System and method for convenience gaming

Abstract

A convenience gaming system is provided. The convenience 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.

1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 at least one processor; and   at least one memory device electronically coupled to the at least one processor, in which the memory device stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to:   responsive to a user using a device to access a gaming system to engage in at least one gaming activity, determine whether the user's device is located within a pre-defined location, wherein determining whether the user's device is located within the pre-defined location includes making the determination through the use of geo-fencing; and   allow the user to engage in the at least one gaming activity from the user's device based upon the determination that the user's device is located in the pre-defined location.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus, comprising:
 at least one processor; and   at least one memory device electronically coupled to the at least one processor, in which the memory device stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to:   responsive to a user using a device to access a gaming system to engage in at least one gaming activity, determine whether the user's device is located within a pre-defined location, wherein determining whether the user's device is located within the pre-defined location includes making the determination through an identification of which network, portion of a network, or network component the user's device is accessing; and   allow the user to engage in the at least one gaming activity from the user's device based upon the determination that the user's device is located in the pre-defined location.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the identification indicates at least one of a base station, group of base stations, a line, a channel, a trunk, a switch, a router, and a repeater.