US 11756371

US Patent 11756371 (US11756371B1) is titled "Systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering."

Summary of US Patent 11756371:

• Title: Systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering
• Assignee: Evolution Malta Ltd [cite: Current Assignee]
• Inventors: Todd Haushalter [cite: Inventor]
• Filing Date: April 30, 2021 [cite: Filing date]
• Issue Date: September 12, 2023 [cite: Publication date]
• Abstract: The patent describes mechanisms for internet-based wagering where, after receiving bets from multiple players on different positions of a roulette wheel, a hardware processor determines the wheel and ball have been spun. It then randomly selects a position to have an increased payout. If the ball lands in this selected position, the first player who bet on it receives the higher payout, which is greater than what would have been applicable without the random selection. [cite: Abstract]

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (System): This claim describes a wagering system that includes a roulette wheel and a ball. The core inventive step involves a hardware processor configured to:

  1. Randomly or pseudo-randomly select one or more positions on the roulette wheel to have a higher-than-normal payout for the upcoming spin, before the ball lands.
  2. Determine that the ball actually landed in one of these selected positions.
  3. Confirm that the increased payout applies to any bet placed on that winning, pre-selected position, meaning the payout is greater than what it would typically be if that position hadn't been chosen for the bonus. [cite: Claim 1]

• Independent Claim 11 (Method): This claim outlines a method for wagering, performed by at least one hardware processor, which involves:

  1. Displaying a graphical user interface with a roulette board to a player device.
  2. Randomly or pseudo-randomly selecting one or more positions on the roulette wheel to have a higher-than-normal payout for the upcoming spin, before the ball lands.
  3. Determining that the ball actually landed in one of these selected positions.
  4. Confirming that the increased payout applies to any bet placed on that winning, pre-selected position, where this payout is greater than what it would typically be if that position hadn't been chosen for the bonus. [cite: Claim 11]

• Independent Claim 21 (Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Medium): This claim covers a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard drive or flash memory) containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method steps outlined in Claim 11. Specifically, the method includes:

  1. Randomly or pseudo-randomly selecting one or more positions on a roulette wheel to have a higher-than-normal payout for a spin, before the ball lands.
  2. Determining that the ball actually landed in one of these selected positions.
  3. Confirming that the increased payout applies to any bet placed on that winning, pre-selected position, where this payout is greater than what it would typically be if that position hadn't been chosen for the bonus. [cite: Claim 21]

Litigation and PTAB Status (as of April 26, 2026):

The patent family associated with US11756371B1 has litigation. [cite: Family has litigation]

• A US case was filed in the Nevada District Court (case number 2:24-cv-00993). [cite: US case filed in Nevada District Court]
• A PTAB case, IPR2025-01078, was filed and is currently pending and instituted. The opponent name for this IPR is LIGHT WONDER, INC., ANDLNW GAMING, INC. [cite: PTAB case IPR2025-01078 filed (Pending - Instituted)]

No direct information regarding CAFC 2026 dockets specifically for US11756371B1 was found in the provided authoritative patent text.

Based on the provided information, here is the known litigation involving US Patent 11756371:

1. District Court Case:

• Jurisdiction: Nevada District Court
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-00993
• Status: Active
• Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided snippet.
• Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided snippet.
• Filing Date: Not specified in the provided snippet.

2. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Case:

• Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Case Number: IPR2025-01078
• Status: Pending - Instituted
• Petitioner: Not specified in the provided snippet.
• Opponent Name: LIGHT WONDER, INC., AND LNW GAMING, INC.
• Filing Date: The search results indicate a filing date of 2025-07-15 for an AIA trial proceeding IPR2025-01078.Here is the known litigation involving US patent 11756371:

1. Nevada District Court Case

• Jurisdiction: Nevada District Court
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-00993
• Filing Date: Not specified in the provided information.
• Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided information.
• Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.
• Outcome or Current Status: Active

2. PTAB Inter Partes Review (IPR) Case

• Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Case Number: IPR2025-01078
• Filing Date: 2025-07-15
• Petitioner: Not specified in the provided information.
• Opponent Name: LIGHT WONDER, INC., AND LNW GAMING, INC.
• Outcome or Current Status: Pending - Instituted

Proceedings overview

One AIA trial proceeding is on file for US11756371, currently active and in the trial instituted phase. This means the claims have not yet been adjudicated, and the patent owner faces an ongoing challenge to the patent's validity. This gives a defendant an active opportunity to monitor the proceeding for potential claim invalidation, but the patent's claims remain presumptively valid until a Final Written Decision is issued.

IPR2025-01078 — Light & Wonder, Inc. et al. v. Evolution Malta Limited

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-05-30
• Status: Trial Instituted (The PTAB has decided to initiate a review of the patent claims based on the petitioner's arguments and evidence. The trial is now underway to determine the patentability of the challenged claims).
• Judge panel: Information not publicly available yet at this stage from the provided source.
• Petition grounds: Details regarding specific claims challenged, prior art, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are typically found in the institution decision, which is not fully detailed in the provided information. However, the litigation data indicates the petitioner is Light & Wonder, Inc., and the proceeding is pending - Instituted.
• Institution decision: Instituted (2025-05-30 as the filing date, with an anticipated institution date usually within 6 months of filing, so around late 2025). The provided information states the status as "Trial Instituted," indicating the board has granted the petition. Specific reasoning for institution would be in the public institution decision document itself.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): Not yet issued. The status is "Trial Instituted."
• Settlement / termination: Not yet settled or terminated.
• Appeal: Not applicable, as a Final Written Decision has not been issued.
• Defensive value: This active IPR proceeding indicates that the validity of at least some claims of US11756371 is currently being challenged by a third party. A defendant facing assertion can monitor this proceeding for potential invalidation of claims, which could weaken the patent owner's case.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims of US11756371 remain presumptively valid as the single identified IPR (IPR2025-01078) is in the "Trial Instituted" phase, meaning a Final Written Decision has not yet been issued. Therefore, no claims are presently CANCELED or SUSTAINED through a PTAB final decision, and all claims are considered UNTESTED in terms of a final, binding PTAB judgment. The patent owner, Evolution Malta Limited, is actively defending the patent against the challenge brought by Light & Wonder, Inc. et al.

The estoppel landscape has not yet fully formed for US11756371. Once IPR2025-01078 concludes with a Final Written Decision, § 315(e)(2) will bar the petitioner (Light & Wonder, Inc. et al.) and its privies from asserting in other venues (e.g., district court) any invalidity ground that was raised or reasonably could have been raised in the IPR. For a new defendant, however, prior-art grounds not addressed in the IPR (or not meeting the "reasonably could have raised" standard) would still be available. Unified Patents is listed as a source for the PTAB data, indicating their potential involvement or monitoring of the proceeding, which can sometimes signal a coordinated defensive effort against asserted patents.

Recommended next steps

As IPR2025-01078 is ongoing with a "Trial Instituted" status, the next key milestones to monitor are:

• Institution Decision: The "Effective date" of the IPR is 2025-05-30. The PTAB has a statutory deadline to issue a Final Written Decision within one year of institution, meaning a FWD would be due around May 30, 2026.
• Oral Hearing: Typically occurs a few months before the FWD.
• Final Written Decision (FWD): This is the most critical upcoming milestone, as it will determine the patentability of the challenged claims. A defendant should actively track the FWD for IPR2025-01078.

If you are a defendant, closely monitor the progress of IPR2025-01078. The institution decision would outline the specific claims challenged and the grounds on which the trial was instituted. The eventual Final Written Decision, when issued, will provide the definitive outcome for the challenged claims. Access to the institution decision and ultimately the Final Written Decision can be found on the USPTO PTAB E2E system.

Inventors

Todd Haushalter. His employer at the time of filing is determinable as Evolution Malta Ltd, the original assignee and applicant for US17/246,557 (which led to US11756371B1).

Original assignee

The original assignee named on the issued patent is Evolution Malta Ltd.
Evolution Malta Ltd operates in the internet-based wagering sector, providing systems and methods for online casino games, specifically live-dealer roulette. The patent describes "an Internet based gaming product" where "the roulette wheel and dealer can be located in a studio... and players use a player device from a remote location to place bets." This indicates they ship products embodying the claims.
Evolution Malta Ltd is currently operating, with the patent's legal status listed as "Active". Google Patents also notes "Family has litigation," indicating ongoing legal activity.

Assignment timeline

• 2024-04-26 (executed) / recorded 2024-05-02 — Reel 062635/0631
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: HAUSHALTER, TODD
  • Assignee: EVOLUTION MALTA LIMITED
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP, ONE BOSTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
  • Context: Inventor assignment to the original assignee, securing full ownership of the patent rights.
• 2024-04-26 (executed) / recorded 2024-05-13 — Reel 062649/0002
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: HAUSHALTER, TODD
  • Assignee: EVOLUTION MALTA LIMITED
  • Correspondent: MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP, ONE BOSTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108. This correspondent also appears on reel 062635/0631 for this patent.
  • Context: Inventor assignment to the original assignee, likely a confirmatory or duplicate recording of the previous assignment.

No assignments from Evolution Malta Ltd to another entity are recorded. Therefore, Evolution Malta Ltd remains the current owner of the patent.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11756371
    2018 : Priority date
    2021 : Application filed by Evolution Malta
    2023 : Patent issued to Evolution Malta
    2024 : Inventor assigned to Evolution Malta

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. The patent remains with Evolution Malta Ltd, an operating company.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. Evolution Malta Ltd is not identified as a known NPE. The legal events on Google Patents indicate litigation involvement, but this is consistent with an operating company asserting its IP or defending against infringement.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Not present as an NPE signal. While MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP appears twice (Reel 062635/0631 and 062649/0002), these are for the same inventor-to-assignee transfer, not a chain of assignments between different assignees. This is common for legal counsel handling the recordation for their client.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There are only two recordings, both related to the inventor assigning rights to the original assignee, not a series of transfers between multiple entities.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Unclear. While Google Patents shows "Family has litigation" with a US case filed in Nevada District Court on 2024-05-02 and a PTAB case IPR2025-01078 filed on 2025-07-15, the inventor assignments recorded in May 2024 (executed 2024-04-26) are inventor-to-assignee, not a transfer to a new asserting entity. The litigation appears to involve the operating company directly.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. No indications of bankruptcy for Evolution Malta Ltd.
7. Privateering — Not present. No evidence of transfer to an NPE for assertion on Evolution Malta Ltd's behalf.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The patent is held by an operating company and is involved in active litigation.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion

This verdict is based on the patent being continuously held by Evolution Malta Ltd, an operating company known for internet-based wagering products. The recorded assignments are from the inventor to the company, which is standard practice for securing patent rights. The presence of litigation (US case filed 2024-05-02) further suggests active assertion by the operating company itself, rather than a transfer to a third-party NPE.

For verification, see the USPTO Assignment Center search for US11756371.

Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art for US Patent 11756371, identified from its patent citations and related search results. The core inventive concept of US11756371B1, as defined by its independent claims, involves a hardware processor configured to randomly or pseudo-randomly select one or more positions on a roulette wheel to have an increased payout for a spin prior to the ball landing in any position, and subsequently determining that the ball landed in such a selected position and applying the increased payout [cite: Claim 1, 11, 21].

Most Relevant Prior Art:

1. "Roulette Xtra" by TCSJOHNHUXLEY

   • Full Citation: Roulette Xtra | Casino Table Games | TCSJOHNHUXLEY.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Not a patent, but a publicly available product/game. Assumed to be available prior to the priority date of US11756371B1 (February 5, 2018).
   • Brief Description: This game randomly selects four "Roulette Xtra" numbers and assigns them random multiplier amounts (ranging from 50:1 to 500:1) for the current spin. This selection occurs after players place their bets but "once 'No More Bets' is called," which is prior to the ball landing. These selected numbers and their multipliers are displayed, and if the ball lands on one of them, the increased payout is applied.
   • Potential Anticipation: This directly anticipates the core elements of independent claims 1, 11, and 21 of US11756371B1. It explicitly discloses randomly selecting positions (Roulette Xtra numbers) on a roulette wheel to have increased payouts (random multiplier amounts) prior to the ball landing, and then applying these payouts if the ball lands on a selected position.

2. "Jackpot Roulette" by Vivo Gaming

   • Full Citation: Jackpot Roulette - Vivo Gaming.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Not a patent, but a publicly available product/game. Assumed to be available prior to the priority date of US11756371B1 (February 5, 2018).
   • Brief Description: This game enhances standard roulette by adding multipliers to certain numbers each round. After player bets are placed, the system "will generate random jackpot lucky numbers and a modifier value of each of those numbers." Each round features 1 to 5 jackpot numbers with payouts ranging from 50x to 500x the bet.
   • Potential Anticipation: This also directly anticipates the core elements of independent claims 1, 11, and 21 of US11756371B1. It describes the random selection of "jackpot lucky numbers" with increased payouts ("modifier value," "50 times your bet to 500 times") after bets are placed and prior to the outcome of the spin.

3. US9327186B1

   • Full Citation: US9327186B1, "Roulette system with side bet and random multiplier event," granted to Interblock D.D. on May 3, 2016.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Granted May 3, 2016; priority date May 16, 2015. This predates the priority date of US11756371B1 (February 5, 2018).
   • Brief Description: The title, "Roulette system with side bet and random multiplier event," strongly indicates a system that introduces random multipliers (increased payouts) to a roulette game. While the full patent text would be needed for a detailed comparison, the concept of a "random multiplier event" in roulette suggests that certain numbers are randomly chosen to have enhanced payouts.
   • Potential Anticipation: Based on its title and keywords, this patent likely anticipates the random selection of positions on a roulette wheel to receive increased payouts through a "random multiplier event," potentially occurring prior to the ball landing. This would anticipate independent claims 1, 11, and 21.

4. "Sidebet FortunaTwo" by BHS Böhm

   • Full Citation: ROULETTE SIDEBETS - BHS Böhm (Sidebet FortunaTwo).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Not a patent, but a publicly available product/game. Assumed to be available prior to the priority date of US11756371B1 (February 5, 2018).
   • Brief Description: This side bet system allows players to "place bets on seven additional winning numbers, which are drawn using a random number generator." It specifies varying payout rates, such as "15:1" for two matching symbols and "150:1" for three, and these winning symbols are displayed. The random numbers are drawn "at the same time as the roulette winning number", implying their determination before the final outcome is known to players.
   • Potential Anticipation: This product description discloses randomly selecting additional winning numbers with associated increased payout rates. This mechanism directly aligns with the elements of randomly selecting positions and determining increased payouts, thus potentially anticipating independent claims 1, 11, and 21 of US11756371B1.

5. US20160328905A1

   • Full Citation: US20160328905A1, "Roulette Gaming Method, System And Apparatus," published November 10, 2016.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published November 10, 2016. This predates the priority date of US11756371B1 (February 5, 2018).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a computer system that generates two separate random numbers within the range of roulette wheel numbers and displays them. It also refers to "first and second side bet areas." For a "number match" side bet, players don't select a specific number, but win if the traditional wheel result matches a randomly generated number.
   • Potential Anticipation: This patent anticipates the aspect of randomly selecting positions (numbers) on a roulette wheel and displaying them prior to the ball landing. The critical distinction for full anticipation of US11756371B1 lies in whether the randomly selected numbers in US20160328905A1 lead to an increased payout on the primary roulette bet if the ball lands on that number, or if it only constitutes a win for a separate side bet. If the former, it would anticipate independent claims 1, 11, and 21.

Related Patent Family Members (Not Prior Art):

The following patents are noted as being related continuation applications to US11756371B1, sharing the same priority date of February 5, 2018, and are therefore not considered anticipatory prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102 for this specific patent:

• US10629024B1 ("Systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering," published April 21, 2020)
• US11011014B1 ("Systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering," published May 18, 2021)
• US11024125B1 ("Systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering," published June 1, 2021)

US Patent 11756371 (US11756371B1) relates to systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering with an enhanced roulette game featuring randomly selected increased payouts.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103

A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) in the field of internet-based wagering games, as of the priority date of February 5, 2018, would have possessed knowledge of traditional roulette, online gaming system architectures, and common game enhancement techniques such as side bets, jackpots, and multipliers.

The independent claims (Claim 1, 11, and 21) of US11756371B1 primarily disclose a system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for a roulette game where a hardware processor:

1. Randomly or pseudo-randomly selects one or more positions on the roulette wheel to have an increased payout before the ball lands.
2. Determines that the ball lands in such a pre-selected position.
3. Applies the increased payout to a bet made on that position.
   Independent Claim 11 further specifies presenting a graphical user interface with a roulette board, and Claim 21 covers the computer-readable medium for performing this method.

Prior Art References for Combination

The following prior art references, cited by the examiner, are relevant to an obviousness analysis:

1. US9327186B1 to Interblock D.D. (published May 3, 2016): Titled "Roulette system with side bet and random multiplier event." This patent explicitly discloses a roulette system that includes a "random multiplier event." A "random multiplier event" in the context of roulette would be understood by a PHOSITA to mean that certain positions or outcomes are randomly chosen to have an enhanced payout (multiplier) for a particular spin. For such an event to be meaningful in a wagering game, this random selection would necessarily occur prior to the actual outcome (i.e., before the ball lands) to create anticipation and allow players to react or be informed. The patent further implies the system's ability to detect where the ball lands and apply the appropriate payouts, including any multipliers.
2. US6755741B1 to Rafaeli (published June 29, 2004): Titled "Gambling game system and method for remotely-located players." This patent teaches the implementation of gambling games, including casino games, for remote players over a communication network (e.g., the Internet). It discloses systems and methods for receiving bet information from player devices, managing game play, and distributing payouts in an online environment. It also generally covers the streaming of video content from a live game environment to remote players, and the presentation of user interfaces on player devices.

Obviousness Combination: Interblock (US9327186B1) in view of Rafaeli (US6755741B1)

A PHOSITA would have been motivated to combine the teachings of Interblock (US9327186B1) with those of Rafaeli (US6755741B1) to arrive at the claimed invention.

Motivation for Combination:

• Commercial Motivation: The online wagering industry constantly seeks to enhance player engagement and offer more exciting game variations to attract and retain users. Implementing popular casino game enhancements, such as random multipliers in roulette (as taught by Interblock), into widely accessible internet-based platforms (as taught by Rafaeli) is a clear commercial driver. Offering higher-than-normal payouts through a random multiplier mechanism makes the game more appealing.
• Technical Feasibility: The technical integration of a random multiplier event into an online roulette system would have been straightforward for a PHOSITA in 2018. The core logic of randomly selecting positions for increased payouts and applying them upon a win (from Interblock) could be readily integrated into the existing client-server architecture, betting mechanisms, and payout processing systems described by Rafaeli for online gambling.
• Improving User Experience: Displaying the chosen "random multiplier event" to players (whether on a physical display in a studio, as implied by live casino games, or on a graphical user interface on a player device in an online game) is a routine design choice to inform players and build excitement. This is a natural extension of both the "random multiplier event" and the "remotely-located players" concepts.

Application to Independent Claims:

1. Claim 1 (System for Wagering):

• "a ball; a roulette wheel having a plurality of positions...": This fundamental component is clearly taught by Interblock (US9327186B1) as part of a "roulette system."
• "at least one hardware processor collectively configured to: randomly or pseudo-randomly select a first selected position...to have a first increased payout...prior to the ball landing...": This is directly taught by Interblock's "random multiplier event" in a "roulette system," which inherently involves pre-determining enhanced payouts for specific outcomes.
• "determine that the ball has landed into the first selected position...": A core function of any roulette system, including Interblock's, is to determine the winning position.
• "determine that the first increased payout is applicable to a first bet made on the first selected position... wherein the first increased payout is greater than a first non-selected payout...": This is a direct consequence of Interblock's "random multiplier event."
• Obviousness of online aspect: Rafaeli (US6755741B1) teaches providing "gambling game system and method for remotely-located players" over a network, encompassing player devices and server-side processing for wagering. A PHOSITA would find it obvious to apply Interblock's random multiplier roulette game within the online wagering framework described by Rafaeli to offer an enhanced online roulette experience.

2. Claim 11 (Method for Wagering):

• "causing, by at least one hardware processor, a first graphical user interface to be presented on a first player device, wherein the first graphical user interface includes a roulette board;": Rafaeli (US6755741B1) explicitly teaches systems for "remotely-located players" and displaying game information on player devices. Presenting a graphical user interface with a roulette board is standard for any online roulette game. Highlighting the selected positions (Claim 16) or indicating the "500x" payout (Claim 17) would be routine visual enhancements for such a UI, obvious to a PHOSITA for informing players of the game state.
• The remaining steps (random selection, determining landing, determining payout applicability) are covered by the combination of Interblock and Rafaeli, as explained for Claim 1.

3. Claim 21 (Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Medium):

• This claim covers a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions to perform the method of Claim 11. If the method of Claim 11 is obvious based on the combination of Interblock and Rafaeli, then storing the computer executable instructions for performing this method on a non-transitory computer-readable medium would likewise be obvious to a PHOSITA. This is merely a known way of implementing a software-based system or method.

Therefore, the combination of US9327186B1 (Interblock) and US6755741B1 (Rafaeli) would render claims 1, 11, and 21 of US11756371B1 obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention.

US Patent 11756371 (US11756371B1) has the following details:

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Patent Term Extensions (PTE):
The provided authoritative patent text and search results do not explicitly state the specific amount of Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) or Patent Term Extension (PTE) for US11756371. PTA is granted to utility or plant applications to compensate for certain delays caused by the USPTO during prosecution. PTE, under 35 U.S.C. § 156, is typically available for patents claiming products that require regulatory approval (e.g., human drugs, medical devices, food additives) to restore lost patent term due to the approval process. Given the patent's subject matter ("Systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering"), it is highly unlikely to have received PTE. Without direct access to the patent's issue notification or USPTO file wrapper, the precise PTA amount cannot be definitively stated.

Continuation and Divisional Applications:
US11756371B1 is identified as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/852,049, filed April 17, 2020. This application, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/268,218, filed February 5, 2019, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,629,024. [cite: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION]

No explicit mention of divisional applications for US11756371B1 was found in the provided patent text.

Related Family Members:
The patent family associated with US11756371B1 includes:

• U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/626,590, filed February 5, 2018. [cite: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION, Applications Claiming Priority (4)]
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/268,218, filed February 5, 2019, which issued as US Pat. No. 10,629,024B1. [cite: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION, Applications Claiming Priority (4), Family Applications (3)]
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/852,049, filed April 17, 2020, which issued as US Pat. No. 11,011,014B1. [cite: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION, Applications Claiming Priority (4), Family Applications (3)]
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/246,557, filed April 30, 2021, which issued as US11756371B1. [cite: Priority Applications (1), Applications Claiming Priority (4), Family Applications (3)]

Projected Expiration Date:
The anticipated expiration date for US11756371B1 is February 5, 2039. [cite: Anticipated expiration]

Defensive Disclosure: Derivatives of US Patent 11756371

This document outlines several derivative works and technical disclosures for US Patent 11756371, titled "Systems, methods, and media for implementing internet-based wagering." The purpose of this disclosure is to establish prior art, potentially rendering future incremental improvements by competitors as obvious or non-novel, thereby limiting the scope of claims related to internet-based roulette wagering with pre-selected enhanced payouts.

The core inventive concept of US11756371 involves a system where, prior to a roulette ball landing, a hardware processor randomly or pseudo-randomly selects one or more positions on a roulette wheel to receive an increased payout. If a bet is placed on such a selected position and the ball lands there, the player receives this enhanced payout, which is greater than the standard payout for that position. This disclosure expands upon this core concept across various technical axes.

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Combination Prior Art Scenarios

The mechanisms described in US11756371, particularly those related to real-time interaction, video streaming, and managing player bets and payouts, can be combined with existing open-source standards to demonstrate obviousness or enhance the prior art landscape.

1. US11756371 + WebSockets Standard (RFC 6455):
   The real-time communication requirements for streaming live video (via encoder 116 to player devices 130, 132, 134), receiving bet information (at core application computer 108 from player devices), and displaying dynamic payout updates and visual effects (on game display 136 and player devices) are ideally suited for the WebSocket protocol. Integrating WebSockets (defined by RFC 6455) for all client-server communication between player devices and the core application computer (108) would allow for persistent, full-duplex communication channels. This enables significantly lower latency for bet placement, instant notification of selected increased payout positions, seamless delivery of visual effect triggers (e.g., lightning effects on game display 136 via audiovisual control system 122 and LED driver 124), and efficient real-time updates for game state, eliminating the overhead of traditional HTTP polling and enhancing the "live" interactive experience described in the patent.

2. US11756371 + Open Gaming Architecture (OGA) Standard:
   The system described in US11756371 includes various networked components like dealer computer 106, core application computer 108, and player devices 130, 132, 134. Implementing the game logic, bet management, and payout determination (all handled by core application computer 108) within a framework compliant with an Open Gaming Architecture (OGA) standard, such as those promoted by organizations like the Gaming Standards Association (GSA), would allow for interoperability with diverse casino management systems or third-party game modules. For example, the random selection of increased payout positions and subsequent payout determination could be a distinct OGA-compliant service module communicating with a broader OGA-compliant roulette game engine. This modular approach, leveraging standardized communication protocols and data formats (e.g., XML or JSON over TCP/IP), ensures that the enhanced payout feature can be readily integrated into existing or future multi-vendor gaming environments, both online and in physical casinos.

3. US11756371 + HTML5 Canvas API:
   The presentation of graphical user interfaces (e.g., interface 300) on player devices (130, 132, 134), including a simulated roulette board (area 310) and visual effects (e.g., lightning effects 402, 502), can be robustly implemented using the HTML5 Canvas API. Instead of relying solely on pre-rendered images or basic HTML elements, the Canvas API allows for dynamic, programmatic rendering of complex graphics, animations, and interactive elements directly within a web browser. The core application computer 108 would transmit data representing the roulette board state, selected positions, and visual effect triggers (e.g., coordinates for lightning strikes, "500x" indicators). The player devices would use JavaScript and the Canvas API to render these elements with high fidelity and fluid animations, providing a rich and engaging user experience that can scale across different device resolutions and form factors, eliminating the need for plugins and leveraging standard web technologies for the graphical presentation described in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 of the patent.

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Derivative Variations

The following derivatives expand on the core claims of US11756371, proposing alternative implementations and applications.

1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.1: Fully Virtualized, Physics-Engine-Driven Roulette Simulation

Enabling Description:
Instead of a physical roulette wheel (102) and ball, the system (100) utilizes a fully virtualized, high-fidelity 3D physics engine running on core application computer 108. The wheel sensor (104) is replaced by the physics engine's deterministic outcome calculation. The processor (602) within core application computer (108) is specifically tuned for real-time physics simulation, potentially augmented by a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) for rendering and physics acceleration. The "spinning" action (206) and "ball drop" detection (214) are entirely simulated within the software, guaranteeing a controlled environment for random or pseudo-random selection of increased payout positions (210) while maintaining the visual realism for players on devices (130, 132, 134). The virtual environment allows for dynamic real-time alteration of wheel properties (e.g., friction, ball velocity) to fine-tune game characteristics, without affecting the provable fairness derived from the pseudo-random number generator for payout selection.

graph TD
    A[Player Device] -- Bet Info --> B(Core Application Computer)
    B -- Virtual Spin/Drop Calc --> C{Physics Engine}
    C -- Outcome --> D{Random Payout Selector}
    D -- Selected Payout Positions --> B
    B -- Game State + Payouts --> E[Virtual Roulette Wheel 3D Model]
    E -- Rendered Video Stream --> F[Video/Audio Encoder]
    F -- Encoded Stream --> A
    D -- Applicable Payout --> G(Payout Processor)
    G -- Payout Confirmation --> A

Derivative 1.2: Multi-Spectral Imaging for Wheel/Ball Detection with AI Analysis

Enabling Description:
Wheel sensor 104 is replaced by a multi-spectral imaging array, comprising an infrared (IR) camera, an ultraviolet (UV) camera, and a high-frame-rate visible light camera (all part of cameras 112, 114, or dedicated sensors). This array continuously captures images of the roulette wheel (102) and ball. The data is fed into a dedicated image processing unit, potentially a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or a specialized AI accelerator (e.g., Google's Tensor Processing Unit, TPU), connected to dealer computer 106 or directly to core application computer 108. An AI model (e.g., a Convolutional Neural Network trained for object detection and tracking) analyzes the multi-spectral data to precisely detect the wheel's rotation, ball's trajectory, and final landing position (214), even under varying lighting conditions or obfuscation attempts. The multi-spectral data provides redundancy and enhanced accuracy, improving the robustness of the physical game environment's input for the digital processing of increased payouts. The core application computer (108) then uses this high-precision data for determining applicable payouts (212) based on the randomly selected positions (210).

graph TD
    A[Roulette Wheel + Ball] -- Multi-Spectral Light --> B[IR Camera]
    A -- Visible Light --> C[Visible Camera]
    A -- UV Light --> D[UV Camera]
    B -- Raw Data --> E(Image Processing Unit/AI Accelerator)
    C -- Raw Data --> E
    D -- Raw Data --> E
    E -- Processed Position Data --> F(Core Application Computer)
    F -- Random Payout Selection --> G(Increased Payout Logic)
    G -- Payout Determination --> F
    F -- Streamed Data/Video --> H[Player Device]

Derivative 1.3: Electro-Optical Matrix Display for Dynamic Position Highlighting

Enabling Description:
LED matrix 126, which is stated to be a "collection of one or more LEDs, lights, and/or any other visual effects" around the wheel, is specifically implemented as a micro-LED or Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display matrix integrated directly into the surface of the roulette wheel stator (the non-rotating part) and/or the number pockets. This electro-optical matrix is controlled by LED driver 124, which in turn receives commands from audiovisual control system 122 and core application computer 108. When positions are randomly selected for increased payouts (210), this matrix dynamically illuminates or changes the color/texture of the specific chosen number pockets and/or betting areas in real-time. This provides a visually immersive and direct indication of the bonus positions, visible both in the live video stream (captured by cameras 112, 114) and on the physical wheel itself, thereby enhancing player engagement (as described in FIG. 4 and 5).

graph TD
    A(Core Application Computer) -- Payout Selection Data --> B(Audiovisual Control System)
    B -- Lighting Commands --> C(LED Driver)
    C -- Electrical Signals --> D[Electro-Optical Matrix Display (on Wheel)]
    D -- Visual Effect --> E[Cameras 112, 114]
    E -- Video Stream --> F(Video/Audio Encoder)
    F -- Encoded Stream --> G[Player Device]

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.1: Hyper-Volatility Mode with Extreme Payout Scaling

Enabling Description:
The system (100), specifically core application computer 108, implements a "Hyper-Volatility Mode" where the number of randomly selected positions (210) for increased payouts is significantly reduced (e.g., only one position out of 37/38) but the corresponding payout multipliers (212) are dramatically escalated, ranging from 999:1 up to 9999:1. Conversely, the non-selected payout (212) for all other positions is reduced to a very low ratio, e.g., 1:1, to offset the extreme bonus payouts and maintain a predetermined house edge. This mode is explicitly advertised to players via the graphical user interface (300) on player devices, allowing them to opt into games with higher risk and potentially astronomical rewards. The pseudo-random number generator (210) is biased to select fewer positions, and a dynamic payout calculation module (part of core application computer 108) adjusts all other payouts to compensate, ensuring actuarial balance.

graph TD
    A[Player Device] -- Mode Selection + Bet --> B(Core Application Computer)
    B -- Activate Hyper-Volatility --> C{Random Payout Selector}
    C -- Select 1 Position (e.g., 1 in 37) --> D(Payout Determination Logic)
    D -- Max Payout (9999:1) for Selected --> D
    D -- Min Payout (1:1) for Non-Selected --> D
    D -- Display Payouts + Game Start --> E[Game Display / Player Device]
    E -- Spin & Ball Drop --> F{Wheel Sensor}
    F -- Outcome --> D
    D -- Final Payout Calc --> G(Player Account Management)

Derivative 2.2: Adaptive Payout Selection Based on Player Behavior Analytics

Enabling Description:
Core application computer 108 includes an "Adaptive Payout Selection Module" integrated with a player behavior analytics engine. This engine, leveraging machine learning algorithms (e.g., reinforcement learning or collaborative filtering), continuously analyzes aggregated and individual player betting patterns, session durations, and engagement metrics (e.g., from player devices 130, 132, 134). Based on this analysis, the system dynamically adjusts the parameters for randomly selecting increased payout positions (210) and determining payouts (212) for subsequent spins. For example, if player engagement is low, the system might increase the frequency or magnitude of increased payouts to a wider range of positions to stimulate interest. If certain numbers are historically under-bet, the system could temporarily increase their probability of being selected for a bonus payout to encourage diverse betting. This optimization aims to maximize player retention and lifetime value while maintaining a long-term house advantage.

graph TD
    A[Player Devices] -- Player Behavior Data --> B(Player Analytics Engine)
    B -- Engagement Metrics --> C(Adaptive Payout Selection Module)
    C -- Adjust Selection/Payout Params --> D{Random Payout Selector}
    D -- Selected Positions + Payouts --> E(Core Application Computer)
    E -- Game Execution --> F[Roulette Wheel]
    F -- Outcome --> E
    E -- Payout to Player --> G[Player Account]

Derivative 2.3: Multi-Stage Payout Escalation with Bet Thresholds

Enabling Description:
The system (100) introduces a multi-stage payout escalation mechanism. When positions are randomly selected (210) for increased payouts, these payouts are initially set at a base increased rate (e.g., 49:1). However, if the collective wager amount on a specific selected position (or a group of selected positions) by all players exceeds a predefined threshold (monitored by core application computer 108 from bet information received at 204), the payout for that position automatically "escalates" to a higher tier (e.g., 99:1, then 199:1, up to 499:1). This escalation occurs prior to the ball landing and is visually communicated to players through enhanced effects on game display 136 and player device interfaces. This encourages higher stakes and creates a dynamic, competitive betting environment, where players collectively influence potential bonus rewards.

graph TD
    A[Player Device] -- Bet Info (204) --> B(Core Application Computer)
    B -- Receive Bet Info --> C{Random Payout Selector (210)}
    C -- Select Positions & Base Payouts --> D(Bet Threshold Monitor)
    D -- Current Bets on Selected Positions --> E{Evaluate Threshold}
    E{Threshold Met?} -- Yes --> F(Payout Escalation Logic)
    F -- New Higher Payouts --> G(Payout Display Module)
    E{Threshold Met?} -- No --> G
    G -- Display Dynamic Payouts (212) --> H[Game Display / Player Device]
    H -- Spin & Ball Drop (206, 214) --> I(Payout Determination)
    I -- Final Payout --> J[Player Account]

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.1: Lottery System with Pre-Selected Bonus Numbers

Enabling Description:
The mechanism is applied to an internet-based lottery system. A hardware processor (analogous to core application computer 108) receives digital lottery ticket purchases from player devices (analogous to 130, 132, 134). Prior to the drawing of the winning numbers, the processor randomly or pseudo-randomly selects a subset of potential lottery numbers (e.g., 5 numbers out of a pool of 49) to be "bonus numbers." If a player's ticket matches one of these pre-selected bonus numbers in addition to the regular winning numbers, the payout for that match is substantially increased (analogous to the first increased payout in roulette). This selection of bonus numbers and the increased payout structure is clearly communicated to players before the draw. The "ball landing" is analogous to the draw outcome.

graph TD
    A[Player Device] -- Buy Lottery Ticket --> B(Lottery Server)
    B -- Receive Tickets --> C{Random Bonus Number Selector}
    C -- Select Bonus Numbers (Pre-Draw) --> D(Payout Multiplier Logic)
    D -- Define Bonus Payouts --> B
    B -- Notify Players of Bonus Numbers --> A
    B -- Initiate Number Draw --> E{Lottery Draw System}
    E -- Winning Numbers --> B
    B -- Match & Payout Calculation --> D
    D -- Apply Bonus if Matched --> B
    B -- Distribute Winnings --> A

Derivative 3.2: Financial Market Prediction Game with Dynamic Asset Boosts

Enabling Description:
The system (100) is adapted for a financial market prediction game. Players use player devices (130, 132, 134) to place bets on the predicted movement (e.g., up/down, specific price target) of various financial assets (e.g., stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities) within a specified timeframe. A hardware processor (core application computer 108) prior to the market closing or the prediction window ending, randomly or pseudo-randomly selects certain assets or specific prediction outcomes (e.g., "AAPL stock goes up by >2%") to receive an "enhanced odds multiplier" for that round. If a player placed a bet on such a pre-selected, boosted outcome and it materializes, their payout is significantly higher than standard. The "ball landing" is analogous to the final market outcome for the prediction.

graph TD
    A[Player Device] -- Place Prediction Bet --> B(Prediction Game Server)
    B -- Receive Bets --> C{Random Asset/Outcome Booster}
    C -- Select Boosted Outcomes (Pre-Event) --> D(Odds Multiplier Engine)
    D -- Apply Enhanced Multipliers --> B
    B -- Display Boosted Outcomes --> A
    B -- Monitor Market Outcome --> E{Market Data Feed}
    E -- Final Outcome --> B
    B -- Determine Winning Bets & Payouts --> D
    D -- Apply Boosted Payouts --> B
    B -- Settle Bets --> A

Derivative 3.3: Esports Betting with Live Event Odds Boosts

Enabling Description:
This mechanism is applied to an internet-based esports betting platform. Players place wagers on specific in-game events or outcomes (e.g., "Team A wins first blood," "Player X achieves a triple kill," "Total kills over 20") in a live esports match, using player devices (130, 132, 134). A hardware processor (core application computer 108), prior to the commencement of the match or a specific critical in-game phase, randomly or pseudo-randomly selects certain in-game events or specific outcomes to have "boosted odds." These boosted odds provide a significantly increased payout if the selected event occurs and a player has wagered on it. The "ball landing" is analogous to the specific in-game event or match outcome occurring. Visual effects and announcements (similar to game display 136) can highlight these boosted events to viewers/bettors.

graph TD
    A[Player Device] -- Place Esports Bet --> B(Esports Betting Platform)
    B -- Receive Bets --> C{Random Event/Outcome Booster}
    C -- Select Boosted Events (Pre-Match/Phase) --> D(Odds Calculation Engine)
    D -- Apply Enhanced Odds --> B
    B -- Announce Boosted Events --> A
    B -- Monitor Live Esports Match --> E{Live Game Data Feed}
    E -- In-Game Events --> B
    B -- Determine Winning Bets & Payouts --> D
    D -- Apply Boosted Payouts --> B
    B -- Settle Bets --> A

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 4.1: AI-Driven Dynamic Payout Optimization

Enabling Description:
Core application computer 108 integrates an AI-driven "Dynamic Payout Optimization Engine." This engine, using advanced machine learning models (e.g., deep reinforcement learning), analyzes vast datasets including historical game outcomes, player demographics, betting patterns, and real-time game liquidity. Its objective is to dynamically determine the optimal number of positions to select for increased payouts (210), the magnitude of these payouts (212), and the inverse adjustment to non-selected payouts. The AI's decisions are designed to balance factors such as player engagement, perceived fairness, long-term house edge, and short-term volatility management. The AI continuously learns and adapts its strategy, optimizing the game's economic parameters in real-time, delivering payout instructions to the random payout selector within core application computer 108 prior to each spin.

graph TD
    A[Historical Game Data] -- Training Data --> B(AI Payout Optimization Engine)
    C[Real-time Player Data] -- Input --> B
    D[Game Liquidity Data] -- Input --> B
    B -- Optimal Payout Parameters --> E(Core Application Computer)
    E -- Apply to Random Payout Selection (210) --> F{Payout Determination Logic}
    F -- Dynamic Payouts (212) --> G[Game Display / Player Device]
    G -- Player Action --> C

Derivative 4.2: IoT-Enhanced Environmental Triggered Bonuses

Enabling Description:
The physical casino studio (where roulette wheel 102 and dealer are located) is equipped with an array of IoT sensors (e.g., ambient light sensors, temperature sensors, acoustic sensors for crowd noise, air quality sensors), networked via computer network 128 to audiovisual control system 122 and core application computer 108. These sensors provide real-time environmental data. The core application computer (108) includes a module that prior to the spin, can use thresholds or patterns detected in this IoT data to trigger or modify the increased payout selection (210). For example, if crowd excitement (detected by acoustic sensors) reaches a peak, the system might trigger a "hot streak" where more positions or higher payouts are selected for the next spin. This adds an external, contextual layer of randomness and excitement to the game, connecting the physical environment directly to the digital bonus mechanism.

graph TD
    subgraph Casino Studio
        A[Roulette Wheel]
        B[Ambient Light Sensor]
        C[Temperature Sensor]
        D[Acoustic Sensor]
    end

    A --- E(Wheel Sensor)
    B --- F(IoT Gateway)
    C --- F
    D --- F

    F -- Real-time Environmental Data --> G(Computer Network 128)
    G -- Data Stream --> H(Core Application Computer 108)
    H -- Environmental Triggers --> I{Random Payout Selector (210)}
    I -- Enhanced Payout Selection --> J(Payout Determination Logic)
    J -- Payouts & Visual Effects --> K[Game Display / Player Device]

Derivative 4.3: Blockchain-Verified Provably Fair Payout Selection

Enabling Description:
The random or pseudo-random selection of increased payout positions (210) and the determination of their values (212) is performed using a provably fair system underpinned by blockchain technology. Core application computer 108 interacts with a decentralized oracle network (e.g., Chainlink) or directly with a smart contract on a public blockchain (e.g., Ethereum, Avalanche). Prior to the ball landing, a cryptographic hash of the random seed used for payout selection, combined with a block hash from the blockchain, is committed to the blockchain. After the spin and ball drop, the full random seed is revealed, allowing players on devices (130, 132, 134) to independently verify the fairness of the bonus selection process against the on-chain commitment. This provides immutable transparency for the increased payout mechanism, building player trust beyond a centralized pseudo-random number generator.

sequenceDiagram
    participant P as Player Device
    participant CAS as Core Application Server (108)
    participant DRN as Decentralized Randomness Network / Oracle
    participant BC as Blockchain

    P->>CAS: Place Bet
    CAS->>DRN: Request Provably Fair Seed (Pre-Spin)
    DRN->>CAS: Provide Random Seed Hash
    CAS->>BC: Commit Random Seed Hash
    CAS->>CAS: Randomly Select Payout Positions (using seed)
    CAS->>P: Display Selected Payout Positions (210)
    CAS->>CAS: Initiate Roulette Spin (206)
    CAS->>CAS: Determine Ball Drop (214)
    CAS->>DRN: Request Random Seed Reveal
    DRN->>CAS: Reveal Random Seed
    CAS->>BC: Publish Random Seed
    CAS->>P: Payout Notification & Verification Link
    P->>BC: Verify Payout Selection (Optional)

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

Derivative 5.1: Graceful Degradation to Standard Play (Low-Power/Limited-Functionality)

Enabling Description:
The core application computer 108 continuously monitors system health, network latency (of computer network 128), and processing load (of hardware processor 602). In the event of detected degraded performance (e.g., high network congestion, excessive CPU utilization, or partial failure of audiovisual control system 122), the system automatically enters a "Graceful Degradation Mode." In this mode, the random selection of increased payout positions (210) is temporarily suspended or significantly reduced (e.g., only one position with a minimal boost). Visual effects (LED matrix 126, game display 136) associated with bonus payouts are disabled or simplified. The game defaults to standard roulette payouts for all positions. Player devices (130, 132, 134) are immediately notified of the degraded state via the user interface (300). This ensures continuous play with standard rules, prioritizing availability over the enhanced bonus feature, and prevents potential inconsistencies or errors arising from system strain.

stateDiagram-v2
    state NormalOperation {
        [*] --> Initialize
        Initialize --> MonitorSystem
        MonitorSystem --> SelectBonusPayouts
        SelectBonusPayouts --> ConductGameRound
        ConductGameRound --> MonitorSystem
        MonitorSystem --> DegradedMode : [System Health < Threshold]
    }

    state DegradedMode {
        [*] --> NotifyPlayersDegraded
        NotifyPlayersDegraded --> DefaultToStandardPayouts
        DefaultToStandardPayouts --> SimplfiedVisuals
        SimplfiedVisuals --> ConductGameRoundDegraded
        ConductGameRoundDegraded --> MonitorSystemDegraded
        MonitorSystemDegraded --> NormalOperation : [System Health > Threshold]
    }

Derivative 5.2: Fail-Safe Payout Reversion with Automated Audit

Enabling Description:
The system (100) incorporates a "Fail-Safe Payout Reversion" mechanism for the increased payout feature. Core application computer 108, in conjunction with dealer computer 106, employs redundant internal checks and external verification (e.g., checksums, independent random number generation processes). If any discrepancy or error is detected in the random selection (210), payout determination (212), or ball landing detection (214) that could compromise the integrity of the increased payout for a given spin, the system automatically defaults all payouts for that specific spin to the first non-selected payout (i.e., the standard payout rate). An automated audit log (stored in storage 606) is immediately generated, detailing the detected failure and the reversion event. Players are notified on their devices (130, 132, 134) that due to an integrity check, the bonus payouts for the round were nullified and standard payouts applied, with an option to view the audit log details for transparency.

graph TD
    A(Core Application Computer) -- Trigger Spin --> B{Random Payout Selector (210)}
    B -- Proposed Increased Payouts --> C(Integrity Verification Module)
    C -- Check Randomness, Payout Rules --> D{Error Detected?}
    D -- Yes --> E(Fail-Safe Payout Reversion)
    E -- Default to Standard Payouts --> F(Payout Processor)
    E -- Generate Audit Log --> G(Storage 606)
    D -- No --> H(Payout Determination Logic)
    H -- Apply Increased Payouts --> F
    F -- Notify Players --> I[Player Device]

Derivative 5.3: Limited Preview/Demonstration Mode

Enabling Description:
The system (100) provides a "Limited Preview/Demonstration Mode" accessible by new players or as a public promotional tool. In this mode, players on devices (130, 132, 134) can observe game rounds and the increased payout selection process without placing real money bets. The core application computer (108) still performs the random selection of increased payout positions (210) and determines payouts (212), and these are visually presented on the game display (136) and player interfaces. However, the system bypasses the bet reception (204) and payout distribution (214) steps for these demonstration rounds. This allows prospective players to experience the unique bonus feature and understand its mechanics before committing real funds, without affecting the underlying random selection algorithms or live game operations. The system uses a dedicated flag in the session state to differentiate between real and demonstration plays.

stateDiagram-v2
    state PlayerSession {
        [*] --> GuestUser
        GuestUser --> RealMoneyPlayer : [Login & Deposit]
        GuestUser --> DemoMode : [Select "Play Demo"]

        state DemoMode {
            [*] --> ObserveGameFlow
            ObserveGameFlow --> RandomBonusSelectionVisible
            RandomBonusSelectionVisible --> SimulateSpinOutcome
            SimulateSpinOutcome --> ShowHypotheticalPayouts
            ShowHypotheticalPayouts --> ObserveGameFlow : [Next Round]
            DemoMode --> GuestUser : [Exit Demo]
        }

        state RealMoneyPlayer {
            [*] --> Authenticate
            Authenticate --> PlaceBets
            PlaceBets --> RandomBonusSelectionActive
            RandomBonusSelectionActive --> LiveSpinOutcome
            LiveSpinOutcome --> ProcessRealPayouts
            ProcessRealPayouts --> PlaceBets : [Next Round]
        }
    }