Method of playing a gifted game

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for sending and receiving an online game shared amongst a plurality of recipients whom may collect awards from each other via electronic funds transfers. In a preferred embodiment, a game randomly distributes a predetermined amount of electronic funds amongst selected recipients, as described in more detail below.

1 . A method of playing a game operated using computer processors connected via a computer network comprising:
 a. purchasing a game with an award;   b. selecting a plurality of recipients;   c. sending the game to the recipients;   d. determining a play sequence amongst the recipients;   e. determining the game outcomes for recipients;   f. issuing some or all of the award to recipients based upon the results of the game; and   g. returning the balance of the award, if any, to the purchaser.   
     
     
         2 . A method  claim 1  in which the recipients continue to play the game in accordance with the determined play sequence until the total value of awards issued is equal to or less than a predetermined value. 
     
     
         3 . A method of  claim 1  in which the recipients continue to play the game in accordance with the determined play sequence until a predetermined number of awards are issued to a predetermined number of recipients. 
     
     
         4 . A method of  claim 1  in which game issues awards that may exceed the purchase price of the game. 
     
     
         5 . A method of  claim 1  in which game issues awards that may not exceed the purchase price of the game. 
     
     
         6 . A method of  claim 1  in which the game is an online game downloadable from the internet, operated using a computer network across the internet, and played via internet users' handheld, mobile, desktop, laptop, or other computer devices. 
     
     
         7 . A method of  claim 1  in which the game result is generated by one or more of the following methods:
 a. a random number generator; 
 b. knowledge-based input; or 
 c. skill-based means 
 
     
     
         8 . A method of  claim 1  in which at least one of the game recipients is not the game purchaser.