U.S. patent application number 11/628067 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for lottery system based on sporting events.
Invention is credited to Jack Saffron.
Application Number | 20090011813 11/628067 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35463381 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090011813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saffron; Jack |
January 8, 2009 |
LOTTERY SYSTEM BASED ON SPORTING EVENTS
Abstract
A method of conducting a lottery using sporting events as a
basis of defining a winning condition for the lottery, comprising
the steps of: identifying a group of scheduled sporting events 11,
associating the group of sporting events with single lottery
competition 12, defining a plurality of parameters comprising
predictions to be made by a lottery participant with respect to the
win/loss outcomes of the group of sporting events 13, charging a
fee to participate in the lottery competition 14, providing a
prediction request to the participant to enable reporting of
predictions made by the participant regarding win/loss outcomes of
the sporting events 15, and assigning cash award amounts to
participants that are at least partially successful in predicting a
majority of sporting event outcomes 16, said amounts being based on
a total of fees paid by the participants in the lottery
competition.
Inventors: |
Saffron; Jack; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORPE NORTH & WESTERN, LLP.
P.O. Box 1219
SANDY
UT
84091-1219
US
|
Family ID: |
35463381 |
Appl. No.: |
11/628067 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
May 27, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2005/018556 |
371 Date: |
March 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60574753 |
May 27, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3288 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of conducting a lottery using sporting events as a
basis of defining winning conditions for the lottery, said method
comprising the steps of: a) identifying a group of scheduled
sporting events; b) associating the group of sporting events with a
lottery competition; c) defining a plurality of parameters
comprising predictions to be made by a lottery participant with
respect to the win/loss outcomes of the group of sporting events;
d) charging a fee to participate in the lottery competition; e)
providing a prediction request to the participant to enable
reporting of the predictions made by the participant regarding
will/loss outcomes of the sporting events; f) assigning award
amounts to the participants that are at least partially successful
in predicting a majority of sporting event outcomes, said amounts
being based on a total of fees paid by the participants in the
lottery competition; and g) carrying awards over to a next game if
no participant fulfills the winning conditions.
2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the events are
approximately coincident in time of play.
3. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the events are spread
over a period of several days.
4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the events are selected
from a group consisting of football, basketball, baseball, soccer,
volleyball, softball, hockey, skiing, snowboarding, skating,
bicycle racing, horse racing, vehicle racing, gymnastics, swimming,
boxing, extreme sports, and track and field.
5. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the events are selected
from a single sport.
6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the events are selected
from a group of events in at least two or more sports.
7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the win/loss outcome
includes a difference of two team's final scores (point
spread).
8. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the win/loss outcome
includes a tie game status for events in which a tie outcome is
allowed.
9. A method as defined 8, wherein the tie condition can occur by an
event winner prevailing by exactly a given point spread.
10. A method as defined 1, wherein the win/loss outcome includes a
score outcome to be either over a given point total or under a
given point total.
11. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the win/loss outcome
includes a ranking order of competitors in the event.
12. A method as defined 11, wherein only a segment of the order is
predicted.
13. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the participant's
predictions are a combination of outcome possibilities.
14. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the participant may
predict multiple outcomes of the same event.
15. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein predictions are made on
alternate events in an instance of a cancellation of the original
event.
16. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly
embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to
perform method steps for processing a lotter event, said method
steps comprising: a) generating a list of scheduled sporting
events; b) creating prediction requests for lottery participants
based on the list; c) recording predictions by the participants of
win/loss outcome(s) for the event(s); d) collecting an entry fee
along with the prediction requests from the participants; e)
placing the predictions in a lottery; f) comparing predicted
results from each of the participants with actual outcome(s) of the
sporting events; g) awarding specified prizes to the participants
that are at least partially successful in predicting a majority of
the win/loss outcomes, said prizes being based on a total of fees
paid by all of the participants in the lottery; and h) carrying the
awards over to later lotteries in the case that no participant is
partially successful in predicting the outcomes.
17. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the events are
approximately coincident in time of play.
18. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the events are spread
over a period of several days.
19. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the events are
selected from a group consisting of football, basketball, baseball,
soccer, volleyball, softball, hockey, skiing, snowboarding,
skating, bicycle racing, horse racing, vehicle racing, gymnastics,
swimming, boxing, extreme sports, and track and field.
20. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the events are
selected from a single sport.
21. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the events are
selected from a group of events in at least two sports.
22. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the win/loss outcome
includes a difference of two team's final scores (point
spread).
23. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the win/loss outcome
includes a tie game status for events in which a tie outcome is
allowed.
24. A method as defined 23, wherein the tie condition can occur by
an event winner prevailing by exactly a given point spread.
25. A method as defined 16, wherein the win/loss outcome includes a
score outcome to be either over a given point total or under a
given point total.
26. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the win/loss outcome
includes a ranking order of competitors in the event.
27. A method as defined 26, wherein only a segment of the order is
predicted.
28. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the participant's
predictions are a combination of outcome possibilities.
29. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the participant may
predict multiple outcomes of the same event.
30. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein predictions are made
on alternate events in an instance of a cancellation of the
event.
31. A computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium
having a computer readable code means embodied in said medium for
processing a lottery event, the computer readable program code in
said article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable program
code means for causing the computer to generate a list of scheduled
sporting events; a computer readable program code means for causing
the computer to create prediction requests for lottery participants
based on the list; a computer readable program code means for
causing the computer to record predictions by the participants of
win/loss outcome(s) for the event(s); a computer readable program
code means for causing the computer to collect an entry fee along
with the prediction requests from the participants; a computer
readable program code means for causing the computer to place the
predictions in a lottery; a computer readable program code means
for causing the computer to compare predicted results from each of
the participants with actual outcome(s) of the sporting events; a
computer readable program code means for causing the computer to
award specified prizes to the participants that are at least
partially successful in predicting a majority of the win/loss
outcomes, said prizes being based on a total of fees paid by all of
the participants in the lottery; and a computer readable program
code means for causing the computer to carry the awards over to
later lotteries in the case that no participant is partially
successful in predicting the outcomes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a lottery in
which a number of participants select a series of numbers within a
given range with the winner(s) being the one whose numbers
correspond to a randomly generated series of numbers. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a lottery in which
the participants select from possible win/loss outcomes of sporting
events instead of numbers.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] There are many varieties and techniques for the
administration of lottery games. The majority of these games have a
participant select a series of numbers as part of the lottery
competition. The administrator then randomly generates another
series of numbers, which defines the winning combination. Typical
problems associated with the lottery industry include: (i) the
remote chance of winning due to the millions of permutations for
the outcomes of the numbers, (ii) the lack of meaningful
participation and control of the game due the nominal skill needed
to simply guess numbers, and (iii) possible uncertainty as to
whether the administrator of the lottery is generating truly random
numbers.
[0005] Some attempts have been made at remedying these problems
using various methods that combine the use of sporting events with
the functions of a lottery. WO9926204 derives lottery numbers from
an algorithm using verifiable sources such as sporting events,
stock market closing values, etc. This method mirrors other methods
by still requiring the participant to simply guess numbers.
Accordingly meaningful participation in this game is limited.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,239 discloses a method where random
numbers are generated and assigned to the participant. Groups of
sporting events are given pre-determined numbers corresponding to
different possible outcomes. The winner is the one who possesses a
matching set of numbers. In this case the participant does not even
select his/her own numbers. Hence this method could almost
completely deprive the participant of a sense of being
involved.
[0007] WO9919841 depicts a method where the participant attempts to
predict a series of total final scores for a group of sporting
events. The participant is given a lottery card that is split into
two columns. The left column contains a list of sporting events.
The right column contains multiple cells corresponding to a number,
or range of numbers. The participant selects the cell which
contains the number that he/she feels will reflect the sum total of
both teams' scores. There are still serious limitations to
meaningful participation in this case. For example, to predict that
the final total score in a professional soccer game will be 3 does
not really take a great deal of knowledge because these events have
characteristically low scoring. Indeed the thought process does not
even involve selecting which team won the game. The alternative
scores of 2 to 1, 1 to 2, or 3 to 0 all have the same total of 3.
Furthermore, the participant is still merely guessing at a series
of numbers. For this and other reasons this lottery method is
unattractive.
[0008] It is therefore desirable to have a lottery where the
participant can have a higher degree of participation by allowing
them to do more than simply guess at numbers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a lottery wherein the participant can have a higher level
of meaningful participation. This invention creates this higher
level by allowing the participant to apply their skills in
predicting various win/loss outcomes of events instead of only
numbers.
[0010] Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention
outlines a method of conducting a lottery using sporting events.
The said method includes the steps of identifying a group of
scheduled sporting events, and associating the group of sporting
events with single lottery competition. Parameters are then defined
comprising predictions to be made by a participant with respect to
the win/loss outcomes of the events. The participant pays a fee and
is provided a prediction request form, thereby enabling reporting
of win/loss predictions of the sporting events. Cash awards and/or
prizes are given to participants that are at least partially
successful in predicting a majority of sporting event outcomes.
[0011] In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present
invention, this method provides for the scheduled sporting events
to be played in either close time proximity, or spanned over longer
periods. This method also allows for multiple events across
multiple categories of sports to be entities in the lottery. The
participant may predict various win/loss outcomes including, but
not limited to, the actual game winner, whether the game stayed
within a given point spread, and whether the final scores add to be
over or under a specified amount. Also, participants may predict
final rankings as win/loss parameters for the case of an event
wherein rank is the main outcome factor.
[0012] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 presents a graphic flowchart representing the present
invention method.
[0014] FIG. 2 presents a graphic flowchart representing an
alternative embodiment to this invention
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of this invention wherein
the lottery is played in conjunction with football events.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of this invention wherein
the lottery is played in conjunction with baseball events.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of this invention wherein
the lottery is played in conjunction with basketball events.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of this invention wherein
the lottery is played in conjunction with soccer events.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of this invention wherein
the lottery is played in conjunction with a horseracing event.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of this invention wherein
the lottery is played in conjunction with multiple types of
sporting events.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically depict possible steps for method
embodiments of the present invention for processing these cards as
part of a lottery. Not every step depicted is performed for a given
embodiment. Similarly, the order of the steps shown is not intended
to be limiting, and it is to be understood that variations in the
order are to be considered within the scope of the present
invention.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1 the present invention may be
embodied as a method 10 to conduct a lottery using sporting events
as a basis of defining winning conditions. The method comprises the
steps of identifying a group of scheduled sporting events 11,
associating the group of sporting events with a single lottery
competition 12, defining parameters comprising predictions to be
made with respect to the win/loss outcomes of the group of sporting
events 13, charging a fee to participate in the lottery competition
14, providing a prediction request to the participant to enable
reporting predictions of win/loss outcomes 15, assigning award
amounts to participants that are at least partially successful in
predicting a majority of event outcomes 16, and carrying awards
over to the next game in the case that no participant fulfilled the
winning conditions 17.
[0024] The step of identifying a group of scheduled sporting events
11 may include a group of like events such as ten football games
being played on a given day, or a seven game playoff series in
basketball. The group may also comprise a mixture of various events
to be played such as three baseball games, three soccer games, and
two football games. These events may be played in close proximity,
or spanned out over a long period of time. Each of these parameters
will be determined by the lottery administrator while associating
the events together to form the competition 12.
[0025] Defined parameters made with respect to the win/loss
outcomes 13 may include, but are not limited to, the actual winner
of the event, winning or losing by a point spread, and whether the
final scores are over or under a specified amount. In the case of a
racing event win/loss parameters could be defined as a ranking
order or segment of the order, and/or over or under a specified
time limit. It should be noted that a variety of win/loss
parameters are currently used in the field of sports gambling, many
of which could easily be integrated into the present invention.
[0026] The four steps of (i) charging a fee to participate in the
lottery competition 14, (ii) providing a prediction request to the
participant to enable reporting of predictions 15, (iii) awarding
successful participants 16, and (iv) carrying awards over in case
no participant wins 17 may be done by any means known to one
skilled in the art. Fees and awards are generally determined based
on overhead costs, the number of participants playing, and other
common factors. There are numerous techniques in the administration
of lotteries that could be integrated into the present invention.
These processes can be performed manually or incorporated into a
fully automated system using computers and user terminals.
[0027] FIG. 2 outlines an alternate method 20 for conducting the
lottery for this invention. This method comprises the steps of
generating a list of scheduled sporting events 21, creating
prediction requests for lottery participants based on the list 22,
recording predictions by the participants of win/loss outcome(s)
for event(s) 23, collecting an entry fee along with the prediction
requests from the participants 24, placing the said predictions in
a lottery 25, comparing predicted results from each of the
participants with the actual outcome(s) of the sporting events 26,
awarding specified prizes to the participants that are at least
partially successful in predicting a majority of sporting event
outcomes 27, or carrying the awards over to later lotteries 28 in
the instance that no participant is partially successful in
predicting the outcomes.
[0028] Representations of embodiments of the present invention are
seen in the lottery cards illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. The said cards
30, 40, 50, and 60 may be split into three columns. The left column
31, 41, 51, 61 indicates a group of scheduled sporting events as
chosen by a lottery administrator. The events are separated into
the particular team match ups as shown in 34, 44, 54, and 64. The
right column 33, 43, 53, 63 indicates the date and time in which
the sporting events are to take place. The center columns 32, 42,
52, and 62 contain, in part, the parameters comprising predictions
to be made by the participant with respect to the win/loss
outcomes. These parameters include selecting the winner 35, 45, 55,
65, selecting either (i) a win by more than the point spread 37,
47, 57, 67, or (ii) a tie of the point spread 38, 48, 58, 68. The
point spread is denoted by a number in quotes 36, 46, 56, 66,
wherein a negative number denotes a team is favored to win by that
amount, and a positive number denotes that a team is picked to lose
by that amount. Other parameters in this embodiment include whether
the game will be over (39, 49, 59, 69) or under (310, 410, 510,
610) the given point total.
[0029] A fee is charged to the participant to enter and the lottery
form shows verification by assigning a unique index number on each
ticket 311, 411, 511, and 611. Participants then fill in their
prediction request by selecting the desired field that denotes
their win/loss predictions. Upon completion of the outlined
sporting events, cash awards and/or prizes are assigned to
participants that are at least partially successful in predicting a
majority of sporting event outcomes. In the event that no
participant wins the lottery, the awards accumulate and go toward
the next lottery contest. The lottery contests will have varying
length that is indicated on the card 312, 412, 512, 612.
[0030] It should be noted that in the above embodiments the groups
of events are made up of the same sport, i.e. football in FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment comprising multiple types of
sporting events.
[0031] FIG. 7 is an example of an embodiment in which the win/loss
parameters are predicting the player's final ranking. More
particularly this sporting event is a horse race and the lottery
participant is to select only the winner. The lottery card 70
contains a number of races that represents the group of scheduled
events. A single race is denoted by 71. Common horseracing
abbreviations for the distance of the race, type of racing surface,
type of purse, value of the race, and types of horses running are
seen in 72. The odds of each horse wining 73 are given for each
horse, on each race. The participant is to predict a winner in each
race as seen by 74, which is the only win/loss outcome prediction
in this embodiment. As on other embodiments, a fee is charged to
the participant to enter and the lottery form shows verification by
assigning a unique index number on each ticket 75. The award
process is similar to the examples above, and the lottery contests
have varying lengths that are indicated on the card 76.
[0032] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the
principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and
alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, winning
conditions could include selecting only the winner of the football
games. For the horse race, winning conditions could include not
only selecting the horse that will take first place, but also
selecting a partial or entire order of completion. While the
present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully
described above with particularity and detail in connection with
what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made
without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention
as set forth herein.
* * * * *