FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lottery ticket games, and more particularly to a method and system for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Instant lottery games have become an important source of income to governments and numerous non-for-profit organizations. Typically, a set of instant lottery tickets is imaged with play and prize value indicia under a scratch-off coating or break-open tab according to a predetermined prize structure. The prize structure comprises a small number of large value prize tickets, a number of lesser value prize tickets, and a large number of void tickets. The prizes are distributed randomly to the tickets such that each player has an equal chance to win one of the prizes.

The tickets are then distributed to ticket retailers - such as, for example, liquor stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, gift shops, etc. - for dispensing the tickets to consumers and for validating the tickets when they are presented for redemption. Typically, lottery retailers need to have employees present all the time at a lottery kiosk for dispensing the instant lottery tickets and preventing theft of the instant lottery tickets offered for sale, for example, on a counter. With numerous lottery games on the market it has become a challenge to sustain public interest. Non-instant lotteries such as, for example, 6/49 and Super 7 have substantially increased public interest by offering large and varying jackpots.

It is desirable to provide a method and system for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize. _o lottery tickets in a substantially secure and tamper resistant fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an instant lottery ticket dispensing device for dispensing instant lottery tickets in a substantially secure and tamper resistant fashion.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing an instant lottery game. A plurality of lottery tickets associated with the instant lottery game is provided. Each ticket of at least a subset of the plurality of lottery tickets has a prize identifier related to prize data stored in a trusted database. A lottery ticket of the plurality of lottery tickets is dispensed. Data indicative of the prize identifier of the lottery ticket are provided to a trusted processor in communication with the trusted database. Using the trusted processor data indicative of the prize associated with the lottery ticket are determined in dependence upon the data indicative of the prize identifier and the prize data and provided. Further, new prize data are determined in dependence upon the prize identifier and the prize data.

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing an instant lottery game. A plurality of lottery tickets associated with the instant lottery game is provided. Each ticket of at least a subset of the plurality of lottery tickets has a prize identifier related to prize data stored in a trusted database. A lottery ticket of the plurality of lottery tickets is dispensed. Data indicative of the prize identifier of the lottery ticket are provided to a trusted processor in communication with the trusted database. Using the trusted processor data indicative of the prize associated with the lottery ticket are determined in dependence upon the data indicative of the prize identifier and the prize data and provided. If the prize identifier is indicative of a second chance opportunity, data indicative of a second chance opportunity prize associated with the lottery ticket are determined or a second chance opportunity game is activated chance opportunity game. Further, new prize data are determined in dependence upon the prize identifier and the prize data. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instant lottery ticket dispensing device. At least a compartment is disposed inside a housing for accommodating therein a plurality of instant lottery tickets associated with at least an instant lottery game. A user interface is disposed in the housing for receiving user commands and for displaying display data to the user. A processor is connected to the user interface. A payment device is connected to the processor for receiving payment from the user. A release mechanism is connected to the processor for releasing a ticket after receipt of the payment. A dispensing opening is disposed in the housing and connected to the release mechanism for dispensing the released ticket. A reader is disposed inside the housing and connected to the processor for reading a ticket activation identifier disposed on the ticket prior dispensing the released ticket. A second reader is connected to the processor for reading a prize identifier disposed on the ticket.

The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method and system for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize. A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an instant lottery ticket dispensing device for dispensing instant lottery tickets in a substantially secure and tamper resistant fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures la is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2a and 2b are simplified block diagrams illustrating a preferred lottery ticket for use with the instant lottery ticket dispensing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3a and 3b are simplified flow diagrams illustrating a method for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and,

Figures 4a and 4b are simplified block diagrams illustrating data association during activation according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

Referring to Figures la and lb, a system 100 for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The system 100 comprises a central data processing unit which is connected to instant lottery ticket dispensing devices 120 via a computer network 1 10 such as, for example, the Internet, forming a "linked kiosk network". Preferably, the central data processing unit is placed in a trusted entity such as, for example, an administrative center or headquarters of the lottery operator and comprises, for example, a trusted server computer 102 and a trusted database 108, while communication with the instant lottery ticket dispensing devices 120 is performed in a secure manner using state of the art encryption technology. The instant lottery ticket dispensing devices 120 are located at redemption. Operation of the system 100 and execution of the method for providing an instant lottery game described herein below are performed, for example, using the processor 104 for executing executable commands preferably stored in non- volatile memory 106 such as, for example, a hard-drive or flash memory. The processor 104 then communicates with the processors 122 of the dispensing devices 120 via the computer network 1 10 according to a standard communication protocol such as, for example, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

Referring to Figure lb, an instant lottery ticket dispensing device 120 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The various components of the dispenser 120 are, preferably, housed in a substantially secure and tamper resistant housing 121 that enables access only to authorized personnel - for example, for maintenance and refilling - using, for example, a secure locking mechanism known in the art. Optionally, opening of the housing 121 is controlled by the server computer 102, for example, a message is sent to the server computer 102 when the housing 121 is opened. The dispenser 120 comprises at least a compartment 136 disposed inside the housing 121 for accommodating therein a plurality of instant lottery tickets 200 associated with at least an instant lottery game. The tickets 200 are, preferably, single tickets stacked inside the compartment 136. Alternatively, the tickets are provided as a band, comprising a plurality of tickets, disposed inside the compartment 136 in a folded or rolled fashion. Each ticket is then separated from the remaining band prior dispensing using, for example, a cutting mechanism. Operation of the dispenser 120 is enabled using an off-the-shelf computer processor 122 for executing executable commands preferably stored in non- volatile memory 124 such as, for example, a hard-drive or flash memory. The processor 122 is connected to the computer network 1 10 via port 130 for communicating with the processor 104 of the trusted server computer 102.

A user interface 126 is disposed in the housing and connected to the processor 122 for displaying display data to the player 126 A in a human comprehensible fashion and for receiving user commands 126B. For example, the user interface 126 is provided using an off-the-shelf touch screen or a combination of a display and push buttons. Preferably, the display is adapted to display to the public in an appealing fashion information regarding the tickets available and the current winning opportunities, as well as to display data to the player during user interactions , , ,

identifier, and playing of a second chance opportunity game.

A payment device 132 is disposed in the housing 121 and connected to the processor 122 for receiving payment from the user. Optionally, the payment device 132 is provided in a separate housing and connected to the processor 122 via a cable. Preferably, the payment device 132 is a standard card reader such as, for example, a chip card reader, capable of interfacing with standard credit/debit cards or a designated "player card" issued, for example, by the organizer of the lottery. Payment is then executed using standard software for secure payment using processor 122 in communication with the trusted server computer 102 or, alternatively, a trusted computer of a secure payment service such as, for example, PayPal. Alternatively, the payment device 132 comprises a device for receiving cash - coins and/or bank notes - or a combination of both. Payment devices are well known in the art and employed, for example, in ticket vending machines in public parking or public transportation. Optionally, the use of player cards in communication with the trusted server computer 102 via the processor 122 enables

implementation of additional features such as player reward card programs and player tracking capabilities.

Release mechanism 138 is connected to the processor 122 and the compartment 136 for releasing a ticket after receipt of the payment. Release mechanisms 138 are well known in the art and employed, for example, in ticket vending machines in public parking or public transportation. Preferably, a reader 140 is disposed inside the housing 121 connected to the processor 122 and the release mechanism 138 for reading a ticket activation identifier disposed on the ticket prior dispensing of the released ticket through dispensing opening 142. The reader 140 is provided, for example, in the form of a bar code scanner for scanning a linear or matrix barcode but is not limited thereto.

The dispenser 120 further comprises reader 128 disposed in the housing 121 such that a player is enabled to present a ticket thereto for reading a prize identifier disposed on the ticket. The reader 128 is provided, for example, as a bar code scanner for scanning a linear or matrix barcode but is not limited thereto. Optionally, the reader 128 is provided in a separate housing and connected to .

slip indicative of the prize for redemption. Alternatively, a cash dispenser is provided for paying the prize in cash or a combination of both. Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a preferred lottery ticket 200 for use with the dispenser 120. The lottery ticket 200 comprises a sheet type body such as, for example, a semi-rigid sheet of paper, cardboard, or boxboard. The ticket activation identifier 230 is printed on the front 204 of the ticket 200 in the form of, for example, a linear barcode, or a matrix barcode. Preferably, the ticket activation identifier is uniquely related to the lottery ticket such that each lottery ticket of the plurality of lottery tickets has a unique identifier with data indicative thereof being stored in the trusted database 108. The lottery ticket 200 further comprises play area 218 disposed on the back 212 of the ticket 200 in a concealed fashion together with the prize identifier 217 which is provided in the form of, for example, a linear barcode, or a matrix barcode. Optionally, at least a portion of the identifiers 217 and 230 is encoded using, for example, an error correcting code such as a Reed Salomon code to provide an indication that the identifier has been corrupted and/or to retrieve the identifier in case the barcode has been damaged. The play area 218 and the prize identifier 217 are revealed by the player opening break-open tabs 220A to 220E.

Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, a method for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. At 10, a plurality of lottery tickets associated with an instant lottery game is provided. Each lottery ticket has a unique ticket identifier related to ticket data stored in the trusted database 108 and a prize identifier related to prize data stored in the trusted database. The display 126A provides potential players with information regarding the available tickets, i.e. instant lottery games. Furthermore, the display 126A provides - 12 - information regarding varying winning opportunities such as, for example, real time information regarding rolling jackpots based on the accumulated jackpot potential of the network of ticket dispensers, which is provided by the trusted server 102 via the computer network 1 10. The player then selects the instant lottery game and the number of tickets to be purchased - 14 - using the user interface 126. After being prompted the player makes the payment - 16 - using the payment device 132 and the user interface 126. After confirmation of the payment, the release mechanism 138 releases - 18 - an un-activated ticket 200 from the co r men . ea sca - - and sends - 22- data indicative of the ticket activation identifier 230 to the processor 104 of the trusted server computer 102 in a secure fashion for activation. Using the processor 104, the data indicative of the ticket identifier are compared - 24 - with respective ticket data stored in the trusted database 108 and if the comparison is indicative of a match activation data indicative of activation of the lottery ticket are determined. Preferably, the activation data relate the ticket to prize data stored in the trusted database 108. After determination of the activation data, an identifier indicative of successful activation is sent to the release mechanism 138 via processor 122 for initiating dispensing of the activated ticket and, preferably, the respective ticket data in the trusted database 108 are marked as activated or erased.

Preferably, prior performing an activation process - using the processor 104 based on the data indicative of the ticket activation identifier 230 received from the processor 122 of the dispenser 120 - the ticket has no prize value associated therewith. For example, prior the activation process the prize identifier 217 is associated with a zero value, as illustrated in Figure 4a, and the association of the "yet to be revealed" prize identifier 217 with the prize value is then determined during the activation process resulting, for example, in a prize value, a factor indicative of a percentage of the jackpot or a combination of both, as illustrated in Figure 4b. For example, the two identifiers when combined result in a number referring to a memory address with a predetermined prize value or factor stored therein. Optionally, data indicative of a second chance opportunity are determined. Non-winning tickets remain associated with a zero value.

Alternatively, non-winning tickets are supplied without the prize identifier.

Optionally, the processor 104 determines audit trail data in dependence upon the received ticket activation data to determine, for example, royalties payable to the retailer based on the number of sold tickets.

After successful activation, the ticket is dispensed to the player - 26. Optionally, if the activation is unsuccessful, for example, because a damaged ticket identifier could not be read, the release mechanism 138 transfers the un-activated ticket to a holding compartment, releases another ticket from the storage compartment for activation, and provides an error message to the processor 122 or p _processor o e rus e server compu er .

After the player has opened the ticket and the game area 218 revealed that the ticket is a winning ticket or has a second chance opportunity, the player scans the prize identifier 217 using the reader 128. The processor 122 then provides - 28 - data indicative of the prize identifier 217 of the lottery ticket to the trusted processor 104. At 30, the processor 104 determines data indicative of the prize associated with the lottery ticket in dependence upon the data indicative of the prize identifier and the prize data; provides the data indicative of the prize associated with the lottery ticket to the processor 122 for display and, optionally, printing a validation slip; and determines new prize data in dependence upon the prize identifier and the prize data. For example, the accumulated jackpot is increased or decreased, depending on whether the ticket was a winner or not. The new prize data are then provided to the dispenser 120 and displayed - 32 - using the display 126A. Preferably, some tickets - in particular, some non-winning tickets - have a second chance opportunity associated therewith in order to further increase players' interest in the instant lottery game. Such tickets have, for example, instructions printed in the concealed game area 218 instructing the player that the ticket is not an instant winner but a second chance opportunity is available at the ticket dispenser 120. Preferably, the second chance opportunity is implemented in the step 30 of the method described herein above and as illustrated in Figure 3b. At 30.1, the player scans the prize identifier indicative of a second chance opportunity which activates the second chance opportunity. There are various options for implementing the second chance opportunity. In a first option - 30.2 - data indicative of a second chance opportunity prize associated with the ticket are determined. For example, using the processor 104 a mathematical algorithm determines if the ticket is a winner at that instant in a random or pseudo-random fashion. Alternatively, the processor 104 activates - 30.3 - a second chance opportunity game which is performed - 30.4 - in communication with processor 122 and user interface 126. The second chance opportunity game is, for example, a skill based game, a probability game, or a combination thereof. In dependence upon the outcome of the second chance opportunity game data indicative of a second chance opportunity prize are then determined - 30.5 - and provided to the ticket dispenser for display and/or print of a validation slip. Finally, new prize data are e e i ence upon e a a n ca ve o a secon c ance ορ . β prize data - 30.6 - and provided for display.

As is evident, while method for providing an instant lottery game having a varying prize is preferably implemented using the system 100 with the instant lottery ticket dispenser 120 it is not limited thereto. The method is implementable, for example, using conventional lottery kiosks with each kiosk communicating with a trusted central unit.

The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.