U.S. patent application number 13/541444 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for system and method for purchasing game and lottery tickets.
Invention is credited to Wayne P. CHAU.
Application Number | 20120270629 13/541444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29740059 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120270629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAU; Wayne P. |
October 25, 2012 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PURCHASING GAME AND LOTTERY TICKETS
Abstract
A system and method for buying tickets for games or lotteries in
which a seller receives predicted game or lottery outcome data
communicated from a buyer over a communication path. The seller
generates a printed ticket based on the received outcome data and
the seller transfers the printed ticket to a custodian that holds
the printed ticket on behalf of the buyer. The custodian transmits
data relating to the printed ticket to the buyer over the
communication path and notifies the buyer if the printed ticket
corresponds to an actual game or lottery outcome.
Inventors: |
CHAU; Wayne P.; (New York,
NY) |
Family ID: |
29740059 |
Appl. No.: |
13/541444 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12289303 |
Oct 24, 2008 |
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13541444 |
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11339477 |
Jan 26, 2006 |
7677453 |
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12289303 |
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10405235 |
Apr 3, 2003 |
7024375 |
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11339477 |
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60388733 |
Jun 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 ;
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/04 20130101;
G07F 17/42 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 40/04 20130101;
G07F 17/3248 20130101; G06Q 10/02 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G06Q 30/0633 20130101; G06Q 20/209 20130101; G06Q 30/0617
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 ;
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for a ticket buyer to buy a bearer ticket for a game or
lottery, comprising: accessing a web-site of a ticket seller;
indicating acceptance of an agreement providing that a custodian
will receive the bearer ticket from the ticket seller and hold the
bearer ticket in custody for the ticket buyer's benefit, the
custodian being a separate legal entity from the ticket seller and
the ticket buyer; and supplying ticket purchase information to buy
the bearer ticket.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the agreement further
provides that the ticket seller will deliver the bearer ticket to
the custodian.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the agreement further
provides that the ticket seller will redeem a winning ticket of
less than a certain monetary amount.
4. A method for a ticket seller to sell a bearer ticket for a game
or lottery comprising: displaying an agreement to a ticket buyer
accessing a web-site selling the bearer ticket, the agreement
providing that a custodian will receive the bearer ticket from the
ticket seller and hold the bearer ticket in custody for the ticket
buyer's benefit, the custodian being a separate legal entity from
the ticket seller and the ticket buyer; receiving a signal
indicating the ticket buyer's acceptance of the agreement; and
receiving ticket purchase information from the ticket buyer to buy
the bearer ticket.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the agreement further
provides that the ticket seller will deliver the bearer ticket to
the custodian.
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the agreement further
provides that the seller will redeem a winning ticket of less than
a certain monetary amount.
7. A storage medium on which executable instructions for performing
the method of claim 4 are tangibly embodied.
8. A method for a ticket seller to sell a bearer ticket for a game
or lottery comprising: receiving ticket purchase information to buy
the bearer ticket, the ticket purchase information being
communicated over the internet from a ticket buyer; printing out
the bearer ticket; and transferring the printed bearer ticket to a
custodian that is a separate legal entity from the ticket seller
and the ticket buyer, the custodian holding the printed bearer
ticket in custody for the ticket buyer's benefit.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
12/289,303, filed Oct. 24, 2008, which is a divisional of
application Ser. No. 11/339,477, filed Jan. 26, 2006, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,677,453, which is a divisional of 10/405,235, filed Apr. 3,
2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,024,375, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/388,733, filed Jun. 17, 2002. The
contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein in
their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems and
methods for purchasing tickets and, more particularly, to such
systems and methods involving the use of a trusted third party
intermediary (custodian). Even more specifically, the present
invention relates to a system and method for wagering on the
outcomes of gaming events or playing lottery games by perfecting
the buyer's security interest to the physical/bearer game tickets
generated by an; authorized sales agent of a gaming or lottery
agency.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0003] Traditionally, when wagering on the outcome of gaming events
or playing lottery games, a buyer must go to the gaming agency
itself (such as a race track) or to a governmentally authorized
site (such as OTB aka Off Track Betting) or to a lottery retailer.
The buyer completes a game card or communicates to the sales agent
the (alpha) numeric sequence(s) he or she wishes to play, and pays
the sales agent the wager. The sales agent enters the selections
into either an on-site or on-line terminal that is connected to the
gaming or lottery's processing system. The chosen (alpha) numeric
sequence is recorded, and then a coded physical/bearer claim ticket
with the details of the (alpha) numeric sequence is instantaneously
issued and printed. The physical/bearer ticket is handed over to
the buyer, and the buyer takes possession of the ticket. The gaming
or lottery agency recognizes the actual physical/bearer ticket as
the sole form of legal claim to any winnings or prizes, with one
exception.
[0004] The exception is when the buyer enters into a subscription
arrangement with a lottery agency in which the buyer subscribes to
the same (alpha) numeric sequence for a fixed number of future
drawings. In this instance, the buyer must complete an application
form detailing personal information and submit the application and
payment to the agency. The lottery agency records the subscription
into its system and issues an official acknowledgement to the
subscriber of the (alpha) numeric sequence, the subscription period
and number of future drawings. The personal information is recorded
in the lottery agency's database.
[0005] The subscription agreement is the sole exception where a
gaming or lottery agency does not issue a physical ticket, but has
a recognized potential legal claim. However, the subscription
process generates very low sales volume for the sponsors because of
the inconvenience of the enrollment process and the lack of
flexibility offered to the buyer.
[0006] At present, numerous Internet sites offer wagering through
virtual casinos, private or offshore lottery drawings and
interactive games. However, in the United States, no federal, state
or local government or agency has offered wagering, gaming or
playing the lottery via the Internet. One reason for this is that
changing the current bearer ticket environment into a bearer ticket
and ticket-less environment requires a major process change, and a
major systems rewrite ("process" change). Another reason is that a
widespread ticket-less process invites significant fraud, legal and
logistical exposure ("risk" change) to the sponsoring entity. Many
proposals have been made regarding new systems and methods that
require the sponsoring entity to adopt a major "process" and/or
"risk" change to accommodate the Internet as a distribution
channel. To date, in the United States, no federal, state or local
government or agency has adopted or embraced any change for its
gaming or lottery system from the current physical/bearer ticket
process (excluding subscriptions), which by its very nature is
Internet unfriendly.
[0007] The example system and method described herein do not
require the sponsoring entity to adopt a major "process" and/or
"risk" change to accommodate the Internet as a distribution
channel. The government's (and/or its agent's) interest is
satisfied while a buyer's legal claim to physical/bearer tickets
for transactions initiated over the Internet is safeguarded. In the
disclosed example system and method, the actual physical/bearer
ticket is in the physical possession of a custodian/safekeeper, and
the custodian/safekeeper maintains custody of the ticket on behalf
of the buyer. The introduction of an independent third party
custodian/safekeeper to hold in custody the physical bearer ticket
avoids potential conflicts of interest between buyer and seller,
and remedies the risk concerns of the governmental sponsors.
[0008] An example system and method are described below which
facilitate a buyer's perfection of his/her/their security interest
to physical/bearer game tickets, purchased and issued from a seller
(e.g., an authorized sales agent of a gaming and/or lottery agency)
through the use of an independent custodian. This makes the
purchase of gaming and lottery tickets viable when and where the
initiation of the transaction is over a communication path like the
Internet. No substantial modification to the present gaming or
lottery systems that issue physical bearer tickets is required--the
system and method described herein may be provided as an add-on to
existing gaming or lottery systems.
[0009] The example security interest perfection system and method
described herein includes three aspects: a communication network, a
physical back office operation, and contractual
custodial/safekeeping agreements. This is referred to herein as the
"clicks," "bricks" and "sticks" framework. The first framework is
systems or "clicks" and encompasses an open-ended architecture for
a plurality of buyers using the Internet to purchase gaming or
lottery tickets and to receive confirmation of such purchases;
their Internet Service Provider; and a designated sales agent
system which includes web servers, firewalls, security,
authentication and authorization systems, and host machines
structured in a distributed computing environment. The second
framework is a physical processing mechanism or "bricks" in which
on line gaming and/or lottery systems generate actual
physical/bearer tickets and are safekept, and where all relevant
information of those tickets are imaged and recorded. The third
framework is the execution by the buyer, sales agent and/or
custodian/safekeeper of a roles and responsibility agreement.
"Sticks" refers to a legal agreement executed on line that
delineates a legal and contractual engagement of an independent
third party (e.g., the custodian/safekeeper) thereby clearly
segregating the interest of the buyer and seller.
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of illustrative embodiments, which is to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram of a system 10 in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of the
system shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow charts of processes carried out in
the system of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the "clicks" framework;
[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B are block diagrams of the "bricks"
framework;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the "sticks" framework; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a generalized block diagram of an example computer
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The various illustrative embodiments described below relate
to a system and method for enabling a buyer to perfect
his/her/their security interest to physical/bearer game tickets
purchased over a communication network and issued from an
authorized sales agent of a gaming and/or lottery agency. In
certain particular illustrative embodiments, the system and method
enable the perfection of a security interest to physical/bearer
game tickets in which the purchase transaction is initiated on the
Internet or World Wide Web. "Buyer" as used herein may refer to an
individual or to a group of individuals. That is, a group of
individuals may arrange to purchase one or more tickets using the
system and method described herein.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram of an overall system
10 that includes at least one seller unit 12, a plurality of buyer
units 14, a custodian unit 16, a gaming or lottery agency unit 18,
and a third-party transaction vendor/servicer unit 20. The seller
unit 12, the custodian unit 16, the gaming or lottery agency unit
18 and the third-party transaction vendor/servicer unit 20 may be
located at different, remotely located facilities and operated by
respective operators. Of course, one or more of these units may be
located at the same facility and operated by the same operator. For
example, the seller unit 12 and the custodian unit 16 may be
located at the same facility and operated either by the same
operator or by operators of their respective organizations.
[0020] Various communication paths enable communication among these
system units. For example, communication paths 22 enable
communication between seller unit 12 and buyer unit 14; a
communication path 24 enables communication between seller unit 12
and custodian unit 16; a communication path 26 enables
communication between seller unit 12 and gaming or lottery agency
unit 18; a communication path 28 enables communication between
seller unit 12 and third party vendor/servicer unit 20; and
communication paths 34 enable communication between custodian unit
16 and buyer units 14. The communication paths 22, 24, 26, 28 and
34 may be wired or wireless paths and may each be comprised of
dedicated (point-to-point) paths and/or networks such as local area
networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area
networks (WANs), and the like. Although shown in FIG. 1 as being
separate, some of the communication paths may be the same or may
include common portions. For example, all the communication paths
could pass through a common network such as the Internet.
[0021] The buyer units 14 are typically located at geographically
remote locations with respect to each other and are connected for
two-way communication with the seller unit 12 over the
communication paths 22. To enable communication over paths 22, the
seller unit(s) 12 and buyer units 14 include (or are connected to)
communication circuitry such as modems, network adapters and the
like. In one illustrative embodiment, the seller and buyer units
12, 14 comprise respective computer systems coupled for
communication over the Internet or World Wide Web. The seller unit
12 communicates with gaming or lottery agency unit 18 to generate
the physical/bearer tickets as detailed in a purchase transaction.
The seller unit 12 communicates with custodian/safekeeper unit 16
to process and hold in custody the physical/bearer ticket(s).
Seller unit 12 transmits to any of the relevant parties to the
transaction all pertinent physical/bearer ticket data for
identification including tracking data, prize awards and seller
data. The seller unit 12 communicates with third party transaction
vendor/servicer unit 20 for the assessment and processing of
payment by a buyer to the seller for desired purchase transactions.
The seller unit 12 also communicates with third party
vendor/servicer unit 20 to credit to the buyer monetary prizes in
compliance with conditions promulgated by regulatory agencies. The
seller unit 12 communicates to the buyer units 14 any special
handling or claims administration processes to monetary prizes in
compliance with procedures, rules and regulations promulgated by
the regulatory agencies.
[0022] The custodian/safekeeper unit 16 receives transmissions from
seller unit 12 and/or gaming or lottery agency unit 18 which
include purchase data associated with each physical/bearer ticket
produced. Limitations may be imposed by regulatory agencies on the
communication paths that may connect to the gaming or lottery
agency unit 18. In such cases, a direct communication link between
the gaming or lottery agency unit 18 and the custodian/safekeeper
unit 16 may not be permitted. If the gaming/lottery agency permits
only a communication path to the seller unit 12, then the seller
unit 12 relays any purchase information derived from the gaming or
lottery agency unit 18 to the custodian unit 16. The purchase data
may, for example, include tracking data for each ticket. This
tracking data may include, but is not limited to, a unique serial
code for the ticket, an identifier (ID) identifying the seller of
the ticket and an identifier of the terminal of the seller that
printed the ticket. Of course, any other data or codes that are
required or determined to be relevant by the gaming or lottery
agency and/or the custodian/safekeeper for the identification of a
legal claim to winning prizes or for tracking purposes may be
stored. The custodian/safekeeper unit 16 communicates to the buyer
units 14 confirmation of the purchase of tickets, which may include
tracking data and/or images of physical/bearer tickets held in
custody on behalf of buyer. If applicable, the custodian/safekeeper
unit 16 also communicates data regarding prize winnings and the
credit of these winnings to the buyer's account (e.g., credit card,
bank account, etc.) or the appropriate methodologies for claiming
such prizes.
[0023] If the communication path 26 between the gaming or lottery
agency unit 18 and the seller unit 12 can not be established, the
purchase or tracking data, which may include, but is not limited
to, a unique serial code for the ticket, and identifier (ID)
identifying the seller of the ticket and an identifier of the
terminal of the seller that printed the ticket, or any other data
or codes that are required or determined to be relevant by the
gaming or lottery agency and/or the custodian/safekeeper for the
identification of a legal claim to winning prizes or for tracking
purposes, can be obtained directly from the actual physical ticket
through data and image recognition technology employed by the
seller unit 12 and/or the custodian/safekeeper unit 16. The
custodian/safekeeper unit 16 communicates to the buyer units 14
confirmation of the purchase of tickets, which may include tracking
data and/or images of physical/bearer tickets held in custody on
behalf of buyer.
[0024] The physical/bearer tickets produced by the seller unit 12
are physically transferred to a reader/sorter of the custodian unit
16, which images the tickets and stores these images in a database
along with corresponding tracking data. The physical tickets are
then stored at the custodian facility. The ticket images and/or
tracking data are transmitted to the buyer unit from which the
ticket was purchased and, if desired, to seller unit 12 for storage
in a database thereof. The reader/sorter of the
custodian/safekeeper unit 16 preferably includes the ability to
recognize on a dynamic basis any data string printed on the
physical/bearer ticket and the recognition of these data strings is
preferably not restricted to any predefined fields. Data string
recognition processes facilitate ticket image retrieval and
determination of the tracking data. The custodian/safekeeper unit
16 also bundles the physical/bearer tickets, codes the bundles and
safekeeps the coded bundles in coded cells at a secure location
(e.g., a vault) of the custodian's facility. The bundling, coding
and transport to the secure location may be performed automatically
or manually. All relevant information regarding the bundling,
coding and storage location is recorded and stored at the
custodian/safekeeper unit 16 and may, if desired, be transmitted to
the seller unit 12 and the buyer unit from which the ticket was
purchased.
[0025] The seller unit 12 is capable of providing to the buyer
units 14 information and contractual agreements including, but not
limited to, custodial/safekeeping agreements and of receiving and
storing custodial/safekeeping agreements executed by the buyers.
The buyer unit's access to seller unit 12 is controlled, based on
the buyer's execution of custodial/safekeeping agreement and on the
buyer's level of engagement to consummate a purchase transaction.
Confirmation of an executed custodial/safekeeping agreement and a
consummated purchase transaction between and amongst all relevant
parties is communicated by the seller and/or custodian unit to the
buyer unit along with an electronic image of the bearer ticket(s)
printed as a result of the transaction.
[0026] Significant levels of system firewalls and authentication
processes are used to screen and to prevent unauthorized access to
seller unit 12. Authentication processes are used to validate the
identity of the seller unit to the buyer.
[0027] The outcome data for the game or lottery entered by the
buyer is communicated to a seller unit ticket machine which is
linked and communicates with the gaming or lottery agency unit 18.
The seller unit ticket machine is typically located at the site of
a trusted third party such as a bank, a financial institution or
other party with 24/7 secured facilities. The seller unit ticket
machine is provided with an interface for communication within
other processors and databases of the seller unit 12. If such
communication involves the Internet, a server may be provided for
the Internet access by the seller unit and this server may provide
the purchase information to the ticket machine. The server
functionality may be provided via stand-alone equipment or this
functionality may be built into the ticket machine.
[0028] The outcome data supplied to the seller unit ticket machine
from other processors of seller unit 12 is used to generate printed
tickets. The seller unit ticket machine actually generates printed
tickets and the buyer is provided with an electronic receipt of
his/her/their purchase. The printed tickets are maintained in the
custody of the trusted third party ("custodian/safekeeper") and a
tracking mechanism is provided to track the printed tickets. For
example, the printed tickets may be optically scanned and images of
the scanned tickets may be stored along with relevant purchase data
(e.g., tracking data; name of buyer; buyer contact information such
as mailing address, e-mail address, and/or telephone number; time
of purchase; etc.) A database of the custodian/safekeeper unit 16
stores data that records the user's purchases.
[0029] The purchase data, along with information regarding
winnings, losses, etc., may be maintained in the database of the
custodian/safekeeper unit 16 and access to the database may be
provided to the buyers. For example, the purchase data may be
accessible via the Internet and the buyer provided with a
spreadsheet-like presentation showing purchase data for some period
of time. Access to such data may be limited, for example, by
requiring entry of an appropriate password or some other technique
for verifying the identity of the person accessing the data.
[0030] The amount of the purchase and/or any winnings may be
deducted from and/or added to an account of the buyer (such as a
bank account, credit card or debit card) by third party transaction
vendor/servicer unit 20. Of course, the use of a third party
transaction vendor/servicer unit is not required. For example, the
buyer may set up an account with the seller or the custodian and
the purchase and/or winning amounts may be credited to and deducted
from such an account. In still another contemplated implementation,
the ticket buyer may purchase cards similar to calling cards, which
provide the buyer with a certain amount ($5, $10, $50, etc.) of
credit that may be used to purchase tickets. These cards may, for
example, include a magnetic strip that is activated at the time of
purchase and is readable by the buyer unit used by the buyer.
Alternatively, the cards may include a number that is entered by
the user to permit charges to be incurred against the pre-paid
amount.
[0031] The seller unit 12 and/or custodian/safekeeper unit 16 may
be updated with actual outcome data such as winning lottery
numbers, winning horses, winning jai alai players, etc. This
outcome data may be used to automatically generate an electronic
communication to the buyer using, for example, contact information
provided by the buyer. The communication may, for example, take the
form of an e-mail communication that includes the outcome data and
how the buyer fared (e.g., how much won or lost, etc.). The seller
unit 12 and/or custodian/safekeeper unit 16 may also be configured
to telephone winners to inform them of their winnings. The
communication to the buyer may prompt the buyer for a response. For
example, the buyer may be asked whether he/she wishes the custodian
to store losing printed tickets for some period of time (e.g., for
tax purposes) or simply destroy them.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example implementation of
the system shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, buyer units 114 may
include laptop computers 140 and personal computers 142. Of course,
other types of buyer units may also be utilized within the system
and method described herein. For example, the buyer units may be
kiosks located at public facilities such as malls, airports, etc.;
hand-held wireless devices such as personal digital assistants
(PDAs) or wireless telephones; or any other device capable of
selecting outcomes of gaming or lottery events, entering relevant
personal information, payment formats and receiving communications
from seller unit 112. Buyer units 114 connect to a communication
path 122 via a communication circuit such as a modem 152, a DSL
connection 154, a T1 connection 156 or some other type of network
connection 158. Buyers use buyer units 114 to connect through the
communication path 122 to seller unit 112 (in particular, a web
site maintained by seller unit 112). Communication path 122 is
typically the Internet, but may of course be any type of wired or
wireless communication path. The buyer unit provides an interface
usable to effect purchases of bearer tickets. The particulars of
the interface will depend at least on part on the type of buyer
unit. For example, the interface provided for a PDA or wireless
telephone may be different than the interface provided for a
personal or notebook computer in consideration of the different
screen sizes and input devices typically associated with these
devices.
[0033] Seller unit 112 includes one or more web servers 160 whose
loads are balanced by a load balancer 162. Seller unit 112 also
includes one or more gaming system computers 164 whose loads are
balanced by a load balancer 166. A database 168 is accessible by
the gaming system computers 164. Web servers 160, a security
monitoring system computer 170, one or more security system
computers 172, a load balancer 174 for balancing the load of the
security system computers, a database 176 accessible by the
security system computers 172, and an arrangement of firewalls 178,
180, 182, 184, and 186 provide security for seller unit 112.
[0034] The web servers 160 provide security in a couple of ways.
First, they encrypt data transmissions. They also perform cyclical
redundancy checking (CRC) on the data transmissions. CRC verifies
that the data transmissions are not altered in any
way--inadvertently or on purpose. Web servers 160 also provide a
mechanism that allows authentication of the web servers 160 so that
components communicating with the servers know the web servers 160
are who they claim to be. The security monitoring system computer
170 provides an administrative interface to the security software
installed in seller unit 112. Security monitoring systems computer
functionality can be distributed to other computer platforms or
placed on standalone platforms as shown in this diagram. Typical
security software verifies the operating system's security settings
or performs real-time monitoring of an operating system's security
settings.
[0035] The security system computers 172 provide an authentication
mechanism that lets buyers connect to the gaming system computer(s)
164. By way of example, the authentication method could consist of
user name/password combinations, biometrics, physical tokens (like
SecureID cards), etc. The security system computers 172 also
provide a method to place users of the seller unit 112 into
predetermined logical groups. This grouping mechanism allows the
segregation of users by predetermined functions such as buyer,
system administrator, system operator, security administrator, etc.
The security system computers 172 protect the gaming system
computer(s) 164 from both internal users (e.g., employees of the
seller) and external users (e.g., potential buyers).
[0036] The security system computer 172 uses database 176 to store
user authentication information. It can also be accessed by future
security mechanisms implemented to provide functions such as
centralized user account management, centralized subject
process/object control, etc.
[0037] Firewalls 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 can be installed and
arranged in many ways. These firewalls are used to control the
access of source subjects located on one network to destination
objects located on another network. Within firewalls 178, 180, 182,
184, and 186 exist a set of rules. These rules delineate which
subjects have access to objects. At a minimum, a source to
destination connection, found in a firewall 178, 180, 182, 184, and
186 rule follows Source IP address, Source Port(s), Source Mask,
Destination IP address, Destination Port(s), Destination Mask,
Network Protocol, Permit or Deny, Inbound or Outbound. When data
arrives at a firewall 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 it is examined.
The connection is matched against an existing firewall rule. When
the match is made, the firewall 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 allows
or denies the data to proceed to the destination object.
[0038] To a buy a ticket for a game or lottery, a buyer accesses
the seller's web site using a buyer unit 114. The buyer selects a
gaming event (e.g., horse racing, dog racing, jai alai, keno, etc.)
or a lottery game (e.g., pick three, pick four, etc.) and chooses
to buy a ticket. The web site interface may provide the buyer
various options, for example, via a selectable list of options from
which the buyer may make selections. For example, an initial list
may prompt the buyer to select from among various gaming events
(e.g., keno, horse racing, dog racing and jai alai) and lottery
games. Selection of one of these options takes the buyer to various
sub-menus and screens. For example, the buyer may be able to select
from among several different types of lottery games (e.g., pick
three, pick four, etc.) and/or from among lottery games run by
different agencies or organizations (provided the player meets the
necessary eligibility requirements such as residency and age).
Similarly, if the buyer selects the horse racing option, a sub-menu
may permit the buyer to select from among a number of different
horse racing types (e.g., thoroughbreds, trotters, pacers) and from
among a number of different tracks at which these types of races
are run.
[0039] The buyer then selects desired (predicted) outcomes
appropriate for the selected game. The buyer may also enter
relevant personal information, payment information, and the like as
needed. The transmission and/or reception of sensitive information
such as credit card information may be encrypted using known
encryption techniques. Typically, the buyer selects outcomes by
making (alpha) numeric selections via an input device (e.g.,
keyboard, mouse, touch pad, touch-sensitive screen, microphone,
etc.) of the buyer unit 114. The outcome data entered by the buyer
takes various forms depending on the type of ticket being
purchased. In the case of a lottery or keno ticket, the outcome
information entered by the buyer may include numbers. For example,
in a pick-four lottery game, the buyer selects four numbers (e.g.,
1234). The numbers may be buyer-selected numbers or may be selected
by a process running on the buyer unit itself as described below.
Alternatively, the buyer may elect to have the lottery or keno
ticket machine choose the numbers. In the case of races or jai
alai, the outcome data entered by the buyer may include a wager
amount, a selected horse, dog, player or players, and a finishing
position (e.g., win, place or show).
[0040] As mentioned above, buyer unit 114 may run a process that
automatically generates outcome selections for the ticket buyer.
For example, the process may generate outcome selections such as
lottery or keno numbers based at least in part on personal
information of the buyer (e.g., birthday, street address,
children's birthdays, etc.) stored in a memory to which the buyer
unit has access. In another implementation, the process may
generate outcome selections based at least in part on parameters
sensed or sampled by buyer unit 114. For example, lottery or keno
numbers may be based on the current date or the current time.
Alternatively, the outcome selections may be based on information
that buyer unit 114 receives from data sources (not shown) such as
the number of runs scored by the user's favorite baseball team,
stock market indices, etc.
[0041] The buyer also executes a custodial agreement that sets
forth the relationship between the buyer, seller and/or custodian.
The executed agreement is electronically communicated to seller and
custodian units 112, 116 and may be stored and/or printed out by
the buyer unit 114. Preferably, each of the parties to the executed
agreement maintains its own electronic and/or printed-out record of
the executed agreement. Seller unit 112 confirms a buyer's
compliance to gaming or lottery agency rules and regulations. For
example, some games may require the player to be a resident of
certain states, be of a certain age, etc. This confirmation may
take the form of requiring the buyer to acknowledge his/her/their
residency, age, etc. on a screen of the seller's web site.
Preferably, confirmation of this compliance is required before the
ticket purchase is finalized.
[0042] The processing of payment information is accomplished by
communicating with third party payment vendor/servicer unit 120.
Third party payment vendor/servicer unit 120 includes a transaction
vendor 165 and a merchant account 167 associated with a bank
account(s) 169.
[0043] The seller unit 112 also includes a gaming/lottery terminal
180 and a ticket printer 186. The gaming/lottery terminal 180
communicates with a gaming/lottery system computer 182 of the
gaming or lottery agency unit 118 in order to print out tickets at
ticket printer 186. A gaming/lottery system database 184 of the
gaming or lottery agency unit 118 stores, for example, data about
the tickets generated by gaming/lottery terminal 180 and other
gaming/lottery terminals connected thereto. Typically, the
gaming/lottery system computer 182 is physically located at a site
chosen by the gaming/lottery agency (or at a third party vendor
with which the agency has contracted) that is remote from the
gaming/lottery terminal 180. Seller unit 112 communicates with
gaming or lottery agency unit 118 through the on line
gaming/lottery terminal 180 and the buyer's outcome selections are
transmitted to the terminal 180. Ticket printer 186, which is
connected to the terminal 180, prints out the physical bearer
ticket. Although ticket printer 186 is shown in FIG. 2 as being
physically separate from terminal 180, these two components may be
provided as a unitary component.
[0044] The seller and custodian units are preferably located at the
same facility and may be the subject of a contractual agreement
between the seller and custodian. Locating the seller and custodian
units at different, remotely located facilities requires additional
logistics to effect the transfer of the printed tickets from the
facility at which the seller unit is located to the facility at
which the custodian unit is located. While such an arrangement may
be utilized, it is likely to more costly than locating the seller
and custodian units at the same facility. In the FIG. 2 example
embodiment, the seller and custodian are different entities and the
custodian is introduced to avoid a conflict of interest between the
seller and buyer. Thus, while the seller sells the ticket to the
buyer, the custodian holds custody of the ticket printed as a
result of the sale on behalf of the buyer.
[0045] The gaming or lottery agency unit 118 transmits to the
seller unit 112 (and, if a communication path is available, to
custodian unit 116) tracking data associated with each of the
printed tickets which includes, but is not limited to, the unique
serial codes of the ticket, a seller identifier identifying the
seller of the tickets, a terminal identifier identifying the
terminal from which the tickets were printed and any other data
determined by the gaming or lottery agency to be relevant for
identifying legal claims to winning prizes or for tracking
purposes. If a communication path between the gaming or lottery
agency unit 118 and the custodian unit 116 is not available, the
seller unit 112 may transmit the tracking data to the custodian
unit. In addition, the seller unit 112 transmits relevant ticket
purchase data (e.g., buyer name, contact information, etc.) to the
custodian unit 116.
[0046] The printed tickets are physically and systematically
transferred to a reader/sorter 190 of the custodian unit 116 where
the tickets are imaged. The tickets are then stored at a secured
location 192 (e.g., a vault) at the custodian's facilities. The
ticket printer 186 may be adapted for physical connection to the
input of the reader/sorter 190 or the printed tickets may be
manually transferred from the ticket printer 186 to the
reader/sorter 190. A process executed by the custodian system
computer 193 of the custodian unit 116 performs a systematic
file-to-file verification to confirm and verify that the ticket
details from the scanned tickets (e.g., tracking data printed on
the tickets) are consistent with the information received from the
seller unit 112 and/or gaming or lottery agency unit 118. The
custodian unit 116 then transmits a confirmation to buyer unit 114.
This confirmation may include an image of the printed ticket held
in custody by the custodian. All ticket images and related data
(e.g., corresponding unique serial code and any other data or code
relevant to tracking the ticket printed to fulfill the buyer's
valid purchase order) are stored in the database 194 of the
custodian unit 116 and are also transmitted to the seller unit 112
for storage in the database 168. The custodian unit 116 processes
the printed tickets further by bundling, bundle coding and
safekeeping in coded cells at the secured location 192 at the
custodian's facility. The bundling, bundle coding and transfer to a
secure location are preferably automated processes, but, for
example, the transfer to a secure location may be performed
manually. The bundle-code and coded cells are all recorded in the
database 194 of the custodian unit 116 and are transmitted to the
seller unit 112 for storage in the database 168.
[0047] After the final determination of the outcome (results) of
the gaming event or lottery game, the gaming or lottery agency unit
118 transmits to seller unit 112 the winning permutations, the
monetary prizes/awards and the unique serial codes of each winning
ticket associated with the seller's terminal identifiers. If a
communication path is available between gaming or lottery agency
unit 118 and custodian unit 116, the winning permutations, etc. are
also transmitted to the custodian unit 116 by gaming or lottery
agency unit 118. Otherwise, the winning permutations, etc. are
transmitted to the custodian unit 116 by seller unit 112. The
seller unit 112 and custodian unit 116 flag all winning tickets and
the custodian unit 116 provides a notification (e.g., via e-mail)
to the buyers of the winning tickets. The seller, as an authorized
sales agent redeems all winning tickets with prizes less than $600
as part of its normal operation. Credit of such monetary prizes to
the buyer is through the same method as with buyer's payment, but
in the form of credit through the third party payment
vendor/servicer. For example, the monetary prize may be credited to
the credit card account used to purchase the ticket. For prizes of
$600 or more, the notification from the custodian unit 116
instructs the buyers to claim the winning ticket at a location
designated by the custodian (e.g., the custodian's facility) so
that it may be processed according to the rules and regulations as
promulgated by the gaming or lottery agency.
[0048] Thus, the system of FIG. 2 provides a method which
facilitates gaming (including, but not limited to, wagers on the
outcomes of horse races, dog races, jai alai or any other sporting
event, games or events of chance or permutations; and governmental
sponsored or authorized lottery sales transactions) over the
Internet between game player(s) ("buyers"), and an
authorized/designated sales agent ("seller") of a gaming
authority/agency ("gaming agency"). Gaming agency refers to any
organization(s) sanctioned by a governmental body for the
operation, administration of gaming activities including horse
racing, dog racing, jai alai or any sporting event, games or events
of chance or permutations, including any governmental sponsored or
authorized lottery agency ("lottery agency"), when in each case a
physical ticket is produced. The ticket printed by the on line
terminals linked to the gaming or lottery agency is an unregistered
ticket and is in bearer form. The ticket is the primary claim
mechanism that is recognized by the gaming or lottery agency.
[0049] The buyers use devices such as personal computers,
terminals, PDAs or any other type of communication device connected
to a wired or wireless communication path such as, but not limited
to, phone line, DSL, T1, or cable and which may include a
communication service provider such as an Internet Service Provider
("ISP"). For redundancy reasons, the seller unit 112 can receive
data from two or more ISPs. The seller's ISP(s) have in place
mechanisms that compensate for spikes in the number of transactions
performed by the buyers during high volume periods.
[0050] The buyer inputs all relevant data at the seller's website
(in order to initiate a purchase order) including but not limited
to: buyer's name, address, date of birth, tax identification
number, payment data (e.g., credit card/debit card/e-payment),
e-mail address, representation of compliance to all local laws, the
game or lottery tickets the buyer desires to play and purchase, the
selection of the numbers and/or outcomes of the gaming or lottery
drawing, and the number of plays. All such information is
transmitted to the seller unit 112.
[0051] The seller unit 112 includes security that segregates the
web servers from the seller's legacy systems, gaming system
computer(s) (which contain business logic) and Intranet. The web
servers are accessed from the Internet via a computer load balancer
and access to the seller's game system computer(s) from the web
servers is via internal firewalls. The security is used to
authenticate users before their signals are allowed to access the
seller's legacy systems, gaming system computers and Intranet. The
security may be provided by middleware that implements one or more
buyer authentication mechanisms such as username/password,
biometrics, physical security tokens, client-side certificates,
etc. The signals sent from the buyer unit to the seller unit are
encrypted and cyclical redundancy checked for lost bits. This
ensures security and integrity of the signal, respectively, while
it is being transmitted through the Internet. In addition, an
authentication process is used to validate the identity of the
seller unit to the buyer unit.
[0052] The buyer desires and initiates a purchase transaction (the
"purchase order"). The buyer can pick the number sequence or
permutation that they wish to purchase on screens that may, for
example, substantially replicate, in both appearance and function,
the game cards of the gaming or lottery agency. The buyer enters
and transmits the monetary value of the transaction, which includes
the actual cost of the ticket(s) as required by the gaming and/or
lottery agency and a per-ticket processing fee. All relevant data
inputted by the buyer into the seller's legacy systems, gaming
systems and/or Intranet is stored. Furthermore, the seller performs
all screening criteria as specified by the gaming or lottery agency
including age and residency as statutorily required. The failure of
the buyer to meet statutory requirements results in a message to
the buyer indicating such failure and the buyer will be directed to
either cure such failure or be directed to a gaming or lottery
agency website for their rules and regulations, respectively.
[0053] The seller unit relays payment information (credit card
numbers, credit card authentication code and credit card expiration
date or digital check number, check routing number and checking
account number) from the buyer to a third party payment
vendor/servicer (e.g., Verisign, Baltimore, etc.) for the
assessment of a valid and good payment. Upon the successful
acknowledgement of payment by the buyer, a third party electronic
merchant account vendor will arrange for monetary debit from the
buyer's account and credit to the seller's account. A successful
monetary credit to the seller's account is classified by the seller
as a valid purchase order. An unsuccessful monetary credit to the
seller's account is classified by the seller as a non-valid
purchase order. In the event of designation by the seller of a
valid purchase order, the details of the (alpha) numerical
permutation of the game outcome(s) as selected by the buyer are
transmitted to the on line terminal 180. Upon the successful
transfer of the data to the on line terminal 180, actual tickets
are printed by the on line terminal. In the event of a non-valid
purchase order, the buyer will be informed of the same, and
remedies (e.g., a request to confirm the entered information, a
request to enter different payment information, etc.) will be
presented to the buyer to facilitate a corrected transaction.
[0054] Tracking data associated with each of the tickets is
transmitted to the seller unit 112 and/or custodian unit 116. The
tracking data may include the unique serial codes of each ticket,
seller identifiers identifying the ticket sellers and terminal
identifiers identifying the terminals that printed the tickets and
any other data or code as determined by the gaming or lottery
agency and/or by the custodian/safekeeper to be relevant for
identification of legal claim to winning prizes or for tracking
purposes. The tickets produced from the on line terminal 180 are
physically transferred to a reader/sorter 190 where the tickets are
imaged and the images are stored at the custodian unit's database
194. The images are also transmitted to the seller unit 112 for
storage in the seller unit's database 168, along with any
corresponding unique serial code or any other data or code relevant
to tracking the ticket to the buyer's valid purchase order. The
seller unit 112 and custodian unit 116 electronically compare,
reconcile and confirm relevant ticket data with valid a purchase
order. The tickets are bundled, bundle coded and safe-kept at coded
cells at the custodian's facility. The unique serial code of the
ticket, the bundle-code and coded cells are all recorded at the
seller unit's database 168 and the custodian unit's database
194.
[0055] The buyer enters into a legal agreement (the "custodial
agreement"). The custodial agreement is executed in any of the
following forms prior to completing a purchase order: (a) amongst
the buyer, the seller and the custodian, (b) between the buyer and
the custodian, and/or (c) between the seller and the custodian. The
buyer has the option to agree to the terms and conditions of the
custodial agreement presented on a display screen of the buyer
unit. Upon the buyer's agreement to the custodial agreement, the
buyer is prompted to either proceed with input of additional data,
including additional game plays, or transmitting the purchase order
request to the seller unit for processing. In the event the buyer
fails to execute the custodial agreement, the buyer is prompted
with a notice that agreement to and execution of the custodial
agreement are required for further processing of the purchase
order. At this juncture, the buyer has the option to execute the
custodial agreement or to be directed elsewhere on the website or
to another web site.
[0056] FIG. 3A is a flow chart representing a "play and purchase"
process carried out in the system of FIG. 2. The buyer arrives at
seller's web site (ST 200) and selects the desired gaming event or
lottery game and proceeds to select outcomes for the selected
gaming event or lottery game (e.g., by completing an (alpha)
numeric game card) (ST 202). After selecting the outcomes of the
selected gaming event or lottery game, the buyer is prompted to and
proceeds to enter relevant personal information and a payment
method (ST 204). First time players are prompted at this step to
select a personal identifier and password for future log-ins and
subsequent purchases. A return buyer is prompted to log-in using
his/her personal identifier (PIN) and a password and to confirm the
accuracy of the previously entered personal information. If the
player fails to complete entry of the required personal or payment
information, the player is prompted up to a predetermined number of
times (e.g., three times) to complete the data entry (ST 206). If
the player fails to complete data entry, he/she is directed out of
the web site. The buyer's compliance with the relevant gaming or
lottery agency rules and regulations is confirmed (e.g., by
prompting the buyer to enter residence information, age
information, etc.) and the payment information is processed (ST
208). If the third party vendor/servicer confirms the payment
information (ST 209), the process proceeds to ST 210. If the
payment information is not confirmed, the player is prompted to
update his/her payment information or to choose an alternative
payment form (ST 212). Failure to provide the requested update or
failure to choose an alternative payment form results in the player
being directed out of the site.
[0057] At ST 210, a custodial agreement is presented to the buyer
for review and execution. Execution of this agreement is mandatory;
otherwise the buyer is prompted to reconsider or is directed
elsewhere (e.g., to another web site or to another portion of the
seller's web site). If the buyer executes the custodial agreement,
a copy of the executed agreement is delivered to seller unit 112
(ST 213) and stored in database 168 thereof and to custodian unit
116 (ST 214) and stored in database 194 thereof. If desired, a copy
of the executed agreement may be printed out and/or stored at the
buyer unit.
[0058] Seller unit 112 then communicates with the gaming or lottery
agency unit 118 and transmits the details of the buyer's game or
lottery output selection(s) so that the physical bearer ticket may
be produced (ST 216) by the seller unit's on-line terminal. The
gaming or lottery agency unit 118 acknowledges transmission and
then sends signals to produce the physical bearer ticket at the
terminal printer (ST 218). The gaming or lottery agency unit 118
transmits to the seller unit 112 and custodian unit 116 the
tracking data associated with each ticket printed. As noted above,
if the gaming/lottery agency permits only a communication path to
the seller unit 112, then the seller unit relays the tracking data
to the custodian unit 116. The tracking data includes, but is not
limited to, the unique serial codes of the tickets, seller
identifiers identifying the sellers of the tickets and terminal
identifiers identifying the terminals from which the tickets are
printed. Any other data determined by the gaming or lottery agency
to be relevant for identifying and/or verifying legal claims to
winning prizes or for tracking purposes may be provided. This
information is stored in database 168 of seller unit 112 (ST 220)
and the database 194 of the custodian unit 116 (ST 222).
[0059] The tickets are printed (ST 223) and then transferred to a
reader/sorter 190 of custodian unit 116 where the tickets are
imaged and processed with its unique serial code and any other data
relevant to tracking the ticket (ST 224). The custodian unit 116
further processes the tickets by bundling, bundle coding and
safe-keeping the tickets in coded cells at the custodian's
facility. The unique serial code of the ticket, the bundle-code and
coded cells are all recorded in the database 194 of the custodian
unit 116 and in the database 168 of the seller unit 112 (ST
220).
[0060] The custodian unit 116 then transmits to the buyer a
confirmation with an accompanying image of the printed ticket(s)
(ST 228) and the custodian transfers the physical printed ticket(s)
to secure location 192 (ST 230).
[0061] FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating the "redemption"
process carried out in the system of FIG. 2. After the final
determination of the outcome(s) of the gaming event or lottery
drawing, the gaming or lottery agency unit 118 transmits to seller
unit 112 and custodian unit 116 the winning permutations, the
monetary prizes/awards and the unique serial codes of each winning
ticket associated with the seller's terminal identifiers (ST 232).
As noted above, if the gaming/lottery agency permits only a
communication path to the seller unit 112, then the seller unit
relays the winning permutations, etc. to the custodian unit 116.
Seller unit 112 and custodian unit 116 each flags all winning
tickets with monetary prizes (ST 234 and ST 236). Custodian unit
116 divides the wining tickets into two groups: a first group with
a prize of less than $600 and a second group with a prize $600 or
higher. Custodian unit 116 and seller unit 112 confirm with each
other all the winning tickets with monetary prizes (ST 238) by
systematically matching their respective electronic records
regarding the tickets. The custodian physically and systematically
retrieves winning tickets from its coded cells and bundles as
identified using the relevant data. Custodian unit 116 notifies a
winning buyer of his/her winnings though an e-mail
communication.
[0062] The custodian presents on behalf of the buyer winning
tickets for less than $600 to the seller for redemption (ST 240).
The seller, as an authorized sales agent, redeems all winning
tickets with prizes less than $600 as part of its normal process
(ST 242). The seller transmits to the third party payment
vendor/servicer instructions to credit the amount of the buyer's
winnings to the buyer's credit card, bank account, etc. (ST 244)
and then the third party payment vendor/servicer credits the
buyer's account (ST 246).
[0063] The custodian holds in custody on behalf of the buyer
winning tickets for prizes of $600 or more (ST 248). The e-mail
notification to the buyer will include instructions as to where the
buyer may claim, in person, the winning ticket so that it may be
processed according to the rules and regulations promulgated by the
gaming or lottery agency. The buyer then claims the ticket(s) and
claims the prize (ST 250).
[0064] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the
"clicks" (first) framework. The "clicks" framework encompasses an
open-ended architecture for a plurality of buyers operating on the
Internet to purchase gaming or lottery tickets and to receive
confirmation of such purchases; their Internet Service Provider;
and a designated sales agent system which includes web servers,
firewalls, security, authentication and authorization systems, and
host machines structured in a distributed computing environment.
The "clicks" framework encompasses all of the attributes discussed
and illustrated in FIG. 2 except for two aspects. First, the actual
generation or production, processing and safekeeping of the
physical bearer tickets or "bricks" which will be described in FIG.
5; and second, the legal contractual arrangement between the buyer,
seller and custodian or "sticks" which will be described in FIG.
6.
[0065] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the "bricks" framework (i.e.,
physical processing mechanism). The "bricks" portion of the process
has two components as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively:
the "play and purchase" component and the "redemption" component.
In the "play and purchase" component, the seller's on-line gaming
or lottery terminal and printer generates and prints the actual
physical/bearer ticket (ST 300). The physical bearer tickets are
physically and mechanically transferred to a reader/sorter where
the tickets are imaged, data processed and recorded (ST 302). The
custodian processes the tickets further by bundling, bundle coding
and transporting the tickets to coded cells at its secured
facilities (e.g., vault) for safekeeping (ST 304).
[0066] With respect to the "redemption" component, the custodian
physically and systematically retrieves winning tickets from its
coded cells and bundles as identified through its identification
process (ST 306). The custodian presents winning physical/bearer
tickets with value of less than $600 per game to the seller for
monetary redemption on behalf of the buyer (ST 308). The seller, as
an authorized sales agent redeems and collects all winning tickets
with prizes less than $600 as part of its normal process (ST 310).
The custodian holds in custody for the buyer tickets for prizes
$600 or greater until the buyer claims the ticket (ST 312). The
buyer then claims the ticket (ST 314).
[0067] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the "sticks" framework. This
framework involves execution by the buyer, seller, and custodian of
a roles and responsibility agreement. "Sticks" refers to a legal
agreement executed on-line that delineates a legal and contractual
engagement of an independent third party, the custodian, thereby
clearly segregating the interest of the buyer and seller. The
agreement essentially states that the buyer agrees to buy from the
seller the gaming/lottery tickets, and agrees to have the custodian
hold in custody the tickets on the buyer's behalf. Further in the
agreement, the seller agrees to sell to the buyer the tickets and
will deliver such tickets to the custodian. The seller also agrees
to redeem all prizes below certain thresholds for credit back to
the buyer's credit account. The custodian agrees to receive the
tickets from the seller, and will hold the tickets in custody for
the benefit of the buyer.
[0068] FIG. 7 is a generalized block diagram of a computer system
1201 that may be used, for example, as part of the buyer unit or
seller unit. It will be evident that this computer system is
provided by way of example only and that other types of computer
systems such as work stations and web servers may be used. System
1201 includes a processing unit 1203 and a system memory 1205. A
system bus 1207 couples various system components including system
memory 1205 to processing unit 1203. System bus 1207 may be any of
several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a
variety of bus architectures. System memory 1207 includes read only
memory (ROM) 1252 and random access memory (RAM) 1254. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) 1256, containing the basic routines that
help to transfer information between elements within computer
system 1201, such as during start-up, is stored in the ROM 1252.
System 1201 further includes various drives and associated
computer-readable media. A hard disk drive 1209 reads from and
writes to a (typically fixed) magnetic hard disk 1211. An
additional (possible optional) magnetic disk drive 1213 reads from
and writes to a removable "floppy" or other magnetic disk 1215. An
optical disk drive 1217 reads from and, in some configurations,
writes to a removable optical disk 1219 such as a CD ROM or other
optical media. Hard disk drive 1209 and optical disk drive 1217 are
connected to system bus 1207 by a hard disk drive interface 1221
and an optical drive interface 1225, respectively. The drives and
their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile
storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program
units, game programs and other data for computer system 1201. In
other configurations, other types of computer-readable media that
can store data that is accessible by a computer (e.g., magnetic
cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli
cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories
(ROMs) and the like) may also be used.
[0069] A number of program units may be stored on the hard disk
1211, removable magnetic disk 1215, optical disk 1219 and/or the
ROM 1252 and/or the RAM 1254 of system memory 1205. Such program
units may include an operating system providing graphics and sound
APIs, one or more application programs, other program units, and
program data. A user may enter commands and information into
personal computer system 1201 through input devices such as a
keyboard 1227, pointing device 1229, microphones, joysticks, game
controllers, satellite dishes, scanners, or the like. These and
other input devices can be connected to processing unit 1203
through a serial port interface 1231 that is coupled to system bus
1207, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel
port, game port Fire wire bus or a universal serial bus (USB). A
monitor 1233 or other type of display device is also connected to
system bus 1207 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1235.
[0070] System 1201 may also include a modem 1154 or other network
interface means for establishing communications over a network 1152
such as the Internet. Modem 1154, which may be internal or
external, is connected to system bus 123 via serial port interface
1231. A network interface 1156 may also be provided for allowing
system 1201 to communicate with a remote computing device 1150
(e.g., another system 1201) via a local area network 1158 (or such
communication may be via wide area network 1152 or other
communications path such as dial-up or other communications means).
System 1201 will typically include other peripheral output devices,
such as printers and other standard peripheral devices.
[0071] A set of stereo loudspeakers 1237 is also connected to
system bus 1207 via a sound generating interface such as a
conventional "sound card" providing hardware and embedded software
support for generating high quality stereophonic sound based on
sound commands provided by bus 1207.
[0072] The example system and method described herein provide a
process for facilitating a game player's perfection of their
security interest to physical/bearer game tickets purchased and
issued from an authorized sales agent of a gaming and/or lottery
agency when the initiation of the game and purchase of the game
tickets are transacted over the Internet. The system and method
also provide a process for facilitating governments and their
agencies to sell gaming or lottery tickets via the Internet without
changing their current bearer ticket process, without a major
systems rewrite, and without increasing their fraud, legal and
logistical exposure.
[0073] The above-described example method and system facilitate the
perfection of a security interest to the physical bearer ticket
processed and housed at a secure location (e.g., a vault) of the
custodian and facilitate the claims administration of winning
gaming or lottery tickets by the seller and custodian. The actual
ticket is the primary claim mechanism that is recognized by the
gaming or lottery agency. The tickets are produced at the
facilities of the seller and the custodian takes possession of the
tickets, which are physically and mechanically transferred to its
processes for data capture and other processes including
safekeeping at the secure location.
[0074] The gaming or lottery agency transmits to the seller unit
and/or the custodian unit the results and outcomes of the gaming or
lottery event, the permutations of the (alpha) numeric winning
numbers that have a monetary prize associated with it, as well as
information identifying the winning tickets (e.g., the unique
serial codes, the seller's identifier and the terminal identifier
and any other data or code as determined relevant for
identification of legal claim to winning prizes that the gaming or
lottery agency recognizes). The seller unit and/or the custodian
unit compare data transmitted by gaming or lottery agency with the
seller and/or custodian's database of ticket information produced
by the valid purchase order process to identify the winning tickets
held by the custodian and the buyer of that ticket. The custodian
retrieves all tickets with winning prizes less than $600 and
presents such tickets to the seller, for credit of such winning
prizes to the buyer through the same method as with buyer's
payment, but in the form of good credit through the third party
payment vendor/servicer. The seller redeems such winning tickets as
part of the seller's normal operations as sales agent for the
gaming or lottery agency. The $600 threshold is set by governmental
regulatory bodies and may be unilaterally changed by them. The
above-described process is readily adapted to any threshold
promulgated by such regulatory agencies. The custodian identifies
all tickets and their respective buyers with winning prizes of $600
or more and sends e-mail notifications to these buyers to claim, in
person, the winning ticket so that it may be processed according to
the rules and regulations as promulgated by the gaming or lottery
agency.
[0075] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been described and illustrated, it should be understood that the
invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by
persons skilled in the art. The present application contemplates
any and all modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of
the underlying invention discloses and claimed herein.
* * * * *