A computer-implemented system and method for providing a lottery game includes providing players with a unique validation code for each desired play of a lottery game. A first encryption code is generated for each validation code and stored so that the first encryption code and algorithm are present only as electronic data in the computer system and are not provided to the players. Players submit their respective unique validation code for registration in the lottery game and the computer system applies the algorithm to each code submitted by a player to create a second encryption code for each unique validation code. The computer system compares the second encryption code with a record of the first encryption codes to determine whether a match exists between the second encryption code and one of the first encryption codes.

A lottery ticket vending machine configured to determine the lottery ticket state for each of a plurality of ticket drawers of the lottery ticket vending machine and, for each of the ticket drawers display an indication of the lottery ticket state for that ticket drawer of the lottery ticket vending machine.

A lottery ticket vending machine including a ticket collection receptacle of its front door that is configured to receive lottery tickets of different sizes and shapes. The ticket collection receptacle includes a first ticket-receipt section, a second ticket-receipt section, and a third ticket-holding-and-access section. The first ticket-receipt section is configured to receive instant lottery tickets from the bursters. The second ticket-receipt section is configured to receive printed lottery tickets (and/or receipts) from the printer. The third ticket-holding-and-access section is configured to hold the received lottery tickets (and receipts) in a manner that does not block receipt of further tickets (and receipts).

A lottery ticket vending machine configured to determine if its ticket bursters are improperly separating the lottery tickets received from the ticket drawers of the ticket drawer columns, and to make one or more adjustments and/or alert an operator if its ticket bursters are improperly separating the lottery tickets. In various embodiments, each of the tickets bursters includes a suitable magnetic material sensor configured to sense at least one magnetically sensible material of each lottery ticket received in such ticket burster. In various embodiments, the lottery ticket vending machine includes one or more controllers configured to receive signals from the magnetic material sensor and make such determinations regarding any adjustments and/or alerts, and to cause any such adjustments and/or alerts.

A method of conducting a Hangman type of lottery game includes offering a number of games to play. A number of letter combinations are defined, wherein each of the combinations has at least two letters. A player plays a game by selecting a letter combination or by prompting the lottery game system, by using their mobile electronic device, to randomly select the letter combination having at least two letters. The amount of letters included in the letter combination determines which of the games is played by the player. The selected letter combination is compared with the winning group of letters. A winning mode is defined wherein a predetermined amount of letters in a winning group of letters coincides with the letters included in the selected letter combination. Finally, the player receives a message on the player's mobile device, for example, whether the selected letter combination satisfies the winning mode.

A lottery ticket pack and associated method for manipulating such packs is provided. Each individual lottery ticket pack is wrapped with a wrapping material, and a label is adhered to the wrapping material. The label includes a first portion permanently adhered to the wrapping material and a second portion having a releasable adhesive applied to a surface thereof. The label is grasped and pulled away from the ticket pack in a manner that causes the permanently adhered first portion of the label to tear the wrapping material from the ticket pack. Then, the remaining wrapping material is manually removed from the pack. The second portion of the label is used to connect the last ticket in the ticket pack to a first ticket in a separate unwrapped ticket pack by pressing the side of the second portion containing the releasable adhesive across aligned ends of the adjacent tickets.

A lottery ticket vending machine including a ticket collection receptacle of its front door that is configured to receive lottery tickets of different sizes and shapes. The ticket collection receptacle includes a first ticket-receipt section, a second ticket-receipt section, and a third ticket-holding-and-access section. The first ticket-receipt section is configured to receive instant lottery tickets from the bursters. The second ticket-receipt section is configured to receive printed lottery tickets (and/or receipts) from the printer. The third ticket-holding-and-access section is configured to hold the received lottery tickets (and receipts) in a manner that does not block receipt of further tickets (and receipts).

An instant lottery ticket vending machine configured to determine if its ticket bursters are improperly separating the lottery tickets received from the ticket drawers of the ticket drawer columns, and to make one or more adjustments and/or alert an operator if its ticket bursters are improperly separating the lottery tickets. In various embodiments, each of the tickets bursters includes a suitable ticket edge sensor configured to sense an edge (such as a leading edge) of each lottery ticket received in such ticket burster. In various embodiments, the lottery ticket vending machine includes one or more controllers configured to receive such signals from the ticket edge sensor and make such determinations regarding any adjustments and/or alerts, and to cause any such adjustments and/or alerts.

A lottery ticket vending machine configured to determine if lottery tickets received by a ticket burster from a ticket drawer of a ticket drawer column are connected by tape, and to take one or more actions if such lottery tickets are connected by tape. In various embodiments, each of the tickets bursters includes a suitable tape sensor.

A lottery-ticket issuing device includes a ticket issuing mechanism and a ticket receiving mechanism. The ticket issuing mechanism includes a first base frame and a conveyance assembly disposed on the first base frame. The first base frame has a ticket issuing channel, and the conveyance assembly is configured to drive lottery-tickets to move along the ticket issuing channel. The ticket receiving mechanism includes a second base frame connected to the first base frame. The second base frame has a ticket receiving cavity communicating with the ticket issuing channel. The ticket receiving cavity has a guide surface and a supporting surface. The guide surface is configured to guide the lottery-tickets output from the ticket issuing channel to change a movement direction, so that the lottery-tickets are stacked on the supporting surface in a direction at an angle from a vertical direction.