US20090176549A1

US20090176549A1 - Mobile Lottery

Info

Publication number: US20090176549A1
Application number: US12/090,520
Authority: US
Inventors: Gabriel Saig; Eyal Yona
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-28
Filing date: 2006-10-29
Publication date: 2009-07-09
Also published as: WO2007049283A3; EP1952324A4; EA200800922A1; EA014195B1; CN101495999A; JP2009516242A; EP1952324A2; WO2007049283A2

Abstract

A system and a method for a mobile lottery for providing the service of participation in a lottery draw at the push of a single button, by sending a SMS message from a mobile phone.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and a method for a mobile lottery and, in particular to a system and a method for providing the service of participation in a lottery draw at the push of a single button, by sending a SMS message from a mobile phone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and a method for providing the service of participation in a lottery draw at the push of a single button, by sending a SMS message from a mobile phone. At present, participation in draws by means of a mobile phone involves complicated operation methods and therefore requires skill on behalf of the user, and consumes a lot of time. One example of such participation is by sending a SMS message. According to this method, the user is to select the numbers they want to include in the draw. An additional example is sending selected numbers by means of designated software that needs to be installed in the mobile phone device.
There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a simple and user-friendly system and method enabling participation in a lottery by means of the mobile phone.
Participation in the draw, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, is achieved by sending a SMS message to a specific number provided by the company holding the draw. Identification of the draw participant is by means of his phone number, which also serves as the draw participant number, thus avoiding the need for providing a list of numbers as the participants draw ticket.
The term “company” and the like, as used herein this application, in the specifications the illustrations, and the claims section that follows, refer to an entity that is substantially responsible for operation of the lottery system, including the draw, registration, payment and website systems, even if and when the operation of all or some of the systems is achieved by outsourcing.
The system and method enable participation in the draw by means of pushing a single button.
The system and method also enable performing the following basic actions, (some can be performed in more than one way).
A. Registration of a New Client in the System
The system requires initial registration in the draw system's database. This is mainly for legal purposes (such as age verification and fraud prevention); however it can also serve for advertising purposes.
The registration in the system can also be performed in several ways:
i. By means of a mobile phone, using a text message (SMS).
ii. By means of a mobile phone, using service software (such as a WAP, J2ME, Symbian platform, or based on any other programming language).
iii. By means of the Internet, via the company's website.
iv. By means of a customer service center.
B. Registration for Participation in a Draw
The system enables registration for various kinds of draws. These draws can be daily, weekly, monthly, annual, or recurrent for any other interval of time in which the client wishes to participate. Registration options include the following methods:

- i. By means of a mobile phone, using a text message (SMS),
- ii. By means of a mobile phone, using service software (such as a WAP, J2ME, Symbian platform, or based on any other programming language).
- iii. By means of the Internet, via the company's website.

iv. By means of a customer service center.
C. Occurrence of a Draw
At the time of the draw, the registration for it will be closed, and no filer registration will be allowed for the same draw. There may be several winners in a single draw, according to the rules of said draw.
According to the present invention there is provided a mobile lottery system including: (a) a mobile Lottery website; (b) a lottery operation center wherein the lottery operation center is linked to the mobile lottery website, the lottery operation center including: (i) a lottery registration server; (ii) a lottery draw server; and (iii) a customer service center; (c) a mobile network including: (i) a SMS center; and (d) a lottery billing center including: (i) billing server, wherein the mobile network is lined to the to the lottery billing center, the lottery billing center is linked to the lottery operation center and the mobile network is linked to the lottery operation center.
According to the present invention the mobile lottery system further including: (e) a mobile device having a number wherein the mobile device enables a customer to contact the mobile lottery system, and wherein the mobile lottery system can associate a communication with the number of die mobile device of a client.
According to transfer features in preferred embodiments of the present invention the mobile device is a cellular device.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the present invention the cellular device is a cellular phone.
According to the present invention there is provided a method for enabling a user of cellular phone to take part in a lottery draw at the push of a single button, by sending a SMS message from a mobile phone, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a mobile lottery system, the mobile lottery system including: (i) a mobile lottery website; (ii) a lottery operation center wherein the lottery operation is linked to the mobile lottery website, the lottery operation center including: (A) a lottery registration server; ( ) a lottery draw server; and (C) a customer service center; (iii) a mobile network including: (A) a SMS center; and (iv) a lottery billing center including: (A) a billing server, wherein the mobile network is lied to the to the lottery billing center, the lottery billing center is linked to the lottery operation center and the mobile network is linked to the lottery operation center; (b) performing registration of a client in the mobile lottery system; (c) participation of the client in draws in the mobile lottery system by means of the cellular device, by sending a text message (SMS); and (d) performing a draw and notifying the participant client of its results.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the present invention the method further including the step of; (e) registration of a new client in the mobile lottery system by means of mobile device.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the present invention the method further including the step of; (e) registration of a new client in the mobile lottery system by means of the customer service center.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the present invention the registration is performed through software installed in the mobile device.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the present invention the registration is performed via an Internet.
According to further features in preferred embodiments of the present invention the registration is performed via the customer service center.
According to further features in preferred embodiments, of the present invention the mobile lottery system further includes: (v) a mobile device having a number wherein the mobile device enables a customer to contact to the mobile lottery system, and wherein the mobile lottery system can associate a communication with the number of the mobile device of a client.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a mobile lottery system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2.1 and 2.2 are a flow chart that illustrates the primary draw system registration method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the method of participation in draws by means of the cellular device, by sending a text message (SMS) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the manner in which a draw is held and the participants notified of its results according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart that illustrates the registration of the client as a new client in the mobile lottery system by means of mobile device using software according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates the registration of the client as a new client in the mobile lottery system via the Internet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates the registration of the client as a new client in the mobile lottery system by means of the customer service center according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart that illustrates registration for a draw by means of software installed in the mobile device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart that illustrates registration for the draw via the Internet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart that illustrates registration for a draw via the customer service center according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a system and a method for a mobile lottery. The principles and operation of a system and a method for a mobile lottery according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying descriptions.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a mobile lottery system 10 according to the present invention.
Mobile lottery system 10 includes the Internet 11, which contains a mobile lottery website 16, a lottery operation center 17: which contain a lottery registration server 12; lottery draw server 18, and customer service center 22, a mobile network 14: which contains a SMS center 20, and a lottery billing center 13, which contains a billing server 19.
The customer service center 22 can also include a Customer Relations Management (CRM) unit that deals with managing customer relations, and with systems and software developed for the purpose of the company's creating and maintaining good relations with its customers.
The illustration also shows the client 15 and the mobile device 21 by means of which they contact the mobile lottery system 10.
The terms “client” and “user” both have the same definition in all of their uses in this application, in the specification, the illustrations, and the claims.
The mobile device 21 can be a cellular phone or any other mobile device that can communicate via the cellular network or any other suitable network. The illustration depicts the system components and the communication between them.
Every description of communication via a mobile device 21 in this application, the specification, the illustrations, and the claims, can also apply to communication by any other means, as long as the mobile lottery system 10 can associate this communication with the number of the mobile device 21 of the client 15. An example of this is sending SMS messages from a computer.
FIGS. 2.1 and 2.2 are a flow chart that illustrates the primary draw system registration method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
This registration also entitles the participant to a free draw ticket according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The flow chart starts as depicted in FIG. 2.1 by sending a message that reads “PLAY” 40 and continues in this illustration until the determination whether the participant is a minor 48.
The flow chart continues with FIG. 2.2 starting with the determination whether the participant is a minor 48.
The registration method is as follows:
The client 15 sends a text message by means of the mobile device 21, including a predetermined word or code such as “PLAY” 40 to the phone number of the lottery operation center 17.
The message enters the SMSC (SMS Center) 20.
The message is relayed from the SMS center 20 to the lottery registration server 12 located in the lottery operation center 17. The relayed message includes the phone number from which the message was sent, as well as the message content.
The client 15 is singularly recognized by the lottery registration server 12 according to his phone number. The server checks whether the client is a new client 41. If he is a returning client 42, the system processes the client according to the regular draw participation process, as described in the following FIG. 3. If he is a new client 41 the lottery registration server 12 sends him a message 43. The message directs him to send his birth date in order to verify that he is not a minor (as defined by the law of state of origin). The system and method also enable participation in the draw for a client 15 who is outside of the state in which the draw is being held, the necessary means or service can be added to verify the age of the client 15 according to the local laws that apply to him.
The message is received by the client 15 by means of the mobile device 21 via the mobile network 14.
If the client does not send his birth date 44, the client is not registered in the system as a new client. However, if the birth date is sent, the lottery registration server 12 that receives the message via the cellular network checks whether the date is correct format 46.
If the date is incorrect (whether the format is wrong or letters were sent instead of number, etc.) a repeated message is sent requesting the correct format 47 and the process described in the previous paragraph is then repeated. If the date is correct the lottery registration server 12 will perform a test to see whether the sender's age enables participation in the lottery (as defined by the law of the sender's state of origin) 48.
If the server identifies the sender as a minor according to the above, the sender's phone number is blocked 50 by the system and draw participation requests 54 on his behalf will be rejected. In this case, the lottery registration server 12 will send a message 52 to the mobile device 21 of the client 15 via the mobile network 14 incoming him to contact customer service center 22, in order to verify his age by other means or to explain why he cannot participate in the draw 54.
In another case, in which the lottery registration server 12 identifies the client's age as legal for draw participation, the lottery registration server 12 will generate a unique code (CD1234) 49, that will serve the client for registration in future draws and with customer service center 22. Furthermore, the lottery registration server 12 will generate a draw participation ticket for the client with an identification number that is unique to the specific draw (#424242) 51.
The generated code (CD1234) 49 as well as the participation ticket number (#424242) 51 (along with the draw date) will be sent by two separate messages 53 and 55 respectively by the lottery registration server 12 via the mobile network 14 to the mobile device 21 of the client 15. Should the above apply, the client will appear in the system as a registered client and will participate in the nearest coming draw.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the method of participation in draws by means of the cellular device, by sending a text message (SMS), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The client 15 sends a text message by means of the mobile device 21, to the phone number of the lottery operation center 17. The message includes his number (CD1234) 80, which enables single-time participation in the next coming draw. However, in order to register for periodical draws in advance, the client 15 call send the desired period, separated by a symbol such as #, so that if the client 15 wishes to participate in a weekly draw, he should send a message that reads CD1234#WEEK. The client can send more than one participation request. Every such request will generate a suitable participation ticket for the client.
The message reaches the mobile network 14, to the SMS center 20. The message is relayed from the SMS center 20 to the lottery registration server 12 that is located in the lottery operation center 17. The relayed message includes the telephone number from which the message was originally sent as well as the message content. The client 15 is singularly recognized by the lottery registration server 12 according to his phone number. The lottery registration server 12 examines whether the user code 80 that was sent matches the client's mobile device number 81.
In the case that the code 80 does not match the mobile device 21 number of the client 15 from which the message was received or if the code 80 that was sent is incorrect for any other reason, the client 15 will receive a message that the code that was sent is incorrect 82. Furthermore, the previous message can be accompanied with a message suggesting that the client contact customer service center 22 for assistance. The message is relayed to the client 15 via mobile device 21, on the mobile network 14. In the above case, the client's participation request will not be registered and he will not participate in the draw 84.
In the case that the code 80 is correct according to the above, lottery registration server 12 will generate a participation ticket with a unique number for the specific draw in question (#434343) 83.
The draw ticket number (#434343) 83 (combined with the draw date) 85 is sent by the lottery registration server 12, via the mobile network 14 to the mobile device 21 of the client 15. Furthermore, in case a special participation request was sent (a request to participate in a periodical draw), the request will be registered in the registration server 12, and prior to each draw, the client 15 will be sent a message with the number of the ticket generated for him 85. Following the above, the client will participate in the draw of his choice 86.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of the manner in which a draw is held and the participants notified of its results according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
At the time of a draw, the lottery registration server 12 relays all of the participating draws tickets to the lottery draw server 18. The lottery draw server 18 randomly selects as many tickets as the number of possible winners, and at a ranking according to the draw rules 100. The draw can be broadcast live on television, the Internet or any other means that will enable real time broadcasting of the results. The wining numbers are relayed from the lottery draw server 18 to the lottery registration server 12 and also posted on the mobile lottery website 16. Furthermore, the lottery registration server 12 sends messages to all of the winners notifying them of their win 103. Contrarily, participants who did not win will receive a message with the list of winning numbers 102. The messages will be sent to the client 15 via the mobile device 21 on the mobile network 14. Furthermore, the messages will be forwarded via e-mail (to addressees who participated in the draw, whose addresses are listed in the system). The lottery registration server 12, will forward the list of users to the billing server 19 at the lottery billing center 13. The bitting server 19 will pay the prize to winner, by a check or any other means of payment enabled by the mobile lottery system 10. According to the above, all clients will know whether they won, and be awarded with suitable prizes 104.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart that illustrates the registration of the client 15 as anew client in the mobile lottery system 10 by means of mobile device 21 using software according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The client 15 downloads and installs software 140. The software can be provided by the company operating the lottery operation center 17. The software enables the registration of the client 15 as a client of the company and also registers him for participation in several types of draws. The software can be downloaded directly from the company's mobile lottery website 16 and can also be sent directly to the mobile device 21 of the client 15. After installing the software, the client 15 registers his personal details via the software 141. The details are relayed from the mobile device 21 directly to the lottery registration server 12. The details of the client 15 are examined by the lottery registration server 12 to verify that he is not already registered in the system 142. In the case that he is not a new client 15, he will be handled as an existent client 15 as described in FIG. 3, 143. In the case that he is a client 15 that is not yet registered in the system (a new client), the lottery registration server will verify that the client 15 is not considered a minor under the law in his state of origin 144. In the case that the client 15 is recognized as a minor, the software will display a message explaining that he cannot register for the draw because he is a minor 150. Furthermore, he may receive a message directing him to the lottery operation center 17. In this case, the client 15 will not be registered in the mobile lottery system 10, but will be registered as unable to participate in draws 151.
In the case that the client 15 is not a minor, his details will be stored in the system. After registration, the lottery registration server 12 will generate a unique code (CD1234) 145 that will serve the client 15 when registering for failure draws or with the customer service center 22. Furthermore, a draw participation ticket with a number that is unique to the specific draw in question (#424242) will be generated for him 146. The generated code (CD1234) and the draw ticket number (9424242) (combined with the draw date) will be sent in two separate messages (147 and 148 respectively) by the lottery registration server 12 via the mobile network 14 to the mobile device 21 of the client 15.
If the above occurs, the client 15 will be registered in the mobile lottery system 10, and will be registered to participate in the next coming draw 149.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates the registration of the client 15 as a new client in the mobile lottery system 10 via the Internet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The client 15 surfs to the mobile lottery website 16 and fins in his personal details 60. The details include the number of his mobile device 21 and his email address. This action is referred to as site registration, although as long as the details are not received by the lottery registration server 12 there is no actual registration. Registration for periodical draws (daily draws, weekly draws, etc.) is also possible as soon as the initial registration. The personal details are relayed from the mobile lottery website 16 to the lottery registration server 12. The details of the client 15 are examined by the lottery registration server 12 in order to verify that the client 15 is not previously registered in the mobile lottery system 10. In the case that he is not a new client 15, he will be handled as returning client 15, as described in FIG. 3. In the case that the client 15 is not yet registered in the system (new client), the lottery registration server will verify that the client 15 is not considered a minor under the law of his state of origin 63. In the case that the client 15 is recognized as a minor, the lottery registration server 12 sends a message to the mobile lottery website 16 that seeing as he is a minor, he is prohibited from registering for the draw 72. Furthermore, he may receive a message directing him to the customer service center 22. In this case, the client 15 is not registered in the mobile lottery system 10, and is not able to participate in draws 73.
In the case that the client 15 is not a minor, his details are stored in the system. Furthermore, the lottery registration server 12 generates an identification code for registration purposes only. The code is forwarded to the client 15 via email, and optionally directly to the mobile device 21 of the client 15 as a SMS text message, mainly as a means of preventing fraud and harassment of innocent customers. The client 15 is requested to send the code back to the phone number of the lottery operation center 17 in order to complete registration 64. In the case that the client 15 does not send the code back, or in the case that the sent code does not match the number of the mobile device 21 from which registration was performed, the client 15 will not appear as a registered client and will not be able to participate in draws 66. In the case that the code is correct (according to the above) the lottery registration server 12 will generate a unique code (CD1234) 67 that will serve said client for registration in future draws or with the customer service center 22. Furthermore, a draw participation ticket with a unique identification number for the draw in question (#424242) will be generated for him 68. The generated code (CD1234) as well as the draw ticket number (#424242) (combined with the draw date) are sent E two separate messages (69 and 70 respectively) by the lottery registration server 12 via the mobile network 14 to the mobile device 21 of the client 15.
If the above occurs, the client 15 appears in the system as a registered client and will participate in the next coming draw 71.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates the registration of the client 15 as a new client in the mobile lottery system 10 by means of the customer service center 22 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The client 15 contacts the customer service center 22 by means of the mobile device 21 or by means of instant messaging software (chat) and gives his personal details for registration by the customer service representative. The software used by the representative forwards the personal details of the client 15 to the lottery registration server 12. If all of the details have been forwarded and the client 15 is not a minor, the lottery registration server 12 generates a unique identification code for registration purposes only 121. The code is forwarded to the client 15 via the mobile device 21, email instant messaging software, or any other secure means. The service representative guides he client 15 to send the code back from the mobile device 21 that is registered 122, in order to complete the registration process. In the case that the client does not send the code back or if the sent code does not match the number of the mobile device 21 from which registration was performed, Ate client 15 will not be registered and will not be able to participate in draws 124. In the case that the code is correct (according to the above), the lottery registration server 12 generates a unique code (CD1234) 125 to serve the client 15 for registration in future draws or with the customer service center 22. Furthermore, it will generate a draw participation ticket with a number that is unique for this draw (#424242) 126. The generated code (CD1234) as well as the draw ticket number (#424242) (combined with the date of the draw) are sent in two separate messages (127 and 128 respectively) by the lottery registration server 12 via the mobile network 14 to the mobile device 21 of the client 15.
If the above occurs, the client 15 will appear in the system as a registered client 15 and will participate in the next coming draw 129.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart that illustrates registration for a draw by means of software installed in the mobile device 21 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The client 15 downloads and installs software that is provided by the company 160. The software enables registration as a client of the company, as well as registration for several types of draws. The software can be downloaded directly from the company's mobile lottery website 16 and can also be sent directly to the mobile device 21 of the client 15. This step is unnecessary if the software has already been installed in the mobile device 21 of the client 15 (for example, if the software was installed at the registration stage 140 as shown in FIG. 5). After installing the software, the client 15 logs in to the mobile lottery system 10 by entering his personal code. The code is cross-checked with the lottery registration server 12, which verifies the correspondence between the number of the calling mobile device 21 and the personal code of the client 15. Additional checks may be run prior to completing the connection, such as verification that the client 15 is not blocked. If, for whatever reason, the process is unsuccessful, the client 15 will be given a support message guiding him further 163. He may be directed to a service representative. In the case that the entry process was completed successfully, the software will be activated for the client 15, and he will be required to push a button to “Play now” in order to register immediately for the next coming draw. Furthermore, the client 15 will be able to choose from various periodical draws, such as weekly draws, monthly draws, etc. 164. Every option chosen by the client 15 will be relayed to the lottery registration server 12 and will be registered in the mobile lottery system 10. The lottery registration server 12 generates a participation ticket (#1030) 165 for the client 15 and displays its number using the software. Furthermore, the ticket number is also sent to the mobile device 21 of the client 15 as a text message (#1030) 166.
If the above occurs, the client will participate in the drawls of his choice.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart that illustrates registration for the draw via the Internet 11 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The client 15 surfs to the company's mobile lottery website 16, where he logs in to the mobile lottery system 10 by entering the number of his mobile device 21 as well as his personal code 180. The data will be relayed from the mobile lottery website 16 to the lottery registration server 12 which checks the correspondence between the number of the mobile device 21 and the personal code of the client 15. Additional checks may be run prior to completing the connection, such as verification that the client 15 is not blocked. If, for whatever reason, the process is not completed successfully, the client 15 will receive a support message guiding him further 182. Furthermore, he may be directed to a service representative at the customer service center 22. In the case that the entry process was completed successfully, the mobile lottery website 16 will be open to the client 15 who will be required to click the “Play now” button, in order to register immediately for the next coming draw. Furthermore, the client can choose from various periodical draws, such as a weekly draw, a monthly draw, etc. 183. Any option chosen by the client 15 will be relayed to the lottery registration server 12 via the mobile lottery website 16 and will be registered in the mobile lottery system 10. The lottery registration server 12 will generate a participation ticket for the client 15 (#4010) 184 and display its number. Furthermore the ticket number will also be sent to the mobile device 21 as a text message (#4010) 185.
If the above occurs, the client will participate in the draw/s of his choice 186.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart that illustrates registration for a draw via the customer service center 22 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The client 15 contacts the customer service center 22 by means of the mobile device 21 or instant messaging software (chat) 200 and gives his personal details as well as die draws in which he wishes to participate 201. The service representative from the customer service center 22 enters the details of the request in the system. The lottery registration server 12 generates an identification code for the request 202. This code is meant to minimize the chances of fraud, seeing as the code is sent to the number of the mobile device 21 that the client 15 gave as an SMS message and the client 15 has to resend the code to the customer service center 22, 203. Registration for the requested draws will not be completed until the lottery registration server 12 receives the correct code for the request from the client 15 via the SMS center 20, 205. If the correct code is sent, the lottery registration server 12 will generate a participation ticket (#6015) for the client 206. The ticket number is sent to the client 15 in a text message 207. If the above occurs, the client will participate in the draw/s of his choice 208.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile-lottery system comprising:

(a) an SMS center for receiving lottery entries from entrants via SMS messages;

(b) a lottery-registration server for registering said entrants in a lottery,

(c) a lottery-draw server for drawing at least one winner from said lottery; and

(d) a lottery-notification system for notifying said entrants of a lottery status.

2. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising:

(e) a customer-service center for providing assistance to said entrants; and

(f) a billing server for processing entry fees for said entrants.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said SMS center, said lottery-registration server, said lottery-draw server, said customer-service center, and said billing server are parts of a lottery-operation center.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said SMS center is configured to uniquely identify each mobile device of each said entrant via a unique mobile-device identifier in said SMS messages.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said unique mobile-device identifier is a mobile-device phone number.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein said lottery entries are configured to be entered by a single activation step from said each mobile device.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said lottery-notification system includes at least one notification system selected from the group consisting of: a mobile-lottery website, a television broadcast, and a network broadcast.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said lottery-notification system is operative to indicate said lottery status in real time.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein said lottery-notification system is operative to indicate said at least one winner in real time.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein said lottery-notification system is operative to indicate a number of said lottery entries in real time.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said at least one winner is randomly selected from said lottery entries.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said lottery-registration server is configured to register said entrants via an Internet.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said lottery-registration server is further configured for:

(i) obtaining a birth date from said entrants; and

(ii) verifying whether said entrants are above a restricted-age limit.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said lottery-registration server is further configured for:

(iii) blocking mobile-device phone numbers of under-aged entrants.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said lottery-registration server is further configured to generate a unique draw ticket number associated with a specific draw of said lottery for each said lottery entry.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said step of registering includes registering said entrants for said specific draws.

17. A method for enabling a mobile-device user to enter a lottery draw, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving lottery entries from entrants via SMS messages;

(b) registering said entrants in a lottery;

(c) drawing at least one winner from said lottery; and

(d) notifying said entrants of a lottery status.

18. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising the steps of:

(e) providing assistance to said entrants; and

(f) processing entry fees for said entrants.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of registering includes uniquely identifying each mobile device of each said entrant via a unique mobile-device identifier in said SMS messages.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said unique mobile-device identifier is a mobile-device phone number.

21. The method of claim 19, the method further comprising the step of:

(e) entering said lottery entries by a single activation step from said each mobile device.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said step of registering is initiated by software installed in said each mobile device.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of notifying is performed using at least one notification system selected from the group consisting of: a mobile-lottery website, a television broadcast, and a network broadcast.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of notifying includes indicating said lottery status in real time.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of notifying includes indicating said at least one winner in real time.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of notifying includes indicating a number of said lottery entries in real time.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one winner is randomly selected from said lottery entries.

28. The method of claim 17, wherein said step of registering is performed via an Internet.

29. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising the steps of:

(e) obtaining a birth date from said entrants; and

(f) verifying whether said entrants are above a restricted-age limit.

30. The method of claim 29, the method further comprising the step of:

(g) blocking mobile-device phone numbers of under-aged entrants.

31. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising the step of:

(e) generating a unique draw ticket number associated with a specific draw of said lottery for each said lottery entry.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said step of registering includes registering said entrants for said specific draws.

33. A business method for operating a lottery, the business method comprising the steps of:

(a) offering for sale registration in the lottery;

(b) receiving lottery entries from entrants via SMS messages;

(c) registering said entrants in the lottery;

(d) drawing at least one winner from the lottery; and

(e) notifying said entrants of a lottery status.