Methods and apparatus for managing network linked gambling video games

1. A method for playing video games in a network environment that includes one or more game servers, comprising:

one of said game servers is configured to interface with a random number generator that is managed by a regulatory agency to control odds in games;

receiving a request, at one game server, to initiate a game for a first player of a first network connected device;

enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game;

enabling transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game;

debiting an account of a player that transferred the currency and crediting an account of a player that that received the currency;

enabling purchases in the game using the credited currency;

displaying an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device; and

displaying an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device, the method being executed by at least one processor of the game server.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transfer is processed in response to one player graphically moving the currency from one location on a graphical user interface to another location in the graphical user interface.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising,

receiving a request to enable additional players to play the game from a graphical user interface.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising,

receiving a request to search a server to identify users to play the game.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second players are friends.

6. Non-transitory computer readable media having program instructions for performing the method of claim 1 .

7. A server for processing play of a video game played in a networked environment, comprising,

memory,

a processor, the processor executing,

program instructions for interfacing with a random number generator that is managed by a regulatory agency to control odds in games;

program instructions for receiving a request to initiate a game for a first player of a first network connected device;

program instructions for enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game;

program instructions for enabling transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network during play of the gambling game;

program instructions for debiting an account of a player that transferred the currency and crediting an account of a player that that received the currency;

program instructions for enabling display of an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device;

program instructions for enabling display of an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device.

8. The server of claim 7 , wherein the game is a casino game managed by servers.

9. The server of claim 7 , wherein the transfer is processed in response to one player graphically moving the currency from one location on a graphical user interface to another location in the graphical user interface.

10. The server of claim 7 , wherein storage of a server identifies the first and second players as friends.

11. The server of claim 7 , wherein logic of the server provides instructions to render the game as a slot machine game, a poker game, a bingo game, or a casino game.

12. The server of claim 7 , wherein the networked environment connected to a wide area network.