HK1113006A - Hybrid instant online lottery game - Google Patents

Description

Hybrid instant online lottery game

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY NOTIFICATION AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed on 12.5.2005 with priority from provisional patent application No. 60/680,607 entitled Hybrid Instant Online Lottery Game, in accordance with 35 U.S. C.119(e) requirements. The entire contents of said application are incorporated by reference in the present application.

Background

Future draw-type lottery games involve the purchase of a lottery ticket (change) or wager, typically in the form of a ticket, to match the results of the draw to be made after the lottery ticket purchase. Lotto and keno are two examples of future draw-type lottery games. In an instant winning or instant lottery game, whether a ticket or lottery will be a winner is determined at the time of or before the purchase. Thus, the winning instant lottery ticket is typically redeemable immediately. Common types of instant win lottery games include preprinted tickets such as pull-tab tickets, peel-open tickets or scratch-off tickets. The instant win lottery game may also be provided electronically, for example, as described in U.S. patent 6,241,606 to Riendeau.

Preprinted lottery tickets for instant lottery games can be inconvenient and expensive. Typically, the activated instant ticket is an anonymous ticket and the winning ticket can be redeemed. The security requirements necessitate the use of secure printing and distribution of preprinted instant lottery tickets and careful inventory (inventoryy) control to prevent loss. Further, in conventional fashion, instant lottery tickets are packaged or cost-effectively printed prior to distribution to lottery retailers and lottery retail machines. This requires the lottery operator to determine the number of tickets to be printed for a particular instant lottery game prior to the sale of the instant lottery tickets and carefully and securely control the inventory of such tickets to prevent loss and fraud. Moreover, printing these tickets prior to distribution and sale limits the speed and ease with which lottery operators can change instant lottery ticket games.

Instant lottery games are offered in a variety of types, sizes, colors, and themes. They are typically sold as "impulse buy" items near cash registers or point of sale terminals, or from unmanned terminals or point of sale machines in large traffic areas, such as train stations, other transportation centers, bowling alleys, or other entertainment venues. Instant lottery games are typically printed in vivid colors to attract the attention of customers and to motivate such impulse purchases in visually appealing designs.

Typically, in future draw-type lottery systems, customers may purchase tickets at a dedicated lottery terminal at a convenience store or similar establishment, where the lottery tickets are printed in accordance with the order. Each dedicated lottery terminal communicates with the central lottery server to exchange information and instructions related to a given lottery transaction. Although withdrawal type tickets are popular in the future, they typically do not have an attractive presentation of the instant ticket displayed at the cash register at the point of sale nor the "impulse purchase" of instant lottery game tickets. In contrast to impulse purchases, future draw-type lottery systems are typically "on-the-fly" purchases. Us patent 5,772,510 to Roberts allows instant lottery tickets to be printed at lottery terminals selling lottery tickets of the future draw type, but still requires a special ticket stock with pre-printed information.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates an example process for implementing a lottery game in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate a pair of exemplary game pieces according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate another pair of exemplary game pieces according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate an exemplary set of game pieces according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a lottery terminal according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a client/server system according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example system for implementing a lottery game in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates another pair of exemplary game pieces according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example data structure according to an example embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 14A and 14B illustrate another example process for implementing a lottery game according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of illustrative embodiments

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a lottery game and the processes and devices required to play and implement the lottery game. The example lottery game includes a first type of lottery game piece. These first type blocks may be pre-printed and distributed free of charge, for example, by mail or near the point of sale. The first type of lottery game pieces may be printed in vivid colors to attract the attention of the customer and encourage the customer to purchase in a visually attractive design. The first type of lottery game pieces include a set of lottery game data therein, which may be represented graphically or as a set of numbers, letters, or other indicia. The player obtains one of these first type lottery game pieces and may decide to play the game. As part of the process of purchasing lottery tickets in the lottery game, the player may then present the lottery game pieces, for example, by causing an identification code to be read from the lottery game pieces at a conventional online lottery terminal that has been modified to support the game types described herein. The player then receives a second set of lottery game data, which may be provided to a second game piece that may be printed at the online lottery terminal, or which may be printed on the first game piece, or which may be provided to the player in other ways, such as displayed on a display screen. The player may be given a receipt which may be used to confirm that the player has purchased an in-game lottery ticket and may be later used to redeem the winning lottery ticket, e.g., a unique validation code printed on the first or second game pieces at the time of purchase. A Lottery client server system may be used to facilitate the purchase transaction and generation of Game data and validation codes, such as a modification of the system described in U.S. provisional patent application a Flexible Online Instant Lottery Game (U.S. patent application 60/645,488, filed 1/18/2005), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The player may then determine the outcome of the game by comparing the first and second sets of lottery game data with reference to a predetermined set of game rules. For example, the first game piece may be a bingo card (bingo card), and the second game piece may include a set of bingo draw numbers that may be compared to the bingo card on the first game piece according to conventional bingo game rules for determining game outcomes. Once the player has determined that the lottery is a winner by comparing the two sets of lottery game data determined according to the predetermined rules, one of the game pieces may be redeemed for the appropriate prize by presenting the game piece at an appropriate location, such as a lottery game kiosk, manned lottery terminal, or lottery authority redemption center. The validation code may be read from the ticket to allow the gaming system to confirm that the ticket presented for redemption is a valid winning ticket. Likewise, a client-server lottery system may be used to facilitate validation and redemption of winning tickets. Alternatives to the above procedure may also be used. Several example embodiments of processes and apparatuses for example lottery games and game systems are discussed in more detail below.

An example embodiment of the present invention may include a process for conducting a lottery game: wherein the outcome may be determined by comparing the game data sets according to predetermined game rules. The example process may include providing a player with a first game piece having a first set of game data; receiving an indication that a player wishes to purchase a lottery ticket in a lottery game; determining a result for the lottery ticket; generating a second set of game data such that a comparison of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates an outcome of the lottery ticket according to the predetermined game rule; providing the second set of game data to a player; and awarding a prize to the player, the prize value depending on the outcome. The example embodiment may further include distributing the first game piece to the player free of charge. The example embodiment may further include the first game piece as part of the mail piece. The example embodiment may further include displaying the first game piece at a point of sale. The example embodiment may further include distributing the first game piece in conjunction with completion of another purchase transaction. The example embodiment may further include a first game piece that: which is a preprinted play slip with indicia indicating a first set of game data. The example embodiment may further include receiving a first game piece from the player; printing a second set of game data on the first game piece; and returning the first playing piece to the player. The example embodiment may further include receiving a first game piece from the player; and displaying the second set of game data on the display. The exemplary embodiment may further include printing a second game piece comprising a set of a second set of game data; and providing the second playing piece to the player. This example embodiment may further include a second identifier on a second game piece; and associating the first identity with a second identity in the database. The example embodiment may further include receiving a second game piece submitted for prize acquisition. The example embodiment may further include a first identifier on the first game piece and associating the first identifier with a first game receipt in the database. The example embodiment may further include receiving a first game piece submitted for prize acquisition. This example embodiment may further include determining the outcome by selecting a random entry from a pool of prizes.

Another example embodiment of the present invention may include a process for conducting a lottery game: wherein the outcome may be determined by comparing the game data sets according to predetermined game rules. The example process may include: distributing a first game piece having a first set of game data and a first identifier for free; receiving from the player a first game piece and an indication that the player wishes to purchase a lottery ticket in the lottery game; reading a first identifier from a first game piece; determining a result for the lottery ticket; associating a unique second identification with the lottery ticket; generating a second set of game data such that a comparison of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates the outcome in accordance with the predetermined game rule; providing a second game piece having a second set of game data and a second identification to the player; receiving a second game piece submitted for obtaining the prize; reading a second identifier from a second playing piece; and awarding a prize based on the result.

Another example embodiment of the present invention may include a process for conducting a lottery game: wherein the outcome may be determined by comparing the game data sets according to predetermined game rules. The example process may include distributing a first game piece having a first set of game data and a first identification for free; receiving from the player a first game piece and an indication that the player wishes to purchase a lottery ticket in the lottery game; reading a first identifier from a first game piece; associating a unique second identification with the lottery ticket; generating a second set of game data such that a comparison of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates an outcome according to a predetermined game rule; providing a second game piece having a second set of game data and a second identification to the player; receiving a second game piece submitted for obtaining the prize; reading a second identifier from a second playing piece; and awarding a prize based on the result. The example embodiment may further include receiving an indication that the player wishes to purchase a supplemental lottery ticket in the lottery game; determining a replenishment result for replenishing the lottery ticket; the player is provided with a set of supplemental game data such that a comparison of the first and second sets of game data and the set of supplemental game data indicates the supplemental outcome in accordance with a predetermined game rule. The example embodiment may further include printing a supplemental game data set on one of the first or second game pieces. The example embodiment may further include providing a supplemental play piece having a supplemental play data set. The exemplary embodiment may further include providing the player with an opportunity to purchase a series of additional supplemental lottery tickets. The example embodiment may further include a process of: wherein the player cannot purchase the supplementary lottery ticket at least until the player has had a winning outcome. The example embodiment may further include a process of: wherein the supplemental game data set is associated with a supplemental unique identification. The example embodiment may further include the player receiving an additional game piece including a supplemental set of game data and a supplemental unique identifier. The example embodiment may further include associating player and player information with the lottery ticket, the player information including a supplemental lottery ticket, a first game piece, a second game piece, and a supplemental game piece. The example embodiment may further include associating the player with game information.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions adapted to be executed by a processor, the instructions, when executed, defining a process for conducting a lottery game wherein the outcome may be determined by comparing sets of game data by predetermined game rules. The process may include: an input routine that receives an indication that a player wishes to purchase a lottery ticket in a lottery game; a run routine that determines a result for the lottery ticket; a generation routine that generates a second set of game data such that a comparison of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates the outcome of the lottery ticket according to the predetermined game rules; an output routine providing a second set of game data to the user; and a award routine that awards a prize to the player, the prize value depending on the outcome.

Another example embodiment of the present invention may include a lottery game system for playing a lottery game in which an outcome may be determined by comparing game data sets according to predetermined game rules. The system may include: a plurality of freely distributed game pieces, each game piece having a respective set of a first set of game data and a first identification code; a terminal for receiving a request from a player to play a lottery game and reading a first identification code from one of a plurality of freely distributed game pieces presented by the player; a host in communication with the terminal, the host configured to receive a first identification code from the terminal and to transmit a second set of game data to the terminal; an output device in communication with the terminal, the output device configured to provide the second set of game data to the player; and a redemption station in communication with the host and configured to pay the prize to the player when the comparison of the first set of game data to the second set of game data indicates a winning outcome in accordance with the predetermined rules. Certain example embodiments of the invention may include a redemption station as part of the terminal. The example embodiment may further include a second game piece output by the output device, the second game piece including a second set of game data. The example embodiment may further include a unique second identification code on the second game piece. The example embodiment may further include a redemption station configured to read the unique identification and send a unique second identification to the host. The example embodiment may further include a database accessible by the host, the database including a plurality of records, at least one of the plurality of records being associated with the first set of game data, the second unique identifier, and the game outcome. The example embodiment may further include a payout receiver configured to accept payout, and a reader configured to read the first identification code from the first game piece. The example embodiment may further include: a prize table containing a plurality of prizes available for the lottery game; a table of outcomes comprising a plurality of outcomes generated in the lottery game; and a log containing a plurality of first game pieces and second game pieces distributed by the ticket terminal. The example embodiment may further include a host in real-time communication with the terminal and redemption station.

Another example embodiment of the present invention may include: a first game piece including a first identifier and a first set of game data; a second game piece including a second unique identifier associated with the first identifier and a second set of game data; a ticket terminal including a payment receiver configured to accept payments, a reader configured to read a first game piece; and a dispenser configured to dispense a second game piece, the dispenser comprising a printer; a redemption terminal configured to award a prize; a prize table containing a plurality of prizes available for the lottery game; a table of outcomes comprising a plurality of outcomes generated in the lottery game; a host computer in real-time communication with the ticket terminal and the redemption terminal, the host computer further comprising: a database containing a plurality of records, each record comprising a first set of game data, a second unique identifier, and a game outcome; and a log containing a plurality of first game pieces and second game pieces distributed by the ticket terminal.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example process for implementing a lottery game in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. At 100, a first game piece may be distributed. The first game piece may be distributed for free: mail it to the player, place it in a public area for pick up by the player, provide it as a promotion with a receipt for another purchase transaction, or otherwise. The first game pieces may also be dispensed from a modified conventional lottery terminal upon request by the player.

The first game pieces may be pre-printed, partially pre-printed, or printed on order. For example, like a conventional instant win lottery ticket, the first game piece may be printed with attractive graphics in bright colors to attract the attention of the customer. The first playing piece is as described in figures 3A, 4A, 5A and 12 discussed below. The first game piece distributed at 100 may include a first set of game data, such as graphical indicia used in playing the lottery game. They may include numbers, letters, or other graphical elements used in playing the game, and may be presented in a vivid, colorful, and visually appealing manner. The first game piece may also include instructions on how to play the game.

At 102, the first game piece may be activated, for example, as part of a request by a player to purchase a lottery in a lottery game. Such activation may be in response to the player indicating a desire to play the lottery game, for example, by submitting the first game piece at a lottery terminal and paying out a lottery ticket in the lottery game. For example, the first game piece may be activated at the lottery terminal by reading it at a reader, for example, by scanning a machine-readable code on the first game piece, decoding an RFID tag, reading a smart card, or reading a magnetic stripe card at the reader. Alternatively, the first game piece may be activated at the lottery terminal by manually entering a first identifier associated with the first game piece.

The first game pieces may also be activated by the player's own actions, such as scanning the first game pieces at an unmanned lottery kiosk or on their own personal computer via the internet. Alternatively, an agent at the point-of-sale terminal may activate the first game piece. If the point of sale is a convenience store or supermarket checkout, the agent may be a convenience store employee or supermarket checkout employee or an authorized lottery game representative or agent.

The lottery terminal may transmit the first identification to the host. For example, the host computer may record that the first game piece was activated by recording the identification in a database. The host may check that the first identity has not been placed on the inactive list. The deactivation list may include a series of first identifications associated with first game pieces that are to be deactivated in the lottery game, such as test game pieces, sample game pieces, or game pieces that are reported stolen.

At 104, a second game piece may be distributed. For example, the second playing piece may be as described in fig. 3B, 4B, 5B, and 12 discussed later. The second game piece may be distributed from a retail store location, such as a convenience store. Alternatively, the second game pieces may be distributed from automated kiosks located in large traffic areas. The second playing piece may be distributed from the same or a different location than the first playing piece.

The second game piece distributed at 104 includes, for example, a second set of game data graphically represented. The second game piece may include graphics and instructions on how to play the lottery game. The second set of game data may be compared to the first set of game data according to predetermined game rules to determine whether the first playing piece or the second playing piece may be redeemed.

At 106, the player may compare the first set of game data and the second set of game data to determine whether the first playing piece and the second playing piece form a winning combination according to predetermined game rules. For example, the comparison may be a match of a graphic or number between the first set of game data and the second set of game data, e.g., a winning lottery ticket may be a hand indicated by the first set of game data that is played against a hand indicated by the second set of game data. Alternatively, the comparison may be based on the value of the combination of cards indicated by the first and second sets of game data. For example, the first and second sets of game data may be indicative of a hand of poker or blackjack, and the value of the prize or award may depend on the rank of the hand in the card game. Alternatively, the hands may be formed and the value of the winning game or prize depends on a comparison between the hands, e.g. if the first hand beats the second hand according to the rules of the card game, the player wins the prize. Alternatively, in a board game, the comparison may be based on the values of the combinations of game pieces indicated by the first and second sets of game data, for example, if the first and second sets of game data, when combined, form winning combinations according to the game rules, the game is won.

At 108, the player may submit the second game piece to the lottery terminal for a prize. For example, the lottery terminal may be as described in fig. 6. Alternatively, the player may submit the second game piece to the agent. For example, the player may submit the second game piece to a convenience store clerk or lottery game representative authorized to redeem the winning lottery ticket.

If the first set of game data and the second set of game data do not form a winning combination, the player may discard the first and second game pieces. If the player attempts to redeem the second game piece in the winning combination, the player receives a message thanking him for playing the game and congratulating him for the next chance. The player may also receive an error message explaining why the first playing piece and the second playing piece are not winning combinations. The player may also receive a prompt to purchase another game piece.

Alternatively, the player may submit the first game piece to a lottery terminal for a prize. The process is similar to that described above, except that the player submits a first playing piece instead of a second playing piece. This alternative is indicated in brackets in fig. 1.

At 110, a host operatively connected to the lottery terminal may determine whether the first set of game data and the second set of game data form a winning combination. The host computer may also determine whether the submitted game piece is valid. If the first set of game data and the second set of game data form a winning combination and the presented game pieces are valid, the player may receive a prize, such as cash, credit voucher, or another lottery ticket, at 112. In one example implementation, prizes may be drawn from a pool of prizes as follows: the randomly selected outcome is selected from a set of possible game outcomes, for example by randomly picking an entry in the pool. The pool of prizes may be stored on the host computer as a prize table. The pool of prizes may be updated after a prize is awarded.

Fig. 2 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. The first game pieces are distributed at 200, for example, like those described in fig. 3A, 4A, 5A and 12. For example, the first game piece may be distributed from a retail store location, such as a convenience store. Alternatively, the first game piece may be dispensed from a kiosk.

The first playing piece may include a first identifier. For example, the first identifier may be printed on the first game piece or electronically encoded, for example using a smart card, RFID tag, or magnetic stripe card. The first identifier may be used to identify a first game piece. The first identifier may be unique if each first game piece in the lottery game is unique, or alternatively, may simply identify a particular type of first game piece.

The first game piece distributed at 200 may include a first set of game data. The first game piece may include graphics and instructions on how to play the lottery game. For example, the first set of game data may include sets of numbers that are to be compared to determine whether the first game piece is redeemable. For example, the first set of game data may also include other sets of information that are to be compared to determine whether the first game piece is redeemable.

The first game piece may be activated at 202. For example, the first game piece may be activated by reading it into a lottery terminal. Alternatively, the first game piece may be activated by a retail agent at a retail store. For example, the retail agent may scan the first playing piece or manually enter the first identification. Alternatively, the first game piece is activated at the kiosk by the player or lottery agent operating the game.

A second game piece may be distributed at 204. The second playing piece may be as described in fig. 3B, 4B, 5B and 12. For example, the second game piece may be distributed from a retail store location, such as a convenience store. Alternatively, the second game pieces may be dispensed from a kiosk.

The second game piece distributed at 204 includes a second set of game data. For example, the second game piece may include graphics and instructions on how to play the lottery game. The second set of game data may be printed in a vivid color, visually appealing format.

The second game piece may be associated with a second unique identifier. For example, the second unique identifier may be included in the second game piece. The second unique identifier may be associated with the first identifier. For example, the second unique identifier may be the same as the first identifier, or may comprise some part of the first identifier.

The first set of game data and the second set of game data may be compared by the player at 206. The player may compare the second set of game data with the first set of game data to determine whether the first playing piece and the second playing piece form a winning combination according to predetermined game rules. For example, the comparison may be a matching pattern or number between the first set of game data and the second set of game data. Alternatively, the comparison may be based on the value of the combination of cards indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data. For example, the first set of game data and the second set of game data may be indicative of a hand of poker or blackjack. The winning outcome or prize value may then be indicated by the rank of the hand in the card game. Alternatively, in a board game, the comparison may be based on the values of the combinations of game pieces indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data.

At 207, the player may submit a second game piece at the lottery terminal to obtain a prize. The lottery terminal may be as described in fig. 6. Alternatively, the player may submit the second game piece to a lottery game representative or agent.

In an alternative implementation illustrated in brackets, the player may submit the first game piece or additional game pieces at the lottery terminal to obtain a prize. The process described above is still similar, except that the player submits the first playing piece or additional playing pieces instead of the second playing piece.

If the game data from the game pieces does not form a winning combination, the player may discard the game pieces. If the player attempts to redeem one of the game pieces in the winning combination, the player may receive a message thanking him for playing the game and congratulating him for the next chance or an incentive to purchase additional game pieces.

At 208, the player determines whether the received game data sets form a winning combination. For example, if the first set of game data and the second set of game data form a winning combination, the player may redeem the first playing piece or the second playing piece at 212.

In one example embodiment, the game rules allow the player to continue playing the game until they win. For example, at 210, the player may decide whether to purchase additional game pieces. If not, additional game pieces may be distributed at 214. Each additional tile may change the pool prize, e.g., each additional tile may change the outcome by providing a higher probability of winning at a lower payout. The player may continue to purchase additional game pieces until the first game piece, the second game piece, and the additional game pieces form a winning combination. Alternatively, additional play may result in a higher payout, with a lower probability of ultimately winning, for example, a double or no type (double or no type) game.

In another alternative example embodiment, the player may be able to purchase additional game pieces, at 208, regardless of whether or not a winning combination is present.

If the player determines at 208 that he has a winning combination, he may redeem the first or second playing piece or additional playing pieces at 212. For example, the prize may be cash, a credit voucher, or another lottery ticket. Prizes may be drawn from a pool of prizes.

Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate a pair of exemplary game pieces according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the first game piece 300 and the second game piece 302 may be provided in a lottery game. The first game piece 300 may be a pre-printed piece of paper. Alternatively, the first game piece 300 may be a partially pre-printed piece of paper or a piece of paper printed on order. The first game piece 300 may also be sold from a retail store location or kiosk.

The first game piece 300 may include a first identifier 314. For example, the first identification 314 may be a unique number, a unique sequence of characters, a machine-readable code such as a bar code, a smart card code, or a magnetic strip, or an RFID tag.

The first game piece 300 may also include graphics 304, such as a title, logo, or other visually appealing graphic of the lottery game. The graphic 304 may also include other lottery game related information. The graphic 304 may also include advertisements related or unrelated to the lottery game.

The first game piece 300 may include first game data 308. For example, the first game data 308 may include a plurality of bingo bins 340, 342, 344, 346. Each of the bingo bins 340, 342, 344, 346 may include a series of numbers to be compared in the bingo game. Other examples are described below and may include a series of letters and numbers, playing cards, a game board, or other indicia for determining the outcome of a game according to the rules of the game.

The first game piece 300 may also include game instructions 320 and 322. For example, the game instructions 320 and 322 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, and provide contact information for the lottery company.

The first game piece 300 may include a machine-readable code 316. For example, the machine-readable code 316 may represent the first identifier 314. The machine-readable code 316 may be used to activate the first game piece after purchase by the player. For example, the machine-readable code 316 may be scanned at a lottery terminal or at a retail establishment, for example, to initiate purchase of a lottery ticket in a game by a player.

The second playing piece 302 may be dispensed after the first playing piece 300 is activated. Alternatively, the second game piece 302 may be distributed by: it is displayed on the display, printed on the first game piece 300, or dispensed from a lottery terminal.

For example, to print the second game piece 302 on the first game piece, the player may insert the first game piece 300 into a lottery terminal where the first game piece 300 may be read and activated. The second playing piece 302 may then be printed on a portion of the first playing piece 300 or on a separate piece of paper, as shown in FIG. 3B.

The second game piece 302 may include second game data 310. For example, the second game data 310 may be a series of bingo numbers. These bingo numbers may indicate which elements of the bingo boxes 340, 342, 344, 346 are designated. For example, if a sufficient number or pattern of bingo box elements in the bingo boxes 340, 342, 344, 346 are specified in the second game data 310 in a specified pattern, the first game block 300 and the second game block 302 may have a winning outcome. For example, the winning combination may be a vertical line or a horizontal line of four bingo box elements of any one of the bingo boxes 340, 342, 344, and 346. The player may compare the elements of the second game data 310 to each of the bingo boxes 340, 342, 344, and 346 to determine which of the bingo boxes 340, 342, 344, and 346 are designated.

The second game piece 302 may include a graphic 306. The graphic 306 may be, for example, a lottery game title, logo, visually appealing graphic, or advertisement.

The second game piece 302 may include game instructions 324. For example, the game instructions 324 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information for a lottery company. The game instructions 324 may indicate that the second playing piece 302 is only valid for use with the first playing piece 300.

The second playing piece 302 may include the same identifier, such as first identifier 314, as the associated first playing piece. As at 312, a first identifier 314 may be described on the second game piece 302. In some implementations, the second playing piece 302 is only effective when used with the first playing piece 300.

The second game piece 302 may also include a second unique identifier 320. The second unique identifier 320 may be associated with the first identifier 314. For example, the second unique identifier 320 may be identical to the first identifier 314 or may comprise a sine portion (sine portion) of the first identifier 314.

The second game piece 302 may also include a machine-readable code 318. The machine-readable code 318 may represent the first identifier 314 and may be used to determine the winning status of the second game piece 302 when the second game piece 302 is submitted for redemption. Alternatively, the machine-readable code 318 may represent the second unique identifier 312.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate another pair of exemplary game pieces according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The first playing piece 400 and the second playing piece 402 may be provided in a lottery game. For example, the first game piece 400 may be a pre-printed piece of paper and sold from a retail store location or kiosk.

The first game piece 400 may include a first identifier 414. For example, the first identification 414 may be a unique number, a unique signature sequence, a machine-readable code, an RFID tag, or some other mechanism that is machine-readable. Alternatively, the first identification 414 may be non-unique in the lottery game, for example, if these are multiple instances of a game card for the same game having the same game data.

The first game piece 400 may include a graphic 404. For example, graphic 404 may be a lottery game title, logo, or a visually appealing graphic.

The first game piece 400 may include first game data 408. For example, the first game data 408 may include a Space Blaster (Space Blaster) box 440, a grid that includes spatial thematic symbols in a subset of grid locations.

The first game piece 400 may include game instructions 420 and 422. For example, the game instructions 420 and 422 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information for a lottery company.

The first game piece 400 may include a machine-readable code 416. The machine-readable code 416 may represent the first identifier 414 and may be used, for example, to activate the first game piece when a player purchases a lottery ticket in a game. The machine-readable code 416 may be scanned at a lottery terminal or retail establishment.

The second playing piece 402 may be dispensed after the first playing piece 400 is activated. For example, the second game piece 402 may be distributed by: it is displayed on the display, dispensed from the lottery terminal, or printed on the first game piece 400.

To print the second game piece 402 on the first game piece 400, the player may insert the first game piece 400 into a lottery terminal where the first game piece 400 may be read and activated. The second playing piece 402 may then be printed on a portion of the first playing piece 400.

The second game piece 402 may include second game data 410. For example, the second game data 410 may be a series of square positions that indicate a subset of grid positions in the spatial blaster bin 440. If a sufficient number of space blaster boxes 440 containing predetermined indicia are specified in the second game data 410, the first game piece 400 and the second game piece 402 can have winning outcomes and the prize can increase with the number of matching positions.

The second game piece 402 may include graphics 406. For example, the graphic 406 may be a lottery game title, logo, or visually appealing graphic.

The second game piece 402 may include game instructions 424. For example, the game instructions 424 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information for a lottery company. The game instructions 424 may indicate that the second playing piece 402 is only valid for the associated first playing piece 400 having the matching identifier.

The second game piece 402 may include a first identifier 414. For example, a first identifier 414 may be described on the second game piece 402, as at 412. In some example embodiments, the second playing piece 402 may only be active when used with the associated first playing piece 400.

The second game piece 402 may include a second set of game data 410. For example, the second set of game data 410 may be a series of box elements. For example, a bin element may refer to an element in the space blaster bin 440. For example, each element in the second set of game data 410 may refer to an element in the space blaster bin 440. The player may compare the first set of game data with the second set of game data by determining how many elements in the space blaster bin 440 have been correctly designated. For example, if the space blaster bin 440 contains graphics and is included in the second set of game data 410, it may be properly designated. A prize may be awarded if the space blaster bin 440 includes a specified number of correctly designated elements. For example, the prize may be larger for a greater number of correctly designated elements.

The second playing piece 402 may include a second unique identifier 420. For example, the second game piece 402 may be associated with a first identifier 414. For example, the second unique identifier 420 may be the same as the first identifier 414, or may comprise a portion of the first identifier 414.

The second game piece 402 may include a machine-readable code 418. For example, the machine-readable code 418 may represent the first identifier. Alternatively, the machine-readable code 418 may represent the second unique identifier 412. The machine-readable code 418 may be used to determine the winning status of the game piece, for example, when the second game piece 402 is submitted for a prize.

5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate an exemplary set of game pieces according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, first game piece 500 may be a pre-printed piece of paper, a portion of a pre-printed piece of paper, or a piece of paper printed on order. For example, the first game piece 500 may be purchased through a retail store or kiosk or may be distributed free of charge, or may be distributed free of charge.

The first game piece 500 may include a game title 502. For example, the game title 502 may be "Buy it All Up". The game title 502 may be described in a visually appealing and prominent manner, both in terms of color and layout. The first game piece 500 may also include a graphic 504. For example, the graphic 504 may be a logo, or other visually appealing art.

The first game piece 500 may also include a first set of game data 506. For example, the first set of game data 506 may be a combination of graphics and text. In an example property accumulation game, the first set of game data can include a game map and the names of all available properties. They may be groups of properties, each group having a unique color or grouped in some other manner.

The first game piece 500 may include a first identifier 508. For example, the first identification 508 may be a unique number, a unique sequence of characters, a machine-readable code, or an RFID tag. For example, the first identification 508 may be non-unique within the lottery game if multiple identical first game pieces are available, or the first identification 508 may be unique if each first game piece is unique.

The first game piece 500 may include instructions 510. For example, the instructions 510 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information for a lottery company.

The first game piece 500 may include a machine-readable code 512. For example, the machine-readable code 512 may represent the first identifier 508. The machine-readable code 512 may be used to activate the first game piece 500 after purchase by the player. Alternatively, if the first playing piece is not a redeemable element in the game, the first identifier may simply identify the first playing piece to the system in order to generate the appropriate redeemable playing piece. In either of the two alternatives described above, the machine-readable code 512 may be scanned at the lottery terminal or retail establishment while the player is purchasing a lottery ticket in the game.

Second game piece 540 may include a list 542 of the properties already held. For example, the list 542 of held properties may be empty until the first tile 500 is first activated.

The second game piece 540 may include a second unique identifier 548. For example, the second unique identifier 548 can be a unique number, a unique sequence of characters, a machine-readable code, or an RFID tag. Second game piece 540 may be associated with first identifier 508. For example, the second unique identifier may be systematic with the first identifier 508, or may comprise some portion of the first identifier 508.

In some example embodiments, second tile 540 may only be valid when with first tile 500 having associated first identifier 508.

Second game piece 540 may include a list 544 of new properties. Each new property may be added to the list of held properties 542. The list of new properties 544 can include one or more properties described on the first set of game data 506.

Second game piece 540 may include text 546. For example, text 546 may be the title of list 542 of owned properties and list 544 of new properties. The text 546 may also be presented in a visually appealing manner.

Second game piece 540 may include machine-readable code 552. For example, the machine-readable code 552 may represent the second unique identifier 548 in a machine-readable form. Machine-readable code 552 may also be used to verify second game piece 540 when it can be redeemed. For example, the machine-readable code 552 may be scanned at a lottery terminal or retail establishment when a second game piece is presented for redemption.

Second game piece 540 may include instructions 550. For example, the directions 550 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information for a lottery company.

Second game piece 540 may also include graphics 554. For example, graphic 554 may be a logo, or other visually appealing art. The example game using the game pieces shown in fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C may allow a player to purchase additional lottery tickets multiple times, each time receiving additional game information on a new ticket.

The example additional game blocks 560 may include a list 562 of the assets already held. For example, the list 562 of held properties may be empty until the first game piece 500 is first activated and each additional lottery ticket purchased by the player may add additional game information, thereby providing additional winning opportunities.

Additional game pieces 560 may include additional unique identifiers 568. For example, the additional unique identifier 568 can be a unique number, a unique sequence of characters, a machine-readable code or an RFID tag, or an additional unique identifier 568 that is game, human-unreadable.

Additional game pieces 560 may be associated with the first identifier 508. Additional game pieces 560 may only be valid when grouped with the first game piece 500, or with some earlier obtained game piece. Alternatively, each new playing piece obtained by the player may include all of the game information obtained so far and may be redeemed separately without saving the earlier playing piece.

Additional game blocks 560 can include a list 564 of new properties. Each new property may be added to the list of already held properties 562. For example, the list 564 of new properties may include one or more properties described on the first set of game data 506.

Additional game pieces 560 may include text 566. Text 566 may be the title of the list of owned properties 562 and the list of new properties 564. The text 566 may be presented in a visually appealing manner.

Second game piece 560 may include machine-readable code 572. For example, the machine-readable code 572 can represent an additional unique identifier 568. The machine-readable code 572 may also be used to verify additional game pieces 560 when they can be redeemed. For example, the machine-readable code 572 may be scanned at a lottery terminal or retail establishment.

The additional playing pieces 560 may include instructions 570. For example, the directions 570 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information for a lottery company.

Additional game pieces 560 may also include graphics 574. For example, the graphic 574 may be a logo, advertisement, or other visually appealing art or information.

When a player has accumulated all of the properties in a set of properties, for example all of the properties in a particular color, he may win the game played with the same game blocks shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. For example, the player will have a first playing piece 500, a second playing piece 540 to accumulate as many additional playing pieces 560 as he needs to use to accumulate a winning set of properties. At this point, the player may purchase additional game pieces 560 in order to accumulate all of the property in the second color. The player may repeat the purchase of additional game pieces 560 until he wins a second time.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a lottery terminal according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The lottery terminal may be a conventional ALTURA^TMOr ISYS^TMModified versions of lottery terminals, or GamePoint, available from GTECH Corporation of WestGreenwich, RI^TMA modified version of the self-service terminal. The lottery terminal 600 may be a kiosk, integrated into a point-of-sale terminal, or a personal computer. The lottery terminal may be programmed to implement the exemplary game process described in this invention.

The lottery terminal 600 may be placed at a counter of a retail or convenience store, a transportation center such as a train station, an airport, or a taxi station, an entertainment venue such as a movie theater, bowling gym, or swimming pool. The lottery terminal 600 may communicate with a host 602. For example, the lottery terminal 600 and the host 602 may communicate asynchronously in real-time or in bulk.

The lottery terminal 600 may include a central processor 604. For example, the central processor 604 may be configured to contact and control the reader 606, printer 608, payment receiver 610, and distributor 612.

The lottery terminal 600 may include a reader 606. The reader 606 may be configured to read a machine-readable code on the first playing piece 620, for example, when the player presents the first playing piece 620 as part of a request to play a game. First playing piece 620 may be the first playing piece as described in fig. 3, 4, 5 or 12. After the first game piece 620 is read, it may be activated by the central processor 604. The central processor communicates information from the first playing piece 620 to the host 602, e.g., the identification read from the first playing piece.

The lottery terminal 600 may include a display 614. The display 614 may be configured to display information to the player. For example, the display 614 may be placed behind a crack resistant scratch resistant panel for protection, and may also have other safety measures.

The lottery terminal 600 may have a printer 608. Printer 608 may be configured to print second game piece 622. For example, second playing piece 622 may be a second playing piece as described in fig. 3, 4, 5, or 12, which may be printed in response to a request by a player to play a game using the first playing piece.

In another example embodiment of the invention, second playing pieces 622 may be printed at first playing pieces 620. The player (or agent) inserts the first game piece 620 into the printer 608. The printer prints a second playing piece 622 on the first playing piece 620.

In another example embodiment of the invention, second game piece 622 may be displayed on display 614.

The printer 608 may also be configured to print additional game pieces 624. For example, the additional game pieces 624 may be additional game pieces as described in FIG. 5.

The lottery terminal 600 may include a payment receiver 610. For example, payment receiver 601 may be configured to accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, vouchers, or other forms of payment.

The lottery terminal 600 may include a distributor 612. The distributor 612 may be configured to distribute the first game piece 620. In one embodiment, the player may purchase the first game piece 620 from the lottery terminal 600, or it may be distributed free of charge as a promotional item.

Distributor 612 may be configured to distribute second game piece 622. In one embodiment, a player may activate a first game piece 620 from a lottery terminal 600 and receive a pre-generated second game piece 622.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a client/server system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The example client-server system may include a host 700, which may be connected to a network 701. The network 701 may be, for example, the internet, an intranet, a local area network, a wide area network, a virtual private network, or other network. Communications between host 700 and network 701, as well as other communications over network 701, may be encrypted.

An online lottery terminal 702 may be connected to the network 701. For example, the online lottery terminal 702 may be a terminal as described in fig. 6. The online lottery terminal 702 may be located at a store, such as at a checkout counter. The online lottery terminal 702 may communicate with the host 700 through the network 701. For example, the online lottery terminal 702 may communicate with the host 700 in real-time or asynchronous/bulk. The online lottery terminal 702 may be configured to distribute game pieces and accept payment. The communication between the online lottery terminal 702 and the network 701 may be encrypted.

A lottery kiosk, Instant Ticket Vending Machine (ITVM), or other type of self-service terminal 704 may also be connected to the network 701. For example, the lottery kiosk 704 may be an automated unmanned kiosk located in a high-volume pedestrian traffic area. The lottery kiosk 704 may communicate with the host 700 through a network 701. The communication between the lottery kiosk 704 and the network 701 may be encrypted.

A local server 708 may be connected to the network 701. Local server 708 may communicate with host 700 over network 701. Communications between the local server 708 and the network 701 may be encrypted.

The local server 708 may include a cache that stores information. The local server 708 may have some or all of the functionality of the host 700. Local server 708 may mirror the database stored on host 700. The local server may be used to manage a collection of lottery terminals, for example, at a single large location, and facilitate communication between these terminals and the host computer.

The lottery terminal 1710 and the lottery terminal 2712 may be connected to the local server 708. The lottery terminal 1710 and the lottery terminal 2712 may be terminals as described in fig. 6. Communications between the lottery terminal 1710, the lottery terminal 2712, and the network 701 may be encrypted. It will be appreciated that other devices, including other lottery terminals, may also be connected to the local server.

A point-of-sale terminal (POS)706 may be connected to the network 701. For example, the POS terminal may be integrated into an existing POS terminal of a store. The POS terminal may prompt the player to purchase the ticket after the player completes a checkout transaction in the store. Communications between the point-of-sale terminal 706 and the network 701 may be encrypted.

A personal computer 714 may be connected to the network 701. Personal computer 714 may belong to the player. Personal computer 714 may have an attached local printer. Communications between personal computer 714 and network 701 may be encrypted. For example, a player may participate in a game through a secure internet connection with a web server at a host.

A portable wireless device 716 can be connected to the network 701. The portable wireless device 716 may be, for example, a cellular telephone or a wireless Personal Data Assistant (PDA). For example, the portable wireless device 716 may allow lottery games to be played remotely.

Fig. 8 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. At 800, a player may purchase a lottery ticket in a game. The lottery ticket may be purchased from a lottery terminal, such as one of the terminals described above. For example, the lottery terminal may be placed at a retail counter and operated by a care giver, integrated into a point-of-sale terminal, or be a kiosk.

In some implementations, the lottery may be an opportunity to win prizes in a lottery game. The lottery ticket may be associated with the player after purchase. The player may be required to provide identification at the time of lottery ticket purchase. The player's identification may be sent to the host.

Players may be required to provide their personal information, such as contact information and biographical information. The biographical information may be used for market research, for example. For example, the player's contact information may be used to send game information to the player. The game information may include, for example, reminders to play lottery games, announcements of particular prizes, and the player's possession of potentially winning lottery tickets. Information about the lottery ticket may be sent to the host computer and stored in a database. Such information may be used, for example, to execute frequent player programs. The frequent player program may award prizes, such as free tickets or free merchandise, to players who frequently play the lottery game.

Alternatively, the lottery ticket need not be associated with a player, but may instead be associated with a ticket or game card, which may be redeemed by any person holding the winning card or ticket.

At 804, the player may receive a first game piece. The first game piece may be associated with a purchased lottery ticket. The first game piece may include a first set of game data. The player may receive the first game piece from the lottery terminal. The player may receive the first game piece in the same transaction as he purchases the lottery ticket. Alternatively, the player may receive the first game piece in a separate transaction at a different location. The first playing piece may be, for example, a pre-printed color ticket printed on heavy paper. Alternatively, the first game piece may be distributed free of charge as a promotion.

For example, the first game piece is enclosed in an envelope, folded up and enclosed, and printed on the inside of the envelope. The envelope may include an insert, such as a coupon for another lottery game or an advertisement for another lottery game.

At 808, the lottery terminal may receive an indication of the purchase. For example, after the player has submitted the first game piece, an indication of the purchase may be provided by scanning a machine-readable code on the first game piece. After the purchase indication is received, the lottery terminal may communicate with the host computer and activate the first game piece. Alternatively, the purchase indication may be provided by manually entering a unique identification on the first game piece into the lottery terminal.

At 812, the outcome of the lottery may be determined by drawing the outcome from the pool of prizes. For example, the decimation may be random in nature or in a predetermined order. An exemplary method of extraction is described in U.S. provisional patent application a Flexible Online Instant Game (U.S. patent application 60/645,488, filed 2005, 1/18). The outcome of the lottery may be a failure or a prize. The result of the failure may not provide a prize. The results of the prize win may be provided to the player with one or more prizes from a prize pool. For example, the prize pool may contain multiple types of prizes, both monetary and non-monetary. Monetary awards may have different amounts. The non-monetary prize may include another lottery ticket in the lottery game. The pool of prizes may be limited so that a predetermined number of prizes of each type are present in the lottery game.

The prize pool may be predetermined. Alternatively, the prize pool may change after the outcome of the lottery is determined, for example, if the prize is drawn without being relocated. The pool of prizes may be stored in memory at the host as a prize table. The lottery terminal or host may generate a random number and use the random number to pick an entry from the pool of prizes.

At 816, a second set of game data may be generated based on the outcome. If the outcome is a prize, a second set of game data can be generated to form a winning combination with the first set of game data based on the game rules.

If the outcome is a failure, a second set of game data may be generated to form a failure combination with the first set of game data. The second set of game data may be associated with the first set of game data by: for example, an identification of a first game piece containing a first set of game play data is printed on a second game piece containing a second set of game play data. The second set of game data may also be associated with the lottery ticket using a transaction or player identification.

At 820, the player may receive a second game piece. The second game piece may include a second set of game data. For example, the second game pieces may be printed and distributed to the players at the lottery terminal. The second playing piece may be associated with the first playing piece. The second game piece may be associated with a lottery ticket.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the player may not receive the second game piece. For example, the second set of game data may be displayed on the display. In another example embodiment of the present invention, a player may insert a first game piece into a lottery terminal and a second set of game data may be printed on the first game piece.

At 824, the player compares the first set of game data and the second set of game data. By comparing the first set of game data and the second set of game data, the player can determine whether the lottery outcome is a winning or a losing. For example, the comparison may be a matching pattern or number between the first set of game data and the second set of game data. Alternatively, the comparison may be based on the value of the combination of cards indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data. For example, the first set of game data and the second set of game data may collectively form a hand of poker or blackjack. A particular level of hands results in a preset game outcome. Alternatively, each of the first and second sets of game data may form a separate hand, and the player may win if the second hand beats the first hand. Alternatively, in a board game, the comparison may be based on the values of the combinations of game pieces indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data.

At 828, the player may redeem the playing pieces if the first set of game data and the second set of game data form a winning combination. For example, the redeemed game piece may be the first game piece or the second game piece, depending on how the game is executed. The player may redeem the game pieces at the lottery terminal. Small cash prizes or additional lottery tickets awarded as prizes may be redeemed at the lottery terminal selling the tickets. Large cash prizes may be redeemed by authorized lottery game representatives or agents, for example, at specialized redemption centers.

The player may be required to provide identification prior to redemption of the game piece. For example, the identification may be a government issued certificate such as a driver's license. The identification may also be, for example, a credit card or a debit card. The lottery terminal may include a card reader to read the player's identification. After the player redeems the game pieces, the player's identification may be stored. If the player requires identification when purchasing a lottery ticket, the player's identification may be compared to the identification stored when he purchased the lottery ticket. The prize pool may be updated after the game pieces are redeemed and awarded.

Fig. 9 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. At 900, the player may purchase a lottery ticket. The lottery ticket may be purchased from a lottery terminal. For example, the lottery terminal may be placed at a retail counter and operated by a care giver, integrated into a point-of-sale terminal, or be a kiosk. The lottery ticket may be an opportunity to win a prize in a lottery game and may be associated with the player after purchase. The player may be required to provide identification at the time of lottery ticket purchase. The player's identification may be sent to the host. Alternatively, the lottery tickets in the game may be anonymous and unassociated with the player.

Players may be required to provide their personal information, such as contact information and biographical information. The biographical information may be used for market research, for example. The player's contact information may be used to send game information to the player. The game information may include, for example, reminders to play lottery games, announcements of particular prizes, and the player's possession of potentially winning lottery tickets.

The lottery ticket may be associated with a player. Information about the lottery ticket may be sent to the host computer and stored in a database. This information may be used to execute frequent player programs. The frequent player program may award prizes, such as, for example, free tickets or free merchandise, to players who frequently play the lottery game.

At 904, the player may receive a first game piece. The first game piece may be associated with a lottery ticket. The first game piece may include a first set of game data. For example, the player may receive the first game piece from a lottery terminal in the same transaction as he purchased the lottery ticket. Alternatively, the player may receive the first game piece in a separate transaction at a different location. For example. The first playing piece may be a pre-printed color ticket printed on heavy paper.

The first game piece may also be distributed for free as a promotional item. For example, the first game piece may be enclosed in an envelope, folded up and enclosed, or printed on the inside of an envelope. For example, the envelope may also include an insert, such as a coupon for another lottery game or an advertisement for another lottery game.

At 908, the lottery terminal may receive an indication of the purchase. For example, the purchase indication may be provided by scanning a machine-readable code on the first game piece. The purchase indication may also be provided by manually entering a unique identification on the first game piece into the lottery terminal. After the purchase indication is received, the lottery terminal may communicate with the host computer and activate the first game piece.

At 912, the outcome of the lottery may be determined by drawing the outcome from the pool of prizes. An exemplary method of extraction is described in U.S. provisional patent application a Flexible Online Instant Game (U.S. patent application 60/645,488, filed 2005, 1/18). For example, the decimation may be random in nature or in a predetermined order. The outcome of the lottery may be a failure or a prize. The result of the failure may not provide a prize. The results of the prize win may be provided to the player with one or more prizes from a prize pool. For example, the prize pool may contain multiple types of prizes, both monetary and non-monetary. Monetary awards may have different amounts. The non-monetary prize may include another lottery ticket in the lottery game. The pool of prizes may be limited to give a predetermined number of prizes of each type in the lottery game.

The prize pool may be predetermined. After the outcome of the lottery is determined, the prize pool may change, for example, if the prize is drawn without being repositioned. The pool of prizes may be stored in memory at the host as a prize table. For example, the lottery terminal or host may generate a random number and use the random number to pick an entry from the pool of prizes.

At 916, a second set of game data may be generated based on the outcome. If the outcome is a prize, a second set of game data may be generated that forms a winning combination with the first set of game data so that the player can determine the correct game outcome by comparing the first and second sets of game data.

If the outcome is a failure, a second set of game data may be generated to form a failed combination of data with the first set of game data. The second set of game data may be associated with the first set of game data by: for example, it is printed with an identification associated with the first set of game data. The second set of game data may be associated with the lottery ticket by: for example, store the game data in a database table with entries corresponding to each lottery ticket sold.

At 920, the player may receive a second game piece. The second game piece may include a second set of game data. For example, the second game pieces may be printed and distributed to the players at the lottery terminal. The second game piece may be associated with the first game piece and the lottery ticket, for example, by printing an identification on the second game piece.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the player may not receive the second game piece. For example, the second set of game data may be displayed on the display or printed on the first game piece.

At 924, the player compares the first set of game play data to the second set of game play data. By comparing the first set of game data and the second set of game data, the player can determine whether the lottery outcome is a winning or a losing.

At 928, if the first set of game data and the second set of game data form a winning combination, the player may redeem the game piece. The redeemed game piece may be the first game piece or the second game piece depending on how the game is executed. The player may redeem the game pieces at the lottery terminal or at some other location. For example, a small cash prize or an additional lottery ticket awarded as a prize may be redeemed at the lottery terminal selling the ticket. Large cash prizes may be redeemed, for example, at a specialized redemption center by a lottery game representative or agent upon request.

The player may be required to provide identification prior to redemption of the game piece. For example, the identification may be a government issued certificate such as a driver's license. The identification may also be, for example, a credit card or a debit card. The lottery terminal may include a card reader to read the player's identification. After the player redeems the game pieces, the player's identification may be stored. If the player requires identification when purchasing a lottery ticket, the player's identification may be compared to the identification stored when he purchased the lottery ticket. The prize pool may be updated after the game pieces are redeemed and awarded.

At 932, the player may purchase additional lottery tickets in the game. The player may have had a losing outcome with the previous lottery ticket, but the player may wish to continue playing the game using the game data they already have. For example, a player may purchase additional lottery tickets from a lottery terminal by presenting one of the game pieces that has been used to play the game.

At 942, the lottery terminal or host may determine additional outcomes for the additional lottery tickets. Additional outcomes for the additional lottery tickets may be determined by drawing the additional outcomes from an additional pool of prizes. For example, the decimation may be random in nature or in a predetermined order. For example, the additional outcome of the additional lottery ticket may be a failure or a prize. The additional result of the failure may not provide a prize. The bonus results in (a) may be provided to the player with one or more prizes from a pool of bonus prizes.

The pool of additional prizes may be the same as the pool of original prizes. Alternatively, the additional prize pool may include prizes that are larger or more attractive than the original prize pool, or smaller prizes that have a greater chance of winning a medium prize.

At 946, additional game data sets may be generated based on the additional outcomes. If the additional outcome is a prize, the additional set of game data will be combined with the first set of game data and the second set of game data to form a winning combination. The additional sets of game data may be associated with the first set of game data and the second set of game data, for example, by printing an identification on the additional game pieces. The additional game data set may also be associated with the lottery ticket, for example by storing it in an appropriate data table.

At 950, the player may receive additional game pieces. The additional game pieces may include additional game data sets. For example, additional game pieces may be printed and distributed to players at lottery terminals. Additional game pieces may be associated with the first game piece and the second game piece, for example, by printing an identification from the first and/or second game piece on the additional game piece.

At 954, the player may compare the first game data, the second game data, and the additional game data. By comparing the first game data, the second game data and the additional game data, the player can determine whether the result of the additional lottery ticket is a failure or a prize. For example, the comparison may be a matching pattern or number between the first set of game data and the second set of game data. Alternatively, the comparison may be based on the value of the combination of cards indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data. For example, the first set of game data and the second set of game data may collectively form a hand of poker or blackjack, and the value of the hand is indicative of the game outcome. Alternatively, in a board game, the comparison may be based on the values of the combinations of game pieces indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data.

At 954, the player may redeem the game pieces. The redeemed game piece may be the first game piece, the second game piece, or an additional game piece, depending on the implementation.

Fig. 10 illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. At 1000, a player may purchase a lottery ticket. The lottery ticket may be purchased from a lottery terminal. For example, the lottery terminal may be located at a shop counter or kiosk.

The player may be required to enter his contact information, such as his mailing address, telephone number, and email address. The player may be required to provide identification. The lottery terminal may send this information to the host. The player's contact information may be used to send game information to the player. For example, the player may be reminded to continue playing the lottery game and be notified of a particular prize or a new prize added to the pool of prizes. The lottery ticket may be associated with player information. Alternatively, the lottery ticket may be anonymous. The lottery ticket may be stored at a host computer or lottery terminal and may be associated with a game piece having a unique identification rather than with a particular player.

At 1004, the results may be drawn from a pool of prizes. For example, the decimation may be random in nature or in a predetermined order. An exemplary method of extraction is described in U.S. provisional patent application a FlexibleOnline Instant lattice (U.S. patent application 60/645,488, filed 2005, month 1, day 18). For example, the prize pool may be a predetermined pool of prizes to be awarded in a lottery game. If the outcome is a prize, the winning outcome may award one or more prizes from the pool of prizes. The result may be a failure. The result of the failure may not be awarded a prize.

The pool of prizes may be stored on the host as a table of prizes. After the winning outcome removes the prize from the prize pool, the prize pool may be updated, for example, if the prize is awarded without being relocated.

At 1008, a game data set may be generated based on the outcome. If the result is a prize, a winning game data set can be generated. If the result is a failure, a failed result may be generated. The game data may be selected such that when it is combined with the original game data, the combination indicates a correct outcome.

The game data set may depend on the player's previous lottery tickets. One example embodiment of the present invention may be a property accumulation lottery game. A winning outcome is generated when the player collects all of the properties in a group, such as all of the properties in a particular color. The result of the winning may result in a game data set: which represents the last asset in a set of assets that matched a portion of the set of assets already in possession of the player.

At 1012, the player may receive the game data set. The game data set may be printed on the game pieces. For example, the game pieces may be printed by a printer included in the lottery terminal. Alternatively, the game data set may be displayed on a display. The display may be included in the lottery terminal. If the displayed result is a winner, the game piece may be printed as a receipt by the printer.

At 1016, the player may compare the game data set with a previous game data set to determine the outcome of his lottery ticket. For example, the game pieces may include previous game data sets. The previous game data set may have been generated at the time of purchase of a previous lottery ticket in the game. For example, the comparison may be a matching pattern or number between the new game data set and the previous game data set. Alternatively, the comparison may be based on the values of the combinations of cards indicated by the new game data set and the previous game data set. For example, the previous game data set and the new game data set may indicate a hand of poker or blackjack. Alternatively, in a board game, the comparison may be based on the values of the combinations of game pieces indicated by the new game data set and the previous game data set.

If the outcome is a prize, the player may continue to redeem the game piece. At 1020, the game pieces may be redeemed. For example, the player may redeem the game pieces for one or more prizes at a lottery terminal or by means of an authorized lottery game representative or agent. If the outcome is a failure, the player may purchase another lottery ticket.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example system for implementing a lottery game in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. First game piece 1100 may be distributed to a player. The first game piece may be distributed for free as a promotion or sold as part of purchasing a lottery ticket in the game. For example, the first game piece 1100 may be printed on heavy paper or placed in a wrapped envelope. First game piece 1100 may include a first identifier 1102. The first identifier may identify the first game piece 1100. First game piece 1100 may include a first set of game data 1104. For example, the first set of game data 1104 may include graphics and text. The first playing piece may be unique or, alternatively, a plurality of identical first playing pieces may be part of the game.

A second game block 1110 may be distributed to the player. For example, the second game piece 1110 may be printed on heavy paper or placed in a wrapped envelope. Second game piece 1110 can include second identifier 1112. The second identifier may identify a second game piece 1110. Second game block 1110 can include a second set of game data 1114. For example, the second set of game data 1114 may include graphics and text. As described above, the second set of game data 1114 may be selected after determination of the game outcome, such that a combination of the first game data and the second game data may be used by the player to determine the same outcome.

The ticket terminal 1120 may include a payment receiver 1130, a reader 1140 and a dispenser 1150. For example, payment receiver 1130 may be configured to accept payments. The payment may be, for example, cash, credit card, debit card, or voucher. The payment receiver 1130 may be configured to provide change for cash payment.

Reader 1140 may be configured to read first game piece 1100. In another example embodiment, the reader 1140 may be configured to read a machine-readable code included on the first game piece 1100. In another example embodiment, the reader 1140 may be configured to read an RFID tag included on the first game piece 1100. The game pieces may be submitted for reading as part of a player's purchase of a lottery ticket in the game.

Dispenser 1150 may be configured to dispense second game piece 1110. For example, dispenser 1150 may include a printer that prints second game piece 1110. The ticket terminal 1120 and redemption terminal 1170 may be included in the same housing as the lottery terminal or may be separate devices.

The ticket terminal 1120 and redemption terminal 1170 can communicate with a host 1180. The host 1180 may contain game data such as past purchases by the player and a prize pool for the lottery game.

FIG. 12 illustrates another pair of exemplary game pieces according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The first game piece 1200 and the second game piece 1202 may be provided in a lottery game. For example, first game piece 1200 may be a pre-printed piece of paper that may be distributed free of charge as a promotion. Alternatively, the first game piece 1200 may be sold from a retail store location or kiosk.

First game piece 1200 may include a first identifier 1214. For example, the first identification 1214 may be a unique number, a unique sequence of characters, a machine-readable code, or an RFID tag. First game piece 1200 may include graphic 1204. For example, the graphic 1204 may be a title, logo, or other visually appealing graphic of a lottery game.

The first game piece 1200 may include first game data 1208. For example, the first game data 1208 may include a plurality of roulette bets. The first set of game data 1208 can also include a visual description of a roulette bet on the layout of the roulette wheel.

First game piece 1200 may include game descriptions 1220 and 1222. For example, the game instructions 1220 and 1222 may instruct the player how to play the game, describe the rules of the game, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information for a lottery company.

First game piece 1200 may include machine-readable code 1216. The machine-readable code 1216 may represent the first identifier 1214. The machine-readable code 1216 may be used to activate the first game piece after purchase by the player. For example, the machine-readable code 1216 may be scanned at a lottery terminal or retail establishment.

The second game piece 1202 may be dispensed after the first game piece 1200 is activated. For example, the second game piece 1202 may be distributed by: displaying it on the display, printing the game pieces from the lottery terminal, or printing it on the first game piece 1200. For example, to print the second game piece 1202 on the first game piece, a player may insert the first game piece 1200 into a lottery terminal where the first game piece 1200 may be read and activated. The second tile 1202 may then be printed on a portion of the first tile 1200.

The second game piece 1202 may include second game data 1210. The secondary game data 1210 may be a roulette result, for example, the roulette result may be an even/odd indication, a number and a color. For example, the wheel results can be compared to the wheel bet indicated by the first set of game data 1208 to determine whether the player is a winner according to predetermined game rules.

Second game piece 1202 may include graphic 1206. For example, the graphic 1206 may be a lottery game title, logo, or visually appealing graphic.

The second game piece 1202 may include game instructions 1224. For example, the game instructions 1224 may instruct the player on how to play the game, describe game rules, describe the prize structure of the game, or provide contact information to a lottery company. The game instructions 1224 may indicate that the second tile 1202 is only valid for the first tile 1200.

The second game piece 1202 may include a first identifier 1214. For example, a first identifier 1214 may be described on the second game piece 1202, as at 1212. The second game piece 1202 may only be valid when compared to a particular associated first game piece 1200. This may be indicated by having a common identity.

The second game piece 1202 may include a second unique identifier 1220. The second unique identifier 1220 may be associated with the first identifier 1214, for example, by being the same as or containing partial information from the first identifier 1214.

The second game piece 1202 may include a machine-readable code 1218. The machine-readable code 1218 may include information representative of the first indicia 1214. The machine-readable code 1218 may also be used to determine a winning status of the second game piece 1202, such as when the second game piece 1202 is presented for redemption. Alternatively, the machine-readable code 1218 may represent the second unique identifier 1220.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example data structure according to an example embodiment of the invention. The host 1300 may include a prize table 1302. For example, the prize table 1302 may include information regarding prizes that may be utilized in a lottery game. Prizes that may be utilized in the lottery game may be, for example, cash, additional lottery tickets for the same or different lottery games, or vouchers for goods or services that may be redeemable at an authorized agent.

The prize table 1302 may be used by the host 1300 to select a prize to be awarded if the host 1300 determines that the outcome of the game block is a prize. If the prize is not relocated, the prize table 1302 may be updated to remove the prize after the host 1300 awards the prize. The prize table 1302 may be updated by the host 1300 to add or remove prizes, such as particularly bonus or promotional prizes.

Host 1300 may include log 1304. The log 1304 may record information such as purchased game pieces, activated game pieces, awarded prizes, a list of game pieces that should not be activated or redeemed. If the game piece is reported stolen or if the game piece is a test game piece, it may not be activated or redeemed; this may be recorded in log 1304. The log 1304 can be used for auditing purposes to ensure that a particular payout percentage is achieved or to track players and their winnings.

Host 1300 may include results table 1306. The results table 1306 may include a listing of all game pieces in the lottery game. The results table 1306 may include an output list for various winning and losing results associated with each playing piece, e.g., game data to be printed to indicate a particular result. After determining that a game piece has a winning or losing outcome, host 1300 may select one of the appropriate outputs from outcome table 1306. The results may then be provided to the player. The player may compare the output to a set of game data to determine whether the set of game data is a winner.

Fig. 14A illustrates another example process for implementing a lottery game in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. At 1400, the player may receive a first game piece. For example, the player may receive the first playing piece for a gratuitous basis, e.g., the first playing piece may be mailed to the player as a promotion. Alternatively, the first game piece may be placed in a public place and made available to the player. Alternatively, the first game piece may be provided after the player provides the identity information. For example, the first game piece may be dispensed from the lottery terminal after the player enters the identification information. An exemplary lottery terminal is depicted in fig. 6. The identity information may be, for example, a personal identification, a valid credit or debit card number, or a social security number for the player.

At 1404, the player may view the first game piece. The first game piece may include lottery game rules. The first game piece may also contain a set of first game data. The first playing piece may also include a first identifier. The first game piece may also contain a list of prizes available in the lottery game. The first game piece may have a visual appeal. The first game piece may be printed in a manner that encourages the player to play the lottery game. After viewing the first game piece, the player may decide to play the lottery game.

At 1408, the player may present the first game piece to the lottery terminal. The player may present the first game piece to the lottery terminal within a predetermined timeframe. The predetermined time frame may be specified on the first game piece. For example, a first game piece may be coded to be active for a certain period of time.

At 1412, the lottery terminal may read the first identification from the first game piece. The lottery terminal may be configured to read the first identification from the first game piece. Alternatively, the lottery terminal may be configured to read all of the first game pieces and extract the first identifier. If a first identification is given, the stored information may be accessed, for example, by checking a database, to determine what game data is on the first game piece. Alternatively, the lottery terminal may read the first game data from the first game piece. The lottery terminal may verify that the first game piece is a valid game piece. The lottery terminal may verify that the first identity is a valid first identity.

At 1416, the player may purchase lottery tickets from the lottery terminal. The lottery terminal may be located at a retail counter, operated by a care taker, integrated into a point of sale terminal, or located at a kiosk in a large traffic area.

A lottery ticket may be an opportunity to win prizes in a lottery game. The lottery ticket may also be associated with the player after purchase.

Players may be required to provide their personal information, such as contact information and biographical information. The biographical information may be used, for example, for market research for future lottery games. The player's contact information may be used, for example, to send game information to the player. The game information may include, for example, reminders to play the lottery game, announcements of particular prizes, and the player's possession of prizes that may be winning. Alternatively, the lottery ticket may be anonymous, e.g., it may be redeemed by the holder of the winning game piece.

At 1420, the lottery terminal may accept payment from the player. The lottery terminal may be configured to accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, vouchers, or other forms of payment. The lottery terminal may also be configured to authenticate cash, for example, by using a conventional bill acceptor. The lottery terminal may also be configured to send credit or debit card purchase information to the appropriate authority. The lottery terminal may also be configured to receive authorization from an appropriate authorization mechanism. The lottery terminal may also be configured to authenticate the voucher by contacting a voucher authentication server or configured to authenticate the voucher.

At 1424, the lottery terminal may send information regarding the player's purchase to the host. The lottery terminal may also transmit personal information of the player. The lottery terminal may also transmit the first identification. The lottery terminal may also transmit the first set of game data. The lottery terminal may also transmit the first game piece. The transmission of the lottery terminal may be encrypted. The transmission of the lottery terminal may be secured by other conventional security measures, such as the use of a secure network connection.

At 1428, the host may receive the transmitted information regarding the player's purchase. The host may also receive personal information of the player. The host may also receive a first identification and/or a first set of game data. The host computer may also receive other information from the first game piece. The host may decrypt the transmission of the lottery terminal.

At 1432, the host may record the player's purchase. The host may also record personal information of the player. The host computer may also record the first identification, the first set of game data, and the first game piece.

The personal information may be used to execute frequent player programs. The frequent player program may award prizes, such as free tickets or free merchandise, to players who frequently play the lottery game. The frequent player program may have predetermined rules and prize levels for specified levels played by the player. For example, the frequent player program may award free lottery tickets to a player after the player purchases 10 lottery tickets.

At 1436, the host may perform a security check on the player's purchase. For example, the host may check to see that the player is not included in the "not playing" list. For example, the "do not play" list may be a voluntary list that players may join if they are problem gamblers. Alternatively, the "not play" list may be a list of players who are prohibited from playing the lottery game, such as a list of players known to be cheaters in previous lottery games. The host computer may verify that the first game identification is valid in the lottery game being played. The host computer may also verify that the first set of game data is valid in the lottery game being played. The host may approve the player's purchase. Alternatively, the host may decline the player's purchase.

At 1440, the host may determine a result for the lottery ticket. The outcome of the lottery may be determined by drawing from a pool of prizes. An exemplary method of extraction is described in U.S. provisional patent application a Flexible online analytical distance Lottery Game (U.S. patent application 60/645,488, filed 2005, 18 th). The prize pool may be predetermined prior to the lottery game being started. Alternatively, the prize pool may be carried over from one lottery game to another. Alternatively, the prize pool may be shared among different lottery games. The prize pool may be stored on the host, for example in a prize table in a database.

For example, the pool of drawn prizes may be random in nature. Alternatively, the decimation may be performed in a predetermined order. For example, the host may award a prize every three purchases. For example, the host may also change the prize based on, for example, how many purchases have been made in the game, the player, or at a particular location.

The outcome of the lottery may be a failure or a prize. The result of the failure may not provide a prize. The results of the prize win may be provided to the player with one or more prizes from a prize pool. The prize pool may contain multiple types of prizes. The prize may be monetary or non-monetary. The monetary awards may have different monetary amounts. The non-monetary prize may include another lottery ticket or game item in the lottery game. The pool of prizes may be limited to give a predetermined number of prizes of each type in the lottery game.

The prize pool may be predetermined. The prize pool may change after the outcome of the lottery is determined, e.g., prizes may be awarded without being relocated. The prize pool may be stored in the memory as a prize table. The lottery terminal or host may generate a random number and use the random number to pick an entry from the pool of prizes.

At 1444, the host may associate the second unique identification with the lottery ticket. For example, the second unique identifier may be stored in the host as a temporary variable. Alternatively, the second unique identification may be stored in a database record along with other information about the lottery ticket.

For example, the second unique identifier may be generated to have a checksum number. The checksum number may be used in the transmission verification or for verifying the authenticity of the second unique identification.

At 1448, the host may generate a second set of game data. The second set of game data may be generated such that the comparison of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates the outcome in accordance with a predetermined game rule.

For example, a second set of game data may be generated based on the outcome. If the outcome is a prize, a second set of game data may be generated to form a winning combination with the first set of game data.

If the outcome is a failure, a second set of game data may be generated to form a failure combination with the first set of game data. The second set of game data may be associated with the first set of game data. The second set of game data may be associated with a lottery ticket.

At 1452, the host may transmit a player purchase license to the lottery terminal. The host computer may transmit the second set of game data to the lottery terminal. The host's transmissions may be encrypted. The host's transmissions may utilize other conventional security features, such as a secure network connection.

At 1456, the lottery terminal may distribute the second set of game data. For example, the lottery terminal may print a second game piece including second game data. Alternatively, the lottery terminal may receive a first game piece from the player and print a second set of game data on the first game piece. Alternatively, the lottery terminal displays the second set of game data on a display attached to the lottery terminal.

The second game data may be associated with a lottery ticket purchased by the player. The second playing piece may include a second unique identifier.

At 1460, the lottery terminal may record a purchase license. The lottery terminal may also record the amount and type of payment made by the player. The lottery terminal may also record any other information related to the purchase. The lottery terminal may record the second game data received from the host.

At 1464, the player may compare the first set of game data with the second set of game data. The player can determine whether the purchased lottery ticket is a winner by comparing the first set of game data and the second set of game data using predetermined rules. For example, the comparison may be a matching pattern or number between the first set of game data and the second set of game data. Alternatively, the comparison may be based on the value of the combination of cards indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data. For example, the first set of game data and the second set of game data may be indicative of a hand of poker or blackjack. Alternatively, in a board game, the comparison may be based on the values of the combinations of game pieces indicated by the first set of game data and the second set of game data.

At 1468, the player may submit a second game piece to obtain a prize. The player may redeem the game pieces at the lottery terminal. Small cash prizes or additional lottery tickets awarded as prizes may be redeemed at the lottery terminal, while large cash prizes may be redeemed by an authorized lottery game representative or agent at, for example, a dedicated redemption center. The game item prize may also be redeemed by an authorized lottery game representative or agent.

At 1472, the lottery terminal may receive a second game piece. The player may be required to provide identification when the second game piece is submitted. For example, the identification may be a government issued certificate such as a driver's license or passport. Alternatively, the identification may be a credit card or a debit card. The lottery terminal may include a card reader to read the player's identification. The player's identification may be compared to the identification stored when he purchased the lottery ticket.

At 1476, the lottery terminal may receive a second unique identification from the second game piece. For example, the lottery terminal may be configured to read the second unique identifier from the second game piece. The second unique identification may be, for example, an RFID, a machine readable code, a smart card tag, or a magnetic stripe card. After the second unique identifier is read, the second playing piece may be returned to the player. Alternatively, the second game pieces may be saved at the lottery terminal for later collection or destruction.

At 1480, the lottery terminal may send the second unique identification to the host. For example, the second unique identification may be sent over a secure network. The second unique identification may also be sent to the host in real time or in batch/asynchronous mode, for example.

At 1484, the host may receive a second unique identification from the lottery terminal. For example, the host may receive the second unique identification from the lottery terminal over the secure network. The host may receive the second unique identification from the lottery terminal in real-time or batch/asynchronous mode.

Fig. 14B illustrates further contents of the example process for implementing a lottery game shown in fig. 14A, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B continues the example process from FIG. 14A. At 1488, the host may verify the second unique identification. The host may, for example, check the log to verify the validity of the second unique identification. The host may also, for example, check a list of second unique identifications that have been tagged. If the second unique identifier is deactivated, has been reported stolen, has been associated with a sample or test game piece, or has been previously redeemed, it may be flagged.

The host may also verify that the second unique identifier has the correct checksum. The checksum number may be used in a transmission verification check for transmission errors or to verify the authenticity of the second unique identification.

At 1492, the host can query the prizes from the prize table. For example, the host may check the prize table for prizes associated with the second unique identification. For example, the host may verify that the second unique identifier is associated with a prize in the prize table. The host computer may also verify that the second unique identification is associated with a prize that may be distributed from the lottery terminal and that does not require the assistance of a dedicated redemption center.

At 1496, the host may update the prize table. For example, the host may record: a prize associated with the second unique identification has been claimed. The prize table may be used for auditing purposes and to determine which winning secondary unique identifiers have not been redeemed for prizes.

At 1500, the host may transmit a license to distribute the prize to the lottery terminal. For example, the lottery terminal may be a kiosk where prizes are automatically distributed. For example, the lottery terminal may be operated by an agent of a lottery game. The license may be sent to the lottery terminal and displayed to the agent of the lottery game. The host computer may also send information about the prize to be distributed.

If the prize associated with the second unique identifier cannot be dispensed from the lottery terminal, an error message may be sent prompting the player to redeem the second game piece at an authorized agent for the lottery game. For example, if the prize associated with the second unique identifier is not authorized to be distributed from the lottery terminal or an agent operating the lottery terminal, an error message may be sent prompting the player to redeem the second game piece at the authorized agent for the lottery game.

The license may be accompanied by a security label and other security features to prevent interception and tampering during transmission. For example, the license may be encrypted during transmission for security.

At 1504, the lottery terminal may receive permission to distribute a prize associated with the second unique identification. For example, the lottery terminal may verify the authenticity of the license. For example, the lottery terminal may also parse the approval message to obtain any error messages.

At 1508, the lottery terminal may distribute a prize associated with the second unique identifier. The lottery terminal may display a congratulatory message to the player and display a description of the prize won by the player. If the lottery terminal is unable to dispense the prize, it may print a prize voucher. For example, if a prize associated with the second unique identifier cannot be dispensed from the lottery terminal, an error message may be displayed prompting the player to redeem the second game piece at an authorized agent for the lottery game.

Modifying

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (55)

1. A method of conducting a lottery game, comprising:

providing a player with a free pre-printed first game piece having a first set of game data, wherein the game data on the first game piece is insufficient to determine the outcome of the lottery game;

receiving information identifying the first game piece and an indication that the player wishes to purchase a lottery ticket in the lottery game;

randomly determining a result for the lottery ticket in response to receiving the indication;

selecting a second set of game data based on the outcome such that a comparison of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates the outcome of the lottery ticket according to a predetermined game rule;

providing a second playing piece to the player, the second playing piece comprising: the second set of game data, data associating the second game piece with the first game piece, and a unique identifier;

receiving a claim for a prize from the player;

in response to the claim for the prize, using the unique identification to confirm whether the prize should belong to the player; and

awarding the prize to the player, the value of the prize depending on the outcome.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the first game piece is provided from a display at a point-of-sale terminal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of first playing pieces with different game data is displayed from which a player can select the first playing piece.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing the first game piece as part of an email.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the first game piece is provided as part of a purchase transaction to complete an item or service rather than as part of the lottery game.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

a first tile identification is introduced as part of the first tile.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said first game piece identification is unique.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein a plurality of first game pieces having the same game data have the same first game piece identification.

9. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

associating the first game piece identification with the unique identification in a database.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein said data associating said second game piece with said first game piece comprises said first game piece identification.

11. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

receiving a submission of the first game piece, the submission being part of a request by the player to purchase a lottery ticket in the lottery game; and

in response to receiving the submission of the first game piece, reading the first game piece identification from the first game piece.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a submission of the second game piece, the submission being part of the claim for the prize; and

in response to receiving the submission of the second game piece, reading the unique identification from the second game piece.

13. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions adapted to be executed by a processor, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method of implementing a lottery game of claim 1.

14. A method of conducting a lottery game, comprising:

providing a first game piece having a first set of game data to a player, wherein the game data on the first game piece is insufficient to determine an outcome of the lottery game when the first game piece is provided;

receiving an indication that the player wishes to purchase a lottery ticket in the lottery game;

determining a result for the lottery ticket;

providing a second set of game data to the player based on the outcome such that a comparison of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates the outcome of the lottery ticket according to predetermined game rules;

awarding a prize to the player, the value of the prize depending on the outcome.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

randomly determining the outcome of the lottery in response to receiving the indication that the player wishes to purchase the lottery in the lottery game.

16. The method of claim 14, comprising:

receiving a first game piece identification from the first game piece as part of the player purchasing the lottery in the lottery game.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

reading the first game piece identification from the first game piece as part of the player's purchase of the lottery ticket in the lottery game.

18. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions adapted to be executed by a processor, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method of implementing a lottery game of claim 14.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

distributing the first game piece to the player free of charge.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein said first game piece is pre-printed with said first set of game data.

21. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

receiving the first game piece from the player;

printing the second set of game data on the first game piece; and

after printing the second set of game data, the first game piece is also given to the player.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

receiving the first game piece from the player; and

displaying the second set of game data on a video display.

23. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

printing a second game piece showing the second set of game data; and

providing the second game piece to the player.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

introducing a unique identifier on the second playing piece; and

associating a first game piece identification on the first game piece with the unique identification in a database.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

receiving a submission of the second game piece for prize acquisition.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

printing an identification from the first tile on the second tile.

27. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

receiving an indication that the player wishes to purchase a supplemental lottery ticket in the lottery game;

determining a replenishment result for the replenishment lottery ticket;

providing a supplemental set of game data to a player such that a comparison of the first and second sets of game data and the supplemental set of game data indicates the supplemental outcome in accordance with the predetermined game rule.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

printing the supplemental set of game data on the first game piece or a second game piece that includes the second set of game data.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

providing a supplemental game piece having the supplemental game data set.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

allowing the player to continue to purchase additional supplemental lottery tickets at least until the player has a winning outcome.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the supplemental game data set is associated with a supplemental unique identifier.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

providing a supplemental play piece to the player, the supplemental play piece including the supplemental play data set and the supplemental unique identification.

33. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

introducing a first identifier on the first game piece; and

associating the first identification with the first set of game data in a database.

34. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

the outcome is determined by selecting a random entry from a pool of prizes.

35. The method of claim 14, wherein the first set of game data represents a bingo card and the second set of game data represents a set of bingo draw numbers.

36. The method of claim 14, wherein the first set of game data is disposed in a grid and the second set of game data indicates a location in the grid.

37. The method of claim 14, wherein the combination of the first set of game data and the second set of game data indicates a hand in a card game, and the result is based on a rank of the hand in the card game.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein the card game is poker.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein said card game is blackjack.

40. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

using at least one of the first game data and the second game data to join the player in a future draw-type lottery game.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising:

broadcasting a drawing in the future drawing-type lottery game;

awarding a prize to the player, the prize being determinable by comparing a result of the draw to at least one of the first game data and the second game data.

42. A lottery game system, comprising:

a plurality of freely distributed game pieces, each game piece having a corresponding first set of game data and a corresponding first identification code;

a terminal configured to receive a first identification code from one of the plurality of freely distributable game pieces presented by the player and an indication that the player wishes to purchase lottery tickets in a lottery game;

a host in communication with the terminal, the host configured to: receiving the first identification code from the terminal; determining a game outcome in response to a request to play the lottery game; selecting a second set of game data such that a combination of the respective first and second sets of game data from one of the game pieces presented by the player indicates the game outcome according to a predetermined game rule; and sending a second set of game data to the terminal;

an output device in communication with the terminal, the output device configured to provide the second set of game data to the player; and

a redemption station in communication with the host computer configured to pay the player a prize based on the outcome.

43. The lottery game system of claim 42, wherein the redemption station is part of the terminal.

44. The lottery game system of claim 42, wherein the output device is part of the terminal.

45. The lottery game system of claim 42, further comprising:

a second game piece printed by the output device, the second game piece including the second set of game data.

46. The lottery game system of claim 45, wherein the output device is further configured to print a second unique identification code on the second game piece.

47. The lottery game system of claim 45, wherein the output device comprises a video display configured to display the second set of game data.

48. The lottery game system of claim 47, wherein the redemption station is further configured to read the second unique identification code from the second game piece and transmit the second unique identification code to the host.

49. The lottery game system of claim 42, said redemption station being part of said terminal.

50. The lottery game system of claim 42, further comprising:

a database accessible by the host, the database comprising a plurality of records, at least one record of the plurality of records associating the first set of game data, the second unique identifier, the game outcome.

51. The lottery game system of claim 42, wherein the terminal further comprises:

a payment receiver configured to accept payments; and

a reader configured to read a first identification code from the first game piece.

52. The lottery game system of claim 42, further comprising:

a prize pool stored at the host, the prize pool including information identifying a plurality of prizes available in the lottery game.

53. The lottery game system of claim 42, wherein the host computer communicates with the terminal and the exchange station in real time.

54. The lottery game system of claim 42, wherein each first game piece of the plurality of freely distributable game pieces has a unique first identification code.

55. The lottery game system of claim 42, wherein the subset of the plurality of freely distributable game pieces simultaneously have the same set of game data and the same identification code.