U.S. patent application number 13/299683 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for method and system for achieving a desired payout over a totality of individual game plays of a lottery game.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to JOSEPH W. BENNETT, III, CHARLES HOLTON, AMAN SAFAEI.
Application Number | 20120149454 13/299683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41608918 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120149454 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BENNETT, III; JOSEPH W. ; et
al. |
June 14, 2012 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACHIEVING A DESIRED PAYOUT OVER A TOTALITY OF
INDIVIDUAL GAME PLAYS OF A LOTTERY GAME
Abstract
A computer-implemented method for achieving a desired payout
over a totality of individual game plays of a lottery game with a
computer system involves establishing a deck of payout records,
with each of the records in the deck having a payout value assigned
thereto. The number of records in the deck is determined as a
function of a total number of winning game plays in the totality of
the individual game plays of the lottery game. The payout values
are assigned to the payout records such that a total sum of the
payout values corresponds to a defined payout for the lottery game.
The payout records are applied to the respective winning game plays
in the lottery game to achieve the overall desired payout over the
totality of individual game plays.
Inventors: |
BENNETT, III; JOSEPH W.;
(SUWANEE, GA) ; HOLTON; CHARLES; (RENO, NV)
; SAFAEI; AMAN; (ALPHARETTA, GA) |
Assignee: |
SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
NEWARK
DE
|
Family ID: |
41608918 |
Appl. No.: |
13/299683 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12534482 |
Aug 3, 2009 |
8083583 |
|
|
13299683 |
|
|
|
|
61086024 |
Aug 4, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/329 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for achieving a desired payout
over a totality of individual game plays of a lottery game with a
computer system having instruction files to implement a payout
schedule as follows: establishing a deck of payout records, with
each of the records in the deck having a payout value assigned
thereto, and wherein the number of records in the deck is
determined as a function of a total number of winning game plays in
the totality of the individual game plays of the lottery game;
assigning the payout values to the payout records such that a total
sum of the payout values corresponds to a defined payout for the
lottery game; and applying the payout records to the respective
winning game plays in the lottery game to achieve the overall
desired payout over the totality of individual game plays.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the payout values are
assigned to the payout records to achieve a defined percentage
payout over the totality of individual game plays.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the payout records are
randomly shuffled prior to being applied to respective winning game
plays.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the payout records are
sequentially applied to respective winning game plays.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lottery game
includes multiple winning game play combinations, and further
comprising establishing an additional deck of payout records for
each combination, and distributing the prize payout over all of the
decks so as to achieve the desired payout for all the winning game
play combinations over the totality of individual game plays.
6. The method according to claim 1, comprising determining the
number of winning game plays in the lottery game to achieve a
defined winning probability, and defining the number of records in
the deck to correspond to the number of winning game plays.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the lottery game is a
probability-based lottery game wherein indicia selected by a player
from a total field of indicia is compared to randomly generated
indicia from the total field of indicia to determine winning game
plays.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the lottery game is
conducted as an online lottery game.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application dams priority as a Continuation
Application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/534,482 filed on
Aug. 3, 2009, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/086,024, filed Aug. 4, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and associated
system for achieving a desired payout in a lottery game, and more
particularly to achieving a payout schedule over a totality of
individual game plays of a lottery game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Random generation events serve as the basis for various
industrial, entertainment, and gaming applications. For example,
various well-known types of "online" lottery games allow a player
to select one or more groups of numbers, symbols, and the like,
from a defined set in the hopes of matching a group of the numbers
or symbols randomly generated by the gaming administrator. For
example, lottery games referred to as "Pick-3" are offered in which
a player selects three numbers to match identically with a set of
three numbers randomly generated by the gaming administrator at a
later drawing time. Modifications and versions of this game are
well known.
[0004] The probability of a particular outcome of the random
generation event can be mathematically determined as a function of
the total number of objects in the field and the number of randomly
generated objects to be matched, and forms the basis for the
parameters of any manner of probability based application, such as
an online lottery game. For example, a typical lottery game is a
probability based game wherein a set of numbers or other indicia
selected by a player from a field of numbers are compared to a set
that is randomly generated by the gaming administration from the
same field to determine if the player's numbers or indicia match
those in the randomly generated set. The payout for such games is
typically a function of the probability of a winning play.
Generally, the size of the payout for a winning play must be
balanced with the probability of winning, or the quantity of
numbers the player must match to produce a winning outcome. For
example, when a large prize is offered, the game generally requires
the player to match more numbers, as compared to a lower prize that
may require a player to match only a few numbers. The games with
higher prizes, however, typically produce few winners and, thus,
may cause players to lose interest in the game. If the gaming
administrator wishes to increase the probability of winning to
produce winners more frequently by reducing the quantity of numbers
a player must match for a winning outcome, the prize amount for a
winning outcome is also reduced accordingly. The lower prize amount
may also cause players to lose interest in the game.
[0005] Conventional online probability games thus have inherent
payout fluctuations that are a factor of probabilities of winning
that must be carefully considered and juggled by the gaming
authority.
[0006] Instant win games are also well known and quite popular in
the lottery industry. Typical instant win games are embodied by
scratch-off tickets wherein the player purchases a ticket and
removes an opaque security layer from the play area to instantly
determine if the ticket is a winner based on any manner of game
configuration. Whether or not the ticket is a winner, and the prize
payout, are predetermined events. The probability of winning in an
instant-win game is typically much higher than with online games,
which is attractive to certain individuals. The abundance of
smaller prizes is, however, unattractive to other types of players.
Instant scratch-off games are desirable to the gaming authority in
that the winning probability and payout percentage are
predetermined and carefully managed to achieve a desired payout
percentage for a particular game.
[0007] The present invention relates to a system and method of
probability management that has particular usefulness in the
lottery industry in that it provides for an online probability
based lottery game that incorporates the probability management and
payout structure benefits of instant win games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
the following description, or may be obvious from the description,
or may be learned through practice of the invention. It is intended
that the invention include modifications and variations to the
systems and method embodiments described herein.
[0009] The present invention provides a unique probability
management methodology and related system that may have utility in
any environment or application wherein it is desired to establish a
particular probability of an outcome in a random generation event.
In a lottery game environment, the probability management
methodology may be combined with a unique payout method and system
to achieve a desired payout schedule in a probability based event,
such as a probability based lottery game.
[0010] Although the present probability management and payout
percentage methodologies have particular usefulness with respect to
management and implementation of lottery games, and are described
herein by reference to lottery game embodiments, it should be
appreciated that the methodologies are not limited to lottery games
and may be used in any environment wherein it is desired to
establish a particular outcome probability for randomly generated
or seemingly randomly generated events.
[0011] In accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the
invention, a method and system for conducting a terminal-based
lottery game are provided. The lottery game includes an online
instant game component, and may include an additional game
component, such as a raffle component. Players purchase the
associated lottery tickets at any one of a plurality of
point-of-sale terminals that may be at any desired location,
including various retail establishments such as convenience stores,
grocery stores, gas stations, and so forth. The plurality of remote
terminals are networked with a central gaming authority control
computer. It should be appreciated that the central "gaming
authority" may be any entity that administers or is responsible for
administration of the lottery game, and may be, for example, a
state or other municipal authority, a game producer, a gaming
organization, and so forth.
[0012] In certain embodiments of the lottery game, an individual
game play is initiated by a player completing a game slip wherein
the player designates of defined number of indicia or characters,
such as numbers, from a total field of the indicia presented on the
game slip. For example, the player may be asked to designate a set
of four numbers from a field of numbers 1 through 20 displayed on
the play slip. In an alternative embodiment, the player may be
provided with the option to select a "quick-play" option wherein
the four numbers are randomly generated for the player by the
terminal. The game slip is completed at the terminal by the player,
and then scanned at the terminal. A game ticket is then issued to
the player reflecting the player's designated set of numbers or
characters, or the random set generated by the terminal in response
to the quick-play option.
[0013] The game ticket may also immediately reflect whether the
numbers or characters selected by the player, or randomly generated
for the player, constitute a winning ticket based on defined game
rules. The game ticket may thus instantly provide to the player an
indication as to whether a prize has been won in the instant game
component, as explained in greater detail below. In alternate
embodiments, the winning indicia may be made known to the player at
a later tine.
[0014] It should be appreciated that the particular type of game is
not a limiting factor. The present invention method may be
applicable to any type of probability game wherein the outcome is
based on some relationship between the player's selected indicia
and a randomly generated set of indicia, and the probability of
such outcome can be predicted or computed.
[0015] The game ticket may also provide the player with a separate
game component, such as a raffle, wherein a randomly generated
raffle number and instructions related to the raffle component are
provided on the ticket,
[0016] In a particular embodiment, the lottery game is based on a
popular theme, such as a game show theme, sports theme,
entertainment theme, and the like. In a non-limiting embodiment
described herein, the lottery game is based on the Wheel of
Fortune.TM. game show. In this embodiment, play of the instant
lottery game is initiated by a paying player submitting a game slip
that designates a set of characters that correspond to positions
around a game wheel depicted on the game ticket. Alternatively, the
player may select the quick-play option wherein the set of
characters is randomly generated for the player. Each position on
the game wheel has a designated value, and a winning event occurs
when a predefined combination of the player's selected positions
(or randomly generated positions) have the same value, with the
player winning this value. For example, the game may require that
all, or less than all, of the player designated characters have the
same value, with a greater prize awarded for a higher number of
matches. A prize may be awarded for subsets of at least two
matches, with different values being possible between different
subsets. It should be appreciated that various combinations of
prize structures, and the presentation thereof, are possible within
the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0017] A particularly beneficial aspect of an online instant
lottery game incorporating the technical features disclosed herein
is that the unique probability management system allows the gaming
authority to establish an overall probability of winning and
associated payout schedule that are similar to scratch-off instant
lottery games without eliminating the desirable aspects of an
inherent probability game that allows players to select their play
indicia from a field of indicia. The method involves defining a
subset to have a number ("X") of the indicia from the total field,
and then randomly generating the subset with the X number of
indicia. The player's selected indicia are then compared to the
subset of indicia to determine if the player's selection is a
winner according to the defined game rules. For example, the game
may require that all of the player's indicia are contained (i.e.,
"matched") in the subset for a winning game play. In alternative
embodiments, a lesser prize may be awarded for a lesser number of
matches. Prizes may be awarded for subsets of matches, and so
forth.
[0018] Generation of the random subset from the total field of
indicia occurs for each game play, and the number X of indicia in
the subsets may vary between plays. For example, in one particular
embodiment of this process, a first game play may result in
generation of a first subset having a first number ("X1") of
indicia, and the second game play may result in generation of a
second subset having a second different number ("X2") of indicia,
and so forth. Based on a total number of game plays, the number X
of indicia in the subsets may be varied between different plays,
wherein each number X generates a unique probability of winning. In
this way, the gaming authority can compute a blend of subsets for
the course of the game having different numbers (X1, X2, X3, . . .
) of indicia to achieve a desired overall winning probability for
all of the game plays. The number X of indicia in the respective
subsets is less than the number of indicia in the total field, and
the number of player indicia is less than the number X of indicia
in the subsets. Different combinations of these variables are also
within the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0019] Once all of the game plays have been played or otherwise
exhausted for the generated blend of subsets, the subsets may be
recycled (with or without shuffling) for continuation of the game,
or a new game may be implemented under the same procedures.
[0020] In a unique embodiment, the prize structure for all of the
winning game plays is randomly generated by the gaming authority to
achieve a desired payout schedule as a function of the designed
winning probability and overall number of anticipated plays of the
game. For example, the designed winning probability for the game
may be 1 in 4, based on a total of 100,000 plays of the game. In
this situation, the gaming authority may assign a payout to each of
the expected 25,000 winning game plays that achieves a desired
overall payout percentage over the course of 100,000 plays. The
payout schedule can be tailored to the prize structure for any
game. For example, the prize structure for a game having only one
possible winning combination (e.g., all of the player's indicia
must be matched in the subset) will be different from the prize
structure wherein multiple winning combinations are possible (e.g.,
2 of 4, or 3 of 4 matches are awarded lesser prize amounts). One
method for implementing this payout schedule is discussed in
greater detail herein.
[0021] One method for establishing the desired overall winning
probability may be implemented by establishing a first "deck"
containing at least two sets of "records"; a first set of the
records designating a first number X1 of indicia in the subsets,
and a second set of the records designating a second number X2 of
indicia in the subsets. It is to be understood that the term "deck"
is used herein to connote any manner of compilation or set of
items. The term "record" is used herein to connote any manner of
file, value, data point, and the like. Thus, in one embodiment, a
"deck" of "records" may refer to a computer generated file that
defines distinct values X, wherein each of the values is later
retrieved and used to generate a subset from the total field of
indicia having the defined number X of indicia. In an alternate
embodiment, the actual subsets having the defined number X of
indicia may be randomly generated and stored as a component of the
records, thus eliminating the step for subsequent random generation
of the subsets. The number of records in the first set with number
X1, and number of records in the second set with number X2, are
computed to achieve the desired overall winning probability for the
game based on a designated number of game plays.
[0022] It should be appreciated that the first deck may include
additional sets of records. For example the first deck may include
a third set of the records having a third number X3 of indicia, and
a fourth set of the records having the number X4 of indicia,
wherein the blend of the four sets of numbers achieves the overall
desired winning probability for the game.
[0023] The records in the first deck may be assigned to the
individual game plays by various methods. In one embodiment, the
records are initially generated for the total number of game plays,
randomly shuffled, and stored. The records are then assigned
sequentially to each individual game play.
[0024] The number of records in the first deck will generally be
based on a theoretical number of total game plays, for example,
200,000 game plays. The total number of game plays is defined by
the gaming authority to achieve a close approximation to the
desired overall win probability. A greater number of games allows
for a closer approximation to the win probability. The total number
of records in the first deck will generally correspond to the total
number of game plays.
[0025] It should be appreciated that the invention encompasses any
manner of gaming method that implements the unique probability
management system, and that such methods may or may not include
features related to the payout percentage methodology described
herein.
[0026] In certain embodiments, a step of assigning a payout to each
winning game play is provided as a function of a predefined overall
percentage payout. This feature provides the gaming authority with
the ability to achieve a closely controlled payout percentage
similar to a scratch-off instant lottery game. This may be
accomplished by establishing a second deck of records, with the
number of records in the second deck corresponding generally to the
expected number of winning game plays as a function of the overall
winning probability of the game. Each of the records in the second
deck designates a prize payout such that a totality of the payouts
corresponds to the desired percentage payout schedule as a function
of the prize structure for the particular game. One of the records
in the second deck is assigned to each of the game plays designated
as a winning game play. The records in the second may be assigned a
payout value, randomly shuffled, and then assigned sequentially to
the respective winning game plays.
[0027] As mentioned, it may be desirable to include an additional
game component with each lottery ticket, such as a raffle
component. In such embodiments, a raffle number is randomly
generated and assigned to each ticket to be used in a subsequent
raffle drawing. The raffle drawing includes all assigned raffle
numbers issued for a given time period prior to the raffle. In this
way, a winner is guaranteed in the raffle drawing.
[0028] The raffle may be conducted in conjunction with an
independent third party event. This third party event may be any
event that is unrestrained by the lottery and that awards a prize
that is independent of the lottery. A typical third party event may
be, for example, a contest or game wherein contestants compete for
an award. The lottery raffle prize may be designated at a fixed
amount prior to the raffle, or may be a function of the winning
contestant's award. For example, the raffle prize may have a value
equivalent to the value of the contestant's award, or may have an
increased value based on a multiplication of the winning
contestant's award.
[0029] In a unique embodiment, the independent third party event is
a televised game show. Game shows such as the Wheel of Fortune.TM.
or The Price is Right.TM. have a vast following of viewers, and
lottery games affiliated with or licensed by the game shows will
have great appeal to these viewers. In this regard, the instant
lottery game component may have a theme based on the game show, and
the raffle component prize is based on the winnings of the game
show contestant. The raffle drawing can be conducted in conjunction
with the game show, and may be, for example, televised prior to,
during, or immediately after the game show. Alternatively, the
raffle may be conducted by the gaming authority at a later time.
The lottery ticket will instruct the players as to the particular
date and time of the game show that determines the raffle prize,
and may also provide the time and date of the raffle drawing. With
this unique interaction between the lottery game and the game show,
the game show is also promoted via the lottery game in that lottery
ticket purchasers are encouraged to view the televised game
shows.
[0030] With many known televised game shows, the prize awarded to
the winning contestant may be any combination of cash, merchandise,
or other items. In this event, the raffle prize may have a cash
value that is at least equivalent to the value of the prize or
prizes won by the game show contestant.
[0031] The present invention also encompasses computer-implemented
methods for achieving a desired payout over a totality of
individual game plays of a lottery game with a computer system
having instruction files to implement a payout schedule. In certain
preferred embodiments, the method includes establishing a deck of
payout records, with each of the records in the deck having a
payout value assigned thereto. The number of records in the deck is
determined as a function of a total number of winning game plays in
the totality of the individual game plays of the lottery game.
Payout values are assigned to the payout records such that a total
sum of the payout values corresponds to a defined payout for the
lottery game. The payout records are applied to the respective
winning game plays in the lottery game to achieve the overall
desired payout over the totality of individual game plays. In
particular embodiments, the payout values are assigned to the
payout records to achieve a defined percentage payout over the
totality of individual game plays.
[0032] The payout records may be randomly shuffled prior to being
applied to respective winning game plays, and may also be
sequentially applied to respective winning game plays.
[0033] In other embodiments, the lottery game includes multiple
winning game play combinations, and the method includes
establishing an additional deck of payout records for each
combination, and distributing the prize payout over all of the
decks so as to achieve the desired payout for all the winning game
play combinations over the totality of individual game plays.
[0034] The method may include determining the number of winning
game plays in the lottery game to achieve a defined winning
probability, and defining the number of records in the deck to
correspond to the number of winning game plays.
[0035] The lottery game may be a probability-based lottery game
wherein indicia selected by a player from a total field of indicia
is compared to randomly generated indicia from the total field of
indicia to determine winning game plays.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the lottery game may be conducted as
an online lottery game.
[0037] Other objects and advantages of the method and system of the
present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art
through practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a game slip that may be
used by a player to initiate play of an embodiment of a lottery
game in accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a lottery ticket that may
be used in play of an embodiment of a lottery game in accordance
with aspects of the invention.
[0040] FIGS. 2A and 2b are tables with representative inputs and
outputs to a probability management method for an online lottery
game depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B having an overall winning
probability of 1 in 4.
[0041] FIG. 3 is an operational chart illustrating use of a first
deck of records for achieving a defined overall winning probability
with the probability management system represented in FIGS. 2A and
2B.
[0042] FIG. 4 is an operational chart illustrating use of a second
deck of records to achieve a desired percentage payout structure
for an online instant lottery game.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram view of a system that may be used for
implementing embodiments of the gaming methodology described
herein.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram view of system components that may be
used for implementing certain embodiments of the gaming methodology
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Reference will now be made to one or more embodiments of the
system and methodology of the invention as illustrated in the
figures. It should be appreciated that each embodiment is presented
by way of explanation of aspects of the invention, and is not meant
as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated
or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another
embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that
the invention include these and other modifications that come
within the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0046] The figures depict the unique probability management and
payout percentage methods implemented for an online instant lottery
game. As explained above, the invention is not limited to lottery
game applications, and includes use in any environment wherein the
benefits of the invention are applicable. With respect to lottery
games, the invention is not limited to any particular type of
lottery game. It should be appreciated that lottery game embodiment
provided herein is for illustrative purposes only.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an embodiment of an online
instant win lottery game may be initiated at lottery terminal
locations provided by a gaming authority by players paying a fee
and completing a game slip 10. Referring to FIG. 1A, the game slip
10 may include any manner of indicia 12 that identifies the game
with a particular theme, such as poker, or an affiliated/licensed
game show, sports team or event, and so forth. For embodiments that
include an additional game component, the game slip 10 may include
a region related to the respective component. Area 14 is the
player's selection area for the instant online lottery game,
wherein the player is asked to designate their selection of indicia
from a total field of the indicia. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, the player designates four numbers from the total field
of twenty numbers. Alternatively, the player may select the
quick-play option 20 wherein the set of four numbers will be
randomly selected by the terminal for the player.
[0048] An additional game area 16 informs the player of the
existence of the additional game component and provides the player
with information and instructions related to the additional
game.
[0049] At a lottery terminal location, the game slip 10 is scanned
and a game ticket 22 (FIG. 1B) is generated. The game ticket 22
includes the same or different indicia 12 related to the game
theme, as well as an instant game play area 24, and an additional
game area 26 if an additional game component is offered. The
instant game play area 24 presents the results of the instant
lottery game to the player in a manner consistent with defined game
rules and the game theme. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, a wheel 30 is depicted. This wheel 30 is widely
recognized as symbolic of the Wheel of Fortune.TM. television game.
The wheel 30 includes distinct positions 32, with each position 32
having a cash value designated therein. The total field of indicia
or numbers (in this case, twenty numbers) presented on the game
slip 14 are located around the wheel 30, with each number
associated with a given wheel position 32. The game ticket 22
visibly indicates the set of numbers either selected by the player
via the game slip 10, or randomly generated for the player. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the player selected numbers
2, 10, 16, and 17 via the game slip 10. These selections are
indicated on the game ticket 22 by arrows and/or by corresponding
shading of the associated wheel positions 32. Players can readily
determine whether they have won by simply examining the shaded or
marked wheel positions 32.
[0050] An indication may be provided on the ticket 22 to indicate a
winning game play in accordance with the game rules, For example,
the game may provide that, if any two shaded or marked wheel
positions 22 contain the same dollar amount, the player wins that
dollar amount, as in the illustrated embodiment wherein $25.00
appears in two of the four shaded wheel positions 32. Thus, the
player wins $25.00. Because four positions are selected by the
player, it is possible that the player can win twice in the instant
game lottery component. For example, in the game ticket 22 shown in
FIG. 1B, positions 16 and 10 indicate $50.00. Thus, the player wins
$50.00 in addition to the $25.00 indicated by positions 2 and 17,
for a total of $75.00.
[0051] In an alternate embodiment of the game illustrated in FIGS.
1A and 1B, the game rules may require that all four of the player's
selected positions contain the same dollar amount for a winning
game play, In still alternate embodiments, lesser prize awards may
be made for three of four, or two of four matches, and so
forth.
[0052] For each game ticket 22 generated, the relative location of
the characters 18 around the wheel 30 represents a random
generation event wherein a set of the indicia is randomly generated
from a total field of the indicia and compared to the player's
selected indicia. The manner of presenting the results of this
event may vary widely between different types of games. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
premise of the game is that the player picks four numbers from the
field of one to twenty numbers, and the game randomly generates
four numbers from the same field. If some combination of the
player's selected numbers match or relate to the randomly generated
set of numbers according to the game rules, then is the play is a
winning game play. FIG. 1B, is a representation that all four of
the player's selected numbers were matched by the randomly
generated set, with the dollar amounts provided at each wheel
position to indicate the prize award.
[0053] Thus, the basic play action for the online instant-win may
be summarized as follows: a player designates their choice of
indicia or characters, such as numbers, from a total field of the
indicia or characters. For example, the player may be asked to
designate a set of 4 numbers from a field of numbers 1 through 20.
In an alternative embodiment, the player may be provided with the
option to select a "quick-play" option wherein the 4 numbers are
randomly generated from the total field for the player by the
terminal. A game ticket is issued to the player that reflects the
player's selection of indicia, and also reflects a randomly
generated set of indicia derived from the total field of indicia in
accordance with the probability management method. If the player's
selected indicia are contained in, or otherwise relate to the
randomly generated set according to the game rules, then the game
play is a winning play. This is a probability based game, and the
invention provides a methodology designed to minimize payout
fluctuations inherent in such probability based games. Aspects of
the probability management system and methodology are explained by
reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, as set forth below.
[0054] FIG. 2A presents a table of representative inputs for the
probability management method. For example, in the Wheel of
Fortune.TM. game illustrated in the play slip and ticket of FIGS.
1A and 1B, there are 20 slices or wedges on the wheel 30. Thus, in
this particular game, the total field of indicia has 20 objects.
The player selects 4 of the wedges on the wheel. The gaming
authority has designated a desired overall probability of winning
in the game of 1 in 4 based on a total of 240,000 individual game
plays. A ticket price may also be designated, such as $2.00, $5.00,
and so forth. The gaming authority may also designate a desired
percentage payout schedule for the instant online game. In the
illustrated embodiment, this payout percentage is 55%.
[0055] The table B in FIG. 2B represents the outputs of the
probability management method for this particular game that results
in generation of the first deck for a game of 240,000 individual
game plays. The first two columns in table B illustrate the various
win probabilities. For example, if a player were to randomly pick 4
numbers from the field of 1 to 20 numbers, and the system were to
randomly generate a subset having X number of indicia from the
total field of indicia of 1 to 20, the various win probabilities
are provided. For example, if the subset contains 14 of the indicia
(X=14), then the odds that the player's 4 selected indicia match
the subset of 14 randomly generated indicia is 1 in 4.84.
Similarly, for a subset of 15 of the indicia (X=15), then the
probability that the player's 4 selected indicia are contained in
the subset is 1 in 3.55. Those skilled in the art of computing
probabilities recognize that the probabilities may be determined
according to the following relationship:
( x 4 ) ( 20 4 ) or combin ( x , 4 ) combin ( 20 , 4 )
##EQU00001##
[0056] Thus, it should be appreciated that a blend of records in
the first deck having different probabilities may be computed to
achieve an approximate overall win probability of for example; 1 in
4. In other words, the first deck can include different sets of
records having numbers X1, X2, X3, wherein each of the X numbers
has a different probability of winning. In the illustrated
embodiment, the deck is generated based on a total of 240,000 game
plays and includes 101,373 records with X1 equal to 14 indicia
(probability of winning of 1 in 4.84), and 138,627 records with X2
equal to 15 (probability of winning of 1 in 3.55). The blend of
these records results in an overall probability of winning of 1 in
3.99999686 (Table C), which closely approximates the overall win
probability of 1 in 4. The number of records having different X
numbers may be determined by the following relationship:
( n .times. p 1 + ( s - n ) .times. p 2 ) s = pd ##EQU00002## or
##EQU00002.2## n = sx ( pd - p 2 ) ( p 1 - p 2 ) ##EQU00002.3##
[0057] Where: [0058] S=Total Deck Size (No. of Records) [0059]
P.sub.1=Probability when Lottery chooses X.sub.1 numbers [0060]
P.sub.2=Probability when Lottery chooses X.sub.2 numbers [0061]
n=Number of cards in deck with X.sub.1 [0062] P.sub.d=Desired
probability
[0063] Table B in FIG. 2B represents an embodiment wherein the
first deck contains two sets of records, with the first set of
records designating a first number X1 equal to 14, and a second set
of records designating a second number X2 equal to 15, with the
blend of the different sets of records having different X numbers
achieving the overall desired winning probability that closely
approximates 1 in 4 (1 in 3.99999686). In alternative embodiments,
the first deck may include additional sets having different
numbers, X3, X4, and so forth. For example, the first deck may
include a third set of records having a third number X3 equal to
13, and a fourth set of records having a number X4 equal to 16.
Again, the number of records in each set is computed such that the
total blend of records produces the overall win probability of 1 in
4 for all of the contemplated game plays.
[0064] FIG. 3 further illustrates an embodiment of the probability
management methodology. The first deck is represented by the
compilation 50 and includes individual records 52. Each record 52
designates an X value 54a, 54b, and so forth. In the illustrated
embodiment, deck 50 includes a first subset having numbers X1 equal
to 14, and a second subset having numbers X2 equal to 15. Every
game play is assigned one of the records, and the respective X
number dictates to the terminal system how many numbers to randomly
generate from the total field of the numbers 1 through 20 for the
respective game play. In an alternate embodiment, the step of
randomly generating the X number of indicia for each record may be
done at the time of generating the records, such that each record
contains the respective X number of randomly generated numbers from
the total field of numbers. In this scenario, the terminal system
simply retrieves a record for each game play and uses the subset of
indicia that was previously randomly generated and associated with
the respective record.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the records are assigned
sequentially to each individual game play. Thus, the first record
in the deck 50 instructs the terminal system to generate 15 numbers
from the field of numbers 1 through 20 for the first game play, or
use the 15 numbers previously generated and stored with the record.
The second record instructs the system to generate 14 numbers from
the total field of numbers 1 through 20 for the second game play,
and so forth.
[0066] Still referring to FIG. 3, the resulting subset of numbers
for each of the game plays is compared with the player's selected
numbers to determine whether the game play is a winning play
according to the defined game rules. In the illustrated embodiment,
the player's 4 selected numbers are 2, 10, 16, and 17. The next
sequential record 52 in the deck 50 resulted in generation or
retrieval of 15 different numbers randomly generated from the total
field of numbers 1 through 20, as illustrated in the chart in FIG.
3. The player's 4 selected numbers are contained within the subset
of 15 numbers. Thus, this particular game play is a winning game
play. The game rules may define that a lesser number of matches,
such as 3 of 4, or 2 of 4, result in a winning game play, but for a
lesser prize amount.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the individual records in the
first deck 50 are generated, randomly shuffled, and then assigned
sequentially to respective game plays. In alternative embodiments,
assignment of the individual records may also be conducted
randomly.
[0068] Thus, it should be appreciated that for a given number of
game plays (i.e. 240,000 individual game plays), a desired overall
win probability can be established by varying the number of
randomly generated indicia within the subsets of the different game
plays. A theoretical total number of game plays is defined by the
gaming authority to achieve a close approximation to the desired
overall win probability. A greater number of games allows for a
closer approximation to the win probability. An individual game
play will have a win probability defined by its individual X
number. For example, a first player may have a win probability that
may be the same as or varies as compared to subsequent players, and
so forth. However, the number of game plays having different win
probabilities is computed such that the win probability considering
all of the game plays achieves a desired overall win probability
and on average equalizes the odds over time. This feature is not
apparent to the individual players in that a player cannot
determine the X number for the subset used in any particular game
play.
[0069] Thus, the gaming authority can establish an online instant
win game having an overall win probability dictated by the gaming
authority for the totality of the game plays. Once the first deck
has been depleted, or otherwise exhausted, the gaming authority may
simply recycle the deck to continue play of the game. The recycled
deck may be used in the first sequential order, or may be
reshuffled. Alternatively, the gaming authority may compute an
entirely different deck. This process is also seamless and
invisible to the players.
[0070] The probability management method also allows the gaming
authority to achieve a desired payout schedule for the totality of
the individual games. Referring to FIG. 4, this feature may be
accomplished by establishing a second deck 56 of individual records
58, with each record 58 designating a prize payout value 60. The
number of individual records 58 within the second deck 56 is
computed as a function of the total number of game plays used to
define the first deck and specified overall win probability. For
example, referring to FIG. 4, if 240,000 plays of the instant
online game were contemplated for the first deck, as discussed
above with respect to deck 1 in FIG. 3, then approximately 1 in 4
of the individual game plays will be a winning play. In other
words, approximately 60,000 of the game plays will be winning
plays. Thus, deck 2 is configured to contain 60,000 records.
[0071] A prize payout value 60 is assigned to each of the records
58 such that the total sum of the values 60 corresponds to a
desired percentage payout. For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and
2B wherein 240,000 individual game plays are contemplated at a
ticket price of $2.00 for each game play, the gaming authority may
designate a percentage payout of 55% for the totality of the game.
This payout percentage may be achieved by assigning a combination
of prize payout values to the individual records 58 in deck 2.
Referring to FIG. 4, for example, the deck 56 may include records
58 indicating a payout value 60 of $5.00, $2.00, $15.00, $10.00,
$1000.00, $100.00, and so forth. Various combinations of records
having different payout values are obviously available to achieve
the total payout value corresponding to the desired percentage
payout of 55%.
[0072] After the records 58 are generated, they may be randomly
shuffled and applied sequentially to each winning game play. For
example, referring to FIG. 4, the first record 58 in the deck 56 is
applied to the first winning game play from the deck 50 of FIG. 3
so that this winning game play has a payout value of $5.00. The
third winning game play (based on the first deck 50) wins $15.00.
The sixth winning game play from the first deck wins $100,00, and
so forth.
[0073] Thus, by managing the probability of winning over the course
of the game as described above, the gaming authority can closely
approximate the number of game plays that will be winning plays. A
desired payout percentage schedule may then be readily applied to
this known number of winning plays to achieve designated overall
win probability and precisely controlled payout schedule.
[0074] It should be appreciated that the above methodology may be
readily tailored for probability games that include multiple
winning combinations. For example, in the game illustrated above,
the game rules may define that 3 of 4, or 2 of 4, matches between
the player's selected numbers and the randomly generated set of 4
numbers also results in a winning game play, but for a lesser prize
amount as compared to 4 of 4 matches. The above methodology may be
used to compute respective second prize decks associated with the
lesser prize structures, as graphically illustrated as "Deck 3" in
FIG. 4. For example, in the above described game, the gaming
authority can readily predict the number of game plays having 3 of
4 matches, or 2 of 4 matches, and can generate a respective second
prize deck for each scenario that has a number of records
corresponding to the predicted number of winning game plays for
each respective prize structure. Each of these records may include
a prize award, with the records being assigned sequentially to
winning game plays having 3 of 4 matches, or 2 of 4 matches, and so
forth.
[0075] Distribution of the prize money between the various second
decks is done to achieve the overall desired payout percentage. In
other words, if the game rules define that a winning game play must
include 4 of 4 matches, then the entire amount of prize money as a
function of the designed payout percentage is distributed over a
single second deck, as in the embodiment of FIG. 4 above. If the
game rules define that a lesser number of matches also win a lesser
prize award, then some amount of the prize money is distributed
over an additional second deck generated for the lesser prize
structure. The prize amounts may vary within a range for each deck.
For example, the prize award for 4 of 4 matches may vary between $2
and $1,000, as in FIG. 4, and the prize award for 3 of 4 matches
may vary between $2 and $100. The prize award for 2 of 4 matches
may vary between $2 and $10.
[0076] The lottery terminal can be readily configured to compare
the payer's selected indicia to the randomly generated indicia, and
determine and display the winning prize amount on the game ticket
22 according to the game rules.
[0077] Lottery games incorporating the probability management
method and percentage payout structure described above may be
implemented by various system configurations. FIG. 5 is a block
diagram illustrating an exemplary basic system configuration in
accordance with principles of the invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a
game provider D may design a lottery game and upload the necessary
files for conducting the game to a secure server E that is
maintained by the game provider. The files may also be separately
stored in a secure storage device F. The game provider may provide
to any one or combination of gaming authorities, such as separate
states, jurisdictions, and so forth, hardware "black boxes" I for
conducting the lottery games. For example, individual gaming
authorities represented by lottery host primary sites H1, H2, and
H3 in FIG. 5 may be provided with the black boxes I. These boxes I
would include file instructions, programs, the first and second
decks of records, and any other software necessary for conducting
the game and interfacing with the authority's network. A primary
set of the boxes I may be provided, as well as a backup set J. At
least one set of the black boxes will reside in the gaming
authority's primary data center, and these boxes are connected to
the gaming authority's network so as to be in communication with
individual online vendors K within the gaming authority's
jurisdiction.
[0078] The lottery game files may be downloaded from the game
provider's server E to a storage device G, such as a USB storage
device, which is then physically delivered to the individual
lottery host primary sites H1, H2, and H3. The game files are
transferred from the storage device G to the black boxes I
previously provided to the host sites H1, H2, and H3. The online
vendor systems K can only communicate with the black boxes I using
the game provider's secure protocol and definitions. This
communication is necessary to pass a player's selections to the
black boxes I, and to receive the results of the online instant
play generated by the black boxes I. For audit and reporting
purposes, the black boxes I are also configured to run special
programs to generate reports of all transactions processed during
certain periods of time, and so forth, as requested by the lottery
host primary site and/or game provider.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, an individual game play is initiated by
a player submitting a play slip 10 at a lottery terminal L. The
player's selected indicia are transmitted via online vendor's
server K to the black boxes I provided to the host H by the game
provider. The decks of records discussed above with respect to the
probability management and percentage payout methods and systems
are contained in the boxes, and for each game play, the boxes
increment the first deck to determine the number X of indicia in
the subset of indicia. The subset having the X number of indicia is
then randomly generated from the total field of indicia, and the
result of the game play is provided to the player via the ticket
22. In the invent that the game play is a winning game play (i.e.
the player's selection is contained in the subset of randomly
generated indicia), then the black boxes I increment the second
deck of records related to the payout percentage system. The payout
value associated with the respective record is assigned to the
winning game play and indicated on the ticket 22.
[0080] Preferably, the set of primary black boxes I are configured
so that each of the black boxes functions to implement the game.
Thus, in the event that one of the boxes is not available, the
second box I in the primary set can perform the exact game
functions. The same applies to the backup set of boxes J.
[0081] As discussed, an additional game component may be provided
with the online lottery game and related to the theme of the online
game. Referring to FIG. 1B, a portion 26 of the game ticket 22
provides to the player a randomly generated entry into the
additional game, for example a unique raffle number randomly
generated at the terminal. These raffle numbers are communicated to
the central gaming authority, and all of the assigned raffle
numbers are entered into a subsequent drawing. Because only
assigned numbers are in the pool of raffle numbers, a winner is
guaranteed for each drawing. The area 26 in the ticket indicates to
the player the time and manner of drawing the raffle number, as
well as the raffle prize, and any other information related to the
raffle drawing.
[0082] It a particularly unique embodiment, the raffle drawing may
be conducted as a portion of an event related to the theme of the
lottery game. For example, the lottery theme may relate to a game
show, with the raffle being conducted in conjunction with the show,
for example by being incorporated into broadcasting of the show by
a local affiliate. The local affiliate may coordinate with the
gaming authority to draw the raffle number during an intermission
in the show, or immediately after the show. In still an alternative
embodiment, the gaming authority may conduct the raffle drawing at
a later time independent of the show time.
[0083] It should also be readily appreciated by those skilled in
the art that modifications and variations may be made to the
embodiments of the system and methodology described herein without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *