INSTANT GAME TICKET WITH CHANGEABLE PRICING

Abstract

A method of playing a lottery instant scratch ticket game comprises a plurality of physical tickets, wherein each ticket provides one initial price point and a gameplay element wherein the initial price point may change. Multiple jackpot amounts may be provided.

Claims

1. An instant ticket and method of conducting a lottery instant scratch ticket game comprising: a) providing a plurality of physical scratch tickets; b) providing an initial price indicium on each ticket; c) providing a final printed price indicium from a predetermined set of final price indicia on each ticket wherein the final price indicium is covered by a removable opaque film; d) revealing the final printed price indicium by scratching off the opaque film covering the final price indicium; e) providing an array of winning symbols from a predetermined set of symbols; f) providing an array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols; g) providing a first predetermined paytable based on the initial price indicium; h) providing at least a second predetermined paytable based on the final printed price indicium if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium; i) determining a prize if a player symbol matches a winning symbol; j) providing the prize based on the first paytable if the final printed price indicium matches the initial price indicium; and k) providing the prize based on at least the second paytable if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the initial price indicium is printed on the removable opaque film covering the final printed price indicium.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the winning symbols are covered by a removable opaque film.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the winning symbols are revealed by scratching off the opaque film.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the player symbols are covered by a removable opaque film.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the player symbols are revealed by scratching off the opaque film.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the player symbols are covered by a removable transparent film.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the player symbols are revealed by scratching off the transparent film.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the final printed price indicium is greater than the initial price indicium.

10. An instant ticket and method of conducting a lottery instant scratch ticket game comprising: a) providing a plurality of physical scratch tickets; b) providing an initial price indicium on each ticket; c) providing a final printed price indicium from a predetermined set of final price indicia on each ticket wherein the final price indicium is covered by a removable opaque film; d) revealing the final printed price indicium by scratching off the opaque film covering the final price indicium; e) indicating at least one predetermined array of winning symbols from a predetermined set of symbols; f) providing at least one array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols; g) providing a first predetermined paytable based on the initial price indicium; h) providing at least a second predetermined paytable based on the final printed price indicium if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium; i) determining a prize if the player symbols match a predetermined array of winning symbols; j) providing the prize based on the first paytable if the final printed price indicium matches the initial price indicium; and k) providing the prize based on at least the second paytable if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the initial price indicium is printed on the removable opaque film covering the final printed price indicium.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the player symbols are covered by a removable opaque film.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the player symbols are revealed by scratching off the opaque film.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the final printed price indicium is greater than the initial price indicium.

15. An electronic ticket and method of conducting a game that provides an electronic lottery-type ticket displayed on an electronic device that comprises at least a monitor screen, at least an electronic processor, and at least one physical input device, that comprises: a) establishing an initial price for the electronic lottery-type ticket; b) allowing the player to make at least one wager matching the initial price of the ticket by utilizing the at least one physical input device; c) providing a final price indicium from a predetermined set of final price indicia on each ticket wherein the final price indicium is initially concealed by an electronic opaque layer; d) revealing the final price indicium by removing the opaque layer concealing the final price; e) displaying an array of winning symbols from a predetermined set of symbols on a first layer wherein the winning symbols may be covered by a second layer; f) displaying an array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols on a first layer wherein the player symbols may be covered by at least a second layer; g) providing a first predetermined paytable based on the initial price; h) providing at least a second predetermined paytable based on the final price if the final price differs from the initial price; i) determining a prize if at least one player symbol matches at least one winning symbol; j) providing the prize based on the first paytable if the final price matches the initial price; and k) providing the prize based on at least the second paytable if the final price differs from the initial price.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein at least the second layer is an opaque layer.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein at least the second layer is a transparent layer.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the player may remove any layer by utilizing an input device such as a touchscreen, mouse, button or similar tool.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the processor may function to remove any layer without player input.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] FIG. 1A shows an instant scratch ticket containing the game elements for a game utilizing the game technology described in a first preferred embodiment of the present invention herein.

[0015] FIG. 1B refers to FIG. 1A and shows winning symbols, player symbols and a price indicator being revealed by scratching off the opaque film covering each element.

[0016] FIG. 2A shows an instant scratch ticket containing the game elements for a game utilizing the game technology described in a second preferred embodiment of the present invention herein.

[0017] FIG. 2B refers to FIG. 2A and shows player symbols and a price indicator being revealed by scratching off the opaque film covering each element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention describes an instant lottery ticket and method of conducting a lottery instant scratch ticket game comprising: a) providing a plurality of physical scratch tickets; b) providing an initial price indicium on each ticket; c) providing a final printed price indicium from a predetermined set of final price indicia on each ticket wherein the final price indicium is covered by a removable opaque film; d) revealing the final printed price indicium by scratching off the opaque film covering the final price indicium; e) providing an array of winning symbols from a predetermined set of symbols; f) providing an array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols; g) providing a first predetermined paytable based on the initial price indicium; h) providing at least a second predetermined paytable based on the final printed price indicium if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium; i) determining a prize if a player symbol matches a winning symbol; j) providing the prize based on the first paytable if the final printed price indicium matches the initial price indicium; and k) providing the prize based on at least the second paytable if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium.

[0019] The said first preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a lottery game in which a plurality of instant scratch tickets is provided. A wager of cash, credits or non-monetary points may be required to play the game. The name of the game is shown on the ticket. Preferably, a printed verification code is provided and is concealed underneath an opaque film. The said verification code provides an encryption that guarantees that the ticket is valid and maintains the authenticity of the instant game ticket. The price of the ticket is provided as the initial price that the player pays for the ticket. As an example, the initial price may be $3. A final price of the ticket is printed directly on the ticket card, covered by a removable opaque film, and is preferably a higher price than the initial price. To continue the example, the final price may be either $5 or $10. Preferably the initial price is printed on the opaque film covering the final price, although it is contemplated that the initial price is printed directly on the ticket card in an area separate from the final price. An array of winning symbols from a predetermined set of symbols, preferably numerals, is printed on the ticket card and is covered by a removable opaque film. An array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols is printed on the ticket card and is covered by a removable opaque film. One special symbol from a predetermined set of special symbols is associated with and printed next to each player symbol, and is also covered by the opaque film. Preferably the special symbols are shapes such as a circle, a square, a heart, a triangle, etc., although the special symbols may be icons, numbers, letters, colors or the like. Instructions on how to play the game are provided. The player scratches off the opaque films covering the winning symbols and the player symbols to reveal the said symbols. Any match between a winning symbol and a player symbol is a win, and the special symbol associated with the said player symbol is utilized to determine the value of the win. The player scratches off the opaque film covering the final price to reveal the final price. A predetermined paytable is provided, comprising win amounts for the initial ticket price as well as win amounts for the final price if the final price differs from the initial price. In said first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paytable comprises a row for each of the set of special symbols and a column for the initial price and any final prices available on the ticket (in the case of said example above, the paytable would have a column for $3 ticket pays, $5 ticket pays and $10 ticket pays). Any win is paid according to the predetermined paytable. Any winning ticket (according to a verification code) is then reverified by processing the ticket through a computer terminal comprised of at least a ticket input device and a computer processor at a lottery agent location or other suitable locations.

[0020] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention describes an instant lottery ticket and method of conducting a lottery instant scratch ticket game comprising: a) providing a plurality of physical scratch tickets; b) providing an initial price indicium on each ticket; c) providing a final printed price indicium from a predetermined set of final price indicia on each ticket wherein the final price indicium is covered by a removable opaque film; d) revealing the final printed price indicium by scratching off the opaque film covering the final price indicium; e) indicating at least one predetermined array of winning symbols from a predetermined set of symbols; f) providing at least one array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols; g) providing a first predetermined paytable based on the initial price indicium; h) providing at least a second predetermined paytable based on the final printed price indicium if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium; i) determining a prize if the player symbols match a predetermined array of winning symbols; j) providing the prize based on the first paytable if the final printed price indicium matches the initial price indicium; and k) providing the prize based on at least the second paytable if the final printed price indicium differs from the initial price indicium.

[0021] The said second preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a lottery game in which a plurality of instant scratch tickets is provided. A wager of cash, credits or non-monetary points may be required to play the game. The name of the game is shown on the ticket. Preferably, a printed verification code is provided and is concealed underneath an opaque film. The said verification code provides an encryption that guarantees that the ticket is valid and maintains the authenticity of the instant game ticket. The price of the ticket is provided as the initial price that the player pays for the ticket. As an example, the initial price may be $3. A final price of the ticket is printed directly on the ticket card, covered by a removable opaque film, and is preferably a higher price than the initial price. To continue the example, the final price may be either $5 or $10. Preferably the initial price is printed on the opaque film covering the final price, although it is contemplated that the initial price is printed directly on the ticket card in an area separate from the final price. An explanation of at least one predetermined winning symbol array from a predetermined set of symbols is indicated and printed on the ticket. At least one array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols is printed on the ticket card and is covered by a removable opaque film. The predetermined set of symbols may preferably comprise shapes such as a circle, a square, a heart, a triangle, etc., although the symbols may be icons, numbers, letters, colors or the like. Instructions on how to play the game are provided. The player scratches off the opaque film covering the player symbol array(s) to reveal the said symbols. If a player symbol array corresponds exactly to the explanation of a winning symbol array, a winning event is achieved. The player scratches off the opaque film covering the final price to reveal the final price. A predetermined paytable is provided, comprising win amounts for the initial ticket price as well as win amounts for the final price if the final price differs from the initial price. In said second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paytable comprises a row for each possible winning event and a column for the initial price and any final prices available on the ticket (in the case of said example above, the paytable would have a column for $3 ticket pays, $5 ticket pays and $10 ticket pays). Any win is paid according to the predetermined paytable. Any winning ticket (according to a verification code) is then reverified by processing the ticket through a computer terminal comprised of at least a ticket input device and a computer processor at a lottery agent location or other suitable locations.

[0022] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses an electronic ticket and method of conducting a game that provides an electronic lottery-type ticket displayed on an electronic device that comprises at least a monitor screen, at least an electronic processor, and at least one physical input device, that comprises: a) establishing an initial price for the electronic lottery-type ticket; b) allowing the player to make at least one wager matching the initial price of the ticket by utilizing the at least one physical input device; c) providing a final price indicium from a predetermined set of final price indicia on each ticket wherein the final price indicium is initially concealed by an electronic opaque layer; d) revealing the final price indicium by removing the opaque layer concealing the final price; e) indicating an array of winning symbols from a predetermined set of symbols on a first layer wherein the winning symbols may be covered by a second layer; f) displaying an array of player symbols from the predetermined set of symbols on a first layer wherein the player symbols may be covered by at least a second layer; g) providing a first predetermined paytable based on the initial price; h) providing at least a second predetermined paytable based on the final price if the final price differs from the initial price; i) determining a prize if at least one player symbol matches at least one winning symbol; j) providing the prize based on the first paytable if the final price matches the initial price; and k) providing the prize based on at least the second paytable if the final price differs from the initial price. The at least second layers may be either transparent or opaque, and the player may scratch off any transparent or opaque layers by utilizing an input device such as a touchscreen, mouse, button or similar tool. Alternately, the scratch off process may be provided by the processor.

[0023] Reference to the Figures will assist in further understanding of the practice of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, providing the elements of present invention that afford the specific gameplay thereof. A physical lottery instant game ticket 2 is provided, comprising a game ticket name 4, and a copy blurb that explains a unique gameplay element 6. An initial price point of the ticket ($3) is printed on a starburst-shaped price indicator 8 that is covered by an opaque film (depicted in grey) so as to conceal a final price point. A boxed area 10 labeled WINNING NUMBERS contains winning numbers covered by an opaque film (depicted in grey) so as to conceal the winning numbers. A boxed area 12 labeled YOUR NUMBERS contains ten boxes, each comprising a player number and a special symbol, covered by an opaque film (depicted in grey) so as to conceal the player numbers and special symbols. (A special symbol is associated with each player number and printed next to the player number.) A prize legend 14 is provided, comprising a row for each of ten special symbols, a column for the initial price ($3), a column for a first final price ($5) that differs from the initial price and a column for a second final price ($10) that differs from the initial price. How to Play gameplay instructions 16 are shown, as well as a concealed verification code 18.

[0025] FIG. 1B shows the elements of FIG. 1A wherein the player, according to the gameplay instructions 16, has removed or scratched off the opaque film concealing the WINNING NUMBERS boxed area 10, revealing four numbers (3, 27, 14 and 30) 20. Also revealed are ten player numbers (2, 13, 27, 15, 20, 29, 11, 19, 4 and 23) with associated special symbols 22. One player number (27) 24 matches a winning number, and the associated symbol is a Half Moon. The player has scratched the starburst-shaped price indicator 8 to reveal the final price ($10) 26. According to the paytable 14, the Half Moon special symbol pays $200 for a $10 final price ticket 28.

[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, providing the elements of present invention that afford the specific gameplay thereof. A physical lottery instant game ticket 102 is provided, comprising a game ticket name 104, and a copy blurb that explains a unique gameplay element 106. An initial price point of the ticket ($3) is printed on a starburst-shaped price indicator 108 that is covered by an opaque film (depicted in grey) so as to conceal a final price point. An explanation of winning arrays of symbols is shown 110. A boxed area 112 labeled YOUR GAMES contains six 3-symbol horizontally-disposed games covered by an opaque film (depicted in grey) so as to conceal player symbols. A prize legend 114 is provided, comprising a row for each of ten 3-symbol arrays, a column for the initial price ($3), a column for a first final price ($5) that differs from the initial price and a column for a second final price ($10) that differs from the initial price. How to Play gameplay instructions 116 are shown, as well as a concealed verification code 118.

[0027] FIG. 2B shows the elements of FIG. 2A wherein the player, according to the gameplay instructions 116, has removed or scratched off the opaque film concealing the six 3-symbol games, revealing the players symbols 120 thereof. One player game has three like symbols (Diamond shapes) 122. The player has scratched the starburst-shaped price indicator 108 to reveal the final price ($3) 124. According to the paytable 114, three Diamond shapes pay $20 for a $3 final price ticket 126.

[0028] Although specific examples and specific win tables have been provided in this discussion, these specifics are intended to be only support for the generic concepts of the invention and are not intended to be absolute limits in the scope of the technology discussed.