Method and apparatus for providing authenticated, secure, on-line
communication between remote locations including a user terminal adapted
to enable a player in one location to remotely communicate via a
communications medium such as the Internet with a gaming host in another
location. Location of the remote user terminal, the host server and
universal time are determined using means for accessing signals generated
by geostationary navigational transmitters, such as in the global
positioning satellite (GPS) system. Player authentication (identity
verification) is determined by use of a personal identification number
(PIN) and an electronic signature verification service. Security of
communication is accomplished through use of a public-key/private-key
encryption system. The remote user terminal may be comprised of one or
more discreet components adapted to be used with a laptop or desktop
personal computer (PC), or may be embodied in a stand alone or
self-contained single unit that is portable and communicates via radio
waves, telephone lines or the Internet to a host server.