U.S. patent application number 10/236831 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-06 for lottery game, ticket and interactive method of play.
This patent application is currently assigned to Interlott Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Roberts, Brian J..
Application Number | 20030045340 10/236831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23234749 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030045340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roberts, Brian J. |
March 6, 2003 |
Lottery game, ticket and interactive method of play
Abstract
A lottery gaming system and associated method utilizes the
internet along with an instant game lottery. The need to maintain
jurisdictional and age control for the sale of lottery tickets is
maintained while limiting the payment options, since most lottery
jurisdictions do not permit payment for lottery tickets on credit.
Additionally, the frequency and excitement typically offered by
pair-mutuel type play is offered in an internet-based system.
Instant game lottery tickets are sold from a standard ITVM or the
like. Each lottery ticket includes a unique serial number in a bar
code or other format. Upon the purchase of the ticket, the ticket's
bar code is read by the ticket dispensing terminal and transmitted
to a central computer system for recording and access to remaining
play data. In addition to the instant game available on the lottery
ticket, the ticket includes an access code or internet address for
subsequent interactive internet-based play. The interactive play
may be utilized from one's own personal computer or an online
terminal incorporated into the ITVM.
Inventors: |
Roberts, Brian J.;
(Carlsbad, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Keith R. Haupt
Wood, Herron & Evans, L.L.P.
2700 Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati
OH
45202-2917
US
|
Assignee: |
Interlott Technologies,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23234749 |
Appl. No.: |
10/236831 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60317671 |
Sep 6, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/0615 20130101;
G07C 15/006 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 2003/088 20130101;
G07F 17/3248 20130101; G07F 17/329 20130101; A63F 2009/242
20130101; A63F 3/0665 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A lottery gaming system comprising: a lottery ticket having a
removable portion concealing instant game information, a bar code
and an interactive game information portion; a lottery ticket
dispenser having a bar code reader for reading the bar code on the
lottery ticket prior to the lottery ticket being dispensed from the
dispenser; a central computer system in communication with the
lottery ticket dispenser; wherein transmittal of the bar code from
the lottery ticket dispenser to the central computer system
initiates interactive game information represented on the lottery
ticket in the interactive game information portion; and a computer
remote from and in communication with the central computer system,
the computer being utilized by a player to play an interactive game
with the central computer system based on the interactive game
information.
2. The lottery gaming system of claim 1 wherein the lottery ticket
dispenser further comprises: a printer for printing the interactive
game information on the lottery ticket in the interactive game
information portion.
3. The lottery gaming system of claim 1 wherein the computer is in
communication with the central computer system via the
internet.
4. The lottery gaming system of claim 3 wherein the interactive
game information further comprises: an access code to be utilized
by the player for playing the interactive game; and an address to
be utilized by the player for accessing the central computer
system.
5. The lottery gaming system of claim 1 wherein the computer is
remote from the lottery ticket dispenser.
6. The lottery gaming system of claim 1 wherein the computer is
incorporated into the lottery ticket dispenser.
7. The lottery gaming system of claim 1 wherein the interactive
game information is pre-printed on the lottery ticket and activated
when the bar code is transmitted to the central computer
system.
8. A lottery ticket comprising: a removable portion to reveal
instant game information for determining whether the lottery ticket
is an instant game winner; a bar code; and an interactive game
information portion for displaying interactive game information
required by a player in playing an interactive game.
9. The lottery ticket of claim 8 wherein the interactive game
information further comprises: an access code to be utilized by the
player for playing the interactive game; and an address to be
utilized by the player for accessing the interactive game.
10. The lottery ticket of claim 8 wherein the removable portion is
a scratch off layer.
11. The lottery ticket of claim 8 wherein the lottery ticket is
releasably coupled by lines of weakness to additional lottery
tickets in a fan fold stack of lottery tickets.
12. A method of conducting a lottery comprising the steps of:
accepting payment from a player; processing a selection by the
player for a lottery ticket; wherein the lottery ticket includes a
removable portion concealing instant game information, a bar code,
and an interactive game information portion for displaying
interactive game information required by a player in playing an
interactive game; reading the bar code from the lottery ticket;
generating interactive game information associated with the bar
code; initiating the interactive game information on the lottery
ticket; dispensing the lottery ticket to the player; removing the
removable portion from the lottery ticket; determining if the
lottery ticket is an instant game winner; redeeming a prize if the
lottery ticket is the instant game winner; accessing the internet
with the interactive game information; and playing the interactive
game via the internet.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: transmitting bar
code information of the bar code to a central computer system.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the generating step is performed
by the central computer system.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the accepting, processing,
reading and dispensing steps are performed at least in part by an
automated ticket dispenser.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: providing a
communication link between the automated ticket dispenser and a
central computer system located remotely from the automated ticket
dispenser.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: transmitting bar
code information of the bar code from the automated ticket
dispenser to the central computer system.
18. The method of claim 12 wherein the removing, accessing and
playing steps are performed at least in part by the player.
19. The method of claim 12 further comprising: printing at least a
portion of the interactive game information on the lottery ticket
in the interactive game information portion.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the printing, accepting,
processing, reading and dispensing steps are performed at least in
part by an automated ticket dispenser.
21. The method of claim 12 wherein the accessing and playing steps
are performed at a location remote from the dispensing step.
22. The method of claim 12 further comprising: crediting an account
of the player if the player wins the interactive game.
Description
[0001] This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/317,671, filed Sep. 6, 2001 and hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, a wide variety of lottery games, entertainment
options and gaming systems are available. To date though, there
have been specific obstacles to implementing lottery, interactive
play via the internet or even more localized computer networks.
However, the internet is extremely effective, efficient and
economic in providing limitless access, but to date, the lottery
industry has not overcome the obstacles to provide secure lottery
play via the internet or more localized computer networks.
[0003] Most lottery jurisdictions, particularly in the U.S., do not
permit payment for lottery tickets on credit. Therefore, until such
legislative changes are made, players must purchase their tickets
with cash or established deposit accounts with the lottery
authority to enable them to deduct payment when needed. Managing
such accounts, at this time, would be burdensome and costly for
lotteries and it is unlikely that players would utilize such
accounts to play the mix of currently available games. Account
betting or telephone betting has been tried in the past in the
lottery industry without success. Yet, in the pari-mutuel industry,
account betting is extremely successful in jurisdictions,
particularly in international markets, that permit this form of
wagering.
[0004] The difference in the product offerings between the lottery
industry and the pari-mutuel industry is the factor governing
success and failure. The pari-mutuel industry offers a program of
entertainment for a period of several hours, either live at the
track or televised, with the opportunity to place wagers from one
race to the next and with winnings being posted to the player's
account immediately the results and prizes are known. In addition,
pari-mutuel gaming adds to the entertainment value by the fact that
wagers can be associated to the results of several races, with the
possibility of greater prizes as the wager progresses from race to
race. With the exception of perhaps instant games and keno, no
existing lottery games offer the frequency or excitement offered by
the pari-mutuel type wagers. Until the games offered by lotteries
offer these benefits to the player, it is unlikely that a player
will establish a deposit account with the lottery authority to
merely play twice a week on lotto.
[0005] Another obstacle to the utilization of the internet to
distribute lottery products is the issue of age control. Unless
lotteries can provide mechanisms and procedures to prevent play by
minors, internet access for lottery games is not likely. Use of
credit cards may permit under age players to play unless prior
player authorization is approved.
[0006] One possible solution is that this can be done by the
implementation of a Player's Club or loyalty program whereby
players would be required to register with the lottery providing
proof of age. Such loyalty programs have become very popular as a
marketing tool in many industries, but with the present lottery
game offerings, it is difficult for lotteries to develop programs
that can be exciting and rewarding for such players.
[0007] The right games, i.e., those that offer entertainment value,
convenience and frequency, will provide the incentive for lottery
players to register with a loyalty program. The more players who
register, the more attractive the player base becomes to
advertisers wishing to access lottery players via the lottery's web
pages. Such advertising income makes the loyalty program more
rewarding.
[0008] Another paramount concern in the implementation of internet
access to lottery products is one of jurisdictional control.
Lotteries have a monopoly to provide their products to players
within their geographic area. In general, lottery authority
officials restrict the sale of their products to within their
jurisdiction, and have resisted opportunities to market their
products outside.
[0009] The use of the internet can provide access to players
outside of a particular jurisdiction, even with controlled
access.
[0010] As such, there is a need for an improved, more exciting
lottery game that utilizes the internet or other computer network
while still providing the lottery authority control over the
appropriate use of payment by credit as well as age and
jurisdictional control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] These and other objectives are satisfied by this invention
which is directed to a way for utilizing the internet with a
lottery gaming system. Briefly, the invention addresses the need to
maintain jurisdictional and age control in the sale of lottery
tickets while limiting the payment options, since most lottery
jurisdictions do not permit payment for lottery tickets on credit.
Additionally, the invention provides the frequency and excitement
typically offered by pari-mutuel type play in an internet-based
system.
[0012] The invention in one embodiment includes the sale of instant
game lottery tickets from a standard instant ticket vending machine
(ITVM) or the like. Each lottery ticket includes a unique serial
number in a bar code or other format. Upon the purchase of an
instant ticket, the ticket's bar code is read by the dispensing
ITVM and transmitted to a central computer system for recording and
access to remaining play data such as interactive game information
to be played via the internet. In addition to the instant play
available on the lottery ticket, the ticket includes an access code
and/or internet address for subsequent interactive internet-based
play. The interactive game may be played from one's own personal
computer or an online terminal incorporated into the ITVM. As such,
the invention utilizes existing instant game themes which players
are accustomed to while allowing internet capabilities to provide
additional and extended play. Additional features of the invention
are disclosed hereinbelow.
[0013] This invention provides solutions to the above-issues and
enables the lottery industry to access the full potential of the
internet in a secure and controlled manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The objectives and features of the invention will become
more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative lottery
ticket dispenser according to one presently preferred embodiment of
this invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a hybrid instant lottery ticket
according to one presently preferred embodiment of this
invention;
[0017] FIGS. 3 & 4 are schematic representations of a lottery
gaming system according to presently preferred embodiments of this
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flow-chart of one embodiment of the lottery
gaming system and associated method according to this
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In one aspect, the present invention provides the technology
to securely dispense instant game lottery tickets 10 and to read a
unique bar code 12 on each instant lottery ticket. This invention
provides the ability to provide ticket-by-ticket accountability for
the instant game product. Such a lottery ticket dispenser, terminal
or ITVM 14 is disclosed in applicant's pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/128,406, filed Aug. 3, 1998 and Ser. No.
09/385,336, filed Aug. 30, 1999, each of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. This attribute of the
ITVM makes possible a new generation of hybrid instant tickets 10
according to the present invention that provides play of a
conventional instant lottery game with its instant prize
gratification, and extended play via an interactive game on the
Internet either in the retail location, at home or elsewhere.
[0020] The ITVM 14 disclosed in the '406 and '336 patent
applications provides all of the capabilities to provide these game
play features and functions at a retail location 16. Moreover,
applicant's pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/828,643,
filed Aug. 3, 1998 and hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety discloses a device that provides a peripheral to an
existing on-line terminal or PC connected to the Internet to
deliver these new hybrid instant tickets 10.
[0021] The full service player activated terminal 14 disclosed in
the above-identified patent applications is a platform to
distribute lottery information via the internet 18 while in the
idle mode (i.e., awaiting a player to insert money to purchase a
ticket 10). The terminals 14 provide access to the respective
lottery web sites to attract player attention and to provide such
information as winning numbers, current jackpots, prize pay-outs,
etc. The terminals 14 could also provide for player services such
as the submission of prize claim forms and general
correspondence.
[0022] The game design according to the present invention can be as
varied as the conventional instant game tickets 10 that are
marketed by lotteries today. For purposes of describing one
embodiment of the invention, a game with a golf theme will be
described.
[0023] The game may comprise nine holes that the player will play
against an opponent with instant game information in the form of
the player's score 20 being concealed under a removable and/or
scratch-off layer 20a on the instant ticket 10. Upon purchase, the
ticket's bar code 12 is read by the ticket dispensing terminal 14
and transmitted to a central computer 22 for recording and access
to interactive game information or remaining play data associated
with the ticket's bar code 12, i.e., the opponent's scores for the
nine holes. The interactive game information may include the
opponent's scores, a transaction serial number, an internet access
code, web site address and/or applicable security data which, in
one embodiment, are then transmitted to the point of sale terminal
or ITVM 14, where the interactive game information is printed on
the ticket 10 in an interactive game information portion 21 or
elsewhere to complete the transaction. One way to accomplish this
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,510 issued Jun. 30, 1998 and
hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the interactive
game information 21 may be already printed on the ticket 10 and
activated upon receipt of the bar code 12 information at the
central computer system 22.
[0024] Hence, according to one aspect of the present invention, the
hybrid instant ticket 10 is in two parts: 1) the instant game 20
and, 2) the interactive or internet game 21. The player removes the
layer 20a from the ticket 10 to reveal the instant game information
20 and matches the player's score with the opponent's score to
determine if the ticket 10 is a winner. Winning tickets 10 can be
cashed immediately as with other instant game tickets, possibly
resulting in the player purchasing more tickets. Win or lose, the
player subsequently continues to play the game via the internet 18
in an interactive mode.
[0025] Either in the retail location 16, if the ITVM 14 or other
unit is suitably equipped with a personal computer (PC) with
internet access/capability or the like 14a incorporated therein for
customer use, or a PC 15 remote from the ITVM 14, the player will
log on to the web site printed on the ticket 10. Upon access to the
website, an interactive and graphically exciting golf game will be
downloaded to the PC 15 or ITVM 14a for the player to play once the
internet access code, which is printed on the ticket 10, is
entered. The player can now play the nine holes of golf in an
interactive manner via the internet 18 for an extended period of
time at his or her leisure. The objective being to beat the
opponent's score printed originally on the ticket 10 and now
displayed also on the PC 15 or ITVM 14a monitor as part of the
game's graphics. Although the game will appear to require an
element of skill, in one embodiment of this invention, the game's
result will be purely based on a random result. Like most lottery
games, the game could be designed to provide a high frequency of
winners, and the player will be able to play additional games using
some or all of the prize winnings to pay for the additional games.
Remaining prize money can be collected by presentation of the
original ticket 10 at any lottery retailer, by submitting a form
over the internet, or having the money deposited for future use in
a loyalty program deposit account.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 5, a flow chart of one embodiment of the
lottery gaming system and associated method according to this
invention is shown. The lottery game is initiated by a player
purchasing one or more tickets 10 from a typical ITVM 14 as shown
by block 110 of FIG. 5. The ITVM 14 may include tickets 10 from a
variety of different games or game types and the player must select
the appropriate game(s) 112. After the game(s) is/are selected, the
bar code 12 is read from each ticket 10 in the ITVM 14 as shown by
block 114. The information of the bar code 12 is then transmitted
to a central computer 116. The remaining pay data 21 is generated
118. The remaining play date generation 118 may be accomplished by
the central computer at which time the remaining play data is added
to the tickets 120. Alternatively, the remaining play data may be
pre-printed on the ticket(s) 10 and merely initialized once the
associated bar code information 12 is received by the central
computer 116. In another embodiment, the remaining play data added
to the tickets 120 may be accomplished by printing the information
received from the central computer actually onto the ticket.
Subsequently, the ticket(s) is/are dispensed to the player 122.
Instant game data 20 is included on the ticket and the player
uncovers the layer 20a to determine whether the ticket is an
instant winner 124. Once the determination of whether the ticket is
an instant winner 126 is made, winning tickets may be redeemed for
cash and/or more tickets 128 as is customary with many instant game
lottery transactions. If the player decides to play the instant
game again 130, additional games are selected by the player 112 and
the process repeats itself. If the ticket 10 is not an instant
winner 126, the player accesses the internet with the access code
and website printed on the ticket(s) 132. With such information,
interactive play via the internet 134 commences at the conclusion
of which the player determines whether continued internet play is
desired 136. If the player wishes to end the interactive play via
the internet, the game is over 138.
[0027] The above described concept is but one presently preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The invention addresses and
provides solutions for the issues facing lottery authorities
wishing to move forward with an internet product offering. The
invention in various aspects uses an instant game type format which
will enable a player to adapt to the new play format without
extensive player education. The initial purchase of the ticket 10
can be made from an established lottery retailer, which requires
cash and thereby does not require legislative change to allow
credit payment. Payment in cash to the lottery retailer reduces the
potential abuse of payments made by credit, even if credit payments
are available. Because the retailer is involved in the transaction,
a retailer commission is generated and the retailer is supportive
of the lottery's program. Whereas, if removed from the transaction,
the retailer may stop selling the lottery products. Additional
lottery products provide the retailer with additional opportunities
to earn increased commissions. Importantly, the purchase of the
initial ticket 10 from the retailer provides safeguards and
controls with respect to play by minors. Purchasing the initial
ticket for cash and allowing extended and additional play against
prize winnings avoids the need for payment using credit. Purchasing
the original ticket at an authorized lottery retailer eliminates
the issue of jurisdiction control while allowing the player access
via the internet, for example, even if the player resides in a
different jurisdiction from where the ticket was purchased.
[0028] The present invention, as previously stated, can utilize
existing instant game themes with which players are accustomed
while allowing the internet capabilities to provide additional and
extended play to those themes. Entertaining and graphically
exciting card games, slot machines and sports games, to list a few
examples, are downloaded and these games can be priced to provide
extensive and prolonged play value. For example, nine holes of golf
on a par 3 course could provide up to 15 minutes of extended
internet-based play value, with a small number of higher value
prizes. While a blackjack card game would provide fast action and
could provide the player with 20 hands for an initial $1 purchase.
Preferably, prizes would be smaller but large enough to fund
additional play.
[0029] Furthermore, although most prizes would be small to
facilitate extended play, a progressive jackpot can be included to
further enhance the excitement of play. In the golf game previously
described, for example, if each hole had the possibility of between
1 and 6 strokes and the objective to win the jackpot prize were to
match exactly the opponent's score for each hole, the odds of
winning the jackpot prize are 1 in 10,077,696. While these are long
odds, the power of a progressive jackpot prize downloaded to each
game participant's PC and the excitement of potentially winning the
jackpot prize as each hole is played, in addition to winning a
smaller prize are significant features of the invention. One such
jackpot prize system is disclosed in the above-identified '643 U.S.
patent application.
[0030] This invention includes play utilizing the internet which
will appeal to the new generation of lottery players, those who
have been brought up with a mouse (or joy stick) in their hand.
This next generation of computer savvy players is looking for the
thrill and entertainment value offered by interactive games.
Membership in a loyalty program, especially if such membership
provides additional benefits through competitive challenges, also
offers significant advantages. For example, using the golf game as
a vehicle, players playing a golf game over the internet could
elect to have a particular game entered into a separate competition
open only to loyalty program members. During the days of play of a
major professional golf tournament, the player could nominate one
of his games to be entered. The best score would receive points and
at the end of the golf season the players with the most points
would win a prize or prizes, which could be a golf vacation, a
round of golf with a professional, golf lessons or golfing/lottery
merchandise.
[0031] With the present invention, the possibilities are endless
and the utilization of the internet brings lottery products into
the home for the enjoyment and pleasure of the player in a secure
and controlled manner, and within the current legal framework of
most lottery jurisdictions.
[0032] The game design and distribution concepts of this invention
provide a new category of interactive lottery products to appeal to
the enormous appetite the public at large has for professional
sports and other cultural events. While the lottery products are
games of chance and not sports betting, the perception of the
lottery player, the dreams and the aspirations of playing and
competing with the best athletes or performers has tremendous
marketing appeal.
[0033] Again using the above-described golf game, the invention
allows a player when, upon accessing the web site, to select the
course he/she wishes to play from a selection of the world's top
courses, and then the player selects an opponent to play from a
list of the world's leading players. Although make believe, the
thought of playing and the bragging rights that the player beat
Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach.TM. has tremendous entertainment
value.
[0034] While golf has been used extensively to describe the present
invention to enhance the lottery product line by utilization of the
internet and the convergence of various technologies according to
aspects of this invention, the possibilities for licensing sports
personalities and their respective sport authorities and
cross-promotion for all sports are another aspect of this invention
(i.e., baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pool and
tennis). For example, playing and beating the Wimbledon champion
would have significant appeal. The marketing power of the images of
such celebrities on the initial instant lottery tickets will
provide lottery products with phenomenal appeal as the product
mix.
[0035] From the above disclosure of the general principles of the
present invention and the preceding detailed description of at
least one preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will
readily comprehend the various modifications to which this
invention is susceptible. Therefore, I desire to be limited only by
the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *