U.S. patent application number 12/401667 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for system, method and device for enhancing winning opportunities in gaming.
Invention is credited to Thomas K. Oram.
Application Number | 20100151930 12/401667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42241177 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100151930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oram; Thomas K. |
June 17, 2010 |
System, Method and Device for Enhancing Winning Opportunities in
Gaming
Abstract
The present invention allows lotteries and players to engage in
personalized, specialized, customized and/or localized jackpots
separate from, or in addition to, standard gaming offerings. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a gaming player identifier
such as a lottery player card, for example, can be used to identify
a player and associate a localized jackpot with the player's wager
or gaming play. The jackpots can be funded in a variety of ways,
including by taking a percentage of the player's wager for an
ordinary lottery game, and attributing it to the localized jackpot.
Localized jackpot wins can be instant wins payable immediately or
delayed wins payable, for example, if the player were to win some
other prize. The system of the present invention can generate
random numbers used to determine whether a player will instantly
win any jackpot for which he or she is eligible.
Inventors: |
Oram; Thomas K.; (Hudson,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas F. Bergert;c/o WILLIAMS MULLEN IP docketing
222 CENTRAL PARK AVENUE, SUITE 1700
VIRGINIA BEACH
VA
23462
US
|
Family ID: |
42241177 |
Appl. No.: |
12/401667 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61122179 |
Dec 12, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/329 20130101;
G06Q 40/12 20131203; G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G07F 17/32
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a lottery data processing system having a
localized jackpot management component capable of managing multiple
localized jackpot games not available for play by the general
public; and at least one terminal in communication with the lottery
data processing system, with the at least one terminal adapted for
reading a gaming player identifier in order to identify a localized
jackpot game available for play by a user associated with the
gaming player identifier.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the localized jackpot game is a
skill-based or perceived skill-based game.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein a transaction involving a
transaction amount is conducted commensurate with the reading of
the gaming player identifier, and wherein a portion of the
transaction amount is applied to the localized jackpot game.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein, upon the terminal reading the
gaming player identifier, the terminal prompts the user for a
contribution to a localized jackpot game.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein, upon the terminal reading the
gaming player identifier, the terminal prompts the user to apply a
rebate or cash-back offer towards a gaming wager for a localized
jackpot game.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein, upon the terminal identifying a
localized jackpot game, the terminal receives an initial wager
associated with the gaming player identifier and prompts the user
associated with the gaming player identifier for a commitment to
attribute at least a portion of any winnings from the initial wager
with a wager for the localized jackpot game.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein, upon the terminal identifying a
localized jackpot game, the terminal receives an initial wager
associated with the gaming player identifier for a jackpot
unrelated to the localized jackpot game, and upon the initial wager
resulting in a winning wager amount associated with the gaming
player identifier, the terminal prompts the user associated with
the gaming player identifier for a commitment to attribute at least
a portion of the winning wager amount with a wager for the
localized jackpot game.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the lottery data processing system
includes a player/account management component for receiving a
sponsor contribution to a localized jackpot.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one terminal receives
a wager from the user for a jackpot game available to the general
public, issues a ticket pertaining to the wager, and prompts the
user to participate in the identified localized jackpot game.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the at least one terminal prompts
the user to participate in the identified localized jackpot game by
contributing a portion of the wager for the general public jackpot
game to the localized jackpot game.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the at least one terminal prompts
the user to participate in the identified localized jackpot game by
contributing a portion of any winnings associated with the issued
ticket to the localized jackpot game.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the user provides a signal to the
at least one terminal indicative of a wager in the localized
jackpot game, and upon receiving the signal, the at least one
terminal provides an indication to the user regarding whether the
user won or lost based on the wager in the localized jackpot game
substantially in real-time.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein, upon receiving the signal, the
at least one terminal communicates the wager to the lottery data
processing system, whereupon the localized jackpot management
component generates a random index into a prize pool associated
with the localized jackpot game to determine whether the user won
or lost based on the wager in the localized jackpot game, and
communicates the determination to the at least one terminal.
14. The system of claim 9 wherein the user provides a signal to the
at least one terminal indicative of a wager in the localized
jackpot game, and upon receiving the signal, the at least one
terminal communicates the wager to the lottery data processing
system, whereupon the localized jackpot management component
associates the wager in the localized jackpot game with the issued
ticket such that, if the issued ticket is a winner, then the wager
in the localized jackpot game is a winner.
15. A method for operating localized jackpot games, comprising:
issuing a gaming player identifier to a user, wherein the gaming
player identifier stores information identifying a localized
jackpot game associated therewith; managing, by a gaming processor
associated with a lottery data processing system, multiple
localized jackpot games not available for play by the general
public; associating at least one of the localized jackpot games
with the gaming player identifier; and reading, by a terminal, the
gaming player identifier to indicate that a user of the gaming
player identifier is capable of participating in one or more
localized jackpot games.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein a transaction involving a
transaction amount is conducted commensurate with the reading of
the gaming player identifier, and wherein a portion of the
transaction amount is applied to the localized jackpot game.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the portion of the transaction
amount is applied as a deposit to the localized jackpot.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the portion of the transaction
amount is applied as a wager in the localized jackpot.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein, upon the terminal reading the
gaming player identifier, the terminal prompts the user for a wager
in a localized jackpot game.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein, upon the terminal reading the
gaming player identifier, the terminal prompts the user of the
gaming player identifier to apply a rebate or cash-back offer
towards a gaming wager for a localized jackpot game.
21. The method of claim 15 wherein, upon the terminal indicating
that the gaining player identifier is capable of participating in
one or more localized jackpot games, the terminal receives an
initial wager associated with the gaming player identifier and
prompts the user of the gaming player identifier for a commitment
to attribute at least a portion of any winnings from the initial
wager with a gaming wager for a localized jackpot game.
22. The method of claim 15 wherein, upon the terminal indicating
that the gaming player identifier is capable of participating in
one or more localized jackpot games, the terminal receives an
initial wager associated with the gaming player identifier for a
jackpot unrelated to the localized jackpot game, and upon the
initial wager resulting in a winning wager amount associated with
the gaming player identifier, the terminal prompts the user
associated with the gaming player identifier for a commitment to
attribute at least a portion of the winning wager amount with a
wager for the localized jackpot game.
23. The method of claim 15 wherein the terminal further receives a
wager from the user for a jackpot game available to the general
public, issues a ticket pertaining to the wager, and prompts the
user to participate in the one or more localized jackpot games.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the at least one terminal
prompts the user to participate in the identified localized jackpot
game by contributing a portion of the wager for the general public
jackpot game to the localized jackpot game.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein the at least one terminal
prompts the user to participate in the identified localized jackpot
game by contributing a portion of any winnings associated with the
issued ticket to the localized jackpot game.
26. The method of claim 23 wherein the user provides a signal to
the terminal indicative of a wager in the localized jackpot game,
and upon receiving the signal, the terminal provides an indication
to the user regarding whether the user won or lost based on the
wager in the localized jackpot game substantially in real-time.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein, upon receiving the signal, the
at least one terminal communicates the wager to the lottery data
processing system, whereupon a localized jackpot management
component generates a random index into a prize pool associated
with the localized jackpot game to determine whether the user won
or lost based on the wager in the localized jackpot game, and
communicates the determination to the at least one terminal.
28. The method of claim 23 wherein the user provides a signal to
the terminal indicative of a wager in the localized jackpot game,
and upon receiving the signal, the terminal communicates the wager
to the lottery data processing system, whereupon a localized
jackpot management component associates the wager in the localized
jackpot game with the issued ticket such that, if the issued ticket
is a winner, then the wager in the localized jackpot game is a
winner.
29. The method of claim 15 wherein the lottery data processing
system includes a player/account management component for receiving
a sponsor contribution to a localized jackpot.
30. A terminal, comprising: an interface capable of reading a
gaming player identifier; and a communications component for
communicating with a gaming data management system having a
localized jackpot management component, with the localized jackpot
management component capable of managing multiple localized jackpot
games not available for play by the general public, and further
wherein the gaming data management system has a player/account
management component for identifying at least one localized jackpot
game associated with the gaming player identifier.
31. The terminal of claim 30 further including a printing element
for printing a ticket associated with a jackpot game available to
the general public and an interface for receiving a wager
associated with the at least one localized jackpot, and wherein the
localized jackpot management component includes programming for
indicating that the received wager is a winner upon determining
that the printed ticket is a winner.
32. The terminal of claim 30 further including an interface for
receiving a wager associated with the at least one localized
jackpot and an interface capable of displaying that the wager is a
winner substantially in real-time upon receiving the wager.
33. A system comprising: a non-lottery jackpot data processing
system having a localized jackpot management component capable of
managing multiple localized jackpot games not available for play by
the general public; at least one terminal in communication with the
jackpot data processing system, with the at least one terminal
adapted for reading a gaming player identifier in order to identify
a localized jackpot game available for play by a user associated
with the gaming player identifier, with the terminal further
including an interface for receiving selections from a localized
jackpot sponsor as to how the localized jackpot will be funded and
how winnings will be paid out; and a transaction processing
component for processing localized jackpot funding transactions and
localized jackpot winning payment transactions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/122,179, filed Dec. 12, 2008,
entitled "System, Device and Method for Paperless Wagering and
Payment of Winnings," which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] State lotteries typically allocate a large percentage of
lottery game wagers towards education, prize payouts and retailer
commissions. Prize payouts are made from a jackpot, and more than
one player can win money from the jackpot depending upon the game
being played. However, such jackpots are provided for all players
generally and do not permit localization to a specific group of
potential winners. Further, while players of lottery and other
wagering games generally have the ability to acquire a "player
card" for, among other things, participating in rewards and
benefits programs, such rewards and benefits are typically
predetermined and based on purchase amounts and/or frequency of
use. The player cards do not enable the player to contribute to a
localized jackpot, and the rewards and benefits do not represent
winnings from localized jackpots.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0003] The present invention allows lotteries and players to engage
in personalized, specialized, customized and/or localized jackpots
(any of which may be termed a "localized" jackpot herein for ease
of reference) separate from, or in addition to, standard gaming
offerings. In one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming
player identifier such as a lottery player card, for example, can
be used to identify a player and associate a localized jackpot with
the player's wager or gaming play. The jackpots can be funded in a
variety of ways, including by taking a percentage of the player's
wager for an ordinary lottery game, and attributing it to the
localized jackpot. Localized jackpot wins can be instant wins
payable immediately or delayed wins payable based on another factor
such as if the player were to win some other prize. The system of
the present invention can generate random numbers used to determine
whether a player will instantly win any jackpot for which he or she
is eligible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of
a system of the present invention incorporating a lottery system
backend and a traditional commercial transaction system
backend.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
establishing a localized jackpot with an instant payout in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] FIGS. 3 and 4 are sample flow diagrams illustrating methods
of providing and implementing multiple localized jackpots in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTIVE ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0007] As used in the present application, the term "gaming player
identifier" can include or be associated with, by way of example
and without limitation, a debit card, a credit card, a smart card,
a gift card, a pre-paid card, a stored value card, a bank card, a
lottery player card, a "frequent-player" card, a user name and
password combination, an account identifier, indicia such as a bar
code or a magnetic stripe, a human biological identifier, a
voucher, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or
transmitter, an ATM card, a combination card, any other coded
indicia, Bluetooth.TM.-enhanced devices, mobile communications
devices adapted for use with the above, or combinations of any of
the above. The gaming player identifier is or can represent a
personal identifier specific to an individual person, a group, a
retailer, a chain of stores, or a specific device, as exemplified
above. The gaming player identifier can further be associated with
a unique identifier such as a credit or debit card number, serial
number, account number, IP address, or e-mail address, for
example.
[0008] If a card is employed as the gaming player identifier, its
form factor can be similar to that of a standard credit, debit or
stored value card, and can operate similarly thereto. The card can
implement contact technology such as magnetic stripes, and/or
contact-less technology such as scannable barcodes, radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags or Bluetooth.TM., for example. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a mobile communications device
can be employed as the gaming player identifier, based, for
example, on the IP address of the device or a barcode or other
identifier displayed on, and capable of being read from, the visual
display of the device. In a further aspect of the present
invention, the gaming player identifier can be the player himself
or herself, or a part of the player, wherein the player's personal
biological information (e.g., fingerprint, retina scan, voice or
other human biologically unique information) can be recorded and
stored with his or her account as part of his or her player
information, and then compared with the biometric information
measured when the user desires to initiate a ticket play or
transaction using the system of the present invention.
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the gaming player
identifier can be used to determine an amount held in an account
associated with the identifier, as well as to debit or credit
amounts in the account, transfer funds from another account, and/or
transfer gaming winnings into the account. The account associated
with the gaming player identifier can be, for example, a debit or
credit card account, a bank account, a savings account, a lottery
account, a checking account, and/or another financial account. The
account can be a financial institution account (e.g., Bank of
America.TM. checking, savings or brokerage account) or a financial
account maintained independently of a financial institution.
[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming
player identifier takes the form of a multi-purpose transaction
card as referenced above. An example such card is shown at 15 in
FIG. 2, with a machine readable barcode 16 on one side of the card
and a machine readable magnetic stripe 17 on the other side. It
will be appreciated that these and other indicia may appear on the
same side of the card in an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
multi-purpose transaction card includes indicia in the form of a
visible computer chip on one face of the card, which is employed
when the multi-purpose transaction card operates as a "smart card"
capable of being read and written to by a reader or terminal in
accordance with the present invention. The smart card
implementation can employ either a local card memory or a complete
local central processing unit (CPU) for added data storage and
processing capability.
[0011] As further shown in FIG. 1, a typical implementation of the
system 10 of the present invention involves a user identifying him
or herself with a gaming player identifier, such as card 15, to a
terminal 22. Terminal 22 can be one of multiple terminals within a
retail establishment 20; however, it will be appreciated that a
home computer or mobile communications device can be employed as
the terminal. Each terminal can be provided with one or more
methods of identifying individual players, such as, but not limited
to, a browser interface, a touch-screen interface, a biometric
identifier such as a fingerprint scanner, a magnetic stripe reader,
or a barcode reader (exemplified at 24). The magnetic stripe reader
and barcode reader implementations may further be provided with the
ability to write information to a card in accordance with one
aspect of the present invention, such as where the player card is a
stored value card and the player elects to have any winnings added
to the card for future use. Readers that can be employed in
connection with the present invention can be part of an attended
POS terminal in a retail store or other commercial location, a
self-contained kiosk in a retail store or other commercial
location, or the mobile equivalent of the self-contained kiosk
(e.g., a home personal computer or user mobile communication
device). The reader can be interfaced with the terminal by any of a
variety of known computer interfaces, including USB port, PCMCIA
slot, parallel port, floppy disk slot, infrared IRDA port, RS232
serial port or keyboard, for example.
[0012] It will be appreciated that the terminal can "read" a gaming
player identifier in the sense that it can receive information from
the gaming player identifier, which can occur in a variety of ways.
For example, the terminal can have a barcode scanner for reading a
barcode, a magnetic stripe reader for reading a magnetic stripe, a
fingerprint reader for reading a fingerprint, and/or a computer
user interface for reading touch-screen signals, keyed input
signals, spoken input signals or other input signals provided via a
user interface. Upon reading the gaming player identifier, the
terminal can employ a communications component to communicate with
the lottery data processing system 42 described in more detail
below, wherein the system can identify a localized jackpot game
available for play by a user associated with the gaming player
identifier. The terminal can further include a printing element for
printing a ticket associated with a jackpot game, whether the
jackpot is a general public or localized jackpot. The terminal can
further include an interface for receiving deposits and/or wagers
associated with the localized jackpot. Such interface can be a
scanner or barcode reader for reading a payment card (e.g., credit
or debit card), as well as a visual interface for receiving payment
card information (e.g., a web browser). As terminals can range from
traditional retail point-of-sale terminals to personal computing
devices (e.g., home computers, mobile communications devices), the
present invention accommodates the preferences and capabilities of
its users, who can provide one or more signals by available means
on the terminals to indicate a desire to make deposits and/or
wagers for the localized jackpot(s). Further, the terminal can
communicate directly with the lottery data processing system, or
indirectly through another system, such as a retail chain store
headquarters information system, for example.
[0013] Terminals can further be provided with an interface, such as
a graphical user interface, that permits a display to a user of
various forms of information, including the one or more localized
jackpots that the user is eligible to participate in, the size of
the jackpot(s), and any winnings associated with the user or the
gaming player identifier used by the user. In one embodiment of the
present invention where the localized jackpots permit instant
winning, the terminal interface can display whether the wager for
the localized jackpot is a winner substantially in real-time upon
receiving the wager. In a separate embodiment of the present
invention where instant wager results are not presented to the user
making the wager for the localized jackpot, the terminal interface
can indicate that the wager is a winner after a certain period of
time has passed, such as, for example, when the results of a
separate game have been determined.
[0014] With regard to biometrics, a fingerprint scanner (or other
biometric information reader) can be attached as a peripheral to a
terminal for the purpose of capturing a player's fingerprint (or
other biometric information) at a retailer location. Also as an
option, an alpha/numeric keypad can be incorporated as either an
additional peripheral or as part of the fingerprint scanner. It
will be appreciated that a fingerprint scanner need not be the sole
operative biometric device used in accordance with this aspect of
the present invention. Other biometric equipment and techniques
employed by the present invention can include, for example, iris
recognition, retinal recognition, hand prints, voice recognition,
facial recognition, signature stroke recognition or any combination
thereof. The stored biometric imprint can allow for quickly
matching the player to the eligible localized jackpots, as well as
allowing for automated entry of wager data and subsequent
validation of the winning data.
[0015] As further shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 22 is in
communication with a lottery system provider network 40 via network
26, which can be a public network such as the Internet or a private
network, for example. The lottery system provider network 40
connects to a lottery data processing system 42, which can
incorporate lottery host 44, and can further coordinate and/or run
various lottery service provider functions such as player and
account management component 46, gaming and transaction processing
component 48, database 50, customer relationship management (CRM)
component 52, loyalty rewards component 54 and localized jackpot
management component 56. Lottery host 44 can include, for example,
programming for validating winning tickets, generating ticket data,
randomizing winners, benefits and prizes, managing games and
jackpots as well as communications for traditional lottery games
available to the general public. Localized jackpot management
component 56 includes programming for establishing and managing
customized, personalized, specialized and/or localized jackpots,
all of which will be referred to as localized jackpots herein for
ease of reference. A localized jackpot is not available for play by
the general public, and can be established through the system of
the present invention by a sponsor such as, for example, a
retailer, store chain, employer, charitable group, local restaurant
or other establishment, family, friends, other groups and even
individuals. The localized jackpot management component 56 can
manage the localized jackpots by determining winners according to
rules established by the sponsor, for example.
[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lottery data
processing system 42 manages deposits, withdrawals and gaming
wagers and payouts via player/account management component 46. In
another embodiment of the present invention, the lottery data
processing system 42 can communicate with a financial system
network 65 to manage electronic funds transfers for similar
purposes. For instance, the lottery data processing system 42 can
communicate the winnings from a gaming event to the financial
system network in order to add funds to a financial institution
account associated with a player, retailer or other entity, as
described in more detail hereinafter.
[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the financial
system network 65 is an association network (such as
MasterCard.TM./VISA.TM. network), which manages non-lottery/gaming
transactions in the customary way through communications between a
card issuing bank 70, a transaction acquiring bank 72 and an
association 74 (e.g., MasterCard.TM./VISA.TM.). The card issuing
bank can include a bank or financial institution data processing
system 76 for managing account transactions. The financial
institution data processing system includes programming for, among
other things, initiating the opening of a financial institution
account. In one embodiment of the present invention, an account can
be opened and funded with a balance in the amount of winnings from
a gaming event or transaction.
[0018] Localized jackpots can be established by accessing lottery
data processing system 42 and localized jackpot management
component 56, which can provide intuitive user interfaces for
outside parties (i.e., localized jackpot sponsors) to use in
setting up and administering a localized jackpot. In a separate
embodiment of the present invention, the lottery system provider
can manage localized jackpot setup and administration via telephone
or other method, whereby a lottery system provider representative
assists the sponsor in customizing the localized jackpot. The
present invention can gather information such as, but not limited
to, the name of the entity establishing the localized jackpot, the
eligible players for the localized jackpot, how the eligible
players will be identified by the system of the present invention,
whether there are specific conditions for eligibility (e.g., only
if a purchase is made in the sponsor's establishment), the method
by which the localized jackpot will be funded, whether matching
funds will be provided (including how and from whom), whether
winnings will be paid instantly or on a delayed basis, whether any
percentage of funds for the localized jackpot will be set aside for
other purposes, whether any winnings will be set aside for other
purposes, and so forth.
[0019] Upon establishing the criteria for eligible players, the
player/account management component can register players for the
newly created localized jackpot using gaming player identifiers.
This can occur in many ways. For example, retailers, chain stores,
restaurants and other commercial establishments acting as sponsors
can provide branded player cards for their patrons to use as gaming
player identifiers. Thus, any time a player interacts with the
commercial establishment, whether physically present or purchasing
something online, for example, the player can employ his or her
player card to participate in the localized jackpot. In this
embodiment, the player cards can be physically delivered to the
commercial establishment by the lottery service provider, and the
commercial establishment can then pass out the cards to its
interested customers in person or through mailings, for example.
The user can then employ the card with some type of terminal that
is in communication with the lottery data processing system so that
the system recognizes the user as a participant in the localized
jackpot, and attributes wagers and winnings accordingly.
[0020] As another example, potential players can be identified at a
point-of-sale terminal during a traditional transaction and can be
offered the opportunity to join the localized jackpot. Upon
agreeing, the potential player can then participate in the
localized jackpot using his or her credit or debit card, for
example, which number is then stored as the player's identifier
within the player/account management component 46. The player may
then fund the localized jackpot using the same card at the same
time that the player is participating in the localized jackpot.
This embodiment works equally well whether the player is
registering for the first time using a debit or credit card, or
whether the player has already registered and is seeking to
participate in the localized jackpot using the debit or credit card
as the gaming player identifier.
[0021] As another example, potential players can register to
participate in a localized jackpot online. In such an embodiment,
the sponsor can work with the localized jackpot management
component to establish user interfaces that players may use to
establish their account with the player/account management
component in connection with the particular localized jackpot
involved. In such an embodiment, players may use a network such as
the Internet for such purposes, and may select one of many
available gaming player identifiers capable of being used for the
localized jackpot. The available gaming player identifiers can be
established by the sponsor according to their own internal systems.
Thus, for example, one retailer may have biometric reader
capabilities and therefore may allow a biometric identifier to be
used as a gaming player identifier, while another sponsor may only
permit a credit or debit card to be used as a gaming player
identifier.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the player may
register for multiple localized jackpots using player/account
management component. For example, if a potential player is aware
that his favorite chain store restaurant and charity are involved
in respective localized jackpots, he or she may register to
participate in all of them according to their respective terms. If,
as an example, each sponsor permits online registration, the player
may proceed to select a gaming player identifier for use with each
localized jackpot. It will be appreciated that a previously
existing debit or credit card may be a convenient method through
which to participate in one or more localized jackpots, as such
cards may already be in use for traditional transactions and
further swipes or card reading activities may be avoided once the
card is read for the first time in connection with the traditional
transaction. Further, the card has the inherent capability to make
payments for funding the localized jackpot(s). Thus, it is
conceivable that a player registered to participate in one or more
localized jackpots can conduct a lottery or non-lottery transaction
and apply funds to the one or more localized jackpots at the same
time. The mechanisms through which such transactions are processed
can vary as well. For example, the user can be prompted through a
terminal interface and make selections by key entry, touch screen
or voice. Alternatively, the user can be prompted by a human
terminal operator for selections of localized jackpots and
amounts.
[0023] Participation in localized jackpots can be tied to lottery
transactions, non-lottery transactions or no transactions at all.
In the lottery transaction context, when a player is purchasing a
lottery ticket, the player may elect to devote a portion of the
lottery ticket purchase to a localized jackpot. The player may
communicate this through an operator or through the terminal at
which they are making the ticket purchase. The specific amounts and
percentages of funds that can be diverted from a traditional
lottery wager will depend on the jurisdictional and sponsor rules,
regulations and agreements with distributors, for example. In one
embodiment of the present invention, no diversion of traditional
prize pool percentages is made, but the player is offered the
opportunity to separately fund the localized jackpot. In addition
to making localized jackpots available when a player makes a
lottery ticket purchase, the player may be redeeming a winning
ticket and may elect to devote a portion of the winnings to the
localized jackpot. The lottery host 44, player/account management
component 46 and transaction processing component 48 can operate to
manage the funds transfer and account administration.
[0024] In the non-lottery transaction environment, the player can
participate in localized jackpots proactively or reactively. For
instance, the player may be conducting a purchase transaction for
non-lottery products or services and may elect to apply a rebate or
discount, or direct additional funds, towards a localized jackpot.
Applying or directing funds can be for a wager or for a deposit to
build the jackpot higher. For example, a grandparent may wish to
establish a localized jackpot for grandchildren and may wish to
fund the jackpot with change from a variety of cash transactions.
As long as the terminal at which the user is conducting the
transaction can communicate with the lottery data processing system
42, this type of proactive participation can occur. Further, the
player may receive an offer to participate in a localized jackpot
after consummating the non-lottery transaction. This can occur
based on the system of the present invention recognizing the player
as a localized jackpot participant at the time of the transaction,
or as an initial offer to a person who had not yet registered for a
localized jackpot.
[0025] Further, the present invention can allow players to
participate in a localized jackpot even when no other transaction
is occurring. For example, the player may initiate funding a
deposit or wager for localized jackpot play by simply accessing a
terminal in communication with the lottery data processing system
42 and proceeding to add deposit funds or make a wager in the
localized jackpot. Whether a lottery transaction or non-lottery
transaction is involved or not, the present invention involves some
type of transaction involving a transaction amount conducted
commensurate with the reading of the gaming player identifier. By
"commensurate", the present invention is meant to accommodate
transaction communications and reading of a gaming player
identifier regardless of which one occurs before the other or if
they both occur simultaneously. As described elsewhere herein, a
portion of the transaction amount can be applied to the localized
jackpot game. In one embodiment of the present invention, the user
of the gaming player identifier is prompted to contribute to (i.e.,
deposit or wager on) a localized jackpot game once the terminal has
"read" the gaming player identifier. The contribution can be made
at the time of interaction with the terminal or can be made later,
such as if the user of the gaming player identifier receives
rebates, cash back, gaming winnings or other contributable amounts
after the interaction with the terminal.
[0026] Wagers for the localized jackpot can be accounted for using
player/account management component. Thus, once a sponsor has
established a localized jackpot and the rules therefore, any wagers
made can be tabulated in a specific account dedicated to the
localized jackpot. Funds representing the wagers can be maintained
by the lottery system provider or by a financial institution in an
account held in the name of the sponsor, player or lottery system
provider as the case dictates.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, once the
terminal identifies the one or more localized jackpot games for
which the user associated with the gaming player identifier is
eligible, the terminal receives an initial wager associated with
the gaming player identifier and prompts the user for a commitment
to attribute at least a portion of any winnings from the initial
wager with a wager for the localized jackpot game. Such an instance
may arise, for example, where the user is playing a traditional
lottery game available to the general public, and wishes to direct
some or all of the winning proceeds from the traditional lottery
game to a wager in the localized jackpot. Such an instance may also
arise, for example, when the user is playing a localized jackpot
game and wishes to apply some or all of the winnings from that game
towards the same game. For example, if the localized jackpot has a
total amount of $10,000, and the user makes an initial wager that
wins $50, the user may direct all or some of the $50 towards
another wager for the remaining $9950 jackpot.
[0028] In the embodiment where the user elects to play a jackpot
game available to the general public, the user may receive a
printed or virtual ticket from the terminal, as well as a prompt to
participate in a localized jackpot game for which the user
associated with the gaming player identifier is eligible. Further,
the localized jackpot can be one where the results are tied to a
separate game such as the game represented by the ticket issued by
the terminal. Depending upon how the localized jackpot has been
established, the user may be a winner in the localized jackpot game
as a result of having a winning ticket in the jackpot available to
the general public. In this way, the user gets the additional
excitement and anticipation of multiple games tied to a single
ticket. Further, that user's experience will be different from
other users because other users would not necessarily be eligible
to participate in the same localized jackpots.
[0029] Payouts can be made according to terms established by the
sponsor. In one embodiment of the present invention, instant
payouts are made available and occur as shown in FIG. 2. As shown
therein, the sponsor first establishes a prize structure and a rule
that payouts can be made as instant winners at 80. Optionally,
funds may be deposited by the sponsor at step 81 to accommodate
winners. At step 82, a book or virtual book of tickets is
established according to the prize structure. Thus, by way of
illustration only, if there are one hundred tickets in the book,
there may be twenty "low-tier"winners (i.e., $75 or less), three
"mid-tier" winners (i.e., $75 to $599) and one "high-tier" winner
(i.e., $600 or more). It will be appreciated that the number and
definition of tiers of winners for any given prize structure may
vary, as will the number of winners within each tier, and the
number of books and tickets within each book. After players are
registered in any of the ways described above, a terminal receives
a wager from an eligible player as at 83. At step 84, a signal is
sent to the lottery host to generate a random index into the prize
pool file, which then determines if the player is a winner at step
86. The random index can be generated by the lottery host employing
a random number generator and using the number generated with an
algorithm to determine, at random, whether the wager made by the
player results in a winner. If the player is a winner, then an
interface on the terminal can so reveal, as at step 88.
[0030] Sponsors can also elect to have payouts made on a delayed
basis according to outside circumstances. For example, a player may
not know whether he or she is a winner until after a lotto drawing
that takes place after the player makes the wager. The present
invention can use other outside events as determinants for the
localized jackpot wager, such as sporting events and traditional
instant ticket outcomes, for example. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the localized jackpot wager is only a winner if
a traditional lottery ticket is a separate winner of some other
prize.
[0031] It will be appreciated that the odds of winning each jackpot
can vary depending upon the amount in the jackpot or on the
particular rules established by the originator, sponsor or group.
Further, the odds of winning the jackpot can vary depending upon
the amount contributed.
[0032] The player/account management component 46 can provide an
interface for al players to view which jackpots they are registered
for, and the size of each jackpot. This can allow players to
determine which jackpot they wish to try to win.
[0033] As illustrations, all of the following types of jackpots can
be available in accordance with the present invention:
[0034] (1) An employer can sponsor a separate jackpot (e.g.,
$100-$10,000) for its employees. Per illustrative rules provided by
the employer, whenever an employee buys a lottery ticket using a
gaming player identifier (e.g., a simple player card or some other
way of identifying him or herself as an employee), he or she could
be eligible for the employer jackpot. The player's wager or fee to
participate in the company jackpot can be funded by a portion of
the ticket purchase, a separate fee paid by the player, the
player's winnings of the traditional jackpot, or simply by the
player using the card.
[0035] (2) A store chain (e.g., Krogers.TM. or 7-11.TM. Stores) can
sponsor a jackpot only for people who buy lottery tickets in one of
their stores (perhaps even funded in whole or in part using the
retailer's commissions). The player's wager or fee to participate
in the retailer jackpot can be funded by a portion of the ticket
purchase, a separate fee paid by the player, the player's winnings
of the traditional jackpot, or simply by the player using the
gaming player identifier.
[0036] (3) a charitable group can sponsor a jackpot which is funded
by players whenever they use their gaming player identifier to make
a wager. Per the sponsor's rules, the jackpot can be split between
any winner and the charitable group for charitable purposes.
[0037] (4) a local restaurant or bar can fund a jackpot for keno
players who play in their establishment.
[0038] (5) a family or group of friends can participate in a
jackpot where, for example, each time a family member places a
wager, some part of their wager (or winnings) gets put into a
jackpot for that family. As shown in FIG. 3 (and described below),
the player can be prompted by the system of the present invention
to divert a portion of his or her ticket wager or winnings to the
localized jackpot. In such an embodiment, rules can be established
such that, for example, only family members are eligible to
win.
[0039] (6) an individual may ask that a certain percentage of all
of his or her wagers (or winnings) be put into their own personal
jackpot.
[0040] In the above examples, the player can register or associate
his or her gaming player identifier with one or more of various
groups in order to take advantage of the additional jackpots. For
example, if the player wins a lottery with a prize of $100,000, and
the player is issued a gaming player identifier as described above,
the player can associate the gaming player identifier with his or
her employer, church group, favorite or most frequent store chain
or dining establishment, and/or separate personal group (e.g.,
family and friends), for example. The player may associate more
than one group or jackpot with the gaming player identifier. Later,
at the time of making purchases (lottery or non-lottery) and
depending upon the rules associated with contributing to each
group's jackpot, the gaming player identifier holder can be
prompted by the system of the present invention to contribute to a
personalized Jackpot. In one embodiment, where the user gaming
player identifier is identified through scanning at a retailer
terminal, the terminal can prompt the user for jackpot affiliation
associated with the current transaction. In a self-service example,
similar to a cash withdrawal from an ATM machine where
pre-determined withdrawal amounts are presented on the user
interface for selection, the present invention can provide
selection options for localized jackpots for the user to
participate in.
[0041] FIGS. 3 and 4 show flow charts of example implementations of
this aspect of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, a wager
is made, such as the purchase of a lottery ticket, and the player's
gaming player identifier is presented as at step 110. At step 112,
the system of the present invention identifies the player by his or
her gaming player identifier. The player can be identified as a
member of a group, such as a family member, corporate employee,
charitable organization contributor, retail establishment patron,
fantasy football group member, virtual world team member,
individual within a group of friends, or other. At step 113, the
player is prompted for an answer as to whether the player wants to
assign a portion of the player's wager to the localized jackpot, or
assign winnings (or a portion thereof) to the localized jackpot.
Such a prompt can be incorporated into the present invention by
sending appropriate instructions from the lottery data processing
system to the terminal where the user has presented his or her
gaming player identifier. If the terminal is manned by retail
personnel, the retail personnel at the terminal can read the prompt
and ask the user for an answer. If the terminal is self-service,
which can include a kiosk, or the user's own personal computer or
mobile communications device, the terminal can present the
selection to the user for response by touch-screen, oral response,
keyboard entry or other known data entry signal or data entry
means. Software coding is provided centrally and/or locally to
facilitate these processes.
[0042] It will be appreciated that, if the user opts to designate a
portion of the player's wager to the localized jackpot, the portion
can be paid out of the retailer's fee receipts for handling lottery
transactions. Upon receiving the user's selection, the system then
associates the localized jackpot information with the ticket and/or
user gaming player identifier, as at 114. It will further be
appreciated that the finding of any localized jackpot can occur in
several ways and by any of several entities (including, for
example, by the user, retailer, charity, gaming establishment,
employer, etc.) as described in more detail above. Depending upon
the user's selection and the timing of the primary game, the user
may have now established some interest in the localized jackpot
(either through the designation of a portion of the lottery ticket
purchase to the auxiliary jackpot or designation of winnings (or a
portion thereof)). Upon the processing of the wager and the
localized jackpot game as at 116, a determination is made as at 118
to see if the user is a winner of the localized jackpot game, and
if so, a prize is awarded as at 120. Cash prizes can be associated
with the holder's gaming player identifier, and automatically added
to whatever balance is associated therewith.
[0043] In another embodiment of this aspect of the present
invention, when a player designates that a portion of their
winnings are to be put into a jackpot, the lottery may match a
certain percentage of it.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, this aspect of the present invention can
also occur when the user conducts a non-lottery transaction. It
will be appreciated that conducting a transaction can include one
or more steps of initiating, processing and consummating a
transaction, wherein the transaction can relate to purchase, sale,
exchange, discount, barter and other types of transactions. At step
130, for example, the user purchases non-lottery items with the
gaming player identifier. At step 132, the system of the present
invention identifies the player by his or her gaming player
identifier as a member of a group such as detailed above. At step
133, the user is prompted to assign all or a portion of any cash
back proceeds from the non-lottery transaction to the localized
jackpot. At step 134, the localized jackpot information is tagged
to the gaming player identifier. Upon the processing of the wager
and the localized jackpot game as at 136, a determination is made
as at 138 to see if the user is a winner of the localized jackpot
game, and if so, a prize is awarded as at 140.
[0045] In the embodiment of the present invention where localized
jackpot wagering is made available upon the purchase of a ticket,
for any ticket purchase, a player might be eligible for multiple
jackpot wins (e.g., an employee buying a ticket in a retail store
can be eligible for his or her employer's jackpot as well as the
retail store's jackpot). Further, the jackpot drawings or win
determinations can take place at different times, such that the
player can create the chance to win several jackpots at the same
time, while waiting to receive a determination as to whether the
player won any of the Jackpots at different times as the individual
jackpot winner determinations are made.
[0046] In an alternative embodiment of the process shown in FIG. 4,
a portion of each purchase using the gaming player identifier can
be placed into a jackpot for the individual or family by the
retailer (or by specific product manufacturers or service
providers), rather than the player assigning cash back benefits
into the jackpot. In another embodiment, the non-player provided
funding can be combined with player-provided funding. Further, the
player-provided funding can be a combination of funding such as
cash back amounts, rebate amounts, coupon amounts, amounts in the
form of change from cash transactions, additionally designated
amounts at the time of purchase (e.g., the transaction amount is
$100, but the individual elects to pay $105 and designate the extra
$5 for the localized jackpot).
[0047] For group play, each member of the group can have an
individual gaming player identifier tied to the same player account
in the player/account management component, with the gaming player
identifiers being linked together by the system of the present
invention to form the group.
[0048] In a further embodiment of this aspect of the present
invention, a game is set up to match the game that the player has
selected for "real-world" play. For example, if the player is
making a selection of five numbers for a drawing in the real-world,
a virtual drawing can be established for the group to which the
user belongs. When the player makes his or her number selections,
the same selections can be attributed to the localized jackpot. The
localized jackpot drawing may be operated in a virtual sense, as
will be appreciated.
[0049] In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention,
if the gaming player identifiers are universally unique, then the
personal/group jackpot processing can be separate from the
jurisdiction. This is especially useful for groups that are
geographically separated, or for players who travel or are on state
line boundaries. The player and group can view the current jackpots
for which they are eligible by logging in to a designated website
or other known means.
[0050] It is conceivable and within the scope of the present
invention that the jackpot and gaming player identifier information
are stored on a computer network separate and apart from the
lottery system provider network, such as a computer network
associated with the sponsor or originator of the localized jackpot.
In such an instance, the registered players would not necessarily
access the lottery system provider network in order to make wagers
and participate in the localized jackpot, but can instead access
the sponsor's network, such as a website hosted by the sponsor to
permit play of the online instant lottery tickets within the
virtual book that had been assigned to the sponsor. The sponsor
network can thereby include a non-lottery jackpot data processing
system similar to system 42 of FIG. 1, with its own gaming
processor that communicates and is associated with a gaming host
similar in form and function to the lottery host 44 of FIG. 1. Such
a system has its own localized jackpot management component capable
of managing multiple localized jackpot games not available for play
by the general public, similar to component 56 of FIG. 1. Such a
system further has its own gaming/transaction processing component
for processing localized jackpot funding transactions and localized
jackpot winning payment transactions.
[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, a single gaming
player identifier (and even a single element on the gaming player
identifier, such as a barcode or magnetic stripe) can be used to
conduct lottery, non-lottery and localized jackpot transactions
(with appropriate split routing to the appropriate network) and the
gaming player identifier would therefore require no other element
or indicia.
[0052] As described above, the localized jackpot management
component can manage multiple special-interest games (i.e.,
localized jackpots), which are not available for play by the
general public. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
localized jackpot can be associated with a sports wager or other
"skill-based" or perceived skill-based game to the extent permitted
and available for a given transaction. Thus, for example, if a
player enters a restaurant where sporting events are displayed on
televisions for patrons to view and where skill-based wagering is
permitted, the player can use his or her card to purchase a meal or
other items, and designate funds or points (depending upon the
implementation) for a wager on one of the sporting events being
displayed. If others in the restaurant are also participating, then
a combined jackpot is provided and available for one of the
participating patrons to win. The invention can apply to other
skill-based games beyond sporting event wagering, such as, for
example, card games, knowledge-based games, video games, virtual
world games and the like. The invention can further apply to games
that are considered "entered" based on a player paying an entry fee
into an establishment, as opposed to a direct wager on a specific
game. In one embodiment, the invention limits skill-based wagering
to events that are determinative while the user is physically
present in an establishment. In another embodiment of this aspect
of the present invention, distinctions are made between games that
the user is participating in (e.g., billiards or pool), and games
that the user is not participating in (e.g., professional sporting
event wager).
[0053] In addition to associating a gaming player identifier and/or
simple player card with one or more of various groups in order to
take advantage of additional jackpots, a holder of a gaming player
identifier can associate the gaming player identifier with one or
more other gaming player identifiers to form or join a wagering
syndicate. The wagering syndicate may be formed, for example, to
take advantage of the increase in odds of winning that occurs when
more wagers are placed. Thus, for example, if five individuals were
to play $25 worth of tickets, their chances of winning would be
less than if $125 were wagered in gross. Thus, the five players
might pool their funds and agree to split any winnings according to
their individual contributions.
[0054] In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, two
or more holders of gaming player identifiers can register through
the lottery service provider network to form a syndicate.
Registration can occur at the time of issuance of a gaming player
identifier, or afterward. Upon registration, a single member of the
syndicate can be identified as the "captain" holding the "captain
account" on behalf of himself or herself and the remaining
syndicate members. Each member of a syndicate can then be
identified such as through scanning at a retailer terminal, for
example, and can be prompted at the point of identification for
applying a given transaction or wager to the syndicate or keeping
it separate from the syndicate. Thus, for example, if a holder or
user of a gaming player identifier places a favorite wager for a
drawing by having his or her gaming player identifier read at a
terminal, the terminal may ask whether the user is placing the
wager individually or as part of his or her registered syndicate.
If the player chooses to place the wager as part of the syndicate,
then it is added to the captain's designated syndicate account.
[0055] In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention,
the system operates so as to automatically debit the player's
account in the amount of the wager made as part of the syndicate.
In another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the
system operates such that, if the syndicate wagers result in
winnings for the syndicate, then the winnings are automatically
paid out or disbursed to each member according to his or her pro
rata share. The system of the present invention can employ default
and customized business rules to determine how the wager payments
are made and debited, as well as how payouts are disbursed. The
rules can be customized at the time of syndicate setup or later
while employing various safeguards to ensure that all group members
consent to the customized procedures for accepting wagers and
distributing winnings. In one embodiment of this aspect of the
present invention, each member of a syndicate can gain access to
account information for the syndicate and view the number and type
of wagers being made on behalf of the syndicate.
[0056] In addition to being activated for transaction purposes, the
gaming player identifier can be used by the user to establish
favorite numbers, favorite wagers, and other personally appealing
features using the CRM component associated with the lottery data
processing system 42 of the present invention. In one embodiment,
the user can access a web site using the gaming player identifier
and the user's pin for such purposes, and can establish a lottery
system account associated with the gaming player identifier and/or
the player's name. The user can also elect for any future winnings
from lottery gaming wins or other transactions to be applied to the
account. Illustrative options for employing the gaming player
identifier in accordance with the present invention are described
in applicant's co-pending patent application Ser. No. 12/344,627,
entitled "System, Device and Method for Paperless Wagering and
Payment of Winnings", the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0057] It will be appreciated that, where appropriate, use of
modern data encryption and digital signature techniques such as
those used by the public/private key infrastructure (PKI) can be
used throughout all the transaction paths to ensure complete
end-to-end data integrity and security and protection of privacy.
Further, the player's actual identity (such as name, age, or
address) can remain completely anonymous to the system for the
purposes of these applications. As an option, the player's age can
be registered to the system to ensure age eligibility for wagering
with online agents and self service gaming machines. Account based
wagering, where the player has a financial account on the wagering
system can also be tied to this method of play for payment
transactions.
[0058] As an additional embodiment, the data from at least one
player bid biometric sample collected by the terminal can be used
as a seed to a random number generator on the wagering terminal or
on the host for the purpose of generating a random selection of
wagering entry data to the wagering system.
[0059] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any
computer system that includes suitable programming means for
operating in accordance with the disclosed methods also falls well
within the scope of the present invention. Suitable programming
means include any means for directing a computer system to execute
the steps of the system and method of the invention, including for
example, systems comprised of processing units and arithmetic-logic
circuits coupled to computer memory, which systems have the
capability of storing in computer memory, which computer memory
includes electronic circuits configured to store data and program
instructions, programmed steps of the method of the invention for
execution by a processing unit. Aspects of the present invention
may be embodied in a computer program product, such as a diskette
or other recording medium, for use with any suitable data
processing system. The present invention can further run on a
variety of platforms, including Microsoft Windows.TM., Linux.TM.,
Sun Solaris.TM., HP/UX.TM., IBM AIX.TM. and Java compliant
platforms, for example.
[0060] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in
all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the
invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather
than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *