, the name of the user associated with the matched pattern is obtained and caused to be displayed via the mobile phone.

Techniques for recommending trending games to a user are described. For example, information regarding a first game played on a mobile phone is determined. The information includes the amount of time the first game is played or the number of times the first game was played on the mobile phone. A recommendation to play a second game having a common characteristic with the first game is received and displayed, based on such information and based on an increase in play of the second game by other people over a period of time. A user is enabled to play the second game based on determining that the mobile phone is in a defined geographical area, such as a geo-fenced region.

Techniques for preventing gambling based on deviations from prior wagering characteristics are described. For example, information associated with a mobile phone (e.g., Wi-Fi data, GPS coordinates, or an indication that the phone is in a geo-fence) are used to determine whether the phone is in a defined geographical area in which gambling is permitted. If the phone is in an area that allows gambling, a user is allowed to submit a wager for a gambling event via an application of the phone. When the user submits the wager, details about the wager (e.g., an amount) are used to determine whether the wager deviates from a wagering characteristic of the user based on prior wagers submitted by the user while the phone is in the defined geographical area. If there is such a deviation, the user is prevented from submitting further wagers.

Various embodiments include game configurations that are specific to a location.

Various embodiments that may generally relate to mobile gaming, location determination, mobile devices, authentication, and so on are described. Various methods are described. Various apparatus are described. Further embodiments are described.

A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. The system may include an alerts feature operable to generate alert to users based on any or a combination of time information, location information, financial information, user profile information, and other types of information.

Various embodiments include game configurations that are specific to a location.

Various embodiments that may generally relate to mobile gaming, location determination, mobile devices, authentication, and so on are described. Various methods are described. Various apparatuses are described. Further embodiments are described.

In accordance with the teachings of the present embodiment, a system and method for wireless gaming with location-dependent gaming functions are provided. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a gaming server; a wireless network at least partially covering a property, the wireless network comprising a plurality of signal detection devices; and a gaming communication device operable to transmit and receive gaming information to and from the gaming server via the wireless network. A location of the gaming communication device on the property is used to alter a game play function, such as a bet option, wager, graphic overlay, permission, or to provide location-dependent advertising or embedded advertising. Based upon the location of the gaming communication device on the property, a predetermined functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled and/or controlled.

Various embodiments that may generally relate to mobile gaming, location determination, mobile devices, authentication, and so on are described. Various methods are described. Various apparatuses are described. Further embodiments are described.