U.S. patent application number 11/789693 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance.
Invention is credited to Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Steve N. Kane.
Application Number | 20080032762 11/789693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38656169 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080032762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kane; Steve N. ; et
al. |
February 7, 2008 |
Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance
Abstract
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance.
The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A
result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another
medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game
instances of one or more online games. Additionally, a game of
chance may have an associated second chance win opportunity that
can be revealed to the player immediately after playing the game of
chance. In one example, a result of the second chance opportunity
may be revealed to the player in an online game format.
Inventors: |
Kane; Steve N.; (Brookline,
MA) ; Hardy; Dow; (Marlborough, MA) ;
Herrmann; Mark E.; (Wellesley, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOWRIE, LANDO & ANASTASI
RIVERFRONT OFFICE
ONE MAIN STREET, ELEVENTH FLOOR
CAMBRIDGE
MA
02142
US
|
Family ID: |
38656169 |
Appl. No.: |
11/789693 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60794803 |
Apr 25, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/08 20130101; G07F
17/329 20130101; A63F 2003/086 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for conducting a game of chance, the method comprising
acts of: providing a primary game having a primary win opportunity;
and providing a second chance win opportunity, wherein the second
chance win opportunity is revealed to the player upon an action
initiated by the player.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second chance win
opportunity is available only to a player losing in the primary
game.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a result of the second
chance win opportunity is revealed by selection of the player.
4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising an act of
revealing the result of the second chance win opportunity in an
online game.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein a result of the primary
win opportunity is revealed to the player during play of an offline
game.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second chance win
opportunity is presented to the player during play of a game of
skill or chance.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the game of skill or
chance includes at least one of a game of poker, blackjack,
roulette, dominoes, craps, and slots.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the game of skill or
chance includes a sports betting tournament.
9. The method according to claim 6, wherein at least one of points
and credits are awarded to the player of the game of skill or
chance according to an outcome of the game of skill or chance.
10. The method according to claim 6, further comprising an act of
permitting the player of the game of skill or chance to compete
against other players of the game of skill or chance.
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising an act of
displaying points awarded to the player of the game of skill or
chance to at least one other player of the game of skill or
chance.
12. The method according to claim 2, further comprising an act of
permitting the player to enter a second chance opportunity only a
specified number of times within a specified time period.
13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the action initiated
by the player further comprises an act of permitting the player to
enter a code that causes a computer system to reveal a result of
the second chance win opportunity.
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the action initiated
by the player further comprises an act of completing play of an
online game that causes a computer system to reveal a result of the
second chance win opportunity.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the act of permitting
the player to enter a code includes an act of displaying an
interface to the player in which the player is permitted to enter
the code into a memory of the computer system.
16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the revealing of the
second chance win opportunity is revealed to the player by a
game-playing computer system.
17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the revealing of the
second chance win opportunity is revealed to the player immediately
upon initiation of the action.
18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the revealing of the
second chance win opportunity is revealed to the player a short
period of time after initiation of the action.
19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the revealing of the
second chance win opportunity is performed at a time determined by
the player.
20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the primary game
includes an offline game, and wherein the second chance win
opportunity is revealed to the player online.
21. The method according to claim 1, wherein a result associated
with the second chance win opportunity is predetermined.
22. The method according to claim 1, wherein a result associated
with the second chance win opportunity is determined during play of
an online second chance game.
23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the result associated
with the second chance win opportunity is associated with an
identifier of an entry in the primary game.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the identifier
includes a ticket identifier of a ticket associated with the
primary game.
25. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act of
permitting the player to redeem a ticket associated with the
primary game.
26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising an act of
presenting, to the player a result associated with the second
chance win opportunity in response to redeeming the ticket
associated with the primary game.
27. The method according to claim 25, wherein a result associated
with the second chance win opportunity is independent of a process
for redeeming the ticket associated with the primary game.
28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising an act of
determining the result associated with the second chance win
opportunity in a random manner.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120
to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/001,775, entitled "METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE," filed on Nov. 30, 2004,
which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/569,030, entitled "METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE," filed on May 7, 2004.
This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/641,248, entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A GAME HAVING ONLINE AND OFFLINE
ELEMENTS," filed on Jan. 4, 2005. This application also claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/794,803, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE," filed on Apr. 25, 2006. Each of these
applications are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention relates generally to lotteries
and gaming, and more particularly, to systems for conducting
lottery-based games or casino-based gaming.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are many different types of games that are provided
that involve the issuance of a lottery ticket to play a game of
chance. Lottery tickets are sold through retailers using machines
referred to as point of sale (POS) terminals. These tickets are
generally printed at the POS terminal, and are usually issued for
some lottery drawing to be performed at a later time. Examples of
these types of lottery games of chance include traditional state
lottery drawings and multi-state lottery drawings (e.g.,
PowerBall). Another type of lottery ticket, referred to in the art
as instant lottery, includes a pre-printed scratch-type lottery
ticket which includes a latex or similar coating that is scratched
off by a purchaser (a player), revealing one or more game indicia
and whether the player won the game or series of games as indicated
on the ticket. The indication is generally "instant" in that the
player knows, when they scratch off the ticket coating, whether or
not they won the game.
[0004] There are many online games that can be played using a
computer system coupled to a communication network (e.g., the
Internet). These games may include traditional games of chance,
games of skill, and casino-type games, among others.
[0005] Some systems combine lottery-type games and online games. In
one such system, a lottery ticket is sold to a player, who then
plays a further game using a computer system. In such a game
system, the ticket sold to a player includes a code which is
correlated to a game seed stored in a computer system upon which a
computer game is played. The computer game determines the
correlated game seed, and this game seed is mapped to a series of
predetermined game states that lead to a predetermined outcome.
That is, the code stored on the ticket includes the outcome. In
another type of system, the code stored on the ticket is an encoded
form of the lottery result, which is then revealed to the player at
the end of play of an online game.
[0006] For lotteries, sweepstakes, and contests, losing efforts may
be rewarded by becoming eligible to participate in a second chance
drawing, contest, or event. For prize contests in which prizes are
awarded randomly, e.g. through finding the one candy packet with
all white candy pieces, a standard method for entering a second
chance drawing includes sending into the game operator a post card
listing the player's name, contact information, and often a
"special phrase" particular to the prize contest. Prizes available
to win in a second chance drawing for a contest may include, for
example, the unclaimed prizes or awards from the contest. Winners
of the second chance drawing are usually drawn randomly by hand
using a wheel or other device.
SUMMARY
[0007] New and more interesting game formats are needed for lottery
and casino type games that maintain or enhance players' interests
and therefore result players returning or continuing to play more
games. According to one aspect of the present invention, a game
format is provided that allows a player to play in a second chance
game where the result of the second chance game is immediately
revealed to the player. For instance, in one example game format,
the player may be provided a chance to play in a consolation or
second chance game conducted by an online system so that the second
chance result can be immediately revealed to the player.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
portion of a game is played offline, and another portion is played
online. For instance, a scratch-type lottery ticket may be provided
that, unlike conventional online lottery games, includes a partial
outcome of a game on the ticket. In one example in the case where a
scratch-off ticket is used, the player may scratch off a covering
of a portion of the ticket to reveal a partial game result.
Although, according to one embodiment, scratch-type lottery game
pieces may be used, other types of game pieces (e.g., pull-tab,
printed lottery, bingo tickets, keno tickets, etc.) may be used,
and one or more methods may be used to reveal the partial result.
These game pieces may be provided, for example, at a POS such as,
for example, a lottery agent, casino, or other gaming
establishment.
[0009] A remaining portion of the game result may be revealed to
the player during a game played on a computer system. In one
example, the computer system may be capable of downloading and
playing one or more games over a communication network, such as the
Internet. For instance, the remaining portion of the result may be
revealed to the player during, play of an online game.
[0010] In one embodiment, the offline portion of the game permits
the player to progress through the game without revealing a final
outcome. In another example, the offline portion of the game is
configured to provide a partial outcome indicative of a possible
win. This outcome indicative of a possible win may include an
indication that the player is close to winning within a particular
game instance. For example, in the case of a bingo game, the
offline portion of the game may provide an indication that the
player is close to obtaining a winning bingo pattern. This
indication entices the player to continue to play the online
portion of the game to obtain the final outcome of the game. Thus,
a player is motivated to play both portions of the game, thereby
prolonging the gaming experience. Although such an online/offline
game format may be used to play a bingo game, it should be
appreciated that other game types may implement such an
online/offline game format.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, a slot
machine game is played in an online/offline format. In one example
using a scratch-type ticket (or card) having a slot machine
representation printed on the ticket, one or more scratchable areas
are provided to the player for playing the offline portion of the
game. These scratchable areas may be located in one or more slot
locations presented on one or more reels of the slot machine
representation. The player scratches one or more of the areas to
reveal symbols printed on the ticket. These symbols may, when
arranged in particular groups along pay lines of the slot machine,
may provide a winning outcome. According to one embodiment of the
present invention, one or more of the areas (e.g., slot locations)
may not be revealed in the offline portion of the game. Rather, the
player must play an online portion of the game to reveal the
missing outcomes.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a bingo game
is played in an online/offline format. In one example using a
scratch-type ticket (or card) having a bingo game representation
printed on the ticket, one or more scratchable areas are provided
to the player for playing the offline portion of the game. Although
these areas may be "scratchable," it should be appreciated that the
indication may be hidden by other methods (e.g., by a pull-tab, by
coding a result that can be decoded offline) or may not be hidden
at all (e.g., by printing the indication of a potential win at the
POS). In one embodiment, the bingo game played includes the
well-known American bingo game format. However, it should be
appreciated that any bingo game having any type of card or format
may be used.
[0013] These scratchable areas may be located in one or more
locations on one or more bingo cards, although it should be
appreciated that other types of areas, either hidden or not, may be
used to show indications associated with the offline portion of the
game. In the example where scratchable areas are used, the player
scratches one or more of the areas to reveal symbols printed on the
ticket. These symbols may, when arranged in particular patterns on
a bingo card, may provide a winning outcome.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or
more of the areas (e.g., bingo card numbers) may not be revealed in
the offline portion of the game. Rather, the player must play an
online portion of the game to reveal the missing outcomes. In
another example, all of the card numbers of one or more bingo cards
are revealed in the offline portion of the game, and the player
plays the online portion of the game to receive the called numbers,
yielding the outcome of one or more bingo cards.
[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, a roulette
game is played in an online/offline format. In one example using a
scratch-type ticket (or card) having a roulette game representation
printed on the ticket, one or more scratchable areas are provided
to the player for playing the offline portion of the game. These
scratchable areas may be located in one or more locations on the
roulette wheel representation and/or bet table. The player
scratches one or more of the areas to reveal bets in bet areas on
the bet table or the roulette wheel outcome printed on the
ticket.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or
more of the areas (e.g., the roulette wheel outcome) may not be
revealed in the offline portion of the game. Rather, the player
must play an online portion of the game to reveal the missing
outcomes. In another example, bets on the bet table are revealed in
the offline portion of the game, and the player plays the online
portion of the game to receive the result of the spin of the
roulette wheel, yielding the outcome of the individual bets. In
another example, the printed card may have more than one bet table,
each of which corresponds to a spin of a roulette wheel made in an
online portion of the game. To this end, an online game may have a
control that a player may select to cause the roulette wheel to
spin and display the outcome of the spin.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
first game is played offline, and a second game is played online,
both the first and second games being associated with the same
ticket. For instance, this same ticket may permit a player to play
a complete game offline, and play a separate game online. These
first and second games, for example, may have independent outcomes.
These games may, however, be the same or similar types of games
(e.g., a slot machine game), same themes, etc. among the first and
second games.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, standard offline
games (e.g., scratch-based, pull-tab, printed lottery, bingo, keno,
etc.) may be combined with an online game component. This is
beneficial, as the interest in standard offline games may be
increased by providing an additional online game component. For
example, standard offline games may become "online" enabled by the
payment of an additional fee. In one specific example, offline
games are made online compatible at the point of ticket issuance
(e.g., at a POS). For instance, a retailer may, upon payment of an
additional fee, enable a ticket associated with an offline game to
become online enabled. This may be accomplished, for example, at
the POS by scanning or otherwise inputting a ticket identifier of
an issued ticket and enabling an online game associated with the
issued ticket.
[0019] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the online
(or offline) portion may be in the form of a multiplier that, when
combined with the offline (or online) result, causes an awarded
prize to be increased. For instance, the prize value may be
increased by a ratio reflected by the multiplier (e.g., a 2.times.
multiplier may yield a doubling of a prize value). It should be
appreciated that other aspects of the game can be included in the
online or offline portions, and the invention is not limited to
features used in the online or offline portions unless specifically
recited in the claims.
[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method
for conducting a game of chance is provided. The method comprises
acts of providing a primary game having a primary win opportunity,
and providing a second chance win opportunity, wherein the second
chance win opportunity is revealed to the player upon an action
initiated by the player. According to one embodiment of the
invention, the second chance win opportunity is available only to a
player losing in the primary game. According to another embodiment,
a result of the second chance win opportunity is revealed by
selection of the player. According to another embodiment, the
method further comprises an act of revealing the result of the
second chance win opportunity in an online game.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, a result of
the primary win opportunity is revealed to the player during play
of an offline game. According to another embodiment, the second
chance win opportunity is presented to the player during play of a
game of skill or chance. According to another embodiment, the game
of skill or chance includes at least one of a game of poker,
blackjack, roulette, dominoes, craps, and slots. According to
another embodiment, the game of skill or chance includes a sports
betting tournament. According to another embodiment, at least one
of points and credits are awarded to the player of the game of
skill or chance according to an outcome of the game of skill or
chance. According to another embodiment, the method further
comprises an act of permitting the player of the game of skill or
chance to compete against other players of the game of skill or
chance.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method
further comprises an act of displaying points awarded to the player
of the game of skill or chance to at least one other player of the
game of skill or chance. According to another embodiment, the
method further comprises an act of permitting the player to enter a
second chance opportunity only a specified number of times within a
specified time period. According to another embodiment, the action
initiated by the player further comprises an act of permitting the
player to enter a code that causes a computer system to reveal a
result of the second chance win opportunity. According to another
embodiment, the action initiated by the player further comprises an
act of completing play of an online game that causes a computer
system to reveal a result of the second chance win opportunity.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the act of
permitting the player to enter a code includes an act of displaying
an interface to the player in which the player is permitted to
enter the code into a memory of the computer system. According to
another embodiment, the revealing of the second chance win
opportunity is revealed to the player by a game-playing computer
system. According to another embodiment, the revealing of the
second chance win opportunity is revealed to the player immediately
upon initiation of the action. According to another embodiment, the
revealing of the second chance win opportunity is revealed to the
player a short period of time after initiation of the action.
According to another embodiment, the revealing of the second chance
win opportunity is performed at a time determined by the player.
According to another embodiment, the primary game includes an
offline game, and wherein the second chance win opportunity is
revealed to the player online.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, a result
associated with the second chance win opportunity is predetermined.
According to another embodiment, a result associated with the
second chance win opportunity is determined during play of an
online second chance game. According to another embodiment, the
result associated with the second chance win opportunity is
associated with an identifier of an entry in the primary game.
According to another embodiment, the identifier includes a ticket
identifier of a ticket associated with the primary game. According
to another embodiment, the method further comprises an act of
permitting the player to redeem a ticket associated with the
primary game. According to another embodiment, the method further
comprises an act of presenting, to the player a result associated
with the second chance win opportunity in response to redeeming the
ticket associated with the primary game. According to another
embodiment, a result associated with the second chance win
opportunity is independent of a process for redeeming the ticket
associated with the primary game. According to another embodiment,
the method further comprises an act of determining the result
associated with the second chance win opportunity in a random
manner.
[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present invention are described in detail below with reference to
the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals
indicate like or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the
left-most one or two digits of a reference numeral identifies the
drawing in which the reference numeral first appears.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical
component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by
a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be
labeled in every drawing. In the drawings,
[0027] FIG. 1 is block diagram of a system for conducting a game
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is an example ticket that may be issued in
association with a game according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a process for conducting a game
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process for conducting a game
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a system for conducting a game according to
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is an example game interface according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is another example game interface according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 8 is another example game interface according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 9 is another example game interface according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Second chance drawings for contests, promotions,
sweepstakes, lotteries, and other games of chance provide a method
for maintaining player interest in the particular contest,
promotion, sweepstake, lottery, or other game of chance. Because
most individuals in a particular contest, promotion, sweepstake,
lottery, or other game of chance do not win initially, the second
chance drawing provides a player with additional hope of actually
obtaining some reward or satisfaction.
[0037] Generally, a losing ticket affords the player an opportunity
to win a prize, but it is appreciated that there is no instant
gratification, as the player needs to mail in the second chance
entry and a later drawing occurs. Further, the player usually
forgets about the entry and is never notified of the actual winner,
thus defeating the intent of continuing the game satisfaction and
motivating the player to play additional games.
[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, a game
format is provided that allows a player to play in a second chance
game where the result of the second chance game is immediately
revealed to the player. For instance, in one example game format,
the player may be provided a chance to play in a consolation (or
second chance) game conducted by an online system so that the
second chance result can be immediately revealed to the player.
[0039] To accomplish the revealing of an instant second chance
result, the player may be provided an access code for accessing an
online version of the second chance game. For instance, a first
game may have a ticket associated with it, and on the ticket, an
access code may be printed on the surface of the ticket. In one
example, a second chance access code may be printed on the back of
a ticket (e.g., in the case of a scratch-type or pull-tab ticket).
The access code may include any information associated with the
ticket, including a ticket serial number, batch number, or any
other type of identifying information.
[0040] The first game may be, for example, an offline game (e.g., a
scratch ticket game, pull-tab game) or offline/online game as
discussed above. According to one embodiment, a second chance game
associated with the first game may be conducted online using a
computer system. Using the computer system and access code, the
player may be permitted to view an outcome of the second chance
game. In another example game format, winnings from an offline or
offline/online game may be redeemed online, and an outcome of the
second chance game may be presented to the player as part of the
redemption process. It should be appreciated, however, that a
second chance game outcome may be presented in any manner,
including being presented in association with an online portion of
a game, and may be part of or separate from any redemption process
associated with the first game.
[0041] To play the second chance game, the player may be directed
to an online game program (e.g., by being provided a Uniform
Resource Locator (URL)) that conducts the second chance game. In
one example, the game program may present an interface in which the
player is permitted to enter the provided access code. The
interface may also accept other information, such as, for example,
the player's name, address, or other information. In response to
providing the access code, the game program may present to the
player the outcome of the second chance game associated with the
ticket. Alternatively, the game associated with the second chance
game may itself be an online game, and the online game program may
be programmed to reveal an instant second chance result in addition
to the primary result associated with the online game. In another
example, the second chance game may be incorporated into an online
redemption process as discussed above.
[0042] According to one embodiment, the outcome of the second
chance game may be predetermined. For instance, the outcome may be
determined any time prior to the play of the second chance game,
such as being determined at the time of ticket issuance or during
play of the first game (e.g., during play of an online game). In
this case, the outcome of the second chance game may be associated
with a ticket identifier of a ticket used in the first game.
Alternatively, the outcome of the second chance game may be
determined at the time of play of the second chance game. For
instance, the outcome of the second chance game may be determined
randomly or in any other manner at the point at which the player
accesses an online portion of the second chance game. In one
particular game format, the player may be presented a second chance
prize as part of a promotion or sweepstake, and the determination
of whether the player is awarded a prize is determined when the
player accesses the online portion of the second chance game. For
instance, the player may be awarded an e-coupon or other prize that
is determined randomly when the person plays the second chance
game.
[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, it is
appreciated that conventional second chance drawings usually
provide only a limited opportunity to enter a second chance
drawing. For example, a player may be limited to one entry per
family per contest. Thus, once a particular family member enters a
second chance opportunity one time for a particular contest,
promotion, sweepstake, lottery, or other game of chance, the family
and its members are no longer provided any additional benefit from
maintaining interest in the particular contest, unless an
individual believes they can win through the standard method for
winning such a chance is generally reduced, as the player is not
permitted to enter the second chance drawing.
[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, a second chance
opportunity for a contest, promotion, sweepstake, lottery, or other
game of chance may include a contest between second chance players.
According to an embodiment of the invention, a second chance player
may enter a single second chance game more than once. According to
another embodiment of the invention, the reward for winning the
second chance opportunity includes a reward of publicity or fame,
with no money, no prizes, or unclaimed prizes being rewarded to the
winner.
[0045] A contest, promotion, or sweepstake may be any type. For
example, the contest, promotion, or sweepstake may or may not
reward a prize and may involve a contestant or participant to
randomly draw a chance or item. Alternatively, the contestant or
participant may randomly obtain an entry through an alternative
method of entry (AMOE) or through purchase of an item or
product.
[0046] A lottery may be of any type known such as that operated by
or for a government or government agency (e.g., the Maryland
Lottery and Powerball), by a company (e.g., the London Daily Star
newspaper), or by a gaming company (e.g., Harrah's). The lottery
may be held entirely through direct or remote interaction between
player and an agent or over the Internet. The lottery may also be
of a scratch ticket type or of a number drawing type, such as
PowerBall or The Big Game.
[0047] Games of chance that may be operated with the second chance
opportunity are any known, including lotto, keno, scratch-off
tickets, roulette, and slots. The games of chance may be held using
physical methods including tickets, slot machines, etc. or may be
operated virtually over the Internet.
[0048] Various other aspects of the present invention relate to an
online/offline game format that may be implemented with a game of
chance. Such games may be offered, for instance, through the
lottery, casino, or other type of gaming establishment. According
to one embodiment, a partial result of the game of chance is
revealed to a player in an offline portion of the game. The
remaining portion of the result is revealed to the player in an
online portion of the game. The online/offline game may include
various game formats, including, a slot machine game, a bingo game,
a game of roulette, or any other type of game.
[0049] Also, as discussed, standard offline games (e.g.,
scratch-based, pull-tab, printed lottery, bingo, keno, etc.) may be
combined with an online game component. This is beneficial, as the
interest in standard offline games may be increased by providing an
additional online game component. For example, standard offline
games may become "online" enabled by the payment of an additional
fee. Further, certain aspects of game play (e.g., the play of an
additional game, the revealing of a prize multiplier, etc.) may be
revealed in the online or offline portion of the game, as
appropriate. Aspects of the present invention may be performed, for
example, with an online gaming system as described in more detail
below.
[0050] An example of a ticket (Item 201) that may be issued to a
player for a game of chance is shown in FIG. 2. The player may
scratch a surface of the ticket (in the case of a scratch ticket)
to reveal one or more indications. These indications may include,
for example, a serial number of the ticket, an access code, or
other indication (or combination thereof) that may be used to
access the online game. Alternatively, the ticket may be a pull-tab
ticket or other ticket type suitable for presenting indications to
a player.
[0051] As discussed above, the ticket may also include a partial
outcome of a game, as discussed above. To this end, the ticket (or
card) may have a number of scratchable or preprinted indications
(e.g., as printed on a ticket at the POS) for play of the offline
portion of the game. Remaining unrevealed areas printed on the card
or other features of the game (e.g., a prize multiplier value) may
be revealed during the online portion of the game.
[0052] The ticket may include other indications (e.g., a decryption
key or portion thereof as described above that may be used to
decrypt game results). Also, the ticket may indicate to a player
the number of plays of a second game (e.g., as played by the player
on a computer system). For instance, in the case of a slot machine
game, the ticket may indicate the number of spins that a player may
be awarded by the ticket. In the case of a COLLAPSE-type game, the
ticket may indicate the number of game instances (or plays) of the
COLLAPSE-type game that can be played by the player. Further, as
discussed above, the player may be permitted to play any one of a
number of offered games, and the player may select different games
to play to reveal results associated with game instances. In the
case of a slot machine, bingo, roulette, or other type game, the
ticket may indicate the number of game instances (or plays) of the
slot machine, bingo, roulette, or other type game that can be
played by the player. In the bingo example described above, a card
may have three bingo cards printed thereon, each card corresponding
to a separate bingo draw.
[0053] In one embodiment, ticket 201 includes a code 202 printed on
a surface of the ticket that provides access to outcomes (e.g.,
prizes) stored on the server. As discussed, code 202 may also
include, as an optional feature to increase security, a key that
may be used to decrypt the outcome. This outcome may be stored in a
database stored on a server system. Ticket 201 may also include a
ticket identifier 203 used to identify the ticket, and which may be
used to identify the outcome associated with the ticket. Further,
ticket 201 may include a game indication 204 that relates
information relevant to a game played on a computer system. For
example, there may also be stored, on the ticket, an identifier
that indicates, to the player, the number of plays associated with
an online game. In one example, a player purchases a ticket at a
retailer or other POS location.
[0054] The player then proceeds to play a game on a computer
system. FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 according to one
embodiment of the invention upon which a game may be played. The
user (a player) 110 plays a game through an interface of a host
computer system (e.g. host 101). Host 101 may be any type of
computer system that is capable of playing a game. The host may be,
for example, a general-purpose computer system (e.g., a personal
computer (PC)) that connects to a network (e.g., the Internet).
Other general purpose computer system types (e.g., a PDA, a cell
phone, set-top box, or other system type) may be used to play the
game.
[0055] The computer system may be coupled to a server system 103
through one or more communication networks 102. The server may
provide a game program 109 that is executed by host 101 for playing
the game. More particularly, game program 109, when executed, may
provide an online game that can be played by a user through an
interface associated with host 101. This online game may be, for
example, a video slot machine, blackjack, or other online or
casino-type game.
[0056] The game program may be stored, for example, in a
computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory, storage, or other media)
associated with server 103 that provides game programs.
[0057] For instance, the game program may be stored on a web server
and downloaded to a client computer over the Internet. Game program
109 may be one of a number of game programs associated with an
online game experience. Different game programs may be selectively
downloaded to the client, based on the type of game ticket issued,
the game selected for play by the user, the type of client used, or
other criteria.
[0058] Server 103 may also be a general-purpose computer system, or
any other type of computer system capable of authenticating
tickets, providing game programs, and performing other game-related
functions. Further, it should be appreciated that various game
functions may be performed by one or more server systems. Server
103 generally includes a processor 104 for executing server-based
game functions. Server 103 may also include a memory 105 for
storing data associated with game programs. Server 103 may also
include one or more network interfaces 106 that couple server 103
to network 102, which permit server 103 to communicate with one or
more hosts. Further, server 103 may include one or more storage
entities 107, including disks or other media for storing data. In
one embodiment, storage 107 is adapted to store one or more game
programs 109 as discussed above. Server 103 may have any number or
type of processor that executes an operating system and one or more
application programs. In one embodiment, server 103 provides web
server content to one or more clients for the purpose of accessing
and playing the game.
[0059] Server 103 may also include a database 108 that is adapted
to store one or more outcomes associated with a ticket or other
gaming piece. As discussed, the outcome may be indexed using an
identifier of the ticket.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows one example process for conducting a game
according to one embodiment of the present invention. At block 301,
process 300 begins. At block 302, a player is issued a ticket. As
discussed, a player may purchase a ticket at a retailer or other
POS location. At some later time and/or location, the player may
play an online game on one or more computer systems (e.g., a PC or
other computer system capable of playing games). For instance, at
block 303, a host computer system (e.g., host 101) executes a game
program. The game program may be, for example, an online game that
includes one or more components downloaded over a communication
network (e.g., the Internet).
[0061] As discussed, the ticket may include a code which is used to
access the outcome of a game. This code may be printed on a face of
the ticket as discussed above with reference to FIG. 2. In one
example system, the player accesses a website that includes an
interface in which the player may enter the code at block 304.
[0062] This interface may be, for example, used to access the game,
or may be any other interface (e.g., an interface used to access a
download website used for downloading game software (e.g., game
program 109)). The interface may be programmed in one or more
computer languages (e.g., an HTML, Java, Macromedia Flash, or other
type interface) and may include a text entry box in which the
player can input the code. The interface may include other ways of
entering a code or other parameter (e.g., a glyph printed on a
ticket) that allows the user to gain access to the game. It should
be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular
method for entering the code, or any format of the code, and that
any type of code or method of entry may be used.
[0063] The player enters the code, and an outcome is determined at
block 305 based on the code. More particularly, there may be a
mapping between the code printed on the ticket and an outcome
stored on the server. This code may be stored, for example, in a
database structure stored in database 108 of the server. Database
108 may be, for example, a relational database, object database,
flat file database, or other organizational entities used to store
and maintain data. Further a listing of winning codes may be
furnished to an organization that provides the game (such as, for
example, a state-run lottery commission). The code may, as
discussed above, include an optional decryption key that decrypts
an entry stored on the server. This entry may indicate one or more
outcomes of game instances.
[0064] The outcome of the game is then used by the online game to
determine play of the game by the player at block 306. For
instance, if the stored outcome is "Win $50," the online game may
present an outcome to the player that indicates that the player won
a $50 prize. This presentation may be in the form of one or more
reveals presented to the player while playing the online game at
block 307. The presentation may be progressive, in that the
ultimate outcome (e.g., "Win $50") is achieved through a set of
reveals or progressions through the online game. For example, in
the case where a COLLAPSE-type game is played wherein items are
collected for playing in a second level game, such reveal outcomes
of each instance of the COLLAPSE-type game may be stored on the
server. For example, in the case where a slot machine game is
played wherein a series of spins are used to reveal slot machine
entries, such reveal outcomes of each spin may be stored on the
server.
[0065] As discussed, prizes may be distributed over game instances
and/or items (or more generally, win opportunities) to maximize
game interest and to entice the player to play each game instance
associated with a particular ticket. For example, one approach may
include providing to the player an early (relative in the series of
game instances) indication of winning to keep the player
interested. As the player plays more game instances, the magnitude
of the prizes may be adjusted such that a level of game "drama" is
increased. That is, prize values are adjusted among later game
instances to provide relatively higher prize values in later games.
Other approaches/distributions may be provided for increasing or
maintaining game interest.
[0066] Once played, the player may redeem the ticket at the point
of sale or other redemption location at block 308. Alternatively,
the player may be permitted to redeem the ticket without playing
the game. Redemption may be permitted, for example, after a
predetermined time. For instance, the player may be permitted to
redeem a ticket after a set time (e.g., 10 PM), a particular time
period after ticket purchase (e.g., 24 hours) or other absolute or
relative time. This may be the case for a Keno or lottery-based
system, where a Keno or lottery result is made available at a set
time after ticket purchase. Alternatively, tickets may be redeemed
immediately after purchase. At block 309, process 300 ends.
[0067] Payouts may be determined by a pay table associated with the
game. The number of tickets may be determined a priori, and a pay
table that determines payouts may be allocated to the tickets. This
allocation may be determined, for example, by shuffling the pay
table and allocating results to tickets. The following is an
example of a pay table that may be used with a game according to
one embodiment of the invention: number of tickets issued, 2000;
ticket price, $5. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Example Payout Table
Number of Tickets Payout 1 $100 700 $10 500 $5 100 $1 600 $0
Game Operator Return: $300 (3%)-expenses As shown in the example
above, a certain number of tickets may be allocated as winning
tickets having a particular payout (e.g., an outcome). Some tickets
may have no payout associated with them, and some may only have a
nominal payout (e.g., a small award amount, free ticket, etc.). A
small number of tickets may include a large payout as compared to
the magnitude of other payouts. It should be appreciated, however,
that payouts are not limited to money, but other types of prizes
may be awarded including merchandise, credit, loyalty points or any
other representation of value.
[0068] The odds of winning may be the type of odds experienced in
actual (rather than computer-based) games. Alternatively, the odds
of winning may not necessarily be "natural" odds of winning any
particular type of game, but rather, the odds may be adjusted to
obtain the outcome desired (e.g., by the gaming operator). The odds
of winning, number of winning tickets, amount of payout per ticket,
or other payout parameter may be any amount or number, and the
invention is not limited to any particular odds of winning, number
of winning tickets, payout amount or type of payout. However,
according to one embodiment, the overall odds of winning, amount
and type of payout, etc. may be similar to a game previously
approved by regulators (e.g., scratch ticket games, Keno, bingo,
etc.) so that the use of an additional game to display an outcome
associated with the previously-approved game is scrutinized much
less by regulators, and as a result, the approval of the additional
game is less burdensome. To this end, a system associated with the
previously-approved game may provide ticket and outcome information
to a system conducting an online game (e.g. server 103).
[0069] The code stored on the server (e.g., server 103) may be used
to determine game play as played on the computer system. For
instance, the game outcome may be "Win $50." In the case of a slot
machine-type game, the ticket may indicate that the player receives
10 spins of the slot machine. The outcome of each spin may be
predetermined, and the game may retrieve information from the
server indicating a predetermined sequence of game play as
discussed above. In the case of a slot machine-type game, the
predetermined sequence may indicate the winnings associated with
each of the spins. In the case of a COLLAPSE-type game, the outcome
of each instance of the second level game may be stored on the
server and retrieved prior to game play.
[0070] In another example, only the overall outcome is
predetermined (e.g., the total winning associated with the ticket),
and the sequence of game play may be determined when the game is
played. In the example above where the player is indicated as
winning $50 over 10 spins, the $50 winnings (and any intermediate
losses) may be allocated to the player at any point over the 10
spins. In the case of the COLLAPSE-type game, winnings may be
allocated across game instances. In a further example, winnings may
be allocated across items collected while playing the COLLAPSE-type
game. Because the number of items collected may vary depending on
the skill of the player, the distribution of prizes among collected
items may be determined during game play by the game playing
system. Thus, according to one embodiment, the player's skill (or
lack thereof) does not affect the overall outcome of the game.
[0071] This allocation may be determined by the server, the game
software executing on the client, or a combination thereof.
Further, the game play may be randomized in that a further play
using the same ticket may yield a different sequence of game states
leading to the same outcome. For example, in the case of a slot
machine game as described above, a player may be indicated as
winning $50, but the sequence by which the player attains the $50
winning outcome may be different depending on various factors. Such
factors may include a randomization function that determines
results of individual game plays (e.g., in the case of a series of
"spins," the result of each spin), or some other function. The
series of intermediate outcomes may be stored in a database
associated with the server as discussed above with respect to game
outcomes. Also, the outcomes may be adjusted using a formula or
rule-based approach during execution of the game to increase the
game drama and heighten the game playing experience.
[0072] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
player may purchase a ticket at a point of purchase (e.g., a
convenience store) and the indication of a win/no win condition of
the ticket is revealed on a different medium. For instance, a
player purchases a scratch ticket in a convenience or other type of
store. The prize that the player wins is not revealed on the
scratch card itself, but rather the prize is revealed through
another medium (e.g., on a home computer system, PDA, cell phone,
etc.).
[0073] For instance, as discussed above, the player may be
presented another game (e.g., a slot machine, bingo game, roulette
game, or COLLAPSE-type game as described above) that reveals at
least a portion of the outcome (e.g., a prize, game result, or
other outcome). The underlying prizes available via the reveals may
be predetermined, in that the ultimate outcome and any intermediate
outcomes of the game may be stored in one or more systems and
revealed to the player during play of an online game. The scratch
ticket may reveal different numbers of plays (e.g., pulls in the
case of a slot-machine type game, game instances of a COLLAPSE-type
game, game instances of a bingo game, etc.) the player
receives.
[0074] In one aspect of the present invention, the ticket includes
authentication information that is used to obtain the reveals. In
one example, the scratch ticket contains a secret key which is used
to decrypt the results that are revealed to the player. That is,
according to one aspect, it is impossible to determine if and what
a particular ticket wins without having possession of the ticket
(and therefore the secret key). In another example, the scratch
ticket could contain only a portion of the secret key. The other
portion of the key may be stored, for example, on a server and
retrieved from a database (e.g., file, relational database, etc.)
based on, for example, the serial number of the card. Mappings of
serial numbers of tickets to encrypted results can be provided to
the lottery provider for additional audit control.
[0075] A process for performing secure access to outcomes is shown
in FIG. 4. At block 401, process 400 begins. A server (e.g., server
103) may store a number of outcomes in encrypted form, each of
which outcomes can be accessed by a respective code. These outcomes
may be encrypted, for example, using any encryption method (e.g.,
symmetric, asymmetric encryption) as is known in the art. At block
402, a code is provided to the server (e.g., server 103).
[0076] This code may be, for example, a secret code (e.g., a
symmetric key, a private key) printed on a ticket and provided to
the server by a user through an interface of a computer system as
discussed above. The received code may be transmitted between
systems using a secure transmission method (e.g., SSL) as is known
in the art. The received code is used at block 403 to decrypt the
outcome stored on the server. This code may be any decryption key
type that may be used to decode data, and may be of any format or
length. The decrypted outcome may then be presented to a player at
block 405. The outcome may be displayed using any method. For
example, as discussed above, the outcome may be presented through
one or more reveals presented to the player during play of an
online game. At block 405, process 400 ends.
[0077] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
lottery-based software game that can be played over a network, such
as the Internet. According to one embodiment, the system includes a
purchase of a scratch-based or printed ticket by a player at a
point of service (POS). A POS may be, for example, a place at which
lottery tickets may be sold, including convenience stores or other
locations where lottery products are provided. In an alternative
system provided at a casino or other gaming establishment, a ticket
may be sold to a player at the casino for play at a later time.
[0078] The player receives the ticket at the POS or other location,
and proceeds to play a computer-based game at another location to
reveal a result (or outcome) of the game. The computer-based game
may be, for example, a casino-type game (e.g. slot machine, video
poker) or other type of game, including amusement games or games of
chance. In the case of the scratch or printed ticket, the result is
not apparent to the player until the player plays the
computer-based game. This game may be, for example, a software
program that is downloaded and played over the Internet.
Alternatively, other ways of accessing the online portion of the
game may be used (e.g., PDA, cell phone or other method).
[0079] The ticket includes a code by which a player gains access to
a result stored on a server that stores ticket information and
results associated with each ticket. Such information may be
predetermined at the time of ticket sale, or the results may not be
known until a later time, after the ticket is issued to the player
(e.g., in the case of a Keno, bingo, or other drawing-based
system). According to one embodiment, the code is an access key (or
a portion thereof) that is used to access the result stored on the
server. Further, the result (stored in the server) may be
encrypted. For example, the code may be a private key or a
symmetric key. The key may be transmitted by a client computer
system to the server for the purpose of decrypting the result using
SSL or any other secure method.
[0080] Because, according to one embodiment, the decryption key is
stored on the ticket, the gaming system is safer, as a breach of
security of either the tickets or the server does not provide
access to result information. More particularly, access to the
lottery ticket database may not be accomplished without the ticket
(used to decrypt the result). Further, the tickets may not be
correlated to results without the lottery ticket database (because
the results are stored in the database, not on the tickets).
[0081] In another example of the system, a portion of the key used
to decrypt results of the game is stored on the ticket, and another
portion is stored in the database of the server. In this manner, it
is assured that possession of either portion of the key may not
compromise the results.
[0082] However, it should be appreciated that the system does not
require SSL or any other encryption/decryption method, a decryption
key on the ticket, or the stored result on the server to be
encrypted. Rather, the game can be implemented with or without
these features. That is, access to the outcome stored at the server
may be performed using only the serial number or other ticket
identifier printed on the ticket.
[0083] The scratch-based or printed ticket also includes a second
serial number or other identifier (e.g., an access code) in
addition to the serial number or other identifier which is
correlated to results on the server. A ticket may include both a
serial number and a ticket identifier used by the system. According
to one embodiment, it is appreciated that there may be security
issues with using the serial number of a printed ticket (as printed
on the ticket) to correlate to win outcomes. That is, the lottery
provider may not allow any entity outside of the lottery system to
have the ability to correlate outcomes to serial numbers. To this
end, another identifier (e.g., a separate ticket identifier or
access code) may be provided on a ticket to allow the system to
index into an outcome database.
[0084] In one example system that works in association with a
lottery system, outcomes for a game may be predetermined to comply
with lottery rules. In this case, outcomes are predetermined and
stored in a database. In an alternative environment where results
are not permitted to be predetermined (e.g., in a casino), but
rather are determined at a later time (e.g., by a drawing or other
method), a ticket issued by a system in such an environment may
have an associated drawing time when a game may be played. In the
case where the online game system is driven by a Keno game result,
each ticket may be associated with a set of numbers in the Keno
game, and the result of the Keno game is provided as the result for
the online game. In one example, a computer system automatically
picks numbers associated with the ticket at the point when the
ticket is issued. Thereafter, when the Keno game occurs, the result
of the Keno draw is provided to an online game system, which
translates the Keno result to a game experience within another game
(e.g., COLLAPSE, slot machine, etc.). It should be appreciated,
however, that although the game of Keno may be used to drive an
online game experience, other games (e.g., bingo) may be used.
[0085] The server (e.g., server 103) may be capable of accepting,
from the user, an input of the serial number and decryption key,
and in response, providing the results associated with the
particular ticket. The result or outcome of the game may be
displayed to the player in an interface of the computer system
(e.g., a client computer system such as a personal computer (PC))
used to play the computer-based game. For example, the outcome of a
series of plays associated with the ticket may be stored in the
server, and provided to the client, and the series of outcomes may
be presented to the player during play of the computer-based
game.
[0086] In another embodiment of the system, a payout of the ticket
may be encoded on the ticket. For instance, if the ticket is a $5
winner, the amount of the win may be encoded on the ticket. In the
case of the casino-based version of the system, the payout may not
be stored on the ticket (as the payout is not predetermined), but
rather the purchase price of the ticket may be stored on the
ticket, or some other identifier of the ticket.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 5, a system 500 may be provided having more
than one server. For instance, a server 502 provided at the point
of sale 501 is primarily responsible with issuing tickets to a
user/player 506. To this end, server 502 may issue preprinted
tickets or may issue tickets printed from an associated printer
505. Such tickets may include one or more identifiers as discussed
above with reference to FIG. 2. As discussed, another system such
as a Keno or lottery-based system may be used to provide results to
an online game system.
[0088] In one version of system 500, the win/loss determination of
a ticket may be driven by a later-occurring drawing. For example, a
Keno-based, bingo-based, or other type lottery draw system may be
used wherein the outcome of a particular game is not known until a
future time (e.g., when a drawing occurs). In this case, the ticket
identifier stored on the ticket may be an access code generated
from ticket identifiers in the Keno-based system (e.g., by an
intermediate system or the Keno server itself that can translate a
Keno ticket identifier into another type of identifier).
[0089] Generation of an identifier separate from the Keno ticket
identifier may be necessary for security reasons relating to the
Keno system. More particularly, access to the Keno ticket
identifiers may not be permitted by the system (e.g., the Keno
server). In one example, a Keno system translates Keno ticket
identifiers into access codes and results that are stored on the
game server (e.g., server 503). Thereafter, clients (e.g., hosts
504A, 504B) access results stored on the server based on their
respective access codes.
[0090] As discussed above, one or more hosts 504A, 504B (e.g.,
general purpose computer systems) may communicate with a server 503
over a network for the purpose of conducting a game. In one
example, a host 504A renders a browser window by executing a
browser program (e.g., the Internet Explorer browser program
available from the Microsoft Corporation). A user/player 506 enters
a URL address specified by an issued ticket in a window of the
browser interface, and is directed to a website associated with
server 503. This website may be rendered by, for example, a WWW
server process (e.g., server 507) associated with server 503.
[0091] Player 506 may be instructed to enter an access code (and/or
any other required information) to access one or more games in an
interface presented through the browser. As discussed, server 503
may validate the received access code, and provide any results
stored in a database associated with server 510. Once validated by
server 503, the user may be permitted to play one or more games.
These game may be, for example, be programmed using one or more
programming languages (e.g., Macromedia Flash) and may be
downloaded to host 504A and executed.
[0092] Also, outcomes associated with any games may be downloaded
prior to game play. As discussed, examples of games include those
that may be of the lottery-type (e.g., having a predetermined
outcome) and those that are casino-based (e.g., having an outcome
that is not determined at the time of sale of the ticket). In the
case where a later drawing affects an outcome, a player may not be
permitted to play the game until the drawing occurs (and until
results are available at server 503). In the case of a drawing that
affects outcomes, drawing results can be communicated from server
502 to server 503. In addition, server 502 may maintain a mapping
from a ticket identifier (e.g., a serial number) to an access code
provided on the ticket, and provide a mapping of outcome to access
code when the drawing occurs. As discussed, such outcome
information may be maintained in a database 510 associated with
server 503 and may be accessed through a database server process
509.
[0093] As discussed, the payout of the lottery ticket may be
displayed to a player in a number of ways. For instance, the payout
of the ticket may be presented to the player through one or more
reveals presented to a player during one or more plays of an online
game.
[0094] For instance, in the case of a slot machine game, a player
may be permitted, with the issue of a single scratch or printed
ticket, a series of spins of the slot machine. The slot machine
may, as the result of each of the spins, produce results that
contribute to the overall payout to the player. For instance, after
a single spin, a player may be presented an indication that he/she
has won $5. The payout to the player as provided from the server
database may be, for the series of spins, $50 overall, with
particular outcomes for each spin. Additional spin results may
provide the additional $45 that the player will receive. Additional
spins may add, subtract, or have no affect on the contribution to
the outcome of the game. These results of each spin of the slot
machine game may be stored in the database of the server indexed by
the ticket identifier, or may be randomly determined by the game
program that renders the game. Further, as discussed above, the
results of each spin may be "scripted" such that the game
experience is more exciting to the player.
[0095] For example, in the case where the results of each spin are
stored on the server, the series of results may be downloaded to
the client at the beginning of the game as a series of entries, and
the client may reveal each result as the player progresses through
the series of spins. In the random method, results for each
individual spin are not predetermined, but rather are determined by
the client in a random manner. For instance, the actual outcomes of
each spin may be randomly chosen among the possible combination of
outcomes that may produce the required payout. In either case, the
outcomes for each spin of the slot machine game is not stored on
the ticket, but rather is stored at the server and downloaded just
prior or during game play, or is determined randomly by the client.
Alternatively, the client may determine the game experience based
on a predetermined set of rules or formulas that, when an overall
outcome is provided, allows the client to determine intermediate
outcomes in a dynamic way.
[0096] Because the game play and outcome are scripted, a player may
also not play the game (and possible secondary games) to actually
win. A player may purchase a ticket, wait until the ticket may be
redeemed, and go to a POS to find out (and if necessary, receive)
his/her winnings. A ticket may be allowed to be redeemed after a
predetermined period of time after the drawing independent of
whether the player has played the game. A ticket may be able to be
redeemed after a predetermined period of time, from almost
immediately to seconds to days or any predetermined time. For
tickets with results dependent upon results of a particular Keno
game or other event, the ticket may not be redeemed until after the
event has passed.
[0097] Finally, after play of the online game, the player is
permitted to validate the ticket at any POS location (e.g., 501
(for example, a lottery agent, casino, or other gaming
establishment) to redeem his/her winnings as indicated during the
online portion of the game. According to one embodiment, players
are permitted to redeem their winnings only after playing the
online portion of the game. The player, by playing the online
portion of the game, sets status information at the server (e.g.,
server 503). When the player attempts to redeem the ticket at the
POS (e.g., 501), the status information may be checked, and the
player is permitted to redeem his/her winnings. To this end, server
503 may communicate information back to server 502 relating to game
play.
[0098] For instance, server 503 may collect information that
indicates the sequence of game play performed at the client, and
other player tracking information. In one example, tickets may be
associated with a particular player, and the player may be awarded
loyalty points or other credit for playing the game.
[0099] Taking a COLLAPSE-type slot machine or other type of game, a
player is issued a ticket at a POS to play one or more instances of
the game. The ticket indicates an access code, and the player uses
this access code to gain access to the system (e.g., from a host
coupled to server 503 through the Internet). The player enters the
access code in a user interface, and, once validated, is permitted
to play the game. In one embodiment, the COLLAPSE-type game is a
version of the well-known game of COLLAPSE, which is a game of
skill-based puzzle game.
[0100] In one example, using a slot machine game, the slot machine
game includes one or more reels (e.g. reels 702) having symbols
(e.g., symbol 705) arranged in one or more rows (e.g., rows 703).
The results of the offline portion of the game may be presented
within the online portion of the game to the player. As the player
spins the slot machine, one or more online results are presented to
the player.
[0101] In another embodiment of the present invention, a slot
machine game is played in an online/offline format. In one example
using a scratch-type ticket (or card) having a slot machine
representation printed on the ticket, one or more scratchable or
other type of printed areas are provided to the player for playing
the offline portion of the game. These scratchable areas may be
located in one or more slot locations presented on one or more
reels of the slot machine representation. The player scratches one
or more of the areas to reveal symbols printed on the ticket. These
symbols may, when arranged in particular groups along pay lines of
the slot machine, may provide a winning outcome. According to one
embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the areas
(e.g., slot locations) may not be revealed in the offline portion
of the game. Rather, the player must play an online portion of the
game to reveal the missing outcomes.
[0102] Optionally, the player is permitted to play, based on a
single access code (and ticket), any one of a number of games
available from server 503. Such an option may allow a player to
play different games for each game instance associated with the
ticket.
[0103] FIG. 6 shows an example game interface 600 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The COLLAPSE-type game
involves an interface 600 that has a grid 601 of elements (e.g.,
element 602). Similar elements within grid 601 may be identified by
color, shape, or any other indication. One or more new lines of
elements (e.g., line 603) are fed into the bottom of the grid
periodically.
[0104] A player removes groups of similar elements by selecting
them within the grid, and the player is awarded points based on the
number of elements removed. For example, similar elements may be
indicated by color, and groups of similarly-colored elements may be
removed from the grid. In one example, groups of three elements can
be removed. Removal of larger groups of similarly-indicated
elements may provide more points than smaller groups. It should be
appreciated, however, that elements may have one or more
indications that represent that they are similar, and the invention
is not limited to any particular indication(s). Further, it should
be appreciated that any number of elements may be removed as part
of a group, and the invention is not restricted to any minimum
number of element that may be removed.
[0105] Lines are moved into a preview area 605 associated with
interface 600 that permits the player to anticipate what element
types are being placed into grid 601. Lines of elements may be
moved into the grid at a predetermined rate, and the rate may be
adjusted from time to time during game play. In one example,
elements may be fed into the preview area from left to right, and
when a line of elements is complete, the line of elements is pushed
into grid 601. The COLLAPSE-type game ends when the grid overflows
with elements or a final line (e.g., of a predetermined number of
lines) is fed into grid 601. As an additional option, a player may
bypass play of the COLLAPSE-type game by selecting a "Reveal All"
element 604 within interface 600. Selection of element 604 may
cause the COLLAPSE-type game to end and may allow the player to
progress to a second level game.
[0106] As discussed above, the second level of the game may be
played with items collected during the COLLAPSE-type game. Also, as
discussed, these items may be hidden within elements of the grid
(e.g., grid 601) and released as elements are removed. In one
version of the game, items such as spins of a wheel or sticks of
dynamite (a.k.a. "hotsticks") are located within elements in the
grid. Items (spins, sticks, etc.) are accumulated and used in the
second reveal-type game to reveal a payout or other type of prize.
As shown in interface 600, there may be a prize window 606 in which
prizes are awarded.
[0107] Window 606 may indicate a number of available prizes, and
may include an interface control (e.g., spin control 607) that
allows the player to initiate the second level of the game. Window
606 may be a part of or separate from a window that includes grid
601. After the player selects control 607, window 606 indicates
what, if any, prize is won. Interface 600 may also include an
indication of the number of spins or other items remaining to be
played by the player in the second level game.
[0108] In the example game discussed above having one or more
elements containing hidden items (e.g., safes), sticks of dynamite
or other items collected may be used to uncover the hidden prizes
in the second level portion of the game. For instance, winnings
(e.g., cash prizes) revealed within opened safe elements are
awarded to the player. In one example, the reveal of the number of
sticks awarded to a player may be randomized by the client
computer, with at least one stick awarded to the player to allow
the player to open at least one safe.
[0109] After play of the second level game, game play is returned
to another instance of the first level game (e.g., the
COLLAPSE-type game). The player may, however, choose to play a
different game (e.g., a card game or other game) at the conclusion
of any particular game instance. The player may be permitted to
play further instances of the COLLAPSE-type game, with each level
of the Collapse-type game leading to a second level wherein prizes
are revealed. These intermediate prize amounts that are revealed
with each instance of the COLLAPSE-type game, as discussed above,
may be stored in a database of the server, and provided to the
client prior to or during game play. Alternatively, intermediate
prize amounts may be determined at the client in a random manner
(e.g., by randomly selecting a possible combination of intermediate
prize amounts that total the overall prize awarded to the player).
In another example, a game may be determined dynamically by the
game system or client based on one or more rules. These rules may
be tailored so that the overall result is revealed by the game
system in an interesting way.
[0110] For instance, the ticket may have an overall prize value of
$50, and the prize awarded at each instance of the COLLAPSE-type
game may accumulate to form the $50 prize. There may be a finite
number of combinations based on the number of game instances to
achieve a $50 prize, and the actual game experience presented to
the player may be a random selection of the finite outcomes. In any
case, the result of each game instance is either stored at the
server or is determined randomly or dynamically by the client as
discussed above.
[0111] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is
realized that the time at which tickets are activated (and
therefore, may be played) is important. In the case of a
casino-based game, where tickets are issued at the casino, it may
be beneficial to include a delay between the purchase of a ticket
and a possible redemption of the ticket so that the game play
associated with the ticket does not compete against other games
offered by the casino (e.g., floor games). For example, in the case
of a slot machine game, it may be preferable that such a game be
activated after the player leaves the casino, or otherwise is not
playable while in the casino so as not to compete with other types
of slot machine games or other game types offered by the
casino.
[0112] Further, another benefit of introducing a delay between
ticket issuance and activation includes increasing the likelihood
that the player plays the game at another location (e.g., at home),
requiring the return of the player to the ticket redemption
location to redeem his/her winnings. Because the player needs to
return to the redemption location (which may be a casino), the
possibility that the player will purchase additional tickets or
play other types of games offered at the redemption location is
increased.
[0113] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
COLLAPSE-type game is conducted that may include the following
additional aspects, either alone or in combination: [0114] The game
begins with a fixed number of lines of colored elements already
positioned on the game grid (e.g., grid 601) and available to be
selected by the user (or player). [0115] New elements fill the
bottom and/or the top of the screen, from left to right, one at a
time, but are not available to be selected. When a row is complete,
the line of elements is pushed onto the game grid and added to
those elements in active play. Alternatively, new elements may fill
the game grid from any edge, including from the right and/or left
side. [0116] Selecting the preview area as lines are being formed
causes the preview area to fill with elements and the elements to
be added to the active play area. [0117] The user can clear
elements from the active area by selecting any three or more
same-colored elements that are touching. [0118] When a user
positions a selection device (e.g., a mouse pointer) over a group
of elements that are eligible to be cleared, the group of elements
changes in appearance. [0119] When elements are cleared, the
elements above fall downward and toward the center to fill any void
created by removed elements. [0120] When the user clears an element
that contains a dynamite stick (or other item) in it, that stick is
placed to the right of the game board for use in the second level
game (e.g., a prize round). [0121] When the stack of elements comes
within a predetermined number (e.g., three) of rows of the top of
the game area, a warning area flashes. [0122] If the elements reach
the top of the game area, the COLLAPSE-type game ends and the user
is taken to the second level game. [0123] If the user collects a
predetermined number (e.g., six) of dynamite sticks, the
COLLAPSE-type game ends, and the user is taken to the second level
game. [0124] The user begins the game with one dynamite stick
collected for him/her. [0125] At the second level game, the user is
presented with a grid, 6 by 6, of safes. [0126] The user selects a
button and the first dynamite stick is used. [0127] The stick
begins at the top left most safe and moves over each safe in turn,
from left to right, top to bottom, one at a time. [0128] The safe
that the stick stops at is blown open to reveal either a cash
amount or other prize type or an indication that no prize is
awarded. [0129] If multiple sticks are available for use, each
subsequent stick starts at the safe immediately after the safe that
was blown open. [0130] The sticks skip over safes that have already
been opened. [0131] At the conclusion of the game, the user is
presented an indication that the second level game is over and an
indication of any prize(s) awarded. [0132] The overall result
(e.g., payout) for purchasing a ticket may be predetermined (as in
a scratch or other type of instant lottery game) or may be
determined by a later event (such as a lottery, Keno, or bingo
draw) that occurs after ticket issuance.
[0133] After each, some, or all game instances are played, a player
may then enter a second chance opportunity. Preferably, a player
may enter a second chance opportunity only if the player did not
win. The second chance opportunity may be presented to the player
in an interface of a game-playing computer system in which one or
more of the game instances were played. In another embodiment, the
player is permitted to play an offline game, and then reveals the
result of second chance game in an online mode.
[0134] According to one embodiment, the second chance opportunity
may be to enter another drawing to win prizes that is available
exclusively to losers in the initial games. In one example game
format, no prize is awarded in the second chance opportunity. For
instance, in one game format, the only reward provided to the
player is the satisfaction at performing better than other second
chance opportunity entrants in the game (e.g., a game of chance
and/or skill). A second chance opportunity participant may need to
pay to participate. In one embodiment, the second chance
opportunity is provided at no cost to the participant.
[0135] The second chance opportunity may be any game of skill or
chance. The game of chance or skill may include any game including,
for example, poker, keno, roulette, blackjack, dominoes, a lottery,
or a number drawing. For each second chance opportunity provided to
a player, a player may be permitted to have one or more turns or
plays in the game of skill or chance. In one particular game
format, the player is provided only one turn or play in the game of
skill or chance for each second chance opportunity.
[0136] However, according to another embodiment, a player may be
provided multiple second chance opportunities associated with a
single primary game instance. A player may be able to obtain a
second chance opportunity whenever a non-winning instance is
obtained. Preferably, a player may obtain a second chance
opportunity only for a non-winning instance a given number of times
during a set time period (e.g. one time per week).
[0137] According to one embodiment of the invention, the player may
attain points or credits for the outcome of a second chance
opportunity and the player may be able to accrue the points or
credits for each second chance opportunity. A computer system may
then maintain a listing of points awarded to each second chance
opportunity player per instance played and also the accrued total
number of credits or points amassed by each second chance player.
The computer may then display to each second chance player his or
her standing among second chance players for a single second chance
opportunity and in total for all second chance opportunities played
by each player.
[0138] As an example of a second chance opportunity, the second
chance players may be entered into a National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) Men's Basketball championship tournament bracket
challenge. During the first week of the second chance opportunity,
a second chance player may be asked to pick a winner for one game
in the first or second round of the NCAA tournament for each second
chance opportunity attained; during the second week of the second
chance opportunity, a second chance player may be asked to pick a
winner for one game in the third or fourth round of the NCAA
tournament; and during the third week, a second chance player may
be asked to pick the winner of a semi-final game or the final game
for each second chance opportunity attained. A second chance player
may then be awarded a point(s) or credit(s) for each correctly
chosen winner. After each week, the player can then see how he or
she is doing against other second chance players.
[0139] Alternatively, a second chance player may get to choose
winners for all first and second round games in the first week with
one second chance opportunity, etc. Preferably, a player may only
enter the second chance drawing once per week in this instance.
[0140] FIG. 7 shows one example interface 701 of a slot machine
game according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Interface 701 may include some elements that are shown on a game
ticket, and other elements that are shown in an online portion of
the game. One specific example of a slot machine game may include
one or more of the following features, alone or in combination, as
follows: [0141] A scratch-type card (e.g., card/interface 701) is
provided as shown in FIG. 7 having a printed 3.times.5 grid,
representing a five-reel (e.g., reels 702), three-row (e.g., rows
703) slot machine. [0142] In the slot machine representation, there
is a checkerboard of seven (7) scratchable areas (e.g., scratchable
area 704 such as a tile). [0143] The scratchable areas can be
scratched to reveal symbols (e.g., symbols 705) printed on the
card. [0144] The remaining eight (8) tiles of the checkerboard are
revealed in an online portion of the game. For instance, a player,
playing an online game over the Internet, may play the online
portion of the game. In one example, the player may reveal the
remaining areas over one or more plays of the online game. For
instance, the eight (8) remaining areas may be revealed over
successive "spins" of an online slot machine. [0145] According to
one embodiment, the online portion of the game includes a graphic
representation of the card (e.g., card/interface 701) used for the
offline portion of the game. In one specific example, the online
version of the card displays the results received in the offline
portion of the game. For example, in the case of the slot machine
described above, the seven scratchable area results are displayed
as results in the online game interface. [0146] In one example,
matches can be made on one or more (e.g., nine (9)) pay lines.
[0147] There can also be one or more (e.g., five (5)) special
scratch areas on the card which represent a "bonus" pattern. If a
player matches that pattern in any of the pay lines (e.g., any of
the nine pay lines), that player wins a bonus prize.
[0148] In another embodiment of the present invention, a bingo game
is played in an online/offline format. In one example using a
scratch-type ticket (or card) having a bingo game representation
printed on the ticket, one or more scratchable areas are provided
to the player for playing the offline portion of the game. In one
embodiment, the bingo game is the well-known American bingo game
format. However, it should be appreciated that any bingo game
having any type of card or format may be used.
[0149] These scratchable areas may be located in one or more
locations on one or more bingo cards. The player scratches one or
more of the areas to reveal symbols printed on the ticket. These
symbols may, when arranged in particular patterns on a bingo card,
may provide a winning outcome.
[0150] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or
more of the areas (e.g., bingo card numbers) may not be revealed in
the offline portion of the game. Rather, the player must play an
online portion of the game to reveal the missing outcomes. In
another example, all of the card numbers of one or more bingo cards
are revealed in the offline portion of the game, and the player
plays the online portion of the game to receive the called numbers,
yielding the outcome of one or more bingo cards.
[0151] FIG. 8 shows one example interface 801 of a bingo game
according to one embodiment of the present invention. Interface 801
may include some elements that are shown on a game ticket, and
other elements that are shown in an online portion of the game. One
specific example of a bingo game may include one or more of the
following features, alone or in combination, as follows: [0152] A
large card is printed with one or more standard American-type bingo
cards (e.g., card/interface 801) as shown in FIG. 8. In one
example, the card and its corresponding spaces are large enough to
daub with a marker. [0153] The player scratches off spaces (e.g.,
scratchable area 803) on the cards to reveal his/her card numbers.
[0154] The player plays an online portion of the game where bingo
numbers are "called" by a game program, and the player is provided
a win/loss indication for each of the respective cards. For
instance, in a game where a player is not playing against other
players, a finite number of balls may be called. If the player does
not have a winning pattern after the last ball is called, the
player does not win a prize. [0155] Alternatively or in
combination, the card provided to the player includes scratchable
areas on the cards (e.g., area 803) as well as in a called numbers
section (e.g., area 804 in called numbers section 802). [0156]
According to one embodiment, the online portion of the game
includes a graphic representation of the card (e.g., card/interface
801) used for the offline portion of the game. In one specific
example, the online version of the card displays the results
received in the offline portion of the game. For example, in the
case of the bingo game described above, the scratchable areas of
the bingo card (the assigned numbers of the bingo card) are
displayed as results in the online game interface. [0157] Prizes
are distributed via win patterns. In one example, one particular
win pattern corresponds to a single prize. A bingo win pattern may
include, for example, four corners, five in a row, etc. There may
be any number and type of win patterns. Win patterns may be
identified in a pay table with their corresponding prizes. More
difficult patterns (e.g., a pattern covering all of the card
entries) may be associated with larger prizes. [0158] In one
example, a physical card has one or more (e.g., five (5)) bonus
numbers 705 that can be revealed by scratching off a coating in the
offline portion of the game. If one or more of the player's bonus
numbers are included in the win pattern, the player is awarded a
bonus prize. That is, the bonus number may act as a multiplier to
increase an awarded prize.
[0159] In another embodiment of the present invention, a roulette
game is played in an online/offline format. In one example using a
scratch-type ticket (or card) having a roulette game representation
printed on the ticket as shown in FIG. 9, one or more scratchable
areas (e.g., area 906) are provided to the player for playing the
offline portion of the game. In one embodiment, the card (e.g.,
card/interface 901) includes a representation of a casino-style
roulette wheel (e.g., wheel 902) printed on the card. Further, the
card includes a bet table (e.g., bet table 903) printed
thereon.
[0160] These scratchable areas may be located in one or more
locations on the roulette wheel representation and/or bet table.
The player scratches one or more of the areas to reveal bets in bet
areas (e.g., bet area 904) on the bet table or the roulette wheel
outcome (e.g., indicated by indicator 905 selecting the number 29
outcome) printed on the ticket.
[0161] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or
more of the areas (e.g., the roulette wheel outcome) may not be
revealed in the offline portion of the game. Rather, the player
must play an online portion of the game to reveal the missing
outcomes. In another example, bets on the bet table are revealed in
the offline portion of the game, and the player plays the online
portion of the game to receive the result of the spin of the
roulette wheel, yielding the outcome of the individual bets. In
another example, the printed card may have more than one bet table,
each of which corresponds to a spin of a roulette wheel made in an
online portion of the game. To this end, an online game may have a
control that a player may select to cause the roulette wheel to
spin and display the outcome of the spin.
[0162] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
first game is played offline, and a second game is played online,
both the first and second games being associated with the same
ticket. For instance, this same ticket may permit a player to play
a complete game offline, and play a separate game online. These
first and second games, for example, may have independent outcomes.
These games may, however, be the same or similar types of games
(e.g., a slot machine game), same themes, etc. among the first and
second games.
[0163] In another aspect of the present invention, standard offline
games (e.g., scratch-based, pull-tab, printed lottery, bingo, keno,
etc.) may be combined with an online game component. This is
beneficial, as the interest in standard offline games may be
increased by providing an additional online game component. For
example, standard offline games may become "online" enabled by the
payment of an additional fee. In one specific example, offline
games are made online compatible at the point of ticket issuance
(e.g., at a POS). For instance, a retailer may, upon payment of an
additional fee, enable a ticket associated with an offline game to
become online enabled. This may be accomplished, for example, at
the POS by scanning or otherwise inputting a ticket identifier of
an issued ticket and enabling an online game associated with the
issued ticket. Other aspects of the game may be revealed online,
such as, for example, a prize multiplier that is used to determine
an ultimate prize awarded to the player. It should be appreciated
that other features may be used with such an online/offline format,
and the invention is not limited to any particular format unless
specifically recited in the claims.
[0164] Having thus described several aspects of at least one
embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various
alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and
improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are
intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example
only.
* * * * *