U.S. patent application number 12/535518 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for lottery game and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Razor Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kenneth D'Angelo.
Application Number | 20100069137 12/535518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42007703 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100069137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
D'Angelo; Kenneth |
March 18, 2010 |
Lottery Game And Method
Abstract
A lottery game form that includes one or more numbered grids of
cells and an x- and y-axis header that contain information
pertaining to contestants of an event wherein winning the lottery
game is determined by the outcome of the event. A method for
conducting a lottery game using the form is provided. A system is
provided for playing a lottery game employing the form.
Inventors: |
D'Angelo; Kenneth; (Warren,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIBSON & DERNIER LLP
900 ROUTE 9 NORTH, SUITE 504
WOODBRIDGE
NJ
07095
US
|
Assignee: |
Razor Sports, Inc.
Warren
NJ
|
Family ID: |
42007703 |
Appl. No.: |
12/535518 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61086000 |
Aug 4, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/329 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 3/0615 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A lottery game form comprising: (a) at least one grid
corresponding to an event, the grid comprising a plurality of grid
cells in rows and columns, wherein the grid cells comprise indicia;
(b) an x-axis header comprising information corresponding to a
first contestant and a space for receiving information related to
the first contestant's possible outcome of an event; and (c) a
y-axis header comprising information corresponding to a second
contestant and a space for receiving information related to the
second contestant's possible outcome of the event, wherein a
winning grid cell is the grid cell that corresponds to a coordinate
of the x- and y-axes generated by the outcome of the event between
the first and second contestants.
2. The lottery game form according to claim 1, wherein the indicia
comprises a number.
3. The lottery game form according to claim 1, wherein the indicia
in each grid cell is numbered consecutively.
4. The lottery game form according to claim 1, wherein the grid
corresponds to one stage of the event.
5. The lottery game form according to claim 1, wherein the
information relating to the possible outcome of each of the first
and second contestant comprises a number zero or greater.
6. The lottery game form according to claim 1, wherein the
information relating to the possible outcome of each of the first
and second contestant comprises a number from zero to nine.
7. The lottery game form according to claim 5, wherein the
information relating to the possible outcome is randomly assigned
to the corresponding x- and y-axis header.
8. The lottery game form according to claim 6, wherein the
information relating to the possible outcome is randomly assigned
to the corresponding x- and y-axis header.
9. The lottery game form according to claim 1, wherein the
information related to the first and second contestant's outcome of
an event is at least a portion of a score.
10. A method for playing a lottery game comprising the steps of: a)
providing access to at least one user at least one lottery game
form according to claim 1; b) receiving the at least one lottery
game form from a player that has selected one or more grid cells;
c) associating each of the x-axis and y-axis headers of the lottery
game form with a different contestant in an event; d) assigning
information related to the first and second contestant's possible
outcome of an event in the space for receiving same in each of the
x- and y-axis header; e) awaiting the outcome of the event; f)
determining a winning grid cell that is the same grid cell that
corresponds to the coordinate of the x- and y-axes generated by the
first and second contestant's outcome of the event; and g)
comparing the grid cell selections of the player to the winning
grid cell to determine if the grid cell selections and winning grid
cell match and thereby won.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further
comprises providing a payment to the player if the player has
won.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of receiving
further includes requesting a fee for playing the lottery game.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of receiving
further includes recording into a database the player's selection
of one or more grid cells.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the indicia
corresponding to the contestant's possible outcome of a stage in
the competitive event are randomly ordered.
15. A lottery game system for wagering on at least one event,
comprising: a) a lottery game form comprising at least one grid
corresponding to an event, the grid comprising a plurality of grid
cells in rows and columns, wherein the grid cells comprise indicia;
an x-axis header comprising information corresponding to a first
contestant and a space for receiving information related to the
first contestant's possible outcome of an event; and a y-axis
header comprising information corresponding to a second contestant
and a space for receiving information related to the second
contestant's possible outcome of the event, wherein a winning grid
cell is the grid cell that corresponds to a coordinate of the x-
and y-axes generated by the outcome of the event between the first
and second contestants; b) means for providing access to at least
one user to the lottery game form; c) means for accepting from the
at least one user at least one wager and a selection of one or more
grid cells by the at least one user on the lottery game form; d)
means for recording the wager and selections by the at least one
user into a database; and e) means for comparing the selections of
the at least one user to an outcome of at least one event to
determine whether the selections of the at least one user match the
winning grid cell.
16. The lottery game system according to claim 15, wherein the
system further comprises a means for providing a confirmation to
the user of the recorded selections and wager.
17. The lottery game system according to claim 15, wherein the
system further comprises a means for providing a payment to the
user if the user has won.
18. The lottery game system according to claim 15, wherein the
means for providing access is selected from the group consisting of
a printed sheet, a wide area network and a remote access
system.
19. The lottery game system according to claim 18, wherein the
network comprises at least one user computer coupled to at least
one server computer on a communications network, the server
computer storing data accessible to the at least one user computer
and software to provide requested content to the user computer.
20. The lottery game system according to claim 18, wherein the
remote access system employs communication of alpha numeric data
with a server selected from the group consisting of a kiosk
terminal, telephone, personal digital assistant, pulse code system
and web TV.
21. The lottery game system according to claim 15, wherein the
system further comprises a means for requesting from the at least
one user information regarding the identity of the at least one
user and payment information.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/086,000 filed on Aug. 4, 2008, incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The instant invention is related to lottery games and in
particular to a lottery game form, system and method wherein
winning is determined by the outcome of an event.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Typically, the office pool game of picking "boxes" for an
event such as the Super Bowl involves setting up a ten-by-ten grid
of one hundred "boxes", or cells, allowing players to purchase one
or more cells for a given amount per cell, and assigning the cell
to the player, typically by filling in the cell with the name of
the player. After all the cells are assigned, the numbers 0-9 are
assigned to columns and rows along the x and y axes of the grid.
The two participants in the event, such as the two teams in the
Super Bowl, are each assigned one of the axes. The event is
conducted, and the last number in the score of each participant at
a predetermined time, such as a particular quarter, halftime,
and/or end of the event, is matched against the assigned
corresponding number on the appropriate axis, and the x and y
coordinates correspond to the winning cell. The player assigned to
the winning cell wins a share of the pool of money paid by the
entrants in the office pool game.
[0004] The drawbacks to this game are that only one player may
select a given cell and the game is further limited in that once
all the cells are selected and assigned to a player no further
selections can be made. In other words, betting action is closed
once the grid is filled with player names.
[0005] Typical lottery games require participants to correctly pick
numbers (3, 4, 5 or 6 numbers), which may win if the selected
numbers are drawn from a larger pool of numbers. Typically, numbers
are chosen from a computer coded card which is then presented to an
authorized lottery agent. Lottery tickets containing the selected
set or sets of numbers are then generated by a ticket generator.
Players also may opt to "quick pick," i.e., have their selections
made for them by a random number generator contained in the lottery
ticket machine.
[0006] The drawing to determine the winning numbers is conducted by
means of a random number generating device such as, but not limited
to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,583,736, 4,796,890 and
4,813,676.
[0007] A particular problem which has faced numerous jurisdictions
which sponsor lottery games is that of declining revenues and
profits. There are a number of state lottery agencies which are
running deficits due to increased competition for players. With the
proliferation of lotteries, states and Canadian provinces have
aggressively campaigned to receive a larger share of static lottery
revenues.
[0008] It would be desirable to provide a novel lottery game which
would increase player interest and which would help to increase the
revenues of a lottery which adopted and sponsored the game. It
would also be desirable to provide a lottery game that could be
used that is based on the outcome of an event such as but not
limited to the Super Bowl, wherein an unlimited number of players
could make selections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a lottery game
system employing a novel lottery game form is disclosed. The
lottery game form includes at least one grid of cells that contains
indicia such as numbers, x- and y-axis headers that each contain
information corresponding to different contestants and a space for
receiving information related to the contestant's possible outcome
of an event, wherein a winning grid cell is the grid cell that
corresponds to a coordinate of the x- and y-axes generated by the
outcome of the event between the contestants. The information
relating to the possible outcome of each of the contestants may be
a number zero or greater, and in one embodiment, from zero to nine.
It is contemplated that the numbers relating to the possible
outcome of each contestant may be randomly ordered such as, but not
limited to, by a number generator, during or after the outcome of
the event. The lottery game form may optionally further include
designated recording areas and designated boxes in which data and
information may be recorded.
[0010] The grid may correspond to one stage of an event. It is
contemplated that when there are one or more stages in the event, a
plurality of grids may be used, each grid corresponding to one
stage or period of the event.
[0011] It is contemplated that the lottery game form may be
accessed by a player through different type of media. For example,
the lottery game form may be presented on a slip of paper, or
electronically via a wide area network and/or a remote access
system.
[0012] It is contemplated that the event may include such events,
but not limited to, a sporting event, a talent contest, an
intelligence test, a financial contest, a reality entertainment
event, an election contest and a voting event.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment a lottery game system
includes a means for providing access to at least one user to the
lottery game form discussed herein; a means for accepting from the
at least one user at least one wager and a selection of one or more
grid cells by the at least one user on the lottery game form; a
means for recording the wager and selections by the at least one
user into a database; and a means for comparing the selections of
the at least one user to an outcome of at least one event to
determine whether the selections of the at least one user match the
winning grid cell. The lottery game system may further include one
or more of a means for providing a confirmation to the user of the
recorded selections and wager, a means for providing a payment to
the user if the user has won, and a means for requesting from the
at least one user information regarding the identity of the at
least one user and payment information.
[0014] The lottery game system may include providing access to the
user of the system via a printed form, a wide area network or a
remote access system. In one embodiment the network may include at
least one user computer coupled to at least one server computer on
a communications network, the server computer storing data
accessible to the at least one user computer and software to
provide requested content to the user computer. In one embodiment
the remote access system employs communication of alpha numeric
data with a server selected from the group consisting of a kiosk
terminal, telephone, personal digital assistant, pulse code system
and web TV.
[0015] The user may be requested to input information regarding
identification of the user and payment means. Once the user has
decided to play the lottery game or a grouping of the lottery
games, and provided the requested information, the user may access
a game page which presents choices and accepts the user's selection
for the given game or games. Once the user has input his or her
selection, the user may be asked to confirm the user's selections.
The user is then sent a confirmation of the user's selection and
payment, and in some embodiments, a ticket or an entry
identification number, preferably by email. The user then waits for
the conclusion of the event for the winning grid cells to be
established.
[0016] A lottery game method, employing the lottery game form
disclosed herein comprises substantially the steps of providing
access to at least one user at least one lottery game form
discussed herein; receiving the at least one lottery game form from
a player that has selected one or more grid cells; associating each
of the x-axis and y-axis headers of the lottery game form with a
different contestant in an event; assigning information related to
the first and second contestant's possible outcome of an event in
the space for receiving same in each of the x- and y-axis header;
awaiting the outcome of the event; determining a winning grid cell
that is the same grid cell that corresponds to the coordinate of
the x- and y-axes generated by the first and second contestant's
outcome of the event; and comparing the grid cell selections of the
player to the winning grid cell to determine if the grid cell
selections and winning grid cell match and thereby won.
[0017] In one aspect, the lottery game of the present invention
generates excitement for players because the winning numbers hinge
on the outcome of an event. The criteria that form the basis for
winning are objective and verifiable elements. Therefore, users of
the lottery are assured that the winning combination is not
"fixed".
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel
lottery game in which the winning combination is not solely the
result of a random number generator, but is instead based at least
in part on the outcome of an event such as but not limited to
competitive events including sports games, races, intellectual
competitions, dance competitions, political or other elections,
stock market results or the like.
[0019] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent to one skilled in the art when the description of the
preferred embodiments of the invention herein is taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the
invention, there are shown in the drawings forms that are presently
preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a lottery game form example with user selections
prior to x- and y-axis numbers being assigned in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a lottery game form example having four grids,
each grid assigned to a quarter period of a sporting event, with
user selections prior to x- and y-axis numbers being assigned in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a lottery game form example of FIG. 1 after x- and
y-axis number assignment in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 4 is an example of a lottery game form containing
selections and winning numbers in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] In this document, for the purposes of explanation, specific
numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be
apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art, that
the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In
some instances, well known features may be omitted or simplified so
as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in
the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that
a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the invention. The appearance of the phase "in an
embodiment" in various places in the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0026] The lottery game in accordance with the present invention is
described herein with respect to an embodiment including a football
game, however this embodiment is for illustration purposes only,
and it will be understood the present lottery game may be employed
with respect to any suitable contest, including but not limited to
elections, dance competitions, and the like, or other events such
as the results of financial markets and the like. The lottery game
of the present invention is particularly well-suited to games that
may easily be divided into periods or stages, and during which
scores higher than nine (9) are frequently observed. However, the
number of cells in a grid may be modified to accommodate the
particular contest with which the lottery game is employed.
[0027] In accordance with one embodiment a lottery game form 2
includes a grid 100, an x-axis header 300, a y-axis header 400, and
information 500 associated with the x- and y-axes headers 300 and
400 each corresponding to the contestants, the headers 300 and 400
further including spaces 310 and 410 for receiving information
related to a possible outcome of an event. The grid 100 includes
rows 110 and columns 120 containing grid cells 200 which may be
assigned indicia. The grid 100 may include the same number of rows
110 and columns 120. The number of rows 110 and columns 120 may
vary and may correspond to the number of possible outcomes to an
event. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the grid 100 may include
ten (10) rows 110 and ten (10) columns 120, and one hundred (100)
grid cells 200, each grid cell 200 containing a number from 1 to
100. Each of the ten rows 110 correspond to a space 310 for
receiving information related to a possible score or a value
related to a score (e.g., 0 to 9) obtainable by a contestant during
a football game. Each of the ten columns 120 similarly correspond
to a space 410 for receiving information related to a possible
score or value but for the opposing contestant.
[0028] In one embodiment the x-axis header 300 may be situated
along the left and/or right edge of the grid 100. In another
embodiment the x-axis header 300 may include a plurality of spaces
310 that correspond to the rows of the grid 100. The lottery game
form 2 may include a plurality of boxes 320 in which text and/or
information corresponding to an event may be recorded. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1, the x-axis header 300 may be situated along the
right edge of the grid 100 and may include a plurality of spaces
310 corresponding to the ten (10) rows 110 of the grid 100.
Additionally, the x-axis header 300 shown in FIG. 1 may also
include a box 320 in which is recorded information corresponding to
one of the contestants in a football game (i.e., the Patriots)
associated with the x-axis header 300 and rows. As discussed below,
additional information that corresponds to an event may be recorded
in the spaces 310 at a later time, for example just before the
start of, and/or during, and/or after the event.
[0029] The y-axis header 400 may be situated along the top and/or
bottom edge of the grid 100. In another embodiment the y-axis
header 400 may include a plurality of spaces 410 that correspond to
the columns of the grid 100. The y-axis header 400 may include a
plurality of boxes 420 in which text and/or information may be
recorded. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the y-axis header 400
may be situated along the top edge of the grid 100 and may include
a plurality of spaces 410 corresponding to the ten (10) columns of
the grid 100. Additionally, the y-axis header 400 shown in FIG. 1
may also include a box 420 in which is recorded information
corresponding to one of the contestants in a football game (i.e.,
the Giants) associated with the y-axis spaces 410 and columns. As
discussed below, additional information that corresponds to an
event may be recorded in the y-axis header 400 at a later time, for
example just before the start of, and/or during, and/or after the
event.
[0030] The lottery game form 2 may optionally further include one
or more designated recording areas 500 in which data may be
received and/or recorded. Now referring to FIG. 2 in one
embodiment, form 2 may include plural grids 100 and each grid 100
of the plurality of grids 100 may have a corresponding designated
recording area 500 in which data pertaining only to that grid 100
may be recorded. For example, the designated recording area 500
receives data corresponding to a player's selections from the
corresponding grid 100 such as a selected numbered grid cell 220.
In another embodiment, once the data has been recorded in the
designated recording area 500 the data may not be edited or deleted
once the corresponding event has started.
[0031] The lottery game form 2 may optionally further include one
or more designated areas 600 in which text and information may be
recorded. In one embodiment, each grid 100 of the plurality of
grids 100 may have a designated area 600 containing information
that identifies the period or stage of the competitive event that
corresponds to the grid 100. In another embodiment, additional
designated areas 600 may contain information such as, but is not
limited to, the event that corresponds to the plurality of the
grids such as the identification of the event, the participants of
the event, the place of the event, the date of the event, the odds
of each contestant winning or losing, or the like.
[0032] The lottery game form 2 may be in a medium capable of
recording and transmitting data such as, but not limited to, a slip
of paper, an electronic form displayed on a computer and/or
television screen, a remote access system employing a communication
of alpha numeric data with a server selected from the group
consisting of a kiosk terminal, telephone, cellular telephone,
personal digital assistant, pulse code system and web TV, or
through a wide area network such as the Internet.
[0033] In one embodiment the lottery game method may be accessed by
players via a plurality of networked computers, such as, for
example, a user computer and a server computer which are coupled
together on a communications network, such as, for example, the
Internet or a wide area network. The lottery game form 2 may be
distributed to the networked computers by means of computer
software. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that
this process involves communication through routers and other
network components in addition to suitable servers, as is dictated
by the particular network environment.
[0034] The lottery game system may include providing access to the
user of the system via a printed form, a wide area network or a
remote access system. In one embodiment the network may include at
least one user computer coupled to at least one server computer on
a communications network, the server computer storing data
accessible to the at least one user computer and software to
provide requested content to the user computer. In one embodiment
the remote access system employs communication of alpha numeric
data with a server selected from the group consisting of a kiosk
terminal, telephone, personal digital assistant, pulse code system
and web TV.
[0035] The user may be requested to input information regarding
identification of the user and payment means. In one embodiment,
the user may be provided with a payment form with designated areas
to record various types of information. For example, the payment
form may include designated areas to record a reference to the
event that the accompanying lottery game form 2 is being employed
for, personal information, the wager amount, fees, and the form of
payment. The payment form may also include a signature and date
lines.
[0036] In one embodiment, when the system is accessed by printed
forms, the user may fill out the lottery game form 2 in print form,
such as, but not limited to, a paper slip, a computer readable
paper form, a paper punch card or the like. The user may identify
the selected grid cells 220 on the lottery game form 2 by marking
the grid cells 200 by suitable means well-known in the art. For
example, pencil or pen may be used to fill in grid cells 200
represented as boxes or circles, punching a hole in a punch card
where the holes correspond to a grid cell 200, or the like. Once
filled out, the user may give the user filled-in lottery game form
2 to a lottery administrator. The fee and wager, and optionally the
payment form, may also be collected by the lottery administrator at
this time. The lottery administrator may input the information into
a lottery game database by various means well-known to those
skilled in the art. For example, the user filled-in lottery game
form 2 may be inserted into a lottery machine that scans and reads
the lottery game form 2. Once the user filled-in lottery game form
2 has been recorded into the database by the lottery machine, the
lottery machine may provide the user with a confirmation such as a
receipt or ticket. The receipt or ticket may include such
information as, but not limited to, personal information, details
of the particular lottery game, the wager amount, and the list of
the selected grid cells 220. The user then waits for the conclusion
of the event for the winning grid cells 230 to be established.
[0037] In one embodiment, the lottery machine may be a computer
that is programmed to access the database and compare the user's
selected grid cells 220 to the winning grid cells 230. For example,
one or more lottery machines may be coupled to at least one server
computer on a communications network, the server computer storing
the database accessible to the at least one or more lottery
machines.
[0038] In another embodiment, when the system is accessed via a
wide area network or a remote access system, once the user has
decided to play the lottery game or a grouping of the lottery
games, and provided the requested information, the user may access
an electronic game page which presents one or more lottery game
forms 2. The electronic game page may present the user with choices
and accepts the user's selected grid cells 220 for the given game.
Once the user has input his or her selected grid cells 220, the
user may be asked to confirm the user's selections. The user may
then be sent a confirmation of the user's personal information, the
wager amount, a list of the selected grid cells 220 and payment and
other information. In some embodiments, a ticket or an entry
identification number may be provided by email. The user then waits
for the conclusion of the event for the winning grid cells 230 to
be established.
[0039] In another embodiment when the remote access system is
telephone based, a series of voice prompts may direct a user to
provide the necessary information to play the lottery game,
including, but not limited to, the personal information, the
selected grid cells 220, the wager amount and the form of payment.
A user may provide the information by alpha numeric input (e.g.,
using keypads) or by submitting the information via a voice
recognition program or talking directly with a lottery
administrator.
[0040] A lottery game in one embodiment may include a plurality of
game forms 2. Each game form 2 may represent one stage or period of
an event. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the object
of the game is to match one or more quarters of a four-quarter
contest, such as a football game with the final single total number
of points scored for each team in each quarter.
[0041] A lottery game method is provided in which the lottery game
form 2 as discussed hereinabove may be employed. In accordance with
one embodiment a lottery game method may include the steps of
providing access to at least one player at least one lottery game
form 2. If the player decides to participate in the lottery game,
the lottery administrator receives from the player the at least one
lottery game form 2 that is clearly marked with the user selected
one or more grid cells 200 as selected grid cells 220. A fee and/or
the wager to play the lottery game may be received at the same or
later time. In one embodiment the lottery administrator may input
the player's selections and optionally the fee and wager amount
into a database, and optionally provide the player with a
confirmation in the form of a printed receipt, email or the like.
The method further includes associating each of the x-axis and
y-axis headers 300 and 400 of the lottery game form 2 with a
different contestant in an event and assigning information related
to the first and second contestant's possible outcome of an event
in the space for receiving same in each of the x- and y-axis header
300 and 400. After awaiting the outcome of the event, a winning
grid cell 230 that is the same grid cell 200 that corresponds to
the coordinate of the x- and y-axes generated by the first and
second contestant's outcome of the event is determined. The method
further includes comparing the selected grid cell 220 of the player
to the winning grid cell 230 to determine if the selected grid cell
220 and winning grid cell 230 match and thereby won.
[0042] In accordance with one embodiment of a lottery game method a
player may be provided with a plurality of lottery game forms 2. At
least one grid 100 may be used for the lottery game method. It is
contemplated that the number of grids 100 used in the lottery game
method may be adapted to equal the number of stages or periods of
the event resulting in an outcome. As shown in FIG. 2, the lottery
game form 2 may include four (4) grids 100. Each grid 100 may
correspond to a stage or period of the event. For example, in one
embodiment, each grid 100 corresponds to (1) quarter of a
four-quarter game event, such as but not limited to a football
game.
[0043] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the x- and y-axis
headers 300 and 400 may be associated with the first and second
contestants participating the event. In another embodiment no
information corresponding to the contestants and a possible outcome
to an event may be recorded on the lottery game form 2 until a
later time. A later time may include the time when all of the
players have submitted the game form 2 with their selected grid
cells 220 and optionally the fee to play the lottery game (as
discussed below).
[0044] As depicted in FIG. 3, to play the game, a player may select
one grid cell 200 from each of the four grids 100, so that the
player has a selected grid cell 220 for each quarter of the
football game. In one embodiment, the grids 100 are on a single
sheet, and the designated recording area 500 may be located next to
each grid 100 for recording the number of the selected grid cell
220. The selected grid cell 220 may be identified by marking the
selected grid cell 220 directly on the grid 100 and/or recording
the number of the selected grid cell 220 in the designated
recording area 500. The player may return the lottery game form 2
showing the selected numbered grid cells 220 to a lottery agent to
be entered into a database that may be used to record all of the
player's selections. In one embodiment the player's selection may
be manual or "quick-pick" as is well known in the art, whereby a
lottery ticket machine generates the four picks. In another
embodiment, a player may select more than one of the numbered grid
cells 200 from each grid 100. It is contemplated that each numbered
grid cell 200 in a grid 100 may be selected multiple times by
either the same or different players.
[0045] In one embodiment the lottery agent may require a fee to be
paid by the player prior to entering the player's selected grid
cells 220 into the database. Payment may be made by various methods
known to those skilled in the art. For example, if the lottery game
form 2 is provided on a single sheet, payment in the form of cash,
cheque, credit, gambling chips or the like, may be made at the same
time the player returns the lottery game form 2 to the lottery
agent. If the player is participating via a remote access system or
through the Internet, payment may be made electronically according
to well-known methods known to those having skill in the art.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, once the selected grid cell(s) 220 have
been designated by the player, each column of the grid 100 may be
assigned a number corresponding to the possible outcomes from the
event (for example a score ranging from 0-9 for a football game)
and recorded in the space 410 in y-axis header 400, with none of
the spaces 410 for each column 120 having the same number assigned.
Each space 310 for each row 110 may likewise be assigned a number
from 0-9. The numbers assigned to spaces 310 and 410 for the
columns 120 and rows 110 may be ordered consecutively or may be
randomly generated using a random number generator. As shown in
exemplary FIG. 3, the numbers are randomly ordered.
[0047] It is contemplated that the possible outcome of an event may
be based on various criteria such as, but not limited to, placement
in terms of finish, scoring totals, timing of scoring, statistical
totals, season-long criteria for team sports including wins,
losses, total points (runs, goals, etc.) scored, total points. It
is also contemplated that the possible outcome of an event may
based on a stage or period of the financial markets such as, but
not limited to, the daily stock price, the fluctuation of
established market indices, change in foreign exchange rate, total
number of stocks traded or the like. As will be apparent to the
skilled artisan the outcome is well-suited to events in which the
possible outcome may include a number from zero to nine, whether it
be an actual score or a digit, such as a final digit of an actual
score.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each contestant of the event is
associated with either the x- or y-axis header 300 and 400 such as
by recording the name of the contestant in the box 420. Association
of the contestants with the x- or y-axis header 300 and 400 may
occur before or after the player selects the one or more selected
grid cells 220.
[0049] In one embodiment at the conclusion of each stage or period
of the event (for example each quarter of a football game) a grid
cell 200 that corresponds to the coordinate of the x- and y-axes
generated by the first and second contestant's outcome during the
stage in the event is determined to be the winning grid cell 230.
As shown in FIG. 4, the winning grid cell may be identified by any
well-known marking means including, for example, circling the
winning grid cell. The outcome of the event may be interpreted and
corresponded to the numbers recorded in the x- and y-axis headers
300 and 400 in various ways known to those skilled in the art. For
example, in one embodiment, after each quarter of the football
game, the first and second contestant will each have a score. The
last digit of each contestant's score may be used to match to the
corresponding number of the x- and y-axis headers 300 and 400. For
example, if the first contestant is associated with the x-axis and
obtains a score of 14, the number 4 is matched to corresponding 4
of the x-axis header 300. If the first contestant is associated
with the x-axis, obtains a score of 4 the number 4 is matched to
the corresponding 4 of the x-axis header 300.
[0050] Once the winning grid cell 230 has been determined, the
winning grid cell 230 may be compared to the selected numbered grid
cell(s) 220. The player(s) whose selected grid cell 220 matches the
winning grid cell 230 are identified. In one embodiment the player
with the matching selected grid cell 220 may be deemed the winner.
In another embodiment the winner(s) may be allocated for correct
selection of one to four grids 100 representing four different
stages or periods of the event. For example the following prize
allocation may apply:
TABLE-US-00001 Number of Winning Picks Prize Level Pick Four
Winning Quarters First Prize wins Jackpot (4 correct numbers) Pick
Three Winning Quarters Second Prize Consolation (3 correct numbers)
Pick Four Winning Quarters Third Prize Consolation (2 correct
numbers)
[0051] When the winner(s) have been identified, the winner(s) may
be notified by any acceptable means, including, but not limited to,
posting on a paper or television screen, telephone, e-mail, postal
service, facsimile and posting on the Internet. The proceeds may be
paid out to the winner(s) that have properly identified him or
herself.
[0052] The lottery game method may be conducted as a typical
lottery known to those skilled in the art, in which a player pays a
fee per game. A player may for example pay $2 to a lottery agent,
make selections on the lottery game form 2 in accordance with the
description herein and submit the lottery game form 2 for entry
into the database by the agent. The lottery game form 2 may be
machine-readable and a ticket is generated for the user containing
the user selections. In another embodiment, the player may pay the
fee electronically via a remote access system or through the
Internet.
[0053] The following example is described with reference to FIGS. 2
and 3:
Example 1
Game Ticket Played: Superbowl XLII
[0054] Teams: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
Game Simulation
[0055] In this game, the numbers in spaces 310 and 410 in the x-
and y-axis headers 300 and 400 are randomly generated from 0-9 with
no repeating numbers. The New York Giants are assigned the numbers
on the x-axis spaces 310, the New England Patriots the numbers on
the y-axis spaces 410.
TABLE-US-00002 NFL Super Bowl Feb. 3, 2008 New York Giants vs New
England Patriots Final Quarter Score Final Box Score Winning Boxes
1.sup.st Quarter Giants 3 Giants 3 97 Patriots 0 Patriots 0
2.sup.nd Quarter Giants 0 Giants 0 30 Patriots 7 Patriots 7
3.sup.rd Quarter Giants 0 Giants 0 100 Patriots 0 Patriots 0
4.sup.th Quarter Giants 14 Giants 4 21 Patriots 7 Patriots 7 Final
Score Giants 17 Patriots 14
Example 2
[0056] Now referring to FIG. 4, a further example is illustrated. A
player's selected grid cells 220 appear in each of the four grids
100 and are marked as a black-out cell. When the stage or period of
the event is completed and an outcome results, and the x- and
y-axes coordinate has been determined, the winning numbered grid
cell 230 is circled. In this example, the player's selected grid
cells 220 did not match any of the winning grid cells 230. It can
be seen that though the 2008 Super Bowl of example 2 is identical
to the contest in Example 1, the winning game picks changed because
the numbers randomly assigned to the x- and y-axis spaces 310 and
410 are in a different order.
[0057] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *