US20090318212A1

US20090318212A1 - Lottery game multiplier

Info

Publication number: US20090318212A1
Application number: US12/141,695
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert J. Wright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Integrated Group Assets Inc
Priority date: 2008-06-18
Filing date: 2008-06-18
Publication date: 2009-12-24
Also published as: WO2009155174A1

Abstract

A process provides a lottery game. The process provides a prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category. In addition, the process provides a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. The process also performs a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers. Further, the process performs a drawing of a multiplier. The multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field
This disclosure generally relates to the field of gaming. More particularly, the disclosure relates to lotteries.
2. General Background
A lottery is generally a distribution of tokens such that a portion of the distributed tokens may win a prize. The token can be in the form of a ticket. One of the most popular forms of lottery involves the distribution of lottery tickets. Each lottery ticket includes a plurality of lottery numbers. The plurality of lottery numbers may be selected according to various methods based on the particular lottery configuration that is utilized. For example, the plurality of lottery numbers may be selected by the player, a random number generator, etc. After the lottery tickets have been distributed to the lottery ticket holders, a set of winning lottery numbers is selected. The usual method of selecting the set of winning lottery numbers involves a drawing. The drawing may be a random selection of the set of winning lottery numbers. A random number generator can be utilized to randomly select the set of winning lottery numbers.
Different lottery operators may provide different types of lottery games based on a variety of factors. For example, a lottery operator in a heavily populated jurisdiction may be able to provide a large jackpot prize for a full match and lower prizes, e.g., secondary prizes, for partial matches. However, a lottery operator in a much less populated jurisdiction or a jurisdiction with less interest in lottery participation may not be able to provide a prize structure with a sufficient quantity of prize options. As a result, such lottery operators have had difficulty generating a large amount of interest in their lottery games.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process provides a lottery game. Further, the process provides a full match prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a lottery ticket with a full match wins a full match prize associated with the full match prize category. The full match is a full match between a set of player numbers and a set of drawn numbers. In addition, the process provides a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a lottery ticket with a partial match wins a partial match prize associated with the partial match prize category. The partial match is a partial match between the set of player numbers and the set of drawn numbers. The process also provides a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the full match prize and the partial match prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the full match prize and the partial match prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. Further, the process establishes a single lottery wager that provides participation in the lottery game. In addition, the process performs a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers. The process also performs a drawing of a multiplier. The multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier. The predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators. The set of multiplier indicators is distinct from the set of winning lottery numbers. In addition, the process provides the full match prize multiplied by the first multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a full match if the first multiplier is drawn. The process also provides the full match prize multiplied by the second multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a full match if the second multiplier is drawn. Further, the process provides the partial match prize multiplied by the first multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a partial match if the first multiplier is drawn. In addition, the process provides the partial match prize multiplied by the second multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a partial match if the second multiplier is drawn.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process provides a lottery game. Further, the process provides a prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category. In addition, the process provides a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. The process also performs a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers. Further, the process performs a drawing of a multiplier. The multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier. The predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators. In addition, the process provides the prize multiplied by the first multiplier to a player having a winning lottery ticket if the first multiplier is drawn. The process also provides the prize multiplied by the second multiplier to a player having a winning lottery ticket if the second multiplier is drawn.
In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a lottery ticket dispensing apparatus is provided. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus includes a payment module that receives a single lottery wager that provides participation in a lottery game. The lottery game provides a prize category such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category and providing a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. The lottery game has a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers and a drawing of a multiplier. The multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier, the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators being greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus also includes a ticket printer that prints a lottery ticket for the lottery game.
In another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic lottery game apparatus is provided. The electronic lottery game apparatus includes a display module that indicates a prize category such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category and indicates a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. The lottery game has a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers and a drawing of a multiplier. The multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier. The predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators being greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators. Further, the electronic lottery game apparatus includes a payment module that receives payment from a lottery player for the electronic lottery ticket. In addition, the electronic lottery game apparatus includes a processor that compares the set of player numbers to the set of drawn numbers to determine if the lottery player wins the prize and analyzes the multiplier that is drawn to determine if the prize is multiplied by the first multiplier or the second multiplier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a display of a lottery prize structure.

FIG. 1B illustrates the display of the lottery prize structure in which three multiplier indicators are provided.

FIG. 1C illustrates the display of the lottery prize structure in which the multiplier is provided only for a single prize.

FIG. 2 illustrates a process that may be utilized to provide a lottery game having a lottery game multiplier.

FIG. 3 illustrates a lottery ticket dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates an electronic lottery game apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus provides a lottery game multiplier that is utilized in a lottery game. In one embodiment, the lottery game multiplier is provided as part of a prize structure for a single wager. In other words, a lottery player may make a single wager to obtain both the opportunity of winning a prize and the opportunity of having that prize multiplied by the multiplier. The lottery performs a random drawing for the set of winning lottery numbers and a distinct random drawing for the multiplier. The random drawing for the set of winning lottery numbers may occur before, after, or simultaneously with the random drawing of the multiplier. Accordingly, the multiplier is determined by the lottery, not on a per-player basis, and is similarly applicable to the winning lottery players. For example, in one embodiment, a multiplier of two is applicable to the prize of a winning lottery ticket that has a full match and also the prize of a winning lottery ticket that has a partial match. By utilizing the method and apparatus, a lottery can generate interest in what would otherwise be a low volume lottery game.
FIG. 1A illustrates a display 100 of a lottery prize structure 102. The lottery prize structure 102 includes a match field 104, a prize field 106, a bronze ball multiplier prize field 108, and a silver ball multiplier prize field 110. Further, the display 100 includes a multiplier ball quantity 112 that may be displayed separately from the prize structure 102 or as an integrated portion of the prize structure 102. The display 100 may be provided on a lottery ticket, an advertisement, and/or a written or electronic format provided at a point of sale (“POS”) location.
In one embodiment, two distinct drawings are performed for the lottery game associated with the lottery prize structure 102. A drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers and a drawing of a multiplier are performed. The drawing of the winning set of lottery numbers may be performed with a ball hopper or random number generator. In one embodiment, the multiplier is a non-numeric based indicia such as a color or shape. Accordingly, the drawing of the multiplier may be performed with a ball hopper having an assortment of the indicia or a random indicia generator. In an alternative embodiment, the multiplier is a numeric based indicia that distinct from the numbers from which the set of winning lottery numbers is selected. For example, the set of winning lottery numbers may be selected from the numbers one through thirty six whereas the multiplier may be chosen from the numbers forty through fifty.
Prior to play of the lottery game, the lottery prize structure 102 indicates the different prizes that may be won by a lottery player having a winning lottery ticket. The match field 104 indicates the types of matches for a lottery ticket to be eligible for a prize. For example, the match field 104 includes a full match 112 such that a lottery ticket that has a set of players numbers that fully match the set of winning lottery numbers, e.g., six players numbers match six winning lottery numbers, wins a prize from a full match prize category 120. An example of the full match prize in the full match prize category 120 is one million dollars. The player numbers may be selected by a player or randomly generated for the player, e.g., a quick pick. The match field 104 also includes a partial match 114 such that a lottery ticket that has a set of player numbers that partially matches the set of winning lottery numbers, e.g., five of the six player numbers match the winning lottery numbers, wins a prize from the partial match prize category 122. An example of the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 122 is ten thousand dollars. The match filed 104 may also include other types of partial matches. The match field 104 may include a partial match 116 such that a lottery ticket that has a match of four of six numbers wins a partial match prize in the partial match prize category 124. An example of the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 124 is one hundred dollars. The match field 104 may include a partial match 118 such that a lottery ticket that has a match of three of six numbers wins a partial match prize in the partial match prize category 126. An example of the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 126 is ten dollars.
Further, the lottery prize structure 102 includes a first multiplier category 108 and a second multiplier category 110. The first multiplier category 108 is associated with a multiplier of one whereas the second multiplier category 110 is associated with a multiplier of two. Each of these multiplier categories is applicable to all of the prize categories, e.g., the full match prize category 120, the partial match prize category 122, the partial match prize category 124, and the partial match prize category 126. In other words, if the multiplier is selected from the first multiplier category 108, the multiplier of one is applied to each of the prize categories such that a full match winning prize 128 is one million dollars, a partial match winning prize 130 for five of six is ten thousand dollars, a partial match winning prize 132 for four of six is one hundred dollars, and a partial match winning prize 134 for three of six is ten dollars. If the multiplier, is selected from the second multiplier category 110, the multiplier of two is applied to each of the prize categories such that a full match winning prize 136 is two million dollars, a partial match winning prize 138 for five of six is twenty thousand dollars, a partial match winning prize 140 for four of six is two hundred dollars, and a partial match winning prize 142 for three of six is twenty dollars.
The selection of the multiplier is performed from a set of multiplier indicators that include a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier. For example, the multiplier indicators may be colors. Accordingly, a predetermined set of nine colored balls may be utilized for the selection. As the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier, a larger number of balls in the predetermined set of nine colored balls is associated with the first multiplier to make the odds of a first multiplier selection greater than a second multiplier selection. For instance, the set of multiplier indicators may include bronze balls and silver balls. Out of the nine colored balls, six balls may be bronze and three balls may be silver. Therefore, the odds of the lottery randomly selecting a sliver ball are less than the odds of the lottery randomly selecting the bronze ball.
Accordingly, the set of multiplier indicators is distinct form the set of winning lottery numbers. Separate drawings and separate indicia are utilized. Further, the multiplier that is selected is applicable to all players in the particular lottery game. As a result, both a player that obtains a six of six match and a player that obtains a five of six match have their respective prizes multiplied by two if the lottery draws a silver ball as opposed to the two players potentially having different multipliers.
In one embodiment, the multiplier may not be applicable to all of the prize categories. For example, the multiplier may be applicable to only the full match prize category 120 and the partial match prize 122 for the five of six match. The multiplier may even only be applicable to the full match prize category 120. Alternatively, the multiplier may even only be applicable to one of the partial match prize categories.
In one embodiment, the set of multiplier indicators may include advertisers' logos. For example, the first multiplier indicator may have a first company's logo and the second multiplier may have a second company's logo. Accordingly, the predetermined quantity of balls may include six balls having the first company's logo and three balls having the second company's logo. Further, the advertiser may pay a fee based on the ball on which the logo is placed. For example, the second company may pay a higher fee than the first company to have the second company's logo placed on the ball for the second multiplier, which results in the higher prize. Therefore, the lottery is able to generate advertising revenue in addition to the sales of lottery tickets. This additional advertising revenue may help lotteries provide larger prizes than would otherwise be provided to help generate interest in the lottery game.
The set of multiplier indictors is not intended to be limited to balls. For example, the multiplier indicators may be a variety of shaped polygons. Further, in an electronic version of the lottery game, the actual company's logo may appear as the multiplier indicator without being placed on a ball.
Further, the set of multiplier indicators may include multiple indicia. For example, ball colors in addition to company logos may be utilized. Accordingly, the first multiplier indicator may be a bronze ball having a first company's logo where as the second multiplier indicator may be a silver ball having a second company's logo. Another example includes a ball color and the amount of the multiplier. For example, the first multiplier indicator may be a bronze ball with ‘X1’ and the second multiplier indicator may be a silver ball with ‘X2’. The indicia of ‘X1’ and ‘X2’ are distinct from the lottery numbers ‘1’ and ‘2’ as ‘X1’ and ‘X2’ have no bearing on whether a full match or a partial match is made.
In one embodiment, the full match prize in the full match prize category 120, the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 122 for the five of six match, the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 124 for the four of six match, and the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 126 for the three of six match are all fixed prizes that are not progressive. In another embodiment, each of these prizes is a fixed prize that is progressive such that a prize may increase after tickets sales surpass a predetermined threshold. In yet another embodiment, each of these prizes is a pari-mutuel based prize that increases based on ticket sales. In another embodiment, one of the prizes may be one type of prize and another of the prizes may be a different type of prize. For example, the full match prize in the full match prize category 120 may be a fixed prize that is not progressive and the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 122 may be a pari-mutuel based prize.
In any of the configurations provided herein, the payout for the full match prize in the full match prize category 120, the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 122 for the five of six match, the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 124 for the four of six match, and/or the partial match prize in the partial match prize category 126 for the three of six match may be guaranteed by a third party entity. As a result, a lottery provider may be able to provide a larger lottery prize than might otherwise be the case. Further, any of the configurations provided herein may be utilized as a part of a stand alone lottery game, an add-on lottery game, or both.
In one embodiment, the multiplier may be associated with merchandise or service rather than a dollar value. For example, a player with a full match may in a drawing of a silver ball win one million dollars and a television. The player may be given a voucher for the merchandise or service, or may simply be given the merchandise or service. In yet another embodiment, the manufacturer or provider of the service has its logo placed on the ball as a multiplier indicia. For example, the manufacturer of a television may have its logo placed on the second multiplier indicator. In one configuration, the manufacturer pays for this advertising. In another configuration, the lottery may place the manufacturer's logo as the second multiplier indicator without a fee to help generate interest in the lottery.
The examples of the prizes and multipliers provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive as various prize values and multiplier values may be utilized. For example, a multiplier of ‘X1’ is illustrated in FIG. 1A. However, the set of predetermined multipliers may alternatively include only multipliers that are greater than one. Alternatively, set of predetermined multipliers may include an indicator that is a non-multiplier to indicate that the prize value will not be multiplied.
FIG. 1B illustrates the display 100 of the lottery prize structure 102 in which three multiplier indicators are provided. A third multiplier category 144, which is associated with a multiplier indicator of a gold ball and a multiplier of four, is provided. Further, the multiplier ball quantity 112 is increased to ten for an additional gold ball. As with the first multiplier category 108 and the second multiplier category 110, the third multiplier category 144 may be applicable to all of the prize categories, e.g., the full match prize category 120, the partial match prize category 122, the partial match prize category 124, and the partial match prize category 126. In other words, if the multiplier is selected from the third multiplier category 144, the multiplier of four is applied to each of the prize categories such that a full match winning prize 146 is four million dollars, a partial match winning prize 148 for five of six is forty thousand dollars, a partial match winning prize 150 for four of six is four hundred dollars, and a partial match winning prize 152 for three of six is forty dollars.
FIG. 1C illustrates the display 100 of the lottery prize structure 102 in which the multiplier is provided only for a single prize. For example, the lottery may choose to have a lottery game in which only a full match prize of one million dollars can be won. Accordingly, the multiplier then only applies to that single prize. Alternatively, the lottery may choose to utilize the multiplier only for one type of prize, e.g., the full match prize, and not the partial match prizes, e.g., the secondary prizes. Accordingly, the display 102 may also include an indication of the various types of partial match prizes for which the multiplier is not applicable.
FIG. 2 illustrates a process 200 that may be utilized to provide a multiplier lottery game. At a process block 202, the process 200 provides a lottery game. Further, at a process block 204, the process 200 provides a prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category. In addition, at a process block 206, the process 200 provides a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. In addition, at a process block 208, the process 200 performs a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers. At a process block 210, the process 200 performs a drawing of a multiplier. The multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier. The predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators. Further, at a process block 212, the process 200 provides the prize multiplied by the first multiplier to a player having a winning lottery ticket if the first multiplier is drawn. Finally, at a process block 214, the process 200 provides the prize multiplied by the second multiplier to a player having a winning lottery ticket if the second multiplier is drawn.
FIG. 3 illustrates a lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 300. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 300 may be utilized to dispense one or more lottery tickets based on any of the lottery game multiplier configurations discussed above. In one embodiment, the lottery ticket dispensing machine 300 has a payment module that receives payment for the purchase of a lottery ticket 304 that provides participation in a lottery game. The lottery game provides a prize category such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category and providing a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. The lottery game has a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers and a drawing of a multiplier. Further, the multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier. In addition, the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators.
In one embodiment, the lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 300 has a ticket printer 302 that prints the lottery ticket 304 for the lottery game. Further, the lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 300 may have an input device 306 so that a lottery vendor may input data such as player numbers, price selection, or the like. In addition, the lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 300 may have a display 308 on which the lottery vendor may view data pertinent to a sales transaction for the lottery ticket 600.
FIG. 4 illustrates an electronic lottery game apparatus 400. An example of the electronic lottery game apparatus 400 is a video lottery terminal (“VLT”). The electronic lottery game apparatus 400 may be utilized by a lottery player to play an electronic version of the lottery game having the lottery game multiplier. In other words, the electronic lottery game apparatus 400 may be utilized by a lottery player to play the lottery game without an actual paper lottery ticket. The electronic lottery game apparatus 400 has a display module that indicates, in a display 402, a prize category such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category and indicates, in the display 402, a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier. The lottery game has a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers and a drawing of a multiplier. Further, the multiplier is drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier. In addition, the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators. The electronic lottery game apparatus 400 also has a payment module that receives payment from a lottery player for the electronic lottery ticket. For example, the payment module may operate a payment acceptor 404, e.g., a bill acceptor, coin acceptor, promotional voucher acceptor, credit card acceptor, debit card acceptor, etc., that accepts a payment from the player to participate in the electronic lottery game. The electronic lottery game apparatus 400 also has a processor that compares the set of player numbers to the set of drawn numbers to determine if the lottery player wins the prize and analyzes the multiplier that is drawn to determine if the prize is multiplied by the first multiplier or the second multiplier. In another embodiment, a server that communicates with the electronic lottery game apparatus 400 performs the comparison. If a match occurs, an indication may be provided on the display 402 or an additional display to provide information about the player's numbers, the set of drawn numbers, the size of the multiplier, and/or what type of prize has or has not been won by the player. In another embodiment, the electronic lottery game apparatus 400 may also have a ticket printer 406 to print a ticket or voucher to redeem a prize.
Further, the electronic lottery game apparatus 400 may have a plurality of input devices 408, e.g., buttons, that may be utilized by the player to interact with the electronic lottery game apparatus 400. Some or all of the plurality of buttons 408 may instead be utilized as touch screen buttons on the display 402.
In one embodiment, the electronic lottery game having the lottery game multiplier is played over the Internet. Accordingly, a player may utilize his or her own computer, cellular phone, or portable media player (“PMP”) to communicate with a server that determines the set of drawn numbers and performs the comparison between the set of drawn numbers and the player's numbers. Further, the server may determine the multiplier that is utilized. In one embodiment, the player may provide a selection of player numbers to the server. In another embodiment, the server randomly determines the set of player numbers for the player. In addition, the server may determine the resulting prize after being multiplied by the multiplier.
The electronic lottery game provided herein is not intended to be limited for play at a VLT. Accordingly, the lottery game having the lottery game multiplier may be played at any type of kiosk. For example, a kiosk that allows for additional time to be placed on a cellular phone may also be utilized to play the electronic lottery game having the lottery game multiplier. Alternatively, the kiosk may be utilized to buy a paper lottery ticket for the lottery game having the lottery game multiplier. The kiosk may also be utilized to provide both electronic and paper versions of the lottery game having the lottery game multiplier.
The multiplier provided herein is not intended to be limited to lottery games. Accordingly, the multiplier configurations provided herein may be utilized for any game of chance. For example, the multiplier configurations provided herein may be utilized in a raffle game. Further, the multiplier configurations may be utilized in a casino game.
The process 200 shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented in a general, multi-purpose or single purpose processor. Such a processor will execute instructions, either at the assembly, compiled or machine-level, to perform the process 200. Those instructions can be written by one of ordinary skill in the art following the description of FIG. 2 and stored or transmitted on a computer readable medium. The instructions may also be created using source code or any other known computer-aided design tool. A computer readable medium may be any medium capable of carrying those instructions and include a CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic or other optical disc, tape, silicon memory (e.g., removable, non-removable, volatile or non-volatile), packetized or non-packetized data through wireline or wireless transmissions locally or remotely through a network.
A computer is herein intended to include any device that has a general, multi-purpose, or single purpose processor as described above. For example, a computer may be a set top box (“STB”), cell phone, portable media player, or the like.
It is understood that the processes and systems described herein may also be applied in other types of processes and systems. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments of the processes and systems described herein may be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present processes and systems. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present processes and systems may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing a lottery game;

providing a full match prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a lottery ticket with a full match wins a full match prize associated with the full match prize category, the full match being a full match between a set of player numbers and a set of drawn numbers;

providing a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a lottery ticket with a partial match wins a partial match prize associated with the partial match prize category, the partial match being a partial match between the set of player numbers and the set of drawn numbers;

providing a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the full match prize and the partial match prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the full match prize and the partial match prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier;

establishing a single lottery wager that provides participation in the lottery game;

performing a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers;

performing a drawing of a multiplier, the multiplier being drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier, the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators being greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators, the set of multiplier indicators being distinct from the set of winning lottery numbers;

providing the full match prize multiplied by the first multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a full match if the first multiplier is drawn;

providing the full match prize multiplied by the second multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a full match if the second multiplier is drawn;

providing the partial match prize multiplied by the first multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a partial match if the first multiplier is drawn; and

providing the partial match prize multiplied by the second multiplier to a player having a lottery ticket with a partial match if the second multiplier is drawn.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first color and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second color, the first color being distinct from the second color.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first non-numeric based indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second non-numeric based indicia, the first non-numeric based indicia being distinct from the second non-numeric based indicia.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first advertising indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second advertising indicia, the first advertising indicia being distinct from the second advertising indicia.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the full match prize is a pari-mutuel based prize.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the partial match prize is a pari-mutuel based prize.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the full match prize is a fixed prize.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the partial match prize is a fixed prize.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the full match prize is guaranteed by a third party entity.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the partial match prize is guaranteed by a third party entity.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the second multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.

13. A method comprising:

providing a lottery game;

providing a prize category in the lottery game such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category;

providing a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier;

performing a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers;

performing a drawing of a multiplier, the multiplier being drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier, the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators being greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators;

providing the prize multiplied by the first multiplier to a player having a winning lottery ticket if the first multiplier is drawn; and

providing the prize multiplied by the second multiplier to a player having a winning lottery ticket if the second multiplier is drawn.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first color and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second color, the first color being distinct from the second color.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first non-numeric based indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second non-numeric based indicia, the first non-numeric based indicia being distinct from the second non-numeric based indicia.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first numeric based indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second numeric based indicia, the first non-numeric based indicia being distinct from the second non-numeric based indicia.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the set of multiplier indicators is distinct from the set of winning lottery numbers.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first advertising indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second advertising indicia, the first advertising indicia being distinct from the second advertising indicia.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the prize is a pari-mutuel based prize.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein the prize is guaranteed by a third party entity.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein the first multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.

23. The method of claim 13, wherein the second multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.

24. The method of claim 13, further comprising establishing a single lottery wager that provides participation in the lottery game.

25. A lottery ticket dispensing apparatus comprising:

a payment module that receives a single lottery wager that provides participation in a lottery game, the lottery game providing a prize category such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category and providing a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier, the lottery game having a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers and a drawing of a multiplier, the multiplier being drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier, the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators being greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators; and

a ticket printer that prints a lottery ticket for the lottery game.

26. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first color and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second color, the first color being distinct from the second color.

27. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first non-numeric based indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second non-numeric based indicia, the first non-numeric based indicia being distinct from the second non-numeric based indicia.

28. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first numeric based indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second numeric based indicia, the first non-numeric based indicia being distinct from the second non-numeric based indicia.

29. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 28, wherein the set of multiplier indicators is distinct from the set of winning lottery numbers.

30. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first advertising indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second advertising indicia, the first advertising indicia being distinct from the second advertising indicia.

31. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the prize is a pari-mutuel based prize.

32. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.

33. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the prize is guaranteed by a third party entity.

34. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.

35. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the second multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.

36. An electronic lottery game apparatus comprising:

a display module that indicates a prize category such that a player having a winning lottery ticket wins a prize associated with the prize category and indicates a first multiplier category and a second multiplier category such that: (i) the first multiplier category is associated with a first multiplier that multiplies the prize, (ii) the second multiplier category is associated with a second multiplier that multiplies the prize, and (iii) the second multiplier is greater than the first multiplier, the lottery game having a drawing of a set of winning lottery numbers and a drawing of a multiplier, the multiplier being drawn from a set of multiplier indicators that includes a predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators corresponding to the first multiplier and a predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators corresponding to the second multiplier, the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators being greater than the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators; and

a payment module that receives payment from a lottery player for the electronic lottery ticket; and

a processor that compares the set of player numbers to the set of drawn numbers to determine if the lottery player wins the prize and analyzes the multiplier that is drawn to determine if the prize is multiplied by the first multiplier or the second multiplier.

37. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first color and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second color, the first color being distinct from the second color.

38. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first non-numeric based indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second non-numeric based indicia, the first non-numeric based indicia being distinct from the second non-numeric based indicia.

39. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first numeric based indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second numeric based indicia, the first non-numeric based indicia being distinct from the second non-numeric based indicia.

40. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 39, wherein the set of multiplier indicators is distinct from the set of winning lottery numbers.

41. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein each of the predetermined quantity of first multiplier indicators is associated with a first advertising indicia and each of the predetermined quantity of second multiplier indicators is associated with a second advertising indicia, the first advertising indicia being distinct from the second advertising indicia.

42. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein the prize is a pari-mutuel based prize.

43. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.

44. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein the prize is guaranteed by a third party entity.

45. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.

46. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 36, wherein the second multiplier is guaranteed by a third party entity.