U.S. patent application number 11/190541 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for method and system for subscription lottery play.
Invention is credited to Andrew R. Amada.
Application Number | 20060019736 11/190541 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35657949 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060019736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amada; Andrew R. |
January 26, 2006 |
Method and system for subscription lottery play
Abstract
A system and method can provide subscription services for a
lottery operated by a state lottery includes. The method includes:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; and collecting funds for paying for one or
more tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based
on the subscription order. The collected funds can be in an amount
less than the amount required to purchase all of the lottery
tickets for the plurality of subscription drawings.
Inventors: |
Amada; Andrew R.; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TIFFANY & BOSCO P.A.;CAMELBACK ESPLANADE II
THIRD FLOOR
2525 EAST CAMELBACK ROAD
PHOENIX
AZ
85016-4237
US
|
Family ID: |
35657949 |
Appl. No.: |
11/190541 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60591384 |
Jul 26, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20130101; A63F
2003/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/017 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator using a computer system, the
method comprising: receiving a subscription application from a
lottery player, wherein the subscription application includes
player information and information for a subscription order to
purchase at least one lottery ticket for at least one game
selection over a plurality of subscription drawings, unless sooner
terminated; receiving instructions for lottery ticket numbers for
the subscription order; storing on a subscription computer system
subscription information including the information from the
subscription application, the information for the subscription
order and the instructions for lottery ticket numbers; collecting
funds for paying for one or more tickets to be purchased from the
state lottery operator based on the subscription order; and using
the stored subscription information to submit to the state lottery
computer system information to purchase one or more lottery tickets
for less than the plurality of the subscription drawings included
in the subscription order.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the submission to the state
lottery online system includes only that information required by
the state lottery operator to sell tickets to the player for the
next subscription drawing included in the subscription order.
3. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; and collecting funds for paying for one or
more tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based
on the subscription order; wherein the subscription application
includes a paper transmittal form and wherein the lottery player
submits the paper transmittal form with one or more game play slips
identifying one or more lottery tickets to be purchased by the
lottery player.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the transmittal form is submitted
by mail service.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein the transmittal from is submitted
to a retailer of lottery tickets.
6. The method of claim 3 wherein the transmittal form is scanned
into a lottery terminal located at a lottery ticket retail
location.
7. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; collecting funds for paying for one or more
tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based on
the subscription order; and charging the lottery player one or more
fees for services associated with the subscription application.
8. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; and collecting funds for paying for one or
more tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based
on the subscription order wherein the collected funds are in an
amount less than the amount required to purchase all of the lottery
tickets for the plurality of subscription drawings.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein step of collecting funds includes
collecting periodic partial payments so that sufficient funds are
available to pay the amount required by the state lottery operator
as the tickets are sold to the lottery player.
10. A method for providing subscription services over a computer
network for a lottery operated by a state lottery operator, the
method comprising: receiving a subscription application from a
lottery player, wherein the subscription application includes
player information and information for a subscription order to
purchase at least one lottery ticket for at least one game
selection over a plurality of subscription drawings, unless sooner
terminated; receiving instructions for lottery ticket numbers for
the subscription order; storing on a subscription computer system
subscription information including the information from the
subscription application, the information for the subscription
order and the instructions for lottery ticket numbers; and
collecting funds for paying for one or more tickets to be purchased
from the state lottery operator based on the subscription order;
wherein the subscription order information includes one or more
selected jackpot levels for one or more games and the purchase of
additional tickets under the subscription order for a given game of
the one or more games is conditioned upon reaching the selected
game jackpot levels for the given game.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising defining in the
subscription computer system one or more pools of lottery players
for the selected game and placing the lottery player into one or
more of the pools for the selected game.
12. The method of claim 10 further including the step of
maintaining a reserve account for collecting funds for paying for
one or more tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator
based on the conditional subscription order.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished when the reserve account falls to or
below a predefined minimum level.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished by a predefined amount.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished to a predefined level.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished by an automated payment method.
17. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator using a computer network, the
method comprising: receiving a subscription application from a
lottery player, wherein the subscription application includes
player information and information for a subscription order for
purchasing at least one lottery ticket for at least one game
selection over a plurality of subscription drawings; receiving
instructions for number selections for the subscription order;
storing on a computer system the information from the subscription
application, the information for the subscription order and the
instructions for number selections; and collecting funds for paying
for one or more tickets to be purchased from the state lottery
operator based on the subscription order, including: maintaining
funds in a reserve account for the lottery player; and charging the
reserve account to pay for the one or more tickets.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished when the reserve account falls to or
below a predefined minimum level.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished by a defined amount.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished to a defined level.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished by an automated payment method.
22. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; collecting funds for paying for one or more
tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based on
the subscription order; and defining in the subscription computer
system one or more pools of lottery players and placing the lottery
player into one or more of the defined pools.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the subscription order
information includes one or more selected jackpot levels for one or
more games and the purchase of additional pooling tickets under the
subscription order for a given game of the one or more games is
conditioned upon reaching the selected game jackpot level for the
given game.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein defining the one or more pools
of lottery players includes setting a pool size for the one or more
pools by providing a set number of players permitted to participate
in each of the one or more pools
25. The method of claim 22 wherein defining the one or more pools
of lottery players includes setting a pool size range for the one
or more pools by providing a range of the number of players
permitted to participate in each of the one or more pools.
26. The method of claim 22 further including the step of
maintaining a reserve account for collecting funds for paying for
one or more tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator
based on the conditional subscription order.
27. The method of claim 22 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished when the reserve account falls to or
below a predefined minimum level.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished by a predefined amount.
29. The method of claim 27 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished to a predefined level.
30. The method of claim 27 wherein the reserve account is
automatically replenished by an automated payment method.
31. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; collecting funds for paying for one or more
tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based on
the subscription order; and requiring the lottery player to agree
to procedures to be used in the event that the lottery operator
makes changes to the lottery game before all of the plurality of
subscription drawings are completed.
32. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; collecting funds for paying for one or more
tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based on
the subscription order; and posting the lottery ticket numbers and
highlighting each of the lottery ticket numbers that match the
numbers drawn by the state lottery operator whether or not the
lottery ticket numbers are included in winning number
combinations.
33. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; collecting funds for paying for one or more
tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based on
the subscription order; and paying winnings to the lottery player
when the lottery player's unpaid winnings are at or above a
predefined level.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein paying winnings to the lottery
player includes crediting the lottery player's reserve account.
35. The method of claim 33 wherein paying winning to the lottery
player includes paying the lottery player when total unpaid
winnings are at or above predefined level.
36. The method of claim 33 wherein paying winnings to the lottery
player includes paying the lottery player when a prize for a
winning lottery ticket is at or above a predefined level.
37. A method for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator, the method comprising:
receiving a subscription application from a lottery player, wherein
the subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
storing on a subscription computer system subscription information
including the information from the subscription application, the
information for the subscription order and the instructions for
lottery ticket numbers; collecting funds for paying for one or more
tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator based on
the subscription order; and collecting funds for paying for the one
or more tickets to be purchased from the state lottery operator
based on the subscription order includes collecting funds using an
automated payment method.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the automated payment method
includes making one or more charges to the lottery player's one or
more credit card accounts and the total amount collected by charges
to the lottery player's one or more card accounts is restricted to
a limit set by the state lottery operator.
39. The method of claim 1 wherein the subscription application is
for an open-ended subscription.
40. A system for providing subscription services for a lottery
operated by a state lottery operator using a computer system, the
system comprising: a computer system programmed to: receive a
subscription application from a lottery player, wherein the
subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receive
instructions for lottery ticket numbers for the subscription order;
store subscription information including the information from the
subscription application, the information for the subscription
order and the instructions for lottery ticket numbers; collect
funds for paying for one or more tickets to be purchased from the
state lottery operator based on the subscription order; and use the
stored subscription information to submit to the state lottery
computer system information to purchase one or more lottery tickets
for less than the plurality of the subscription drawings included
in the subscription order.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/591,384 filed on Jul.
26, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by this reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION
[0002] Portions of this patent application include materials that
are subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
document itself, or of the patent application as it appears in the
files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever in such included
copyrighted materials.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This invention pertains generally to systems and methods for
selling lottery tickets. More particularly, it relates to a method
and system for selling tickets for state lotteries, collecting
payments, paying winnings and providing players with more options
in order to better attract, service and retain lottery players.
[0004] Many state and provincial lotteries at one time or another
have tried to attract, service and retain lottery players by
providing subscription play and advanced play purchases at lottery
terminals. Subscription play services are typically closed-ended,
meaning they involve signing up with a state lottery to receive
continuous lottery play for a fixed period of time. With these
types of subscriptions, the ownership of the tickets are known by
the state. In addition, since the subscription contains all
required ownership information, the tickets are monitored by the
state for winnings and any winnings are paid to the subscriber, so
the subscriber does not have to concern themselves with losing
tickets or missing out on winnings. Advanced play services involve
the purchase of a lottery ticket that spans many drawings. With
these tickets it is the obligation of the purchaser not to lose the
ticket and to check their own winnings. Some have been moderately
successful, but lotteries have suffered from several major
drawbacks. First, in most cases it has been costly to attract,
service and retain subscription players, even after discounting the
overall price. In most instances this discount has been minimal
(e.g., about 4%), but subscription play has not produced the
overall sales gain for which the lotteries had been hoping. Second,
historical and current subscription and advanced play programs
restrict the flexibility of the lottery operator to make changes to
the lottery game for which subscriptions have been sold, restrict
changes by the player, limit the method of paying for tickets,
limit the options for how winnings are to be handled and limit a
player's ownership options. In addition, state lotteries have never
offered open-ended subscription play, i.e., state lotteries have
not offered a form of subscription wherein no fixed time period has
been established for the subscription, thereby allowing the player
to place an order for a continuous purchase of tickets until
cancelled by the player. In some instances, there may be a
revalidation of the order required in order to have the ticket
purchases continue. This form of subscription also allows the
player to make changes at will so that the tickets sold to the
player by the lottery would reflect the player's most recent
preferences.
[0005] There is a need, therefore, for an improved method and
system to enable lotteries to attract, service and retain lottery
players by providing lottery players with more options plus greater
convenience and flexibility while simultaneously providing the
lottery operator with the flexibility to manage these expanded play
features and to be able to easily and quickly change lottery games
for which subscriptions have been sold. It is an object and feature
of the present invention to provide such a system and method.
[0006] It is another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a method and system that is more profitable for the
lottery operator than previous subscription methods and
systems.
[0007] It is yet another object and feature of the present
invention to provide such a method and system that includes
features to assure security, control and integrity of the method
and system.
[0008] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the methods and apparatus pointed
out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY
[0009] To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the
purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described in this
document, there is provided a method and system for providing
subscription services for a lottery operated by a state lottery
operator. The method includes the steps of: receiving a
subscription application from a lottery player, wherein the
subscription application includes player information and
information for a subscription order to purchase at least one
lottery ticket for at least one game selection over a plurality of
subscription drawings, unless sooner terminated; receiving
instructions for which lottery ticket numbers to purchase for the
subscription order; storing on a subscription computer system
subscription information including the information from the
subscription application, the information for the subscription
order and the instructions for which lottery ticket numbers to
purchase; and collecting funds for paying for one or more tickets
to be purchased from the state lottery operator based on the
subscription order. The collected funds can be in an amount less
than the amount required to purchase all of the lottery tickets for
the plurality of subscription drawings. The subscription
application can include a paper transmittal form and wherein the
lottery player submits the paper transmittal form with one or more
game play slips identifying one or more lottery tickets to be
purchased by the lottery player. The subscription order information
can include one or more selected jackpot levels for one or more
games and the purchase of additional tickets under the subscription
order for a given game of the one or more games can be conditioned
upon reaching the selected game jackpot levels for the given game.
Funds can be collected by maintaining a reserve account for the
lottery player and charging the reserve account to pay for tickets
or by using an automated payment method, such as a credit or debit
charge or an ACH transfer. The lottery player can be placed into
one or more of the lottery pools defined in the subscription
computer system. The subscription application can be for an
open-ended subscription.
[0010] According to other aspects of the invention, the method can
include the step of using the stored subscription information to
submit to the state lottery computer system information to purchase
one or more lottery tickets for less than the plurality of the
subscription drawings included in the subscription order. The
method can include charging the lottery player one or more fees for
services associated with the subscription application. The method
also can include the step of requiring the lottery player to agree
to procedures to be used in the event that the lottery operator
makes changes to the lottery game before all of the plurality of
subscription drawings are completed. Moreover, the method can
include the step of posting the lottery ticket numbers and
highlighting each of the lottery ticket numbers that match the
numbers drawn by the state lottery operator whether or not the
lottery ticket numbers are included in winning number combinations.
The method also can include the step of only paying winnings to the
lottery player when the lottery player's unpaid winnings are at or
above a predefined level.
[0011] A system according to the invention includes a computer
system programmed to perform the method described above.
[0012] The method and system of the invention make it possible to
track, act and revise a player's choices that have been put in play
for up to a year or more in advance when there are changes in the
lottery game. This is done through specialized system controlled
review of player accounts based upon the lottery game in use at the
time of initiation of play and forward comparison of intended plays
against lottery changes. It also involves controls and customer
service acting in a pro-active manner to contact players and
resolve the play issues promptly. The system also accommodates game
changes as they become identified and planned by the participating
lottery operator. Most game changes are planned at least ten weeks
in advance of the change. This time is more than adequate to
contact the game subscription players, allow them to make new
choices in numbers (if needed), and be prepared for the first
drawing of the new game matrix or play concept. The lottery and the
online vendor do not need to worry about these subscription plays
when considering any game change or addition. From the player's
point of view, the subscription service provider can handle all
required action through player communication, personnel, software
design and pre-defined automated action rules for invalid play sets
when the Lottery has not heard back from the players prior to the
first drawing of the new game or matrix. From the point of view of
the lottery and online vendor no change is necessary in their
systems because under the current invention, the numbers to be
played on behalf of the player are not submitted to the lottery and
online vendor until approximately one day prior to the drawing.
[0013] Also, the method and system of the invention facilitate a
robust customer club service program that actively works to
entertain, support and create fun activities for all subscription
players. The club service provides an internet account review,
quarterly newsletter discussing numerous subjects about the
lottery, game services, play options, contests to enter for free,
and promoting other game alternatives. The telephone service does
not rely on any automated service menu requiring players to "touch
one for a new service", etc. When a player calls they get a "real
person" willing to respond to their questions on any issue
regarding subscription club play, their accounts, or game options
and other games offered by the Lottery. Mr. Amada has found,
through nine years of club service operations, that players like
getting someone in person on the phone rather than a recorded voice
with a series of "menu options" that can be confusing and
frustrating to navigate through. The only time an operator is not
"on hand" is during non-office hours and on weekends.
[0014] In addition, the method and system of the invention also
allow players to change their subscription plays and will provide
more opportunities for players to win a jackpot when jackpots are
higher with pre-defined additional individual ticket purchases and
additional tickets through lottery pools. Signing up for
subscriptions is also more convenient and affordable for players
since the method and system can accommodate monthly payments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND APPENDIX
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred methods and embodiments given below, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a functional diagram depicting a method for
providing subscription lottery play according to the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A shows an example of one side of a preferred
subscription application form according to the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B shows an example of a second side of the
subscription application form of FIG. 2A.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a preferred
subscription computer system and a network for practicing the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4A shows an exemplary display of a game code screen for
inputting information about a lottery game for which a player can
be subscribed using the system of FIG. 3, with the display showing
a tab selection for inputting general information about a selected
game.
[0021] FIG. 4B shows an exemplary display of the game code screen
of FIG. 4A, with the display showing a tab selection for entering
information about awards paid by the selected lottery game.
[0022] FIG. 5A shows an exemplary display of a subscription
settings screen for inputting default settings into the system for
various fees and miscellaneous time periods used by the system,
with the display showing a tab selection for inputting general
settings applicable to subscriptions.
[0023] FIG. 5B shows an exemplary display of the subscription
settings screen with the display showing a tab selection for
inputting subscription time periods, accompanying service charges,
and discounts for automatic renewal subscriptions to be stored in
the system.
[0024] FIG. 5C shows an exemplary display of the subscription
settings screen for inputting jackpot levels to be stored in the
system for triggering advanced play ticket sales.
[0025] FIG. 5D shows an exemplary display of the subscription
settings screen for inputting pool sizes to be stored in the
system.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary display of a transaction code
screen for providing audit capability and conformity within the
system.
[0027] FIG. 7A shows an exemplary display of a players screen for
entering information about a player into the system and viewing
stored information about the player, with the display showing a
demographics tab selected for entering demographic information
provided by a player in his or her subscription application.
[0028] FIG. 7B shows an exemplary display of a screen for
displaying payment type information for debit and credit card
charges and ACH deductions from checking accounts, when an operator
selects the payment type tab shown in FIG. 7B. The same payment
screen is available from screen 7A.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary display of the players screen
prompting the user to select the type of subscription invoice being
created after the operator selects the new subscription button for
creating in the system a subscription for the player displayed in
FIG. 7A.
[0030] FIG. 9A shows an exemplary display of a subscription invoice
screen for creating the subscription invoice prompted in FIG. 8,
showing sections for inputting and viewing player choices (games,
time periods, personal numbers versus Quick Pick numbers, and the
like), invoice information and payment information and also showing
the tab selections for entering other information about the game
plays that the subscribing player has chosen.
[0031] FIG. 9B shows the exemplary display of the subscription
invoice screen and a display of a monthly payment schedule in
response to the operator's selection of the payments button on the
subscription invoice screen.
[0032] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary display of the subscription
invoice screen showing the tab selection for entering information
about money management for the subscribing player, including
reserve account information.
[0033] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary display of the subscription
invoice screen showing the tab selection for entering information
about individual advance plays for the subscribing player.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary display of the subscription
invoice screen showing the tab selection for entering information
about advance plays for the subscribing player that are pooled with
advance plays of other players.
[0035] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary display of the players screen
showing the subscription invoice of FIGS. 9-12 pending for the
subscribing player after the subscription has been saved in the
system and before it is printed.
[0036] FIG. 14 shows the display of FIG. 13 with the display
showing the pending subscription invoice selected and after the new
subscription button has been selected, prompting the operator for
input to replace the invoice.
[0037] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary display of the players screen
with the display showing the account balances tab selection for
displaying the selected player's financial transactions for their
subscription account.
[0038] FIGS. 16A and 16B show an exemplary display of a pre-printed
confirmation certificate for confirming a player's subscription
according to the invention.
[0039] FIG. 17 shows an exemplary input screen for maintaining a
reserve account according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary website posting of play results
for a lottery player according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0041] In the following description, methods and embodiments of the
invention has been shown and described simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated by the inventor of
carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is
capable of modification in various respects, all without departing
from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are
to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a functional diagram of a method for
providing subscription lottery play according to the present
invention is shown. According to a preferred method, a subscription
service operator 10 interacts with a player 12 seeking to
participate in lottery play and with a lottery operator 14. It will
be understood that the player can include a person who is a
prospective lottery player as well as a person who has previously
participated in lottery play. According to the exemplary method of
FIG. 1, the lottery operator 14 can be a lottery operated by a
governmental entity, such as a state lottery, or a representative
of a state. One example of a lottery operator that is a
representative of a state is the Georgia Lottery Corporation, which
is referred to as a quasi-state agency and which runs the lottery
for the state of Georgia. The lottery operator 14 also can include
a third-party provider, such as an online provider that operates
the on-line lottery games for a state or other governmental entity.
According to the exemplary method of FIG. 1, the subscription
service operator 10 operates a subscription computer system 16,
which stores and processes information regarding subscription
lottery games, registered lottery players, player subscriptions and
player payments, as described below. The player 12 can communicate
with the subscription service operator 10 by mail, by a lottery
terminal 11 or a user computer 24 coupled to the subscription
computer system 16 via a computer network such as the Internet 30,
or by telephone or other suitable communications means.
[0043] According to one novel aspect of the invention, the lottery
player 12 can register for the subscription service using a
subscription application form 100 along with standard "game play
slips" 110 to indicate the games and numbers to which the person
wishes to subscribe. FIGS. 2A and 2 B show an example of a
preferred subscription application form 100, which also serves as a
transmittal form for the player's game choices. Previously, no
state lottery has used a transmittal form to accompany the existing
play slips. The application form 100 includes sections for
providing player information, payment option information, and
subscription information. The subscription information includes
game selection, a subscription time period, a number of drawings,
and a number of tickets desired for each drawing night. The
subscription application form 100 may include additional
information, such as a one-time setup fee that can be included in
the total payment. The player 12 can also elect to choose monthly
payments, in which case he or she would include the necessary
financial information about their checking account, or bankcard if
that form of payment is allowed. Following the instructions on the
form, the player enters the total cost of the selected games and an
applicable service fee and sends the completed application form to
the lottery operator 14 along with the player's completed game play
slips 110 for the player's selected numbers or quick picks. The
form is easy to understand and complete. The player utilizes
existing game play slips 110 for choosing their subscription
numbers and quick picks.
[0044] According to another aspect of the invention, a player 12
can optionally register for subscription play online, such as via
the Internet 30, using a credit card, debit card or direct charge
to the person's checking account via the ACH system. In this way,
the system can be used to sell subscription services online by
accepting a player's application submission, numbers to be played
and payment information online, which can be used to automatically
populate the database 102 described below. Until the present
invention there has not been any method or system in place by which
sellers of state lottery tickets (only state governments can
legally sell such lottery tickets) have been able to use the
Internet to sell tickets in the manner of the present
invention.
[0045] Referring again to FIG. 1, the player 12 can mail or submit
his or her subscription application form 100, lottery game play
slips 110 and payment (or payment information) directly to the
subscription services operator (step 18). Alternatively, the player
12 can mail or submit these items to the lottery operator 14 (step
18). If the application form 100, play slips 110 and/or payment are
mailed or submitted to the lottery operator 14, the subscription
service operator 110 can collect the information from the lottery
operator 14 (step 20).
[0046] When the subscription service operator 10 receives the
subscriber registration information, the operator enters this
information into the subscription computer system 16 (step 22). The
information from the registration form 100 and numbers on the game
play slips 110 can be entered manually or scanned. The subscription
computer system 16 then validates the information. It confirms the
integrity of subscriber numbers and start date requests and
confirms that all numbers entered the database meet the criteria of
the game design as part of the entry process. The system also sets
the start date depending on: (a) the system's pre-defined start
date for subscriptions entered on that day; (b) any special start
date requests by the subscriber; (c) and any built in delay days
that are a function of the method of payment--for example,
additional days may added to the pre-defined start date if payment
is being made by check to allow sufficient time for monies to be
collected; and (d) whether the order is placed by mail or Internet
will also affect the start date.
[0047] Use of the subscription application form 100 according to
the invention provides a number of benefits. It allows the player
12 to play many different lottery games without requiring the
cumbersome forms previously used by lottery operators. Previously,
state lottery operators that have offered subscriptions using paper
forms have used a separate form for players to submit their
numbers. They have never used the states "game play slips" to
submit their numbers for subscription plays. The paper forms used
by all current and previous state lottery operators only allow
subscriptions for one or two of their lottery games due to the
amount of paper that is required to offer more than one lottery
game. Other benefits are that the lottery operator's then current
"game play slips" (1) are familiar to the player; (2) are already
in place; (3) do not require any new forms or additional forms; (4)
do not require special inventories or deliveries to the retail
outlets; and (5) can be easily scanned by the same scanning devices
that are built into the lottery terminals 11, such as those
currently located at retail outlets, to allow for more accurate
entry into the subscription computer system 16 to record the
player's preferences. In addition, because the numbers to be played
are submitted on a separate form (play slips 110), the application
form 100 is small enough that it can be made part of a standard
brochure that preferably can be made available at lottery sales
outlets or counters. For example, the application form 100 can fit
onto just one of the panels in a 9''.times.37/8'' brochure having 3
or 4 panels. Including the application form 100 as part of such a
brochure also can enhance the marketing of the subscription
service.
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred computer network system for
practicing the present invention. The system includes a computer
system 16. The computer system 16 includes a central processing
unit (CPU) 108 for processing data and program instructions. The
computer system 16 also includes input and output devices, as is
well known in the art. For example, the computer 16 preferably
includes a display screen or monitor 114, a keyboard 116, a mouse
118, a printer (not shown), etc. The computer system 16 further
includes data storage and memory devices, as are known in the art,
for storing the database 102, an application program 106 and a Web
browser 112. The database 102 is used to store subscription and
lottery data. The database 102 is a relational database, as are
well known in the art. The computer system 16 is connected to a
network 30, which serves as a communications medium with lottery
terminal 11 and user computers 24, 110, 111 and nnn (where nnn
refers to any number of users). In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the network 30 comprises the Internet. The Internet is a
global network of computers. One popular part of the Internet is
the World Wide Web, or the "Web." The World Wide Web contains
computers that display graphical and textual information. Computers
that provide information on the World Wide Web are typically called
"web sites." A website is defined by an Internet address that has
an associated electronic page, often called a "home page."
Generally, a home page is an electronic document that organizes the
presentation of text, graphical images, audio and video into a
desired display. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as developments in computer hardware,
software and connectivity, etc., other network configurations and
devices also may suffice, such as for example, PDAs connected via a
wireless network, etc.
[0049] Still referring to FIG. 3, the computer system 16 is
configured according to a preferred embodiment of the invention to
include a web server for hosting a website, which includes a
homepage and a module for player registration and login. The
website can be hosted by the subscription service provider 10, or
it may be hosted by another party external to the subscription
service provider 10. Upon reading this specification, those skilled
in the art will understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as user preference, services offered by a
website manager, market demand, subject area, etc., other
functional modules may be included. The application program is
operable with the database to provide the functionality described
below.
[0050] Appendix A summarizes preferred security and control
features of a subscription system according to the invention. These
features help ensure the security, control and integrity of the
subscription computer system 16. The subscribing player 12 can be
set up as either an Internet or non-Internet subscriber. If the
player is a non-Internet subscriber, then all requests must be
submitted in writing on forms provided by the lottery operator and
no change in plays can take place in less than seven days, or some
other time period from when the request is received to allow time
for a new confirmation certificate (described below) to be received
by the subscriber. If the subscriber is an Internet subscriber then
all requests must be made through the internet and no change in
plays can take place in less than three days or some other time
period from when the request is received to allow time for the
back-up system to capture all changes and to send the new requests
to the lottery's on-line vendor for processing. Subscribers may
call the lottery's subscription department to ask questions, but
preferably all requests must be submitted as previously described.
Subscribers can be allowed to switch from Internet to non-Internet,
or vice-versa by requesting the change. In some cases, there may be
a hybrid of Internet and Non-Internet service. For example, some
states may not allow orders to be taken over the Internet, but they
may allow a player to sign up and provide demographic information
over the Internet, then have the player print out forms for
ordering tickets and returning those forms by mail along with
payment information. In addition, the electronic file to be sent to
the lottery's on-line vendor for any drawing will be created and
provided to the lottery most likely the day previous to the
drawing. Building in a one day time period allows for situations
when electronic transmission may not be available and overnight or
other physical delivery may be necessary. A cut off time period for
player changes also is preferably set to be two days (or some other
suitable time period) before the actual drawing date to allow
sufficient time for back-ups prior to the creation of the file to
be sent to the lottery's on-line vendor. Additional features
include the classification of every subscription invoice into types
and statuses and the controls that accompany such classifications,
per Appendix A.
[0051] All subscribing players 12, whether they subscribe online
via the Internet 30 or otherwise, can view their results on the
web, as described below. The main difference between the Internet
and non-Internet subscribers is that only the Internet subscribers
can submit their plays and make changes on the Internet.
Non-Internet subscribers can only view their information and
results on-line. In addition, Internet subscribers preferably will
receive most correspondence via the Internet, whereas non-Internet
subscribers will receive their correspondence through a mail
service such as the U.S. Postal Service. Once registered in the
subscription computer system 16, the player 12 also has the option
of viewing his or her play subscription and numbers from the
secured web site of the subscription computer system 16, which can
be operated by the subscription service operator 10 or third party
web hosting company.
[0052] According another novel aspect of the invention, the lottery
operator 14 preferably charges a small fee to the player 12 for
subscription play. Using a small fee is a better marketing
technique because it creates perceived value in the minds of the
subscribers and provides funding to help perpetuate the
subscription service through services and communication.
Previously, no state lottery has implemented a method or system
that charges a fee for a subscription service. On the contrary,
state lotteries have given discounts to attract subscription
players.
[0053] According to still another novel aspect, the method and
system of the invention enable players to pay electronically each
month, making playing the lottery more convenient and affordable.
Before the present invention, the state lotteries have always
collected, and they continue to collect, 100% of all amounts due
from the player up front. According to the present invention,
however, the US banking system's ACH (Automated Clearing House) and
credit and debit cards can be used with state lottery plays to
allow subscribers to have monthly or other periodic charges to
their bank card or withdrawals from their bank account. Players can
also submit full payment with their orders by check or money order.
To the inventor's knowledge, no state, current or previously,
allows periodic charges to pay for numbers that have been assigned
to the person for longer periods of time than the period interval
(e.g., paying monthly for a six month subscription). Thus, with the
present invention a player can sign up for one year and receive a
confirmation certificate of his or her numbers for the year, but
only pay a partial amount each month.
[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, subscribers
can indicate in advance within the system how many extra tickets
they would like to purchase each drawing night based on jackpot
levels. This advanced play service is an automated system feature
that sells additional tickets to a subscriber upon the occurrence
of a defined condition, such as the jackpot for a particular game
reaching $50,000,000. The advance plays can be paid for by charges
to a debit or credit card as needed, but a preferred system as
reflected in FIG. 10, is to create a reserve account from which the
charges are paid. The system maintains three accounts for each
person. The subscription account maintains the monies to be used to
pay for the basic subscription plays (everything but advance
plays). The reserve account holds the money to be used for advance
plays and can be used to support the main subscription account if
that account is short, and the system holds the winnings in a
separate winnings account. The subscription account and reserve
account can be one account, but there are accounting advantages to
keeping monies to pay for fixed period commitments (subscription)
separate from conditional advanced plays. The reserve account,
which maintains a balance, can be replenished automatically or
manually. For automated replenishment, the invention allows players
to predefine at what point they want additional funds deposited to
their reserve account. For example, the player may say when the
reserve account drops below $15, deposit $20 into that account via
their automated payment method (Credit Card, Debit Card, ACH, or
similar source). The player can also allow the money to run out, at
which time a predefined amount can be added. That amount can be set
by the player or by the lottery operator. For manual replenishment,
the player can send in a payment to the lottery or can add to the
account themselves, for example, via the Internet.
[0055] The reserve account is also an advantageous feature for
open-ended subscription play. An open-ended subscription play does
not require the subscriber to commit to a fixed time period like
that is required under the historical and current subscription
programs where a person typically signs up for 3, 6 or 12 months.
The open-ended program allows the player to place an order for a
continuous purchase of tickets until cancelled by the player. In
some instances, there may be a revalidation of the order required
in order to have the ticket purchases continue. This form of
subscription also allows the player to make changes at will so that
the tickets sold to the player by the lottery would reflect the
player's most recent preferences. A player wishing to participate
in open-ended subscription play can do so without missing any
drawings and without having to be continually bothered to buy
tickets. Thus, the player may want the lottery operator to sell him
or her lottery tickets continually every drawing until further
notice and to take the funds out of the reserve account to pay for
those tickets. The player can sign up for open-ended lottery play
on the web or by mail. The system can include a reserve account to
hold the money. The reserve account can be drawn down each drawing
night as the tickets are sold to the player. This method of
open-ended subscription play saves the player and lottery operator
from having to continually charge a payment source, such as a
credit card, for small purchases. By having a minimum in the
reserve account, it also ensures that the funds are already
collected and available for use. By maintaining a minimum level and
automatic amount to be replenished there also will be time for a
player to be contacted if more funds cannot be obtained before the
reserve runs out. This is particularly important if the payment
source to replenish the reserve is by ACH, which can take up to a
week before verification of funds can be made.
[0056] According to another novel aspect of the invention,
subscribers can join one or more lottery pools each drawing night
based on jackpot levels, and pay for the participation just like
they might do with advance plays for individual tickets described
previously. In some cases, subscribers will want to be in a lottery
pool all the time and increase their participation in more pools as
the jackpot rises. Previously, no state lottery has created lottery
pools and placed players into those pools as a standalone service
or as part of its subscription service. Purchasing services that
act as agents for players have offered pooling, but "purchases on
behalf of others" is a legally distinct and separate business from
the "selling" of lottery tickets. Only state governments can
legally sell or authorize the sale of lottery tickets and no state
government has ever created lottery pools and sold interests in
those pools. Not only does the pooling feature according to the
invention offer more benefits to the players by giving each person
more chances to win, but as an added benefit, it helps the lottery
operator to entice people to take part in the lottery operator's
subscription service. It can be used as a reward for the player's
loyalty.
[0057] Referring again to FIG. 1, after the subscription computer
system 16 validates the submitted information and payment for the
subscription has been collected, it generates a confirmation
certificate 25 (step 23) indicating the numbers selected, payment
arrangements, the first drawing for which the player is entered,
the last drawing for which the player is eligible to participate,
contact information for the player, and contact information for the
subscription service operator 10. The subscription service operator
10 then sends the confirmation certificate 25 to the subscribing
player 12 (step 40). According to a preferred method, one day after
receipt of the full payment or initial payment, in the case of
periodic or monthly payers, the confirmation certificate is mailed
to the subscribing player, indicating (a) that the play has been
entered into the subscription system; (b) the draw dates; (c) the
numbers for each draw date; (d) the lottery games requested, (e)
schedule of ACH, debit card, or credit card withdrawal dates and
amounts if they selected periodic charges, (f) disclaimer
explaining what happens if game design is changed during their
plays; (g) contact information; and other notes, and (h) other
rules. In the case where payment is made by Internet via a bank
card, or via a reserve account where instant credit can be given,
the confirmation certificate can be delivered via the Internet
almost instantaneously. FIGS. 16A and 16B show a form for an
exemplary confirmation certificate.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, a game design disclaimer is
implemented to protect the states and multi-state games from having
to wait until after the last draw date of existing sold tickets or
subscriptions before having games changes take place. Powerball,
for example, had a rule until just recently that does not allow
states to sell subscription services because the subscription
services, which are for 3 months to 1 year, inhibit timely changes
in the game by Powerball. Each state is now left up to how to
handle changes. With the present invention, that is not a problem.
The tickets are not only submitted and purchased just one drawing
at a time, but the subscriber's confirmation certificate, which
shows all numbers that will be played over the subscription time
period, includes a disclaimer substantially as follows: [0059]
IMPORTANT NOTICE--The following numbers will be sold to you subject
to the terms and conditions controlling all subscription plays and
on the draw dates and for the games shown as long as there are no
changes in the game design. If there are any changes in the game,
you will be notified by mail and/or email so that you can make
changes in your play. If, by the drawing date, when the changes are
to take place, we have not received a written reply from you
regarding the changes, we will take the following steps: If the
game has been changed so that one or more of your numbers are no
longer available in the new game matrix, then we will assign new
numbers to replace those numbers that are no longer valid. If the
quantity of numbers has been increased or decreased requiring an
increase or decrease in your number set, then the appropriate
increases or decreases will be made to your number sets. If your
numbers are still valid in the new game matrix, then we will
continue to play the numbers you have given us. Any of these
changes will remain in effect until we receive written notice from
you selecting different numbers. With subscription tickets only
being included in the online gaming system one day in advance of
the drawing, there is no system liability for future subscription
tickets. In addition, the disclaimer will allow the games to be
changed at anytime. This feature of the present invention therefore
opens up the opportunity for the states to offer subscription
plays.
[0060] The system can incorporate a cut off time for new
subscriptions, changes to a subscription, or funds collections for
entry into a drawing based on a pre-defined period agreed to
between the lottery operator 14 and the subscription services
operator 10. Thus, for example, if a game has a scheduled drawing
on Wednesday at 9 PM, the cut off time for new subscription play,
changes or funds collections might be 12 noon on Monday, two days
prior. This cut off time would not affect advance play tickets,
however, which have been pre-arranged prior to the cut off time,
but whose trigger point may be after the cut off time. For example,
the jackpot results for a Monday nights drawing, which are required
to determine whether or not advance play tickets should be sold to
players for the Wednesday's drawing, will not be known until after
this cut off time in this example.
[0061] Referring again to FIG. 1, after a player's subscription is
entered into the system and is ready for the first drawing, the
ticket sale is communicated to the lottery operator 14 (step 40).
On the night prior to the drawing day (or other agreed time), the
subscription services operator 10 provides an electronic file to
the lottery on-line processing system (the system maintained by the
state vendor) and to the lottery back office internal control
system (the state's internal system), which together comprise
lottery operator 10 (step 44). The electronic file includes a
plurality of records. Each record in the electronic file can
include an identification of the game to be played, the type of
play, the numbers selected, a subscription unique control number, a
lottery control number and the play amount. The electronic file can
be provided, for example, via tape, other electronic storage
medium, or electronic transmission using a high-speed network
connection to both systems. When the electronic file is sent to the
lottery operator, the sale of the tickets represented by the
records in the electronic file is recognized. The subscription
computer system 16 is set up to allow security and verification
processes through hash totals and cross checking of all wagers to
insure they are recorded properly. This file transfer allows the
lottery on-line processing system and the lottery back office
internal control system to maintain complete accountability for all
game draw sales, winner determination, and game liability for all
drawings.
[0062] Upon identification and verification by the lottery operator
of the numbers drawn for each game, the subscription service
operator can enter those validated numbers into the subscription
system, which information can be used to determine winning tickets
and players. This process of verification of drawn numbers is done
by the state and is the same process the state lottery operators
currently perform, however, before making any announcement to the
public regarding winners, the lottery operator 14 would first
provide the drawn numbers to the subscription service operator 10
so that certain reconciliations can be made. This action triggers a
search for all winning tickets on the subscription computer system
16. The system can then print a recap totals report indicating the
number of winning tickets in each category and the prize amounts in
total for all tickets.
[0063] The lottery back office internal control system of the
lottery operator 14 can perform its winner determination process
and provide winning information reports to the subscription
services operator 10 for each lottery game drawing for the tickets
that were to be purchased according to the electronic file that was
provided by the subscription services operator 10. This is a
separate process to measure the lottery operator's liability to the
subscribing players and is done by the state lottery back office
internal control system.
[0064] The on-line lottery system vendor can also complete a winner
determination and provide similar or the same winning information
reports to the subscription service operator. The information would
be validated against the system information to make sure that all
parties identify and agree with the same winning tickets
[0065] The subscription service operator 10 can reconcile results
with the lottery operator 14, including both the state lottery back
office internal control system and the lottery on-line processing
system. The subscription service operator can visually as well as
electronically balance the winning tickets and amounts to the
numbers provided by the lottery and lottery's on-line vendor. Any
discrepancies would have to be reconciled as soon as possible so
that the lottery could proceed with the release of winning
information and amounts to the public.
[0066] The subscription service operator credits each player's
accounts for amounts. For all winning tickets, each person's
account balance would be updated. Automated deductions, provided by
the lottery, will be made for taxes, government obligations, child
support, etc. pending final verification and approval by the
lottery.
[0067] According to another novel feature of the present invention,
the subscription service operator can post to its website the
results for each person. FIG. 18 shows an exemplary posting of such
results. This posting to the web an individual's results and
highlighting matching numbers (whether the tickets are winners or
not) for viewing by each subscriber has not previously been done by
any state lotteries. Purchasing services may have posted results of
an individuals play on the Internet, but purchasing services are
not sellers of tickets. Using the Internet, as described herein, to
help the state sell lottery tickets is entirely new to state
lotteries.
[0068] State lottery and on-line vendor can reconcile and balance
the game liability files on each of their systems. The subscription
system operator would send an electronic file back to the State
lottery back office system and the online gaming vendor with a
record of all winnings amounts credited to player's account. This
process can allow the state lottery and the online vendor system to
reconcile and balance the game liability files on each system and
to mark those tickets as PAID.
[0069] According to yet another novel aspect of the invention, the
subscription service operator can oversee total or partial winnings
distributions per a player's requests. Based on IRS guidelines,
actual payments to the player over $600 preferably will be paid by
the state and amounts of $600 and less will be paid by the
subscription service operator. Subscribing players will also have
the option of having the subscription service operator hold all
winnings and only disburse checks based on a specific threshold
levels so they don't receive small "nuisance" checks. This service
of holding money for players has never been offered by any state.
All previous and current state lotteries that do offer
subscriptions send checks to winners no matter how small the check
or they give them extended plays for the small winnings. This
feature of the invention also can include a transfer option where
the subscribers can have their winnings transferred to their
reserve account to be used for purchasing additional tickets. The
system also includes paying players by electronic payments to the
players banking account rather than by mail. For winnings over
$600, the lottery operator can process the list of winners and mail
checks to each winner as directed through their normal payment
process.
[0070] The system can cash reconcile and process an electronic
funds transfer weekly to the state lottery back office system for
the amount of money owed to the State for ticket sales, less any
agreed upon fees less any commission due on all tickets sold, less
any amounts of winnings credited to player accounts that would be
held by the subscription service operator on behalf of the
Subscribers. In addition, each week the system can provide a report
both via paper and electronic versions, of all sales for that
previous week for each game, the prize payouts from all drawings,
the amounts due to the subscription service operator, the balance
of subscription plays for all upcoming drawings, total play for
each drawing, and other pertinent reconciling information.
[0071] The lottery operator can process the EFT in the same manner
as it does for all retail locations.
[0072] Each week the system can purge from their files, after a
six-month period, or other specified time period, all ticket
records including payments made to winning tickets. This purge
process can produce a written and electronic report of all records
purged to provide an audit control document.
[0073] With the present invention, the marketing and advertising of
the subscription service can be provided by the participating
lottery at a very low cost and the role of the subscription system
operator would be that of a backroom service provider. The
advertising can be as simple as adding a "tag line" on all current
advertising for the games, placement of subscription play
brochure/application forms at all retail locations along side all
other lottery game brochures, lottery web site advertising,
advertising on tickets that are printed out or similar paper that
is printed along with each ticket, and public relations. The
subscription service operator will be doing on-going promotions
through the Newsletter and other communications to players, but the
primary responsibility for subscription play advertising would
remain with the lottery operator. The subscription service operator
has experience in this advertising arena and would be willing to
share its knowledge with the lottery operator and their marketing
agency.
[0074] Operation of the system will now be described in more detail
with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 and the interface
depicted in FIGS. 4-15. FIGS. 4A-4B show exemplary displays of a
game code screen 200 for inputting information for setting up a
lottery game for which a player can be subscribed using the system
of the present invention. The screen includes tab selections
202-210 for inputting and viewing general information about a
selected lottery game, game numbers, awards paid by the selected
lottery game, game holidays and additional game details. Referring
to FIG. 4A, the game information tab 202 is displayed. Selecting
the game numbers tab 204 will display the number and range of game
numbers that the specific lottery will accept. FIG. 4B shows the
game awards tab 206 displayed. Information under this tab defines
in the system the awards for given combinations of game numbers. A
button 212 is provided for creating a pop-up message that the
system can present to a player over the web when they have a
winning ticket that is just one number away from a much larger
prize, thus creating significantly more excitement than just
listing the amount won. Other tab selections 208, 210 define
additional parameters of the game in the system.
[0075] FIGS. 5A-5D show exemplary displays of a subscription
settings screen 214 and illustrate the process of inputting
information for setting up default settings for subscriptions. FIG.
5A shows an exemplary display of a General Settings tab 216 for
inputting general settings applicable to all subscriptions. FIG. 5B
shows an exemplary display of the subscription Selections tab 218
displaying the specific subscription time periods and associated
specific fee charges. FIG. 5C shows an exemplary display of the
Jackpot Amounts tab 220 for defining jackpot levels to be stored in
the system. FIG. 5D shows an exemplary display of the Pool Sizes
tab 222 for inputting pool sizes to be stored in the system. Pool
sizes can be ranges of sizes or specific sizes.
[0076] FIG. 6 shows a display of a Transaction Code screen 224 for
providing audit capability and conformity of charges to the player,
which is utilized by the system of FIG. 3 for different services.
Every transaction that affects a player's account balance is tagged
with a classification according to what is referred to as a
Transaction Code 226. These codes facilitate proper charges, since
many charges are pre-defined based on specific activities and they
facilitate reporting and audit capability.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 1, subscription data for each potential
player 12 can be obtained one of three ways, or a combination
thereof: by manually entering the data from a subscriber's
application, by scanning the player's application at the lottery
terminal or scanning the application after it has been received by
the subscription service operator 10, or by having the player use
the invention's online (web-based) registration system. When a
lottery player utilizes the online subscription system, the player
accesses the online system via the Internet by using one of the
user's computers.
[0078] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate the process of inputting player
information into the system and creating a new subscription for
that player. FIG. 7A shows a Players screen 226 for entering
information about a player into the system and viewing stored
information about the player, showing a demographics tab selected
228 for entering demographic information provided by a player in
his or her application. FIG. 7B shows a subscription invoice screen
232 for displaying payment type information when an operator
selects the payment type tab 230 shown in FIG. 7A.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows a display of an invoice screen 234 prompting
the user for information and a Subscription Type after the operator
selects the new subscription button 231 for creating in the system
a subscription for the player displayed in FIG. 7. FIG. 9A shows a
display of a subscription invoice screen 236 for creating the
subscription invoice prompted in FIG. 8, showing sections for
inputting and viewing invoice information 238 and payment
information 240 and also showing the Plays tab 242 for entering
information about the game plays that the subscribing player has
chosen. FIG. 9B shows the display of the subscription invoice
screen and a display of a monthly payment schedule 244 in response
to the operator's selection of the payments button 246 on the
subscription invoice screen 236. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary display
of the subscription invoice screen 236 showing the Money Management
tab 248 for entering information about money management preferences
for the subscribing player, including reserve account information
250.
[0080] FIG. 11 shows a display of the subscription invoice screen
236 showing the AP Individual tab 252 for entering information
about individual ticket advance plays for the subscribing player.
FIG. 12 shows a display of the subscription invoice screen 236
showing the AP Pooling tab 254 for entering information about
advance plays for the subscribing player that are pooled with
advance plays of other players. While the example of FIG. 12 shows
pool sizes 256 defined in ranges, it will be understood that
specific pools sizes can also be set up. The advantage of using
pool ranges is that once there are a sufficient number of players
to make up the lowest number, there will never be any unfilled
pools, which is a problem that occurs with specific pools
sizes.
[0081] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary display of the Players screen 226
showing the subscription invoice of FIGS. 9-12 pending for the
subscribing player after the subscription has been saved in the
system and before it is printed. FIG. 14 shows the display of FIG.
13 with the pending subscription invoice selected and after the new
subscription button has been selected, prompting the operator for
input to replace the invoice.
[0082] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary display of the Players screen 226
showing the account balances tab 258 for displaying financial
transactions history for the selected player's subscription
account.
[0083] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present
invention provides a number of advantages over the previously known
art. For participating lotteries, there are a number of benefits.
The invention will increase sales for all games with minimal to no
cost to the lottery operator. The subscription service attracts
former players, homebound players, busy people, intermittent
players, and new players. It also provides a service to existing
players who go on vacation, but don't want to miss playing for any
drawing of the game, who want to spend more money to add pools to
their lottery play, or who want to have tickets automatically sold
to them through an automatic payment arrangement. The subscription
service can be made available to all online games, not just jackpot
games. (Some exceptions might be games that are played every five
minutes and Video Lottery games.) Players like the flexibility and
control that the method and system of the invention can provide to
them in selecting and maintaining their play choices. Another
advantage of the method and system is that it keeps players "in the
game" regardless of the jackpot size. This increases the play level
for the lottery operator when the base jackpot is in play following
a major Jackpot win. Thus, it helps to grow the next jackpot for
future draws faster for more play. Further, the method and system
of the invention provide an anchor for the lottery operator in
getting players attached to the ongoing lottery play. They provide
the lottery operator with the ability to monitor play levels for
those players signed up for the service. This is critical in
assuring no inappropriate play issues arise. The method and system
of the invention can even be used to limit the amount players place
on their credit card per use or per time period. Moreover, the
method and system of the invention can provide the lottery operator
with a robust player research base to conduct game research, look
for "nitch" products, and get solid player feedback on likes and
dislikes on all games. This is critical in maintaining enjoyable
and entertaining gaming options for all players, not just the
subscription players.
[0084] The invention also provides benefits to lottery players,
which in turn translates to more sales for the lottery. The players
get much more than just a subscription for the upcoming game
drawings. While the obvious benefits include no more standing in
line for tickets, no more last minute dashes to the store, and no
more missed drawings or unclaimed winners, they get much more. The
method and system of the invention allow players to sign up for
automatic additional plays for both individual and pooling tickets
during large jackpot runs. They can participate in pools of any
size, e.g. 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, 500 and even 1000 tickets for
only a dollar. The subscription services operator forms these pools
and all tickets are sold to the players with full accounting and
reconciliation on their accounts. The players can also purchase
their subscription with monthly payments making their lottery
playing more convenient and affordable. They can view their pool
plays online if they desire. Not only do they receive a
confirmation certificate for their subscription play, they also get
a winning statement at the end of their play, they get quarterly
statements on actions with their accounts, a complete
reconciliation of their account balances and transactions, and
renewal notices before their play runs out. Players also get the
feeling of a club relationship through a club newsletter, jackpot
alert notices, and special offers made available through the club.
These special offers include free ticket give-a-ways, free dinners,
and much more. Thus, the invention allows helps create a fun
experience for the players and keeps up their interest in the
lottery. This activity creates excitement and entertainment for the
players and allows the lottery operator to communicate a winning
message to all players.
[0085] The subscription services operator also can send out a
personalized gift message to all players who receive a gift
subscription from anyone. The method and system of the invention
allow players to accumulate small winnings in their accounts, yet
produce a winning check only when the prize is significant
according to the player's wishes. Moreover, the method and system
of the invention allow players to access their accounts and play
numbers over the Internet. This allows players to track their play
and winnings after each drawing and see when their subscription
play will end, etc. They can also sign up for more plays online, if
they desire.
[0086] Players will benefit from the service and fun activities
provided by the method and system of the invention. If a player is
ever dissatisfied with the service for any reason a full refund can
be provided for all "remaining play" activity, no questions asked.
It's their money and they have control over how it is to be
spent.
[0087] The cost to the lottery operator is less than what the
lottery operator pays as commission to the normal retailer selling
any of their on-line game tickets. The lottery operator must also
agree to provide some amount of subscription play promotion and
advertising over the course of a year, but this is minimal,
especially considering the increased sales achieved with the method
and system of the invention. Initial estimates of play level
increase are in the range of 10 to 20 percent from the current
base, when jackpots are at their lowest level. Placement of
brochure/subscription order forms at all retail locations should be
handled by the lottery operator.
[0088] The cost to the player for this robust service is minimal.
For non-internet users the cost is anticipated to be about $2 a
month and varies from $1.75 per month one year subscriptions, $2 a
month for six month subscriptions and $2.50 per month for three
month subscriptions. For Internet users, the cost is anticipated to
be $1 per month regardless of the time period, but may vary
slightly to encourage longer plays.
[0089] The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the
specific details, representative devices, and illustrative examples
shown and described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred
embodiments of the invention and that such changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the
invention. TABLE-US-00001 Software Security and Control Features
Charges to Appear Change in Certificate on New Games/Numbers/Time
Type Purpose/Comment Subscription Period New New - not dependent on
a prior Service Fee + Certificate. Set-Up fee if first time
subscribing. Renewal Starts when old Certificate expires Service
Fee All changes allowed. Sub Subscription Replacement - Refers
Service Fee + All changes allowed. Replacement to the replacement
of any Certificate Subscription that has been provided to the
Replacement Fee. recipient, which includes any changes in the
games, numbers, or date ranges of the main play. The System will
change the Active Status of the Certificate being replaced to
Replaced. Advance Advance Replacement - Refers to the There are no
charges Only changes in Advance Replacement replacement of any
Certificate that the first time. Plays are allowed. has been
provided to the recipient, The Advance which only includes changes
to the Replacement Fee is Advance Plays. only charged if the The
System will change the Active person already had Status of the
Certificate being advance plays and are replaced to Replaced. now
adding or making changes. Inactive Inactive Replacement - Refers to
the Service Fee + The time period will be Replacement replacement
of any Certificate that Inactive Replacement extended to make up
for had a status of Inactive. Fee. missed drawings. No The System
will change the Inactive other changes are Status of the
Certificate being allowed. replaced to Replaced. Deposit Records
Deposit details. Deposit Only Automatic Charge for Status Change to
Certificate appear on Account Status Status Purpose/Comment Summary
Assignment Pending Refers to any Certificate which has $ -0-
Assigned by system not yet been printed. The only change that can
be made to a Pending Certificate without causing a new certificate
to be created are changes in the number sets of the main play or
any changes to the advanced plays. Pending Once a Pending
Certificate has been $ -0- Locked printed its status changes from
Pending to Pending Locked and no changes may be made. Active A
Certificate become Active when the $ -0- Assigned by system. file
is first sent to the lottery for ticket purchases for that
particular Certificate. There can be more than one Active
Certificate. Inactive When funds cannot be collected. This Inactive
Pending Fee - Manual Assignment Pending status is assigned when
funds are first Equals same amount as is required for denied by the
bank. Denied funds can Cancellation fee since checks. come from
either ACH or Bank Cards. we have to set that Automated entries The
Certificate is not yet Inactive amount aside should the will be
made for because funds have been collected in payment never be
Credit Card or advance and funds may become collected. Debit Card
denials. available prior to running out. This fee reduces the
Inactive Credit amount left for tickets. Adjustments are If the
funds become manual entries. available prior to running out, then
an Inactive Credit Adjustment will be made. Inactive Funds not
available by State cut off Inactive Fee Assigned by system. date
forcing a drawing to be missed. The certificate is classified as
Inactive and can not be reactivated. It can only be replaced.
Cancelled Active Certificate was cancelled. Cancellation Fee. The
Manual Assignment amount should be set to zero if the person has
already been charged an Inactive Pending Fee. Expired Active
Certificate expired normally. $ -0- Assigned by system Changed
Changes to a Pending Certificate are No Charge Assigned by system
classified as "Changes" rather than "Replacements," since they are
internal only. Only Pending can have "Changes." Replacement
Replacement is a status that is assigned Sub. Replacement Fee
Assigned by system to any Certificate that was provided Adv.
Replacement Fee to the customer upon creating a if changing. new
Certificate. Inact. Replacement Fee Hold With a status of "Hold"
all activity No Charge Manual Assignment will cease until released.
Deposit Deposit Deposit Status Purpose/Comment Charges Process
Pending All Initial Payments and Automated Charges are Automatic by
system. other Deposits start out as set by the system. In Pending
unless the source is those cases where the Cash. status is manually
set or changed, charges, if any, will be entered manually.
Collected Once the Default Delay Same as Pending. Automatic by
system Period has expired on funds when Default Delay collection
Period has expired. It must be changed manually if the previous
status is Denied. Denied If collection is Denied. Same as Pending.
Manual Entry
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