U.S. patent application number 14/417605 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for lottery ticket.
The applicant listed for this patent is TMS GLOBAL SERVICES PTY LTD C/- CULLENS. Invention is credited to Mike Veverka.
Application Number | 20150170457 14/417605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49996438 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150170457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Veverka; Mike |
June 18, 2015 |
LOTTERY TICKET
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a lottery ticket. The
lottery ticket includes a matching identifier for matching with
identifiers of one or more other lottery tickets to form a winning
combination of lottery tickets.
Inventors: |
Veverka; Mike; (Brisbane,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TMS GLOBAL SERVICES PTY LTD C/- CULLENS |
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
49996438 |
Appl. No.: |
14/417605 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
July 26, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2013/000835 |
371 Date: |
January 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/065 20130101;
G07F 17/329 20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101; G07F 17/3281 20130101;
A63F 9/10 20130101; G06Q 50/01 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101; G07C
15/006 20130101; G07F 17/3248 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 27, 2012 |
AU |
2012903245 |
Claims
1. A lottery ticket comprising: a matching identifier for matching
with identifiers of one or more other lottery tickets to form a
winning combination of lottery tickets.
2. The lottery ticket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ticket is
a card sized to fit in a wallet.
3. The lottery ticket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the matching
identifier is an image for matching with images of one or more
other lottery tickets to meet one or more predetermined
criteria.
4. The lottery ticket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the matching
identifier is a partial image for matching with other partial
images to form a winning complete image.
5. A gaming system comprising: a ticketing module for providing a
lottery ticket, the lottery ticket comprising: a matching
identifier for matching with identifiers of one or more other
lottery tickets to form a winning combination of lottery
tickets.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ticketing module
generates a digital representation of a lottery ticket suitable for
display on a desktop or handheld computer.
7. The system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a lottery
module for determining whether the lottery ticket is a winning
lottery ticket based on a plurality of numbers selected by the
player.
8. The system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a matching
module for determining whether the player has a winning combination
of lottery tickets based on the matching identifier of each lottery
ticket collected by the player.
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the matching module
determines that there is a winning combination of lottery tickets
if the respective identifiers of lottery tickets collected by the
player meet a one or more predetermined criteria.
10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the matching module
determines that there is a winning combination of lottery tickets
if a predetermined number of lottery tickets including the same
identifier are collected by the player.
11. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the matching module
determines that there is a winning combination of lottery tickets
if the respective identifiers of lottery tickets collected by the
player can be pieced together to form a complete image.
12. The system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a search
module for enabling the player to search for one or more lottery
tickets that the player wishes to collect.
13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the search module
searches other player's lottery tickets for the one or more lottery
tickets that the player wishes to collect.
14. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the search module
locates the one or more lottery tickets that the player wishes to
collect and their respective owners.
15. The system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a trading
module for enabling different players to trade their lottery
cards.
16. The system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a
notifications module for sending notifications to the player, the
notifications module being configured to notify the player of any
one or more of the following: a winning combination of lottery
cards, cards which the player must collect to form the winning
combination, when a card that the player wishes to collect has been
found, when another player has accepted a trade, when a trade of
one or more lottery tickets between the player and one or more
other players has been completed, and when the player strikes a
win.
17. A method of playing a game, the method comprising: determining
whether the lottery ticket has a matching identifier which matches
identifiers of one or more other lottery tickets to form a winning
combination of lottery tickets.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the step of
determining comprises: determining whether the respective
identifiers of lottery tickets collected by a player meet one or
more predetermined criteria; determining whether a predetermined
number of lottery tickets including the same identifier have been
collected by the player; or determining whether the respective
identifiers of lottery tickets collected by the player can be
pieced together to form a complete image.
19.-20. (canceled)
21. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising
distributing lottery tickets, each lottery ticket including a
matching identifier for matching with identifiers of other lottery
tickets.
22. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising, prior to
the step of determining, determining whether a lottery ticket
purchased by a player is a winning lottery ticket.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a lottery ticket.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventional lottery tickets include a plurality of numbers
for selection by a player for participation in a lottery prize
draw. Once the winning lottery numbers are drawn, the player
compares his selected numbers with the winning lottery numbers and
determines whether he is eligible to redeem his lottery ticket for
a prize. If the lottery ticket cannot be used to redeem a prize,
the lottery ticket is simply discarded and another lottery ticket
is purchased if the player wishes to participate in another lottery
prize draw. In reality, the chance of winning a lottery prize is
small, which discourages some people from purchasing lottery
tickets.
[0003] It is an object of the invention to encourage more people to
purchase lottery tickets.
[0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art
publication is referred to herein, this reference does not
constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the
common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other
country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a lottery ticket including a matching identifier for matching with
identifiers of one or more other lottery tickets to form a winning
combination of lottery tickets.
[0006] Advantageously, a player can collect the winning combination
of lottery tickets to participate in a second chance prize
draw.
[0007] The lottery ticket may be a card. The card may be sized to
fit in a wallet.
[0008] The matching identifier may be an image for matching with
images of one or more other lottery tickets to meet one or more
predetermined criteria. In one example, the matching identifier may
be a partial image for matching with other partial images to form a
winning complete image.
[0009] The matching identifier may be located on one side of the
lottery ticket.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a gaming system including a ticketing module for providing
a lottery ticket to a player, the lottery ticket including a
matching identifier for matching with identifiers of one or more
other lottery tickets to form a winning combination of lottery
tickets.
[0011] The ticketing module may generate a digital representation
of a lottery ticket suitable for display on a desktop or handheld
computer.
[0012] The gaming system may include a lottery module for
determining whether the lottery ticket is a winning lottery ticket
based on a plurality of numbers selected by the player.
[0013] The gaming system may include a matching module for
determining whether the player has a winning combination of lottery
tickets based on the matching identifier of each lottery ticket
collected by the player. The matching module may determine that
there is a winning combination of lottery tickets if the respective
identifiers of lottery tickets collected by the player meet a one
or more predetermined criteria. In one example, the matching module
may determine that there is a winning combination of lottery
tickets if a predetermined number of lottery tickets including the
same identifier are collected by the player. In another example,
the matching module may determine that there is a winning
combination of lottery tickets if the respective identifiers of
lottery tickets collected by the player can be pieced together to
form a complete image.
[0014] The gaming system may further include a search module for
enabling the player to search for one or more lottery tickets that
the player wishes to collect. The search module may search other
player's lottery tickets for the one or more lottery tickets that
the player wishes to collect. The search module may locate the one
or more lottery tickets that the player wishes to collect and their
respective owners. The gaming system may prompt the player to
contact the one or more owners to initiate trading of lottery
tickets.
[0015] The gaming system may further include a trading module for
enabling different players to trade their lottery cards. Further,
the chance of winning a second change prize draw also encourages
the player to buy multiple lottery tickets.
[0016] The gaming system may further include a messaging module for
enabling the player to send messages to other players. The messages
may be email, SMS messages or some other electronic means. The
messaging module may further allow the player to post messages
online For example, the messaging module may further allow the
player to post messages on forums and social media websites, such
as Facebook and Twitter. In particular, the messaging module may
allow the player to post messages offering a trading of lottery
tickets. For example, the messaging module may allow the player to
post a message including the lottery tickets that the player wishes
to collect and the lottery tickets that the player wishes to
trade.
[0017] Advantageously, the gaming system encourages other potential
players to participate in the game and trade lottery tickets with
their friends.
[0018] The gaming system may further include a notifications module
for sending notifications to the player. For example, the
notifications module may notify the player of any one or more of
the following: a winning combination of lottery cards, cards which
the player must collect to form the winning combination, when a
card that the player wishes to collect has been found, when another
player has accepted a trade, when a trade of one or more lottery
tickets between the player and one or more other players has been
completed, and when the player strikes a win. Notifications may be
electronic in the form of email, SMS or push notifications on a
mobile device.
[0019] The gaming system may further include a payment module for
receiving and processing payment from the player.
[0020] The gaming system may further include a prize module for
allocating a prize to the player for a win. The prize module may
allocate prize money to the player's account.
[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of playing a game, the method including
determining that a lottery ticket has a matching identifier which
matches identifiers of one or more other lottery tickets to form a
winning combination of lottery tickets.
[0022] The step of determining may include determining whether the
respective identifiers of lottery tickets collected by a player
meet one or more predetermined criteria. In one example, the step
of determining may include determining whether a predetermined
number of lottery tickets including the same identifier have been
collected by the player. In another example, the step of
determining may include determining whether the respective
identifiers of lottery tickets collected by the player can be
pieced together to form a complete image.
[0023] The method may further include distributing lottery tickets,
each lottery ticket including a matching identifier for matching
with identifiers of other lottery tickets.
[0024] The method may further include, prior to the step of
determining, determining whether a lottery ticket purchased by a
player is a winning lottery ticket.
[0025] The method may further include notifying a player of a
winning combination of lottery cards.
[0026] The method may further include receiving payment from a
player. The method may further include allocating a prize to a
player for a win.
[0027] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any
combination with any one or more of the other features described
herein within the scope of the invention.
[0028] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not,
and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of
suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general
knowledge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the
invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description
which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art
to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be
regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the
Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference
to a number of drawings as follows:
[0030] FIG. 1A illustrates the front face of a lottery ticket in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 1B illustrates the rear face of the lottery ticket of
FIG. 1A.
[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates an example winning combination of
lottery tickets including the lottery ticket of FIGS. 1A and
1B.
[0033] FIG. 2B illustrates another example winning combination of
lottery tickets.
[0034] FIG. 2C illustrates a further example winning combination of
lottery tickets.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a gaming method using the
lottery tickets described in FIGS. 1A to 2C in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a gaming system in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an online gaming method
performed by the gaming system of FIG. 4 and in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0038] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a lottery ticket 10 in the form
of a card that is sized to fit in a wallet. As shown in FIG. 1A, a
front face of the lottery ticket 10 displays numbers 12 for
selection by a player to participate in a lottery draw. As shown in
FIG. 1B, a rear face of the lottery ticket 10 displays a matching
identifier in the form of an image 14 for matching with images of
one or more other lottery tickets to form a winning combination of
lottery tickets.
[0039] Advantageously, a player can collect the winning combination
of lottery tickets to participate in a second chance prize draw. A
further benefit is that the player is encouraged to buy multiple
lottery tickets to participate in the second chance prize draw.
[0040] FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate some different types of possible
winning combinations of lottery tickets. In one example as shown in
FIG. 2A, three lottery tickets 10, 10a, 10b having identical images
14, 14a, 14b are collected to form a winning combination of lottery
tickets. In another example as shown in FIG. 2B, three lottery
tickets 20a, 20b, 20c, each having a different image 22a, 22b, 22c
from a set of themed images are collected to form a winning
combination of lottery tickets. In a further example as shown in
FIG. 2C, three lottery tickets 30a, 30b, 30c, each having a partial
image 32a, 32b, 32c are collected to form a complete image in a
winning combination of lottery tickets.
[0041] In practice, more complex combinations may be required to
form a winning combination of lottery tickets. For example, a
player may be required to collect a predetermined number of subsets
of lottery tickets based on specific gaming rules to form a
complete set of lottery tickets.
[0042] The method 100 for playing a game using the lottery tickets
described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 2C will now be
described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0043] At step 102, lottery tickets 10 with randomly printed images
(i.e. 14) on a rear face are distributed to different sales outlets
such as convenience stores, supermarkets and newsagents.
[0044] At step 104, a player purchases one or more lottery tickets
10 to participate in a lottery draw.
[0045] At step 106, the player chooses a selection of numbers from
a grid of available numbers 12 on each lottery ticket 10 (FIG. 1A)
and gives the tickets 10 to a lottery operator for lodgments in the
lottery draw. The lottery operator then returns the lottery tickets
10 to the player for participation in the second chance prize draw,
which will be described in more detail below.
[0046] At query step 108, the winning lottery numbers are drawn and
the player compares the selected numbers on his one or more lottery
tickets 10 to determine whether he is eligible to claim one or more
prizes. If the player is eligible to claim one or more prizes, the
method 100 proceeds to step 110. Alternatively, if the player is
not eligible to claim any prizes, the method 100 proceeds to step
112.
[0047] At step 110, the player claims one or more prizes if the
player is eligible based on the selected numbers on his one or more
lottery tickets 10. Once the player has claimed his one or more
prizes, the method 100 also proceeds to step 112.
[0048] At step 112, the player retains his lottery tickets 10 to
participate in a second chance prize draw. In the second chance
prize draw, the player is notified of a winning combination of
lottery tickets for collection to claim a prize. Elaborating
further, the notification may be published online or in newspapers
and magazines. The notification may also be sent via email, SMS
messaging, push notification or some other electronic means. The
same winning combination of lottery tickets may be advertised for
all players. Alternatively, different winning combinations may be
advertised for different players, or different groups of players,
for example, different groups of players in different locations. In
one embodiment, the player is notified of one winning combination
of lottery tickets for each lottery draw. In another embodiment,
the player is notified of one winning combination of lottery
tickets for a predetermined number of lottery draws, or for a
predetermined time period so that lottery tickets from different
lottery draws may be collected to for a winning combination. In a
further embodiment, the player may be eligible to claim a further
prize if the player has collected more than a predetermined number
of sets of winning lottery ticket combinations (consecutively or
otherwise).
[0049] At query step 114, the player compares the images on his
lottery tickets to determine whether he has a winning combination
of lottery tickets. If the player has the winning combination of
lottery tickets, the method 100 proceeds to step 118.
Alternatively, if the player needs to collect other lottery tickets
to obtain the winning combination of lottery tickets, the method
100 proceeds to step 116.
[0050] At step 116, the player contacts other players to trade
lottery tickets in view of obtaining the winning combination of
lottery tickets. Once the player has collected the required lottery
tickets to form the winning combination, the method 100 proceeds to
step 118.
[0051] At step 118, the player claims his prize for his winning
combination of lottery tickets. In one embodiment, the winning
combination of lottery tickets may be returned to the sales outlet
when collecting the prize. In another embodiment, the winning
combination of lottery tickets may be retained by the player for
participation in a further prize draw to collect a larger winning
combination of lottery tickets.
[0052] At query step 120, the player decides whether he wishes to
play again. If so, the method 100 proceeds to step 104 in which the
player purchases one or more lottery tickets 10 for the next
lottery draw.
[0053] Accordingly, the lottery tickets (i.e. 10) are associated
with one another by the gaming rules of the second chance prize
draw. As described above, if the player collects all lottery
tickets according to the rules of the second chance prize draw to
obtain a winning combination of lottery tickets, the player would
be eligible to claim a second chance draw prize. However, if the
player does not collect all necessary lottery tickets to obtain a
winning combination of lottery tickets, then the player would not
be eligible to claim any second chance draw prize. The lottery
tickets (i.e. 10) of the present invention therefore have a working
inter-relationship with one another.
[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates a gaming system 200 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The gaming system 200 includes
a game control server 202 that executes a software product (being
machine readable instructions) and hosts a gaming website by which
users can set up accounts and register as players to enter prize
draws online
[0055] The system 200 includes a player's home PC or laptop 204 for
accessing the gaming website over the Internet 206. The system 200
also includes a player's mobile internet device such as a smart
phone 208 for accessing the gaming website over the Internet
206.
[0056] The system 100 further includes social networking server 210
for hosting a social networking website (e.g. Facebook, Twitter,
etc.). The game control server 202 may post notifications and allow
players to make posts or send messages to each other and other
potential players via the social networking server 210. The game
control server 202 may also send invitations on social networking
websites on behalf of the players to invite other social network
users to join the game.
[0057] The system 200 also includes a lottery server 212 typically
administered by a lottery provider (e.g. New York Lottery, the
Tatts Group, etc.) conducting a lottery. The players purchase
lottery tickets for a lottery draw via the gaming website. The
lottery ticket includes a selected subset of numbers that are
compared to the winning lottery numbers of the draw to determine a
win.
[0058] The game control server 202 includes a ticketing module 214
for generating virtual lottery tickets in a player's account. Each
lottery ticket includes a random matching identifier in the form of
an image for matching with images of one or more other lottery
tickets to form a winning combination of lottery tickets.
[0059] The game control server 202 further includes a lottery
module 218 for determining whether one or more lottery tickets
purchased by the player are winning lottery tickets based on the
numbers selected by the player.
[0060] The game control server 202 further includes a matching
module 220 for determining whether the player has a winning
combination of lottery tickets based on the image of each lottery
ticket collected by the player. The matching module 220 may
determine that there is a winning combination of lottery tickets in
accordance with any one of the examples previously described with
reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C.
[0061] The game control server 202 further includes a search module
222 for enabling the player to search for one or more lottery
tickets that the player wishes to collect. The search module 222
may search other player's lottery tickets for the one or more
lottery tickets that the player wishes to collect. The search
module 222 may locate the one or more lottery tickets that the
player wishes to collect and their respective owners. Once the
search module completes a search, the game control server 202 may
prompt the player to contact the one or more owners to initiate
trading of lottery tickets.
[0062] The game control server 202 further includes a trading
module 224 for enabling different players to trade their lottery
tickets.
[0063] The game control server 202 further includes a messaging
module 226 for enabling the player to send messages to other
players or potential players. The messages may be email or SMS
messages. The messaging module 202 may further allow the player to
post messages via the social networking server 210 on social media
websites. In particular, the messaging module 226 may allow the
player to post messages offering a trading of lottery tickets. For
example, the messaging module 226 may allow the player to post a
message including the lottery tickets that the player wishes to
collect and the lottery tickets that the player wishes to
trade.
[0064] The game control server 202 further includes a notifications
module 228 for sending notifications to the player. For example,
the notifications module 228 may notify the player of a winning
combination of lottery cards, cards which the player must collect
to form the winning combination, when a card that the player wishes
to collect has been found, when another player has accepted a
trade, when a trade of one or more lottery tickets between the
player and one or more other players has been completed, and when
the player strikes a win.
[0065] The game control server 202 further includes a payment
module 230 for receiving and processing payment from the player,
and a prize module 232 for allocating a prize to the player for a
win. The prize module 232 may allocate prize money to the player's
account.
[0066] The online gaming method 300 performed with the gaming
system 200 is now described with reference to FIG. 5.
[0067] At step 302, the game control server 202 receives
registration details from the user's computer 204. In this step, a
new user sets up a new user account and registers as a player via
the gaming website hosted by the game control server 202.
Information entered by the new player is saved on a user database
(not shown) on the game control server 202.
[0068] At step 304, the game control server 202 enables the player
to purchase lottery tickets via the gaming website. The player
chooses a selection of numbers for each lottery ticket for lodgment
in a lottery draw.
[0069] At step 306, the payment module 230 of the game control
server 202 prompts for and receives payment from the player for the
lottery tickets purchased in step 304. The payment module 230 may
accept payment in a variety of ways. For example, the payment
module 230 may accept credit or debit card payment, payment via
BPAY, online banking or the like. Alternatively, an existing player
may have existing account credit, or previous prize monies, which
can be used for the payment of the lottery tickets.
[0070] At step 308, the ticketing module 214 of the game control
server 202 generates the virtual lottery tickets, which are
accessible by the player from his account. Each ticket displays the
numbers selected by the player for participation in the lottery
draw and an image (e.g. 14) randomly selected from a predetermined
range of images.
[0071] At step 310, the lottery module 218 of the game control
server 202 communicates with the lottery server 212 via the
Internet 206 to lodge the numbers selected by the player in the
lottery draw.
[0072] At step 312, the lottery module 218 of the game control
server 202 receives the winning lottery numbers from the lottery
server 212 and compares the winning lottery numbers with the
numbers selected by the player. After the comparison, the lottery
module 218 determines whether one or more lottery tickets purchased
by the player are winning lottery tickets. If one or more winning
lottery tickets are detected, the method 300 proceeds to step 313.
Alternatively, if no winning lottery tickets are detected, the
method 300 proceeds to step 316.
[0073] At step 313, the notifications module 228 of the game
control server 202 sends a congratulatory message and informs the
player of the prize (i.e. the amount of prize money) that he has
won. The congratulatory message may also prompt the player to
redeem his prize.
[0074] At step 314, the prize module 232 of the game control server
202 claims the prize money on behalf of the player via
communication with the lottery server 212 and allocates the prize
money into the player's account. The player can transfer the money
into his personal bank account or retain all or a portion of the
prize money on his gaming account to purchase more lottery tickets
in the next draw.
[0075] At step 316, the online gaming method 300 allows the player
to use his previously purchased and stored lottery tickets in a
second chance prize draw. To initiate the second chance prize draw,
the notification module 228 of the game control server 202 sends a
message to the player notifying him of the winning combination of
lottery tickets for collection to participate in the second chance
prize draw. The message may be sent to an inbox or a message page
on the player's account. The notification may also be sent via
email or SMS messaging to the player's personal PC or laptop 204 or
smart phone 208 Similar to gaming method 100, different winning
combinations may be sent to different players. Alternatively, the
same winning combination of lottery tickets may be advertised, for
example on the gaming website, for all players.
[0076] At step 318, the matching module 220 of the game control
server 202 compares the images on the player's lottery tickets to
determine whether he has the winning combination of lottery
tickets. If the player has the winning combination of lottery
tickets, the method 200 proceeds to step 320. Alternatively, if the
player needs to collect other lottery tickets to obtain the winning
combination of lottery tickets, the method 200 proceeds to step
322.
[0077] At step 322, the notification module 228 of the game control
server 202 may send a notification to the player notifying the
player of the lottery tickets that the player must collect to
obtain the winning combination.
[0078] At step 324, search module 222 of the game control server
202 allows the player to search for the lottery tickets that he
wishes to collect and identify the players that hold those lottery
tickets.
[0079] At step 326, the messaging module 226 of the game control
server 202 allows the player to contact other players to propose
trades for lottery tickets that the player wishes to collect. Other
players may also use the messaging module 226 to make
counter-offers and negotiate trades. The messaging module 226 may
make posts or send messages via the social networking server
210.
[0080] At query step 328, if a proposed trade is accepted between
two players, the trade module 224 conducts the trade of lottery
tickets between the player accounts and the method 300 returns to
step 318. If the proposed trade is rejected, the method returns to
step 324 and the player may wish to use the search module 220 to
search for other players to trade with.
[0081] At step 320, the prize module allocates a prize to the
player's account in the same manner as the process in step 314.
[0082] At step 330, the player decides whether he wishes to play
again. If so, the method 200 proceeds to step 304 in which the
player purchases one or more lottery tickets for the next lottery
draw.
[0083] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word
`comprising` and its derivatives including `comprises` and
`comprise` include each of the stated integers but does not exclude
the inclusion of one or more further integers.
[0084] Reference throughout this specification to `one embodiment`
or `an embodiment` means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
the appearance of the phrases `in one embodiment` or `in an
embodiment` in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
[0085] In one alternative embodiment, the player can only
participate in the second chance prize draw if the player was not
eligible to claim any prizes from the lottery draw.
[0086] In another alternative embodiment of the online gaming
method 300, if the prize allocated at steps 314 and 320 is not in
the form of money (i.e. a car or holiday), the notification module
228 will send information regarding the prize, such as how to
redeem the prize, to the player.
[0087] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific to structural or
methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to specific features shown or described since the means
herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention
into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its
forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended
claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the
art.
* * * * *