Interactive Sports-Themed Game

Abstract

A method and system for playing a virtual game is disclosed. The virtual game is associated with a real game, such as a baseball or golf game. Users play the virtual game which is based on events in a real game that is followed by the users simultaneously as they play the virtual game. In one embodiment, the real game is a baseball game. In another embodiment, the real game is a golf game. A server communicates with clients to allow multiple users to compete in the virtual game via the use of client devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer implemented method for playing a game, comprising the steps of:
 receiving login data;   receiving user outcome selections for the game; and   awarding points for correct user outcome selections; and further comprising determining a current geographical location of a mobile client, and allowing a wagering transaction if the current geographical location is within a predetermined jurisdiction.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein receiving user outcome selections comprises receiving a plurality of baseball outcomes. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein receiving a plurality of baseball outcomes comprises receiving outcomes comprising single, double, triple, walk, and home run. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein receiving user outcome selections comprises receiving a plurality of golf outcomes. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein receiving a plurality of golf outcomes comprises receiving an expected number of strokes, relative to par. 
     
     
         6 . A user interface for an interactive sports-themed game, comprising:
 an available outcomes window;   a contest information window; and   a real game information window.   
     
     
         7 . The user interface of  claim 6 , further comprising an advertisement window. 
     
     
         8 . The user interface of  claim 6 , further comprising a virtual game status window. 
     
     
         9 . The user interface of  claim 8 , wherein the virtual game status window is configured to display streak information. 
     
     
         10 . The user interface of  claim 7 , further comprising a video display window configured to display video of a real game. 
     
     
         11 . The user interface of  claim 8 , wherein the virtual game status window is configured to display current total points for a plurality of friends. 
     
     
         12 . The user interface of  claim 6 , wherein the real game information window is configured to display information about a real baseball game. 
     
     
         13 . The user interface of  claim 6 , wherein the real game information window is configured to display information about a real golf game. 
     
     
         14 . The user interface of  claim 7 , wherein the advertisement window is configured to display advertisements based on demographic information provided by a user. 
     
     
         15 . The user interface of  claim 7 , wherein the advertisement window is configured to display advertisements based on preferences provided by a user. 
     
     
         16 . The user interface of  claim 8 , wherein the virtual game status window is configured to display current percentage information. 
     
     
         17 . The user interface of  claim 11 , wherein the virtual game status window is configured to display an average total points for a group. 
     
     
         18 . The user interface of  claim 17 , wherein the group comprises a television audience. 
     
     
         19 . The user interface of  claim 12 , wherein the real game information window comprises a base indication indicating current base runner information. 
     
     
         20 . The user interface of  claim 19 , wherein the base indication further includes a circle that is positioned on the base indication to indicate an occupied base.