Scratch-off lottery ticket game structure and method with dynamic validation files to support variable prize structures

Abstract

An instant lottery ticket game structure and method includes a set of instant lottery tickets, wherein a plurality of these tickets are winning tickets having a predetermined first prize value, as well as a predetermined enhanced second prize value. A validation file stored in a central host computer includes an individual base record for the winning tickets containing ticket identification data and the first prize value. A prize enhancement code on the winning ticket provides an option for the player to opt for the enhanced second prize value at a risk of reducing the first prize value. A sub-record in the validation file is maintained separate from the base record and includes the prize enhancement code and the value of the enhanced second, which may be less than the first prize value. A logic gate in the base record links the sub-record with the base record upon entry of the prize enhancement code by or for the player. For the winning tickets, a single record is created in the validation file by combining the base record with the sub-record upon entry of the prize enhancement code, the single record including a final prize value of the winning ticket.

Claims

1. An instant lottery ticket game structure system, comprising: a set of instant lottery tickets, the lottery tickets comprising printed paper tickets or electronically simulated tickets displayed on a player's smart device, wherein a plurality of the instant lottery tickets are winning tickets that have a positive predetermined first prize value that is revealed to a player by removal of a scratch-off coating on the printed tickets or simulated on the electronically simulated tickets from over prize indicia printed or displayed on the winning tickets; one or more of the winning tickets having a predetermined enhanced second prize value assigned thereto; an electronic validation file stored in a central host computer, the validation file including an individual base record for at least each of the winning tickets, the base record including ticket identification data and the predetermined first prize value for the winning ticket; a prize enhancement code printed or electronically displayed on each of the winning tickets that permits the player to opt for the enhanced second prize value that may be assigned to the winning ticket at a risk of reducing the first prize value, the prize enhancement code also stored electronically in the base record for the winning ticket; at least for the winning tickets, a sub-record stored electronically in the validation file that is maintained separate from the base record, the sub-record including the prize enhancement code and the enhanced second prize value or reduced first prize value; a computer logic gate in the base record that links the sub-record with the base record upon entry of the prize enhancement code by or for the player; and wherein, for the winning tickets, a single record is electronically created and stored by the central host computer in the validation file by combining the base record with the sub-record upon entry of the prize enhancement code, the single record including a final prize value of the winning ticket.

2. The instant lottery ticket game structure system of claim 1, wherein the prize enhancement code is covered by a scratch-off coating on the printed tickets or simulated on the electronically simulated instant lottery tickets, wherein the player removes the scratch-off coating and the prize enhancement code is transmitted to the central host computer.

3. The instant lottery ticket game structure system of claim 1, wherein the validation file includes a base record for each of the instant lottery tickets in the set of instant lottery tickets.

4. The instant lottery ticket game structure system of claim 3, wherein each of the instant lottery tickets in the set of instant lottery tickets includes a prize enhancement code provided thereon, and wherein the prize enhancement code is only active for the winning tickets.

5. The instant lottery ticket game structure system of claim 1, wherein the enhanced prize value is a multiple of the first prize value, and the reduced first prize value is a total loss of the first prize value.

6. The instant lottery ticket game structure system of claim 1, further comprising a computer application enabled on a smart device operated by the player, wherein results of entry of the prize enhancement code are revealed to the player via the smart device upon entry of a code by the player.

7. The instant lottery ticket game structure system of claim 6, wherein the code entered by the player is provided on the winning ticket.

8. The instant lottery ticket game structure system of claim 6, wherein the code entered by the player is generated and given to the player when the prize enhancement code is entered.

9. A method for implementing an instant lottery ticket game with a central host computer linked t instant lottery tickets by codes printed or electronically, displayed on the instant lottery tickets, comprising: providing a set of the instant lottery tickets as printed paper tickets or electronically simulated tickets on a player's smart device, including designating a plurality of the instant lottery tickets as winning tickets that have a positive predetermined first prize value assigned thereto that is revealed to a player by removal of a scratch-off coating on the paper tickets or simulated on the electronically simulated tickets from over prize indicia provided on the winning tickets; designating one or more of the winning tickets to have a predetermined enhanced second prize value assigned thereto; prior to distribution of the instant lottery tickets for sale, creating an electronic validation file and storing the validation file in the central host computer, the validation file including an individual base record for at least each of the winning tickets, the base record including ticket identification data and the predetermined first prize value for the winning ticket; configuring at least each of the winning tickets with a prize enhancement code printed or electronically displayed thereon that permits the player to opt for the enhanced second prize value that may be assigned to the winning ticket at a risk of reducing the first prize value, the prize enhancement code also stored electronically in the validation file record for the winning ticket; at least for the winning tickets and when creating the base record, creating an electronic sub-record in the validation file associated with the base record and maintained separate from the base record in the validation file, the sub-record including the prize enhancement code and the enhanced second prize value or reduced first prize value; configuring the base record with a computer logic gate that links the sub-record with the base record upon entry of the prize enhancement code by or for the player; and wherein, for the winning tickets, with the central host computer, electronically creating and storing a single record in the validation file by combining the base record with the sub-record upon entry of the prize enhancement code, the single record including a final prize value of the winning ticket.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the prize enhancement code is covered by a scratch-off coating on the printed tickets or simulated on the electronically simulated tickets instant lottery tickets, and wherein the player removes the scratch-off coating and the prize enhancement code is transmitted to the central host computer.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the validation file is created to include a base record for each of the instant lottery tickets in the set of instant lottery tickets.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the instant lottery tickets in the set of instant lottery tickets is configured with a unique prize enhancement code thereon, and wherein the prize enhancement code is only active for the winning tickets.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the enhanced prize value is a multiple of the first prize value, and the reduced first prize value is a total loss of the first prize value.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a computer application that is enabled on a smart device operated by the player, wherein results of entry of the prize enhancement code are revealed to the player via the smart device upon entry of a code by the player.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the code entered by the player is provided on the winning ticket.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the code entered by the player is generated and give to the player when the prize enhancement code is entered.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A full and enabling disclosure including the best mode of practicing the appended claims and directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification. The specification makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

(2) FIG. 1a depicts an instant scratch-off lottery ticket that may be used with the game structure and methods according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 1b depicts the instant scratch-off lottery ticket of FIG. 1a after being played;

(4) FIG. 1c depicts an instant scratch-off lottery ticket that is revealed to be a non-winner in the initial play of the ticket;

(5) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a validation file configured in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and

(6) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a lottery ticket game structure and associated method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) Reference will now be made in detail to various and alternative exemplary embodiments and to the accompanying drawings, with like numerals representing substantially identical structural elements. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure and claims. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure includes modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

(8) Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a computer-based instant lottery ticket game structure and associated method (indicated generally as 60 in FIG. 3) of operation that utilize a dynamic validation file configuration to provide increased flexibility to game features and prize structures without comprising security of the validation file.

(9) It is typical practice in the United States lottery industry for a ticket vendor (who may also be the game service provider for the lottery authority) to provide a state lottery authority with one or more sets of instant lottery tickets, where each set is defined as a game. Each game will normally have a prize structure with a predetermined number of winning tickets and a predetermined number of losing tickets structured to achieve the expected value of the game. Very often, the winning tickets are divided between high tier winners, which have a high winning prize value (and lesser odds of winning) and low tier winners that have relatively low winning values (and greater odds of winning). This initial prize structure is referenced herein as a first prize value with respect to the individual tickets.

(10) Referring to FIGS. 1a-1c, aspects of the instant lottery ticket game structure and method include a set or production run of instant lottery tickets 10 (i.e., scratch-off lottery tickets). As is well understood and mentioned above, a game set of such tickets 10 has a prize structure and odds distribution to achieve an expected value for the lottery authority. In this regard, a plurality of the instant lottery tickets 10 in the set are winning tickets that have a positive (greater than zero) predetermined first prize value. For example, the ticket 10 in FIG. 1 a has a potential first prize value of $5, $25, or $100, as indicated by the prize value indicia 20. As with conventional instant lottery tickets, game play indicia 12 that reveals the win/loss outcome of the ticket 10 are provided at play spots 16 that are covered by a scratch-off coating 14. A player removes (i.e., scratches-off) the scratch-off coating 14 from the play spots 16 to reveal the game play indicia 12 and the status of the ticket, as well as the first prize value (if any).

(11) The instant lottery tickets 10 may be printed paper stock tickets, or may be electronically simulated tickets that are transmitted to and played by the player via an application running on a smart device 50 (FIG. 3), such as a mobile phone, tablet, computer, etc., wherein a simulated scratch-off coating 14 covers the game play indicia 12. The dashed outline of the tickets 10 in FIGS. 1a-1c depict screen 26 or other display of the player's smart device that is connected to a central host computer 42 (FIG. 3) to obtain/download the electronic ticket. The simulated scratch-off coating 14 can be removed by the player by operation of a mouse or some other control device connected or operable with the smart device 50.

(12) Each lottery ticket 10 also includes validation data in the form of a validation code 24, which may be in the form of a barcode or alpha-numeric form, at a validation spot 22 on the ticket and covered by a scratch-off coating 14. As known in the industry, the validation code 24 contains ticket identification data that links the ticket to a record in a validation file stored in a host computer (discussed in greater detail below).

(13) Evenly dispersed throughout the set of game tickets 10 will be one or more of the winning tickets (predetermined tickets that have one of the first prize values assigned thereto) that also has a predetermined enhanced second prize value assigned thereto that is greater than the first prize value. For example, the enhanced prize value may be a multiplier (e.g., 2 or 3) of the first prize value. The number and prize distribution of these tickets is also computed so that, even if all of such enhanced prizes are distributed, the game still achieves its expected value.

(14) At least the winning tickets 10 in the set of game tickets are specifically modified to have a prize enhancement code 32 provided thereon, referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b. This code 32 may be alpha-numeric or contained in a bar code format. In a particular embodiment, the prize enhancement code 32 is unique to each ticket 10. Alternatively, the prize enhancement code 32 may be generic to all of the winning tickets, for example, akin to a yes or positive symbol on each ticket 10 that simply reflects the player's decision to opt for the enhanced prize, as explained in greater detail below. Whether unique to the ticket or generic, the prize enhancement code 32 is a device that provides an option to the player to opt for the enhanced second prize value that could potentially be assigned to their particular winning ticket 10 and that could significantly increase their winnings. This option has the risk, however, of reducing the first prize value, which includes a complete loss of the first prize value. For example, the player may opt for the enhanced second prize value in the hopes of doubling the first prize value, but the result could actually be a reduction or complete loss of the first prize value, and the player would lose all or some of the first prize value as the cost for playing the option.

(15) In the ticket 10 of FIGS. 1a and 1b, there are three enhanced prize options presented to the player in the event that the ticket 10 wins one of the first prize values. The multiple enhanced prize options are presented at game enhancement spots 30, wherein each spot 30 includes a game enhancement code 32 covered by a scratch-off coating 14. One of the spots 30 allows for the player to opt for a 2 multiplier of the first prize value at the risk of going bust (losing the first prize value). Other spots 30 allow for the player to opt for 3 and 5 multipliers (also with the chance of going bust), respectively.

(16) FIGS. 1a and 1b reflect that the ticket 10 is a winner of the first prize value in the amount of $25 (three matching stars), and that the player has opted for the 2 enhanced prize value by removing the scratch-off coating 14 from the 2 spot 30 to reveal the underlying prize enhancement code 32. As explained below with reference to FIG. 3, this code 32 is transmitted to a central host computer 42 in accordance with aspects of the present structure and method.

(17) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is industry practice for the ticket vendor to supply a validation file 34 for each game, which is generally structured to contain a base record 36 for at least each winning ticket 10 in the game set. This base record 36 contains the prize code or predetermined redemption value for each winning ticket in the game. In conventional game structures, the prize value represented by the prize code in each record 36 provided by the vendor is fixed or static. For some games, the validation file 34 will contain a respective record 36 for only the winning tickets 10 in the game set. However, in other embodiments, the validation file can contain a record 36 for each ticket 10 in the game. This vendor-supplied validation file 34 is then loaded into a central host computer 42 used by the entity that services the game for the lottery authority using appropriate data input means.

(18) In many state lotteries in the U.S., the practice is to require that at least the high tier lottery tickets 10 presented by a player to a lottery agent for redemption be validated by having the lottery agent transmit ticket the validation code 24 from an agent terminal 46 to the host computer 42. This information is then used to access the base record 36 in the validation file 34 that contains the prize code or redemption value for the lottery ticket 10, and this value is then transmitted back to the agent terminal 46. The usual practice is to have the lottery agent compare this value from the host computer 42 with the winning first prize value printed on the lottery ticket 10 and if they are the same, the agent will pay the player this amount or provide the player with a form that he can use to redeem the ticket from the lottery administration.

(19) For purposes of the present game structure and method, the prize enhancement code(s) 32 may also be contained in the validation file base record 36 for each winning ticket 10.

(20) Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, for at least the winning tickets 10 in the game set, a sub-record 38 is created at the same time the base records 36 are created in the validation file 34. The sub-record 38 is, however, maintained separate from the base record 36 in the validation file 34 to the extent that the information in the sub-record 38 that relates to the enhanced prize value assigned to the ticket is not made part of the base record 36 unless a series of events occurs, as described below. The sub-record 38 includes the prize information linked to the prize enhancement code 32 and the enhanced second prize value assigned to the winning ticket 10 (if any). The sub-record 38 may also include a reduced first prize value if the game is structured so that the player does not lose the entire first prize value in the event there is no enhanced second prize value assigned to the ticket.

(21) Referring to FIG. 2, it is depicted that a ticket 10 identified with the validation data 001 has three sub-records 38 associated therewith (corresponding to one sub-record 38 for each of the 2, 3, and 5 prize enhancement options). The respective sub-record 38 corresponding to the player's selection may include a final prize value that is greater than the first prize value (e.g., by a multiplier factor of 2 or 3), a final prize value of zero, or a final prize value that is less than the first prize value (e.g. one-half of the first prize value). The sub-records 38 are associated with the base record 36 by a digital logic gate depicted by the dashed line 40. This particular ticket identified as 001 has not yet been played (or at least not yet redeemed). The logic gate 40 in the base record 36 is activated upon entry of the prize enhancement code 32 to the host computer 42 (e.g. entered by the lottery agent scanning the validation code 24 and then the prize enhancement code 32 from the winning ticket 10). Once activated, this logic gate 40 links (i.e., attaches) the particular sub-record 38 associated with the prize enhancement code 32 to the base record 36 for the particular winning ticket 10.

(22) Thus, for winning tickets 10 wherein a final prize value may change depending on whether or not the player opts for the enhanced prize value, a single record 37 (see FIG. 4 with respect to the ticket identifier 004) is created in the validation file 34 for the ticket 10 by combining the base record 36 with the sub-record 38 upon entry of the prize enhancement code 32, the single record 37 including the final prize value of the winning ticket (which may be the enhanced prize value, a reduced first prize value, or no prize value).

(23) The winning ticket 10 in FIG. 1b includes three prize enhancement options (and thus three separate prize enhancement codes 32). For purposes of illustration, this ticket 10 is identified in the validation code 24 by the last three digits 002. The ticket has a first prize value of $25 and the player has opted for the 2 prize enhancement by removing the scratch-off coating 14 from the 2 spot 30 to reveal the prize enhancement code 32 (which is scanned and transmitted to the central host computer 42). In FIG. 2, the digital logic gate 40 has been activated and links the 2 sub-record 38 to the base record 36 for this ticket. The enhanced prized value information contained in the sub-record 38 will then be merged with the based record 36 to create the final record 37.

(24) With the above game structure and method 60, the validation file 34 is dynamic is that it the individual ticket base records 36 contained therein are automatically changed or updated to reflect the changing prize value of any of the instant lottery tickets 10 in the set. For redemption, accounting, confirmation, and any other post-sale reason, the validation file 34 accurately reflects the final value of the tickets 10 in the set. This is accomplished without the need of personnel intervention or access to the validation file.

(25) Referring to FIG. 1c, in a certain embodiment, the losing lottery tickets 10 in the set may also include one or more simulated prize enhancement codes in the form of a scratch-off coating 14 over a generic indication 31 that the ticket is a losing ticket in the defined prize enhancement section 28 of the ticket so that winning and losing tickets 10 are indistinguishable to the player prior to purchase and play of the ticket 10. FIG. 2 represents that a base record 36 is created in the validation file 34 for each losing ticket as well, but there are no sub-records 38 associated with the losing tickets 10. In an alternative embodiment, sub-records 38 may also be created for each losing ticket 10 for sake of sameness in the file structure, but are inactive. For example, the digital logic gate function may not be provided in the base records 36, which would prevent lining of a sub-record 38.

(26) Referring to FIG. 3, the game structure and method 60 may include a unique means of revealing the outcome of the enhanced prize option to the player 48. For example, the game structure 60 may include a computer application enabled on a smart device 50 operated by the player 48 (e.g. a smart phone, tablet, PDA, computer, etc.), wherein results of entry of the prize enhancement code are revealed to the player via the smart device 50 upon entry of a reveal code or other message by the player 48 to central host computer 42 via any suitable communications network 52. This reveal code may be provided on the winning ticket 10, for example as a separate code, or along with the prize enhancement code 32 under the scratch-off coating. The prize enhancement code 32 may also function as the reveal code (particularly if there are multiple possible enhanced prize opportunities presented on a single ticket, as in the embodiment depicted in the figures). Alternatively, the code may be generated and given to the player when the prize enhancement code 32 is entered by the lottery agent at a terminal 46. For example, the terminal 46 may print off a receipt having the reveal code thereon, wherein the receipt is then handed to the player 48. Once the code request is received by the host computer 42, a reveal message 56 is generated and transmitted back to the player's smart device 50. This reveal message 56 will indicate the final prize value for the player's winning ticket after exercise of the enhanced prize option by the player, as well as instructions as to how the player can redeem the prize.

(27) FIG. 3 also depicts the electronic ticket 54 version of the structure and method 60 wherein the electronic simulated scratch-off ticket 54 is transmitted to the player's smart device 50 for play. If the ticket 54 is a winning ticket, the player 48 can then opt for one of the enhanced prize options on the ticket 54 by transmitting the request code (which may be the actual game enhancement code 32). The reveal message 56 will then be generated and transmitted back to the player's smart device 50.

(28) It should be appreciated that the host computer 42 (e.g., a game server) can include a network interface for providing communications over the network 52. A network interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one more networks, including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

(29) The host computer 42 can be any computing device and can include one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media. The computer-readable media can store instructions which cause the processor to perform the operations described herein, as well as other functions related to conduct of the overall game for the lottery authority.

(30) The player's smart device 50 can be any portable computing device that can be used by a player to interface with the host computer 42. For instance, the device 50 can be a wireless device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable gaming device, cellular phone, smart phone, tablet, navigation system, handheld GPS system, wearable computing device, a display having one or more processors, or other such device. In short, the player device 50 can be any computer-device or system that can execute a gaming module to allow a player to interact with the host computer 42 as described herein.

(31) The network 52 can be any type of communications network, such as a local area network (e.g. intranet), wide area network (e.g. Internet), or some combination thereof. The network can also include a direct connection between a player mobile device 50 and the host computer 42. In general, communication between the host computer 42 and player mobile device 50 can be carried via a network interface using any type of wired and/or wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML, JSON), and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

(32) FIG. 3 also depicts a lottery authority administrative computer 44 interfaced with the central host computer 42 for any manner of functions, including receipt of reports generated by the game service provider based on the modifications and changes made to the base records in the dynamic validation file 34 as described herein.

(33) The technology discussed herein makes reference to servers, computers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, as well as actions taken and information sent to and from such systems. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, server processes discussed herein may be implemented using a single server or multiple servers working in combination. Databases and applications may be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components may operate sequentially or in parallel.

(34) The material particularly shown and described above is not meant to be limiting, but instead serves to show and teach various exemplary implementations of the present subject matter. As set forth in the attached claims, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of various features discussed herein, along with such variations and modifications as would occur to a person of skill in the art.