Patent Grant
8047545
1. Field
The present invention relates generally to lottery-type game systems.
2. Background
One type of lottery-type game system which has proven quite popular with players are the so-called break-open or jar ticket games. In this type of game, players purchase playing cards or tickets for a monetary sum. Each playing card displays game symbols, selected ones of which correspond to prize values. In a typical configuration, each playing card comprises a lamination of an upper ply and a lower ply of material, such as paper, with the game symbols printed on the inside surface of the lower ply. The game symbols are thus initially sealed and hidden from view by the upper ply and are revealed only by “breaking open” one or more flap-like portions die-cut into the upper ply. Game symbols may also be hidden by other concealing means, including scratch-off, optical and other covering methods commonly known in the art. In addition to the entertainment value such games provide for players, these types of games may also provide a source of revenue for the operator, be it a municipality, a charity, or business establishment.
As will be appreciated, affording players an opportunity to win prizes in different ways enhances the entertainment value of a game. One form of game provides for selected players to become eligible for a prize, with at least one of these players, in turn, having an opportunity to win the prize. Providing game players the opportunity to win prizes enhances the entertainment value of the game. Implementation of such prizes is often accomplished through the use of a master game card that is associated with the particular set or sets of playing cards. Examples of such game systems are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,046,737 and 5,407,200. By enhancing the entertainment value of such a game, player interest in the game and, in turn, the potential revenues generated from the sale of game tickets to such players, is also enhanced.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling play of a lottery-type card-based game. The apparatus includes a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon, and a master game card for use in conjunction with the plurality of playing cards. At least one of the master game card and the plurality of playing cards includes an eligibility indicator for establishing the eligibility of one or more selected game players holding playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols. The master game card further includes a first prize identifier for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize associated with an initial level of play and a second prize identifier for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize associated with a subsequent level of play in the same game as the first level of play. The apparatus further includes indicia displayed on at least one of the master game card and the plurality of playing cards for indicating that if there is no winner of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play, a winner of the primary prize associated with the subsequent level of play also wins at least a portion of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of playing a lottery-type card-based game. The method involves providing a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon, as well as at least one master game card for use in conjunction with the playing cards. At least a portion of the playing cards are distributed to a plurality of individual players. One or more of the individual players having playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols are selected. Using at least one master game card, determinations are made as to whether one or more of the selected individual players is a winner of a primary prize associated with an initial level of play identified by at least one master game card, and whether one or more of the selected individual players is a winner of a primary prize value associated with a subsequent level of play identified by at least one master game card. At least a portion of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play, in addition to the primary prize value associated with the subsequent level of play, is awarded to a winner of the primary prize value associated with the subsequent level of play, if, during the initial level of play, none of the selected individual players are determined to be winners of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for controlling play of a lottery-type card-based game. The system includes a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon. The playing cards also have displayed thereon indicia for establishing the eligibility of one or more selected game players having playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols for additional levels of play. The system also includes a symbol selection device for use in conjunction with the plurality of playing cards. The symbol selection device is operable to indicate a first symbol for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize value associated with an initial level of play and a second symbol for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize value associated with a subsequent level of play in the same game as the initial level of play. The playing cards also include indicia displayed thereon for indicating that if, during the initial level of play, there is no winner of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play, a winner of the primary prize associated with the subsequent level of play also wins at least a portion of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention:
Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Briefly stated, embodiments generally provide for a lottery-type game system with a rollover feature. The game involves using a master game card in conjunction with other individual player game cards or tickets. Certain individual game players having playing cards displaying predetermined symbols are selected for two or more bonus levels of play based on the master game card. If none of the selected players wins the first level of play, the prize associated with the first level gets rolled over into the next level of play, and so on, until a level is won.
Each of the playing cards 40 preferably comprise a lamination of an upper ply 41 and a lower ply 42 of material, such as paper or the like. Each of the playing cards 40 displays one or more game symbols 43, which are displayed on the inside surface of the lower ply 42 of the card in one embodiment. This type of card is typically referred to as a “break-open” playing card, in that flap-like portions 44 of the upper ply 41 can be selectively lifted or removed from each of the game symbols 43 in order to reveal the game symbols after the card has been purchased. However, it will be understood that a game embodying the principles of the present invention may include playing cards 40 and a master game card 10 otherwise configured, including, but not limited to, “scratch-off” arrangements for initially concealing game symbols.
In play of the game, the present game system provides prizes to those players having playing cards 40 which display predetermined winning prize symbols 45. In its one or more levels of play, the present system permits selected ones of the players to become eligible for at least one prize, through use of the master game card 10. The playing cards 40 and/or the master game card 10 may include indicia 46 to that end.
Another aspect of the present game system entails establishing selected game players who become eligible to play in a plurality of additional levels of play 21-24, with these players then listed on the master game card 10 in the illustrated embodiment. To this end, the master game card 10 may include a list arrangement 14 for listing the selected, eligible players, such as by handwriting in blanks provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the eligibility of these selected players is established by those players having cards 40 containing predetermined selected ones of the game symbols, be they graphics, letters, numbers or the like. The predetermined selected ones of the game symbols may be indicated on the master game card 10, on the player cards 40, or both. In the illustrated embodiment, such predetermined game symbols comprise numeric designations—in particular numeric designations ending in the digits “13” (i.e., 013, 113, 213, etc.). In another embodiment, the predetermined game symbols may correspond to particular bingo balls, i.e. 1-75, and/or other groups of numbers, letters, or graphics. In another embodiment, the illustrated game may also permit the player who purchases the last playing card of the set to be eligible for the prize by entry in a “last sale” listing (not illustrated). This may be reflected in list 14, for example.
In another embodiment, the eligibility of one or more selected players is established through a raffle. The raffle may be a traditional raffle, in that the selected players are established through a drawing. Alternatively, the raffle may involve a raffle card, which includes concealed indicia of the one or more selected players. During game play, the indicia is revealed, thereby establishing the one or more selected players. The indicia may indicate, for example, one or more numbers corresponding to one or more of the playing cards.
The levels of play 21-24 of the master game card 10 provide the additional levels of play of the present system. In one embodiment, the master game card 10 may include a plurality of identifiers 18 printed on the inside surface of lower ply 12, each of which is concealed by a respective flap-like portion 19 of the upper ply 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the identifiers 18 either identify one or more of the selected players as having won a prize at the associated level of play or indicate that none of the selected players have won a prize for the associated level of play. In the first level of play 21, at least one of the identifiers 18 indicates that none of the selected players have won a prize for the first level of play 21. It should be appreciated that although
In the embodiment illustrated in
The values of the respective prizes for each level of play are preferably prominently displayed at regions 25-28 on the master game card 10 so that game players are aware of the potential prizes available to be won. Although the prize values 25-28 of the levels of play 21-24 in
Thus, the first level of play begins by revealing an identifier 18 in the first level 21. If the identifier 18 that is revealed identifies one or more of the selected players, the prize value associated with the first level 21 is awarded to the identified player(s). If, on the other hand, the revealed identifier 18 indicates that none of the selected players has won a prize at the first level (e.g., “try again,” “sorry,” “roll it over,” etc.), the prize value assigned to the first level “rolls into” the prize value corresponding to the second level of play 22. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment of
If a “picker” player is designated, some of the identifiers 18 may specifically identify the picker. For example, as shown in
If none of the selected players wins in the first level of play, the players selected for the second level of play would then be eligible for an accumulated prize of $500 in the second level 22. Similarly, if none of the selected players is identified as a winner of the second level of play 22, the $500 accumulated prize from the second level of play is rolled over into the third level of play 23, with selected players for the third level therefore being eligible for $750 in the third level of play 23, and so on through the remaining level(s) of play. To this end, the master card 10 includes indicia 29 and 30 indicating that if none of the selected players has won a particular level of play, the prize associated with that level of play rolls over into the prize for the next consecutive level of play.
In one embodiment, multiple identifiers 18 are revealed. For example, in an embodiment where two player identifiers 18 are revealed at each level, there are two prizes available at each level of play. If both identifiers 18 that are revealed in a given level identity a selected player, the identified players are awarded the prizes associated with that level. If both identifiers 18 indicate that none of the selected players has won the corresponding prize (e.g., “try again,” “sorry,” “roll it over,” etc.), both prizes are rolled over to the second level of play. If one of the identifiers 18 identifies a selected player and the other does not, one prize is awarded and one prize is rolled over to the second level of seal card play. This style of play may continued for any number of additional levels of play.
In another embodiment, the master card 10 provides for “directed” play. In directed play, each level of play begins by first revealing a predetermined one of the identifiers 18. This identifier then provides a directive as to which other identifier 18 in that level of play should be opened next. The next identifier 18 revealed will then indicate which of the selected players, if any, wins the corresponding prize for that level of play. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, it may be desirous to ensure that all the prizes are ultimately awarded. In such a case, the identifiers 18 may be arranged such that all of the identifiers 18 associated with a final level of play 24 each identify at least one selected player. Thus, regardless of how many previous prizes may or may not be rolled into the final level of play, it is guaranteed that upon the conclusion of the final level of play, all of the prizes will have been awarded.
Similarly, it may be desirous to ensure that a prize is awarded in certain intermediate levels of play. In such a case, the identifiers 18 of the certain intermediate levels may be arranged such that they each identify at least one selected player. Thus, regardless of how many previous prizes may or may not be rolled into the intermediate level of play, it is guaranteed that upon the conclusion of such level of play, all of the prizes of the previous levels will have been awarded.
To further enhance entertainment value, it may be desirous to repeat a particular player identifier 18 associated with one or more selected players in multiple levels of play. For example, in the embodiment of
As a further means of enhancing entertainment value, a winner of a particular level of play (e.g. the final level of play 24) may be given an opportunity to play in a “jackpot” level of play. In the jackpot level, a jackpot identifier 18 is revealed which indicates either that the player wins the jackpot (e.g. by displaying “jackpot,” “winner,” etc.) or that the player does not win the jackpot (e.g., “try again,” “sorry,” etc.). If the jackpot is not won, the value of the jackpot prize may roll over from game to game until a player wins the jackpot. The master card 10 may include indicia to that end.
Embodiments of the present invention also provide for several variations in which a raffle process is used, which allow for more than one raffle winner to play on the master card 10. In one embodiment, multiple (e.g. three) identical sets of raffle numbers are created. Each set of raffle numbers is coded—for example, by color (e.g. red, blue and green) or by some equivalent coding method—so as to distinguish the sets. The winning number is then identified by the raffle. In this example, because of the color-coding, three players qualify for play on the master card 10. Play on the master card 10 works as described above, except that the word “RED,” “BLUE” or “GREEN” appears instead of a number to reveal which player wins at that level, as shown in
In another embodiment, more than one winning raffle number holder may play on the master card 10 by using a portion of a raffle number and completing it in the master card play. For example, the first two digits of a three-digit raffle number may be determined through a raffle. A window is then opened on the first level of play 21 on the master card 10 to reveal one digit or “SORRY” (or an equivalent to “SORRY”). If “SORRY” is revealed, the prize amount is rolled over to the second level of play 22. If a number (0-9) is revealed, the player holding the playing card 40 displaying the number with the first two digits identified in the raffle and the last digit revealed on the master card 10 is awarded the prize associated with that level. At the next level of play, “SORRY” or a new number (0-9) can be revealed completing a winning raffle number by adding the new final digit to the previously identified first and second raffle number digits, and so on.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention may be played in conjunction with a symbol identification device, such as a bingo ball blower, a roulette wheel or other numbered wheel, a computerized random symbol generator, or the like. The symbols may be letters, numbers, colors, or other graphical symbols. While the following discussion may describe particular embodiments with respect to a bingo blower or drawing device, it shall be appreciated that any other suitable symbol identification device may be used instead.
While the present embodiment may be described with reference to master card 110, it should be appreciated that other embodiments may not use such a master card.
The game using the master card 110 of
The game may be initiated in the same manner, by providing prizes to those players having playing cards 140 which display predetermined winning prize symbols 145—an instant winner. Another aspect of the present game system similarly involves establishing selected game players who become eligible to play in a plurality of bonus levels of play 121-125. These players may then be listed in a list arrangement 114 on the master game card 10 (not illustrated) or on a separate registration card 200, such as the one illustrated in
The levels of play 121-125 indicated on the master game card 110 provide the additional levels of play of the present system. In one embodiment, a bingo number is drawn, which is then used in conjunction with the instructions on the master card 110 to determine whether there is a winner of the first bonus level of play. In the illustrated embodiment for example, only players holding playing cards 140 having blue, even bingo numbers may win at the first level of play. Thus, a drawing of O-73 would not produce a winner at the first level 121, while a drawing of I-16 might. Accordingly, it is possible that no winner at the first level of play 121 will be selected. Although the present embodiment is described as having five levels of play, other embodiments are possible having at least two levels of play.
In the present embodiment, it is contemplated that an individual (e.g., a game operator, a player, etc.) will draw only one bingo number for each of the successive levels of play. The master card 110 therefore may include indicia to that end. The values of the respective prizes for each of the levels of play are preferably prominently displayed at regions 127 on the master game card 110 so that game players are aware of the potential prizes they might win. Although the prize values 127 of the levels of play 121-125 denoted on the master card 110 in
Thus, the first level of play begins with a first bingo ball drawing. If the bingo number that is drawn matches a bingo symbol on a playing card 40 held by one or more eligible, selected players, the prize value associated with the first level of play 121 is awarded to the identified player(s). If, on the other hand, the number drawn does not match with any of the eligible, selected players, the prize for the first level of play rolls into the second prize value corresponding to the second level 122. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, if “B-10” is drawn, then the player associated with the symbol “Blue B-10” wins $100. On the other hand, if an odd number such as N-45 is drawn, none of the selected players win the first level of play 121, and the associated $100 prize is rolled over into the second level of play 122. Accordingly, if none of the selected players won in the first level of play, the selected players would then be eligible for an accumulated prize of $200 in the second level of play 122. Similarly, if none of the selected players is identified as a winner of the second bonus level of play 122, the $200 accumulated prize from the second level of play is rolled over into the third bonus level of play 123, with the selected players therefore being eligible $300 in the third level 123, and so on through the remaining level(s) of play. To this end, the master card 110 includes indicia 129 indicating that if none of the selected players has won a particular level of play, the prize associated with that level of play rolls over into the prize for the next level of play.
In one embodiment, it may be desirous to ensure that all the prizes are ultimately awarded, or that a prize is awarded in certain intermediate levels. In such cases, a total of 75 players (e.g., Red B-1 through O-75 numbers), one for each possible bingo drawing, may be eligible for the desired level of play (e.g. the final level 125). Thus, regardless of which bingo number is drawn, it is guaranteed that upon the conclusion of that level of play, all of the prizes will have been awarded.
Thus, embodiments provide for a lottery-type game system with a rollover feature. The rollover feature enhances the entertainment value of the game, thereby increasing player interest in the game, and in turn, potential revenues generated from the sale of playing cards to such players.
The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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