U.S. patent application number 14/880523 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for method and system to conduct a lottery game having a televised bonus game component.
The applicant listed for this patent is Scientific Games International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Amy Hill, Victor Marinelli, Kyle Rogers, Steve Saferin.
Application Number | 20160101348 14/880523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54361125 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160101348 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogers; Kyle ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
Method and System to Conduct a Lottery Game Having a Televised
Bonus Game Component
Abstract
A system and related method for conducting a lottery game having
a televised bonus game component calls for establishing a primary
lottery game wherein players are issued lottery tickets. The
primary lottery game has a bonus game component and the lottery
tickets have a bonus game symbol thereon. For entry into the bonus
game, the players are required to collect a predefined set of the
bonus game symbols. Periodically, a bonus game drawing is conducted
such that at least one of the players entered in the drawing is
selected as a winner in each bonus game drawing and becomes
eligible for further participation in the bonus game. The bonus
game component is coordinated with a televised game show so that
contestants in the televised game show are the selected winners
from the bonus game drawings. A prize is awarded to winning
contestants who competed in the televised game show.
Inventors: |
Rogers; Kyle; (Cumming,
GA) ; Saferin; Steve; (Atlanta, GA) ; Hill;
Amy; (Cumming, GA) ; Marinelli; Victor;
(Canton, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Scientific Games International, Inc. |
Newark |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54361125 |
Appl. No.: |
14/880523 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62062172 |
Oct 10, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 ; 463/25;
463/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/0605 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/329 20130101; A63F 2250/64 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20060101
A63F003/06 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for conducting a lottery game
having a televised bonus game component, comprising: establishing,
by one or more processors, a primary lottery game wherein players
are issued lottery tickets for play of the primary lottery game,
the primary lottery game having a bonus game component and the
lottery tickets having a bonus game symbol thereon; for entry into
the bonus game, requiring the players to collect a predefined set
of different ones of the bonus game symbols; periodically
conducting bonus game drawings such that at least one of the
players entered into the bonus game is selected as a winner in each
bonus game drawing and becomes eligible for further participation
in the bonus game; coordinating with a televised game show so that
contestants in the televised game show are selected from the
winners of the bonus game drawings; and awarding a prize to winning
contestants who competed in the televised game show.
2. The method as in claim 2, wherein the contestants in the
televised game show are drawn from an audience assigned to the
televised game show, wherein the audience is composed of the
winners from the bonus game drawings.
3. The method as in claim 2, wherein the primary lottery game is
conducted in a plurality of different lottery jurisdictions, each
jurisdiction conducting a respective bonus game drawing and having
a defined minimum number of winners from their respective bonus
game drawing present in the audience, and the contestants are
randomly drawn from the entirety of the audience.
4. The method as in claim 2, wherein the primary lottery game is
conducted in a plurality of different lottery jurisdictions, each
jurisdiction conducting a respective bonus game drawing and having
a group of a defined minimum number of winners from their
respective bonus game drawing present in the audience, and at least
one of the contestants is randomly drawn from each of the
groups.
5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the primary lottery game is
conducted in a plurality of different lottery jurisdictions, each
jurisdiction conducting a respective bonus game drawing and having
a group of a defined minimum number of winners from their
respective bonus game drawing, wherein at least one of the
contestants is randomly selected from each of the groups such that
at least one contestant is selected from each jurisdiction.
6. The method as in claim 5, wherein the jurisdictions are assigned
non-contestant audience member spots as a function of their
respective jurisdictional participation in the primary lottery
game.
7. The method as in claim 1, wherein the televised game show has an
audience and the jurisdictions are assigned non-contestant audience
member spots as a function of their respective participation in the
primary lottery game.
8. The method as in claim 8, wherein the audience is composed of
the non-contestant audience members and winners from the bonus game
drawings, and the contestants in the televised game show are drawn
from the winners from the bonus game drawings present in the
audience.
9. The method as in claim 1, wherein the players are awarded a
defined number of entries in the bonus game drawing upon collecting
the predefined set of bonus game symbols, the number of entries
being multiplied as a function of a multiplier symbol earned by the
player.
10. The method as in claim 9, wherein the multiplier symbol is
earned by the player in a second primary lottery game.
11. The method as in claim 1, further comprising providing players
with a bonus game board that tracks status of the bonus game
symbols acquired by the player.
12. The method as in claim 11, wherein the bonus game board has a
MONOPOLY game theme, the bonus game symbols identifying sets of
property locations on the MONOPOLY game board.
13. The method as in claim 12, wherein the bonus game board is a
virtual game board provided to the players via a website accessible
by the players.
14. The method as in claim 13, further comprising establishing
individual player accounts that are accessible by the players via
the website, the accounts including the player's virtual game board
updated with a status of the bonus game symbols accumulated by the
player.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/062,172, filed Oct. 10, 2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to conducting second chance
game events (e.g., bonus games) associated with a separate and
independent primary lottery.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Lottery games have become a time honored method of raising
revenue for state and federal governments the world over.
Traditional scratch-off and draw games have evolved over decades,
supplying increasing revenue year after year. However, after
decades of growth, the sales curves associated with traditional
games seem to be flattening out. Consequently, both lotteries and
their service providers are presently searching for new methods of
increasing sales and expanding the gaming experience for
players.
[0004] In one attempt to increase sales, United States lotteries
have adopted second chance games where the consumer can enter
losing lottery ticket codes at lottery Internet sites to play
instant second chance games (also referred to as "bonus games") or
to enter second chance drawings. However, for the most part, second
chance games usually involve prizes of a minor nature compared to
the main lottery games and, although having some impact, are
generally not recognized as a significant promoter of sales of the
primary game.
[0005] In an attempt to increase participation in the primary
games, certain state jurisdictions in the United States have
implemented "player clubs" wherein participants register loosing
lottery game tickets from multiple primary games into an online
player account. The losing tickets are treated as entries into
periodic drawings for secondary prizes. For example, Georgia
sponsors a "PLAYERS CLUB" program wherein registered participants
enter non-winning Georgia Lottery instant tickets via an online
account into a second chance drawing program. Monthly drawings are
conducted for an array of different awards, such as a monthly grand
cash prize, featured prizes, and "points" awards that may be
redeemed at a number of participating sponsors.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009-0117966 describes another method to
enhance a player's experience in a lottery game, and thus encourage
increased participation in the game. According to this patent
application, a raffle number is assigned to each lottery ticket to
be used in a subsequent raffle drawing. The raffle is conducted in
conjunction with an independent third party event that is
unrestrained by the lottery and awards a prize that is independent
of the lottery. A typical third party event may be, for example, a
televised contest or game show wherein contestants compete for an
award. The lottery raffle prize is a function of the winning
contestant's award. For example, the raffle prize may have a value
equivalent to the value of the contestant's award, or may have an
increased value based on a multiplication of the winning
contestant's award. The lottery game component may have a theme
based on the game show, and the raffle drawing can be conducted in
conjunction with the game show, and may be televised during or
immediately after the game show.
[0007] The lottery industry is thus continuously seeking new and
creative game scenarios, particularly in regards to second chance
games, that provide increased entertainment value to players,
entice new players, and expand play of lottery games into a
multi-faceted gaming experience beyond the mere purchase of a
lottery ticket
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0009] In a particular embodiment, a computer-implemented method is
provided for conducting a primary lottery game having a televised
bonus game component (e.g., a second chance game) associated
therewith. The method includes establishing, by one or more
processors, the primary lottery game wherein players are issued
lottery tickets for play of the primary lottery game. The lottery
tickets have a bonus game symbol associated therewith, for example
by being printed on the game tickets. In another embodiment, the
lottery ticket may provide instructions to the player as to how to
acquire a unique associated bonus game symbol via a website. For
initial entry into the bonus game component, the method requires
the players to collect a predefined set of different ones of the
bonus game symbols for entry into a bonus game drawing. The game
method is not limited to any particular grouping technique or
scheme relative to the bonus game symbols. For example, sets may be
defined by color, theme, number, location on a board or matrix, and
so forth, so long as the sets are readily understood and identified
to the players.
[0010] Bonus game drawings are periodically conducted such that at
least one of the players entered into the drawing is selected as a
winner in each bonus game drawing and becomes eligible for further
participation in the bonus game component.
[0011] The lottery game is coordinated with a televised game show
so that contestants in the televised game show are the winners
selected in the bonus game drawings, and a prize is awarded to
winning contestants in the televised game show.
[0012] In one embodiment, the contestants in the televised game
show are drawn from an audience assigned to the televised game
show, wherein the audience, in whole or in part, is composed of
winners from the bonus game drawings. The primary lottery game may
be conducted in a plurality of different lottery jurisdictions, for
example in a plurality of different states within the United
States, with each jurisdiction conducting one or more respective
bonus game drawings and having a defined minimum number of winners
from their respective bonus game drawings present in the audience.
The game show contestants may then be randomly drawn from the
entirety of the audience.
[0013] In an alternate embodiment, each lottery jurisdiction may
have a defined group of bonus game winners within the audience,
wherein at least one game show contestant is randomly drawn from
each of the groups. With this embodiment, each lottery jurisdiction
has at least one contestant in the show, which may promote at-home
viewing of the show within each respective jurisdiction. In
addition, each jurisdiction may be assigned non-contestant audience
member spots to be awarded or distributed within their jurisdiction
as they see fit. For example, this audience spots may be randomly
awarded to non-winning players of the bonus game component. The
number of audience spots assigned to the jurisdictions may be a
function of the respective jurisdictional participation in the
primary lottery game, wherein jurisdictions having greater sales in
the primary lottery game receive a greater number of audience
spots. Thus, in these embodiments, the audience is composed of the
non-contestant audience members and winners from the bonus game
drawings, and the contestants in the televised game show are drawn
from the bonus game winners present in the audience.
[0014] In an embodiment of the bonus game component, the players
may be awarded a defined number of entries in the bonus game
drawing, for example 3 entries, upon collecting the defined set of
bonus game symbols. The defined number of entries may be multiplied
as a function of a multiplier symbol earned by the player in a
sub-component of the bonus game (e.g., a sub-game or drawing), or
"purchased" by the player, for example with loyalty or club points
earned by the player. In an alternate embodiment, the multiplier
symbol is earned by the player in a separately conducted second
primary lottery game that is linked to the first primary game
through the multiplier symbol or other prize or odds enhancement
mechanism. This embodiment may serve to generate increased sales in
the second primary lottery game.
[0015] The method may include providing players with a bonus game
board that tracks status of the bonus game symbols acquired by the
player. This game or status board may be a virtual game board
provided to the players via a website accessible by the players.
This embodiment lends itself well to promoting a game theme, such
as a MONOPOLY game theme, wherein the bonus game symbols identify
sets of property locations on the MONOPOLY game board. The players
may have individual player accounts that are accessible by the
players via the website, wherein the accounts include the player's
virtual game board updated with a status of the bonus game symbols
accumulated by the player, as well as any other aspect of the
player's involvement with the primary lottery game or bonus
game.
[0016] It should be appreciated that the present game method is not
limited to any particular type of first or second primary lottery
games. In one embodiment, the primary game is a lottery draw game
(e.g., a "Pick-4" or "Powerball" game wherein players attempt to
match selected player indicia with four indicia randomly drawn from
a field of indicia) and the lottery game tickets are lottery draw
tickets having at least one entry into the draw game. These tickets
may be purchased by players at an authorized lottery retail
establishment, via the Internet, and so forth. The lottery tickets
have one or more of the first bonus game symbols provided thereon
(or otherwise associated therewith), such as an Ace-of-spades,
where the first game symbols are divided into groups of playing
cards and the players are required to collect a predefined set of
cards for initial entry into the bonus game.
[0017] If a second primary lottery game is implemented, for example
to provide multiplier factors or other prize/odds enhancement
symbols related to the bonus game, such second primary game may
also be a lottery game, including another independently conducted
draw game with its own prize structure. In a particular embodiment,
however, the second primary game is an instant ticket lottery game
and the second game tickets are instant lottery tickets having a
second bonus game symbol provided thereon that is visually linked
to a particular one of the predefined sets of first bonus symbols.
For example, the bonus symbol may be a "3.times. multiplier for ",
wherein a player's initial entry into the bonus game with a
particular predefined set of spades is enhanced by a factor of
three (e.g., an initial 10 entries becomes 30 entries).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] A full and enabling description of the present invention is
provided herein, with reference to particular embodiments depicted
in the attached drawings and described below. Certain of the
drawings and related description include depictions or reference to
characters, images, trademarks, logos, and the like, associated
with the well-known board game MONOPOLY. "MONOPLOY" and the related
graphics in the drawings (including all names, characters, images,
trademarks and logos) are protected by trademark, copyrights, and
other Intellectual Property rights owned by Hasbro.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustration of a system and method with
components for primary lottery games and a bonus game in accordance
with principals of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustration of an alternative
embodiment of a system and method in accordance with aspects of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram view particularly illustrating
coordination of the bonus game component with a televised game
show;
[0022] FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of a bonus game component
coordinated with the televised game show;
[0023] FIG. 5A is an illustration of game components , including
lottery tickets and game board, that may be used in an embodiment
in accordance with the invention;
[0024] FIGS. 5B through 5E are illustrations of additional game
components that may be used with the embodiment of FIG. 5A; and
[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram view of a computer implemented
system that may be used to practice the method and system of the
present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
inventive methods and systems, one or more examples of which are
illustrated in the drawings. Each embodiment is presented by way of
explanation of the invention, and not as a limitation of the
invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part
of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield
still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present
invention include these and other modifications and variations as
come within the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0027] In general, the present disclosure is directed to computer
implemented methods and systems for conducting a second chance or
bonus game component of a primary lottery game that is coordinated
with a televised game show. For sake of example only, the following
discussion relates to embodiments of the invention drawn to primary
lottery games and bonus games sponsored by state or other
jurisdictional authorities. It should be appreciated, however, that
the system and method are just as applicable to a bonus game
component linked to any manner of primary games, such as multiple
primary games conducted within a gaming establishment (e.g., a
casino) for patrons of such establishment.
[0028] As their name implies, second chance or bonus games are a
means for a game player to win a prize with an apparent losing
ticket from an initial or primary game. Traditionally, these bonus
games are linked to non-winning instant (scratch-off) game tickets,
and certain embodiments described herein relate to this scenario.
It should be appreciated, however, that the present method and
system are not limited to any particular type of primary lottery
game, and may include, for example, a primary draw-type lottery
game. In addition, the invention is not limited to non-winning
tickets in the primary lottery game. Winning tickets may also be
entered into the bonus game component.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, aspects of a game method and associated
implementing system 100 are illustrated. The method and system are
hosted by a gaming or lottery authority (e.g., a sponsoring state
or other jurisdictional entity) through a host controller 10, which
may be any hardware/software architecture necessary for conducting
the games in a given jurisdictional area. A first primary game 12
("Primary Lottery Game A") is depicted as a lottery draw game
wherein players are issued first game tickets or entries 14 in the
form of lottery tickets for play of the lottery draw game in a
conventional manner. For example, the lottery tickets 14 include
any manner of game indicia 16, 18 for play of the draw game,
including price of the ticket, the player's game numbers, bar
codes, security features, and the like. The type or manner of game
indicia is not limiting factor of the invention and includes any
indicia necessary or desired to conduct the first primary game
12.
[0030] It should be readily appreciated that the gaming authority
may employ, contract with, or otherwise cooperate with any other
party or entity to implement the present method embodiments on
behalf of the gaming authority, such as a game provider that prints
lottery tickets or renders information/database management services
to the gaming authority.
[0031] A bonus game 20 is established that is played separate from
the first primary game 12. The bonus game 20 has its own set of
rules and prize structure and is generally conducted completely
independent of the primary lottery game. Various types of second
chance or bonus games 20 are well known in the lottery industry,
and any one or combination of these games may be utilized in the
present invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the bonus
game 20 is referenced as a "drawing" type of game (i.e., a raffle).
Players are granted entries or tickets into a random drawing
wherein, for each drawing, at least one winning selections is drawn
from the pool of entries.
[0032] Still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, first bonus
game symbols 30 are associated with the lottery game tickets 14,
for example by being printed on the game tickets as depicted in
FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the game tickets 14 may provide
instructions to the player as to how to acquire a unique associated
bonus game symbol 30 that is revealed to the player via a website.
The players are required to collect a predefined set or group (the
terms "sets" and "groups" are used interchangeably herein) of
different ones of the bonus game symbols 30 before receiving one or
more initial entries into the bonus game 20. A predefined set
includes a set of one game symbol 30 or a set of a plurality of
game symbols 30. As mentioned, the method is not limited to any
particular grouping technique or scheme. For example, sets may be
defined by color, theme, number, location on a board or matrix, and
so forth, so long as the sets are readily understood and identified
to the players. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the predefined sets 32
are face cards from a conventional playing deck. Group A
corresponds to: A, K, Q, and J. Group B corresponds to: A, K, Q,
and J. Group C corresponds to: A , K , Q , and J . Group D
corresponds to: A.diamond-solid., K.diamond-solid.,
Q.diamond-solid., and J.diamond-solid.. In the embodiment of FIG.
1, in order to qualify for play of the bonus game 20, a player
would need to satisfy any one of these groups with the game symbols
30 they have accumulated from purchase of first game tickets
14.
[0033] The game symbols 30 on the game tickets 14 of FIG. 1 are the
A and K.diamond-solid., respectively. It should be appreciated that
the game symbols 30 could be cards or items that are not within any
of the predefined groups 32. For example, the game symbols 30 on
game tickets 14 may be 10 or 8, which are not face cards belonging
to any one of the predefined groups 32 and thus have no value in
the bonus game 20.
[0034] If the one of the groups 32 are satisfied by the player's
accumulation of game symbols 30, then the player is entered into
the bonus game 20 and is granted a defined number of entries into
the bonus game drawing. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1,
the player is granted 10 entries into the bonus game drawing 20 for
each group 32 collected by the player.
[0035] The players may enter their primary lottery game tickets 14
into the bonus game via a website maintained by (or for) the gaming
authority. It is not a requirement that only non-winning tickets 14
can be entered. For example, all tickets 14 from the primary
lottery game may be played, including winning tickets. The tickets
are "entered" in the sense that each game ticket or entry 14 is
uniquely identified by a code or other means that the player
provides to the game authority or administrator, for example via a
website maintained by the game authority or in person at an
authorized game or lottery location. Once verified, the ticket 14
is entered into the bonus game 20 and the game symbol 30 associated
with each tickets are recorded or credited in the player's
account.
[0036] As discussed above, a particular embodiment of the primary
lottery game may include the linking of a second primary lottery
game to enhance the player's odds of success or prize in the bonus
game. This embodiment is also illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein a
second primary game 22 ("Primary Lottery Game B") is established
wherein players are issued second game tickets or entries 24 for
play of the second primary game. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.
1, the second primary game 22 is a conventional instant scratch-off
lottery game wherein players are issued second game tickets 24 in
the form of conventional scratch-off lottery tickets having any
manner of game indicia 26, 28 for play of the instant games,
including price of the ticket, game symbols underlying a
scratch-off coating, bar codes, security features, and the like.
Conventional lottery scratch-off tickets are well known in the art
and need not be described in detail herein.
[0037] The second game tickets 24 are "linked" to the bonus game 20
for the first primary game 22 such that players increase their
chance of success in the bonus game 20 by entering the second game
tickets 24 (winning or non-winning) into the bonus game 20. The
primary games 12, 22 and bonus game 20 are conducted such that (i)
play of the first primary game 12 does not require play of the
bonus game 20 or the second primary game 22, (ii) play of the
second primary game 22 does not require play of the first primary
game 12 or the bonus game 20, and (iii) play of the bonus game 20
requires play of the first primary game 12 but not the second
primary game 22. Thus, the gate to the bonus game 20 is play of the
first primary game 12. The player cannot enter the bonus game 20
simply by playing the second primary game 22. Play of the second
primary game 22 may, however, increases the player's likelihood of
success or enhance a prize in the bonus game 20 by various means.
For example, in one embodiment described in greater detail below,
entry of game tickets 24 from the second primary game 22 may
increase the number entries a player is granted in the bonus draw
game 20, or increase a prize awarded in the bonus game 20, or
increase the number of bonus games 20 the player is eligible to
play, and so forth.
[0038] A second type of bonus game symbol 34 is associated with
(e.g., printed on or accessible via a website) on the second game
tickets 24. The second bonus game symbols 34 are visually linked to
a particular one of the predefined groupings 32 of first bonus
symbols to the extent that a player can readily visually associate
the symbol 34 with a particular group 32. For example, referring to
the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second bonus game symbols 34 printed
on the second game tickets 24 are "3.times." and "4.times.",
respectively. A player can readily appreciate that "3.times." is a
multiplier (factor of 3) associated with the Group A, and that
"4.times." is a multiplier (factor of 4) associated with Group
B.
[0039] The player's initial entry into the bonus game 20 (granted
upon accumulation of one or more of the predefined sets 32 of first
bonus game symbols) may be enhanced by one or more of the second
bonus game symbols 34 accumulated by the player that are linked to
the respective predefined set 32 of first bonus game symbols 30.
For example, referring to FIG. 1, the bonus game 20 is a drawing
event wherein a "winner" is randomly selected from a pool of
entries, the winner receiving a prize award of some value. The
player is granted 10 initial entries into the bonus game drawing
upon accumulation of one of the predefined sets 32 of first bonus
game symbols 30. The player has also accumulated a 3.times.
multiplier for Group A and a 4.times. multiplier for Group B. If
the player satisfies Group A, then the 10 initial entries are
increased to 30. If the player satisfies Group B, then the 10
initial entries are increased to 40.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the player can accumulate multiple
sets 32 of bonus game symbols between bonus game drawings, wherein
the player's number of entries in the next scheduled bonus game 20
is the cumulative total from all of the accumulated sets. For
example, if the player accumulates Group A and Group B, then he is
granted 20 initial entries in the bonus game 20. These initial
entries may be increased by any second bonus game symbols 34
acquired by the player that relate to Group A or Group B.
[0041] The embodiment of a multiplier that increases the player's
odds of winning is only one example of an enhancement to play of
the bonus game 20. In another embodiment, the second bonus game
symbol 34 may increase the prize award in the bonus game 20
resulting from the player becoming a winning contestant in the
televised game show. For example, a multiplier of 3.times. may
apply to a prize award from the game show of $10,000, resulting in
a final prize of $30,000. In still another embodiment, the second
bonus game symbol 34 may identify an "add-on" prize that is in
addition to the bonus game entries or bonus game price, such as a
$500 shopping spree, and so forth. It should be appreciated that
the type of enhancement provided by the second bonus game symbols
34 can vary within the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 2 depicts and embodiment 100 of a method and associated
system that is similar in many respects to the embodiment of FIG.
1. In this embodiment, however, qualification for entry into the
bonus game 20 only requires one particular bonus game symbol 30. In
other words, the predefined sets 32 include one or more game
symbols 30. For example, the player has accumulated three first
game symbols 30 from the first primary lottery game 12: A,
.diamond-solid.K, and .diamond-solid.5. The A entitles the player
to 1 entry in the bonus game 20, and the .diamond-solid.K entitles
the player to 10 entries in the bonus game. The .diamond-solid.5
does not match one of the predefined sets 32 and has no value in
the bonus game 20. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the player can
accumulate multiple sets 32 between bonus games, wherein the
player's entries in the next scheduled bonus game 20 is the
cumulative total from all of the accumulated sets.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the bonus game component is coordinated
with a televised game show 68 wherein contestants compete in one or
more games of skill or chance to win a prize. It should be
appreciated that the particular type of televised game or contest
is not a limiting feature of the invention so long as at least one
of the contestants in the televised game show is a selected winner
from the bonus game drawings. The bonus game is coordinated with
the game show to the extent that the game show is essentially the
venue in which the bonus game is finally concluded. The televised
game show may be produced with the assistance of the gaming
authority, game provider, or any other entity associated with the
primary lottery game. For example, on behalf of one or more lottery
jurisdictions, a game provider (e.g., provides the primary lottery
game to multiple jurisdictions) may be partnered with a game show
producer on a local or national level, and the game show may be
televised at a local or national level. The game provider may have
in-house production capabilities for producing the game show.
[0044] Referring again to the embodiment of FIG. 3, three separate
lottery jurisdictions 50 (Jurisdiction A), 52 (Jurisdiction B), and
54 (Jurisdiction C) are depicted. These jurisdictions 50-54 may be
multiple states, or defined geographical regions within a single
state, or regions falling within the same governmental gaming
regulations, or regions defined solely by the gaming provider or
gaming authority, and so forth. Each jurisdiction 50-52 conducts
its own primary lottery game 12 and bonus game drawings 20, as
discussed above. Thus, each jurisdiction 50, 52, and 54 generates a
respective pool 56, 58, 60 of players entered into a bonus game
drawing by collecting a defined set of the bonus game symbols 30,
which places the player in the bonus game drawing.
[0045] Periodically, the gaming authority, game provider, or
combination of both conducts a bonus game drawing wherein one or
more winners 62, 64, 66 are selected (e.g., randomly drawn) from
the pools 56, 58, 60. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3,
multiple winners from jurisdiction "A" define a group of "A"
winners 62 that are eligible to become contestants in the televised
game show. Likewise, multiple winners from jurisdictions "B" and
"C" are selected and define groups of winners 64 and 66,
respectively, which are eligible to become contestants in the game
show. At least one bonus game drawing is conducted in each
jurisdiction before each of the televised game shows.
[0046] Each jurisdiction may be assigned a minimum number of
winners in the groups 62, 64, and 66 (e.g. 100 hundred winners from
each jurisdiction). Other factors may warrant assigning certain of
the jurisdictions 50, 52, and 54 a greater number of winners, such
as volume of participation by players within the jurisdiction that
participated in the primary game, geographic size of the
jurisdiction, revenue generated in the jurisdiction, and so forth.
It should be understood that a respective pool 56, 58, and 60, or
group of winners 62, 64, 66, may be one or more players.
[0047] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the contestants 72 in the
televised game show are drawn from an audience 70 assigned to the
show. As indicated by the directional arrows in FIG. 3, the
audience is, in whole or in part, composed of the groups of winners
62, 64, and 66 from the bonus game drawings. The game show
contestants 72 may then be randomly drawn from the entirety of the
audience 70 such that no one jurisdiction is guaranteed a
contestant 72 in the game show.
[0048] Still referring to FIG. 3, in an alternate embodiment, the
groups of winners 62, 64, and 66 are still assigned to the audience
70. However, at least one game show contestant 72 is then randomly
selected from each group 62, 64, 66 such that each participating
jurisdiction has at least one contestant in the show. In this
embodiment, the identity of the particular groups 62, 64, and 66
may be maintained in the audience. For example, each group may have
an assigned seating section, or may wear respective identifying
clothing, or the like. With this embodiment, each jurisdiction has
at least one contestant in the show, which may promote at-home
viewing of the show within each respective jurisdiction.
[0049] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment, wherein each jurisdiction
again generates a group of winners 62, 64, and 66 from the bonus
draw game. From each of these groups 62, 64, and 66, at least one
contestant 74, 76, and 78 is randomly selected to become
contestants 72 in the game show 68. This selection process may be
done completely outside of and before the game show, and may be
conducted by a drawing held by the gaming authority/game provider
in a separate event.
[0050] In addition, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each jurisdiction
may be assigned non-contestant audience member spots 80, 82 to be
awarded or distributed within their jurisdiction. For example,
these audience spots 80, 82 may be randomly awarded to non-winning
players of the bonus game component. The number of audience spots
80, 82 assigned to the jurisdictions may be a function of the
respective jurisdictional participation in the primary lottery
game, wherein jurisdictions having greater sales in the primary
lottery game receive a greater number of audience spots 80, 82.
Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the audience 70 is composed of
the non-contestant audience members 80, 82 and winners 74, 76, from
the bonus game drawings, and the contestants in the televised game
show are drawn from the bonus game winners present in the audience.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the audience 70 is composed of the
non-contestant audience members 80, 82, and the contestants in the
game show are pre-selected.
[0051] In certain embodiments, the players are provided with a
bonus game board 36 that tracks the first bonus game symbols 30 and
second bonus game symbols 34 acquired by the player. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the game board 36 is a tabular compilation
wherein positions in the table are marked or highlighted with the
player's accumulated symbols, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1.
It should be appreciated that any manner or configuration of game
board 36 may be designed based on the type of primary and secondary
games 12, 22, and bonus game 20.
[0052] In a particular embodiment, the game board 36 may be a
virtual board accessed by the player via a website that
automatically updates and visually associates the second bonus game
symbols 34 with their respective predefined set 32 of first bonus
game symbols 30, as in FIG. 1. For example, individual players may
establish a respective bonus game account via the website, wherein
each player is shown their own individualized game board 36 that is
updated with a status of the first bonus game symbols 30 and second
bonus game symbols 34 accumulated by the player. In an alternate
embodiment, players may be provided with a "hard" game board (e.g.
printed on paper or card stock) or "electronic" game board (e.g.,
application of a wireless device) that the player updates as the
games progress.
[0053] FIGS. 5A through 5E relate to an embodiment of a game method
and system in accordance with aspects of the invention having a
particular game theme. Referring to FIG. 5A, a primary lottery game
ticket 14 is embodied as a lottery ticket for a lottery draw game.
The ticket 14 includes the player's draw numbers, as well as any
other indicia necessary to conduct the first primary game. The
ticket 14 includes indicia identifying a MONOPOLY game theme. In
accordance with the game theme, the ticket 14 includes a first
bonus game symbol 30 depicted as one of the real estate properties
40 from a conventional MONOPOLY board game, in this case the widely
recognized "Boardwalk" property. Thus, with this embodiment, the
first bonus game symbols 30 identify sets of property locations on
the MONOPOLY game board. Instructions are also provided on the
ticket 14 for the player to enter the ticket 14 into the bonus game
20. For example, the player is directed to access a lottery website
at the web address printed on the ticket via any suitable Internet
enabled device 38 (e.g., a computer, smart phone, or the like).
[0054] As mentioned above, the bonus game 20 may be administered
through a players' club, wherein players establish an individual
account maintained by the lottery authority for the purpose of
entering, tracking, and qualifying for and playing the bonus games.
The players access their account via an Internet enabled device at
the website address provided on the ticket 14. Each player may have
an individual account number.
[0055] FIG. 5B is a screen shot illustrating entry of the primary
lottery game ticket 14 and, if utilized, a secondary primary game
ticket 24 into the bonus game. At window 48, the player is
instructed to enter the draw ticket club number 44 (or other unique
identifying information, such as a serial number or the like) from
the ticket 14 of FIG. 5A. At window 50, the player is instructed to
enter identifying information from the scratch-off ticket 24 of
FIG. 5A, such as the serial number 25. A game board 36 is also
provided, which is updated with first game symbols 30 and, if
utilized, second game symbols 34 upon entry and verification of the
respective game tickets 14, 22.
[0056] FIG. 5C is an example of a screen shot 52 provided to the
player that tracks and updates the player's accumulation of bonus
game symbols. For example, the screen shot 52 informs the
particular player that they have accumulated the "Park Place" and
"Boardwalk" property locations.
[0057] As mentioned above, the bonus game may include linking of a
second primary game to the bonus game. In this regard, referring to
FIG. 5A, the second game ticket 24 is embodied as an instant
lottery scratch-off ticket having any manner of game indicia 26
relating to the overall MONOPLY game theme. With this embodiment,
however, the second bonus game symbol is not provided directly on
the ticket 24. The player is provided instructions 46 on the ticket
24 to access the bonus game website, at which time the player will
be provided the associated second bonus game symbol. For example,
referring to FIG. 5D, the player may be provided a screen shot 54
identifying the second game symbol 34 that is linked to the bonus
game. In the depicted embodiment, the second game symbol 34 is a
house or hotel structure 42 built on one of the property locations
on the MONOPOLY game board, such as "one hotel on Boardwalk" (as
shown in FIG. 5D) or "two houses on Park Place", and so forth. As
with the conventional MONOPOLY game, a greater number of house or
hotel structures 42 associated with a property increases the
location's value. For purposes of the bonus game 20, the structures
42 increase the number of entries into the bonus game 20 when the
predefined set of property locations is completed by the player.
For example, the screen shot 56 of FIG. 5E depicts the bonus game
board 36 as a conventional MONOPLY game board with the player's
accumulation of properties highlighted (the first bonus game
symbols equating to particular property locations). The screen shot
56 also informs the player that they have satisfied one of the
predefined sets 32 of first bonus game symbols (e.g., all of the
dark blue properties). The enhancement value provided by the second
game symbol 34 (FIG. 5D) associated with the particular set 32 of
game symbols is a multiplier of 3.times. attached to the two house
structures 42. Thus, the initial award of ten entries into the
bonus game for accumulating Park Place and Boardwalk from the first
primary lottery game is multiplied by a factor of 3 to grant the
player thirty entries into the bonus game, as depicted in FIG.
5E.
[0058] Referring to the figures in general, the present invention
also encompasses a game system that embodies many of the
methodology aspects discussed above.
[0059] Embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein may
be executed by one or more suitable networked lottery gaming
systems. Such system(s) may comprise one or more computing devices
adapted to perform one or more embodiments of the methods disclosed
herein. Such gaming systems and computing devices may access one or
more computer-readable media that embody computer-readable
instructions which, when executed by at least one computer, cause
the computer(s) to implement one or more embodiments of the methods
of the present subject matter. Additionally or alternatively, the
computing device(s) may comprise circuitry that renders the
device(s) operative to implement one or more of the methods of the
present subject matter. Furthermore, components of the
presently-disclosed technology may be implemented using one or more
computer-readable media.
[0060] Any suitable computer-readable medium or media may be used
to implement or practice the presently-disclosed subject matter,
including, but not limited to, diskettes, drives, and other
magnetic-based storage media, optical storage media, including
disks (including CD-ROMS, DVD-ROMS, and variants thereof), flash,
RAM, ROM, and other memory devices, and the like.
[0061] The present disclosure also makes reference to the
transmission of communicated data over one or more communications
networks. It should be appreciated that network communications can
comprise sending and/or receiving information over one or more
networks of various forms. For example, a network can comprise a
dial-in network, a local area network (LAN), wide area network
(WAN), public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet,
intranet or other type(s) of networks. A network may comprise any
number and/or combination of hard-wired, wireless, or other
communication links.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram view of a representative gaming system
200 that may be used to practice aspects of the bonus game
component in accordance with the present invention. The exemplary
system 200 includes a central system 122 with a central controller
123 administered by a game provider that cooperates with one or
more lottery jurisdictions to provide lottery products and
services. It should be readily appreciated that the central
controller 123 may include an integrated server, or the host
central system 122 may include any manner of periphery server or
other hardware structure. The host computer system 122 is
configured to carry out the funding and gaming functions associated
with the first and second primary games and bonus game program
described herein.
[0063] The host central computer system 122 may be a single
networked computer, or a series of interconnected computers having
access to the network 110 via a gateway or other known networking
system. Generally, the central controller 123 configured to
communicate with, manage, execute and control individual terminal
units 104 within the lottery jurisdiction, and to interface with
the network enabled devices 116a, 116b, and 116c of the players for
entry into and play of the bonus games, as described herein. The
central controller 123 may include a memory for storing gaming
procedures and routines, a microprocessor (MP) for executing the
stored programs, a random access memory (RAM) and an input/output
(I/O) bus. These devices may be multiplexed together via a common
bus, or may each be directly connected via dedicated communications
lines, depending on the needs of the system 100.
[0064] The central controller 123 may be directly or indirectly
connected through the I/O bus to any manner of peripheral devices
such as storage devices, wireless adaptors, printers, and the like.
In addition, a database (DB) may be communicatively connected to
the central controller 123 and provide a data repository for the
storage and correlation of information gathered from the individual
terminal units 104 or devices 116. The information stored within
the database may be information relating to individual players,
games, or game card specific information.
[0065] Aspects of present system and method call for the players to
interface with the host central computer system 122. This may be
done directly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, or indirectly via the
individual lottery jurisdiction servers 106. For example, the
players may be provided with a website address printed on the first
or second primary game tickets, whereby the player enters their
game ticket into the bonus game program by accessing the central
computer system 122 directly via a network enabled device 116c (for
example, an Internet enabled PC 116a, or smart phone/mobile device
116b). Depending on the requirements of how the bonus games are
actually conducted, the player may be directed to download gaming
software to their PC or other network-enabled device that enables
the player to perform all functions needed to participate in the
second chance games. The network enabled devices 116 may be
directly connected to the network 110 through a plurality of direct
network links 118, thereby eliminating the need for the bus,
router, or other networking equipment. The devices 116 are
configured to execute one or more computer programs, such as an
Internet browser program, to allow users to interact with the
central computer system 122, and preferably include a visual
display such as a monitor or screen. Alternatively, the visual
display may be incorporated into a web-browser configured to
display multimedia content. For instance, a player may access the
system 122 remotely via an Internet web-browser on player device
116.
[0066] In one embodiment, the player's network enabled device may
be located at a point of sale location for the first or second
primary game lottery tickets, and may even be a part of the
terminals 104. In this embodiment, a player may interact with the
system 122 immediately after purchasing or receiving a primary game
ticket.
[0067] Each lottery jurisdiction may be differently configured for
purposes of carrying out various lottery functions within its
borders. For purposes of discussion, each lottery jurisdiction may
be considered as a node. The lottery jurisdiction nodes 120, in
turn, may be directly connected and/or multiplexed to the network
110 via direct network links. Further, the direct network links may
be secure communications channels physically hardened against
tampering and/or the communications may be encrypted to prevent
unauthorized access to information transmitted thereon.
[0068] With each lottery jurisdiction, a plurality of terminal
units 104 may be provided at multiple locations and connected with
a LAN or WAN. Further, the LAN and/or WAN connecting each of the
terminal units 104 may include one or more separate and secure
buses 108, routers 112, web servers 106, gateways and other
networking equipment to provide continuous and/or redundant
connectivity to the network 110. As discussed above, the network
110 may be communicatively connected to central host computers 122
and/or respective central controllers as well as associated
databases to allow for implementation, storage, tracking and
analysis of gaming and other features. The network 110 may also be
connected to external systems (e.g., Facebook.TM., Twitter.TM.,
etc.) for different purposes. For example, the players may be
notified through these external systems as to whether or not they
won or lost in the primary or second chance games.
[0069] The terminal units 104 may be configured with any manner of
hardware and software functionality to accept a player's entry and
wager into a primary game, such as an on-line game or purchase of
an instant game ticket. The terminal units 104 may also be
configured for redeeming a player's game ticket after completion of
the primary game, or completion of the second chance game of the
player's choice. For example, the terminals may issue a credit slip
that the player uses to collect their prize award at an
establishment's cashier or an authorized lottery redemption
center.
[0070] The terminals 104 may include any conventional feature known
to those skilled in the art related to lottery terminals. The
terminal 14 includes features and functionality to allow a player
or retail clerk to enter the information required to participate in
the lottery game. An exemplary terminal 14 includes a housing, one
or more input devices, which may be a control panel having input
keys, a display, a value input device such as a card reader, a play
slip or ticket reader, and a ticket printer. The play slip reader
is typically configured to read user selection marks, bar codes,
magnetically stored information, or any other desired input
information. Control panel input keys allow the player or retail
clerk to select the game to be played, input the value to be
wagered, manually enter selected lottery characters, and input any
other information necessary to play the lottery game. The terminal
may include a display which may be an LCD, a CRT, or touch-screen
capable of receiving and displaying information related to the
game. The value input device may include any device that can accept
value or a wager from a customer, such as a card reader or an
optical currency collector. The value input device may be
integrated with external devices, such as a cash register or other
retail terminals, to exchange information necessary to receive and
record the wagering transaction. The game ticket printer may be
used to print or otherwise encode game tickets with information
selected or required to play the lottery game. The printer may
provide game tickets that reflect a player's selection, or complete
lottery slips if the selection was generated automatically by the
terminal. It should be readily appreciated that particular
embodiments of terminals 14 are not meant as a limitation of the
invention, and that embodiments of the present invention may
encompass any configuration of features and functionality to allow
initiation and playing of a lottery game.
[0071] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various modifications and variations may be made present invention
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is
intended that the present invention include such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *