WO2001098860A3 - Method providing for a verifiable game-of-chance played even over a computer network - Google Patents

Abstract

A method (fig. 1) for self-auditing a game of chance even when the game is played over a computer network, and in particular over the Internet. The method (fig. 1) provides to structure games of chance so that any participant can mathematically verify that no cheating has occurred. The method (fig. 1) is of use in any game of chance that can be structured so that, in the best mode, each participant selects a secret number (12) and in which the outcome of the game depends upon an event that is indicated by some combination of the secret numbers (17). The method (fig. 1) allows for auditing, or verifying, that each participant has selected a secret number (13) and not later changed the secret number after learning the secret number of any other player (13). The method (fig. 1) relies on using hash functions such as SHA1, MD4, and MD5, as well as various forms of public-key encryptionas a basis for enabling each participant to reveal the participant's secret number essentially in stages, in a way that makes it impossible for a participant to change secret numbers without the other players knowing.