Patent Application
20250124764
The present invention relates to one or more lottery player's participation in a public lottery that consists of a method and system whereby, each lottery player's entry into the lottery generates an entry record into a Double Chance Lottery game database. The Double Chance Lottery game has at least three separate number drawings. The first number drawing consists of selecting randomly X numbers (without replacement), with a range of M. The second drawing consists of Y random numbers (without replacement), with a range of N. The third drawing consists of selecting randomly Z random numbers (without replacement), with a range of P. The values for X, Y, Z, M, N, P are positive integers.
The first recorded lottery occurred during the Chinese Han Dynasty between 205 A.D. and 187 B.C. A lottery was a form of gambling that involves the drawing of random whole numbers (integer) in a specific range and requires 1 or more participants to select in advance their guess of a random outcome to win at least one prize if the guess matches the drawing outcome. Lottery games consisted of a finite group of numbers that exist within a predefined range that will be randomly selected to produce a subset of numbers found within the predefined range.
The key idea of a lottery game is for a lottery contestant to guess in advance what the subset of numbers will be at the specified time of the lottery drawing. To ensure there are a sufficient quantity of number subsets, the number range must be large enough to produce a sufficient quantity of number combinations. By example, the Mega Millions Lottery (an existing very popular lottery game) has a number range of 1 to 70, with 5 of the 70 numbers randomly selected as a subset drawing. An additional bonus number is drawn separately with a range of 1 to 25, and is appended to the 5 number subset. This configuration results in the odds of winning the grand prize to be 302,575,350 to 1, which also represents the total 5 number combinations configured with a bonus number. To assist the contestant in picking numbers, the lottery system offers a courtesy feature where a contestant can request, with their paid entry, the lottery system to randomly generate 6 random number picks (5 subset, 1 bonus) and submit them automatically as the lottery entry. This process of producing machine generated “guesses” which will be automatically submitted as a contestant game entry is referred to as a “quick pick” by the industry.
A public lottery is a game played by one or more players selecting in advance their number guesses for a future lottery drawing. If the player matches all or some of the numbers selected during the lottery drawing, they may be entitled to a prize (based on the lottery rules).
Typical public lotteries consist of one or more players filling out an entry form for a game consisting of multiple integer numbers as a group from a range of 1 to “N”, along with a single “bonus number”, the bonus number will have a range of 1 to “M”.
As a prior art example, the lottery game Mega Millions consists of a player picking six numbers. The first 5 numbers consist of picking different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and the sixth number consists of picking a number from 1 to 25 (gold Mega Balls). A player can use a computer-based utility called Easy Pick/Quick Pick to have a machine pick the numbers for the player. A jackpot is won by matching all five white balls and the one gold Mega Ball winning numbers in a drawing. The player can win a lesser prize by matching some, but not all of the numbers drawn.
The method and process of creating a lottery draw type number game begins with the creation of the game specifications 1. The specification may be developed at a secure site external to the main lottery office 2. Communication of the game specifications may occur using a secure internet connection 4 to the main lottery office 2. The Game File Specification 1 will indicate the type of lottery game, the odds of winning the draw game, the cost associated with purchasing a ticket, the frequency of the lottery game and how to win the game.
The Lottery Office 2 authorizes various retail establishments 567 to sell lottery tickets to participants. The participants may be allowed to “pick” their own numbers to use on their ticket or they may utilize a random number generator (not shown) to select a “quick pick”, where the random number generator selects the numbers to be used on the participants ticket. The retail establishments 567 communicate with the Lottery Office 2 via Secure Network 4 to inform the Lottery Office 2 of the purchased tickets details such as but not limited to date and time of sale, numbers selected, date and time of drawing the ticket is valid and vendor id.
When Participant 81012 initiates their purchase of lottery tickets 91113, resellers 567 communicate with the Lottery Office 2. Based on the number of games, either manually chosen numbers or quick picks purchased from participants 81012, the resellers 567 print a ticket 91113 containing the number combination for each game purchased.
Draw type Lottery Tickets 91113 are valid for one lottery number drawing which will take place at a specified date, time, and a specified place using the system game result generator 3. As a nonlimiting example, the game result generator 3 can be a gravity pick or air mix mechanical machine or a computerized random number generator. The Game Result Generator 3 may or may not be located at a site external to the Lottery Office 2.
At a specified date, time and location, the game drawing occurs, and the results may be transmitted via secure network connection 4 to the main lottery office 2. The lottery game drawing is typically broadcast on live television and the results are published by the Lottery Office 2 in print media and digital media.
Participant 81012 compare the number combinations on their Lottery Tickets 91113 to the number combination generated by the Game Result Generator 3 by either watching the live drawing on TV, reviewing the results published in the local newspaper or on the website of the Lottery Office 2.
After checking the Lottery Ticket 91113 results, Participant “A” 8 and Participant “B” 10 have discovered at least one of their number combinations matches the Game Result perfectly and are a grand prize winner. As both participants 810 have the grand prize winning combinations, they must split the grand prize between each other and with any other participants (not shown) which have a ticket containing the grand prize winning combination. Participant “C” 12 may or may not have had one or more secondary winning combinations on their respective Lottery ticket 13.
Accordingly, a lottery game system for a lottery game is described, the system comprising: a first random number generator having a first entropy source; wherein the first entropy source is used by the first random number generator to generate a drawing result for main winning lottery numbers for the lottery game; a second random number generator having a second entropy source; wherein the second entropy source is used by the second random number generator to generate a drawing result for a first set of bonus numbers for the lottery game; a third random number generator having a third entropy source; wherein the third entropy source is used by the third random number generator to generate a drawing result for a second set of bonus numbers for the lottery game; the system is configured to accept a lottery submission from a lottery game player, the player's submission is in advance of the drawing results for the main lottery winning numbers, the first set of bonus numbers and the second set of bonus numbers; and the system is further configured to determine whether the lottery game player's submission matches respectively the drawing results for the main winning lottery numbers, the first set of bonus numbers and the second set of bonus numbers, and to determine winning prizes for the lottery game accordingly.
A method for a lottery game is also described, the method comprising: generating a drawing result for main winning lottery numbers for the lottery game by a first random number generator using a first entropy source; generating a drawing result for a first set of bonus numbers for the lottery game by a second random number generator using a second entropy source; generating a drawing result for a second set of bonus numbers for the lottery game by a third random number generator using a third entropy source; accepting a lottery submission from a lottery game player, the player's submission is in advance of the drawing results for the main lottery winning numbers, the first set of bonus numbers and the second set of bonus numbers; and determining whether the lottery game player's submission matches respectively the drawing results for the main winning lottery numbers, the first set of bonus numbers and the second set of bonus numbers, and determining winning prizes for the lottery game accordingly.
The Double Chance Lottery Game is a new variant that incorporates 3 random number sources. Each random source produces integer numbers independently from each other. The random number sources are hereafter referred to as “urns”, in that they can be represented by an open top opaque jar (urn) filled with balls labeled 1-N and 1-M (integer). The balls can be shuffled by shaking the urn and removed one at a time. The balls removed from the urn are considered a “group” or “subset” and represent a potential lottery winning selection.
The number groups may consist of 1 or more numbers (primary drawing numbers and bonus numbers are each their own subset).
The lottery gaming process is better understood by example, such as Mega Millions public lottery game. The rules for Mega Millions are the following:
The Double Chance Lottery Game uses 3 random number sources (urns) instead of 2.
If the player matches all 5 primary numbers for the main number group (urn #1) but does not correctly guess the bonus number (urn #2), they get a second bonus chance (urn #3). The bonus number will be selected from a third number source (urn). The player makes the alternative bonus selection at the time the primary bonus selection is made, which is in advance of the lottery drawing.
In the event the primary bonus number is selected and the player's guess does not match, the player has a second chance with a secondary bonus drawing. The second bonus number drawing occurs soon after the primary bonus number drawing. If the player correctly guessed all of the primary number group from the lottery drawing but not the primary bonus number, the player has a second chance to win a grand prize during the second bonus number drawing. If the player correctly guessed the second bonus number drawing, a secondary grand prize will be awarded.
In summary, there are 3 number selection events in the Double Chance Lottery Game.
The first drawing of random numbers from urn #1 and will consist of 5 numbers, forming a subset with a maximum number range of “Q”. By example, 5 numbers in the range of 1-Q.
A second number drawing occurs from urn #2 where a single number is selected from a range of 1-C. This is the primary bonus number. By example, 1-25.
A third number drawing occurs from urn #3 where a single number is selected from a range of 1-E. This is the secondary bonus number. By example, 1-40.
An example of how the Double Chance Lottery Game works is now presented:
In advance, a player will select 5 numbers from a range of 1 to 70 inclusive. Player picks 7, 20, 27, 60, 68.
The player then selects a primary bonus number (gold) 1 to 25. Player picks 23.
The player then selects the secondary bonus number (silver) 1 to 25. Player picks 4.
The player submits their selections to an official lottery retailer using an entry form along with an entry fee to participate in a specific Double Chance Lottery Game, which are white 7, 20, 27, 60, 68, gold 23, and silver 4.
If the player matches all of the numbers from drawing 1 (urn #1) and matches the primary bonus number (urn #2) of the second drawing, they win the grand prize. If the player fails to guess the urn #2 second drawing number, they have a second chance with the third number drawing (secondary bonus drawing, urn #3). If the player matches the second bonus drawing number (urn #3) and all of the first drawing numbers (urn #1), they will receive a secondary grand prize. If a player matches all of the urn #1 white numbers but not any urn #2 gold or urn #3 silver numbers, a prize is awarded to the player that is less than either grand prize value.
It is also possible for a lottery player to receive a partial win on their initial number selections for white, gold, and silver numbers for this new Double Chance Lottery Game. For example, successfully matching 3 or more primary number selections, along with the bonus number selection could provide for a small prize winning. The structure of the Double Chance Lottery Game introduces as “new” art the successful matching of bonus numbers in concert as a new variation for small prize winnings. An example is successfully matching both primary and secondary bonus numbers without any white numbers matching. As another variation, 3 partial number matches on the primary selection (white) in concert with one or both of the bonus numbers.
The two bonus number ranges can be but are not required to be the same number range (example 1-25). In fact, it may be desirable to have different number ranges for the primary bonus (urn #2) and secondary bonus (urn #3) selections, such as 1-25 for the primary bonus number and 1-40 for the secondary bonus number. The purpose of having different number ranges is to adjust the odds of winning. Conversely, the primary and secondary bonus number ranges can be identical, providing a different scenario for the partial or full winning odds.
As an option, the lottery game may provide for a “trifecta” grand prize. In the event the player correctly matched the numbers in the primary number drawing (first drawing, urn #1), and correctly matched the primary bonus number (second drawing, urn #2) and correctly matched the value of the number in the secondary bonus drawing (third drawing, urn #3), they will be entitled to the trifecta grand prize (assuming one is offered).
Once the public lottery drawing occurs, the player can ascertain if they have won anything. In the event of winning, the lottery player can redeem their winnings at a lottery retailer or the main lottery office (depending on the specific rules).
As described previously,
At the approved time, a public lottery drawing occurs and may be produced by the lottery game result generator 3. All electronic communications to or from the central lottery system 2 is conducted using secure data communications 4. In the event that a lottery participant 8, 10, 12 wins a prize (usually monetary), they may redeem their lottery tickets 9, 11, 13 at a lottery retailer 5, 6, 7 if below a specified monetary amount as defined in the game specification 1 or if the winnings are greater than the specified amount, the participant can redeem their lottery tickets 9, 11, 13 at the lottery central office 2.
The manual entry process starts at step 35 where a lottery player visits an authorized lottery retailer. The player may fill out and submit a completed Double Chance submission form (as seen in
Once the public drawing for a Double Chance Lottery has occurred, the player may submit lottery receipts (for the public game drawing that has already occurred) to any authorized lottery retailer for possible payment of prize winnings at step 46. The lottery retailer will submit electronically the player's receipts to the central lottery systems at step 47. At step 48 the lottery system compares the selected player numbers (done in advance of the Double Chance Lottery drawing) to the actual numbers selected during the public Double Chance Lottery drawing. At step 49 the central lottery system determines if the lottery player has any full or partial winning number matches. If the player's submission does not result in any winnings, the process proceeds to step 52.
At step 50 the system checks the current date and calculates the time elapsed from the day of the Double Chance drawing. The rules for the lottery game will define a time limit as to when a player can request payment on a prize value (typically one year). If the time window has been exceeded, the process moves to step 52, otherwise it proceeds to step 51.
At step 51 the central system determines if the player's prize winnings exceed a threshold for payment at a lottery retailer. The threshold for lottery retail payments was established a part of the lottery game rules. If the player's winnings are below the payment threshold, the process continues to step 54. At step 54 the player receives payment from a lottery retailer and proceeds to step 55 where the process of buying a lottery ticket, waiting for a public drawing, and redeeming a payout (if a prize was won) is complete.
Once a lottery participant 75, 76, 77 selects their guess for the future Double Chance Lottery drawing with an authorized lottery retailer 69, 70, 72, the central computer system 66 will process and create a file on the database subsystem 81, to record the Double Chance Lottery player's entry into the target Double Chance Lottery drawing in the future. Once a lottery participant's submission is recorded on the central computer system 66, the central computer system 66 sends back to the lottery retailer 69, 70, 72 an electronic receipt for the lottery participant's transaction. The lottery retailer 69, 70, 72 will print a “hardcopy” of the receipt 78, 79, 80 and provide it to the lottery participant 75, 76, 77.
At the approved time, a Double Chance public lottery drawing occurs and may be produced by the lottery central computer system with non-transitory computer readable medium 66. All electronic communications to or from the central computer system 66 is conducted using secure data communications 68. The central computer system 66 will record (by manual entry by an authorized lottery employee operator or electronically) the number drawing performed by the random number generators 82, 83, 84. The context of the number drawings is defined by the specification file 65. In the event that a lottery participant 75, 76, 77 wins a prize (usually monetary), they may redeem their lottery tickets 71, 73, 74 at a lottery retailer 69, 70, 72 if below a specified monetary amount as defined in the Double Chance Lottery game specification file 65 or if the winnings are greater than the specified amount, the participant can redeem their lottery tickets 71, 73, 74 at the lottery central office 67.
As a non-limiting example, if the range of the white number drawing is 1-70, and 5 numbers are to be drawn, the white combination outcome could be 5, 17, 35, 47, 52. The random number generator #1 82 will produce this outcome. The gold bonus number by example will be in a range of 1-25 and by example, the number 23 is produced by random number generator #2 83. The silver bonus number has a range of 1-10 and by example, the number 5 is produced by random number generator #3 84. The complete Double Chance Lottery drawing example numbers drawn is: white 5, 17, 35, 47, 52, gold 23, and silver 5.
The redeem flag will be changed to a 1 if and when a player request any prize payment from a specific lottery entry. At step 92 the central system calculates a CRCC checksum over the entry record, and writes the checksum into the record at step 93. The use of the CRCC checksum ensures that record corruption is detected. At step 94 the record generation process is complete.
If the submission is current, step 141 is executed which produces a 64-bit authentication code (by example). The authentication process is described in
Specifically, the 3-DES method of producing authentication codes works in the following manner:
To encode an index number, the 3-DES control encrypt/decrypt is set to 1 to encrypt. A confidential systemic key is loaded in the 192-bit key register 157. The 64-bit index 155 is stored in a system variable (not shown). For each index value transformation, the index number is incremented by 1. So, by example, if there are 1,000 records, the index value would be 999. After encryption, the 64-bit output value will become the record authentication code. The key value will be constant for both encryption and decryption, but will change with every new Double Chance Lottery offering.
To recover the index value to “look up” the contents of a specific record, the control is switched to decrypt, then the 64-bit authentication code is input to the 64-bit registration 156 and the decryption process will place the original index number in the 64-bit output register 160. The symmetric key 3-DES process can be viewed as a 1 to 1 “mapping” of 64-bit input codes to 64-bit unique output codes. The mapping changes for every key value in a very large set of “mapping vectors”.
This application claims the priority and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/629,366, filed on Oct. 16, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63629366 | Oct 2023 | US |
