I'm creating a casino type game which allows users to bet on an event, and I plan to use Microsoft Azure as the back-end for processing and data storage (Table Storage). I'm looking for any ideas on how to validate information and notify users of any updated.

***The Idea:***
The application allows users to place bets on an event, e.g. an online bookies (PaddyPower, Ladbrokes etc). 

***The Workflow:***

* The user places a bet on an event
* After the event finished the bet is settled and the user is notified
of any winnings
* GoTo step 1

***The Scenario (simplified):***

* A user shouldn't be able to place a bet after an event has started
* A user should be notified of any problems and winnings

***The Process:***

***Solution 1*** - Using Queues:
When a bet is placed by a user, a message will be put into a Queue(used by all users) and processed by a Worker Role.

If it happens that the placed bet is too late for the event, or that the player eventually wins the bet, they need to be notified of the result.

So each active user has it's own queue which the client application polls for any updates. This will allow the client application to pick up any notifications and display them to the user.

***Solution 2*** - Using WCF & Queues:
When a bet is placed by a user, they connect to a WCF service and it will do the event start check, and they will be notified immediately of any problems.

The only way to get any notification back to the user would be to use the Queue method in Solution 1.

***Note:***

* The above scenario is simplified version of the game, but the
mechanics are the same, so I'm just looking for good architecture
ideas
* I'm not going to use the Notification Services because I plan
for this application to be on both Mobile and Facebook and want to
have the same experience across all devices
* I'm using Table Storage and not using SQL Azure
* I'm open to using the Service Bus if it makes more sense

So which of the solutions would be ideal, or is there a better solution?