WO2006121323A1

WO2006121323A1 - System and method for registering participation in a game of chance

Info

Publication number: WO2006121323A1
Application number: PCT/NL2005/000357
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Pieter Stavast
Original assignee: Stichting De Nationale Sporttotalisator
Priority date: 2005-05-11
Filing date: 2005-05-11
Publication date: 2006-11-16

Abstract

System and method for registering participation in a game of chance. A central server (10) is arranged for randomly drawing a winning group of token and a database (11) is connected to the central server (10) for storing a plurality of groups of tokens. A group of tokens (2, 3) has a number of tokens, and each of the stored groups of tokens is associated with a unique identifier (5). The central server (10) is arranged for registration of a participation in the game of chance using the unique identifier (5). The central server (10) is connectable to one or more point-of-sale devices (15), each point-of-sale device (15) being arranged to read a unique identifier (5) on a game ticket (1). The game ticket (1) comprises one of a plurality of groups of tokens (2, 3) and the associated unique identifier (5).

Description

System and method for registering participation in a game of chance

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a system and a method for registering participation in a game of chance comprising a central server arranged for randomly drawing a winning group of tokens, a group of tokens comprising a predetermined number of tokens. Such a game of chance may e.g. be the known lotto game, which is a game of chance in which participants predict a number of symbols or tokens, which are obtained by drawing from a predetermined set of symbols. In one form, six numbers out of forty nine are drawn, or in an alternative form in which six numbers out of forty five plus one color out of six are drawn. Alternatively, other games of chance, such as Keno, in which a player predicts X numbers out of Y (e.g. X=IO, Y=80), or sports betting, a game in which a typical sports result has to be predicted, may be provided.

Prior art

It is known to use tickets in a shop environment to purchase a service, such as participation in a game of chance. Once a customer has taken a ticket for a game of chance, and paid for participation in the game of chance, he then has to go to another service counter and present the ticket and receipt for receiving the actual game ticket. Also known is a system in which a customer can buy a game ticket, in which the game ticket already comprises a preprinted group of tokens, the composition of which cannot be influenced by the customer.

Summary of the invention The present invention seeks to provide a system and method for registering participation in a game of chance, which allows to quickly buy and register such a participation, without the need to collect the actual gaming ticket at another location, and providing a customer with the ability to select the desired group of tokens.

According to the present invention, a system according to the preamble defined above is provided, in which a database is connected to the central server for storing a plurality of groups of tokens in which each of the stored groups of tokens is associated with a unique identifier, in which the central server is arranged for registration of a participation in the game of chance using the unique identifier, and in which the central server is connectable to one or more point-of-sale devices, the point-of-sale device being arranged to read a unique identifier on a game ticket and sending the unique identifier (and possible additional data) to the central server for registration, in which the game ticket comprises one of a plurality of groups of tokens and the associated unique identifier. By using game tickets with groups of tokens printed thereon, it is possible for a customer to select one of the game tickets and pay for participation in a game of chance by simply buying the game ticket at the point-of-sale device. The game ticket may also be provided in another form, such as a card with a magnetic stripe or a smart card with an integrated chip. As the point-of-sale device is arranged for the complete registration process, and the game ticket already comprises the necessary information for participation in the game of chance, much less time is needed to enter in participation in a game of chance. No time has to be spent on filling out a participation form, or on collecting an actual gaming ticket.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the database is arranged for storing all possible groups of tokens. This allows the institute executing the game of chance to precisely store which combinations actually are registered for participation in the game of chance, and thus to immediately know whether the actual group of tokens drawn corresponds to any of the participating groups of tokens.

In a further embodiment, the point-of-sale device is connected to a reading device for reading the unique identifier on the game ticket. Such an automated entry of the unique identifier will lessen the chance of errors. The game ticket may further comprise a barcode, which comprises the unique identifier (and possibly more information), and the reading device may then comprise a barcode scanner. Many point-of-sale devices in e.g. supermarkets are already equipped with a barcode scanner, and thus, the present invention may be simply used in shops such as supermarkets. The customer who likes the group of tokens, may re-use the game ticket for future drawings, and participate in future drawings by simply again presenting the game ticket at the point-of-sale device.

The point-of-sale device further may in a further embodiment comprise a printer for printing a receipt, in which the receipt comprises at least the unique identifier. This, possibly together with the game ticket also comprising the unique identifier, is a proof for the customer for participation in a game of chance. When the printed data on the receipt has faded, the combination of receipt and game ticket may be used by the organization executing the game of chance to determine whether or not a prize will be paid. Furthermore, the receipt may further comprise one or more of the group consisting of the chosen set of tokens, a drawing date, the purchase data, the purchase time, the purchase place, and or the associated unique identifier (such as a barcode). When the group of tokens is also printed on the receipt, this allows the customer to only having to keep the receipt, and not the game ticket. When also the unique identifier is printed, all possible information of the game ticket is also present on the receipt, and the game ticket may be discarded. When a barcode is printed, this barcode may on its own comprise one or more of the sets of information mentioned above.

Advantageously, the central server is connectable to the point-of-sale device using a secure data connection, e.g. by encrypting the data transmitted over the connection, or by using a secure point-to-point connection (e.g. a VPN connection). This also allows not having to store any game of chance data in the point-of-sale device, which is advantageous in terms of safety considerations.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for registering participation in a game of chance comprising storing a plurality of groups of tokens, each group of tokens comprising a predetermined number of tokens and being associated with a unique identifier, randomly drawing a winning group of tokens, and registering of a participation in the game of chance using the unique identifier by reading a unique identifier on a game ticket, in which the game ticket comprises one of a plurality of groups of tokens and the associated unique identifier. All possible groups of tokens may be stored. The method may further comprise printing a receipt, in which the receipt comprises at least the unique identifier. The receipt may further comprise one or more of the group consisting of the chosen set of tokens, a drawing date, the purchase data, the purchase time, the purchase place, the associated unique identifier (such as a barcode).

In a further embodiment, only a subset of the plurality of groups of tokens is offered for sale at a point-of sale. This may be dictated by the amount of space available at a shop, and the large number of possible groups of tokens. The total possible groups of tokens (or the associated game tickets) may be distributed over a large number of shops, thus also assuring that all possible groups of tokens are offered for sale for a specific drawing. It is noted that not all possible groups of tokens have to be restocked directly, such that for a specific drawing not all possible groups of tokens are being offered for sale. On a regular basis, restocking may be performed, also making it possible that a specific group of tokens is offered for sale more than once. In an even further aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product, comprising computer executable code, which when loaded on a computer system provides the computer system with the functionality of the present method.

Short description of drawings

The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, using a number of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a drawing of a series of game tickets according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system for registering participation in a game of chance according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 3 shows a drawing of an embodiment of a receipt produced by the system of Fig. 2.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The present invention relates to a method and system for registering participations in a game of chance, such as a lottery. Such games of chance are e.g. known as lotto, in which x numbered balls are randomly drawn from a total of Y (x being e.g. equal to six and Y being e.g. equal to 49). Other variants of the lotto game are known. Participants enter their choice of numbers on a game ticket, after which the game ticket (in machine readable form) can be scanned at a service register, and the betting amount must be paid. This process of selecting numbers, scanning the game ticket and paying for participation takes a relative large amount of time. The present invention allows to sell game tickets for participation in a game of chance in an environment where it is desirable to obtain a very quick sale of the participation in the game of chance, e.g. using supermarket cash registers, and where it is possible for a customer to select a group of numbers of his own choice. A variety of game tickets 1 (or more general, information carrier 1) for purchasing a participation in a game of chance is shown in Fig. 1. Each game ticket 1 comprises a first window, in which a subset 2 of six numbers out of forty five are printed and a second window, in which one selected color 3 of six colors is printed. The subset 2 and color 3 form a group of tokens, on which the game is based: when the participating group of tokens corresponds to a randomly drawn group of tokens, a prize is won. Furthermore, the game ticket 1 comprises a unique identifier 5 printed in a fourth window and an associated barcode 4 in a fifth window. The associated barcode 4 at least comprises the unique identifier 5, but may also comprise further data, such as a type of product code. Thus, both the unique identifier 5 and associated barcode 4 designate a specific group or combination of tokens 2, 3, comprising six out of forty five numbers and one color out of six colors. The game tickets 1 may be presented in a shop, e.g. a supermarket, and depending on the available space, a small or large number of game tickets 1 may be available. This allows a customer wishing to participate in the game of chance to select a combination of tokens 2, 3 to his liking by picking one of the game tickets 1.

The game tickets 1 may be unique, i.e. only a single game ticket 1 is printed for each possible group of tokens 2, 3. However, this amount may be very large, and consequently, only a limited number of possible groups of tokens 2, 3, may be printed in a further embodiment. Also, the number of game tickets 1 in the shop may be dependent on available space, so even within a shop a further subset of the subset sent to a shop may be presented to the customer. Of course, customers participating in the game of chance in a conventional way may also have selected a same group of tokens as one of the groups of tokens printed on the game tickets 1.

The game tickets 1 may also comprise multiple groups of tokens 2, 3, e.g. five groups, allowing a customer to participate in the game of chance with more chance of winning a prize.

In Fig. 2 a schematic diagram is shown of a cash register set-up connectable to a central server 10 of the institute organizing the game of chance. The central server 10 may e.g. be formed by a computer system with associated peripheral equipment, which is arranged to execute a software program stored in memory. In one embodiment, all possible groups of tokens 2, 3, are stored in a database 11 connected to the central server 10, together with their unique identifier 5 as described above. The cash register or point-of-sale 15 is connected to a reader 17, e.g. a barcode reader, such as widely used in supermarkets. Furthermore, the cash register 15 is connected to a printer 18, for printing receipts. Also, the cash register 15 is connected to an interface 16, which allows the cash register 15 to set up a data connection 12 with the central server 10. The data connection 12 may be a continuous connection, a dial-in connection using a telephone line, or a computer network connection, e.g. using the Internet. The data connection 12 is advantageously a secure connection, e.g. using encryption of the data transmitted over the data connection 12. Many cash register 15 may be connectable to the central server 10, in parallel or successively. As the amount of data to be transferred is rather small, the total connection time may be sufficiently limited to allow sequential access to the central server 10 by several cash registers 15.

When a customer has selected a game ticket 1 with the number and color combinations 2, 3 of his liking, the game ticket 1 can be purchased like any other supermarket article, by having the barcode 4 scanned at the cash register 15. The cash register 15 is programmed to send data (the unique identifier 5, and possibly place of sale, etc.) to the central server 10. The central server 10 is programmed to register the participation of that specific unique identifier 5 in the first upcoming game of chance, e.g. by flagging the associated unique identifier 5 in the database 11. This allows the institute organizing the game of chance to determine whether a winning combination 2, 3 was sold for a specific drawing event. Furthermore, the central server 10 is programmed to relay specific data (again the unique identifier 5, time and date of registration of the participation, etc.) back to the cash register 15. Then the cash register can print all relevant data on a receipt 20, as shown in an exemplary embodiment in Fig. 3.

The receipt 20 comprises a first field 26 containing printed data related to place, date and time of purchase, and a second field 27 which shows the date(s) of the drawing of the game of chance, for which a participation has been bought. Furthermore, fields are printed on the receipt 20, comprising the game data, such as the combination of numbers chosen (field 22), the color chosen (field 23) and the unique identifier (field 25). Optionally, also a barcode is printed in a further field 24, which comprises data concerning the participation, including but not limited to the unique identifier (as e.g. known from scanning the barcode 4), date of the drawing, place, date and time of purchase (or date and time of registration with the central server 10), etc. This data can later be used to pay out a possible prize won in the specific drawing of the game of chance. hi alternative embodiment, the receipt 20 only comprises the unique identifier 5 in field 25, and not the chosen combination of numbers 22, color 23 and barcode 24. As the customer has also the game ticket 1 in his possession, the combination of game ticket 1 and receipt 20 provided with the unique identifier 5 is sufficient for providing all information necessary to follow the drawing, and collecting a possible won prize. In a further alternative, more information is incorporated in the field 25, such as data relating to the purchase or registration of the game ticket 1.

The game ticket 1, as purchased by the customer, may be used more than one time, e.g. when the customer likes the combination of numbers and color of that specific game ticket 1. When the barcode 4 is printed on the receipt 20, the customer may keep the receipt 20, and use that barcode 4 to enter a next drawing of the game of chance. In case of all data being printed on the receipt 20 (as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 3), the combination of game ticket 1 and receipt 20 may be used to obtain all relevant data, even if some data on the receipt 20 is lost due to blurring or fading.

Claims

1. System for registering participation in a game of chance comprising a central server (10) arranged for randomly drawing a winning group of tokens, a group of tokens (2, 3) comprising a predetermined number of tokens, and a database (11) connected to the central server (10) for storing a plurality of groups of tokens in which each of the stored groups of tokens is associated with a unique identifier (5), in which the central server (10) is arranged for registration of a participation in the game of chance using the unique identifier (5), and in which the central server (10) is connectable to one or more point-of-sale devices (15), the point-of-sale device (15) being arranged to read a unique identifier (5) on a game ticket (1) and sending the unique identifier (5) to the central server (10) for registration, in which the game ticket (1) comprises one of a plurality of groups of tokens (2, 3) and the associated unique identifier (5).

2. System according to claim 1, in which the database (11) is arranged for storing all possible groups of tokens (2, 3).

3. System according to claim 2, in which the point-of-sale device (15) is connected to a reading device (17) for reading the unique identifier (5) on the game ticket (1).

4. System according to claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the game ticket (1) further comprises a barcode (4), which comprises the unique identifier (5), and the reading device (17) comprises a barcode scanner.

5. System according to one of the claims 1 through 4, in which the point-of-sale device (15) further comprises a printer (18) for printing a receipt (20), in which the receipt (20) comprises at least the unique identifier (5).

6. System according to claim 5, in which the receipt (20) further comprises one or more of the group consisting of the chosen set of tokens (22, 23), a drawing date (27), the purchase data (26), the purchase time (26), the purchase place (26), the associated unique identifier (25).

7. System according to one of the claims 1 through 6, in which the central server (10) is connectable to the point-of-sale device (15) using a secure data connection (12).

8. Method for registering participation in a game of chance comprising

- storing a plurality of groups of tokens (2, 3), each group of tokens comprising a predetermined number of tokens, and being associated with a unique identifier (5),

- randomly drawing a winning group of tokens,

- registering of a participation in the game of chance using the unique identifier (5) by reading a unique identifier (5) on a game ticket (1), in which the game ticket (1) comprises one of a plurality of groups of tokens (2, 3) and the associated unique identifier (5).

9. Method according to claim 8, in which all possible groups of tokens (2, 3) are stored.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising printing a receipt (20), in which the receipt (20) comprises at least the unique identifier (25).

11. Method according to claim 10, in which the receipt (20) further comprises one or more of the group consisting of the chosen set of tokens (22, 23), a drawing date (27), the purchase data (26), the purchase time (26), the purchase place (26), the associated unique identifier (25).

12. Method according to any one of claims 8 through 11, in which only a subset of the plurality of groups of tokens (2, 3) is offered for sale at a point-of sale.

13. Method according to any one of claims 8 through 11, in which each possible group of tokens (2, 3) is offered for sale only once.

14. Computer program product, comprising computer executable code, which when loaded on a computer system provides the computer system with the functionality of the method according to one of the claims 8 through 13.