AU738239B2 - Lottery game - Google Patents

Description

I

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: "LOTTERY GAME" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:

TITLE

LOTTERY GAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to games of chance which might be played for pleasure or gain. The invention particularly relates to lottery type games whereby participating players select desired indicia from a pre-determined set prior to a draw by a gaming authority. The gaming authority may also hold monetary or other stakes laid or purchased by the participants. Winning players are paid in accordance with pre-determined rules based on the arrangement and/or number of correct selections they have earlier made.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Existing lottery games can be conveniently considered as falling into a number of broad categories. First there are those games wherein a group of numbers, for example 6, are drawn from a sequential range, typically 1 through Winning groups are determined by a random draw by a gaming authority from the range of 45 numbers without regard to the order in which the numbers are drawn, merely focussing on the identity of each number. One or more "supplementary" numbers may also be drawn for augmenting the possible prize winning number combinations. No two numbers drawn by the authority in any given draw will be the same in this category. Players generally correctly perceive that the odds of winning an individual game are very small. These types of lottery often must be promoted through saturation advertising.

Secondly there are those lottery games wherein each of a set of numbers are individually drawn from respective sequential ranges, typically 1 S"through 9. Winning groups are determined by a random draw by the gaming authority taking account of both the identity and order of the numbers drawn. In contrast to the above, the winning combination may include repeating numbers.

Due to the relatively higher odds of winning, the prize money offered for this category is generally at least an order of magnitude less than the first mentioned S"category.

A third category of lottery type games are those which involve the selection of a group of numbers from a sequential range, but which also take the order of drawing each number into account when determining winning combinations. This category of game is advantageous in that a gaming authority potentially has a greater scope for designating possible winning combinations whilst simultaneously reducing the size of the sequential number range from which the combinations are drawn. These arrangements may give players the perception of an increased possibility of winning, whilst the odds of winning are not substantially increased. However, current implementations of this category are neither simple nor attractive to a prospective player. The complexity tends to overwhelm players rather than intrigue and attract as will be apparent from the following examples of the prior art.

United States Patent No. 5273281 (Lovell) describes a game playing method wherein players guess a sequence of a designated sub-group of randomly generated numbers. The player may also indicate the rounds in which they wish to participate in a multi-round game. However, the sub-groups in this lottery game are pre-designated by the gaming authority. In particular the subgroups are divided from a single sequential number series. This reduces a player's freedom of choice and thus motivation to participate in the game.

Furthermore the game layout is restricted by the requirement that it be compatible with existing game card reading equipment.

oooo United States Patent No. 5116049 (Sludikoff et al.) describes a lottery game characterised by a ticket receipt with a plurality of rows and columns of numbers, whereby winning is accomplished by matching selected numbers in 25 consecutive order with respective numbers drawn by a lottery sponsor. The lottery tickets each have a series of rows and at least one column of numbers, wherein the succeeding rows are offset by at least one number position. The matching of consecutive numbers either horizontally or vertically in envisaged, S. although this is not clearly evident to the potential player. The game is played over a period of a week with a draw occurring on each day.

The related United States Patent No. 5232221 (Sludikoff et al.) describes a similar lottery game to the above, but characterised by a machine S"readable entry form (termed a "playslip" in the specification). The playslip includes a series of number selection boxes formed in a series of rows and 4 columns grouped into sets. In one form the columns represent the order in which the selected numbers will be drawn, ie. the selections made in successive columns correspond to the player's prediction of numbers drawn first, second third etc. The invention is further characterised by a method of playing a serially drawn lottery game in which players choose a first set of indicia and the lottery sponsor chooses a second set of indicia comprising a first sub-set (in one form a row on the ticket receipt) and, after an elapsed time, a second sub-set (in one form a column on the ticket receipt), wherein a player wins by matching said first set of indicia with at least one of the characters of said first or said second subset. Again, the selected sub-sets cannot be conveniently visualised on and later read from the playslip and the prize winning structures are relatively limited.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of playing a lottery game which ameliorates or overcomes at least some of the problems associated with the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of playing a lottery game which includes a plurality of available game options and enhanced prize structures which is more easily comprehended by potential players.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method S°of playing a lottery game which provides an improved perception of the possibility of winning for prospective players without substantially increasing the actual odds of winning.

Further objects will be evident from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a method of playing a lottery game including the steps of: providing a substrate having a plurality of indicia disposed thereon as well as a multiplicity of zones depicted thereon, including first indicia designating a drawing order and second indicia for selection by a participant, wherein said zones are associated with respective ones of the first indicia; making a selection of second indicia in accordance with a prediction of a draw; conducting a random draw of a plurality of symbols from a pool of such symbols representing the second indicia, said second indicia corresponding to a subset of said symbols or being co-extensive thereof; allocating the symbols which are drawn from said random draw to said zones in an order designated by said first indicia; and awarding a prize when each of the drawn symbols match respective second indicia selected in association with a predetermined pattern of juxtaposed zones.

Suitably the zones are associated with at least one group of second indicia.

In a first aspect of the invention, as described in relation to the embodiments illustrated FIGS 1 to 55, groups of second indicia are disposed proximate to respective zones.

In a second aspect of the invention, as described in relation to the embodiments illustrated FIGS 56 to 85, one group of second indicia is disposed remote from said zones.

~Preferably the predetermined pattern comprises a linear array of too Ijuxtaposed zones.

If required, the substrate may further include means for selecting one or more particular predetermined patterns of juxtaposed zones, for example a series of check boxes disposed on the substrate wherein each check box is associated with a respective predetermined pattern.

Suitably the predetermined pattern of zones may comprise a triangular pattern, a square pattern, a rhomboid pattern or other such pattern of zones.

The indicia may comprise numerals, letters or other symbols, including any combination thereof.

Preferably the first indicia comprise alphabetical letters, whilst the second indicia comprise numbers.

In preference each zone is associated with a respective group of second indicia, wherein one of the second indicia may be selected from each group to thereby designate a pattern of zones.

Preferably each group of second indica comprises a consecutive sequence of indicia.

If required each zone is divided into a number of panels which contain respective second indicia from the group.

Preferably the zones are each regularly shaped.

The regularly shaped zones may be in the shape of a circle or a regular polygon or other regular figure.

Preferably the number of regularly shaped zones corresponds to the number of symbols to be drawn.

The panels may also be in the shape of a circle or in the shape of a regular polygon.

If required, the zones may be shaped in accordance with the periphery of an array of adjacent panels.

Suitably the first indicia are depicted on the substrate such that they overlay respective zones.

Preferably the symbols are drawn from a single pool of symbols provided for all zones.

If required the symbols are drawn from respective pools of symbols provided for each zone.

The step of providing a substrate may include the step of providing a board, card, coupon, sheet or ticket for playing the game.

Alternatively the step of providing a substrate may include the step of providing a visual display upon which indicia may be rendered by electronic means.

In another form the invention resides in a method of playing a lottery °l game including the steps of: providing a substrate having a plurality of indicia disposed thereon as well as a multiplicity of regularly shaped zones depicted thereon, including first indicia designating a drawing order and second indicia for selection by a participant and designating a drawing order and second indicia for selection by a participant and wherein each of the first indicia are associated with a zone and groups of second indicia are disposed within each zone; making a selection of second indicia from the groups in each regularly shaped zone in accordance with a prediction of a draw; conducting a random draw of a plurality of symbols from a pool of such symbols representing the second indicia, said second indicia being co-extensive with said symbols; allocating the symbols which are drawn from said random draw to said zones in an order designated by said first indicia; and awarding a prize when each of the drawn symbols match respective second indicia selected in association with a linear array of juxtaposed zones.

In a further form the invention resides in a method of playing a lottery game including the steps of: providing a substrate having a plurality of indicia disposed thereon as well as a multiplicity of regularly shaped zones depicted thereon, including first indicia designating a drawing order and a group of second indicia for selection by a participant, and wherein each of the first indicia are associated with a zone and the group of second indicia is remote from the zones; making a selection of second indicia from the group in accordance with a prediction of a draw; making a selection of one or more predetermined patterns of juxtaposed zones, preferably by marking a check box associated with the selected pattern(s); conducting a random draw of a plurality of symbols from a pool of such symbols representing the second indicia, said group of second indicia being co- 25 extensive with said symbols; allocating the symbols which are drawn from said random draw to said S zones in an order designated by said first indicia; and awarding a prize when each of the drawn symbols match respective second indicia selected in association with a linear array of juxtaposed zones.

In a yet further form the invention resides in a gaming apparatus including: a visual display for displaying a game layout; an input device for inputting player selections; memory means for storing a plurality of predetermined game layouts; and processing means, interconnected with the visual display, input device and memory means, adapted to play a lottery game in accordance with any one or more of the preceding methods.

Preferably the gaming apparatus further comprises a currency transaction facility, including at least one acceptor means for currency tokens or cards and a game substrate dispensing means.

BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which: FIG 1 shows a zone comprised of nine panels for a lottery game of a first embodiment; FIG 2 shows a zone comprised of sixteen (16) panels for a game of the first embodiment; FIG 3 shows a zone comprised of twenty-five (25) panels for a game of the first embodiment; FIG 4 shows a zone comprised of thirty-six (36) panels for a game of the first embodiment; FIGS 5 to 8 are, respectively, the above examples of game zones including groups of second indicia; *i FIGS 9 to 12 are, respectively, the above examples of game zones further including first indicia; FIGS 13 to 16 are, respectively, examples of game layouts composed of a plurality of respective game zones; FIGS 17 to 19 illustrate possible predetermined patterns of juxtaposed game zones, using 9 panel zones of the first embodiment; FIGS 20 to 22 illustrate possible predetermined patterns of juxtaposed game zones using 16 panel zones; FIGS 23 to 25 illustrate possible predetermined patterns of juxtaposed .*.•game zones using 25 panel zones; FIGS 26 to 28 illustrate possible selections of second indicia within each 9 panel zone of a game of the first embodiment; FIGS 29 to 31 illustrate possible selections of second indicia within each 16 panel zone of a game; FIGS 32 to 34 illustrate possible selections of second indicia within each panel zone of a game; FIGS 35 and 36 show a 9 panel game zone of a second embodiment composed of triangular panels, the latter including second indicia; FIGS 37 and 38 show a 7 panel game zone of a third embodiment, composed of circular panels; FIGS 39 and 40 show a 7 panel game zone of a fourth embodiment, composed of hexagonal panels; FIG 41 illustrates an example of a game layout composed of a plurality of game zones of the fourth embodiment; FIG 42 illustrates an example of a game layout composed of a plurality of game zones of the third embodiment; FIG 43 illustrates an example of a game layout composed of a plurality of game zones of the second embodiment; FIGS 44 to 46 illustrate possible predetermined patterns of juxtaposed game zones of the fourth embodiment; FIGS 47 to 49 illustrate example selections of second indicia within a game layout of the second embodiment; FIGS 50 to 52 illustrate example selections of second indicia within a game layout of the third embodiment; FIGS 53 to 55 illustrate example selections of second indicia within a game layout of the fourth embodiment; FIGS 56 shows an arrangement of nine game zones for a game layout *of a fifth embodiment, including first indicia associated with respective ones of the game zones; FIG 57 shows an arrangement of sixteen (16) game zones for a game layout of a fifth embodiment, including first indicia associated with respective ones of the game zones; FIG 58 shows an arrangement of twenty-five (25) game zones for a game layout of a fifth embodiment, including first indicia associated with respective ones of the game zones; FIG 59 shows an arrangement of thirty-six (36) game zones for a game layout of a fifth embodiment, including first indicia associated with respective ones of the game zones; FIGS 60 to 62 show game layouts, corresponding to the above game zone arrangements of the fifth embodiment, which games further include second indicia; FIGS 63 to 65 illustrate possible predetermined patterns of juxtaposed game zones in a 9 zone game of the fifth embodiment; FIGS 66 to 68 illustrate possible predetermined patterns of juxtaposed game zones in a 16 zone game of the fifth embodiment; FIGS 69 to 71 illustrate possible predetermined patterns of juxtaposed game zones in a 25 zone game of the fifth embodiment; FIG 72 illustrates possible selections of game zones and second indicia within a 9 panel game of the fifth embodiment; FIG 73 illustrates possible selections of game zones and second indicia within a 16 panel game of the fifth embodiment;.

FIG 74 illustrates possible selections of game zones and second indicia within a 25 panel game of the fifth embodiment; FIGS 75 and 76 illustrates example selections in a 9 panel game of the fifth embodiment; FIG 77 illustrates example selections in a 16 panel game of the fifth embodiment; FIG 78 illustrates example selections in a 9 panel game of the fifth embodiment; FIG 79 shows an arrangement of nineteen (19) zones for a game layout of a sixth embodiment; FIG 80 shows the above arrangement of game zones including first indicia associated with respective ones of said zones FIG 81 shows the above arrangement of game zones further including a group of second indicia; FIGS 82 and 83 illustrate possible selections of first and second indicia in a game of the sixth embodiment; FIGS 84 and 85 illustrate example winning draws corresponding to the above selections; FIG 86 shows a game layout disposed on an entry form; and FIG 87 shows a game layout disposed on the display means of a gaming machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG 1, there is shown a component of a lottery game of a first embodiment namely a game zone 101 which comprises a plurality of panels 102. The square zone of FIG 1 is divided equally horizontally and vertically into nine panels. The number of zones may vary, as exemplified in FIGS 2, 3 and 4 which illustrated zones comprise sixteen twenty-five (25) or thirty-six (36) such panels.

The panels 102 of each zone are associated with a group second indicia, such as the consecutive numerical sequence forming shown in FIG 5. In the embodiment the numerals are disposed within respective panels, although this is not obligatory. The corresponding allocations of second indicia for the more finely divided zones are shown in FIGS 6 to 8 of the drawings. The zones are in turn identified by first indicia, such as the overlaid letter 104 as shown in FIGS 9, 10 and 11. Alternatively, an overlaid numeral 105 such as shown in FIG 12 or other predetermined symbol can be used to identify a particular zone. As with the second indicia, the position of the first indicia is not critical, provided they can be clearly associated with respective zones.

FIG 13 shows a lottery game layout 100 comprising a plurality of zones 101 identified by respective first indicia 104, which zones are each divided into a plurality of panels 102 identified by respective second indicia 103. In the present example of the first embodiment, the zones are identified by the letters "A"through whilst the panels are identified by the numerals through Game layouts based on 16, 25 and 36 panel zones are illustrated in FIGS 14, and 16 respectively.

o ***The objective of the lottery game is to predict the outcome of a draw conducted by a gaming authority. The game is characterised by the prediction of predetermined patterns of second indicia selected in a game layout disposed on a substrate. Preferably the patterns are of juxtaposed zones associated with the selected indicia. In the embodiment the second indicia comprise numbers from "1" through which are to be drawn randomly from a single pool of symbols representative of the second indicia. The symbols may be drawn from the pool using a tumbling random selection means or the like.

In the embodiment the groups of second indicia are co-extensive with the pool of symbols, ie. there is a one-to-one correspondence between each group of second indicia depicted on the substrate and the symbols. In other embodiments, the second indicia may only include subsets of the pool of symbols.

Each number drawn is allocated to a respective zone, identified through in the order of drawing. Players can choose whether they wish to predict a column such as as shown in FIG 17, a row such as as shown in FIG 18 or a diagonal such as as in FIG 19.

Thus players are attempting to predict the numbers drawn corresponding to a linear array of juxtaposed zones in the game layout, preferably by selecting one number from each of the groups in one or more of the linear arrays. FIGS 26 to 28 illustrate possible selections of numbers which might be made in prediction of a particular draw. Thus the selection illustrated in the game layout of FIG 26 predicts that with be the third number draw (corresponding to zone that will be the sixth number drawn (corresponding to zone and that will be the ninth number drawn (corresponding to zone FIGS 20 to 22 illustrate possible linear arrays for games using 16 panel game zones, with possible selections illustrated in FIGS 29 to 31. Whilst FIGS 23 to 25 illustrate linear arrays for game using 25 game zones, with possible selections illustrated in FIGS 32 and 33. The first embodiment also allows for multiple games to be played, wherein two or more such linear arrays can be selected on one layout. These multiple game selections are sometimes referred to as "systems" entires. FIG 34 illustrates a possible systems selection from the diagonal and the row Other embodiments of the invention might allow prediction of other patterns, such as triangles squares "A-B-E-F"or the like. Still further embodiments might reduce the odds of winning by using a game layout as shown in FIG 23 to 25 but having only 16 zones of 25 panels, for drawing only 16 indicia (such as numbers) from a possible 13 Game panels of regular shapes other than the squares used in the foregoing examples are possible, including triangles, squares, pentagons or hexagons. Other regular figures, such as ones comprised of linear and/or curved segments may also be employed as required. The shape of the panels will of course influence the shape of the game zones as will be apparent from FIG which shows a triangular game zone 201 of a second embodiment composed of triangular panels 202. The placement of second indicia 203, numerals in the embodiment, is shown in FIG 36.

A third embodiment of the invention uses a fleurette shaped zone 301 composed of circular panels 302 as shown in FIG 37. Similarly the numerals 303 associated with the panels 302 are shown in FIG 38. A game layout 300 using a plurality of the floret shaped zones 301 is illustrated in FIG 42. The zones are individually identified by first indicia 404 comprising the letters "A" through in the embodiment which are overlaid as shown.

A fourth embodiment uses a honeycomb shaped zone 401 composed of hexagonal panels 402 as shown in FIG 39. Again the panels are associated with second indicia 403 in the form of numerals through FIG 41 shows a game layout composed of a plurality of the honeycomb shaped zones 401, identified by a letter 404.

The game layout 200 of the second embodiment, as illustrated in FIG 43, conveniently uses a plurality of triangular zones 201, some of which have l been inverted 201' for space efficient juxtaposition thereof. Again first indica in the form of letters 204 are overlaid on respective zones. FIGS 44 to 46 illustrate predetermined patterns of juxtaposed zones possible with the triangular game layout 200.

In the game layout shown in FIG 47, certain selections are shown which would make the game a winner if the following draw of symbols occurred:- A:3, B:7, D:9, E:1, F:6, G:2, H:4, 17. It might also be noted that the same S* o numeral may be drawn at different times during one such game. This occurs because in the second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention the symbols are drawn from separate pools of indicia corresponding to the set of second indicia. In the instant embodiment symbols would be drawn from separate pools of the numerals through provided for each of zones through Other example selections of numerals with a triangular layout are illustrated in FIGS 48 and 49.

FIGS 50 to 52 show example selections of numerals in a game layout, including a plurality of floret shaped game zones in accordance with the third embodiment. FIGS 53 to 55 similarly show example selections of numerals in a game layout, including a plurality of the honeycomb shaped game zones in accordance with the fourth embodiment. Whilst the preceding drawing figures show patterns of linear juxtaposed zones, it will be appreciated that other patterns in the form of triangular (eg. zones in FIG 50), rhomboid (eg. zones "A-B- D-C" in FIG 53) or the like configurations might be predetermined in other embodiments.

The following embodiments could be considered to constitute a second aspect of the lottery game of the invention, characterised by the manner in which the second indicia are associated with the game zones. In the preceding embodiments, second indicia were relatively closely associated with respective zones. Specifically groups of second indicia are disposed proximate to a given zone, preferably within each zone. In contrast, the association between second indicia and game zones is less close as a common group of second indicia is remote from the game zones, as will be evident from the following discussion.

A fifth embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of juxtaposed zones 501 identified by respective first indicia 504 as shown in FIG 56. Other arrangements of game zones employing letters and numbers as first indicia are 9 shown in FIGS 57, 58 and 59. The game layout 500 corresponding to the zones of FIG 56 is shown in FIG 60, from which the location of a common set of panels 502 and second indicia 503 is evident. The layout of the embodiment further includes a series of selection boxes 505 for selecting one of the predetermined patterns of juxtaposed zones, which are linear arrays.

FIGS 63 to 65 illustrate possible linear arrays of juxtaposed game zones in a 9 zone game of the fifth embodiment. The correspondence between the location of the selection boxes and zone patterns is clearly apparent from the drawings. FIGS 66 to 68 illustrate possible linear arrays of juxtaposed game *zones in a 16 zone game; whilst FIGS 69 to 71 illustrate possible linear arrays of juxtaposed game zones in a 25 zone game of the fifth embodiment. As discussed previously, predetermined patterns of other configurations, such as triangular, square, rhomboid or other such shapes might be employed in other embodiments.

The manner in which the game might be played is illustrated in FIG 72. A player can select, for example, the linear array of juxtaposed zones associated with first indicia by entering a mark, such as a cross 506, in the corresponding selection box 505. A player also selects second indicia (here the numerals 4, by similarly marking the relevant panels. Examples of selections for 16 and 25 zone games are shown in FIGS 73 and 74, respectively.

FIG 75 can be considered in relation to a draw of symbols conducted by a gaming authority as follows:- A:2, B:9, C:5, D:4, E:A, F:6, G:3, H:7, 1:8. Thus the selections made will result in a winning entry as illustrated in FIG 76, because the symbols 507 shown superimposed on respective zones in the drawing correspond to the second indicia selected in association with the linear array of zones It will be appreciated that the order of the second indicia is of no consequence in the present embodiment, provided they are associated as a group with the pattern of zones. FIGS 77 and 78 illustrate example selections made in relation to 16 and 25 zone games.

As discussed in relation to earlier embodiments, the zones may take shapes other that the squares of the fifth embodiment. FIGS 79 and 80 show an arrangement of hexagonal shaped zones 601, each associated with first indicia 604 comprising the letters through in accordance with a sixth embodiment.

The game layout 600 further includes common panels 602 with second indicia 603 therein, and selection boxes 605 associated with linear arrays of hexagonal zones. Each of the selection boxes also includes a pointer 606 to clearly indicate the particular orientation of such an array of zones 604. In the sixth embodiment it will be noted that the linear arrays vary in length from three zones 607, four (4) zones 608 to five zones 609. Accordingly the gaming authority would likely allocate different prices depending on which array was selected, given the variation in odds.

FIG 82 illustrates a possible selection which might be made by a :i player on a game layout 600 of the sixth embodiment. A mark, such as cross 610, is entered in the selection box designating the array of zones associated with first indicia Crosses 611 are also placed in selected ones of panels 602 containing the second indicia "11" and Another possible selection for a zone array is illustrated in FIG 83.

In FIG 84, the symbols 612 randomly drawn by a gaming authority have been superimposed on respective zones 604 in accordance with the drawing order. It will be appreciated that the players selection of second indicia 611 corresponds to the symbols 612 in the selected array of juxtaposed zones 613. Accordingly, the game selection constitutes a winner and payment to the player would be made in accordance with rules determined by a gaming authority.

FIG 85 illustrates a further example of a draw which would mean that the selection shown in FIG 83 would also be a winning one.

It will be appreciated that the game might be played in a number of modes. In a first mode participating players could enter their selections using a substrate in the form of a card, coupon, sheet or ticket which has been pre-printed with a selected game layout, see the coupon 700 shown in FIG 86 for example.

The selections could be registered with a central gaming authority, for example a state government or a casino, which would also hold monies required to purchase particular selections. The gaming authority could conduct a random draw at the end of a pre-determined period, for example a week or fifteen minutes, and then arrange for payment to any winning participants.

In another mode, the game could be played by individual players using a gaming machine. An example of such a gaming machine 800 is shown in FIG 87, which machine might include a visual display 801 upon which different game layouts could be rendered by electronic means. Electronic gaming machines of this type are generally well known to those having appropriate skill in the relevant art. Accordingly, the construction of the machine will not be described in detail. Players could commence a game by inserting currency *o *tokens or cards into an acceptor means 802 to establish credit, choosing a game 3. layout using a keypad 803 or other such input device and then making selections by using a pointing device 804 (such as a trackball or touch pad) in combination with the keypad. Play could continue until the users credit was exhausted or they obtained a pay out of outstanding credits.

In a yet further mode the game could be implemented as a software program, without including any requirement for payment, in order that the game 17 might be played for enjoyment on a personal computer system or the like. Again it is considered a matter of routine skill to select appropriate software development tools to implement the lottery game of the invention for use on selected personal or other computer systems.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Alternative arrangements will occur to those of normal skill in the art of gaming and are part of the invention insofar as they fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (28)

1. A method of playing a lottery game, said method including the steps of: providing a substrate having a plurality of indicia disposed thereon as well as a multiplicity of zones depicted thereon, including first indicia designating a drawing order and second indicia for selection by a participant, wherein the zones are associated with respective ones of the first indicia; making a selection of second indicia in accordance with a prediction of a draw; conducting a random draw of a plurality of symbols from a pool of such symbols representing the second indicia, said second indicia corresponding to a subset of said symbols or being co-extensive thereof; allocating the symbols which are drawn from said random draw to said zones in an order designated by said first indicia; and awarding a prize when each of the drawn symbols match respective second indicia selected in association with a predetermined pattern of juxtaposed zones.

2. The gaming method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the zones are associated with at least one group of second indicia.

3. The gaming method as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein groups of second indicia are disposed proximate to respective zones.

4. The gaming method as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein one group of second indicia is disposed remote from said zones.

5. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the predetermined pattern comprises a linear array of juxtaposed zones.

6. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the substrate may further include' selection means for selecting one or more particular predetermined patterns of juxtaposed zones.

7. The gaming method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the selection means comprises a series of check boxes disposed on the substrate, each check S "box being associated with a respective predetermined pattern.

8. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the predetermined pattern of zones may comprise a triangular pattern, a square pattern, a rhomboid pattern or other such pattern of zones.

9. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the indicia includes numerals, letters or other symbols.

The gaming method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first indicia comprise alphabetical letters, whilst the second indicia comprise numbers.

11. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein each zone is associated with a respective group of second indicia, and one of the second indicia may be selected from each group to thereby also designate a pattern of zones.

12. The gaming method as claimed in claim 11 wherein each group of second indica comprises a consecutive sequence of indicia.

13. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein each zone is divided into a number of panels which contain respective second indicia from the group of second indicia.

14. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the zones are each regularly shaped.

The gaming method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the number of regularly shaped zones corresponds to the number of symbols to be drawn.

16. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to wherein the zones are shaped in accordance with the periphery of an array of 00 adjacent panels.

17. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the first indicia are depicted on the substrate such that they overlay respective zones. s

18. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the symbols are drawn from a single pool of symbols provided for all zones.

S19. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the symbols are drawn from respective pools of symbols provided for each zone.

20. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the step of providing a substrate includes the step of providing a board, card, coupon, sheet or ticket for playing the game.

21. The gaming method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the step of providing a substrate may include the step of providing a visual display upon which indicia may be rendered by electronic means.

22. A method of playing a lottery game, said method including the steps of: providing a substrate having a plurality of indicia disposed thereon as well as a multiplicity of regularly shaped zones depicted thereon, including first indicia designating a drawing order and second indicia for selection by a participant, and wherein each of the first indicia are associated with a zone and groups of second indicia are disposed within each zone; making a selection of second indicia from the groups in each regularly shaped zone in accordance with a prediction of a draw; conducting a random draw of a plurality of symbols from a pool of such symbols representing the second indicia, said second indicia being co-extensive with said symbols; allocating the symbols that are drawn from said random draw to said zones in an order designated by said first indicia; and awarding a prize when each of the drawn symbols match respective second indicia selected in association with a linear array of juxtaposed zones.

23. A method of playing a lottery game, said method including the steps of: @000 :*De providing a substrate having a plurality of indicia disposed thereon as well o* o as a multiplicity of regularly shaped zones depicted thereon, including first indicia designating a drawing order and a group of second indicia for selection by a participant, and wherein each of the first indicia are associated with a zone and the group of second indicia is remote from the zones; 0009 making a selection of second indicia from the group in accordance with a prediction of a draw; see making a selection of one or more predetermined patterns of juxtaposed zones, preferably by marking a check box associated with the selected pattern(s); conducting a random draw of a plurality of symbols from a pool of such symbols representing the second indicia, said group of second indicia being co- extensive with said symbols; allocating the symbols which are drawn from said random draw to said zones in an order designated by said first indicia; and awarding a prize when each of the drawn symbols match respective second indicia selected in association with a linear array of juxtaposed zones.

24. A gaming apparatus for playing a lottery game, said apparatus including: a visual display for displaying a game layout; an input device for inputting player selections; memory means for storing a plurality of predetermined game layouts; and processing means, interconnected with the visual display, input device and memory means, adapted to play a lottery game in accordance with any one or more of the preceding claims in response to said player selections.

The gaming apparatus of claim 1 further including a currency transaction facility, including at least one acceptor means for currency tokens or cards and a game substrate dispensing means.

26. A method of playing a lottery game as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 55 of the accompanying drawings.

27. A method of playing a lottery game as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 56 to 85 of the accompanying drawings. 20

28. A gaming apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to S°figure 87 of the accompanying drawings. Dated this Twenty-fourth day of February 1999 RUGGERO PIAGNO by his Patent Attorneys S: 25 FISHER ADAMS KELLY go*