WO2009146278A1

WO2009146278A1 - Subset partial match prize category

Info

Publication number: WO2009146278A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/044568
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael D. Frick
Original assignee: Integrated Group Assets Inc.
Priority date: 2008-05-27
Filing date: 2009-05-19
Publication date: 2009-12-03
Also published as: US20090298566A1

Abstract

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 lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. In addition, the process provides a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. The process also provides a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game.

Description

SUBSET PARTIAL MATCH PRIZE CATEGORY

BY

MICHAEL D. FRICK BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field

[0002]This disclosure generally relates to the field of gaming. More particularly, the disclosure relates to lotteries.

[0003] 2. General Background [0004] 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.

[0005] Many lottery configurations currently provide prizes for a full match or a partial match of the set of winning lottery numbers. For example, the set of winning lottery numbers may have six numbers. A comparison between the set of winning lottery numbers and the numbers appearing on the player's lottery ticket is performed. If all six numbers in the set of winning lottery numbers also appear on the player's lottery ticket, the player wins a prize associated with having a full match. If only some of the six numbers in the set of winning lottery numbers appear on the player's lottery ticket, then the player may or may not win a lesser prize that is associated with a partial match. For example, the player may win a prize associated with matching five out of six numbers, a prize associated with matching four out of six numbers, or a prize for matching three out of six numbers. However, in this example, the player may not win a prize for a partial match of anything less than three out of six numbers. A lottery generally will not provide a prize for certain partial matches where the odds are so high that the lottery would not be able to afford to provide such a prize. For example, a relatively small prize can be associated with a two of six match, but the odds of the two of six match would be so high that a large number of players would win the prize. The lottery would unlikely be able to afford to provide such a prize, even though that prize would be relatively small, because of the large number of potential winners. As a result, lotteries have become limited in the prize distributions that can be provided for certain partial matches.

SUMMARY

[0006] 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 lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. In addition, the process provides a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. The partial match has odds of occurring that are less than or equal to a probabilities threshold, the probabilities threshold being indicative of odds at which a lottery makes a profit. In addition, the process provides a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers, (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met, and (iii) the subset partial match, without the predetermined criterion being met, has odds of occurring that are greater than the probabilities threshold. The process also selects the set of drawn numbers. Finally, the process provides a prize based on a type of match to a player having a winning lottery ticket.

[0007] In another aspect, 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 lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. In addition, the process provides a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. The process also provides a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met. Further, the process selects the set of drawn numbers. Finally, the process provides a prize based on a type of match to a player having a winning lottery ticket.

[0008] In yet another aspect, 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 lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. In addition, the process provides a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. The partial match is without any predetermined criteria. The process also provides a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met. Further, the process selects the set of drawn numbers. Finally, the process provides a prize based on a type of match to a player having a winning lottery ticket.

[0009] In another aspect, a lottery ticket dispensing apparatus is provided. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus includes a payment module that receives payment for purchase of a lottery ticket that provides participation in a lottery game. The lottery game provides a full match prize category such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. Further, the lottery game provides a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. Finally, the lottery game provides a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus also includes a ticket printer that prints a lottery ticket for the lottery game.

[001O] In yet another aspect, an electronic lottery game apparatus is provided. The electronic lottery game apparatus includes a display module that indicates prize categories for an electronic lottery game. The electronic lottery game provides a full match prize category such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. Further, the electronic lottery game provides a partial match prize category in the electronic lottery game such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. In addition, the electronic lottery game provides a subset partial match prize category in the electronic lottery game such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met. The electronic lottery game apparatus also includes a payment module that receives payment from a lottery player for the electronic lottery ticket. Finally, the electronic lottery game apparatus includes a processor that compares the set of player numbers to the set of drawn numbers to determine a potential match and a potential match type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]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: [0012] Figure 1 illustrates a lottery ticket that may be provided by a lottery operator to a lottery player for play in a lottery game.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a probabilities table that provides an example of the probabilities of a player obtaining a full match or a partial match.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a lottery ticket that may be provided by a lottery operator to a lottery player for play in a lottery game such that a prize is offered for a subset partial match.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a probabilities table that provides an example of the probabilities of a player obtaining a full match, a partial match, or a subset partial match for the prize payout table illustrated in Figure 3. [0016] Figure 5 illustrates a process that may be utilized to establish a subset match configuration.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a lottery ticket dispensing apparatus. [0018] Figure 7 illustrates an electronic lottery game apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A method and apparatus provides a subset match prize category. In one embodiment, a lowest prize category for a partial match is offered by a lottery. The odds of a player winning that prize category are greater than or equal to a probabilities threshold. An example of a probabilities threshold is one in ten. In one embodiment, the probabilities threshold is a threshold at which a lottery is able to make a profit. In other words, a lottery may still be able to make a profit for a prize category having odds of one in eleven, but not a prize category having odds of one in ten or higher odds such as one in nine. Accordingly, an example of the lowest prize category may be a prize category for a partial match of three of six having odds of one in eleven. An additional prize category is established for a subset partial match which has less numbers than the partial match associated with the lowest prize category offered by the lottery. The subset partial match has odds that are higher than the probabilities threshold. Further, the subset partial match has to meet a predetermined criterion in order for the player to win the prize associated with the subset partial match. An example of the predetermined criterion may be that the numbers which are partially matched are also the highest numbers from the all of the numbers drawn from the set of winning lottery numbers. Another example of the predetermined criterion may be that the numbers which are partially matched are also the lowest numbers from the all of the numbers drawn from the set of winning lottery numbers. Yet another example of the predetermined criterion may be that the numbers which are partially matched are either (1 ) the highest or (2) the lowest numbers from the all of the numbers drawn from the set of winning lottery numbers. Another example of the predetermined criterion may be that the numbers which are partially matched include the highest number and the lowest number from the all of the numbers drawn from the set of winning lottery numbers. The term subset match is intended to be a match that includes only a lesser number of matches than a partial match, not all of the numbers of a partial match.

[002O] In another embodiment, the predetermined criterion may also be directed to a range of numbers established prior to and independently from the set of numbers that is actually drawn. For example, the predetermined criterion may be established prior to the drawing of the set of numbers such that the subset match has to include two numbers that are less than the number eleven or two numbers that are greater than the number forty three. Another example of a predetermined criterion for a range is that the two numbers have to be between the number twenty and the number forty. These ranges are provided herein merely as examples as a variety of ranges may be utilized.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the predetermined criterion may also be directed to a mathematical operation established prior to and independently from the set of numbers that is actually drawn. For example, the predetermined criterion may be that the sum of the two numbers has to be greater than or equal to a specified number, e.g., the number seventy seven. This example is provided herein merely for illustrative purposes as a variety of comparators, e.g., <, <=, =, >, >=, a variety of mathematical operations, e.g., multiplication, division, and/or subtraction, and different numbers may be utilized. [0022] The examples of the predetermined criteria provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive as various predetermined criteria may be utilized. However, the term predetermined criterion is not intended to include an additional wager. By having a predetermined criterion for a subset match, a lottery operator can economically provide a lower tier prize category. [0023] Figure 1 illustrates a lottery ticket 100 that may be provided by a lottery operator to a lottery player for play in a lottery game. The lottery ticket 100 includes a set of player numbers 102. For example, the set of player numbers 102 may be a set of six numbers such as the numbers '13,' '15,' '41 ,' '20,' '40,' and '4.' The set of player numbers may be determined according to a player selection, a random selection, a quick pick, etc. Further, a match payout table 104 may be provided on the lottery ticket 100 to indicate a prize that a player may win according to a specific match between the set of player numbers 102 and a set of winning numbers selected by the lottery. Alternatively, the match payout table 104 may not be provided on the lottery ticket 100, but may be provided on a separate paper, a display at a point of sale ("POS") location, advertisement, etc. In one embodiment, the set of winning numbers selected by the lottery is a set of drawn numbers. The set of drawn numbers may be randomly selected by the lottery, e.g., with a ball hopper, random number generator, or the like.

[0024] The match payout structure 104 may include a prize for a full match and various prizes for partial matches. For example, the match payout structure 104 may indicate that a player having a set of player numbers with the exact same six numbers that are drawn by the lottery wins the full match prize of one million dollars. Further, if the player has a set of player numbers with less than the full match, such as five out of six numbers, the player may win a partial match prize of ten thousand dollars. In addition, the player may win other partial match prizes depending on the type of partial match such as one hundred dollars for a match of four out of six, or ten dollars for a match of three out of six. However, the match payout structure 104 does not provide a prize for any match that is less than three out of six because the odds for a two of six match or a one of six match are larger than a probabilities threshold at which the lottery can no longer make a profit. An example of such a probabilities threshold is a one out of ten probability of a player winning a prize.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a probabilities table 200 that provides an example of the probabilities of a player obtaining a full match or a partial match. For example, the probability of a player obtaining a full match, i.e., six out of six, may be one out of twenty five million. Further, the probabilities of a player obtaining less than a full match are as follows: one out of one hundred thousand for a five of six match, one out of thirty thousand for a four of six match, one out of twenty five for a three of six match, one out of twenty five for a three of six match, one out of nine for a two out of six match, and one out of three for a one out of six match. [0026] Further, an overall probability may be determined. For example, the overall odds of winning some type of prize may be one out of twenty.

[0027] These match configurations and probabilities are provided only as examples as various other match configurations and probabilities may be utilized. For example, one game may have thirty numbers drawn where as another game may have thirty six numbers drawn. The probability of obtaining a six of six match may be greater in the game with thirty numbers than the game with thirty six numbers. In addition, a game may have a different size set of payer numbers, e.g., seven numbers. Accordingly, a full match could be seven of seven and six numbers would only be a partial match of six of seven.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a lottery ticket 300 that may be provided by a lottery operator to a lottery player for play in a lottery game such that a prize is offered for a subset partial match. In one embodiment, the subset partial match is a partial match that is a subset of the smallest partial match for which a lottery offers a prize at or above the probabilities threshold. For example, with respect to the lottery ticket 100 illustrated in Figure 1 , the smallest partial match for which the lottery would offer a prize is three of six because the that is the smallest partial match for which the lottery can still make a profit, e.g., the probability of the three of six match is one out of twenty five, which is less than the probabilities threshold. The player having the lottery ticket 300 can win a prize for a partial match that is a subset of that smallest partial match. For example, two of six is a subset of the three of six partial match. In one embodiment, the player only wins a prize for a subset partial match if a predetermined criterion is also met. The predetermined criterion can be that all the numbers in the subset partial match are also the highest numbers drawn, at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also the highest number drawn, all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also the lowest numbers drawn, at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also the lowest number drawn, or the like. As an example, a prize payout table 304 may indicate that a prize of one dollar may be won for a match of two of six if the two numbers are also the highest numbers drawn. Alternatively, the prize payout table 304 may also indicate that the prize of one dollar may be won for a match of two of six if the two numbers are also the lowest numbers drawn. In another example, the prize payout table 304 may also indicate that the prize of one dollar may be won for a match of two of six if at least one of the two numbers is also the highest number drawn. In yet another example, the prize payout table 304 may also indicate that the prize of one dollar may be won for a match of two of six if at least one of the two numbers is also the lowest number drawn. In another example, the prize payout table 304 may also indicate that the prize of one dollar may be won for a match of two of six if one of the numbers is the highest number drawn and the other number is the lowest number drawn. [0029] Having a predetermined criterion for a subset partial match allows for the possibility of some lottery players with the quantity of numbers matched winning a prize, but other lottery players with the quantity of numbers matched not winning a prize. For example, a lottery player with a subset match of two of six may have matches for two numbers that are the highest drawn numbers, which may be the predetermined criterion, whereas another lottery player may have a subset match of two of six that are not the highest drawn numbers. As a result, some two of six matches may result in a prize while other two of six matches may not result in a prize. In contrast, a partial match without a predetermined criterion results in each player having a three of six match winning a prize. [003O] In one embodiment, the lottery ticket 300 has to meet one of a set of predetermined criteria in addition to having the subset partial match. For example, the set of predetermined criteria may be the two highest numbers drawn or the two lowest numbers drawn. A player could then win the prize corresponding to the two of six match by either having two of six that are the two highest numbers drawn or two of six that are the two lowest numbers drawn. In one embodiment, the player may utilize only one of the predetermined criteria for prize redemption. For example, a player having two of six that are the two highest numbers drawn and an additional two of six that are the two lowest numbers drawn has to select either the two highest numbers or the two lowest numbers for prize redemption. However, in this example, the player may potentially win four of six for the higher prize corresponding the four of six match. [0031] A variety of prizes may be utilized for the subset match prize. For example, the subset match prize may be the same as the price of the ticket. If the price of the ticket is one dollar, and the player wins the subset match prize, the player basically redeems the price of the lottery ticket and may or may not choose to utilize that prize to play another drawing of the lottery game. Alternatively, the subset match prize may be a voucher to play another drawing of the lottery game. In yet another alternative, the subset match prize may be a prize that is higher than the price of the lottery ticket such as, for example, two dollars. [0032] The prize payout table 304 maybe provided on the lottery ticket 300. Alternatively, the match payout table 304 may not be provided on the lottery ticket 300, but may be provided on a separate paper, a display at a POS location, advertisement, etc.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the subset partial match is a partial match that is a subset of the smallest partial match for which a lottery offers a prize irrespective of any probabilities threshold. The subset partial match has a predetermined criterion, but the partial match does not have any predetermined criteria. Accordingly, the lottery operator is then able to provide a lower prize category than would normally be offered, which can help increase interest in the lottery game.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates a probabilities table 400 that provides an example of the probabilities of a player obtaining a full match, a partial match, or a subset partial match for the prize payout table 304 illustrated in Figure 3. The probabilities of the full match, i.e., six of six match, and partial matches, i.e. five of six match, four of six match, and three of six match, are all less than the probabilities threshold of one of ten as in the probabilities table 200 illustrated in Figure 2. However, the probability of the subset partial match, i.e., two of six match, is no longer greater than the probabilities threshold of one of ten as seen in the probabilities table 200 illustrated in Figure 2. With the added condition of a predetermined criterion such as the two highest numbers drawn, the subset partial match now has a probability of one out of fifteen, which is less than the probabilities threshold. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a lottery is now able to provide a prize category for a match that is sequentially less than the lowest partial match that the lottery could normally provide while still making a profit. For example, the subset match may be two of six as a subset of the partial match of three of six, which corresponds to the lowest prize category. In another embodiment, the subset match prize may include any lesser match than the lowest partial match. For example, the subset match may be match of one of six as a subset of the partial match of three of six. In yet another embodiment, the subset match may be a match of any less included match of a partial match. For example, the subset match may be either a match of two of three or a mach of one of three as a subset of the partial match of three of six. In yet another embodiment, the subset match may be a subset of a partial match that does not correspond to the lowest prize category.

[0035] In one embodiment, the probability of the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is greater than the probability of the partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset. Further, the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is less than partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset. Alternatively, the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is greater than the partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset. In yet another alternative, the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is equal to the partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset.

[0036] In another embodiment, the probability of the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is less than the probability of the partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset. Further, the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is less than partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset. Alternatively, the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is greater than the partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset. In yet another alternative, the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is equal to the partial match prize from which the subset match prize is a subset. [0037] In one embodiment, the addition of the prize tier with the predetermined criterion increases the overall probability of winning some type of prize. For example, the overall probability of winning some type of prize may be increased from one of twenty to one of eighteen. In one embodiment, this increase of overall odds may occur irrespective of whether if the probability of winning the subset match prize is lower or greater than the probability of winning the partial match prize of which the subset match prize is a subset. For example, if the probability of winning a partial match prize of three of six is one in twenty five, the overall probability of winning some type of prize may be increased whether the probability of winning the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion is one of fifteen or one of thirty. In one embodiment, this increase of overall odds may occur irrespective of whether if the probability of winning the subset match prize is lower or greater than the probabilities threshold.

[0038] The change in probabilities described herein that results from the addition of the predetermined criterion is provided merely as an example. The efficacy of adding the predetermined criterion or set of predetermined criteria is determined based on whether such an addition changes the odds of a partial match from what would normally be greater than the probabilities threshold to less than or equal to the probabilities threshold. [0039] In one embodiment, the probabilities threshold is not utilized. Irrespective of the odds associated with any of the prize categories, a subset partial match configuration may be utilized. For example, a prize may be provided for a full match, a prize may be provided for a partial match, and a prize may be provided for a subset partial match. Further, the partial match may have no predetermined criteria associated with it, but the subset partial match has an associated predetermined criterion. For instance, the partial match of three of six may be sufficient to win the partial match prize, but a partial match of two of six is sufficient to win a corresponding subset partial match prize only if a predetermined criterion such as two highest drawn is met. [0040] Further, in one embodiment, the subset partial match has one less matched number than the partial match. For example, the subset partial match may be two of six, which is less than three of six. In another embodiment, the subset partial match has one less matched number than the lowest partial match, which is generally offered by a lottery. For example, the subset partial match of two of six is a subset partial match of three of six, which may the lowest partial match offered by a lottery.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates a process 500 that may be utilized to establish a subset match configuration. At a process block 500, the process 500 provides a lottery game. Further, at a process block 502, the process 500 provides a full match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. In addition, at a process block 504, the process 500 provides a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. At a process block 506, the process 500 provides a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met. Further, at a process block 510, the process 500 selects the set of drawn numbers. In addition, at a process block 512, the process 500 provides a prize based on a type of match to a player having a winning lottery ticket. [0042] Figure 6 illustrates a lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 600. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus may be utilized to dispense one or more lottery tickets based on any of the subset match lottery configurations discussed above. In one embodiment, the lottery ticket dispensing machine 600 has a payment module that receives payment for the purchase of a lottery ticket 604 that provides participation in a lottery game. The lottery game provides a full match prize category such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. The lottery game also provides a partial match prize category such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. Finally, the lottery game provides a subset partial match prize category such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met.

[0043] In one embodiment, the lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 600 has a ticket printer that prints the lottery ticket 604 for the lottery game. Further, the lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 600 may have an input device 606 so that a lottery vendor may input data such as player numbers, price selection, or the like. In addition, the lottery ticket dispensing apparatus 600 may have a display 608 on which the lottery vendor may view data pertinent to a sales transaction for the lottery ticket 600.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates an electronic lottery game apparatus 700. An example of the electronic lottery game apparatus 700 is a video lottery terminal ("VLT"). The electronic lottery game apparatus 700 may be utilized by a lottery player to play an electronic version of the lottery game. In other words, the electronic lottery game apparatus 700 may be utilized by a lottery player to play the lottery game without an actual paper lottery ticket. The electronic lottery game apparatus 700 has a display module that indicates the prize categories for the electronic lottery game on a display 702. The electronic lottery game provides a full match prize category such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match. Further, the electronic lottery game provides a partial match prize category in the electronic lottery game such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match. In addition, the electronic lottery game provides a subset partial match prize category in the electronic lottery game such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met. The electronic lottery game apparatus 700 also has a payment module that receives payment from a lottery player for the electronic lottery ticket. For example, the payment module 704 may operate a payment acceptor 704, 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. In one embodiment, the electronic lottery game apparatus 700 may also include a processor that compares the set of player numbers to the set of drawn numbers to determine a potential match and a potential match type. In another embodiment, a server that communicates with the electronic lottery game apparatus 700 performs the comparison. If a match occurs, a an indication may be provided on the display 702 or an additional display to provide information about the player's numbers, the set of drawn numbers, whether match has occurred, and/or what type of prize has or has not been won by the player. In another embodiment, the electronic lottery game apparatus may also have a ticket printer 706 to print a ticket or voucher to redeem a prize.

[0045] Further, the electronic lottery game apparatus may have a plurality of input devices 708, e.g., buttons, that may be utilized by the player to interact with the electronic lottery game apparatus 700. Some or all of the plurality of buttons 708 may instead be utilized as touch screen buttons on the display 702.

[0046] In one embodiment, the electronic lottery game is played over the Internet. Accordingly, a player may utilize his or her own computer 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. 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.

[0047] Further, in one embodiment, a single wager may be utilized for any of the configurations provided herein. In other words, a player has the ability to purchase a lottery ticket with the possibility of winning the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion for a single lottery ticket price. In another embodiment, a player has to provide an additional wager to have the possibility of winning the subset match prize with the predetermined criterion. In other words, the players that obtain the subset match with the predetermined criterion and paid an additional wager may win the prize corresponding to the subset match with the predetermined criterion, but the players that obtain the subset match with the predetermined criterion without having paid the additional wager will not win the prize corresponding to the subset match with the predetermined criterion. The full match and partial match prizes may be won irrespective of whether an additional wager has been provided by the player.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined criterion may be applicable to any of the prize categories. For example, if a player matches a full match of six of six numbers and the sum of all six numbers are over the number two hundred ten or under the number ninety, the player may win an enhanced prize that equals double the jackpot value. Further, the player may also win an enhanced prize that equals double a partial prize value if the player has a partial match and meets the predetermined criterion for the partial match, e.g., five of six with the predetermined criterion that the sum of all five numbers is over the number one hundred seventy or under the number eighty. [0049] In any of the configurations provided herein, the payout for the full match prize, partial match prize, and/or subset partial match prize 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. [0050] The process 500 shown in Figure 5 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 500. Those instructions can be written by one of ordinary skill in the art following the description of Figure 5 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.

[0051]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.

[0052] 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

I claim:

1. A method comprising: providing a lottery game; providing a full match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match; providing a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match, the partial match having odds of occurring that are less than or equal to a probabilities threshold, the probabilities threshold being indicative of odds at which a lottery makes a profit; providing a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers, (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met, and (iii) the subset partial match, without the predetermined criterion being met, has odds of occurring that are greater than the probabilities threshold; selecting the set of drawn numbers; and providing a prize based on a type of match to a player having a winning lottery ticket.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subset partial match has one less matched number than the partial match.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the odds of both the predetermined criterion being met and the occurrence of the subset partial match are less than the probabilities threshold.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the odds of both the predetermined criterion being met and the occurrence of the subset partial match are equal to the probabilities threshold.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the highest number in the set of drawn numbers.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the lowest number in the set of drawn numbers.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the highest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the lowest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also within range of numbers established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the prize associated with the subset partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

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

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

18. A method comprising: providing a lottery game; providing a full match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match; providing a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match; providing a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met; selecting the set of drawn numbers; and providing a prize based on a type of match to a player having a winning lottery ticket.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the subset partial match has one less matched number than the partial match.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the highest number in the set of drawn numbers.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the lowest number in the set of drawn numbers.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the highest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the lowest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also within range of numbers established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

25. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

26. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

27. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

28. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is that a result of a mathematical operation, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

29. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

30. The method of claim 18, wherein the prize associated with the subset partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

31. The method of claim 18, wherein the prize associated with the partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

32. The method of claim 18, wherein the prize associated with the full match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

33. A method comprising: providing a lottery game; providing a full match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match; providing a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match, the partial match being without any predetermined criteria; providing a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met; selecting the set of drawn numbers; and providing a prize based on a type of match to a player having a winning lottery ticket.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the subset partial match has one less matched number than the partial match.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the highest number in the set of drawn numbers.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the lowest number in the set of drawn numbers.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the highest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the lowest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

39. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also within range of numbers established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

40. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

41. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

42. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

43. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

44. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

45. The method of claim 33, wherein the prize associated with the subset partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

46. The method of claim 33, wherein the prize associated with the partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

47. The method of claim 33, wherein the prize associated with the full match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

48. A lottery ticket dispensing apparatus comprising: a payment module that receives payment for purchase of a lottery ticket that provides participation in a lottery game, the lottery game providing a full match prize category such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match, a partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match, and a subset partial match prize category in the lottery game such that a lottery player having a lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met; and a ticket printer that prints a lottery ticket for the lottery game.

49. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the subset partial match has one less matched number than the partial match.

50. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the highest number in the set of drawn numbers.

51. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the lowest number in the set of drawn numbers.

52. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the highest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

53. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the lowest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

54. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also within range of numbers established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

55. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

56. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

57. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

58. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

59. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

60. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the prize associated with the subset partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

61. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the prize associated with the partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

62. The lottery ticket dispensing apparatus of claim 48, wherein the prize associated with the full match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

63. An electronic lottery game apparatus comprising: a display module that indicates prize categories for an electronic lottery game, the electronic lottery game providing a full match prize category such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a full match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the full match, a partial match prize category in the electronic lottery game such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket with a set of player numbers that is a partial match with a set of drawn numbers wins a prize associated with the partial match that is less than the prize associated with the full match, and a subset partial match prize category in the electronic lottery game such that a lottery player having an electronic lottery ticket that meets the following conditions wins a prize associated with a subset partial match that is less than the prize associated with the partial match: (i) the set of player numbers is the subset partial match of the partial match with the set of drawn numbers and (ii) a predetermined criterion of the subset partial match is met; 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 a potential match and a potential match type.

64. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the subset partial match has one less matched number than the partial match.

65. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the highest number in the set of drawn numbers.

66. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is that at least one of the numbers in the subset partial match is also a match of the lowest number in the set of drawn numbers.

67. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the highest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

68. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also a match of the lowest numbers in the set of drawn numbers.

69. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is that all of the numbers in the subset partial match are also within range of numbers established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

70. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

71. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being greater than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

72. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

73. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than or equal to a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

74. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the predetermined criterion is a result of a mathematical operation performed on all of the numbers in the subset partial match being less than a predetermined number, the predetermined criterion being established prior to and independently from the set of drawn numbers.

75. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the prize associated with the subset partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

76. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the prize associated with the partial match is guaranteed by a third party entity.

77. The electronic lottery game apparatus of claim 63, wherein the prize associated with the full match is guaranteed by a third party entity.