GB2338091A

GB2338091A - A betting system

Info

Publication number: GB2338091A
Application number: GB9825538A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Walter Grubmueller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-06-04
Filing date: 1998-11-20
Publication date: 1999-12-08
Also published as: EP1082709B1; AU4023099A; AR020085A1; AT3034U1; DK1082709T3; GB9825538D0; PT1082709E; ES2187160T3; WO1999063493A1; EP1082709A1; DE59903409D1; ATE227869T1

Abstract

Disclosed is a betting system comprising two or more linked computers. One or more satellite computers are configured to accept bets from users and are linked to at least one other computer (by a PSTN, internet connection etc.) which administers a draw and calculates prize values. The draw may be a lottery type tirage of randomly chosen numbers (e.g. 1 to 49) selected by an administrating computer using an electronic random number generator at periodic time intervals. The random number generator may be a hardware based white noise device linked to the second computer via a serial connector. Preferably the prizes are fixed multiples of the stake depending upon various selection criteria for the numbers chosen (such as the number of draws, accumulators etc.) The advantage is that the system allows betting with short time intervals between draws.

Description

2338091 The invention relates to a betting system for numerical bets in

which, in particular, the betting prize in each case is a pre-determined multiple of the respective stake, depending on the type of bet, the system comprising at least one computer for accepting numerical bets and a device for drawing winning numbers.

From US 4 108 361 A or JP 2-281 370 A, e.g., the use of computers for accepting bets or for delivering tickets at the acceptance of bets is known. At the known systems, the bets particularly are sports bets, and for making the bets, e.g., data relating to a race or game as well as stakes are input; the tickets delivered upon acceptance of the bet comprise corresponding data as well as generally also a certain ticket number. A possible prize results on the basis of the outcome of the respective sports event which takes place at a given time.

on the other hand, numerical bets are known, mostly in the form of lottery bets, in which the respective winning numbers are drawn at certain times. With the lottery, it is customary to have one or two draws per week, mechanical drawing devices being used for the drawing.

Such drawings thus occur at relatively long time intervals, just like the afore-mentioned sports events, so that this form of betting is not experienced as particularly stimulating since once the results are present, there is no longer a direct relationship to the bet. A further aspect is that for an interesting game, when betting specific numbers, a stake freely selectable within a certain scope should be at a fixed ratio to the possible prize depending on the type of the bet made, whereas with lottery plays, the prize depends on the total sum of the stakes of all the participants in the play, the stake being fixed per play.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a betting system of the initially defined type in which short draw intervals are made possible, and in which, moreover, in connection therewith, exciting bets are enabled also for several draws. Draw intervals of 5, 10 or 15 minutes, e. g., would be under consideration, and combination bets for three, four or twelve draws shall be possible, the draws all being so' close in time to the making of the bet as to enable a stimulating, 2 exciting game.

The betting system according to the invention and of the initially defined type is characterised in that the draw device comprises a draw computer for carrying out merely electronic draws, with an associated random number generator for generating a series of random numbers, from which the winning numbers are taken at timed intervals. Such electronic draws by aid of a computer allow for draws to be carried out at exctremely short time intervals, e.g. every 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes, thereby enabling exciting, thrilling numerical bets, since a draw may follow practically immediately upon conclusion of a numerical bet. The draw computer has an associated random number generator which continuously generates random numbers and provides them to the computer. At given times, i.e. at the draw times, i.e. every 5 minutes, e.g., the winning numbers are "drawn" from the series of random numbers delivered by the random number generator, in clocked relationship, with a predetermined clock frequency, a comparator unit being provided so as to compare the winning numbers already taken during the draw with the respective newly taken winning numbers to avoid one and the same number from being "drawn" a second time as a winning number. Moreover, non- admitted numbers can be excluded, e.g. if only numbers from 1 to 49 (116 out of 4911) can be betted.

The random number generator may as such be realized with a program in a manner already known for other applications; however, tests have shown that such random number generators may sometimes exhibit tendencies to deliver certain numbers. Accordingly, it has proved particularly advantageous if the random number generator is a separate circuit connected with the draw computer. Such a hardware random number generator may, e.g., be connected to a serial interface of the draw computer.

For producing random numbers, it has furthermore proved suitable if the circuit of the random number generator (in a manner known per se) comprises a diode or a resistor whose noise is amplified and supplied to a pulse former. The pulse former may, e.g., be formed by a difference amplifier or comparator or by a Schmitt trigger, and it emits a pulse of pre-determined amplitude when a certain level is present in the noisederived input signal. The pulses thus obtained are random also in terms of their length, and when sampling with an appropriate frequency, e.g. by clocking with an appropriately high clock frequency and an AND gate, there result, e.g. binary encoded numbers from which the winning numbers may be "drawn". In doing so, it is conceivable always to take two numerals for one number, e.g. from 01 to 49, only the numerals 0 to 4 being allowed for the first digit (the ten's digit) (optionally, the numerals 5 to 9 may also be converted into the numerals 0 to 4 in this instance).

For a uniform betting system harbouring the possibility of making bets at various acceptance computers, it is furthermore advantageous if the draw computer is part of a central computer system which furthermore comprises at least one central betting data memory as well as at least one betting data administrating computer. In this manner it is ensured that a central draw is carried out electronically for all the bets made, and that the bets will be subjected to a uniform treatment at their acceptance and at the prize evaluation. In this connection, for enabling bets to be made at different locations, it is thus advantageous if several local acceptance computer systems are connected with the central computer system, e.g. via communication lines. Direct lines, e.g., may serve in a per-se conventional manner to connect the local acceptance computer systems with the central computer system.

As previously mentioned, the present betting system lends itself to carry out draws at extremely short time intervals, preferably every 5 minutes. In connection therewith it is also possible to bet certain numbers in combination for several draws, for instance to bet that a respective number will occur twice in the next four draws (so that if the betted number is drawn in all of the four draws, a total of six "pairs', is won, i.e. it is won six times). Accordingly, it is preferred that the central computer system is equipped for considering numbers betted in combination for several draws. It is also conceivable to bet not only one number for several draws, but also to bet several numbers, and, accordingly, the central computer system advantageously is equipped for betting combinations of numbers for several draws in combination. The possible combination bets preferably are fixed in advance, and they may be comparable to known combination bets, as they are already known e.g. in relationship with an event (e.g. the result of a horse race). To keep the prize evaluation as simple as possible, it is advantageous if winning results for certain, pre-determined combination bets for individual and/or multiple draws are already stored in the betting data memory. In this instance, When evaluating the winning, the betting data administrating computer "checks" the stored betting results so as to determine the respective correspondences, whereupon the respective total prize is determined by way of the winning results stored, e.g., in tables. With respect thereto, it is particularly suitable if, for determining a possible prize on a ticket to be checked, the betting data administrating computer compares the ticket betting data read with the winning numbers of the draw in question stored in the betting data memory and upon at least a partial correspondence, determines the prize obtained on the basis of the stored information. Thus, a determination of a prize is carried out only for the respective betting ticket presented i.e. merely upon request -, on the basis of the betting data read from the ticket, these ticket betting data being compared with the winning number data stored, and, depending on a correspondence or on the number of correspondences, the prize obtained by the bet on which the ticket is based, is determined and communicated. The ticket may be presented at a cashier's in the region of a bet acceptance site, where the prize may be paid out immediately or be used as stake for subsequent bets.

To accept bets, betting data may, e.g., be entered manually via a keyboard, or a pre-printed, filled-out betting slip may be presented which is scanned and read by a machine, a ticket being printed if the bet is accepted by the operator and is confirmed by the bettor. For a possible acceptance of the bet, a pre-check can be carried out with respect to betting data errors, e.g., if only a certain amount of numbers can be betted, if only certain combination bets are possible, or if only a pre-determined maximum number (e.g. twelve) of draws, for which numbers can be betted in advance, is possible. Accordingly, the present betting system advantageously is characterised by a checking device for the parameters of the desired bets before the latter are accepted, such as the amount of numbers betted, the type of bet or the number of draws for which the bet is desired. Furthermore, a betting system has proved suitable which is characterised by a checking unit for the acceptance of bets the stakes of which or the greatest possible winning payment of which is below a pre-determined maximum amount. Similarly, it is also advantageous if the betting data administrating computer comprises a checking unit for the acceptance of bets with a maximal total winning payment for all the bets per draw below a pre-determined maximum amount. With such betting limits, also the stakes are kept accordingly low.

Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if a checking module for monitoring the proper functioning of the random number generator is associated with the draw computer, the acceptance of bets being generally blocked in case of failures, e.g. an interruption in the connection between the random number generator and the draw computer.

Accordingly, if there are several acceptance computers, it is suitable that, if the connection between an acceptance computer and the central computer system is disturbed, the associated acceptance computer is blocked for accepting bets.

Finally, to determine winnings, it is advantageous if the betting data administrating computer is equipped for delivering and allocating unambiguous numbers for the accepted bets. optionally, the unambiguous numbers may also be linked with data associated to certain persons, in which case also an automatic win determination and crediting of a possible win to the associated person would be conceivable.

The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, to which, however, it shall not be restricted.

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the present betting system, illustrating the transfer of data; Fig. 2 shows a scheme, similar to a block diagram, of the computer system at an acceptance site of the betting system; Fig. 3 shows a diagram of the central computer system; Fig. 4 shows schematically, in a block diagram, a random number generator associated to the draw computer according to Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of the procedure for accepting a bet and printing a betting ticket; Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of the procedure during a draw and prize determination; and Fig. 7 shows a partial flowchart of the procedure when providing a socalled ',shop limit".

According to the diagram of Fig. 1, a number of acceptance sites 1, denoted as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.... 1.n in detail, which may be provided at different locations, are linked in a network to a central computer system 2, wherein, e.g., fixed connections, but also other communication means, such as, e.g., the world-wide web (internet) and/or satellite connections, may be used in a conventional manner. At the individual acceptance sites 1, a manual and/or automatic acceptance of numerical bets may be provided, wherein the numerical bets, e.g., may be presented by aid of pre-printed, filled-out betting slips, as known per se. These bets are checked by a requiry in the central computer system 2, and optionally accepted, whereupon a ticket may be printed which contains an unambiguous or unique number, such as by means of a bar code, and which contains the necessary betting data. After the draw, this ticket may again be presented by the bettor, checking for a possible winning being effected on the basis of the winning numbers drawn which are stored in the central computer system; if a prize has been won, the latter may be paid out immediately at the acceptance site 1. It is, however, also possible to use all of this prize or a part thereof for subsequent numerical bets.

Fig. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the structure of such an acceptance site 1, wherein, e.g., one or several selfservice terminals 3 (denoted by 3.1, 3.2, 3.3.... 3.n in detail) are provided in parallel connection, at which persons who desire to make numerical bets present filled-out betting slips; these betting slips in particular are automatically read, conventional reading devices or scanning devices not illustrated in detail are provided, and the respective stake which, e.g., is already indicated on the betting slip, is inserted in the form of money bills or coins at the respective self-service terminal 3. Via a WAN telecommunication line, these self-service terminals 3 get into communication with the central computer system (2 in Fig. 1) by aid of a separate communication computer or transfer 7 computer 4 responsible therefor, so that the central computer system 2 can carry out the necessary checks, primarily with a view to a betting limit, and can allocate an unambiguous, central ticket number and enable the printing of the betting ticket.

In addition, at least one cash computer 5 is present in the local network (LAN) of the accepting site 1 (of course, also several cash computers may be provided), where bets are received by an operator. The betting data here are entered via a keyboard, e.g., yet there may also be a reading unit for reading betting slips previously filled out, and the money for the stake may here be paid directly to the operator.

Two display computers 6, 7 are, moreover, provided in the local network, each controlling one data projector 8 or 9, respectively; in doing so, one of the data projectors 8 always shows the presently occurring draw, whereas the other data projector 9 shows the results of the previous draws for information purposes; besides, there may be an animation during intermission times or also during the draw, e.g. of the type in which a draw procedure in a graphic manner using spheres or the like is symbolically illustrated on the screen, numbers be ing "contained" in the spheres which finally are shown upon "opening" of the spheres. Of course, this animation will be on the basis of a central draw which is valid for all the acceptance sites 1.1 to 1.n according to Fig. 1 in common, and which is carried out in the central computer system 2, as will be explained below in more detail. There, it is also conceivable to generate the animation centrally in the computer system 2 and to transmit it to the acceptance sites via satellite video transmission channels, e.g..

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the central computer system 2 which is linked with the acceptance sites 1.1 to 1.n via the WAN network, and which contains a draw computer 10 as an essential element. This draw computer 10 has an associated random number generator 11 which has the form of a hardware component and in this example may be connected with a serial interface of the draw computer 10. This random number generator 11 which is to be illustrated in more detail below by way of Fig. 4 continuously generates bits on a random basis which are 8 converted into random numbers by the draw computer 10 and from which the winning numbers are "drawn" in timed relationship at the time of the respective draw. In the present betting system, e.g., numbers between 1 and 49 may be betted, and six winning numbers are drawn per draw, i.e. this is a numerical betting system 116 out of 4911.

In the local network, at least one betting data administrating computer 12 then communicates with the draw computer 10 as well as with a central betting data memory 13, and furthermore, in turn via a communication computer 14 and the WAN network, with the individual acceptance sites 1.

In case of accordingly large betting systems, it is, of course, also conceivable to connect sever.al administrating computers 12 in parallel into the system network, just as it is also conceivable to connect several central memories 13 in parallel so as to increase the capacity.

In combination with the respective acceptance sites 1, the administrating computer 12 carries out the individual steps to be explained in the following in more detail by way of Fig. 5 at acceptance and checking of the bets as well as at the draw and subsequently at the prize evaluation. The present system advantageously is designed such that the administrating computer 12 always becomes active upon request from the individual acceptance sites 1 so as to check an offered bet in terms of its correctness of parameters and of its validity with respect to the predetermined betting limits, and so as to centrally deliver an unambiguous ticket number if the bet is accepted; or, if a betting ticket is presented after a draw to check whether and which numbers have been betted correctly, i.e. whether and how many numbers as betted comply with the numbers drawn, and what the amount is of the prize to be paid out for the respective ticket in case it has won. In this connection, the administrating computer 12 also always accesses the central memory 13, where the individual winning numbers or drawn numbers are stored just like the data in connection with the calculation of prizes. The present betting system thus is particularly based on the fact that for each bet any desired stake is possible as long as the highest possible prize for this bet remains under a given limit for this bet, and as long as the betted numbers, - 9 i.e. particularly also for each of these numbers taken alone, a maximum prize limit is not exceeded when all prize payments possible are summed up, i.e. when all the bets already accepted for a draw have been taken into consideration. This may, e.g., lead to a situation that, if e.g. the numbers 3;13;33;43 are to be betted, one of these numbers, e.g. 13, can no longer be accepted, since for the draw(s) for which these numbers are being betted, the number 13 has already been betted so often that in case this number 13 is drawn, possibly in combination with other numbers, a maximal absolute winning limit of the system - for which a bank guarantee may have been given - would be exceeded. This absolute limit may, e.g., be an amount of 20 million Austrian Schillings.

As mentioned before, the random number generator 11 continuously and randomly generates bits or numbers, respectively, and at the time of a draw, the draw computer 10 draws the respective number as the drawn winning number in timed relationship from this series of numbers. of course, if several (e.g. six) numbers are drawn from an amount of all possible numbers (e.g. 49 numbers), the drawn numbers are checked as to whether they have already been drawn previously in the course of one and the same draw, since (six) different numbers (in the given example 116 out of 4911) must be drawn.

Without any problems, the draws may take place at extremely short time intervals, every five minutes, e.g., so that it is possible to wait for the result of the draw immediately after conclusion of a bet, which, because of this closeness of time, is very exciting. In particular, because of the short intervals of draws possible it is also possible to make combined numerical bets for several draws, such as in that one or two numbers are drawn in three successive draws. It is, e.g., possible to bet a number on "trebles" (a combination of three) for four draws, and in that case at least three draws must contain the number betted in order to get a prize. If the betted number is drawn in all four draws, this implies four winning combinations of three. Taking it that one number, if it is drawn, yields a prize of 7 times the betting stake, and thus, a number betted on "trebles", will yield 7x7x7 = 343 times the betting stake, in the example given a prize of 4 x 343 = 1,372-fold of the stake will be paid out. If, however, the same number is betted on a combination of four Pfour-fold"), and if in fact it is drawn four times in the four draws, this bet will yield a prize to the amount of the 7x7x7x7 = 2,401-fold the betting stake.

It is, of course, also possible to bet several numbers in combination with each other for a single draw, such as, e.g., doubles (combinations of two), trebles, four-folds or five-folds (combinations of five). The prize payments may, e.g., be as follows:

1 number: 6fold stake+stake 2 numbers: 50-fold stake+stake 3 numbers: 550fold stake+stake 4 numbers: 7,000-fold stake+stake 5 numbers: 100,000fold stake+stake If it is now betted, e.g., on doubles in the four numbers 1,2,3 and 4, these are actually 6 bets: 1,2/1,3/1,4/2,3/2,4/3,4. If, for instance, in this example the numbers drawn are the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6, then six times the 51-fold stake will be paid out. If, however, the winning numbers drawn are 1,3,4,5,6,7, three times (for three "doubles") the 51- fold stake will be paid out as prize. In corresponding manner, such combination bets can be drawn in multiple draws, wherein 5 numbers can be betted at the most, depending on the bet, and, e.g., a maximum of 12 draws are allowed to be betted in advance. It is betted that the betted combinations (e.g. "doubles" or "trebles") are contained in the chosen number of draws with the betted numbers (or the betted number). This form of combination bets for multiple draws is completely new in its type, and it is made possible in a meaningful manner in that in the present betting system the draws can be carried out electronically, i.e. by aid of the draw computer 10 and the random number generator 11, in the short time intervals required.

According to Fig. 4, the random number generator 11 may be set up such that a diode circuit 15 is provided, wherein the voltage of the diode containing the so-called "random" noise is scanned and supplied to an amplifier 16 which amplifies this noise and supplies it to a comparator, Schmitt trigger or the like pulse former 17, supplied at a further signal is exceeded by pulse is delivered at to which optionally a reference signal is input 18, so that, when the reference the output signal of the amplifier 16, a the output 19 of the pulse former 17. This pulse delivery thus is random, and it is derived from the noise of the diode 15.

In Fig. 5, a schematic, simplified flowchart of the procedure of checking and accepting a bet is illustrated. The bet may be offered by reading a filled out, pre-printed betting slip, as mentioned before, at a selfservice ticket terminal 3, it may, however, also be desired at a cash desk computer 5, in which case the operator will either read in a filled- out betting slip in a station 20 by means of a reading unit (cash desk card reader), or enter the betting data via a keyboard, as indicated at 21 in Fig. 5. For such an entry of betting data by an operator it is suitable to check the input betting data in a step 22 and to confirm them, since, particularly in case of an entry via the keyboard, also entry errors may occur. Primarily at step 22, also other possible changes can be made in the numerical bets.

When the betting data have been taken up either by reading in or by manual entry, these betting data are sent via the WAN network to the administrating computer 12 in the central computer system 2, as illustrated in Fig. 5 by block 23. In the central computer system 2 or in the administrating computer 12 thereof, the betting data will now be checked for basic correctness of their parameters (such as amount of betted numbers, amount of desired draws etc.) as well as with respect to the maximum individual prize (on the basis of this one bet) as well as with respect to the maximum total prize (on the basis of the bets already accepted at that time for the respective draws), cf. step 24 in Fig. 5, and if the bet is accepted, this bet is (preliminarily) included in a betting list for the current draws (step 25 in Fig. 5). Subsequently, the price of the betting ticket and of the possible win are sent to the acceptance site 1 according to step 26, and there they are shown on a display. The bettor may once more think it over whether he really wants the bet, or whether he wants to change it. optionally, confirmation of the ticket and thus of the bet 12 occursAn step 27.

If the bet is not confirmed, the bet is deleted again in step 28.

If, however, the bet is confirmed, payment of the stake is requested according to step 29, whereupon in step 30 the betting ticket, provided with a ticket number in bar code form is printed for the bettor. This betting ticket comprises all betting data in per-se conventional manner, i.e. the numbers betted as well as the draw or draws betted, optionally the indication of special combination bets etc.

Effecting the draws by aid of the random number generator 11 has already previously been pointed out, and hereinafter the procedure at such a draw as well as at the determination of prizes will briefly be discussed by way of Fig. 6.

According to step 31 of Fig. 6, the time up to the next draw is continuously calculated, this time also being displayed at the individual acceptance sites, so that the bettors will always be informed about it. In step 32 according to Fig. 6, six individual, different numbers are "drawn,' by aid of the random number generator 11 and the draw computer 10 in the manner described, and the drawn numbers are sent to the administrating computer 12 in the next step 33. For a period of approximately 1 minute the acceptance of betting tickets may be blocked according to step 34, a draw animation being shown during this time at the individual acceptance sites 1 so as to present "drawing" of the winning numbers to the bettors at the acceptance sites in an illustrative manner.

Block 35 schematically illustrates that the draw results are communicated by the administrating computer 12 to each one of the individual acceptance sites 1 at the presentation of tickets with a view to checking for a win, and, vice-versa, on the basis of the betting tickets read in, the betted numbers are also communicated to the administrating computer 12 in the central computer system 2. on this basis, the betting prizes can be calculated by the administrating computer 12 by accessing the draw results stored in memory 13, by comparing the numbers betted with these drawn winning numbers, by determining the possible correspondences as well as furthermore on the basis of these correspondences, by accessing data relating to prize payments which may have been stored in tables in the central memory 13 for the respective correspondences and cases of winning tickets. A block 37 then schematically indicates in Fig. 6 that blocking of the acceptance of betting tickets is released, and this step of course, will occur in parallel to steps 35 and 36.

As mentioned before, the administrating computer 12 forms a checking device for the desired bets in terms of general parameters as well as in terms of a possible exceeding of the maximum betting prize. In combination with the transfer computers 4 and 14, respectively, it also forms a checking device so as to block a betting acceptance of an acceptance site 1.x if a connection to this acceptance site 1.x does not work or is disturbed. This function simply results from the fact that bets can only be accepted at the acceptance sites when the communication line between them and the central computer system 2 is working. The draw computer 10may have an associated checking unit for continuously checking the proper functioning of the random number generator 11 and its connection to the draw computer 10. If there is a failure, a message is sent to the administrating computer 12 so that the acceptance of bets will immediately be blocked at all the acceptance sites 1 by the latter.

As has previously been mentioned, preferably the bets are checked for the possible exceeding of a maximum betting prize. In addition thereto or thereinstead, the respective betting stake may also be checked for a maximum before the bet is accepted. Such a limit check may also be provided for the invididual acceptance sites themselves, if the latter act independently as regards the acceptance of bets and the payment of prizes. Such largely independent acceptance sites or ',shops" may be connected with the central computer system, yet a distribution of the liability for the prizes may be provided such that up to lower prizes, the acceptance site will be liable for payment of the prize, and that starting from a predetermined limit, liability is transferred to the central betting site, which will also be taken into consideration in the paying settlements between the acceptance site and the central station (headquarters).

Accordingly, e.g. in step 24 in Fig. 5, where the bets offered are checked for possible limits, checking may be such as schematically illustrated in Fig. 7. According to field 38, the stake or the possible winning payment is determined, and at 39 it is questioned whether a pre- determined limit value specific of the respective acceptance site, the so- called "shop limit" is reached. This may either be a maximum stake or a maximum possible ticket winning payment.

If this limit value has been reached, this is marked in the acceptance computer system just as in the central computer system, e.g. by setting a flag, as indicated at 40 in Fig. 7. However, if the shop limit has not been reached, this means that a possible prize would have to be paid by the acceptance site itself, which is also marked according to field 41. Subsequently, the program will further continue as generally described by way of Fig. 5, by accepting the bet according to step 25 explained there.

is

Claims

Claims:

1. A betting system for numerical bets in which, in particular, the betting prize in each case is a pre-determined multiple of the respective stake, depending on the type of bet, the system comprising at least one computer for accepting numerical bets and a device for drawing winning numbers, characterised in that the draw device comprises a draw computer (10) for carrying out merely electronic draws, with an associated random number generator (11) for generating a series of random numbers, from which the winning numbers are taken at timed intervals.

2. A betting system according to claim 1, characterised in that the random number generator (11) is a separate circuit connected with the draw computer (10).

3. A betting system according to claim 2, characterised in that the circuit of the random number generator (11) comprises diode (15) or a resistor whose noise is amplified and supplied to a pulse former (17).

4. A betting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the draw computer (10) is part of a central computer system (2), which further comprises at least one central betting data memory (13) as well as at least one betting data administrating computer (12).

5. A betting system according to claim 4, characterised in that several local acceptance computer systems (1) are connected with the central computer system (2), e.g. via communication lines.

6. A betting system according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the central computer system (2) is arranged for considering numbers betted in combination for several draws.

7. A betting system according to claim 6, characterised in that the central computer system (2) is arranged for betting 16 - number combinations for several draws in combination.

8. A betting system according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that betting results for certain, pre-determined combination bets for individual and/or multiple draws are stored in the betting data memory (13).

9. A betting system according to claim 8, characterised in that for determining a possible prize for a ticket to be checked, the betting data administrating computer (12) compares the ticket betting data read with the winning numbers of the draw in question stored in the betting data memory (13) and, in case of at least a partial correspondence, determines the prize obtained on the basis of the stored information.

10. A betting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised by a checking device (12) for the parameters of the desired bets before the latter are accepted, such as the amount of numbers betted, the type of bet or the number of draws for which the bet is desired.

11. A betting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised by a checking unit (12) for the acceptance of bets the stake of which or greatest possible prize payment of which is below a pre- determined maximum amount.

12. A betting system according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterised in that the betting data administrating computer (12) forms a checking unit for the acceptance of bets with a maximum stake or with a maximum total prize payment for all the bets per draw below a pre- determined maximum amount.

13. A betting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a checking module for monitoring the proper functioning of the random number generator (11) is associated with the draw computer (10), the acceptance of bets being generally blocked in case of a failure, e.g. if the connection between the random number generator (11) and the draw computer (10) is interrupted.

17 -

14. A betting system according to any one of claims 5 to 13, comprising several acceptance computers, characterised in tha if the connection between an acceptance computer (1) and the central computer system (2) is disturbed, the associated acceptance computer (1) is blocked for accepting bets.

is. A betting system according to any one of claims 4 to 14, characterised in that the betting data administrating computer (12) is arranged for delivering and allocating unambiguous numbers for the accepted bets.