U.S. patent application number 12/253232 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for method and apparatus for providing an instant lottery game with an ordered assortment.
Invention is credited to Michael D. Frick, Robert J. Wright.
Application Number | 20090227318 12/253232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41065772 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090227318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wright; Robert J. ; et
al. |
September 10, 2009 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN INSTANT LOTTERY GAME WITH AN
ORDERED ASSORTMENT
Abstract
A process provides a first price category and a second price
category in which a scratch-off lottery ticket can be purchased for
a instant lottery game. The first price category is distinct from
the second price category. The first price category corresponds to
a first known portion of a linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game. The second price category corresponds to a second
known portion of the linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game. The second known portion of the linear prize is more
than the first known portion of the linear prize. The process
selects a set of instant lottery game numbers. The process
generates a single predetermined ordered assortment of the set of
instant lottery game numbers in a instant lottery matrix of
numbers. The process generates, for each of the plurality of
instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game
numbers.
Inventors: |
Wright; Robert J.; (Palm
Beach Gardens, FL) ; Frick; Michael D.;
(Crawfordville, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT INGENUITY, PC
520 BROADWAY, SUITE 350
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401
US
|
Family ID: |
41065772 |
Appl. No.: |
12/253232 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12206698 |
Sep 8, 2008 |
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12253232 |
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12045653 |
Mar 10, 2008 |
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12206698 |
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12034657 |
Feb 20, 2008 |
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12045653 |
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11315417 |
Dec 21, 2005 |
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12034657 |
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11044427 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
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11315417 |
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11043913 |
Jan 25, 2005 |
7347776 |
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11044427 |
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10879939 |
Jun 28, 2004 |
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12045653 |
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10876390 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
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10879939 |
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10766656 |
Jan 27, 2004 |
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12045653 |
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10987474 |
Nov 12, 2004 |
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10766656 |
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12045650 |
Mar 10, 2008 |
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10987474 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 ;
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/329 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 ;
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: providing a first price category and a
second price category in which a instant lottery ticket can be
purchased for a instant lottery game, the first price category
being distinct from the second price category, the first price
category corresponding to a first known portion of a linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game, the second price category
corresponding to a second known portion of the linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game, the second known portion
of the linear prize being more than the first known portion of the
linear prize; selecting a set of instant lottery game numbers;
generating a single predetermined ordered assortment of the set of
instant lottery game numbers in an instant lottery matrix of
numbers; generating, for each of the plurality of instant lottery
tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game numbers; printing, on
each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of the
instant lottery game numbers generated particular to a respective
lottery ticket and the single predetermined ordered assortment of
the set of instant lottery game numbers in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers; providing the first known portion of the linear
prize associated with the instant lottery game to a player if the
player purchased the lottery ticket from the first price category
and a linear match in the instant lottery matrix of numbers is
displayed, the linear match being a linear display in the instant
lottery matrix of numbers of at least a predetermined quantity of
numbers from the linear subset; and providing the second known
portion of the linear prize associated with the instant lottery
game to the player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from
the second price category and a linear match is displayed in the
instant lottery matrix of numbers.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating, for each of the
plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of the instant
lottery game numbers is effectuated through a random selection.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the random selection is a quick
pick.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the random selection is generated
by a random number generator.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the random selection is generated
by a computing device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match is a row in the
instant lottery matrix.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match is a portion of
a row in the instant lottery matrix.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match is a column in
the instant lottery matrix.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match is a portion of
a column in the instant lottery matrix.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match is a diagonal
in the instant lottery matrix.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match is a portion of
a diagonal in the instant lottery matrix.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match includes a
consecutive linear display in the instant lottery matrix of a
plurality of numbers in the linear subset.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear match includes a
non-consecutive linear display in the instant lottery matrix of a
plurality of numbers in the linear subset such that a number that
is not within the linear subset is between numbers that are within
the linear subset.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear prize is a fixed
prize.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear prize is a
progressive prize.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein payment of the linear prize is
guaranteed by a third party.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein a variable ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the linear prize.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the first price category also
corresponds to a first known portion of a non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game and the second price
category also corresponds to a second known portion of the
non-linear prize, the second known portion of the non-linear prize
being more than the first known portion of the non-linear
prize.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein a constant ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the linear prize.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined quantity of
numbers equals four.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the instant lottery game is
implemented as a monitor game.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising performing a
selection of a non-linear subset of the set of instant lottery game
numbers that is utilized for each of the plurality of instant
lottery tickets.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the performing the selection of
the non-linear subset of the set of instant lottery game numbers
that is utilized for each of the plurality of instant lottery
tickets is effectuated through a random selection.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing the first
known portion of the non-linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the lottery
ticket from the first price category and a non-linear match is
displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers, the non-linear
match being a predetermined arrangement of numbers in the
non-linear subset that is a display in the instant lottery matrix
of numbers, the quantity of numbers in the predetermined
arrangement of numbers being less than the predetermined quantity
of numbers.
25. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing the second
known portion of the non-linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the lottery
ticket from the second price category and a non-linear match is
displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers.
26. The method of claim 1, wherein a variable ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the non-linear prize.
27. The method of claim 1, wherein a constant ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the non-linear prize.
28. The method of claim 1, wherein payment of the non-linear prize
is guaranteed by a third party.
29. A method comprising: providing a first price category and a
second price category in which a instant lottery ticket can be
purchased for a instant lottery game, the first price category
being distinct from the second price category, the first price
category corresponding to a first known portion of a non-linear
prize associated with the instant lottery game, the second price
category corresponding to a second known portion of the non-linear
prize associated with the instant lottery game, the second known
portion of the non-linear prize being more than the first known
portion of the non-linear prize; selecting a set of instant lottery
game numbers; generating a single predetermined ordered assortment
of the set of instant lottery game numbers in a instant lottery
matrix of numbers; generating, for each of the plurality of instant
lottery tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game numbers;
printing, on each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the
subset of the instant lottery game numbers generated particular to
a respective lottery ticket and the single predetermined ordered
assortment of the set of instant lottery game numbers in the
instant lottery matrix of numbers; providing the first known
portion of the non-linear prize associated with the instant lottery
game to the player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from
the first price category and a non-linear match is displayed in the
instant lottery matrix of numbers, the non-linear match being a
predetermined arrangement of numbers in the non-linear subset that
is a display in the instant lottery matrix of numbers, the quantity
of numbers in the predetermined arrangement of numbers being less
than the predetermined quantity of numbers; and providing the
second known portion of the non-linear prize associated with the
instant lottery game to the player if the player purchased the
lottery ticket from the second price category and a non-linear
match is displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the generating, for each of the
plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of the instant
lottery game numbers is effectuated through a random selection.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the random selection is a quick
pick.
32. The method of claim 29, wherein the random selection is
generated by a random number generator.
33. The method of claim 29, wherein the random selection is
generated by a computing device.
34. The method of claim 29, wherein payment of the non-linear prize
is guaranteed by a third party.
35. The method of claim 29, wherein a variable ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the non-linear prize.
36. The method of claim 29, wherein a constant ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the linear prize.
37. The method of claim 29, wherein the instant lottery game is
implemented as a monitor game.
38. The method of claim 29, wherein the first price category also
corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize associated
with the instant lottery game and the second price category also
corresponds to a second known portion of the linear prize, the
second known portion of the linear prize being more than the first
known portion of the non-linear prize.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising performing a
selection of a linear subset of the set of instant lottery game
numbers that is utilized for each of the plurality of instant
lottery tickets.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the performing the selection of
the linear subset of the set of instant lottery game numbers that
is utilized for each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets is
effectuated through a random selection.
41. The method of claim 40, further comprising providing the first
known portion of the linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game to a player if the player purchased the instant
lottery ticket from the first price category and a linear match in
the instant lottery matrix of numbers is displayed, the linear
match being a linear display in the instant lottery matrix of
numbers of at least a predetermined quantity of numbers from the
linear subset.
42. The method of claim 40, further comprising providing the second
known portion of the linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the instant
lottery ticket from the second price category and a linear match is
displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers.
43. The method of claim 29, wherein a variable ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the linear prize.
44. The method of claim 29, wherein a constant ratio is established
between the first price category and the second price category for
distribution of the linear prize.
45. The method of claim 29, wherein payment of the linear prize is
guaranteed by a third party.
46. An apparatus comprising: a price category module that
establishes a first price category and a second price category in
which a instant lottery ticket can be purchased for a instant
lottery game, the first price category being distinct from the
second price category, the first price category corresponding to a
first known portion of a linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game, the second price category corresponding to a second
known portion of the linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game, the second known portion of the linear prize being
more than the first known portion of the linear prize; a instant
lottery game number selection module that selects a set of instant
lottery game numbers; an ordered assortment module that generates a
single predetermined ordered assortment of the set of instant
lottery game numbers in a instant lottery matrix of numbers; a
number generation module that generates, for each of the plurality
of instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game
numbers; a printer that prints, on each of the plurality of instant
lottery tickets, the subset of the instant lottery game numbers
generated particular to a respective instant lottery ticket and the
single predetermined ordered assortment of the set of instant
lottery game numbers in the instant lottery matrix of numbers; and
a distribution module that provides the first known portion of the
linear prize associated with the instant lottery game to a player
if the player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the first
price category and a linear match in the instant lottery matrix of
numbers is displayed, the linear match being a linear display in
the instant lottery matrix of numbers of at least a predetermined
quantity of numbers from the linear subset and provides the second
known portion of the linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the instant
lottery ticket from the second price category and a linear match is
displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the instant lottery game
number selection module is a random selection module.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the random selection is a
quick pick.
49. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the random selection is
effectuated through a random number generator.
50. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the random selection is
effectuated through a computing device.
51. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match is a row in
the instant lottery matrix.
52. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match is a
portion of a row in the instant lottery matrix.
53. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match is a column
in the instant lottery matrix.
54. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match is a
portion of a column in the instant lottery matrix.
55. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match is a
diagonal in the instant lottery matrix.
56. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match is a
portion of a diagonal in the instant lottery matrix.
57. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match includes a
consecutive linear display in the instant lottery matrix of a
plurality of numbers in the linear subset.
58. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear match includes a
non-consecutive linear display in the instant lottery matrix of a
plurality of numbers in the linear subset such that a number that
is not within the linear subset is between numbers that are within
the linear subset.
59. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear prize is a fixed
prize.
60. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the linear prize is a
progressive prize.
61. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein payment of the linear prize
is guaranteed by a third party.
62. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein a variable ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the linear prize.
63. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the first price category
also corresponds to a first known portion of a non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game and the second price
category also corresponds to a second known portion of the
non-linear prize, the second known portion of the non-linear prize
being more than the first known portion of the non-linear
prize.
64. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein a constant ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the linear prize.
65. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the predetermined quantity
of numbers equals four.
66. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the lottery game is
implemented as a monitor game.
67. The apparatus of claim 66, further comprising performing a
non-linear selection module that selects a non-linear subset of the
set of instant lottery game numbers that is utilized for each of
the plurality of instant lottery tickets.
68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the non-linear selection
module is a random selection module.
69. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the distribution module also
provides the first known portion of the non-linear prize associated
with the instant lottery game to the player if the player purchased
the lottery ticket from the first price category and a non-linear
match is displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers, the
non-linear match being a predetermined arrangement of numbers in
the non-linear subset that is a display in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers, the quantity of numbers in the predetermined
arrangement of numbers being less than the predetermined quantity
of numbers.
70. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the distribution module also
provides the second known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the lottery ticket from the second price category
and a non-linear match is displayed in the instant lottery matrix
of numbers.
71. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein a variable ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the non-linear prize.
72. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein a constant ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the non-linear prize.
73. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein payment of the non-linear
prize is guaranteed by a third party.
74. An apparatus comprising: a price category module that
establishes a first price category and a second price category in
which a instant lottery ticket can be purchased for a instant
lottery game, the first price category being distinct from the
second price category, the first price category corresponding to a
first known portion of a non-linear prize associated with the
instant lottery game, the second price category corresponding to a
second known portion of the non-linear prize associated with the
instant lottery game, the second known portion of the non-linear
prize being more than the first known portion of the non-linear
prize; a instant lottery game number selection module that selects
a set of instant lottery game numbers; an ordered assortment module
that generates a single predetermined ordered assortment of the set
of instant lottery game numbers in a instant lottery matrix of
numbers; a number generation module that generates, for each of the
plurality of instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant
lottery game numbers; a printer that prints, on each of the
plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of the instant
lottery game numbers generated particular to a respective lottery
ticket and the single predetermined ordered assortment of the set
of instant lottery game numbers in the instant lottery matrix of
numbers; and a distribution module that provides the first known
portion of the non-linear prize associated with the instant lottery
game to the player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from
the first price category and a non-linear match is displayed in the
instant lottery matrix of numbers, the non-linear match being a
predetermined arrangement of numbers in the non-linear subset that
is a display in the instant lottery matrix of numbers, the quantity
of numbers in the predetermined arrangement of numbers being less
than the predetermined quantity of numbers and provides the second
known portion of the non-linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the lottery
ticket from the second price category and a non-linear match is
displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers.
75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the lottery game number
selection module is a random selection module.
76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the random selection is a
quick pick.
77. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the random selection is
effectuated through a random number generator.
78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the random selection is
effectuated through a computing device.
79. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein payment of the non-linear
prize is guaranteed by a third party.
80. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein a variable ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the non-linear prize.
81. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein a constant ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the linear prize.
82. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the instant lottery game is
implemented as a monitor game.
83. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the first price category
also corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game and the second price
category also corresponds to a second known portion of the linear
prize, the second known portion of the non-linear prize being more
than the first known portion of the non-linear prize.
84. The apparatus of claim 83, further comprising performing a
linear selection module that selects a linear subset of the set of
instant lottery game numbers that is utilized for each of the
plurality of instant lottery tickets.
85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the linear selection module
is a random selection module.
85. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the distribution module also
provides the first known portion of the linear prize associated
with the instant lottery game to a player if the player purchased
the instant lottery ticket from the first price category and a
linear match in the instant lottery matrix of numbers is displayed,
the linear match being a linear display in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers of at least a predetermined quantity of numbers
from the linear subset.
86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein the distribution module also
provides the second known portion of the linear prize associated
with the instant lottery game to the player if the player purchased
the instant lottery ticket from the second price category and a
linear match is displayed in the instant lottery matrix of
numbers.
87. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein a variable ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the linear prize.
88. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein a constant ratio is
established between the first price category and the second price
category for distribution of the linear prize.
89. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein payment of the linear prize
is guaranteed by a third party.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/206,698, filed on Sep. 8, 2008,
entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A SCRATCH-OFF LOTTERY
GAME, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/045,653, filed on Mar. 10, 2008, entitled
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A LOTTERY, which is a
Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/034,657, filed on Feb. 20, 2008, entitled METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR AN INSTANT ONLINE LOTTERY TICKET, which is a
Continuation-In-Part application of Ser. No. 11/315,417, filed on
Dec. 21, 2005, entitled INSTANT ONLINE LOTTERY METHOD AND SYSTEM,
which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/044,427, filed on Jan. 26, 2005, entitled
MULTIPLE LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION IN A LOTTERY JACKPOT, which is a
Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/043,913, filed on Jan. 25, 2005, entitled LOTTERY TICKET
PROVIDING FOR MULTIPLE GAMES, which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties. This application is also a
Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/879,939, filed on Jun. 28, 2004, entitled LOTTERY TICKET
DISPENSING MACHINE FOR MULTIPLE Priced TICKETS BASED ON VARIABLE
RATIOS, which is Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/876,390, filed on Jun. 25, 2004, entitled
MULTIPLE PRICING IN A LOTTERY BASED ON VARIABLE RATIOS, all of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
This application is also a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/766,656, filed on Jan. 27, 2004,
entitled A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A GUARANTEE IN A LOTTERY,
and is also a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/987,474, filed on Nov. 12, 2004, entitled
VIRTUAL LOTTERY, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entireties. This application is also a
Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/045,650, filed on Mar. 10, 2008, entitled INSTANT ONLINE
LOTTERY TICKET FOR A LINEAR PRIZE AND A POSITION SPECIFIC PRIZE,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of gaming.
More particularly, the disclosure relates to wagering for a
game.
[0004] 2. General Background
[0005] A lottery is generally a distribution of tokens such that a
subset of the distributed tokens may win a prize. The token can be
in the form of a ticket. One of the most popular forms of lottery
involves the distribution of lottery tickets. Each lottery ticket
includes a lottery number. After the lottery tickets have been
distributed to the lottery ticket holders, the winning number is
chosen. The usual method of selecting the winning number involves a
random selection of the winning number. A random number generator
can be used to randomly select the winning number. Some lottery
systems require the ticket to have the entire number that is
randomly selected while other lottery systems require the ticket to
have a subset of an ordered sequence of numbers that are randomly
selected. Online lotteries and games typically require a waiting
period for a winning number to be drawn and a prize to be awarded.
In some cases, the player must wait a week, or at least several
days, to determine the draw results. In addition, higher odds are
set for the higher-prized games (i.e. those offering higher minimum
and average jackpots), thereby reducing the chance of winning the
jackpot. More-over, higher-prized online lotteries and games
generally require longer waiting periods than lower-prized daily
draw games or those conducted more than once per day. In addition,
traditional online lotteries sell tickets for a single price.
Additional customer expenditures permit the purchase of additional
tickets or participating numbers, thereby improving the odds of
someone winning a prize, but without affecting or increasing the
prize which may be won. If there are multiple winners of a jackpot,
the winners split the jackpot prize. Players desiring a higher
jackpot must defer play until the jackpot builds to a
player-acceptable level through the roll-over process. In addition,
if a jackpot is won, the jackpot for the next game automatically
reverts to the minimum jackpot level.
[0006] Furthermore, traditional instant games, such as peel-off or
scratch-off-style games, involve pre-determined results reflected
by pre-printed tickets. Generally, the results are blocked and the
player must scratch off material or pull tabs to reveal the results
of the instant game. A traditional instant game is generally
offered at a single price, with each game having its own price and
independent fixed prize structure. Players seeking higher prizes
must choose a different game; typically, a single game does not
provide the player with prize and price options.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The
process provides a first price category and a second price category
in which an instant lottery ticket can be purchased for an instant
lottery game. The first price category is distinct from the second
price category. The first price category corresponds to a first
known portion of a linear prize associated with the instant lottery
game. The second price category corresponds to a second known
portion of the linear prize associated with the instant lottery
game. The second known portion of the linear prize is more than the
first known portion of the linear prize. Further, the process
selects a set of instant lottery game numbers. In addition, the
process generates a single predetermined ordered assortment of the
set of instant lottery game numbers in an instant lottery matrix of
numbers. The process generates, for each of the plurality of
instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game
numbers. Further, the process prints, on each of the plurality of
instant lottery tickets, the subset of the instant lottery game
numbers generated particular to a respective instant lottery ticket
and the single predetermined ordered assortment of the set of
instant lottery game numbers in the instant lottery matrix of
numbers. In addition, the process provides the first known portion
of the linear prize associated with the instant lottery game to a
player if the player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the
first price category and a linear match in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers is displayed. The linear match is a linear
display in the instant lottery matrix of numbers of at least a
predetermined quantity of numbers from the linear subset. Finally,
the process provides the second known portion of the linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the second price
category and a linear match is displayed in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers.
[0008] In another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided.
The process provides a first price category and a second price
category in which an instant lottery ticket can be purchased for an
instant lottery game. The first price category is distinct from the
second price category. The first price category corresponds to a
first known portion of a non-linear prize associated with the
instant lottery game. The second price category corresponds to a
second known portion of the non-linear prize associated with the
instant lottery game. The second known portion of the non-linear
prize is more than the first known portion of the non-linear prize.
Further, the process selects a set of instant lottery game numbers.
In addition, the process generates a single predetermined ordered
assortment of the set of instant lottery game numbers in an instant
lottery matrix of numbers. The process also generates, for each of
the plurality of instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant
lottery game numbers. Further, the process prints, on each of the
plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of the instant
lottery game numbers generated particular to a respective lottery
ticket and the single predetermined ordered assortment of the set
of instant lottery game numbers in the instant lottery matrix of
numbers. The process provides the first known portion of the
non-linear prize associated with the instant lottery game to the
player if the player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the
first price category and a non-linear match is displayed in the
instant lottery matrix of numbers. The non-linear match is a
predetermined arrangement of numbers in the non-linear subset that
is a display in the lottery matrix of numbers. The quantity of
numbers in the predetermined arrangement of numbers is less than
the predetermined quantity of numbers. Finally, the process
provides the second known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the second price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers.
[0009] In yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided. The
apparatus includes a price category module that establishes a first
price category and a second price category in which an instant
lottery ticket can be purchased for an instant lottery game. The
first price category is distinct from the second price category.
The first price category corresponds to a first known portion of a
linear prize associated with the instant lottery game. The second
price category corresponds to a second known portion of the linear
prize associated with the instant lottery game. The second known
portion of the linear prize is more than the first known portion of
the linear prize. Further, the apparatus includes an instant
lottery game number selection module that selects a set of instant
lottery game numbers. In addition, the apparatus includes an
ordered assortment module that generates a single predetermined
ordered assortment of the set of instant lottery game numbers in an
instant lottery matrix of numbers. The apparatus also includes a
number generation module that generates, for each of the plurality
of instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game
numbers. Further, the apparatus includes a printer that prints, on
each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of the
instant lottery game numbers generated particular to a respective
instant lottery ticket and the single predetermined ordered
assortment of the set of instant lottery game numbers in the
instant lottery matrix of numbers. Further, the apparatus includes
a distribution module that provides the first known portion of the
linear prize associated with the instant lottery game to a player
if the player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the first
price category and a linear match in the lottery matrix of numbers
is displayed, the linear match being a linear display in the
lottery matrix of numbers of at least a predetermined quantity of
numbers from the linear subset and provides the second known
portion of the linear prize associated with the instant lottery
game to the player if the player purchased the instant lottery
ticket from the second price category and a linear match is
displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers.
[0010] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus
includes a price category module that establishes a first price
category and a second price category in which an instant lottery
ticket can be purchased for an instant lottery game. The first
price category is distinct from the second price category. The
first price category corresponds to a first known portion of a
non-linear prize associated with the instant lottery game. The
second price category corresponds to a second known portion of the
non-linear prize associated with the instant lottery game. The
second known portion of the non-linear prize is more than the first
known portion of the non-linear prize. Further, the apparatus
includes an instant lottery game number selection module that
selects a set of instant lottery game numbers. In addition, the
apparatus includes an ordered assortment module that generates a
single predetermined ordered assortment of the set of instant
lottery game numbers in an instant lottery matrix of numbers. The
apparatus also includes a number generation module that generates,
for each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, a subset of
the instant lottery game numbers. Further, the apparatus includes a
printer that prints, on each of the plurality of instant lottery
tickets, the subset of the instant lottery game numbers generated
particular to a respective instant lottery ticket and the single
predetermined ordered assortment of the set of instant lottery game
numbers in the instant lottery matrix of numbers. Finally, the
apparatus includes a distribution module that provides the first
known portion of the non-linear prize associated with the instant
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the instant
lottery ticket from the first price category and a non-linear match
is displayed in the instant lottery matrix of numbers, the
non-linear match being a predetermined arrangement of numbers in
the non-linear subset that is a display in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers, the quantity of numbers in the predetermined
arrangement of numbers being less than the predetermined quantity
of numbers and provides the second known portion of the non-linear
prize associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the second price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the instant lottery
matrix of numbers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will
become more apparent with reference to the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like
reference numerals denote like elements and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an instant online lottery game
system.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an instant online lottery system with
multiple lottery units.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a lottery ticket dispensing machine.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates the internal components of the housing of
the lottery ticket dispensing machine.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an instant online lottery ticket.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a configuration of playlines or
number sets or game-play combinations on a seven-by-seven
matrix.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a set of game-play combinations and an
instant online lottery number.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a prize distribution in an instant online
lottery game.
[0020] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrates an instant online lottery game where
the instant online lottery number matches all of the numbers in a
game-play combination.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an instant online lottery game where the
instant online lottery number partially matches the numbers in a
game-play combination.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an instant online lottery game that
utilizes an eight-by-eight matrix.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration in which a server sends
game-play combinations to the lottery ticket dispensing
machine.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a process for operating the instant
online lottery game wherein the player selects the lottery
number.
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration in which a server sends
game-play combinations and the instant online lottery number to the
lottery ticket dispensing machine.
[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a process for operating the instant
online lottery game wherein the sever generates the game-play
combinations and the instant online lottery number.
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates an instant online lottery game system
that utilizes multiple pricing.
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a winnings table for the
instant online lottery game system of FIG. 16.
[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates an instant online lottery system.
[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates a process for operating a multi-priced
instant online lottery game.
[0031] FIG. 20 illustrates the instant online lottery unit.
[0032] FIG. 21A illustrates a three-dollar ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game, with the ticket having a game-play
combination with five matching numbers.
[0033] FIG. 21B illustrates a four-dollar ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game, with the ticket having a game-play
combination with five matching numbers.
[0034] FIG. 22A illustrates a three-dollar ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game, with the ticket having a game-play
combination with six matching numbers.
[0035] FIG. 22B illustrates a four dollar-ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game, with the ticket having a game-play
combination with six matching numbers.
[0036] FIG. 23 illustrates an instant online lottery system with a
progressive jackpot.
[0037] FIG. 24 illustrates a multi-priced instant game ticket.
[0038] FIG. 25 illustrates a process for operating the instant
game.
[0039] FIG. 26 illustrates a table of prizes in a multi-priced
instant game.
[0040] FIG. 27A illustrates an instant game ticket in a first price
category.
[0041] FIG. 28 illustrates the prize distributions for an instant
online lottery game in combination with a separate instant game
offered online.
[0042] FIG. 29 illustrates a three-dollar ticket for an instant
online lottery game in combination with an instant game offered
online.
[0043] FIG. 30 illustrates a four-dollar ticket for an instant
online lottery game in combination with an instant game.
[0044] FIG. 31 illustrates a probabilistic instant online lottery
game system.
[0045] FIG. 32 illustrates a probabilistic software configuration
that can be used with the probabilistic lottery system in
conjunction with the multiple pricing shared jackpot system.
[0046] FIG. 33 illustrates an example of an instant online lottery
game ticket. A set of instant online game numbers may be selected
for utilization in the instant online lottery game.
[0047] FIG. 34A indicates the linear game numbers as indicated by
the player in the matrix.
[0048] FIG. 34B illustrates another example of the linear game
numbers as indicated by the player in the matrix.
[0049] FIG. 34C illustrates yet another example of the linear game
numbers as indicated by the player in the matrix.
[0050] FIG. 35A illustrates an example of non-consecutive linear
display.
[0051] FIG. 35B illustrates another example of a non-consecutive
linear display.
[0052] FIG. 35C illustrates yet another example of a
non-consecutive linear display.
[0053] FIG. 36A illustrates an example of the instant online
lottery game configuration as discussed above implemented with a
constant ratio based system.
[0054] FIG. 36B illustrates an example of the instant online
lottery game configuration as discussed above implemented with a
variable ratio based system.
[0055] FIG. 36C illustrates an example of the instant online
lottery game configuration as discussed above implemented with both
constant and variable ratios.
[0056] FIG. 37A illustrates an instant online ticket in which a set
of non-linear game numbers is randomly generated in addition to the
linear game numbers.
[0057] FIG. 37B illustrates an instant online ticket in which a set
of game numbers 3706 is determined.
[0058] FIG. 38 illustrates an example of the prize structure from
FIG. 36C that is utilized for both linear game prizes and
non-linear game prizes.
[0059] FIG. 39 illustrates a process that may be utilized to
provide an instant online lottery game.
[0060] FIG. 40A illustrates an example of a lottery ticket for
which a single drawing is utilized for both the linear game and the
non-linear game.
[0061] FIG. 40B illustrates an example of a lottery ticket for
which a drawing is utilized for the linear game and a separate
drawing is utilized for the non-linear game.
[0062] FIG. 41A illustrates an example of a lottery ticket for
which a drawing game is utilized for the linear game and an instant
game is the non-linear game.
[0063] FIG. 41B illustrates an example of the lottery ticket of
FIG. 41A for which an instant game is utilized for the linear game
and a drawing game is utilized for the non-linear game.
[0064] FIG. 42 illustrates a process that may be utilized to
provide a lottery game.
[0065] FIG. 43 illustrates a scratch-off lottery ticket that is a
scratch-off variation of the instant online ticket illustrated in
FIG. 37A.
[0066] FIG. 44 illustrates a scratch-off lottery ticket that is a
scratch-off variation of the instant online ticket illustrated in
FIG. 37B.
[0067] FIG. 45 illustrates a process that may be utilized to
provide a scratch-off lottery game.
[0068] FIG. 46A illustrates an instant lottery ticket.
[0069] FIG. 46B illustrates a prize structure for a single lot.
[0070] FIG. 46C illustrates an example of the instant lottery
ticket of FIG. 1A after the concealer has been removed.
[0071] FIG. 47 illustrates a lot generation configuration.
[0072] FIG. 48 illustrates a lot reproduction configuration that
may be utilized to reproduce the lot for the lottery prize
structure illustrated in FIG. 47.
[0073] FIG. 49 illustrates a lot shuffling configuration that may
be utilized in conjunction with the lot reproduction configuration
illustrated in FIG. 48.
[0074] FIG. 50A illustrates a lot extraction configuration that may
be utilized to extract an extracted lot from the aggregate lot.
[0075] FIG. 50B illustrates the lot extraction configuration of
FIG. 50A that may be utilized to generated more than one extracted
lot or more than one group of extracted lots.
[0076] FIG. 51 illustrates a process that may be utilized to
extract a lot from an aggregate lot.
[0077] FIG. 52 illustrates a block diagram of a station or system
that extracts lots from an aggregate lot.
[0078] FIG. 53 illustrates an example of an instant lottery ticket
with a matrix 5304 of an ordered assortment of numbers and a linear
match.
[0079] FIG. 54 illustrates a process that may be utilized to
provide and instant lottery ticket with a matrix of an ordered
assortment of numbers and a linear match prize.
[0080] FIG. 55 illustrates an example of an instant lottery ticket
with a matrix of an ordered assortment of numbers and a non-linear
match.
[0081] FIG. 56 illustrates a process that may be utilized to
provide and instant lottery ticket with a matrix of an ordered
assortment of numbers and a non-linear match prize.
[0082] FIG. 57 illustrates a block diagram of a station or system
that generates an instant lottery matrix with an ordered assortment
of instant lottery game numbers for the instant lottery tickets in
an instant lottery game and a subset of instant lottery game
numbers particular to each instant lottery ticket.
[0083] FIG. 58A illustrates an instant online ticket for which a
linear prize or a position specific prize may be won.
[0084] FIG. 58B illustrates the instant online ticket shown in FIG.
58A for which the position specific prize is won.
[0085] FIG. 58C illustrates the instant online ticket shown in FIG.
58A for which an additional restriction is provided for the linear
match.
[0086] FIG. 58D illustrates the instant online ticket shown in FIG.
58A for which two linear matches may result in two portions of the
linear prize.
[0087] FIG. 59 illustrates an example of a prize structure from
that is utilized for linear game and position specific prizes.
[0088] FIG. 60 illustrates a process that may be utilized for the
instant online lottery ticket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0089] A system and method are disclosed for an instant online
lottery game. A lottery player can purchase an online lottery
ticket and determine instantly whether the purchased ticket has a
winning lottery number, rather than having to wait days or even a
week for a drawing with respect to a traditional online lottery
game. In essence, the instant online lottery player can be provided
with a similar experience to playing an electronic gaming machine
at a casino that can be networked with other machines to offer a
wide-area progressive jackpot. As such, a player can play a lottery
game offering relatively high jackpots every day without having to
wait for a drawing.
[0090] By way of contrast, in the casino-style game, only the
highest-priced ticket holder or maximum-unit player has an
opportunity to win the progressive jackpot. In the disclosed system
and method, any player, without regard to ticket price or amount
spent per play, can win a progressive jackpot prize and can
determine through player choice the pre-established percentage of
the jackpot for which he or she desires to play. In addition, the
participating lottery or lottery operator does not have to invest
substantial sums in purchasing new freestanding machines to offer
the game. Rather, the lottery operator can use its existing online
terminals for game play and can use the existing ticket
distribution network to maximize the opportunities for play.
[0091] FIG. 1 illustrates an instant online lottery game system
100. A lottery operator 102 establishes the lottery. The lottery
operator 102 can be a jurisdiction such as a country, state,
province, city, town, municipality, or any division or department
thereof. Further, the lottery operator 102 can be a private
organization that a jurisdiction hires to coordinate the lottery.
The lottery operator 102 can also be a private organization
independent of any jurisdiction. The lottery operator 102 performs
functions such as establishment, maintenance, operation and
oversight and/or winnings determination of the lottery games.
[0092] The lottery operator 102 can advertise that a lottery game
has a prize. For example, the lottery operator 102 can advertise
that the lottery game prize can be a minimum of ten million
dollars. The lottery operator 102 can provide the largest lottery
prize as a jackpot 104. In one embodiment, the jackpot 104 can be a
progressive jackpot that increases through allocation of a portion
of the ticket sales. The lottery operator 102 can also provide a
fixed prize 106. In an alternative embodiment, a fixed prize such
as a probabilities-based prize may be provided without a
progressive jackpot prize. In one embodiment, ticket holders 108
can purchase tickets at a price of $x per ticket from a ticket
seller 110. The ticket seller 110 can then send the ticket requests
for each of the tickets to the lottery operator 102, typically
through a computer network 102. The lottery operator 102 can
transmit randomly generated instant online lottery numbers to the
terminal maintained by the ticket seller 110. The numbers can be
printed on the ticket that is provided to the ticket holders 108.
In another embodiment, the numbers can be displayed on a computer
screen. In another embodiment, the numbers can be displayed on a
ticket display.
[0093] In one embodiment, the lottery operator 102 can use a random
number generator to determine the winning number. In another
embodiment, the lottery operator 102 can use a ball draw machine to
randomly select the winning number. If one of the ticket holders
108 wins the lottery, the lottery operator 102 can disburse the
jackpot 104 to the ticket holder 108. Typically, in an instant
online lottery drawing there is a single winner because the instant
online lottery number and the game-play combinations are provided
simultaneously.
[0094] FIG. 2 illustrates an instant online lottery system 200 with
multiple lottery units. In one embodiment, a server 202 can
communicate with a first instant online lottery unit 204, a second
instant online lottery unit 206, and a third instant online lottery
unit 208. The server 202 can communicate with these units through a
network 210 such as a Local Area Network ("LAN"), a Wide Area
Network ("WAN"), the Internet, cable, satellite, etc.
Alternatively, the server 202 can be hardwired to the instant
online lottery units.
[0095] In one embodiment, the first instant online lottery unit
204, the second instant online lottery unit 206, and the third
instant online lottery unit 208 can all be linked to one another.
For instance, the server 202 can provide updated prize information
based on lottery wins and/or losses to the first instant online
lottery unit 204, the second instant online lottery unit 206, and
the third instant online lottery unit 208. Thus, the jackpot can
change in value according to the wins and/or losses of any of the
players at the first instant online lottery unit 204, the second
instant online lottery unit 206, and the third instant online
lottery unit 208. In another embodiment, the server 202 is not
needed to update the jackpot information because the instant online
lottery units can communicate with one another. When the player at
the first instant online lottery unit 204 requests a ticket, the
player is essentially purchasing a lottery ticket for a drawing in
which that lottery ticket is the only lottery ticket that exists.
Accordingly, the player can instantly determine if a winning
lottery ticket has been purchased. Each instant online lottery unit
may be identical to the units deployed for a lottery's traditional
online game.
[0096] Similar to a traditional online lottery game, the first
instant online lottery unit 204 can provide the player with the
opportunity to select an instant online lottery number or to have
the first instant online lottery unit 204 randomly generate a
"quick pick" for the player. The first instant online lottery unit
204 can then randomly select the game-play combinations or winning
instant online lottery numbers. Further, the first instant online
lottery unit 204 can compare the instant online lottery number to
determine if the player won the instant online lottery game. If the
player won the instant online lottery game, then a pre-established
portion of the jackpot or the jackpot in its entirety can be
provided to the player and can be deducted from the jackpot for
future play. On the other hand, if the player does not win the
instant online lottery jackpot, the jackpot can remain available to
future players of the instant online lottery game. If only a
portion is won, the remaining portion can remain available to
future players. If there is only a partial match of numbers,
non-jackpot secondary prizes can be won, depending on the extent of
the match and the amount wagered in the game (e.g. price selection
as discussed later).
[0097] In yet another embodiment, the player can select the instant
online lottery number by entering the number of the instant online
lottery ticket without having a quick pick option. In yet another
embodiment, the player can select the instant online lottery number
by selecting the quick-pick option and does not manually enter the
numbers of the instant online lottery tickets. In yet another
embodiment, the player does not select game numbers, and the game
numbers are only selected by the random number generator or other
selection device and are reported automatically to the instant
online lottery unit.
[0098] In one embodiment, the jackpot 212 can be probabilistic. In
other words, a relatively large amount is indicated at the onset as
being the jackpot 212 in order to induce the purchase of instant
online lottery tickets regardless of whether sufficient sales of
instant online lottery tickets have occurred to cover the jackpot
212. Accordingly, there is an increased likelihood that the sales
of the instant online lottery tickets can suffice to cover the
jackpot 2412 because players are more likely to purchase instant
online lottery tickets for a large jackpot than for a low jackpot.
In one embodiment, prize indemnity insurance can be purchased from
a third party to provide a guarantee that the jackpot will be paid
in the event that the instant online lottery ticket sales are
insufficient to cover the jackpot 212 and fixed secondary
prizes.
[0099] FIG. 3 illustrates a lottery ticket dispensing machine 300.
In one embodiment, instant online lottery units 204, 206 and 208
can be implemented with the use of the lottery ticket dispensing
machine 300, which can be positioned at various point-of-sale
locations. The lottery ticket dispensing machine can have a housing
302 that stores the internal components of the lottery ticket
dispensing machine 300. In addition, the lottery ticket dispensing
machine 300 can also have a user input device 304 on which a user
can input data for the sale of a lottery ticket. For instance, the
vendor can input the instant online lottery number. In one
embodiment, the vendor can also input player price selection. As
described below, a player can also select a ticket price category
in order to participate in other winning opportunities.
[0100] The instant online lottery number that the vendor enters can
be displayed on a screen 308 of a display 306. In one embodiment,
the display 306 is a graphical user interface. In another
embodiment, the display 306 communicates data other than the
instant online lottery number such as the jackpot 212. When a
player purchases a lottery ticket, the vendor can enter the
purchase information into the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300
via the user input device 304. In one embodiment, the user input
device can be a keyboard. In another embodiment, the user input
device can be operated by using a computer mouse. In an alternate
embodiment, the user input device can be a touch screen. In yet
another embodiment, the user input device can be voice activated.
In an alternative embodiment, the display 306 can communicate the
purchase information that is entered via the user input device
304.
[0101] In one embodiment, the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300
can have a payment reception module (not shown) that receives a
payment for the purchase of a lottery ticket. In another
embodiment, the payment reception module can receive an electronic
payment.
[0102] After the vendor inputs the data needed to sell a ticket, a
ticket 312 can be printed from a lottery ticket printer 310. In one
embodiment, the ticket printer 310 can be housed within the housing
302. In another embodiment, the lottery ticket printer 310 can be
positioned outside of the housing 302 and can be operably connected
to the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300. In yet another
embodiment, the lottery ticket printer 310 can receive data from
the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300 through a wireless
connection.
[0103] FIG. 4 illustrates the internal components of the housing
302 of the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300. The housing 302
can include a lottery unit processor 406, a memory 414, a
communication controller 410, a number selection input 402, a
random number generator 404, and a payment acceptor 412.
[0104] The lottery unit processor can coordinate the various
operations of the first instant online lottery unit 204. For
instance, the lottery unit processor 406 can receive the instant
online lottery number from the number selection input 402 that was
selected by the player. The lottery unit processor 406 can then
store the instant online lottery number in a memory 414. In
addition, the lottery unit processor 406 can receive the winning
instant online lottery number from the random number generator 404
and can store the winning instant online lottery number in the
memory 414. The lottery unit processor 406 can then retrieve the
instant online lottery number in the memory 414. The lottery unit
processor 406 can then retrieve the instant online lottery number
to compare the two numbers. If the two numbers are the same in
entirety, then the player wins a known percentage of the instant
online lottery prize. If subsets of the two numbers are the same,
then the player wins a secondary prize which is a fixed prize.
[0105] In one embodiment, a communication controller 410 in the
instant online lottery unit 204 can communicate with the server
2402. The communication controller 410 can receive data such as the
value of the jackpot. The communication controller 410 can store
this value on the memory 414 so that the lottery unit processor 406
can compute a known percentage of the jackpot that can be won by
the player. In another embodiment, the lottery unit processor 406
can communicate with the communication controller 410 after data is
received by the communication controller 410 from the memory 414.
The lottery unit processor 406 can then store the data in the
memory 414.
[0106] In one embodiment, a payment acceptor 412 can accept payment
for an instant online lottery ticket. The lottery unit processor
406 can store the amount provided by the player. In one embodiment,
the payment acceptor 412 can be a bill acceptor that accepts paper
currency. In another embodiment, the payment acceptor 412 can be a
coin acceptor that can accept coins for payment. In yet another
embodiment, the payment acceptor can accept cashless payment.
Various forms of cashless payment can include a credit card, a
smart card, a stored value card purchased at a kiosk, a stored
value card received in a promotion, a code such as a number that is
printed on a ticket, etc. In yet another embodiment, the payment,
in cash or other form, can be received, and deposited independent
of the unit, by the vendor, who then can record and confirm the
payment and receipt of the payment.
[0107] The first instant online lottery unit 204 can be implemented
in a number of different combinations. Any type of computing
device, such as a personal computer, can be utilized. Further,
various displays can be operably attached or integrated into the
first instant online lottery unit 204 to provide the player with
data such as the jackpot value, the instant online lottery ticket,
and the winning instant online lottery number. Other embodiments
may provide displays with other pertinent information.
[0108] FIG. 5 illustrates an instant online lottery ticket 312. In
one embodiment, the instant online lottery ticket can include an
instant online lottery number 500, a player's game board 502, a
ticket identifier 504 and a timestamp 506. In one embodiment, the
instant online lottery number 500 can include a number combination
that is utilized to compare against one or more game-play
combinations in order to determine whether the player has won. Each
game-play combination can be an unordered collection of numbers.
The instant online lottery number 500 can also be an unordered
collection of numbers.
[0109] The instant online lottery number matches the game-play
combination in full when all of the numbers in the instant online
lottery number are present in the game-play combination. In one
example, if the instant online lottery number is {2, 4, 6}, a
game-play combination {2, 4, 6} matches in full the instant online
lottery number. In another example, if the instant online lottery
number is {2, 4, 6}, a game-play combination {4, 2, 6} matches in
full the instant online lottery number. In yet another example, if
the instant online lottery number is {2, 4, 6}, a game-play
combination {6, 4, 2} matches in full the instant online lottery
number.
[0110] The instant online lottery number matches the game-play
combination partially when only some of the numbers in the instant
online lottery number are present in the game-play combination. In
one example, if the instant online lottery number is {2, 4, 6}, a
game-play combination {2, 4} partially matches the instant online
lottery number. In another example, if the instant online lottery
number is {2, 4, 6}, a game-play combination {4, 6} partially
matches the instant online lottery number. In yet another example,
if the instant online lottery number is {2, 4, 6}, a game-play
combination {6, 2} partially matches the instant online lottery
number.
[0111] In order to improve the player's odds of winning, the player
can be provided multiple game-play combinations. Thus, the player
can be provided with a set of game-play combinations.
[0112] The ticket identifier 504 can be, for example, a serial
number, a bar code, etc., that can uniquely identify the instant
online lottery ticket among other instant online lottery tickets.
In addition, a time stamp 506 can also be provided on the instant
online lottery ticket 312 to display the time at which the ticket
was printed and presented to the player. In another embodiment, the
time stamp 506 can correspond to the time at which the set of
game-play combinations was generated.
[0113] In one embodiment, the player's game board 502 can be a
matrix or grid containing a set of game-play combinations. In
another embodiment, the set of game-play combinations can be
printed as a listing on the instant online lottery ticket 312. In
another embodiment, the set of game-play combinations can be
displayed as a listing on the screen 308 of the lottery ticket
dispensing machine 300. In one example, the player's game board 502
can be a seven-by-seven matrix that includes forty-nine numbers
from a range of one to forty-nine and sixteen play-game
combinations of seven numbers. In one embodiment, all of the
numbers in the matrix can be unique. It will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that matrices with other ranges of numbers as
well as different numbers of rows and columns can be used. In
another embodiment, for example, a seven-by-seven matrix that
includes forty-nine numbers can have a range of fifty-one to
one-hundred. In another embodiment, an eight-by-eight matrix can be
utilized wherein the matrix includes sixty-four numbers having a
range of one to sixty-four and provides eighteen combinations of
eight numbers.
[0114] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate a configuration of playlines
or number sets or game-play combinations on a seven-by-seven
matrix. The configuration of the playlines defines the set of
game-play combinations. In one embodiment, the playlines are the
seven horizontal lines across the rows of the matrix shown in
matrix 602, the seven vertical lines across the columns of matrix
604, and the two diagonal playlines across diagonals 608 and 610 of
matrix 606.
[0115] Thus, a seven-by-seven matrix yields sixteen game-play
combinations of numbers or potential winning combinations. Seven of
the game-play combinations are defined by the horizontal playlines
as illustrated in FIG. 6A. Another seven of the game-play
combinations are defined by the vertical playlines as illustrated
in FIG. 6b. Finally, two additional game-play combinations are
defined by the diagonal playlines 608 and 610 as illustrated in
FIG. 6C.
[0116] In another example, a six-by-six matrix yields fourteen
different sets of game-play combinations. Six of the game-play
combinations are defined by the horizontal play-lines, another six
of the game-play combinations are defined by the vertical
playlines, and two additional playlines are defined by the
diagonals of the matrix.
[0117] FIG. 7 illustrates a set of game-play combinations and an
instant online lottery number. In one embodiment, the set of
game-play combinations 700 can be presented to the user in a form
of a list. The set of game-play combinations 700 can correspond to
the sixteen sets of seven numbers derived from a seven-by-seven
matrix. The set of game-play combinations 700 illustrates the seven
sets of numbers derived from each of the horizontal playlines
across seven rows, the seven sets of numbers derived from each of
the vertical playlines across the seven columns, and the two sets
of seven numbers derived from the diagonal playlines. Thus, the set
of game-play combinations 700 can continue to have a matrix
relationship of rows, columns, and diagonals, even if the set of
game-play combinations 700 is presented in the form of a list.
[0118] For example, the first row in the player's game board 502
includes the numbers 110, 38, 4, 28, 44, 16, 30}. The first column
of the player's game board 502 includes the numbers 110, 48, 6, 32,
11, 36, 24}. These two sets of numbers have the number ten at the
beginning. As such, the sets of seven numbers corresponding to the
first row and the first column of the matrix can have the first
number in common. Each of the other sets of numbers of the set of
game-play combinations can have a number in common with one or more
other sets depending on where the game-play combinations are placed
in the game-board matrix 700.
[0119] In another embodiment, the set of game-play combinations 700
can be a list of numbers that are independent of each other and
randomly generated. As such, there would be no matrix relation
between each of the randomly generated game-play combinations.
[0120] FIG. 8 illustrates a prize distribution in an instant online
lottery game. The prize distribution can be stored in a computer
memory 800. In one embodiment, the computer memory 800 can be the
same as memory 214 in server 202. In another embodiment, the
computer memory 800 can be the same as memory 414 in the instant
online lottery unit 204. In yet another embodiment, the computer
memory 800 can be the same as both memory 214 and memory 414. A
jackpot 802 can be stored in memory 800. In one example, the
jackpot 802 can be $500,000. The instant online lottery ticket
price 804, and prize distributions, 806, 808, 810, and 812, can
also be stored in memory.
[0121] In one embodiment, the prize distribution can be for a
matching of the entirety of the lottery number with any of the
game-play combinations. In a seven-by-seven matrix, for example,
the jackpot is the prize distribution for matching the entire
game-play combination of seven numbers. Thus, if all seven numbers
of the lottery number match the seven numbers of one of the
game-play combinations, without regard to the order of the numbers,
the ticket holder instantly wins the jackpot 802. Thus, a jackpot
prize distribution 804 can be awarded to the ticket holder.
[0122] In another embodiment, the prize distributions can be for a
partial matching of the lottery number with any one or more of the
set of game-play combinations. In the seven-by-seven matrix, a
secondary prize distribution 808 can be the prize awarded for
matching six numbers of any of the game-play combinations. If the
lottery number contains six numbers of the seven numbers in the
game-play combination, the ticket holder can instantly win a
secondary prize distribution 808, by way of example, of one
thousand dollars. A secondary prize distribution 810, or a specific
amount, can result from matching six numbers of any of the
game-play combinations. If the lottery number contains five numbers
of the seven numbers in the game-play combination, the ticket
holder can instantly win a secondary prize distribution 810, by way
of example, of ten dollars. A secondary prize distribution 812, or
a specified amount, may result from matching four numbers of any of
the game-play combinations. If the lottery number contains four
numbers of the seven numbers in the game-play combination, the
ticket holder can instantly win a secondary prize distribution 812
of, for example, two dollars. A prize distribution can result from
the matching of any subset of numbers and the prizes can vary as
determined by the lottery operator to induce play of the game based
on the matching combinations. In one embodiment, the prize
distribution can be a fixed prize. In another embodiment, the prize
distribution can be a percentage of the jackpot or a percentage of
ticket sales revenue. In yet another embodiment, the prize
distribution can be a fixed prize plus a percentage of the
jackpot.
[0123] FIG. 9A illustrates an instant online lottery game where the
instant online lottery number matches all of the numbers in a
game-play combination. In one embodiment, an instant online lottery
number 902 is a winning number if the numbers contained in the
instant online lottery number 902 match the numbers in any of the
game-play combinations. If all the numbers are matched then the
instant online lottery number 902 wins the jackpot. For example,
the instant online lottery number 902 can be {13, 40, 41, 20, 18,
6, 2}. The third row in the player's game board 502 provides a
game-play combination {6, 18, 41, 13, 40, 2, 20}. The instant
online lottery number 902 wins the jackpot because all of the
numbers in the game-play combination {6, 18, 41, 13, 40, 2, 20} are
in the instant online lottery number 902. Thus, the ticket holder
can win a prize distribution 806 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0124] FIG. 9B illustrates an instant online lottery game where the
instant online lottery number partially matches the numbers in a
game-play combination. In one embodiment, an instant online lottery
number 904 can be a winning number if the numbers contained in the
instant online lottery number 904 partially match the numbers in
any of the game-play combinations. In a seven-by-seven matrix, if
six numbers are matched then the instant online lottery number 904
wins a prize distribution 808. For example, the instant online
lottery number 904 can be {25, 40, 42, 30, 34, 24, 2}. A diagonal
908 in the player's game board 502 provides a game-play combination
{24, 42, 34, 22, 40, 25, 30}. Six of the seven numbers of this
game-play combination are found in the instant online lottery
number. Namely, {25, 40, 42, 30, 34, 24} are found in the game-play
combination {24, 42, 34, 22, 40, 25, 30}. Thus, the ticket holder
can win a prize distribution 808 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0125] FIG. 9C illustrates an instant online lottery game where the
instant online lottery number partially matches the numbers in a
game-play combination. In one embodiment, an instant online lottery
number 908 can be a winning number if the numbers contained in the
instant online lottery number 908 partially match the numbers in
any of the game-play combinations. In a seven-by-seven matrix, if
five numbers are matched then the instant online lottery number 908
wins a prize distribution 810. For example, the instant online
lottery number 908 can be {16, 7, 49, 20, 31, 24, 2}. The sixth
column in the player's game board 502 provides a game-play
combination {16, 25, 2, 7, 49, 23, 31}. Five of the seven numbers
of this game-play combination are found in the instant online
lottery number. Namely, {16, 2, 7, 49, 31} are found in the
game-play combination {16, 25, 2, 7, 49, 23, 31}. Thus, the ticket
holder can win a prize distribution 810 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0126] FIG. 10 illustrates an instant online lottery game where the
instant online lottery number partially matches the numbers in a
game-play combination. In one embodiment, an instant online lottery
number 1002 can be a winning number if the numbers contained in the
instant online lottery number 1002 partially match the numbers in
any of the game-play combinations. More than one combination can be
partially matched. In a seven-by-seven matrix, for example, if four
numbers of a first game-play combination are matched then the
instant online lottery number 1002 wins a prize distribution 812.
If four numbers of a second game-play combination are matched, then
the instant online lottery number 1002 wins another prize
distribution 812. For example, the instant online lottery number
1002 can be {13, 7, 41, 20, 31, 25, 2}. The sixth column in the
player's game board 502 provides a game-play combination {16, 25,
2, 7, 49, 23, 31}. Four of the seven numbers of the game-play
combination are found in the instant online lottery number. Namely,
{25, 2, 7, 31} are found in the game-play combination {16, 25, 2,
7, 49, 23, 31}. In addition, the third row in the player's game
board 502 provides a second game-play combination {6, 18, 41, 13,
40, 2, 20}. Four of the seven numbers of the second game-play
combination are found in the instant online lottery number. Namely,
{41, 13, 2, 20} are found in the second game-play combination {6,
18, 41, 13, 40, 2, 20}. Thus, the ticket holder can twice receive a
prize distribution 812 as shown in FIG. 8. Other secondary prize
distributions can be established depending on the number and extent
of the matches. For example, a secondary prize distribution can be
awarded for matching three numbers of seven. In another example, a
secondary distribution can be awarded for matching two numbers of
seven. In yet another example, two or more secondary distributions
can be awarded in the same game, if the instant online lottery game
ticket provides two or more partial matches between the instant
online lottery number and subsets of two or more game-play
combinations.
[0127] FIG. 11 illustrates an instant online lottery game that
utilizes an eight-by-eight matrix. In one embodiment, the
eight-by-eight matrix yields a set of eighteen game-play
combinations. Eight of the game-play combinations are defined by
the horizontal playlines; another eight of the game-play
combinations are defined by the vertical play-lines, and two
additional playlines are defined by the diagonals of the matrix.
Furthermore, the winning number 1102 includes eight different
numbers that can match any of the eighteen game-play combinations.
The player's game board is a grid of sixty-four squares including
the numbers one to sixty-four in each of the boxes.
[0128] As discussed above, the full jackpot can be the prize
distribution for matching the entire game-play combination. In an
eight-by-eight matrix, each game-play combination has eight
numbers. Thus, if all eight numbers of the lottery number 1102
match the eight numbers of one of the eighteen game-play
combinations, the ticket holder can instantly win a jackpot. Thus,
a jackpot prize distribution can be awarded to the ticket holder.
In another embodiment, the prize distributions can be for a partial
matching of the lottery number with any one of the set of game-play
combinations. For example, matching seven numbers of one of the
game-play combinations with seven numbers in the instant online
lottery number 1102 would win a secondary prize as discussed
above.
[0129] FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration in which a server 1202
sends game-play combinations to the lottery ticket dispensing
machine 300. The server 1202 can include a random number generator
1204. The random number generator 1204 can be utilized to generate
the set of game-play combinations while the player can manually
select the instant online lottery number. In one embodiment, the
server 1202 first receives the instant online lottery number
selected by the player such that the game-play combinations can be
compared at the server 1202 against the selected instant online
lottery number. If there is matching, the server 1202 reduces the
jackpot by the prize distribution to the winning player. In another
embodiment, the server 1202 does not receive the instant online
lottery number and simply transmits the game-play combinations to
the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300 to be compared against
the various instant online lottery number, which can also be
transmitted by the server. The lottery ticket dispensing machine
300 can then utilize lottery unit processor 406 to make the
comparison. If there is a matching, the lottery unit processor 406
transmits a confirmation of the win, the extent of the match and
the applicable prize or prizes to the server 1202.
[0130] In another embodiment, the random number generator 1204 can
randomly generate a quick pick instant online lottery number. In
another embodiment, the random number generator 1204 can randomly
generate an instant online lottery number and the set of game-play
combinations.
[0131] FIG. 13 illustrates a process 1300 for operating the instant
online lottery game wherein the player can select the lottery
number. At a process block 1302, the player can select an instant
online lottery number. The player can manually enter the instant
online lottery number through the input module 304 on the instant
online lottery machine 300. At a process block 1304, the game-play
combinations can be generated. In one embodiment, the instant
online lottery unit 204 can generate the set of game-play
combinations using the random generator 404. In another embodiment,
the server can generate the game-play combinations using the random
number generator 1204. In one embodiment, a second random generator
can generate the instant online lottery number to be matched
against the game-play combinations.
[0132] At a process block 1306, a comparison can be made between
instant online lottery number and the set of game-play
combinations. In one embodiment, the instant online lottery unit
204 can perform this comparison. In another embodiment, the server
can perform this comparison. At a process block 1308, a
determination can be made if the instant online lottery number
matches any one of the game-play combinations partially or
entirely. If the instant online lottery number partially or
entirely matches one of the game-play combinations, the process
1300 can proceed to a process block 1310 where the winner is
provided with the appropriate prize distribution. The process 1300
can then proceed to the end block 1310. If the instant online
lottery number does not match any one of the game-play
combinations, in whole or in part, the process 1300 can proceed to
the end block 1310.
[0133] FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration in which a server 1402
sends game-play combinations and the instant online lottery number
to the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300. The server 1402 can
include a first random number generator 1404 and a second random
number generator 1406. The first random number generator 1404 can
randomly generate the set of game-play combinations while the
second number generator can randomly generate the instant online
lottery number. In one embodiment, the game-play combinations can
be compared at the server 1402 against the instant online lottery
number. If there is complete matching, the server 1402 can reduce
the jackpot by the prize distribution to the winning player. In the
case of a partial match, where one or more fixed secondary prizes
are won, the jackpot is not reduced.
[0134] FIG. 15 illustrates a process 1500 for operating the instant
online lottery game wherein the sever can generate the game-play
combinations and the instant online lottery number. At a process
block 1502, the game-play combinations can be generated. In one
embodiment, the instant online lottery unit 204 can generate the
set of game-play combinations using the random number generator
404. In another embodiment, the server 1402 can generate the
game-play combinations using the random number generator 1404. At a
process block 1502, the instant online lottery number can be
randomly generated. In one embodiment, the instant online lottery
unit 204 can generate the lottery number using the random number
generator 404. In another embodiment, the server 1402 can generate
the game-play combinations using the random number generator
1406.
[0135] In one embodiment, the player can elect to have an instant
online lottery number be randomly generated. The player can choose
a quick pick button to have the instant online lottery unit 300
randomly generate the instant online lottery number for the player.
In another embodiment, the lottery ticket can be randomly generated
by default.
[0136] At a process block 1506, a comparison can be made between
the instant online lottery number and the set of game-play
combinations. In one embodiment, the instant online lottery unit
204 can perform this comparison. In another embodiment, the server
can perform this comparison. At a process block 1508, a
determination can be made if the instant online lottery number
matches any one of the game-play combinations partially or
entirely. If the instant online lottery number partially or
entirely matches one of the game-play combinations, the process
1500 can proceed to a process block 1510 where the winner is
provided with the prize distribution. The process 1300 can then
proceed to the end block 1510. If the instant online lottery number
does not match any one of the game-play combinations, the process
1500 can proceed to the end block 1510. In one embodiment, a
minimum starting jackpot can be offered. Thus, if a jackpot is won,
in whole or in part, and is thereby reduced, the balance of the
jackpot can be the starting jackpot amount for the next game, or it
can be combined with the starting jackpot amount for the next game,
so as to provide greater inventive for players to buy tickets for
the next game.
[0137] An instant online lottery game with multiple levels of
participation is provided. Players can select the price of the
ticket to be purchased. In one embodiment, the price of the ticket
can increase or reduce the odds of winning. In another embodiment,
the price of the ticket can increase or reduce the prize
distribution but the odds are the same for all ticket holders. All
of the above-described features can be applied to a multiple
pricing instant online lottery game.
[0138] FIG. 16 illustrates an instant online lottery game system
1600 that utilizes multiple pricing. Instant online lottery players
can be provided with a selection of price categories and associated
prize distributions. In one embodiment, a ticket holder 1604 can
purchase a lottery ticket from a ticket seller 1602 in a first
price category. The first price category can be for lottery tickets
purchased for $w. The instant online lottery ticket in the first
price category can be purchased from a ticket seller 1602. The
first price category can be associated with a first prize
distribution of a lottery prize that can be won. For example, the
ticket holder 206 may have purchased the instant online lottery
ticket for five dollars in order to play for a chance to win one
hundred percent of the jackpot.
[0139] In another embodiment, a ticket holder 1606 can purchase an
instant online lottery ticket in a second price category. The
instant online lottery ticket can be purchased from a ticket seller
1602. For instance, the second price category can be lottery
tickets purchased for $x. The second price category can be
associated with a second distribution of an instant online lottery
prize that can be won. For example, the ticket holder 1606 may have
purchased the instant online lottery ticket for four dollars in
order to play for a chance to win sixty percent of the jackpot.
[0140] In yet another embodiment, a ticket holder 1608 can purchase
an instant online lottery ticket in a third price category. The
instant online lottery ticket in the third price category can be
purchased from a ticket seller 1602. For instance, the third price
category can be lottery tickets purchased for $y. The third price
category can be associated with a third distribution of an instant
online lottery prize that can be won. For example, the ticket
holder 1608 may have purchased the instant online lottery ticket
for three dollars in order to play for a chance to win forty
percent of the jackpot.
[0141] In another embodiment, a ticket holder 1610 can purchase an
instant online lottery ticket in a fourth price category. The
instant online lottery ticket in the fourth price category can be
purchased from a ticket seller 1602. For instance, the fourth price
category can be lottery tickets purchased for $z. The third price
category can be associated with a fourth distribution of an instant
online lottery prize that can be won. For example, the ticket
holder 1610 may have purchased the instant online lottery ticket
for two dollars in order to play for a chance to win twenty percent
of the jackpot.
[0142] Although, in the above discussion, the first price category
was associated with the ticket holder 204, the second price
category with the ticket holder 206, and the third price category
with the ticket holder 208, the ticket holders can be associated
with different price categories. For instance, the first price
category can be associated with the ticket holder 204 and the third
price category can be associated with the ticket holder 206.
Further, the methodologies discussed above can be extended to any
number of price categories. For instance, there could be a fifth
price category. Any number of price categories can be used. Also,
the price categories can represent not only an opportunity to win a
distinct pre-established portion of a jackpot but also a differing
set of secondary prizes. The secondary prizes can be greater for a
winning higher-priced ticket. Furthermore, the holder of a
higher-priced ticket can qualify for the award of a secondary prize
for the matching of a subset of numbers which would not qualify the
holder of a lower-priced ticket for a prize.
[0143] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a winnings table for the
instant online lottery game system of FIG. 16. For example, a
lottery can have a jackpot of two and a half million dollars.
Lottery players can purchase a five-dollar ticket, a four-dollar
ticket, a three-dollar ticket, and a two-dollar ticket.
[0144] The five-dollar ticket holder could receive the full jackpot
of two million five hundred thousand dollars if the instant online
lottery number of the five-dollar ticket matches in full any one of
the game-play combinations. The four-dollar ticket gives the ticket
holder a chance at receiving sixty percent of the jackpot.
Therefore, the four-dollar ticket holder could at best receive one
million five hundred thousand dollars if the instant online lottery
number of the four-dollar ticket matches in full any one of the
game-play combinations.
[0145] The three-dollar ticket could give the ticket holder a
chance at receiving forty percent of the jackpot. Therefore, the
three-dollar ticket holder could at best receive one million
dollars if the instant online lottery number of the three-dollar
ticket matches in full any one of the game-play combinations.
[0146] Finally, the two-dollar ticket could give the ticket holder
a chance at receiving twenty percent of the jackpot. Therefore, the
two-dollar ticket holder could at best receive five hundred
thousand dollars if the instant online lottery number of the
two-dollar ticket matches in full any one of the game-play
combinations.
[0147] FIG. 18 illustrates an instant online lottery system. The
internal components of the housing 302 of the lottery ticket
dispensing machine 300 can include a controller 1804, a price
category reception module 1806, a user input module 1808, and a
lottery ticket printer 1810. The controller 1804 coordinates the
operation of these internal components.
[0148] The price category reception module 1806 can receive the
different price categories in which lottery tickets can be
purchased in the instant multi-priced lottery system. In one
embodiment, the price category reception module can receive the
different price categories and the associated distributions for
each of the respective price categories. In one embodiment, a
vendor can manually input the different price categories into the
lottery ticket dispensing machine 300. In another embodiment, the
vendor can electronically input the different price categories into
the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300 by inserting a computer
readable medium into the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300. In
yet another embodiment, the price category reception module 1806
can receive the data related to the price category reception module
from a server through a network.
[0149] In one embodiment, the user input module 1808 can receive a
user input from the user input device 304. The user input module
1808 can communicate with the controller 1504 so that the
controller can provide an instruction to the lottery ticket printer
1810 to print the lottery ticket.
[0150] In one embodiment, the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300
can communicate with a server 1812 to receive a price category and
the associated distribution of the price category. The server 1812
can provide a price category through a network 1814 to the price
category reception module 1806 in the lottery ticket dispensing
machine 300. In one embodiment, multiple price categories can be
sent simultaneously with their associated distributions. In another
embodiment, each price category can be sent by itself with its
associated distribution.
[0151] The lottery ticket dispensing machine 300 can communicate
with a server 1812 to transmit a ticket request. In one embodiment,
the housing 302 can also house a lottery ticket purchase
transmission module 1816. The lottery ticket purchase transmission
module 1816 can determine when a ticket has been purchased and can
transmit a ticket request to a server 1812 through a network 1814.
The ticket request received at the server 1812 can trigger the
server 1812 to randomly generate lottery numbers as well as provide
price categories to the lottery dispensing machine 300.
[0152] In another embodiment, the server 1812 can send price
category information or data to the lottery ticket dispensing
machine 300. The server 1812 can provide instructions to a price
category module 1818 and to a price category transmission module
1820. The price category module 1818 can determine price categories
and distributions in a multi-priced instant online lottery
distribution as discussed above. The price category transmission
module 1820 can then transmit the price category and the associated
distribution through the network 1814 to the lottery ticket
dispensing machine 300. In one embodiment, the price category
reception module 1806 can receive information or data with respect
to the price categories and associated distributions.
[0153] In another embodiment, the server 1812 can send random
number ticket data to the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300.
The server 1812 can provide instructions to a first random number
generator module 1822 and to a second random number generator
module 1824. The first random number generator module 1822 can
randomly generate the instant online lottery numbers. The second
random number generator 1824 can randomly generate a set of
game-play combinations. In one embodiment, the controller 1802 can
receive the data concerning price categories and associated
distributions.
[0154] In another embodiment, the server can also send the ticket
identifier 504 to be printed on the instant online lottery ticket.
Thus, upon a lottery ticket holder winning a distribution, the
lottery operator can verify that the ticket holder purchased a
valid lottery ticket by confirming that the ticket identifier
printed on the ticket matches the ticket identifier stored at the
server 1812 and transmitted to the lottery operator.
[0155] FIG. 19 illustrates a process 1900 for operating a
multi-priced instant online lottery game. At a process block 1902,
a selection of an instant online lottery ticket price can be
received. A determination of the potential distribution of the
jackpot that can be won can be made at a process block 1904. If the
lottery ticket price is associated with a percentage of the
jackpot, the percentage of the current jackpot can be calculated
and displayed to the player. In one embodiment, this calculation
can be performed and displayed for all of the price categories
prior to the player's selection at the process block 2802.
Calculations can be performed to continuously enhance the jackpot
based on the ongoing purchase of tickets. Thus, players can always
be provided with updated jackpot prize distribution information
through the linked instant online lottery units. If the secondary
prizes for partial matching are fixed, then a calculation update is
not needed for the secondary prizes.
[0156] At a process block 1906, an instant online lottery number
can be randomly selected. In an alternative embodiment, the player
can choose the quick pick button to have the instant online lottery
unit 204, or a separate random number generator, randomly generate
the instant online lottery number for the player. At a process
block 1908, the game-play combinations for the instant online
lottery numbers can be generated.
[0157] At a process block 1910, a comparison can be made between
the instant online lottery number and various game-play
combinations printed on the instant online lottery ticket. In one
embodiment, the instant online lottery unit 204 can perform this
comparison. In another embodiment, the server can perform this
comparison.
[0158] At a process block 1912, a determination can be made as to
whether the instant online lottery number matches a set of
game-play combinations. If the instant online lottery number
matches in full one of the game-play combinations, the process 19
can proceed to a process block 1914 where the winner can be
provided with the percentage of the jackpot associated with the
instant online lottery ticket price. Alternatively, if the instant
online lottery number partially matches one of the game-play
combinations the winner can be provided with a secondary prize
which is determined based on the instant online lottery ticket
price. Process 1900 can then proceed to the end block 1916. If the
instant online lottery number does not match, in full or in part,
the winning instant online lottery number, the process 1900 can
proceed to the end block 1916.
[0159] FIG. 20 illustrates the instant online lottery unit 204. The
instant online lottery unit can have a jackpot display 2014 that
indicates the jackpot value. In one embodiment, the server 1812 can
send the jackpot value to the instant online lottery unit for
display on the jackpot display 2014. The instant online lottery
unit can also have an instant online lottery price display 2002
that displays prices for instant online lottery tickets and
associated known prize distributions for each of the instant online
lottery ticket prices.
[0160] An indication can also be provided as to whether an instant
online lottery ticket allows for secondary prizes. In one
embodiment, the secondary prizes can vary according to the number
of matched numbers and the price of the instant online lottery
ticket. In another embodiment, the secondary prices can vary only
according to the number of matched numbers between the instant
online lottery number and the set of game-play combinations.
[0161] In one example, the secondary prize distributions for a
seven-by-seven matrix can be provided as part of the lottery ticket
price display 2002. A two-dollar instant online lottery ticket can
be purchased to potentially win a secondary prize. In one
embodiment, the secondary prize value can depend on the partial
matching of instant online lottery numbers with one or more of the
game-play combinations. As previously discussed, each of the
sixteen game-play combinations in a seven-by-seven matrix includes
seven numbers. In one example, a two-dollar instant online lottery
number matching six numbers of the game-play combination can win
one thousand dollars. A two-dollar instant online lottery number
matching five numbers of a game-play combination can win ten
dollars. Finally, a two-dollar instant online lottery number
matching four numbers of a game-play combination can win two
dollars.
[0162] In another example, a three-dollar instant online lottery
ticket can be purchased to potentially win a secondary prize. In a
seven-by-seven matrix, a three-dollar instant online lottery number
matching six numbers of the game-play combination can win one
thousand five hundred dollars. A three-dollar instant online
lottery number matching five numbers of a game-play combination can
win fifteen dollars. Finally, a three-dollar instant online lottery
number matching four numbers of a game-play combination can win
three dollars.
[0163] In yet another example, a four-dollar instant online lottery
ticket can be purchased to potentially win a secondary prize. In a
seven-by-seven matrix, a four-dollar instant online lottery number
matching six numbers of the game-play combination can win two
thousand hundred dollars. A four-dollar instant online lottery
number matching five numbers of a game-play combination can win
twenty dollars. Finally, a four-dollar instant online lottery
number matching four numbers of a game-play combination can win
four dollars.
[0164] In another example, a five-dollar instant online lottery
ticket can be purchased to potentially win a secondary prize. In a
seven-by-seven matrix, a five-dollar instant online lottery number
matching six numbers of the game-play combination can win two
thousand five hundred dollars. A five-dollar instant online lottery
number matching five numbers of a game-play combination can win
twenty-five dollars. Finally, a five-dollar instant online lottery
number matching four numbers of a game-play combination can win
five dollars.
[0165] A plurality of price selection inputs 2004 can be provided
so that the player can select the instant online lottery ticket
that the player would like to purchase. For instance, the player
can press the two-dollar button if the player would like to
purchase the two-dollar instant online lottery ticket to
potentially win the jackpot distribution prize of five hundred
thousand dollars, which can represent twenty percent of the
jackpot, or any of the associated secondary prizes. Further, the
player can press the three-dollar button if the player would like
to purchase the three-dollar instant online lottery ticket to
potentially win the jackpot distribution prize of one million
dollars, which can represent forty percent of the jackpot, or any
of the associated secondary prizes. In addition, the player can
press the four-dollar button if the player would like to purchase
the four-dollar instant online lottery ticket to potentially win
the jackpot distribution prize of one million five hundred thousand
dollar, which can represent sixty percent of the jackpot, or any
associated secondary prizes. Finally, the player can press the
five-dollar button if the player would like to purchase the
five-dollar instant online lottery ticket to potentially win the
jackpot of two million five hundred thousand, which can represent
one hundred percent of the jackpot, or any of the associated
secondary prizes. In a further aspect, in lieu of providing ticket
process buttons, the player can inform the ticket vendor of his or
her ticket price selection, either orally or through use of a
ticket purchase form. The ticket vendor can then enter the
appropriate data, including ticket price information.
[0166] The player can enter a selection of an instant online
lottery number through an input module 2006. In one embodiment, the
input module 2006 can be a keypad. In another embodiment, the input
module 2006 can be a touch screen. Alternatively, the player can
press a quick pick button 2008 to have the instant online lottery
unit 204 select the instant online lottery number for the player.
The player can press an instant online lottery initiation button
2010 to begin lottery play. Further, the payment module 2012 can
receive one of the various forms of payment described above.
[0167] In one embodiment, the instant online lottery unit 202 can
have the plurality of buttons illustrated, such as the input module
2006 and the quick pick button 2008, to determine the instant
online lottery number. In another embodiment, a menu can be
provided that provides the player with the ability to make a choice
of a manual selection or of a quick pick selection of the instant
online lottery number. The menu can be provided on a computerized
display such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display.
[0168] FIG. 21A illustrates a three-dollar ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game ticket, with the ticket having a
game-play combination with five matching numbers. The ticket 2100
can include the price designation 2102, the instant online lottery
number 2104, and a player's game board 2106. The player's game
board can include the game-play combinations (for example sixteen
game-play combinations in a seven-by-seven matrix). In one example,
the prize distribution can be the prize distribution illustrated in
FIG. 20. A player that purchases a three-dollar ticket for an
instant online lottery game can have the opportunity to win a
jackpot percentage of forty percent or one million dollars, or
secondary prizes according to the prize distribution illustrated in
FIG. 20. The instant online lottery ticket 2100 shows that the
instant online lottery number matches five numbers of the third row
of the player's game board 2106. In one embodiment, there can be
sixteen game-play combinations. Based on the prize distribution
illustrated in FIG. 20, the three-dollar instant online lottery
number matching five numbers of a game-play combination can win
fifteen dollars.
[0169] FIG. 21B illustrates a four-dollar ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game ticket, with the ticket having a
game-play combination with five matching numbers. A player that
purchases a four-dollar ticket for an instant online lottery game
can have the opportunity to win a percentage of the jackpot that
amounts to one million five hundred thousand dollars, or secondary
prizes according to the prize distribution illustrated in FIG. 20.
The instant online lottery ticket 2108 shows that the instant
online lottery number matches five numbers of the third row of the
player's game board 2106. In one embodiment, there can be sixteen
game-play combinations. Based on the prize distribution illustrated
in FIG. 20, the four-dollar instant online lottery number matching
five numbers of a game-play combination can win twenty dollars. As
such, the four-dollar ticket holder can win five more dollars in
comparison with the three-dollar ticket holder, even when the
instant online lottery number and the game-play combinations are
the same.
[0170] FIG. 22A illustrates a three-dollar ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game, with the ticket having a game-play
combination with six matching numbers. Ticket 2200 is a
three-dollar ticket for an instant online lottery game that can
provide the player with the opportunity to win prizes according to
the prize distribution illustrated in FIG. 20. The instant online
lottery ticket 2108 shows that the instant online lottery number
matches six numbers of the third row of the player's game board
2106. Thus, the three-dollar instant online lottery number matching
six numbers of a game-play combination can win one thousand five
hundred dollars.
[0171] FIG. 22B illustrates a four dollar-ticket in a multi-priced
instant online lottery game, with the ticket having a game-play
combination with six matching numbers. A player can likewise
purchase a ticket 2202 with the same instant online lottery number
and game-play combination numbers for a four-dollar price. Based on
the prize distribution illustrated in FIG. 20, the player having
the four-dollar ticket 2202 with a six-number match can instantly
win two thousand dollars. Accordingly, in comparison with the
three-dollar ticket holder, the four-dollar ticket holder can win
an additional five hundred dollars. Thus, players have an incentive
to buy higher-priced tickets, because of the potential of winning
higher fixed secondary prizes and/or the potential to win a higher
portion of the available jackpot.
[0172] FIG. 23 illustrates an instant online lottery system 2300
with a progressive jackpot 2312. The lottery system 2300 depicted
in FIG. 23 is the lottery system depicted in FIG. 2 with a jackpot
that is illustrated as being progressive. Because the lottery
system of FIG. 23 utilizes a progressive jackpot, the ticket holder
can win a larger jackpot than initially advertised. In one
embodiment, the jackpot can be increased with a portion of the
revenue from each instant online lottery ticket sold.
[0173] In one embodiment, the server 202 can communicate with the
first instant online lottery unit 204, the second instant online
lottery unit 206, and the third instant online lottery unit 208. As
players provide payment to enter or initiate an instant online
lottery game at one of the units, at least a portion of the payment
can be added to a progressive jackpot 2312 stored in the memory
214. As discussed above, the instant online lottery units can be
stand-alone terminals configured to interact directly with the
players. In another embodiment, the instant online lottery units
can be configured within the existing terminals used by a lottery
operator to provide the traditional online future-draw lottery
games. In another embodiment, the instant online lottery units can
be the existing terminals used by a lottery operator to provide the
traditional online future-draw lottery games. Utilization of
existing infrastructure can allow a lottery operator to avoid costs
associated with the creation, acquisition and installation of a new
distribution network, terminals and servers.
[0174] The networking capability between several instant online
lottery units can allow each of the several units to access and
report changes in a single progressive jackpot 2312. Furthermore,
instant online lottery units can be linked together through a
server 202 and network 212 such that data reported by one instant
online lottery unit can be broadcast or communicated to the other
instant online lottery units. For example, an increase in the
jackpot 202 can be immediately broadcast or communicated to the
rest of the linked instant online lottery units. Thus, the
progressive jackpot 2312 can be shared among instant units 204,
206, and 208. In one embodiment, a minimum amount of ticket sales
is not required and a starting jackpot can be provided and
guaranteed with regard to ticket sales. The lottery prize can be a
variable prize from the outset, increasing with each ticket sold.
Accordingly, a percentage of each ticket sale can be contributed to
the progressive jackpot 2312, with a greater amount contributed by
higher-priced tickets.
[0175] In one embodiment, a fixed amount of money can be added to
the jackpot for each ticket sold regardless of the value of the
ticket. This would make the progressive jackpot increase in direct
proportion to the number of tickets sold.
[0176] In another embodiment, a percentage of the value of each
ticket sold can be added to the jackpot. This would make the
progressive jackpot increase in direct proportion to the total
sales of instant online lottery tickets.
[0177] By having the instant online lottery units connected through
the network 210, the progressive jackpot 2312 can build up based on
the quantity and the utilization of the instant online lottery
units. Players do not have the time constraints of having to wait
for a lottery drawing with a traditional online lottery game.
Further, players do not have to wait for selections of other
players. Accordingly, the progressive jackpot can build up quickly
through this type of configuration. The progressive jackpot 2312
can also build up in a similar manner and more quickly, so as to
create a larger jackpot, if the instant online lottery units are
linked to one another.
[0178] In addition, the instant online lottery game having a
progressive jackpot can be offered by a lottery operator at
different ticket prices. Thus, the instant online lottery game can
have a progressive jackpot where the tickets are multi-priced. As
discussed above, different ticket prices provide a player with the
opportunity to play for a pre-determined percentage of the
progressive jackpot, or the progressive jackpot in its entirety,
with the choice of ticket price and associated prizes being made by
the player. For example, a one-dollar ticket holder can participate
and play for a lower percentage of the progressive jackpot, while a
three-dollar ticket holder can play for a higher percentage or, if
the three-dollar ticket is the most expensive ticket, for the
entire progressive jackpot. In addition, the offering of
multi-priced tickets can afford the opportunity to quickly generate
large increasing jackpots if the contribution to the progressive
jackpot is a percentage of ticket sales.
[0179] Furthermore, the progressive jackpot feature can continue to
operate after a prize is distributed to a winning ticket holder and
the jackpot need not automatically revert to the minimum or
starting jackpot if the winning ticket holder purchased other than
the highest-priced ticket. For example, if a one-dollar instant
online lottery ticket holder wins, the progressive jackpot
distribution can be a portion of the progressive jackpot, leaving
the balance of the progressive jackpot for subsequent players. This
balance can be enhanced through additional contributions to the
jackpot through, for example, an insurance-backed third-party prize
guarantee. As such, the progressive jackpot can continue to
increase as new instant online lottery tickets are purchased.
[0180] In one embodiment, both the one-dollar ticket holder and the
three-dollar ticket holder can participate with the same odds but
for different prizes. In contrast, traditional online lotteries
only offer single-priced tickets.
[0181] In one embodiment, the instant online lottery ticket is
associated with a percentage of the progressive jackpot 2312 based
on the instant online lottery ticket price. For example, instant
online lottery tickets can be offered at three different prices:
one dollar, two dollars, and three dollars. In another example, a
greater or lesser number of ticket price categories can exist. A
player with a one-dollar ticket could win twenty-five percent of
the progressive jackpot, a player with a two-dollar ticket could
win fifty percent of the progressive jackpot, and a player with a
three-dollar ticket could win one hundred percent of the
progressive jackpot. Consequently, the percentage of the possible
jackpot winnings associated with each ticket price can vary. This
can afford a player purchasing an instant online lottery ticket at
a lower price the benefit of participating in a jackpot where other
players purchasing an instant online lottery ticket at higher
prices are contributing even more to the progressive jackpot. For
example, a player with a one-dollar ticket can have an associated
percentage of the progressive jackpot that the player can win, and
a player with a two-dollar ticket or a three-dollar ticket can also
have an associated and higher percentage of the progressive jackpot
that the player can win. If the one-dollar ticket holder wins, the
one-dollar ticket holder benefits from the portion of the ticket
sales revenues contributed by the purchase of two-dollar tickets
and three-dollar tickets to the progressive jackpot. In essence,
multiple levels of participation can be allowed in a progressive
jackpot. Even though the one-dollar ticket holder is limited to
winning a lesser percentage, for example, twenty-five percent, the
one-dollar ticket holder can benefit from the increase in the
jackpot prize resulting from the sale of higher-priced tickets.
[0182] If the majority of potential ticket buyers are induced to
purchase three-dollar tickets, the potential ticket holders that
can only afford to purchase a one-dollar ticket are still provided
with an incentive to participate in the lottery because these
ticket holders can still win a portion of a progressive jackpot
2312 that can potentially grow quite large. The growth of the
progressive jackpot 2312 can be enhanced further with the
percentage contribution from the higher-priced tickets and
relatively high starting jackpots resulting from probability-based
third-party prize guarantees, as compared with the more traditional
pari-mutuel based single-priced-online lottery model. The potential
ticket holders that can afford the higher-priced instant online
lottery tickets can be even further induced to purchase
higher-priced tickets due to the prospect of winning a larger
portion of the progressive jackpot and higher secondary prizes. As
stated previously, lottery players have an incentive to buy
three-dollar tickets where the more expensive tickets provide the
opportunity to win a greater distribution percentage. With a
progressive jackpot, players have an even greater incentive to buy
tickets that are more expensive because the jackpot keeps
increasing and the potential distribution grows larger.
[0183] Furthermore, when a multiple pricing scheme is utilized,
players are further encouraged to buy instant online lottery
tickets. In traditional lotteries, when the jackpot is won, the
next game starts anew with a starting-level jackpot that is
generally low. When a multiple pricing scheme is utilized, however,
the jackpot is on average maintained at higher levels than without
a multiple-pricing scheme.
[0184] That is, following the matching of the instant online
lottery number with any one of the game-play combinations, the
progressive jackpot is reduced for ongoing games. For example,
instant online lottery tickets can be offered at three different
prices: one dollar, two dollars, and three dollars. A player with a
one-dollar ticket could win twenty-five percent of the progressive
jackpot, a player with a two-dollar ticket could win fifty percent
of the progressive jackpot, and a player with a three-dollar ticket
could win one hundred percent of the progressive jackpot. If the
player with the three-dollar instant online lottery ticket was the
winner, the progressive jackpot can be reduced by the full amount
of the jackpot. Then, the jackpot can start at zero or at a minimum
guaranteed amount. If the player with a one-dollar instant online
lottery ticket was the winner, such winner could win only
twenty-five percent of the jackpot, and the remaining seventy-five
percent could carry over for continuing play. Similarly, if the
winner was a purchaser of a two-dollar instant online lottery
ticket, such winner could only win fifty percent of the jackpot,
and the balance of fifty percent could be carried over for
continuing play. In essence, a rollover is provided when no player
wins the progressive jackpot, and a limited rollover is provided
even when there is a winner, as long as the winner has a
lower-denomination or lower-priced ticket. Accordingly, where the
jackpot is on average at a significantly higher level potential
customers or players can be induced to participate and purchase
lottery tickets or to increase the amount spent in the purchase of
a ticket. This is in contrast to traditional online lottery games,
which only permit the purchase of single-priced tickets and,
therefore, do not have the potential for limited rollovers and have
jackpots that fall to minimum levels after each jackpot win.
Traditional online lottery games do not provide the same inducement
to potential lottery ticket holders to purchase or increase the
amount spent on lottery tickets as the multi-priced instant online
model described herein.
[0185] As it is well known in the art, higher jackpots attract more
players to the game. An instant online lottery game that has both a
progressive jackpot that continuously grows with the instant online
lottery ticket sales and a multiple-level pricing scheme can
maintain the average progressive jackpot at higher levels. Higher
average progressive jackpots can also be achieved through
higher-starting jackpot amounts resulting from a probabilistic
model and use of third-party prize guarantees. Higher average
progressive jackpots further induce play and increase ticket sales
revenue.
[0186] The lottery game described in FIGS. 5-11 can alternatively
be provided as a daily-draw or delayed draw lottery game, as an
alternative to an instant online lottery game. In one embodiment,
an instant online lottery number can be selected first when the
ticket is purchased and, at the end of the game day, following the
last ticket purchase, by a draw of each of the game-play
combinations. In another embodiment, an instant draw or selection
can be made by a random number generator for all of the game-play
combinations in the form of a matrix or grid and set forth in the
purchased ticket. Upon the completion of the game there can be a
subsequent draw for the selection of the winning lottery number.
Two or more ticket holders can have instant online lottery numbers
that provide a match and qualify for the jackpot or a percentage of
the jackpot. In one embodiment, the jackpot distribution can be
shared among the winning ticket holders.
[0187] Inter-sharing and intra-sharing methodologies can be
implemented in this daily online lottery game. For instance, if two
players win a progressive jackpot following the same draw, the two
players can intra-share if they purchased daily online lottery
tickets for the same price or can inter-share if they purchased
daily online lottery tickets for different prices. If multiple
players win at the same time, the players can inter-share across
price categories and can intra-share within the same price
category.
[0188] In one example, there can be a three-dollar ticket winner
and a one-dollar ticket winner. The jackpot can be for ten million
dollars. The three-dollar ticket winner can share the jackpot with
the one-dollar ticket winner. The one-dollar ticket winner can
receive one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars through an
inter-sharing distribution. Further, the three-dollar ticket winner
can receive one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars through
an inter-sharing distribution formula. Finally, the three-dollar
ticket winner can receive seven million five hundred thousand
dollars through an intra-shared distribution.
[0189] In one embodiment, a second multi-priced instant game can be
provided. The instant game can be similar in certain respects to
the traditional instant peel-off or scratch-off games but can be
offered and played with a ticket that is printed at a traditional
online lottery terminal instead of using a traditional pre-printed
instant-style ticket. In addition, the multi-priced instant game
can include a multiple pricing scheme that offers ticket purchasers
the option of playing for larger prizes if a higher-priced ticket
is purchased and for smaller prizes if a lower-priced ticket is
purchased. In one embodiment, the instant game can be provided by
itself. In another embodiment, the instant game can be offered in
combination with the lottery game described in FIGS. 5-11 and
without any separate charge. In another embodiment, the instant
game can be offered as an add-on game requiring a second or
optional purchase.
[0190] FIG. 24 illustrates a multi-priced instant game ticket 2400.
In one embodiment, the instant game ticket can include a set of
winning combinations 2402, a set of playing combinations 2404, a
ticket identifier 2406 and a timestamp 2408. In one embodiment, the
set of winning combinations 2402 can include squares each having a
number and symbol combination that is utilized to compare against
the playing combinations 2404. In addition, the set of playing
combinations 2404 can each have a number and symbol combination.
The symbol utilized in the playing combinations 2404 and the
winning combinations 2402 can be a word, a color, a picture, a
geometrical FIG., a Greek symbol, a Latin symbol, a Hebrew symbol,
to name a few. In another embodiment, the combination utilized can
be a symbol-symbol combination, etc. The ticket identifier 2406 can
be, for example, a serial number, a bar code, etc., that can
uniquely identify the instant game ticket among other instant game
tickets. In addition, a time stamp 2408 can also be provided on the
instant online lottery ticket 2400 to display the time at which the
ticket was printed and presented to the player.
[0191] In one embodiment, all of the playing combinations in the
set of playing combinations can have a number and symbol
combination. In another embodiment, only some of the playing
combinations in the set of playing combinations can be seeded with
number and symbol combinations. For example, only playing
combinations 2420, 2422, 2424, 2426, and 2428 are seeded with a
number and symbol combination.
[0192] In another embodiment, the playing combinations having a
number and symbol combination can include a prize designation. For
example, playing combination 2420 includes a prize designation of
$100, playing combination 2428 includes a prize designation of
$200, playing combination 2422 includes a prize designation of
$300, playing combination 2424 includes a prize designation of
$400, and playing combination 2426 includes a prize designation of
$500.
[0193] A player can win if one of the squares in the set of playing
combinations 2404 matches one of the winning combinations 2402 as
to both the number and symbol combination. For example, playing
combination 2428 includes a {7, Red} combination. Winning
combination 2410 also includes a {7, Red} combination. Therefore,
instant game ticket 2400 can win two hundred dollars according to
the prize designation in playing combination 2428.
[0194] In another example, winning combination 2412 includes a {41,
Yellow} combination. "Yellow" only appears in playing combination
2420 which includes a {10, Yellow} combination. Thus, instant game
ticket 2400 does not win based on winning combination 2412.
[0195] In yet another example, winning combination 2414 includes a
{30, Green} combination. The number "30" only appears in playing
combination 2430, and has no symbol in combination with this
number. Therefore, instant game ticket 2400 does not win based on
winning combination 2414 either.
[0196] FIG. 25 illustrates a process 2500 for operating the instant
game. At a process block 2502, a selection of an instant game
ticket price can be received. A determination of the instant prizes
that can be won can be made at a process block 2504. In one
embodiment, the instant prizes that can be won can be displayed for
all of the price categories prior to the player's selection at the
process block 2802. The instant prizes that can be won can depend
upon the price of the instant game ticket. A higher ticket price
can increase the number of instant prizes that can be won, as well
as the amount of the prizes.
[0197] At a process block 2506, the winning combinations can be
randomly selected. In one embodiment, a quick pick can be utilized
to randomly select the winning combinations. The player can choose
the quick-pick button to have the instant game unit randomly
generate the winning combinations for the player. In another
embodiment, the instant game unit can receive randomly generated
winning combinations from a server. At a process block 2508, the
playing combinations can be generated. In one embodiment, the
instant game unit can generate the playing combinations. In another
embodiment, the server can generate the playing combinations.
[0198] At a process block 2510, a comparison can be made between
each of the winning combinations and each of the playing
combinations. In one embodiment, the instant game unit can perform
this comparison. In another embodiment, the server can perform this
comparison. At a decision block 2512, a determination can be made
if a winning combination matches a playing combination. If there is
a match, the process 2500 can proceed to a process block 2514 where
the winner can be provided with the instant prize associated with
the selected instant game ticket price. In one embodiment, the
instant prize awarded to the winning player can be printed in the
matching playing combination. The process 2300 can then proceed to
the end block 2516. If none of the playing combinations matches any
of the winning combinations, process 2500 can proceed to the end
block 2516.
[0199] FIG. 26 illustrates a table of prizes in a multi-priced
instant game. Each price category can have an associated set of
prizes. The associated set of prizes for a first price category
2602 can be, for example, a set of six different prizes. In another
embodiment, the number of prizes for the first price category can
be any other number of prizes. In one example, the first price
category 2602 can be a two-dollar category. The first price
category 2602 can have a set of prizes that includes one thousand
dollars, one hundred dollars, twenty dollars, ten dollars, five
dollars and a free ticket prize. Each of the prizes in the set of
prizes can have associated odds. In one embodiment, the odds
associated with each of the prizes in the first price category can
determine whether the generated winning combinations match the
playing combinations. Thus, tickets in the first price category
2602 can be seeded in the appropriate playing combinations
according to odds that the lottery operator sets. For example, the
odds for a twenty-dollar prize for the first price category can be
1/750.
[0200] In another embodiment, there can be a second price category
2604. The associated set of prizes for the second price category
2604 can be, for example, a set of seven different prizes. In
another embodiment, the number of prizes for the second price
category can be any other number of prizes. In one example, the
second price category 2604 can be a three-dollar category. The
second price category 2606 can have a set of prizes that includes
two thousand five hundred dollars, two hundred and fifty dollars,
fifty dollars, twenty dollars, ten dollars, five dollars and a free
ticket prize. Each of the prizes in the set of prizes can have
associated odds. In one embodiment, the odds associated with each
of the prizes in the second price category can determine whether
the generated winning combinations match the playing combinations.
Thus, tickets in the second price category 2604 can be seeded in
the appropriate playing combinations according to odds that the
lottery operator sets. For example, the odds for a twenty-dollar
prize for the second price category can be 1/750. As a result,
ticket holders for a first price category and a second price
category can have a chance at winning a twenty-dollar prize based
on the same odds. That is, the odds of winning a twenty-dollar
prize for a first price category, and the odds of winning a
twenty-dollar prize for a second price category, can both be 1/750.
In another embodiment, there can be different odds applicable to
the same prize for different price categories.
[0201] In yet another embodiment, there can be a third price
category 2606. The associated set of prizes for the third price
category 2606 can be, for example, a set of eight different prizes.
In another embodiment, there can be a fourth price category 2608.
The associated set of prizes for the fourth price category 2608 can
be, for example, a set of nine different prizes. In yet another
embodiment, the set of prizes can be the same in number for
different price categories but differ in amount or with respect to
the odds of winning a prize of a fixed amount.
[0202] FIG. 27A illustrates an instant game ticket in a first price
category. In one embodiment, the first price category can be a
three-dollar ticket price. A playing combination 2420 can include
the number-symbol combination {41, Yellow}. An associated prize
with the playing combination 2420 can be two thousand five hundred
dollars. Therefore, if the ticket includes a matching winning
combination of {41, Yellow}, the ticket holder can win the prize of
two thousand five hundred dollars. Winning combination 2412
includes the number-symbol combination {41, Yellow}. Accordingly,
the three-dollar ticket holder can win two thousand five hundred
dollars.
[0203] FIG. 27B illustrates an instant game ticket in a second
price category. In one embodiment, the second price category can be
a four-dollar ticket price. A similar set of winning combinations
and playing combinations as those in FIG. 27A can be randomly
generated for the four-dollar ticket. A playing combination 2420
can include the number-symbol combination {41, Yellow}. An
associated prize with the playing combination 2420 can be ten
thousand hundred dollars. Therefore, if the ticket includes a
matching winning combination of {41, Yellow}, the ticket holder can
win the prize of ten thousand dollars. Winning combination 2412
includes the number-symbol combination {41, Yellow}. Accordingly,
the four-dollar ticket holder can win ten thousand dollars.
[0204] FIG. 28 illustrates the prize distributions for an instant
online lottery game in combination with a separate instant game
offered online. The instant online lottery game described in
reference to FIGS. 5-11 can be provided in conjunction with the
instant game. In one embodiment, the instant game can be provided
as a free addition to the instant online lottery game for the same
price. In another embodiment, the instant game can be available as
an option to players who can choose to pay an additional price for
playing the instant game.
[0205] The prize distributions 2804 for the instant game can be
separate from those attributable to the previously described
instant online lottery game referenced in FIGS. 5-11. In the
instant online lottery game, a lottery number is provided to the
player and compared to a set of game-play combinations. The prize a
player can win can depend on the ticket price selected by the
player and whether there was a complete or a partial match of the
set of numbers with one of the game-play combinations.
[0206] On the other hand, the prize distributions 2806 for the
instant game can be awarded as described above in reference to
FIGS. 24-27. As such, the prize distributions 2804 and 2806 can be
based on different odds.
[0207] In one embodiment, the price categories of the instant
online lottery game correspond directly with the price categories
of the instant game. In one example, the first price category for
the instant online lottery game can correspond directly to the
first price category of the instant game. Thus, a two-dollar
player, for example, can play an instant online lottery game with a
prize distribution of five hundred thousand dollars for a complete
match. Further, secondary prizes of one hundred dollars, ten
dollars, and two dollars can be available for partial matches. The
same two-dollar player can also play the instant game with
potential prizes of one thousand dollars, one hundred dollars,
twenty dollars, ten dollars five dollars and a free ticket.
[0208] In another embodiment, where the instant game is provided at
an extra cost, an instant online lottery game can be provided with
a set of price categories, and an optional add-on instant game can
be provided with a different set of price categories. The price
categories for the instant game can be the add-on prices.
[0209] FIG. 29 illustrates a three-dollar ticket for an instant
online lottery game in combination with an instant game offered
online. The instant online lottery game and the instant game can be
combined together in a single ticket 2900. In one embodiment, the
playing combinations for the instant game can be seeded to reflect
a fixed allocation of prizes representing a pre-determined
percentage of ticket sales revenues and allocated among the squares
in a grid or matrix used for the instant online lottery game. In
one example, the ticket price 2902 can be three dollars. An instant
online lottery number 2904 can be provided for playing the instant
online lottery game. Further, a set of winning combinations 2906
can also be provided for playing the instant game. Finally, a
player's game board 2908 can be a seven-by-seven matrix with
numbers one to forty-nine randomly placed on the player's game
board 2908.
[0210] In one example, the fourth column of the player's game board
2908 can include four of the seven numbers in the instant online
lottery number 2904. If column four is designated as a playline
that includes a winning subset of the lottery numbers, the ticket
2900 can win a prize for matching four numbers. For example, the
instant online lottery number {2, 35, 13, 7, 9, 17, 31} matches the
numbers {2, 13, 7, 31} in the game-play combination. If the prize
distribution illustrated in FIG. 28 is used, the three-dollar
ticket holder can win two dollars.
[0211] In another example, the same three-dollar ticket holder can
play the instant game. Only playing combination 2910 matches the
winning number-symbol combination. Playing combination 2910
includes the combination {24, Blue}. One of the winning
combinations has the combination {24, Blue}. As a result, the
three-dollar ticket holder can win the amount indicated in the
playing combination 2910, two hundred and fifty dollars.
[0212] FIG. 30 illustrates a four-dollar ticket for an instant
online lottery game in combination with an instant game. The
instant online lottery game and the instant game can be combined
together in a single ticket 3000 such that the playing combinations
can be seeded in the instant online lottery game matrix. In one
example, the ticket price 3002 can be four dollars. Like the
three-dollar ticket illustrated in FIG. 31, the four-dollar ticket
can include the instant online lottery game as well as the instant
game. However, the playing combinations seeded on the player's game
board can include higher prizes, and/or present a greater chance of
winning a prize as discussed with reference to FIG. 28.
[0213] In one example, the fourth column of the player's game board
3008 can include four of the seven numbers in the instant online
lottery number 3004. If column four is designated as a playline
that includes one of the game-play combinations, the ticket 2900
can win a prize for matching four numbers. Namely, the instant
online lottery number {2, 35, 13, 7, 9, 17, 31} matches the numbers
{2, 13, 7, 31} in the game-play combination. If the prize
distribution illustrated in FIG. 28 is used, the four-dollar ticket
holder can win three dollars.
[0214] In another example, the same four-dollar ticket holder can
play the instant game. Only playing combination 2910 matches the
number-symbol combination. Playing combination 3010 includes the
combination {24, Blue}. One of the winning combinations has the
combination {24, Blue}. As a result, the four-dollar ticket holder
can win the amount indicated in the playing combination 3010, five
hundred dollars.
[0215] FIG. 31 illustrates a probabilistic instant online lottery
game system 3100. The instant online lottery game system with a
progressive jackpot 2300 can be used in conjunction with the
probabilistic lottery system 3100. In one embodiment, a jackpot
guarantor 3102 can assume the risk that would normally not exist in
a pure pari-mutuel lottery game. In another embodiment, the risk
can be assumed in whole or in part by the lottery operator 3120, or
by the sponsoring jurisdiction, government, or quasi-government
body. In another embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 3102 can be a
privately owned organization other than a jurisdiction. In another
embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 3102 can be a publicly held
company. In yet other embodiments, the jackpot guarantor 3102 can
be an individual or a not-for-profit organization. In another
embodiment, the obligation of the jackpot guarantor 3102 can be
supported through the purchase and application of prize indemnity
insurance provided by an insurance company or reinsurer. The
jackpot guarantor 3102 can establish a pre-determined starting
jackpot 3140. In one embodiment, the pre-determined starting
jackpot 3140 can be a substantial prize that can entice ticket
holders 108 that would not normally purchase a lottery ticket to do
so. The lottery operator 3120 can advertise the pre-determined
starting jackpot 3140 in order to stimulate and increase ticket
sales. In one embodiment, the pre-determined starting jackpot 3140
is unfunded. Instead, the jackpot guarantor 3102 can set the
pre-determined starting jackpot 3140 at an amount that is large
enough so that there is a probability that the allocable prize
portion of ticket sales can equal or exceed the pre-determined
starting jackpot 3140. If the allocable prize portion of ticket
sales is less than the pre-determined starting jackpot 3140, the
jackpot guarantor 3102 would assume the risk for paying the
differential between the ticket sales, or the allocable portion
thereof, and the jackpot 3130.
[0216] In one embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 3102 can provide a
guarantee to the lottery operator 3120. In one embodiment, the
guarantee can provide that the jackpot guarantor 3102 assumes the
risk for paying the pre-determined starting jackpot 3140 if the
allocable prize portion of ticket sales is not sufficient to cover
the pre-determined starting jackpot 3140. In another embodiment,
the guarantee can provide that the jackpot guarantor assumes the
risk of paying the amount of any secondary prizes that are won, to
the extent that the allocable prize portion of ticket sales is not
sufficient.
[0217] In one embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 3102 can provide
the guarantee in exchange for a stipulation. In one embodiment, the
stipulation can include an obligation by the lottery operator 3120
to provide a percentage of revenue generated from future ticket
sales in exchange for the guarantee. In another embodiment, the
stipulation includes an obligation by the lottery operator 3120 to
provide a fee in exchange for the guarantee.
[0218] The lottery operator 3120 can receive payments for ticket
sales from the point of sale 106. Further, the lottery operator
3120 can receive instant online lottery numbers from the tickets
sold to the ticket holders 108 from the point of sale 3106. The
lottery operator can provide the instant online lottery numbers to
the winning number selector 3110 to determine which tickets are the
winning tickets.
[0219] In one embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 3102 can allocate
the funds to the pre-determined starting jackpot 3140 pool. In one
embodiment, the entity can set aside the large prize in a protected
account to provide for payment. Therefore, the lottery operator can
advertise a large prize because another entity actually has set
aside the large prize. In another embodiment, the starting jackpot
amount is not set aside but payment of the jackpot is assured
through prize indemnity insurance, a performance bond or another
form of financial insurance or protection which can be provided by
a financially secure insurance company through a policy naming the
lottery as a beneficiary. In another embodiment, the financial
condition of the jackpot guarantor 3102 can be sufficient to
provide necessary financial assurance without the need for any bond
or other form financial protection.
[0220] FIG. 32 illustrates a probabilistic software configuration
3200 that can be used with the probabilistic lottery system in
conjunction with the multiple-pricing shared-jackpot system 1800.
As can be seen from FIG. 32, the probabilistic software
configuration 3200 can include software for establishing a
guarantee for a pre-determined lottery prize 3140. A guarantee
transmission module 3204 can transmit the guarantee through a
network 3208. The network 3208 can be a wide-area network, a local
area network, the network, a wireless network, or any other network
known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The guarantee
transmission module 3204 can transmit the guarantee in exchange for
a stipulation. In one embodiment, the stipulation can be an
obligation for a percentage of future ticket sales. A stipulation
reception module 3206 can receive the stipulation through the
network 3208. In one embodiment, after the stipulation reception
module 3206 receives the stipulation, the stipulation reception
module 3206 can transmit a confirmation that the stipulation was
received to the guarantee transmission module 3204.
[0221] A guarantee reception module 3210 can receive the guarantee
from the network 3208. In one embodiment, upon receiving the
guarantee, the guarantee reception module 3210 can provide an
instruction to a stipulation transmission module 3212. The
stipulation transmission module 3212 can then send the stipulation
through the network 3208. As discussed above, the stipulation
reception module 3206 can receive the stipulation and send the
confirmation to the guarantee transmission module 3204 that the
guarantee has been sent and that the stipulation, in exchange for
which the guarantee was sent, has been received.
[0222] In an alternative embodiment, an instant online lottery
ticket 3300 may be purchased for the possibility of winning a
linear prize in the instant online lottery game. FIG. 33
illustrates an example of an instant online lottery game ticket. A
set of instant online game numbers may be selected for utilization
in the instant online lottery game. For example, the numbers 1-49
may be selected. An assortment of these instant online game numbers
is randomly generated for each instant online lottery ticket. For
example, a matrix 3304 with that has seven rows and seven columns
may be utilized. On each instant online lottery ticket, the
position of each of the instant online game numbers is randomly
generated. In the illustrated example of the instant online lottery
ticket 3300, the number 10 was randomly determined to occupy the
position in the first row and first column. Similarly, the
positions in the matrix 3304 of the remaining instant online game
numbers are also randomly determined.
[0223] Further, a set of linear game numbers 3302 is randomly
generated. The set of linear game numbers is a subset of the
instant online game numbers. In one embodiment, the subset of the
instant online game numbers contains less numbers than the total
quantity of the instant online game numbers. For example, the
subset of the instant online game numbers may contain 7 numbers
that are randomly selected from the set of instant online game
numbers. In the illustrated example, the linear game numbers 3302
include 13, 7, 41, 20, 40, 24, and 2, all of which form a subset of
numbers randomly selected from the set of instant online game
numbers. In another embodiment, the subset of the instant online
game numbers is selected from the set of the instant online game
numbers by the player. For example, an instant online lottery
player may select these numbers by marking them, communicating his
or her selection to a retail clerk, or having these numbers
randomly generated using the "quick pick" method.
[0224] The linear game numbers 3302 are utilized by the player to
determine if a linear match occurs within the matrix 3304. FIG. 34A
indicates the linear game numbers 3302 as indicated by the player
in the matrix 3304. In one embodiment, the linear match is a linear
display in the matrix 3304 of at least a predetermined quantity of
numbers from the linear game numbers 3302. The distribution of the
instant online lottery prize is based on the quantity of the
numbers from the linear game numbers 3302. For example, the
predetermined quantity of numbers may be four numbers. The linear
display may be any horizontal, vertical, or diagonal match.
Further, the linear display may be a partial match in the matrix
3304. For example, the numbers 41, 13, 40, 2, and 20 form a linear
display in the matrix 3304 as they appear in a row of the matrix
3304, but they are only a partial match as they occupy only part of
that particular row.
[0225] In one embodiment, the matching is performed by a computer
rather than the player. Accordingly, the computer may determine if
there is a linear match between the linear game numbers 3302 and
the matrix 3304 and print an indication of such on the instant
online lottery ticket 3300.
[0226] FIG. 34B illustrates another example of the linear game
numbers 3302 as indicated by the player in the matrix 3304. As an
example, the numbers 16, 25, 2, and 7 form a linear display as they
appear in a column in the matrix 3304.
[0227] FIG. 34C illustrates yet another example of the linear game
numbers 3302 as indicated by the player in the matrix 3304. As an
example, the numbers 20, 7, 46, and 17 form a linear display as
they appear in a diagonal in the matrix 3304. The diagonal may, but
need not be between two corners in the matrix 3304. Any diagonal
formed that displays the predetermined quantity of instant online
game numbers shall be considered a linear display.
[0228] In one embodiment, a consecutive match is needed for a
linear display. In other words, a number that is not in the linear
game numbers does not appear between any two numbers in the linear
display of linear game numbers 3302 in the matrix 3304. For
example, FIG. 34A has a linear display of the linear game numbers
3302 of 41, 13, 40, 2, and 20 without a number such as 18, which is
not one of the linear game numbers 3302, appearing between any of
these numbers. As another example, FIG. 34B has a linear display of
the linear game numbers 3302 of 16, 25, 2, and 7 without a number
such as 49, which is not one of the linear game numbers 3302,
appearing between any of these numbers. As yet another example,
FIG. 34C has a linear display of the linear game numbers 3302 of
20, 7, 46, and 17 without a numbers such as 21, which is not one of
the linear game numbers 3302, appearing between any of these
numbers.
[0229] In another embodiment, a consecutive match is not needed for
a linear display. In other words, a non-consecutive match may be
utilized for a linear display. The non-consecutive match allows one
or more numbers that are not within the linear game numbers 3302 to
be between numbers from the linear game numbers 3302 in the linear
display in the matrix 3304. The total numbers from the linear game
numbers 3302 in the linear match is from at least a predetermined
quantity of numbers from the linear game numbers 3302.
[0230] FIG. 35A illustrates an example of non-consecutive linear
display. As an example, the numbers 18, 13, 40, 2, and 20 form a
linear display as they appear in a row in the matrix 3304 even
though the number 41, which is not one of the linear game numbers
3302, is between the numbers 18 and 13. In one embodiment, more
than one non-linear game number may be between two linear game
numbers in the linear display.
[0231] FIG. 35B illustrates another example of a non-consecutive
linear display. As an example, the numbers 16, 25, 2, and 31 form a
linear display as they appear in a row in the matrix 3304 even
though the numbers 7, 49, and 23, which are not linear game numbers
3302, are between the numbers 16 and 31. In this example, the
linear match is from at least a predetermined quantity of numbers
equaling four from the linear game numbers 3302. Accordingly, the
numbers 16, 25, 2, and 31 form a linear match, but the numbers 41,
2, and 20 do not form a linear match as the total quantity of these
numbers is only three. Further, the numbers 24 and 31 do not form a
linear mach as the total quantity of these numbers is only two.
[0232] FIG. 35C illustrates yet another example of a
non-consecutive linear display. As an example, the numbers 20, 7,
46, and 21 form a linear display as they appear in a diagonal in
the matrix 3304 even though the number 17, which is not one of the
linear game numbers 3302, is between the numbers 46 and 21.
[0233] In one embodiment, the prize distribution is based on the
quantity of numbers in the linear match and the price category from
which the instant online lottery ticket was purchased. FIG. 36A
illustrates an example of the instant online lottery game
configuration as discussed above implemented with a constant ratio
based system. A known instant online prize structure 3600 may allow
for two or more price categories. In the illustrated example, the
known instant online prize structure 3600 has a first price
category 3602 of one dollar and a second price category 3604 of two
dollars. Further, the known instant online prize structure includes
at least two linear match quantities that each correspond to prize
distributions in the different price categories. In the illustrated
example, a full linear match of 7 of 7 results in a prize
distribution 3614 of five hundred thousand dollars if the instant
online player purchased an instant online ticket from the first
price category 3602 of one dollar or a prize distribution 3616 of
one million dollars if the instant online player purchased an
instant online ticket from the second price category 3604 of two
dollars. A first association between the first price category 3602
of one dollar and the prize distribution 3614 of five hundred
thousand dollars can be the quotient of five hundred thousand
divided by one, which equals five hundred thousand. Similarly, a
second association between the second price category of two dollars
and the prize distribution 112 of one million dollars can be the
quotient of one million divided by two, which equals five hundred
thousand. A constant ratio exists when the first association equals
the second association. In one embodiment, an instant online ticket
player can purchase one two dollar ticket as opposed to two one
dollar tickets to avoid having to purchase multiple tickets.
[0234] As the linear match quantities decrease, the corresponding
prize distributions also decrease. For example, a partial linear
match of 6 of 7 results in a prize distribution 3618 of one
thousand dollars if the instant online ticket is purchased from the
first price category 3602 and a prize distribution 3620 of two
thousand dollars if the instant online ticket is purchased from the
second price category 3604. As can be seen, a constant ratio
(although possibly different from the other constant ratios in the
known instant online prize structure 3600) is still maintained
between the first price category 3602 and the second prize category
3604 even as the linear match quantities decrease. Further, a
partial linear match of 5 of 7 results in a prize distribution 3622
of twenty dollars if the instant online ticket is purchased from
the first price category 3602 or a prize distribution 3624 of forty
dollars if the instant online ticket is purchased from the second
price category 3604. In addition, a partial linear match of 4 of 7
results in a prize distribution 3626 of one dollar if the instant
online ticket is purchased from the first price category 3602 or a
prize distribution 3628 of two dollars if the instant online ticket
is purchased from the second price category 3604.
[0235] FIG. 36B illustrates an example of the instant online
lottery game configuration as discussed above implemented with a
variable ratio based system. For example, a full linear match of 7
of 7 results in a prize distribution 3614 of five hundred thousand
dollars if the instant online player purchased an instant online
ticket from the first price category 3602 of one dollar or a prize
distribution 3630 of one million five hundred thousand dollars if
the instant online player purchased an instant online ticket from
the second price category 3604 of two dollars. A first association
between the first price category 3602 of one dollar and the prize
distribution 3614 of five hundred thousand dollars can be the
quotient of five hundred thousand divided by one, which equals five
hundred thousand. Similarly, a second association between the
second price category 3604 of two dollars and the prize
distribution 3630 of one million five hundred thousand dollars can
be the quotient of one five million five hundred thousand divided
by two, which equals seven hundred fifty thousand. A variable ratio
exists because the first association does not equal the second
association. In one embodiment, this variable ratio provides the
instant online player with incentive to purchase a two dollar
ticket. In one embodiment, the instant online player can purchase
the two dollar ticket as opposed to two one dollar tickets because
the potential distribution is greater by purchasing the two dollar
ticket as opposed to the two one dollar tickets. As a result, the
variable ratio configuration induces purchase of a higher priced
instant online ticket.
[0236] As the linear match quantities decrease, the corresponding
prize distributions also decrease. For example, a partial linear
match of 6 of 7 results in a prize distribution 3618 of one
thousand dollars if the instant online ticket is purchased from the
first price category 3602 and a prize distribution 3632 of two
thousand five hundred dollars if the instant online ticket is
purchased from the second price category 3604. As can be seen, a
variable ratio (although possibly different from the other variable
ratios in the known instant online prize structure 3600) is still
maintained between the first price category 3602 and the second
prize category 3604 even as the linear match quantities decrease.
Further, a partial linear match of 5 of 7 results in a prize
distribution 3622 of twenty dollars if the instant online ticket is
purchased from the first price category 3602 or a prize
distribution 3634 of forty five dollars if the instant online
ticket is purchased from the second price category 3604. In
addition, a partial linear match of 4 of 7 results in a prize
distribution of 3626 of one dollar if the instant online ticket is
purchased from the first price category 3602 or a prize
distribution 3628 of two dollars fifty cents if the instant online
ticket is purchased from the second price category 3604.
[0237] FIG. 36C illustrates an example of the instant online
lottery game configuration as discussed above implemented with both
constant and variable ratios. As an example, an additional price
category 3638 of three dollars is provided in which a player can
win a prize distribution 3640 of three million five hundred
thousand dollars for a full match of 3606 of 7 of 7, a prize
distribution 3642 of three thousand five hundred dollars for a
partial match 3608 of 6 of 7, a prize distribution 3644 of sixty
five dollars, or a prize distribution 3646 for a partial mach of 4
of 7. The constant ratio exists between the first price category
3602 and the second price category 3604, as explained with respect
to FIG. 36A, but a variable ratio exists between the first price
category 3602 and the third price category 3638. Further, a
variable ratio exists between the second price category 3604 and
the third price category 3638. As a result, there is inducement to
purchase the an instant online lottery ticket from the third price
category 3638 rather than the first price category 3602 or the
second price category 3604.
[0238] Since a prize distribution for a match with a larger
quantity of numbers may subsume a prize distribution for a match
with a smaller quantity of numbers, an instant online lottery
operator may provide a distribution only for the highest
distribution. For example, if a row in the matrix included all the
linear game numbers 3302 as seen in FIG. 33 of 13, 7, 41, 20, 40,
24, and 2, an instant online lottery player would automatically
have a full match of 7 of 7, a partial match of 6 of 7, a partial
match of 5 of 7, and a partial match of 4 of 7. As a result, the
instant online lottery provides may provide the highest prize
distribution, e.g., the prize for the full match, and not the lower
prizes for the matches that are completely subsumed. However, two
matches may occur without the second match being completely
subsumed by the first match. For example, the number 20 may occupy
a center position in the matrix 3304, the numbers 13, 7, 41, and 20
may form a row in the matrix 3304, and the numbers 20, 40, 24, and
2 may form a column in the matrix 3304. As a result, one of the
numbers, e.g., 20, is overlapping. In one embodiment, the lottery
operator provides two prize distributions, e.g., pays a total of $2
($1 twice for two matches of 4 of 7 on an instant online ticket
purchased form the first price category 3602) when an overlapping,
rather than subsuming match, occurs. In another embodiment, the
lottery operator provides only one distribution irrespective of
whether the match is overlapping or subsuming.
[0239] In one embodiment, a non-linear game may be played in
addition to the linear game. FIG. 37A illustrates an instant online
ticket 3700 in which a set of non-linear game numbers 3702 is
determined in addition to the linear game numbers 3302. The set of
non-linear game numbers 3702 may be randomly generated or selected
by the player. The set of non-linear game numbers is also a subset
of the instant online game numbers. In one embodiment, the subset
of the instant online game numbers contains less numbers than the
total quantity of the instant online game numbers. For example, the
subset of the instant online game numbers may contain 5 numbers
that are randomly selected from the set of instant online game
numbers. In the illustrated example, the non-linear game numbers
3702 include 10, 30, 7, 26, and 4, all of which form a subset of
numbers randomly selected from the set of instant online game
numbers. Further, overlap may exist between the linear game numbers
and the non-linear game numbers. For example, the number 7 was
randomly generated for both the linear game numbers 3302 and the
non-linear game numbers and may therefore be utilized for both a
linear match and a non-linear match. However, a non-overlapping
number may only be utilized for a match corresponding to the type
of game number for which the non-overlapping number is randomly
generated. In the illustrated example, the number 13 is randomly
generated as a linear game number 3302 and, therefore, may only be
utilized for a linear match, not a non-linear match. Further, in
the illustrated example, the number 10 is randomly generated as a
non-linear game number 3702 and, therefore, may only be utilized
for a non-linear match, not a linear match.
[0240] In one embodiment, the non-linear match is a display of
non-linear game numbers in the matrix 3304 of a quantity of numbers
that is less than the predetermined quantity of numbers applicable
to the linear game. In the example above, the predetermined
quantity of numbers applicable to the linear game was four.
Accordingly, a non-linear match is a display of the non-linear game
numbers in a predetermined pattern and such that less than four
non-linear numbers appear in a linear pattern. For example, the
predetermined non-linear pattern may be one or more corners. The
numbers 10 and 30 form a non-linear match as they occupy two
corners of the matrix 3304 and are not a linear match as they only
occupy a row with one other number, i.e., the number 4, as opposed
to two or more other numbers. Further, the number 24 is not
eligible as a corner as that number is a linear game number, not a
non-linear game number. Various non-linear patterns may be
established. An example of a configuration of non-linear patterns
for which non-linear prizes may be won includes 4 corners and the
center number, 4 corners, 3 corners, and 2 corners.
[0241] In yet another embodiment, only one set of games numbers, as
opposed to separate sets of linear game numbers and non-linear game
numbers, is randomly generated. That set of game numbers is
utilized to determine both linear matches and non-linear matches.
FIG. 37B illustrates an instant online ticket 3702 in which a set
of game numbers 3706 is determined. The game numbers 3706 may be
randomly generated or selected by the player.
[0242] For example, the game numbers 3706 may be a subset of the
instant online game numbers that contain 7 numbers that are
determined from the set of instant online game numbers. The 7
numbers may be randomly generated or selected by the player from
the set of instant online game numbers, e.g., 1-49. In the
illustrated example, the game numbers 3706 include the numbers 13,
7, 33, 20, 40, 24, and 2. Accordingly, these numbers are utilized
to determine whether a linear match and/or a non-linear match
exists. A linear match of 4 of 4 exists because the numbers 13, 40,
2, and 40 are displayed as a row in the matrix 3304. Further, a
non-linear match of 2 corners exists as 24 and 33 occupy two
corners of the matrix 3304. In this instance, a lottery operator
may allow prizes for both a linear match and a non-linear match, or
only a non-linear match if no prize is won with a linear match.
[0243] FIG. 38 illustrates an example of the prize structure 3800
from FIG. 36C that is utilized for both linear game prizes and
non-linear game prizes. In addition to the linear prizes discussed
above in FIG. 36C, for a nonlinear match 3802 of four corners and a
center, the prize structure 3800 provides a prize distribution 3814
of five thousand dollars if the instant online lottery ticket is
purchased from the first price category 3602 of one dollar, a prize
distribution 3816 of ten thousand dollars if the instant online
lottery ticket is purchased from the second price category 3604 of
two dollars, or a prize distribution 3818 of thirty five thousand
dollars if the instant online lottery ticket is purchased from the
third price category 3638. Further, for a nonlinear match 3804 of
four corners, the prize structure 3800 provides a prize
distribution 3820 of two hundred dollars if the instant online
lottery ticket is purchased from the first price category 3602 of
one dollar, a prize distribution 3822 of four hundred dollars if
the instant online lottery ticket is purchased from the second
price category 3604 of two dollars, or a prize distribution 3824 of
six hundred fifty dollars if the instant online lottery ticket is
purchased from the third price category 3638. In addition, for a
nonlinear match 3806 of three corners, the prize structure 3800
provides a prize distribution 3826 of twenty dollars if the instant
online lottery ticket is purchased from the first price category
3602 of one dollar, a prize distribution 3828 of forty dollars if
the instant online lottery ticket is purchased from the second
price category 3604 of two dollars, or a prize distribution 3830 of
sixty five dollars if the instant online lottery ticket is
purchased from the third price category 3638. Finally, for a
nonlinear match 3812 of two corners, the prize structure 3800
provides a prize distribution 3832 of one dollar if the instant
online lottery ticket is purchased from the first price category
3602 of one dollar, a prize distribution 3834 of two dollars if the
instant online lottery ticket is purchased from the second price
category 3604 of two dollars, or a prize distribution 3836 of four
dollars if the instant online lottery ticket is purchased from the
third price category 3638.
[0244] A variety of different configurations may be utilized for
either or both the linear game and the non-linear game.
Accordingly, the prize structures provided above are provided
merely for illustrative purposes. In addition, the non-linear game
may be implemented with a variable ratio configuration, constant
ratio configuration, or both.
[0245] In one embodiment, a player may win a prize for a non-linear
match only if the player does not win a prize for a linear match.
In another embodiment, a player may win a prize for the both a
linear match and a non-linear match.
[0246] The instant online lottery game payout for the linear prize
and/or non-linear prize may be guaranteed by a third party entity.
As a result, an instant online lottery provider may be able to
provide a larger instant online lottery prize than might otherwise
be the case.
[0247] The instant online lottery game may include the linear game
alone, the non-linear game alone, or a combination of the linear
game and the non-linear game described above. Further, the instant
online lottery ticket for the linear game and/or non-linear game
may be printed in paper form from the lottery ticket dispensing
machine, displayed in electronic form, or provided in any other
fashion that is viewable by an instant online player. In addition,
an apparatus may be provided for establishing the instant online
lottery game. A price category module may established the price
categories, random number generators may randomly generate instant
online game numbers, linear game numbers, and/or non-linear game
numbers, and prize distribution modules may distribute and/or
calculate the winning prizes.
[0248] The instant online lottery game may provide a variety of
types of prizes such as fixed prizes, progressive prizes, or
probabilistic jackpot prizes for the linear prize and/or the
non-linear prize. These prizes may be cash prizes or non-cash
prizes such as merchandise prizes, travel prizes, merchandise
cards, merchandise certificates, etc. Further, the linear prize and
the non-linear prize may be the same type or different types of
prizes. In addition, different price categories may correspond to
different types of prizes for either or both of the linear prizes
and non-linear prizes. For example, a one dollar price category may
correspond to a progressive jackpot prize for the linear prize and
the non-linear prize whereas a two dollar price category may
correspond to a fixed prize for the linear prize and the non-linear
prize. A variety of different combinations and/or sub-combinations
of prize types are contemplated herein.
[0249] FIG. 39 illustrates a process 3900 that may be utilized to
provide an instant online lottery game. At a process block 3902,
the process 3900 provides a first price category and a second price
category in which a lottery ticket can be purchased for an instant
online lottery game. The first price category is distinct from the
second price category. Further, the first price category
corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize. In
addition, the second price category corresponds to a second known
portion of a linear prize. The second known portion of the linear
prize is more than the first known portion of the linear prize.
Further, at a process block 3904, the process selects a set of
instant online game numbers. In addition, at a process block 3906,
the process 3900 randomly generates an assortment of the set of
instant online game numbers in an instant online matrix of numbers.
At a process block 3908, the process also determines a linear
subset of the set of instant online game numbers such that each
number in the linear subset is matched with corresponding numbers
in the instant online matrix of numbers. Further, at a process
block 3910, the process 3900 provides the first known portion of
the linear prize associated with the instant online lottery game to
a player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from the first
price category and a linear match in the instant online matrix of
numbers is displayed, the linear match being a linear display in
the instant online matrix of numbers of at least four numbers from
the linear subset. Finally, at a process block 3912, the process
3900 provides the second known portion of the linear prize
associated with the instant online lottery game to the player if
the player purchased the lottery ticket from the second price
category and a linear match is displayed in the instant online
matrix of numbers.
[0250] In another embodiment, a drawing game is provided. A drawing
may be utilized to determine the linear game numbers and/or the
non-linear game numbers. In other words, the lottery ticket may
include only a lottery matrix. An example of a lottery matrix is a
grid type matrix. In one embodiment, the lottery matrix has the
same number of rows as columns, e.g., a seven-by-seven matrix. In
another embodiment, the lottery matrix has a different number of
rows as columns, e.g., an eight-by-six matrix with eight rows and
six columns. Various configurations may be utilized for numbers
drawn with respect to the lottery matrix. In an example utilizing a
ball hopper for a seven-by-seven matrix, the ball hopper may be
utilized to randomly generate forty nine unique numbers to each
occupy a position in the lottery matrix. Accordingly, once a ball
is drawn, it is not put back in the ball hopper and, as a result,
duplicate numbers do not occupy positions in the lottery matrix. In
another configuration, once a ball is drawn, it is put back into
the ball hopper to allow for duplicate numbers occupying positions
in the lottery matrix. For example, forty nine numbers may be drawn
from the ball hopper such that drawn numbers are placed back into
the ball hopper to allow for duplicative numbers occupying
positions in the lottery matrix. Therefore, the forty nine numbers
that are drawn may or may not be unique. In yet another
configuration, less balls than positions in the lottery matrix are
drawn to ensure that duplicative numbers are drawn. For example,
forty two balls may be available in a ball hopper for forty nine
possible positions in a seven-by-seven matrix. Accordingly, balls
need to be placed back in the ball hopper to ensure that a full
forty nine numbers are selected. As a result, duplicative numbers
will be drawn. In another configuration, more balls than positions
in the lottery matrix are drawn. For example, the ball hopper may
have fifty four balls available to be drawn for forty nine possible
positions in the lottery matrix. As only forty nine numbers from
the fifty four available numbers may be drawn, some of the numbers
from one through fifty four will not occupy a position in the
lottery matrix. In this configuration, duplicates may or may not be
allowed depending on whether balls are permitted to be placed back
within the ball hopper after being drawn. The various
configurations described with respect to the lottery matrix are
applicable to any matrix described herein. For example, these
configurations may be utilized for a drawing game and/or an instant
game.
[0251] The linear game numbers and/or the non-linear game numbers
may then be selected after the lottery tickets are sold. The linear
game numbers and/or the non-linear game numbers drawn are then
applicable to the lottery tickets that were previously sold.
[0252] FIG. 40A illustrates an example of a lottery ticket 4000 for
which a single drawing is utilized for both the linear game and the
non-linear game. As an example, only the lottery matrix 4002 is
provided on the lottery ticket 4000. In one embodiment, the lottery
matrix 4002 is randomly generated for each lottery ticket 4000. The
drawing game numbers are drawn after lottery tickets 4000 are sold.
Further, the drawn game numbers are applicable to the lottery
tickets. In other words, each lottery ticket has a randomly
generated lottery matrix 4002 that is randomly generated and may be
distinct, but the same set of drawn game numbers is applicable to
each lottery ticket. After the drawn game numbers are displayed,
announced, etc., a player may then attempt to match the game
numbers with the numbers in the lottery matrix 4002 to determine if
there is a linear match and/or a non-linear match. The player may
indicate such matches by drawing a circle or utilizing other
indicia on the lottery ticket 4000.
[0253] As an example, the drawn game numbers may be 10, 13, 40, 24,
2, 20, and 30. A linear match of 13, 40, 2, and 20 and a non-linear
match of 10, 30, and 24 are displayed on the illustrated lottery
ticket. The drawn game numbers may be displayed as different
matches or no matches on different lottery tickets.
[0254] FIG. 40B illustrates an example of a lottery ticket 4000 for
which a drawing is utilized for the linear game and a separate
drawing is utilized for the non-linear game. As an example, the
drawn game numbers for the linear game may be the numbers 24, 30,
41, 13, 40, 2, and 20, and the drawn game numbers for the
non-linear game may be the numbers 10, 4, 7, and 26. Accordingly, a
linear match is formed as the numbers 41, 13, 40, 2, and 20 are
displayed as a row in the lottery matrix 4002. However, in one
embodiment, a non-linear match is not formed as the numbers 30 and
24 are applicable only for linear matches and are not eligible as
corners for a non-linear match. In another embodiment, the numbers
from both drawings are eligible for linear and/or non-linear
matches.
[0255] In one embodiment, the separate drawings do not have
duplicate numbers. In other words, once numbers are selected for
one drawing, they may not be selected for another drawing. As an
example, if 24, 30, 41, 13, 40, 2, and 20 are drawn from 49 numbers
for the linear game numbers, only 42 remaining numbers are
available for a subsequent drawing for the non-linear game numbers.
In another embodiment, the separate drawings may have duplicate
numbers. In other words, once numbers are selected for one drawing,
they may be selected again for another drawing. As an example, if
24, 30, 41, 13, 40, 2, and 20 are drawn from 49 numbers in a ball
hopper for the linear game numbers, those numbers are placed back
into the ball hopper for the drawing of the non-linear game
numbers. As a result, a plurality of numbers may be drawn from the
49 numbers in the ball hopper, and some the plurality of numbers
may be duplicative of numbers previously drawn for the linear game
numbers.
[0256] In another embodiment, the lottery game may be a combination
of a drawing game and an instant game. FIG. 41A illustrates an
example of a lottery ticket 4100 for which a drawing game is
utilized for the linear game and an instant game is the non-linear
game. Accordingly, only the non-linear game numbers 4102 and the
lottery matrix 4104 are provided to the player on the lottery
ticket 4100 at the time that the lottery ticket 4100 is sold to the
player. The player or a computer may then instantly determine
whether the non-linear game prize has been won by determining
whether a non-linear match of the non-linear game numbers 4102 is
displayed in the lottery matrix 4104. However, the player waits
until the linear game numbers are drawn to determine if a linear
match is displayed in the lottery matrix 4104. In one embodiment,
the non-linear game numbers are determined separately for each
lottery ticket for an instant game. For example, the non-linear
game numbers may be randomly generated or selected by a player at
the time of purchase of the lottery ticket 4100. Accordingly, the
non-linear game numbers may or may not be similar for different
lottery tickets 4100. However, in one embodiment, the same linear
game numbers for a drawing game are applicable to different lottery
tickets 4100.
[0257] As an example, the non-linear game numbers 4102 may be the
numbers 10, 30, 7, 26, and 24. As the lottery matrix 4104 has a
corner for each of the numbers 10, 30, and 24, a non-linear match
of three corners is displayed in the lottery matrix 4104. The
player will instantly know if the non-linear prize has been won
after purchase of the lottery ticket 4100. Further, these
non-linear game numbers may be specifically selected for the
particular lottery ticket 4100, and therefore, may or may not be
the same as the non-linear game numbers on other lottery tickets.
However, the lottery ticket 4100 does not have an indication of the
linear game numbers as the linear game numbers are determined in a
drawing that may occur a significant time period, e.g., minutes,
hours, days, etc., after purchase of the lottery ticket. In one
embodiment, once a drawing occurs, the same linear game numbers are
applicable to the lottery tickets that have been sold rather than
to a particular lottery ticket 4100. As an example, the linear game
numbers may be the numbers 15, 41, 13, 40, 2, 4, and 20.
Accordingly, the non-linear game numbers displayed in the lottery
matrix 4104 may be marked with indicia, e.g., circles, by the
player or a computer immediately after purchase of the lottery
ticket 4100 and the linear game numbers may be later marked with
indicia, e.g., circles, by the player or a computer after the
purchase of the lottery ticket 4100 and a drawing of the linear
game numbers.
[0258] In another embodiment, the determination of a winner of the
non-linear game may be based on program parameters. For instance, a
predetermined number of lottery tickets that have been provided,
e.g., sold, may be a program parameter. As an example, every nth,
e.g., one hundredth, lottery ticket that is sold may result in a
win of the non-linear game prize. Accordingly, after a
predetermined number of lottery tickets, e.g., ninety nine, have
been sold, the lottery ticket consecutively sold after the
predetermined number of lottery tickets, e.g., the one hundredth
lottery ticket, results in a win of the non-linear game prize. At
the time that the one hundred lottery ticket is sold, a set of
non-linear game numbers 4102 may be specifically generated to
provide a non-linear match in the lottery matrix 4104. For example,
if the lottery ticket 4100 in FIG. 41A is a one hundredth lottery
ticket sold, a computing device may randomly generate an assortment
of the numbers 1-49, but specifically generate non-linear numbers
4102 such as the numbers 10, 30, 7, 26, and 24 to ensure a
non-linear match. Alternatively, if the lottery ticket 4100 in FIG.
41A is a 100th lottery ticket sold, a computing device may randomly
generate the non-linear game numbers 4102, but specifically
generate an assortment of the numbers 1-49 in the lottery matrix
4104 to ensure a non-linear match, e.g., placing some of the
non-linear game numbers such as the numbers 10, 30, and 24 in
corner positions within the lottery matrix 4104.
[0259] In one configuration of an nth ticket implementation, a
player may still have the possibility of winning the non-linear
prize for a lottery ticket that is not an nth ticket. For example,
a player with the 90th lottery ticket sold, as opposed to the 100th
lottery ticket sold, may still win the non-linear prize if the
non-linear game numbers are randomly generated to form a non-linear
match. In an alternative configuration of the nth ticket
implementation, the non-linear game numbers 4102 and/or the lottery
matrix 4104 are specifically selected for non-nth lottery tickets
to ensure that a non-linear match does not occur. As a result, a
player in this configuration may only win the non-linear prize if
the player purchased an nth ticket lottery ticket, e.g., 100th,
200th, 300th, etc.
[0260] FIG. 41B illustrates an example of the lottery ticket 4100
of FIG. 41A for which an instant game is utilized for the linear
game and a drawing game is utilized for the non-linear game.
Accordingly, only the linear game numbers 4106 and the lottery
matrix 4104 are provided to the player on the lottery ticket 4100
at the time that the lottery ticket 4100 is sold to the player. The
player or a computer may then instantly determine whether a linear
game prize has been won by determining whether a linear match of
the linear game numbers 4106 is displayed in the instant online
game matrix 4104. However, the player waits until the non-linear
game numbers are drawn to determine if a non-linear match is
displayed in the lottery matrix 4104. In one embodiment, the linear
game numbers are determined separately for each lottery ticket for
an instant game. For example, the linear game numbers may be
randomly generated or selected by a player at the time of purchase
of the lottery ticket 4100. Accordingly, the linear game numbers
may or may not be similar for different lottery tickets 4100.
However, in one embodiment, the same non-linear game numbers for a
drawing game are applicable to different lottery tickets 4100.
[0261] As an example, the linear game numbers 4106 may be the
numbers 15, 41, 13, 40, 2, 4, and 20. As the lottery matrix 4104
has a row with the numbers 41, 13, 40, 2, and 20, a linear match is
displayed is displayed in the lottery matrix 4104. The player will
instantly know if the linear prize has been won after purchase of
the lottery ticket. Further, these linear game numbers may be
specifically selected for the particular lottery ticket 4100, and
therefore, may or may not be the same as the linear game numbers on
other lottery tickets. However, the lottery ticket 4100 does not
have an indication of the non-linear game numbers as the non-linear
game numbers are determined in a drawing that may occur a
significant time period, e.g., minutes, hours, days, etc., after
purchase of the lottery ticket 4100. In one embodiment, once a
drawing occurs, the same non-linear game numbers are applicable to
the lottery tickets that have been sold rather than to a particular
lottery ticket 4100. As an example, the non-linear game numbers may
be the numbers 10, 30, 7, 26, and 24.
[0262] In another embodiment, the determination of a winner of the
linear game may be based on program parameters. For instance, a
predetermined number of lottery tickets that have been provided,
e.g., sold, may be a program parameter. As an example, every nth,
e.g., one hundredth, lottery ticket that is sold may result in a
win of the linear game prize. Accordingly, after a predetermined
number of lottery tickets, e.g., ninety nine, have been sold, the
lottery ticket consecutively sold after the predetermined number of
lottery tickets, e.g., the one hundredth lottery ticket, results in
a win of the linear game prize. At the time that the 100th lottery
ticket is sold, a set of linear game numbers 4106 may be
specifically generated to provide a linear match in the lottery
matrix 4104. For example, if the lottery ticket 4100 in FIG. 41A is
a 100th lottery ticket sold, a computing device may randomly
generate an assortment of the numbers 1-49, but specifically
generate linear numbers 4104 such as the numbers 13, 15, 41, 20,
40, 4, and 2 to ensure a non-linear match. Alternatively, if the
lottery ticket 4100 in FIG. 41A is a 100th lottery ticket sold, a
computing device may randomly generate the linear game numbers
4106, but specifically generate an assortment of the numbers 1-49
in the lottery matrix 4104 to ensure a linear match, e.g., placing
some of the linear game numbers 4106 such as the numbers 41, 13,
40, 2, and 20 within the lottery matrix 4104.
[0263] In one configuration of an nth ticket implementation, a
player may still have the possibility of winning the linear prize
for a lottery ticket that is not an nth ticket. For example, a
player with the 90th lottery ticket sold, as opposed to the 100th
lottery ticket sold, may still win the linear prize if the linear
game numbers 4106 are randomly generated to form a linear match. In
an alternative configuration of the nth ticket implementation, the
linear game numbers 4106 and/or the lottery matrix 4104 are
specifically selected for non-nth lottery tickets to ensure that a
linear match does not occur. As a result, a player in this
configuration may only win the linear prize if the player purchased
an nth ticket lottery ticket, e.g., 100th, 200th, 300th, etc.
[0264] FIG. 42 illustrates a process 4200 that may be utilized to
provide a lottery game. At a process block 4202, the process 4200
provides a first price category and a second price category in
which a lottery ticket can be purchased for a lottery game. The
first price category is distinct from the second price category.
The first price category corresponds to a first known portion of a
linear prize and a first known portion of a non-linear prize
associated with the lottery game. The second price category
corresponds to a second known portion of a linear prize and a
second known portion of a non-linear prize associated with the
lottery game. The second known portion of the linear prize is more
than the first known portion of the linear prize. Further, the
second known portion of the non-linear prize is more than the first
known portion of the non-linear prize. In addition, at a process
block 4204, the process 4200 selects a set of lottery game numbers.
At a process block 4206, the process 4200 randomly generates, for
each of a plurality of lottery tickets, an assortment of the set of
lottery game numbers in a lottery matrix of numbers. At a process
block 4208, the process 4200 determines, for each of a
predetermined quantity of the plurality of lottery tickets, a
non-linear subset of the lottery game numbers. Further, at a
process block 4210, the process 4200 performs a drawing of a linear
subset of the set of lottery game numbers that is utilized for each
of the plurality of lottery tickets. At a process block 4212, the
process 4200 also provides the first known portion of the linear
prize associated with the lottery game to a player if the player
purchased the lottery ticket from the first price category and a
linear match in the lottery matrix of numbers is displayed. The
linear match is a linear display in the lottery matrix of numbers
of at least a predetermined quantity of numbers from the linear
subset. Further, at a process block 4214, the process 4200 provides
the second known portion of the linear prize associated with the
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the lottery
ticket from the second price category and a linear match is
displayed in the lottery matrix of numbers. In addition, at a
process block 4216, the process 4200 provides the first known
portion of the non-linear prize associated with the lottery game to
the player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from the
first price category and a non-linear match is displayed in the
lottery matrix of numbers, the non-linear match being a
predetermined arrangement of numbers in the non-linear subset that
is a display in the lottery matrix of numbers. The quantity of
numbers in the predetermined arrangement of numbers is less than
the predetermined quantity of numbers. In addition, at a process
block 4218, the process 4200 provides the second known portion of
the non-linear prize associated with the lottery game to the player
if the player purchased the lottery ticket from the second price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix
of numbers.
[0265] FIG. 43 illustrates a scratch-off lottery ticket 4300 that
is a scratch-off variation of the instant online ticket 3700
illustrated in FIG. 37A. As opposed to an instant online lottery
game, a scratch-off lottery game includes a set of preprinted
tickets. Since the number of matches may be predetermined, the
number of winners may therefore be predetermined. A concealer may
be utilized to cover the set of linear game numbers 3302, the set
of non-linear game numbers 3702, or both the set of linear game
numbers 3302 and the set of non-linear game numbers 3702. The
concealer is placed over the numbers so that a player can scratch
off the concealer to determine if a match exists with the matrix
3304. For example, the player can scratch off the concealer
covering the set of linear game numbers 3302 to determine if a
linear match exists with the matrix 3304. The player can also
scratch off the concealer covering the set of non-linear game
numbers 3702 to determine if a non-linear match exists with the
matrix 3304.
[0266] In one embodiment, the concealer 4302 is composed from a
material such as latex. However, other materials may be
utilized.
[0267] Further, in one embodiment, a separate concealer 4302 is
placed over each individual number in a set of game numbers such as
the set of linear game numbers 3302, the set of non-linear game
numbers 3702, or both the set of linear game numbers 3302 and the
set of non-linear game numbers 3702. Each separate concealer 4302
may be a geometric shape such as a square, rectangle, circle, etc.,
or a non-geometric shape such as a shamrock, heart, pot of gold,
etc. In another embodiment, the concealer 4302 is a strip of
material that covers an entire set of game numbers. For example,
the concealer 4302 may be a rectangular latex strip that covers the
set of linear game numbers 3302. The concealer 4302 may also be a
rectangular latex strip that covers the set of non-linear game
numbers 3702. Further, two concealers 4302 may be utilized. For
example, a first concealer may be a rectangular latex strip that
covers the set of linear game numbers 3302 and a second concealer
4302 may be a rectangular latex strip that covers the set of
non-linear game numbers 3702. Further, the concealer 4302 may be
rectangular strip that covers both the set of linear game numbers
3302 and the set of non-linear game numbers 3702.
[0268] FIG. 44 illustrates a scratch-off lottery ticket 4400 that
is a scratch-off variation of the instant online ticket 3700
illustrated in FIG. 37B. In other words, only one set of games
numbers 3706, as opposed to separate sets of linear game numbers
and non-linear game numbers, is utilized to determine both linear
matches and non-linear matches. The concealer 4302 may be utilized
to cover the set of game numbers 3706. In one embodiment, a
separate concealer 4302 is placed over each individual number in
the set of games numbers 3706. In another embodiment, the concealer
4302 is a strip of material that covers an entire set of game
numbers.
[0269] FIG. 45 illustrates a process 4500 that may be utilized to
provide a scratch-off lottery game. At a process block 4502, the
process provides a first price category and a second price category
in which a scratch-off lottery ticket can be purchased for a
scratch-off lottery game. The first price category is distinct from
the second price category. The first price category corresponds to
a first known portion of a linear prize and a first known portion
of a non-linear prize associated with the scratch-off lottery game.
The second price category corresponds to a second known portion of
a linear prize and a second known portion of a non-linear prize
associated with the scratch-off lottery game. The second known
portion of the linear prize is more than the first known portion of
the linear prize. The second known portion of the non-linear prize
is more than the first known portion of the non-linear prize.
Further, at a process block 4504, the process 4500 selects a set of
scratch-off lottery game numbers. In addition, at a process block
4506, the process 4500 generates, for each of a predetermined
quantity of a plurality of scratch-off lottery tickets, an
assortment of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers in a
lottery matrix of numbers, a linear subset of the set of
scratch-off lottery game numbers, and a non-linear subset of the
set of scratch-off lottery game numbers such that a predetermined
quantity of matches occur between (i) the linear subset of the set
of scratch-off lottery game numbers and the assortment of the set
of scratch-off lottery game numbers in the lottery matrix of
numbers, and (ii) the non-linear subset of the set of scratch-off
lottery game numbers and the assortment of the set of scratch-off
lottery game numbers. In addition, the process prints each of the
predetermined quantity of the plurality of scratch-off lottery
tickets with the corresponding assortment of the set of scratch-off
lottery game numbers in the lottery matrix of numbers, the linear
subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers, and the
non-linear subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers
such that a concealer is positioned over the linear subset of the
of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers and the non-linear
subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers so a
purchaser of the corresponding lottery ticket removes the concealer
to determine if a match exists. In an alternative embodiment, a
single subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers is
generated for both the linear match and the non-linear match rather
than a separate linear subset of the set of scratch-off lottery
game numbers and non-linear subset of the set of scratch-off
lottery game numbers. At a process block 4508, the process 4500
also provides a prize distribution. The process 4500 provides the
first known portion of the linear prize associated with the
scratch-off lottery game to a player if the player purchased the
lottery ticket from the first price category and a linear match in
the lottery matrix of numbers is displayed. The linear match is a
linear display in the lottery matrix of numbers of at least a
predetermined quantity of numbers from the linear subset. Further,
the process 4500 provides the second known portion of the linear
prize associated with the scratch-off lottery game to the player if
the player purchased the lottery ticket from the second price
category and a linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix of
numbers. In addition, the process 4500 provides the first known
portion of the non-linear prize associated with the scratch-off
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the lottery
ticket from the first price category and a non-linear match is
displayed in the lottery matrix of numbers, the non-linear match
being a predetermined arrangement of numbers in the non-linear
subset that is a display in the lottery matrix of numbers, the
quantity of numbers in the predetermined arrangement of numbers
being less than the predetermined quantity of numbers. Finally, the
process 4500 provides the second known portion of the non-linear
prize associated with the scratch-off lottery game to the player if
the player purchased the lottery ticket from the second price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix
of numbers.
[0270] The matches in the process 4500 can be predetermined. In
other words, a predetermined number of matches may be specifically
generated. In one embodiment, a random generation of matches may be
performed until the predetermined number of matches is reached.
[0271] In another embodiment, an apparatus such as the lottery
ticket dispensing machine 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be utilized
print the scratch-off lottery tickets described in the
configurations herein. The apparatus includes a price category
module that establishes a first price category and a second price
category in which a scratch-off lottery ticket can be purchased for
a scratch-off lottery game. The first price category is distinct
from the second price category. The first price category
corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize and a first
known portion of a non-linear prize associated with the scratch-off
lottery game. The second price category corresponds to a second
known portion of a linear prize and a second known portion of a
non-linear prize associated with the scratch-off lottery game. The
second known portion of the linear prize is more than the first
known portion of the linear prize. The second known portion of the
non-linear prize is more than the first known portion of the
non-linear prize. Further, the apparatus includes a selection
module that selects a set of scratch-off lottery game numbers. In
addition, the apparatus includes a number generation module that
generates, for each of a predetermined quantity of a plurality of
scratch-off lottery tickets, an assortment of the set of
scratch-off lottery game numbers in a lottery matrix of numbers, a
linear subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers, and a
non-linear subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers
such that a predetermined quantity of matches occur between (i) the
linear subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers and
the assortment of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers in
the lottery matrix of numbers, and (ii) the non-linear subset of
the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers and the assortment of
the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers. In an alternative
embodiment, a single subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game
numbers is generated for both the linear match and the non-linear
match rather than a separate linear subset of the set of
scratch-off lottery game numbers and non-linear subset of the set
of scratch-off lottery game numbers. The apparatus includes a
printer that prints each of the predetermined quantity of the
plurality of scratch-off lottery tickets with the corresponding
assortment of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers in the
lottery matrix of numbers, the linear subset of the set of
scratch-off lottery game numbers, and the non-linear subset of the
set of scratch-off lottery game numbers such that a concealer is
positioned over the linear subset of the of the set of scratch-off
lottery game numbers and the non-linear subset of the set of
scratch-off lottery game numbers so a purchaser of the
corresponding lottery ticket removes the concealer to determine if
a match exists. The apparatus includes a prize distribution module
that provides the first known portion of the linear prize
associated with the scratch-off lottery game to a player if the
player purchased the lottery ticket from the first price category
and a linear match in the lottery matrix of numbers is displayed.
The second known portion of the linear prize is associated with the
scratch-off lottery game to the player if the player purchased the
lottery ticket from the second price category and a linear match is
displayed in the lottery matrix of numbers. The first known portion
of the non-linear prize associated with the scratch-off lottery
game to the player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from
the first price category and a non-linear match is displayed in the
lottery matrix of numbers. The second known portion of the
non-linear prize is associated with the scratch-off lottery game to
the player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from the
second price category and a non-linear match is displayed in the
lottery matrix of numbers. The linear match is a linear display in
the lottery matrix of numbers of at least a predetermined quantity
of numbers from the linear subset. The non-linear match is a
predetermined arrangement of numbers in the non-linear subset that
is a display in the lottery matrix of numbers. The quantity of
numbers in the predetermined arrangement of numbers is less than
the predetermined quantity of numbers.
[0272] The linear prize and/or non-linear prize may be guaranteed
by a third party entity in the instant online lottery game or the
scratch-off lottery game. The prize guarantor can provide a
guarantee to the lottery operator. In one embodiment, the guarantee
can provide that the prize guarantor assumes the risk for paying
the linear prize and/or the non-linear prize if the allocable prize
portion of ticket sales is not sufficient to cover the linear prize
and/or the non-linear prize. In another embodiment, the guarantee
can provide that the prize guarantor assumes the risk of paying the
amount of any secondary prizes that are won, to the extent that the
allocable prize portion of ticket sales is not sufficient.
[0273] A variety of prize structures may be utilized for the
combination of a drawing and nth ticket game. Further, a variety of
drawing prize structures may be utilized for multiple drawing
games. For example, the instant online prize structure 3800 as
shown in FIG. 38 may be utilized as a prize structure for these
configurations.
[0274] The variable and/or constant ratio configurations may be
utilized with any of the configurations discussed above. Further
any of the drawing based games may be implemented or played as a
monitor game. In other words, a display apparatus may be provided
in a display area so that multiple viewers may watch a video
presentation of the drawing. The video presentation may be
interspersed with games other than those described herein.
[0275] A method and apparatus are disclosed that allow a prize
structure and lot size for the variations of the scratch-off game
described herein to be created. The prize structure and lot size
may be stored in a virtual file for subsequent reproduction.
Accordingly, a large quantity of identical lots may be reproduced.
The quantity is less than infinite, but large enough to ensure
statistical randomness if lots are reproduced from the virtual file
and the tickets in the reproduced lots are shuffled into an
aggregate lot such that one or more extracted lots, or a subset of
an extracted lot or extracted lots, may be extracted. With this
approach, the odds of winning a prize in the maximum prize category
are purely a function of probabilities.
[0276] FIGS. 46A-46C illustrate an instant lottery ticket
configuration that may be utilized for the scratch-off lottery
ticket configurations described herein. In particular, FIG. 46A
illustrates an instant lottery ticket 4600. As an example, the
instant lottery ticket 4600 may have three rows and three columns
of numbers that are covered by a concealer 4602. The concealer 4602
is placed over the numbers so that a player can scratch off the
concealer 4602 to determine if a match exists. The requisite match
may be three of a prize value in a row, column diagonal, corners,
center, any location, or any combination of these criteria. For
example, a row of three two thousand dollar symbols may lead to a
win of the prize of two thousand dollars in the maximum prize
category. In one embodiment, the concealer 4602 is composed from a
material such as latex. However, other materials may be utilized.
Further, in one embodiment, a separate concealer 4602 is placed
over each individual number. Each separate concealer 4602 may be a
geometric shape such as a square, rectangle, circle, etc., or a
non-geometric shape such as a shamrock, heart, pot of gold, etc. In
another embodiment, the concealer 4602 is a strip of material that
covers an entire set of numbers. For example, the concealer 4602
may be a rectangular latex strip that covers a row of game numbers.
Accordingly, a strip of concealer would cover each row of game
numbers. The rectangular latex strip may be large enough to cover
all the rows of the game numbers.
[0277] FIG. 46B illustrates a prize structure 4650 for a single
lot. For example, the prize structure 4650 may be configured for a
lot size of ten million tickets that may each be purchased for one
dollar. The prize structure 4650 may have a plurality of different
prize categories. A predetermined number of tickets may be present
in each prize category. Accordingly, based on the predetermined
number of tickets and the lot size, odds of winning a prize in a
particular prize category can be determined. For example, the prize
structure 4650 may have a two thousand dollar prize category for
which twenty tickets having a winning match are printed.
Accordingly, the odds of winning a prize in the two thousand dollar
prize category are twenty divided by ten million, which equals one
in five hundred thousand. The prize structure 4650 may also have a
five hundred dollar prize category for which fifty tickets having a
winning match are printed. Accordingly, the odds of winning a prize
in the five hundred dollar prize category are fifty divided by ten
million, which equals one in two hundred thousand. Further, the
prize structure 4650 may also have a one hundred dollar prize
category for which five hundred tickets having a winning match are
printed. Accordingly, the odds of winning a prize in the one
hundred dollar prize category are five hundred divided by ten
million, which equals one in twenty thousand. In addition, the
prize structure 4650 may also have a fifty dollar prize category
for which five thousand tickets having a winning match are printed.
Accordingly, the odds of winning a prize in the fifty dollar prize
category are five thousand divided by ten million, which equals one
in two thousand. The prize structure 4650 may also have a twenty
dollar prize category for which fifty thousand tickets having a
winning match are printed. Accordingly, the odds of winning a prize
in the twenty dollar prize category are fifty thousand divided by
ten million, which equals one in two hundred. The prize structure
4650 may also have a ten dollar prize category for which eighty
thousand tickets having a winning match are printed. Accordingly,
the odds of winning a prize in the ten dollar prize category are
eighty thousand divided by ten million, which equals one in one
hundred twenty five. Further, the prize structure 150 may also have
a five dollar prize category for which four hundred thousand
tickets having a winning match are printed. Accordingly, the odds
of winning a prize in the five dollar prize category are four
hundred thousand divided by ten million, which equals one in twenty
five. In one possible configuration, the number of prizes in a
lower prize category may be the same or higher than the number of
prizes in a higher prize category. In such a configuration, the
odds in the lower prize category would be the same or better than
the odds in the higher prize category. For example, the prize
structure 4650 may also have a two dollar prize category for which
four hundred thousand tickets having a winning match are printed.
Accordingly, the odds of winning a prize in the two dollar prize
category are four hundred thousand divided by ten million, which
equals one in twenty five. Further, the prize structure 4650 may
also have a one dollar prize category for which five hundred
thousand tickets having a winning match are printed. Accordingly,
the odds of winning a prize in the one dollar prize category are
five hundred thousand divided by ten million, which equals one in
twenty. Prizes other than cash prizes may be provided. For example,
in one possible configuration, a prize category may be a free
ticket. As an example, the prize structure 150 may also have a free
ticket prize category for which one million tickets having a
winning match are printed. Accordingly, the odds of winning a prize
in the free ticket prize category are on million divided by ten
million, which equals one in ten. The non-cash prizes are not
limited to free tickets. An example of another non-cash prize is a
redemption ticket for merchandise.
[0278] FIG. 46C illustrates an example of the instant lottery
ticket 4600 of FIG. 1A after the concealer 4602 has been removed. A
row of three amounts of two thousand dollars appears such that the
instant lottery ticket 100 is a winning ticket for a prize of two
thousand dollars from the maximum prize category.
[0279] FIG. 47 illustrates a lot generation configuration 4700. The
lottery prize structure 4650 is provided to a lot generator 4702.
The lot generator 4702 may be a module, computer, computer code,
system, or the like. In one embodiment, the lot generator has a
printer to print instant lottery tickets. Accordingly, the lot
generator 4702 generates a lot 4704 that corresponds to the lottery
prize structure 4650. In the example of the lottery prize structure
4650 discussed in FIG. 46B, the lot generator 4702 would print ten
million tickets and ensure that the specific number of winning
tickets in each prize category are printed to be consistent with
the odds for that particular prize category. For example, the lot
generator 4702 would print twenty tickets in the lot 4704 that have
a match for the prize in the two thousand dollar prize category.
Similarly, the lot generator 4702 would print fifty tickets for the
five hundred dollar prize category, five hundred tickets for the
one hundred dollar prize category, five thousand tickets for the
fifty dollar prize category, fifty thousand tickets for the twenty
dollar prize category, eighty thousand tickets for the ten dollar
prize category, four hundred thousand tickets for the five dollar
prize category, four hundred thousand tickets for the two dollar
prize category, five hundred thousand dollars for the one dollar
prize category, and one million tickets for the free ticket prize
category that are winning tickets for their respective prize
categories. In one embodiment, the lot generator 202 also ensures
that the remaining tickets are not winning tickets so that the odds
of winning tickets are predetermined.
[0280] The lot generator 4702 may print the instant lottery tickets
according to a variety of different approaches. In one embodiment,
the lot generator 4702 may print the instant lottery tickets with
random amounts on the instant lottery ticket until the
predetermined number of matches occur for a prize category and then
prevent any further matches. For example, the lot generator 4702
may print five million tickets until the twenty prizes for the two
thousand dollar prize category are reached. The lot generator 4702
may then prevent any further matches for the two thousand dollar
prize category. The lot generator 4702 may alternatively print the
matches at predetermined positions within the lot. For example,
every five hundred thousandth ticket may be the ticket for which a
match is printed for a prize in the two thousand dollar prize
category.
[0281] FIG. 48 illustrates a lot reproduction configuration 4800
that may be utilized to reproduce the lot 4704 for the lottery
prize structure illustrated in FIG. 47. The lot 4704 is provided to
a lot reproducer 4802. The lot reproducer 4802 may be a module,
computer, computer code, system, or the like. In one embodiment,
the lot reproducer 4802 has a printer to print instant lottery
tickets. Accordingly, the lot reproducer 4802 generates one or more
reproduced lots 4804. Each of the reproduced lots 4804 is an
identical replication of the lot 4704 that corresponds to the
lottery prize structure 4650. Accordingly, each of the reproduced
lots 304 has the same odds of winning a prize in each of the prize
categories of the lottery prize structure 4650. In one embodiment,
the one or more reproduced lots 4804 are stored in a reproduced lot
virtual file 4808 in a storage medium 4806. The virtual file 4808
may be a physical file of the printed reproduced lots 4804 in a
storage medium. Alternatively, the virtual file may be an
electronic file from which some or all of the reproduced lots may
be printed.
[0282] FIG. 49 illustrates a lot shuffling configuration 4900 that
may be utilized in conjunction with the lot reproduction
configuration 4800 illustrated in FIG. 48. In one embodiment, the
lot shuffling configuration 4900 provides the reproduced lots 4804
to a lot shuffler 4902. The lot shuffler 4902 shuffles the
reproduced lots 4804 and outputs an aggregate lot 4904. In one
embodiment, the aggregate lot 4904 is stored in an aggregate lot
virtual file 4906 in a storage medium 4908. In alternative
embodiment, the reproduced lot virtual file 4808 and the aggregate
lot virtual file 4906 are stored on the same storage medium. By
shuffling the reproduced lots 4804, the contents of each of the
reproduced lots are intermixed with the other reproduced lots
4804.
[0283] FIG. 50A illustrates a lot extraction configuration 5000
that may be utilized to extract an extracted lot 5004 from the
aggregate lot 4904. The lot extraction configuration 5000 provides
the aggregate lot to a lot extractor 5002. The lot extractor 5002
selects a number of tickets from the aggregate lot that equals the
lot size of the prize structure 4650. For example, the prize
structure 4650 illustrated in FIG. 46B has a lot size of ten
million tickets. Further, the lot reproducer 4802 reproduced three
lots in the example illustrated in FIG. 48. Each of those three
lots has a lot size of ten million instant lottery tickets. The lot
shuffler 4902 in FIG. 4 shuffles these three lots into the
aggregate lot 4906, which has thirty million instant lottery
tickets. The lot extractor 5002 then selects ten million instant
lottery tickets from the aggregate lot 4904 to extract an extracted
lot 5004 having the same lot size as the lottery prize structure
4650. As a result, the extracted lot 504 is not limited the number
of prizes in the lottery prize structure 4650. For example, the
lottery prize structure 4650 illustrated FIG. 46B has twenty prizes
in the two thousand dollar prize category. Accordingly, the
aggregate lot resulting from three reproduced lots has sixty prizes
in the two thousand dollar prize category. The odds of winning a
prize in the two thousand dollar prize category are still one in
five hundred thousand since the a multiple of the lots does not
change the odds, i.e., sixty tickets in the two thousand dollar
prize category divided by thirty million tickets still equals one
in five hundred thousand. Further, an extraction of a lot of
tickets also does not change the odds. In other words, if ten
million tickets are extracted from the aggregate lot 4904, the odds
of obtaining a prize in the two thousand dollar prize category are
still one in five hundred thousand since that lot was extracted
from the aggregate lot that has been shuffled. Although the odds
stay the same, the number of prizes may actually be higher than the
lottery prize structure 4650 for a single lot. For example, the
extracted lot 504 may have all sixty prizes from the two thousand
dollar prize category. The extracted lot 504 may also have
potentially less than twenty prizes from the two thousand dollar
prize category. If the number of reproduced lots is significantly
large, e.g., twenty, the number of possible maximum prizes in the
extracted lot 5004 is significantly larger than the number of
prizes in the lottery prize structure 4650. In one embodiment, a
group of extracted lots 504 may be extracted. For example, ten lots
may be extracted.
[0284] In one embodiment, the lot extractor 5002 randomly selects
which instant lottery tickets are extracted from the aggregate lot
4904. For example, a random selection process may be utilized to
select ten million instant lottery tickets from the thirty million
instant lottery tickets.
[0285] In yet another embodiment, the lot extractor 502 may select
the instant lottery tickets from the aggregate lot 4904 according
to a sequential selection process. For example, the lot extractor
5002 may select the first ten million instant lottery tickets from
the aggregate lot 4904.
[0286] FIG. 50B illustrates the lot extraction configuration 5000
of FIG. 50A that may be utilized to generated more than one
extracted lot or more than one group of extracted lots. The lot
extractor 5002 may output the extracted lot 5004 or group of
extracted lots 5004, and one or more additional extracted lots
5006. For example, in the example described in FIG. 50A, a first
lot of ten million instant lottery tickets and a second lot of
twenty million instant lottery tickets may be extracted. Three lots
could potentially be extracted as the aggregate lot 404 included a
lot size of thirty million instant lottery tickets. If more instant
lottery tickets are needed, the lot reproducer 4802 in FIG. 48 may
be utilized generated more reproduced lots for the virtual file 308
to then be shuffled by the lot shuffler 4902 in FIG. 49. The number
of potential prizes, not the odds, change with an increase in the
number of extracted lots.
[0287] In one embodiment, as the instant lottery tickets are
printed with predetermined prize outcomes an validation codes, a
process may be utilized such that subsets may be scanned to ensure
that a minimum number of maximum prizes are present within any
given subset prior to distribution. Accordingly, an extracted lot
5004 would not be distributed to retailers without at least a
minimum number of prizes in the maximum prize category being
included within the extracted lot 5004. However, no upper limit is
established for the number of prizes in the maximum prize category
within a given extracted lot. The ability to win a prize in the
maximum prize category would remain a function of random selection
and statistical probabilities.
[0288] In another embodiment, to ensure that instant lottery
tickets would not be available for resale without one or more
prizes in the maximum prize category remaining in the extracted lot
5004, a fail-safe parameter may be utilized to trigger the
production of one or more additional extracted lots 5006 for retail
distribution if the number of prizes in the maximum prize category
remaining in non-activated books of unsold instant lottery ticket
stock in the extracted lot 5004 or group of extracted lots 5004
reaches a specified value. For example, an additional extracted lot
5006 may be extracted from the aggregate lot 4904 when the number
of the number of prizes in the maximum prize category remaining in
non-activated books of unsold ticket stock in the extracted lot
5004 reaches two. Accordingly, the additional extracted lots 5006
may be printed, packaged into books, and made available for
distribution to retailers so that the number of prizes in the
maximum prize category would constantly be replenished and never
reach zero.
[0289] In yet another embodiment, preservation is provided for a
guaranteed low-end prize structure ("GLEPS"). As the instant
lottery tickets may be printed with predetermined prize outcomes
and validation codes, a process may be utilized prior to packaging
and distribution such that extracted lots could be scanned to
ensure that each book of instant lottery tickets includes a GLEPS.
Accordingly, an extracted lot would not be provided to retailers
without at least a minimum number of low-end prizes being included
within each book of tickets within the extracted lot 5004. However,
no upper limit is established for the number of other prizes within
a given extracted lot. The ability to win a prize would remain a
function of random selection and statistical probabilities.
[0290] FIG. 51 illustrates a process 5100 that may be utilized to
extract a lot from an aggregate lot. At a process block 5102, the
process 5100 provides a first price category and a second price
category in which a scratch-off lottery ticket can be purchased for
a scratch-off lottery game. The first price category is distinct
from the second price category. The first price category
corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize and a first
known portion of a non-linear prize associated with the scratch-off
lottery game. The second price category corresponds to a second
known portion of a linear prize and a second known portion of a
non-linear prize associated with the scratch-off lottery game. The
second known portion of the linear prize is more than the first
known portion of the linear prize. The second known portion of the
non-linear prize is more than the first known portion of the
non-linear prize. Further, at a process block 5104, the process
5100 selects a set of scratch-off lottery game numbers. In
addition, at a process block 5106, the process 5100 generates, for
each of a predetermined quantity of a plurality of scratch-off
lottery tickets, an assortment of the set of scratch-off lottery
game numbers in a lottery matrix of numbers, a linear subset of the
set of scratch-off lottery game numbers, and a non-linear subset of
the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers such that a
predetermined quantity of matches occur between (i) the linear
subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers and the
assortment of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers in the
lottery matrix of numbers, and (ii) the non-linear subset of the
set of scratch-off lottery game numbers and the assortment of the
set of scratch-off lottery game numbers. In addition, at a process
block 5108, the process 5100 prints an initial lot of the
predetermined quantity of the plurality of scratch-off lottery
tickets with the corresponding assortment of the set of scratch-off
lottery game numbers in the lottery matrix of numbers, the linear
subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers, and the
non-linear subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers
such that a concealer is positioned over the linear subset of the
of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers and the non-linear
subset of the set of scratch-off lottery game numbers so a
purchaser of the corresponding lottery ticket removes the concealer
to determine if a match exists. Further, at a process block 5110,
the process 5100 also generates a plurality of reproduced lots such
that each of the reproduced lots in the plurality of reproduced
lots is identical to the initial lot of scratch-off lottery
tickets. Further, at a process block 5112, the process 5100
shuffles the plurality of reproduced lots into an aggregate lot
that has an aggregate lot size. In addition, at a process block
5114, the process 5100 randomly selects an extracted lot of
scratch-off lottery tickets from the aggregate lot, the extracted
lot having (i) an extracted lottery prize structure that has
identical odds to the initial lottery prize structure without being
limited to the predetermined number of maximum prizes in the
maximum prize category and the predetermined number of secondary
prizes in the secondary prize category, and (ii) an extracted lot
size that is less than the aggregate lot size. At a process block
5116, the process 5100 also provides the scratch-off lottery
tickets from the extracted lot of scratch-off lottery tickets to a
plurality of instant lottery players. Further, at a process block
5118, the process 5100 provides the first known portion of the
linear prize associated with the scratch-off lottery game to a
player if the player purchased the lottery ticket from the first
price category and a linear match in the lottery matrix of numbers
is displayed. The linear match is a linear display in the lottery
matrix of numbers of at least a predetermined quantity of numbers
from the linear subset. Further, the process provides the second
known portion of the linear prize associated with the scratch-off
lottery game to the player if the player purchased the lottery
ticket from the second price category and a linear match is
displayed in the lottery matrix of numbers. In addition, the
process 5100 provides the first known portion of the non-linear
prize associated with the scratch-off lottery game to the player if
the player purchased the lottery ticket from the first price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix
of numbers, the non-linear match being a predetermined arrangement
of numbers in the non-linear subset that is a display in the
lottery matrix of numbers, the quantity of numbers in the
predetermined arrangement of numbers being less than the
predetermined quantity of numbers. Finally, the process 5100
provides the second known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the scratch-off lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the lottery ticket from the second price category
and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix of
numbers.
[0291] In one embodiment, the possibility of having a number of
maximum prizes that is limited only by the size of the extracted
lot is ensured by the aggregate lot 404 having a number of maximum
prizes that is greater than the extracted lot size. For example, if
the aggregate lot 404 has one hundred million tickets with six
thousand maximum prizes, then an extracted lot having a lot size of
five thousand tickets has a possibility that all five thousand
tickets are a maximum prize. That possibility is small, but still
exists. The lot extraction may be accomplished physically or
simulated using a stochastic/"Monte Carlo" process such as the
selection of n random numbers from a uniform distribution. The
stochastic/"Monte Carlo" process may take any form provided that a)
There exists a probability greater than 0 that every item in the
selected lot is a "winner" of the maximum prize and b) that all
Cumulative Distribution/Probability Density functions, all
parameters of the Cumulative Distribution/Probability Density
Functions, and any other parameters that are needed to fully define
the stochastic/"Monte Carlo" process are specified and set forth
prior to game initiation.
[0292] The term maximum prize is defined herein to be the highest
amount of a prize that may be won for an instant lottery game
corresponding to an instant lottery ticket. Further, the term
secondary prize is defined herein to be an amount of a prize less
than the maximum that may be won for an instant lottery game
corresponding to an instant lottery ticket. The secondary prize may
be a prize that is the next lowest prize amount after the maximum
prize or may be a prize that has a lower amount than the maximum
prize and other prizes. In one embodiment, the process 600 may be
utilized for more a maximum prize and a plurality of different
secondary prizes that each have different prize amounts.
[0293] Any of the processes described above may be utilized with a
configuration that aggregates or pools risk. The configuration may
spread the risk of excess prize liability across multiple games
regardless of price point. Within a single lottery entity, the
configuration may allow the lottery to self-insure all the risk,
partially self-insure the risk, i.e., insure some of the risk and
allow a third party to insure the remainder of the risk, or fully
transfer the risk to a third party entity. The risk is with respect
to the payment of one or more prizes. With respect to multiple
lottery entities, the configuration also allows the multiple
lottery entities to self-insure all the risk, partially self-insure
the risk, or fully transfer the risk to a third party entity.
[0294] The processes described herein allow games to be produced
with a minimum expected payout expressed as a percentage of sales.
Since, however, the total numbers of prizes within any single prize
category are ultimately based on probabilities and random
selection, no necessary maximum or finite numbers of prizes are
implemented, no maximum expected payout expressed as a percentage
of sales is implemented. Therefore, a lottery may advertise
variable prize payout expectations with a lower expected value, but
without any maximum expected payout percentage. The lower expected
value could be given as a percentage of sales excluding any
unclaimed prizes.
[0295] Further, the process described herein may be utilized for
determination to end a game. A lottery may publish a date certain
upon which sales of a given game will end. Alternatively, the
lottery may announce the end of sales for a game at any time
subsequent to the sale of all tickets in a first extracted lot or
group of extracted lots made available for resale in the game. The
amount of notice may be published in the official game rules for
each game. In yet another alternative, a lottery may by game rule
discontinue sale of any game if prize payout expressed as a
percentage of total sales for the game reaches a specified value.
For example, a lottery may establish a formula and publish a
corresponding game rule permitting sales to end if prize payout for
a given game reaches three hundred percent of sales. In one
embodiment, the formula is inclusive of prizes in the maximum prize
category. In another embodiment, the formula is exclusive of prizes
in the maximum prize category. In yet another embodiment, the
formula may be a combination of being inclusive of prizes in the
maximum prize category and being exclusive of prizes in the maximum
prize category.
[0296] The processes described herein may be implemented in a
general, multi-purpose or single purpose processor. Such a
processor will execute instructions, either at the assembly,
compiled or machine-level, to perform the processes. Those
instructions can be written by one of ordinary skill in the art
following the description of the figures corresponding to the
processes and stored or transmitted on a computer readable medium.
The instructions may also be created using source code or any other
known computer-aided design tool. A computer readable medium may be
any medium capable of carrying those instructions and include a
CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic or other optical disc, tape, silicon memory
(e.g., removable, non-removable, volatile or non-volatile),
packetized or non-packetized data through wireline or wireless
transmissions locally or remotely through a network.
[0297] A computer is herein intended to include any device that has
a general, multi-purpose or single purpose processor as described
above. For example, a computer may be a lottery terminal, a kiosk,
a vending machine, a set top box ("STB"), cell phone, portable
media player, or the like.
[0298] FIG. 52 illustrates a block diagram of a station or system
5200 that extracts lots from an aggregate lot. In one embodiment,
the station or system 5200 is implemented utilizing a general
purpose computer or any other hardware equivalents. Thus, the
station or system 5200 comprises a processor 5210, a memory 5220,
e.g., random access memory ("RAM") and/or read only memory (ROM), a
lot extraction module 5240, and various input/output devices 5230,
(e.g., audio/video outputs and audio/video inputs, storage devices,
including but not limited to, a tape drive, a floppy drive, a hard
disk drive or a compact disk drive, a receiver, a transmitter, a
speaker, a display, an image capturing sensor, e.g., those used in
a digital still camera or digital video camera, a clock, an output
port, a user input device (such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse,
and the like, or a microphone for capturing speech commands)).
[0299] It should be understood that the lot extraction module 5240
may be implemented as one or more physical devices that are coupled
to the processor 5210. For example, the lot extraction module 5240
may include a plurality of modules. Alternatively, the lot
extraction module 5240 may be represented by one or more software
applications (or even a combination of software and hardware, e.g.,
using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC)), where the
software is loaded from a storage medium, (e.g., a magnetic or
optical drive, diskette, or non-volatile memory) and operated by
the processor in the memory 5220 of the computer. As such, the lot
extraction module 5240 (including associated data structures) of
the present disclosure may be stored on a computer readable medium,
e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette and the
like. In one embodiment, the processor 5210 includes the lot
extraction module 5240 or performs the functions of the lot
extraction module 5240 without the need of the lot extraction
module 5240.
[0300] In an alternative embodiment, any of the configurations
described herein may be utilized with a single predetermined
ordered assortment of the set of lottery game numbers in a lottery
matrix of numbers. In other words, an instant online lottery ticket
or scratch-off lottery ticket as described herein may have the same
predetermined matrix of ordered numbers that is utilized for each
other instant online lottery ticket or scratch-off lottery ticket
in a particular game. Accordingly, all the players in a particular
game would have the same predetermined matrix of ordered numbers.
Each player would also receive a subset of the game numbers. In one
embodiment, that subset may be randomly selected.
[0301] FIG. 53 illustrates an example of an instant lottery ticket
5300 with a matrix 5304 of an ordered assortment of numbers and a
linear match. Each instant online lottery ticket 5300 for a given
instant online lottery game will have the same matrix 5304 of the
ordered assortment of instant lottery game numbers. For example,
the matrix 5304 of the ordered assortment of numbers may be a seven
by seven matrix with the instant lottery game numbers of one
through forty nine appearing in order by row. Alternatively, the
numbers one through forty nine may appear in order by column.
[0302] In this example, a subset of game numbers 5302 is randomly
selected for this particular instant online lottery ticket 5300 to
be the numbers fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen,
twenty, and twenty one. Further, a linear match exists in the
matrix 5304 as a row includes these numbers. In one embodiment, the
subset of game numbers 5302 does not have to appear in the order as
seen in the row. For example, the subset of game numbers 5302 may
appear as eighteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, nineteen, twenty,
and twenty one. A linear match of all the numbers in the subset of
game numbers 5302 still exists with a row in the matrix 5304.
Various linear prizes may be offered for different types of linear
matches. For example, a seven of seven linear match is illustrated,
but linear prizes may also be awarded for partial linear matches,
e.g., a six of seven linear match, a five of seven linear match, or
a four of seven linear match. Further, in one embodiment, a linear
match may be a non-consecutive linear match. For example, a partial
linear match of fifteen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, and twenty one
would be a five of seven match since the numbers appear in the same
row even though intervening numbers are displayed between fifteen
and eighteen. In another embodiment, a linear has to be a
consecutive linear match. In the example provided above, only a
four of seven consecutive linear match exists with eighteen,
nineteen, twenty and twenty one.
[0303] FIG. 54 illustrates a process 5400 that may be utilized to
provide and instant lottery ticket with a matrix of an ordered
assortment of numbers and a linear match prize. At a process block
5402, the process 5400 provides a first price category and a second
price category in which a instant lottery ticket can be purchased
for a instant lottery game. The first price category is distinct
from the second price category. The first price category
corresponds to a first known portion of a non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game. The second price category
corresponds to a second known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game. The second known portion
of the non-linear prize is more than the first known portion of the
non-linear prize. Further, at a process block 5404, the process
5400 selects a set of instant lottery game numbers. In addition, at
a process block 5406, the process 5400 generates a single
predetermined ordered assortment of the set of instant lottery game
numbers in a lottery matrix of numbers. Further, at a process block
5408, the process 5400 also generates, for each of the plurality of
instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game
numbers. In addition, at a process block 5410, the process prints,
on each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of
the instant lottery game numbers generated particular to a
respective lottery ticket and the single predetermined ordered
assortment of the set of instant lottery game numbers in the
lottery matrix of numbers. At a process block 5412, the process
5400 provides the first known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the first price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix
of numbers. The non-linear match is a predetermined arrangement of
numbers in the non-linear subset that is a display in the lottery
matrix of numbers. The quantity of numbers in the predetermined
arrangement of numbers is less than the predetermined quantity of
numbers. Finally, at a process block 5414, the process 5400
provides the second known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the second price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix
of numbers.
[0304] FIG. 55 illustrates an example of an instant lottery ticket
5500 with a matrix 5504 of an ordered assortment of numbers and a
non-linear match. Each instant online lottery ticket 5300 for a
given instant online lottery game will have the same matrix 5504 of
the ordered assortment of numbers. For example, the matrix 5504 of
the ordered assortment of numbers may be a seven by seven matrix
with the numbers one through forty nine appearing in order by row.
Alternatively, the numbers one through forty nine may appear in
order by column.
[0305] In this example, a subset of game numbers 5502 is randomly
selected for this particular instant lottery ticket 5300 to be the
numbers one, seven, forty three, forty nine, nineteen, twenty, and
twenty one. Further, a non-linear match exists in the matrix 5504
as the numbers one, seven, forty three, and forty nine are the four
corners. Various non-linear prizes may be offered for different
non-linear matches as described herein.
[0306] FIG. 56 illustrates a process 5600 that may be utilized to
provide and instant lottery ticket with a matrix of an ordered
assortment of numbers and a non-linear match prize. At a process
block 5602, the process 5600 provides a first price category and a
second price category in which a instant lottery ticket can be
purchased for a instant lottery game. The first price category is
distinct from the second price category. The first price category
corresponds to a first known portion of a non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game. The second price category
corresponds to a second known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game. The second known portion
of the non-linear prize is more than the first known portion of the
non-linear prize. Further, at a process block 5604, the process
5600 selects a set of instant lottery game numbers. In addition, at
a process block 5606, the process 5600 generates a single
predetermined ordered assortment of the set of instant lottery game
numbers in a lottery matrix of numbers. At a process block 5608,
the process 5600 also generates, for each of the plurality of
instant lottery tickets, a subset of the instant lottery game
numbers. Further, at a process block 5610, the process 5600 prints,
on each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the subset of
the instant lottery game numbers generated particular to a
respective lottery ticket and the single predetermined ordered
assortment of the set of instant lottery game numbers in the
lottery matrix of numbers. At a process block 5612, the process
5600 also provides the first known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the first price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix
of numbers. The non-linear match is a predetermined arrangement of
numbers in the non-linear subset that is a display in the lottery
matrix of numbers. The quantity of numbers in the predetermined
arrangement of numbers is less than the predetermined quantity of
numbers. Finally, at a process block 5614, the process 5600
provides the second known portion of the non-linear prize
associated with the instant lottery game to the player if the
player purchased the instant lottery ticket from the second price
category and a non-linear match is displayed in the lottery matrix
of numbers.
[0307] In one embodiment, the instant lottery game may provide both
a linear prize and a non-linear prize. In other words, a player may
have the opportunity to win a linear prize with a linear match
and/or a non-linear prize with a non-linear match. In one
embodiment, the subset of game numbers may be utilized to determine
both linear matches and non-linear matches. For example, seven
numbers may be randomly selected for each instant lottery ticket,
and those seven numbers are utilized to determine a linear match
and/or a non-linear match. Further, the numbers that form a linear
match may also be utilized to form a non-linear match, and vice
versa. For example, a player may have a linear match of four of
seven and a non-linear match of three corners wherein one of the
numbers overlaps. As an example, one of the numbers may be a corner
and part of a diagonal. In this instance, a player may win both a
linear prize for a four of seven match and a non-linear prize for
three corners. In another embodiment, two different subsets of the
game numbers, i.e., a linear subset of the game numbers and a
non-linear subset of the game numbers, are randomly selected. For
example, seven numbers may be randomly selected for the linear
subset of the game numbers and five numbers may be randomly
selected for the non-linear subset of the game numbers.
Accordingly, a linear match would have come from the linear subset
of the game numbers in conjunction with the ordered assortment of
numbers in the matrix, and a non-linear match would have to come
from the non-linear subset of the game numbers in conjunction with
the ordered assortment of numbers in the matrix.
[0308] The processes described herein regarding the ordered
assortment of numbers in a matrix may be utilized with any of the
match and prize configurations described herein. Further, payment
of prizes utilized in these configurations may also be guaranteed
by a third party entity. In addition, the processes described
herein regarding the ordered assortment of numbers in a matrix may
be utilized with the instant online configurations or scratch-off
ticket configurations described herein. For example, the subset of
lottery game numbers may be generated in a predetermined fashion
for each scratch-off ticket, but the extraction of a lot would be
performed randomly.
[0309] FIG. 57 illustrates a block diagram of a station or system
5700 that generates an instant lottery matrix with an ordered
assortment of instant lottery game numbers for the instant lottery
tickets in an instant lottery game and a subset of instant lottery
game numbers particular to each instant lottery ticket. In one
embodiment, the station or system 5700 is implemented utilizing a
general purpose computer or any other hardware equivalents. Thus,
the station or system 5700 comprises a processor 5710, a memory
5720, e.g., random access memory ("RAM") and/or read only memory
(ROM), an instant lottery ticket generation module 5740, and
various input/output devices 5730, (e.g., audio/video outputs and
audio/video inputs, storage devices, including but not limited to,
a tape drive, a floppy drive, a hard disk drive or a compact disk
drive, a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, a display, an image
capturing sensor, e.g., those used in a digital still camera or
digital video camera, a clock, an output port, a user input device
(such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, and the like, or a
microphone for capturing speech commands)).
[0310] It should be understood that the instant lottery ticket
generation module 5740 may be implemented as one or more physical
devices that are coupled to the processor 5710. For example, the
instant lottery ticket generation module 5740 may include a
plurality of modules. Alternatively, the instant lottery ticket
generation module 5740 may be represented by one or more software
applications (or even a combination of software and hardware, e.g.,
using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC)), where the
software is loaded from a storage medium, (e.g., a magnetic or
optical drive, diskette, or non-volatile memory) and operated by
the processor in the memory 5720 of the computer. As such, the lot
extraction module 5740 (including associated data structures) of
the present disclosure may be stored on a computer readable medium,
e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette and the
like. In one embodiment, the processor 5710 includes the lot
extraction module 5740 or performs the functions of the lot
extraction module 5740 without the need of the lot extraction
module 5740.
[0311] In one embodiment, the player's numbers may include a
combination of player selected numbers and randomly selected
numbers. For example, a player may be able to select up to three
numbers, and the system may randomly select up to four numbers.
Further, in one embodiment, a player may select between playing the
game and having the system select all of the player numbers, or
playing the game and having the system randomly select some of the
player numbers along with the player selecting some of the numbers.
Further, that configuration may be configured to allow for
different prizes based upon the numbers version the player selects.
For example, the version of playing the game and having the system
randomly select some of the player numbers along with the player
selecting some numbers may have lower prizes than the version of
the system select all of the player's numbers.
[0312] In one embodiment, the instant lottery game is an instant
online lottery game for which tickets are generated by lottery
terminals. In one configuration, the instant online lottery game
includes random outcomes. In another configuration, the instant
online lottery game includes pre-determined outcomes. In yet
another configuration, the instant online lottery game includes
random outcomes and pre-determined outcomes. In another embodiment,
the instant lottery game is for preprinted lottery tickets. In one
configuration, the instant lottery game with preprinted lottery
tickets includes random outcomes. In another configuration, the
instant lottery game with preprinted lottery tickets includes
pre-determined outcomes. In yet another configuration, the instant
lottery game preprinted lottery tickets includes random outcomes
and pre-determined outcomes.
[0313] In yet another alternative embodiment, the instant lottery
configurations described herein may be utilized with a linear prize
or a position specific prize. FIG. 58A illustrates an instant
online ticket 5800 for which a linear prize or a position specific
prize may be won. As an example, the game numbers 5802 include the
numbers 13, 22, 41, 20, 40, 18, and 2. Accordingly, a linear prize
may be won as a row of six numbers is displayed in the instant
online matrix 5804. Although the number 22 appears in the center
position of instant online matrix 5804, only a linear prize is won
as a position specific prize cannot be won if a linear prize is
won. In an alternative embodiment, a linear prize and a position
specific prize may be won if both a linear match and a position
specific match occur. While the game numbers 5802 are illustrated
as being utilized for both the determination of the linear prize
and the position specific prize, separate sets of numbers may be
utilized in alternative embodiments for such determinations.
Further, consecutive and/or non-consecutive matches may be utilized
for the linear prize and/or the position specific prize.
[0314] FIG. 58B illustrates the instant online ticket 5800 shown in
FIG. 58A for which the position specific prize is won. As an
example, the game numbers 5802 include the numbers 10, 22, 41, 31,
43, 18, and 2. With a predetermined quantity of four numbers needed
for a linear match, the instant online ticket 5800 does not have a
linear match. However, the number 22 being in the center position
of the instant online matrix 5804 results in a position specific
match. Therefore, a position specific prize, or a portion thereof,
may be won.
[0315] FIG. 58C illustrates the instant online ticket 5800 shown in
FIG. 58A for which an additional restriction is provided for the
linear match. The additional restriction is that a diagonal has to
include a corner, be between two corners, or include both corners.
For example, the game numbers may include the numbers 10, 22, 41,
27, 46, 23, and 33. These numbers are displayed as a diagonal that
includes both corners in the instant online matrix 5804. However,
partial matches, which may be consecutive or non-consecutive, may
also result in a linear prize. However, in this configuration,
other diagonals, e.g., the diagonal of the numbers 43, 2, 29, 9,
45, and 8 would not result in a linear prize. This restriction is
not intended to limit the other embodiments described herein.
Further, this restriction does not prevent a row or column that is
not between two corners or does not include one or both corners
from resulting in a linear match.
[0316] In one embodiment, the portion of a prize is determined by
both the price category from which the instant online ticket is
purchased and the quantity of numbers in a match. For example, a
full match in the highest price category may allow a winner to win
the entire prize, but a partial match in the highest price category
may allow the winner to win only a portion of the prize. Further, a
full match in a lower price category may also allow the winner to
win only a portion of the prize, and a partial match in the lower
price category may allow the winner to win a lesser portion of the
prize. Further, a restriction may be provided so that a winner may
win only one portion of the prize so that a winner does not win for
matches that are subsumed. For example, a full match subsumes
partial matches. However, the restriction may allow for some
overlap. For instance, two linear matches that have only one number
in common may result in a win of two portions of the linear
prize.
[0317] FIG. 58D illustrates the instant online ticket 5800 shown in
FIG. 58A for which two linear matches may result in two portions of
the linear prize. For example, the game numbers of 10, 22, 41, 27,
46, 23, and 33 may be displayed in the instant online matrix 5804
as two diagonals that overlap through the center position of the
instant online matrix 5804. Accordingly, there are two partial
matches of 4 of 7. In this instance, two portions of the linear
prize may be provided. In one embodiment, if the two matches have
an equal quantity of numbers, two equal portions of the linear
prize are provided. If the two matches have an unequal quantity of
numbers, a larger portion of the linear prize may be provided for
the larger quantity match.
[0318] FIG. 59 illustrates an example of a prize structure 5900
from that is utilized for linear game and position specific prizes.
In addition to the linear prizes, for a position specific match
such as a center match in the center position, the prize structure
5900 provides a prize distribution 5914 of fifty thousand dollars
if the instant online lottery ticket is purchased from the first
price category 5902 of one dollar, a prize distribution 5952 of one
hundred thousand dollars if the instant online lottery ticket is
purchased from the second price category 5904 of two dollars, or a
prize distribution 5954 of three hundred fifty thousand dollars if
the instant online lottery ticket is purchased from the third price
category 4108.
[0319] FIG. 60 illustrates a process 6000 that may be utilized for
the instant online lottery ticket. At a process block 6002, the
process 6000 provides a first price category and a second price
category in which an instant online lottery ticket can be purchased
for an instant online lottery game. The first price category is
distinct from the second price category. Further, the first price
category corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize and
a first known portion of a position specific prize associated with
the instant online lottery game. In addition, the second price
category corresponds to a second known portion of a linear prize
and a second known portion of the position specific prize. The
second known portion of the linear prize is more than the first
known portion of the linear prize. Further, the second known
portion of the position specific prize is more than the first known
portion of the position specific prize. In addition, at a process
block 6004, the process 6000 selects a set of instant online game
numbers. At a process block 6006, the process 6000 also randomly
generates an assortment of the set of instant online game numbers
in an instant online matrix of numbers. Further, at a process block
6008, the process 6000 determines a subset of the set of instant
online game numbers. In addition, at a process block 6010, the
process 6000 provides the first known portion of the linear prize
associated with the instant online lottery game to a player if the
player purchased the instant online lottery ticket from the first
price category and a linear match in the instant online matrix of
numbers is displayed. The linear match is a linear display in the
instant online matrix of numbers of at least a predetermined
quantity of numbers from the subset. An example of the
predetermined quantity of numbers is four. At a process block 6012,
the process 6000 provides the second known portion of the linear
prize associated with the instant online lottery game to the player
if the player purchased the instant online lottery ticket from the
second price category and a linear match is displayed in the
instant online matrix of numbers. Further, at a process block 6014,
the process 6000 provides the first known portion of the position
specific prize associated with the instant online lottery game to
the player if a linear match is not displayed, the player purchased
the instant online lottery ticket from the first price category,
and a position specific match in the instant online matrix of
numbers is displayed, the position specific match being a display
of a number from the subset at a predetermined single position in
the instant online matrix. In addition, at a process block 6016 the
process 6000 provides the second known portion of the position
specific prize associated with the instant online lottery game to
the player if a linear match is not displayed, the player purchased
the instant online lottery ticket from the second price category,
and a position specific match in the instant online matrix of
numbers is displayed.
[0320] In one embodiment, the linear prize and position specific
prize configurations described above may be utilized with a
predetermined assortment of lottery numbers in a matrix. In another
embodiment, the linear prize and position specific prize
configurations described above are not utilized with a
predetermined assortment of lottery numbers in a matrix. Further,
in another embodiment, payment of the linear prize and the position
specific prize may be guaranteed by a third party entity.
[0321] Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have
been disclosed herein, it will be apparent form the foregoing
disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and
modifications of such embodiments and methods can be made without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the art disclosed. Many
other examples of the art disclosed exist, each differing from
others in matters of detail only. For instance, various variations
of matrices can be utilized, such as a four-by-four matrix, a
five-by-five matrix, a six-by-six matrix, a nine-by-nine matrix,
etc. Further, other arrangements of numbers may be utilized other
than a matrix such as a circular configuration or a triangular
configuration. Further, different prize distributions, price
categories, and the various features of the lottery game and the
instant game can be combined into discrete lottery
configurations.
[0322] Finally, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art
that other indicia can be printed on a lottery ticket such as
advertising, media, news, coupons, passes to events, etc.
Accordingly, it is intended that the art disclosed shall be limited
only to the extent required by the appended claims and the rules
and principles of applicable law.
* * * * *