This invention relates to games, in particular to scratch off game cards, systems and methods of play used for pre-picking winners of real time sporting events before the events take place, that include automobile racing events, such as but not limited to NASCAR®, stock car racing, rallying, drag racing, off-road racing, kart racing, Formula 1 racing, Indy-car racing, touring car racing, sports-car racing, production-car racing, one-make racing, horse racing, dog racing, camel racing and any other category of sporting event having a starting line-up.
Scratch type lottery games have been popular over the years where a customer can purchase lottery type tickets from fast food, retail stores and vending machines then scratch off boxes to determine if they are an instant winner for money type prizes, and the like.
Other types of other scratch off games have been proposed over the years. See for example, U.S. Published Patent Application 2001/0019193 to Gumina and 2004/0193490 to Pletz. However, Gumina '193 is limited to using scratch off tickets to play card games such as poker, and blackjack, or casino games such as roulette, which determine an instant winner when the cards are physically scratched. Pletz '490 is limited to having selected merchants sponsor scratch off cards where instant prizes are also rewarded when the cards are scratched off.
A web based company uses a race scratch off card which involves one large card with 40 scratch off areas and lines for people to sign their names. When the card is full, they scratch off the cards to reveal their specific car. This same company markets a 10 player pole position game revealing four numbers per line next to the names. See Big Game Sports Cards (www.biggamesportscards.com/nascar).
The prior art is generally related to revealing a single number that would anticipate that number as the winner of the race, only. Other prior art would reveal four randomly selected numbers to win the pole (starting) position only.
None of the prior art is related to any type of scratch off game for fans of racing events, such as but not limited to NASCAR or Formula 1, in which they can randomly select a team of five drivers for which to support. The prior art is based on solely picking one winner, either of the pole or the race. None of the prior art expands the fans interest and knowledge of lesser known participants in the race. None of the prior art takes into consideration a particular number may fall out of the race, thus eliminating the possibility of a win. None of the prior art bases the winner on a team concept, just as the drivers are, for the most part, member of owner teams.
None of the prior art encourages corporate participation or support of the race tracks. None of the prior art has been designed for local dirt tracks as well as superspeedways and road courses.
Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a marketing game for collecting user personal information including name, email address and the like using scratch off game cards, systems and methods of play used by fans for pre-picking a personal team of up to five or more drivers to cumulatively dominate as winners of real time sporting events before the events take place, that include automobile racing events, such as but not limited to NASCAR®.
A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide scratch off game cards, systems and methods of play used by fans for pre-selecting teams of drivers of real time sporting events before the events take place, and having players compete with each other for additional prizes.
A third objective of the present invention is to provide versatile scratch off game cards, systems and methods of play used by fans for pre-selecting teams of drivers of real time sporting events before the events take place, to offer the players a plurality of different outcomes such as up to three or more outcomes that would have the players compete for additional prizes: a team instant winner based on starting positions, a team winner based on the final positions at the end of the race, and a race winner if the race winner is on a players card.
A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide versatile scratch off game cards, systems and methods of play used by fans for pre-selecting teams of drivers of real time sporting events before the events take place, to provide a platform for corporate sponsors to promote their products while offering an additional chance for players to vie for larger prizes. To protect the integrity of the playing cards, there are matching unique control numbers on the scratch off portion of the card as well as the “tear off” portion of the card.
A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide versatile scratch off game cards, systems and methods of play used by fans for pre-selecting teams of real time sporting events before the events take place, to provide a platform for corporate sponsors to promote their products while offering an additional chance for players to vie for larger prizes by entering the players personal information and the selected team names using the internet.
A preferred embodiment provides a sporting event card game that includes a plurality of game cards corresponding to a future real-time sporting event having a plurality of starting positions, a plurality of scratch-off spaces on the game card which each cover one of the plurality of starting positions in a random order, wherein players scratch off a selected number of the scratch-off spaces to reveal the selected number of members of the player's team, the selected number being less than the number of starting positions, a team fill in section on the game card for identifying the revealed player's team, player identification fill in portions for listing contact information for the player of the game card, and a finish position portion on the card for listing a final finishing position number for each revealed member of the player's teams after the sporting event has concluded, wherein the player having a lowest totals of the player's team members finish positions wins the sporting event card game. The sporting event card game can be an automobile racing event. The sporting event card game can be an animal racing event.
The team fill in portions and start position numbers are listed before the sporting event commences or can be listed before a pre-selected time during the real-time sporting event.
The sporting event game card can include a starting position fill in portions on the card for listing a start position corresponding to each revealed member of the player's team. The lowest total of the start position numbers of the player's team can determine the winner of the sporting event card game.
The sporting event game card can include a website for entering the player social media data and the revealed player's team. The social media data can include a player's name, and a least one of an email address and a telephone number assigned to the player.
The sporting event game card can include a plurality of different control numbers each one assigned one of a plurality of game cards, wherein when two or more game cards have a same lowest totals of the player's team members finish positions a sum of a predetermined number of control number characters is used to break the tie.
The sporting event game card can include up to 50 scratch off portions on the card and less than five team members are selected by scratching off random spaces, by the players for each of the game cards. Alternatively, the game card can include up to five scratch off portions on the card, wherein each scratch off portion reveals the starting position of one member of the players team.
A second embodiment provide a method of playing a scratch off card game corresponding to a real time sporting event that includes the steps of providing a real-time sporting event having a first plurality of team members each assigned a starting position, the first plurality of team members competing with each other for the sporting event, providing a second plurality of game cards to a third plurality of players, each game card having a fourth plurality of scratch off sections which cover randomly selected and placed numbers corresponding to starting position for the sporting event, the second plurality being greater in number than the first plurality, scratching off a selected number of the scratch off sections to reveal a player's team, the selected number being less than the first plurality, filling in member numbers corresponding to each revealed starting position of the player's team, repeating the above steps for additional players, and determining a winner of the sporting event card game from the revealed starting positions of each one of the plurality of players.
The method of playing a scratch off card game can include the step of filling in each of the revealed starting position numbers of the player's team on the game card. The method of playing a scratch off card game can include the step of filling in finish position numbers for each of the selected members after the sporting event has concluded. Determining a winner can include the step of adding the finish position numbers for each of the members of the players team, the player having the lowest total finish position number winning the game. In the event of a tie, determining a winner can include assigning a different control number to each game card in the second plurality and adding two or more characters of the control number, the lowest total number determining a the winner breaking a tie.
Determining a winner can include determining a starting position winner from a respective player having the lowest sum of the starting position sum to be a winner of the racing event card game.
The team fill in positions and start position numbers can be listed before the sporting event commences. The team fill in positions and start position numbers can be listed before a designated time in the sporting event.
The method of playing a scratch off card game can include sponsoring a scratch off card game corresponding to a real time sporting event and offering a prize for the winner of the sponsored sporting event card game.
The method of playing a scratch off card game can include accessing a mobile sporting event scratch off game website from a mobile device, clicking on a click to play button to be directed to a player registration page, entering required social media information identifying the player to move to a next page, clicking on each displayed scratch off section to reveal starting positions of the members of the player's team, automatically entering the player's social media information, scratch off starting positions and a control number, and sending a registration confirmation to the player via one of an email message and a text message.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.
a shows a first example of a completed Race Day Scratch Play game card.
b shows a second example of a completed Race Day Scratch Play game card with a “free play”.
c shows an example of a winning Race Day Scratch Play game card.
d shows a fourth example of a completed Race Day Scratch Play game card.
a shows an example of an unplayed game card with 43 flag scratch-off spaces.
b shows an example of a played game cards with 43 flag scratch-off spaces.
a shows an example of a mass distribution sponsored game card as distributed.
b shows the scratch-off side of the game card shown in
c shows another example of a mass distribution sponsored game card as distributed.
d shows the scratch-off side of the game card with the scratch-off off starting numbers revealed and the driver number filled in by the player.
a shows an example of a mobile website page for a sponsored game event.
b shows the How To Play information for
c shows the registration page for
a show a screen shot of the mobile website for plying the Race Day Scratch Play game.
b shows a next screen shot giving the fan an opportunity to “like” the Sponsor on a social media website.
c shows a screen shot with five scratch-off flags along with a control number.
d shows a screen shot with the fans team revealed.
e shows a screen shot with the corresponding driver numbers and finish position revealed.
f shows a final screen shot confirming entry into the race day scratch play game.
a shows an example of a table tent card to promote the game.
b shows an example of a hanging banner that can be used by the sponsor to promote the game.
Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
The Race Day Scratch Play card systems and methods of the present invention employ scratch off technology in a card form or an electronic form. The Race Day Scratch Play card allows players to play competitive games while watching any live sporting event that has a starting lineup. The original game card can have up to approximately 50 scratch-off spaces.
One skilled in the art should realize that the particularities in the Race Day Scratch Play game card, method and system should not be construed as limitation of the preferred embodiment. Various system configurations and corresponding components may be chosen and optimized for a particular application to achieve a desired performance and other types of games and races, such as horse or dog races can be substituted. The race day scratch play game card can be configured for any real-time sporting event that has a starting line-up. While the individual rules may vary from game to game and sport to sport, the basic concept remains the same: scratch off the stated number of spaces and compete to win.
The Race Day Scratch Play card systems and methods when used for sponsored event uses the scratch off technology sold as a marketing package. The three main components involve a real-time sporting event, a large game card, a smaller game card for mass distribution, and a mobile website that can be accessed through Quick Response (QR) technology or by entering in the address into a web browser to reveal the same number of spaces as the small card. The sponsor can entice the fans to play the game by offering an appropriate grand prize. In return for having a chance at winning the grand prize and receiving a money saving coupon, the fans will register their cards with social information of interest to the sponsor. While the race day scratch play game card and website can be configured for any competitive sporting event that has a starting lineup, the game card, method and system is described using a race car event for purpose of illustration and not limitation.
When the cards are manufactured, the computer moves the numbers around so that it is virtually impossible to tell what number would be behind any individual space 115. The computer also places an alpha/numeric control code 120 on the card that can be used to verify the numeric positions on the entire card. This control code can also be used to break any tie.
From the time the fan receives the game card, the fan has until the official start of the race to scratch off the specified number of spaces, as instructed on the card and to register their card online with the sponsor or complete the registration spaces 140 on the card and return the fan section of the card to the sponsor before the start of the race. The starting position numbers revealed under the scratch-off represent the fan's “Team” for the race. On the game card, the fan writes the scratched off numbers under “Start Position” in the respective spaces 130 under the scratch off area. Once the order of the starting field has been determined, the fan can then fill in their team's numbers and names in the respective spaces 130.
a and 2b show examples of four Race Day Scratch Play game cards. Should a scratch off reveal a starting position that is not in the race, the fan can scratch off another space as instructed on the card until five qualified cars have been selected.
At the conclusion of the race, the fan inserts the finish positions in the proper lines on the game card. The finishing positions for the fan's Team are added together and the total number is inserted into the circle under Finish Position on the card. The card with the lowest cumulative score wins! In the Example shown in
In the unlikely event of a tie, the last two numbers/letters of the control code can be used to select a winner. In this example, the alphabet is converted to numeric with “A” having the designation 1 and Z having the designation of 26. Add the last two alpha/numeric digits together; the lowest cumulative score can be deemed the winner. Alternatively, the control code can be a numerical number or alpha numeric with the last two or more characters being numerical for use in breaking the tie and determining which card is the wining card.
When a group of fans are watching the race together and each of the fans has a game card, they can play other games amongst themselves. For example, each of the fans in the group can add up the numerical starting positions and write the total points on your game card in the circle under the column Start Position. The fan with the lowest cumulative start position score can wins the pre-race competition within the group of fans.
The invention can include marketing and using the novel scratch off cards with corporate sponsors. Sponsorships can be licensed for each race weekend, and can include more than one sponsor. The card can be customized for the race weekend and the card games can be handed out to all the race fans as they enter the race track. In this embodiment, the Race Day Scratch Play game cards are used by a sponsor as a marketing tool to allow customer/clients of the sponsor to play and participate in a sponsored game. A sponsored game card event can be made up of more than one component each utilizing the scratch off technology. In this example, the three main components involve a large game card; a smaller, mass distribution game card; and a mobile website.
The large game card can be similar to the Race Day Scratch Play game card described above and shown in
The sponsor can entice the fans to play the game by offering an appropriate grand prize. In return for having a chance at winning the grand prize and/or receiving a money saving coupon, the fans register their game cards with social information of interest to the sponsor. While the rules, layout and adaptation may vary depending on the selected sporting event, the general concept remains the same as the original card. The fan scratches off the stated number of positions to reveal his or her team. How the fan's Team finishes the race determines the fans success and potential for winning a prize.
For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the following is a description of how to play a NASCAR® Sprint Cup Sponsored Race. A specified race can be licensed to the Sponsor from Race Day Scratch Play. In this embodiment, there are three ways to play as discussed above, a fan card, a mass distribution card and through the use of a mobile website. Registering a large fan card or a small mass distribution game card puts the fan's entry in the same competition as the mobile website method. As described above, a sponsored event can include one type of entry or can include two or more types of entries.
a and 4b show examples of fan game cards each having 43 flag scratch-off spaces. The function of the large fan game card is for the use of fans at the actual venue, or anywhere fans gather to watch the sponsored race. Participants playing the sponsored game event are given a large scratch-off game card. The number of scratch off areas will coincide with the number of scheduled starters in the sponsored event. Behind each scratch off area is a number with each number listed only once on the card. Each number represents one of the starting positions (in NASCAR Sprint Cup® or Nationwide Series®, that number is 43) in the race.
a shows an example of an unplayed game card with 43 flag scratch-off spaces. As shown, the game card can include spaces with the sponsor's name 150 and can include a “Sponsor Area” that directs the player to the sponsor's website to enter the sponsored game.
a shows an example of a played game card showing 5 scratched-off spaces and information about the player's team written in the provided blank spaces 130. In the example, shown, the game consists of a winning number for “start position” and for “finish position”.
In another embodiment, the function of the game is for the mass distribution to the Sponsors customers at the sponsor's business locations, distribution to potential customers at the race, or other method of distribution determined by the sponsor.
The player scratches off all the five flags. The numbers revealed will represent the fan's Team for the race.
For the fan card distribution and the mass distribution game card, the sponsor could distribute game cards in advance, for example up to a month in advance of the sponsored event. From the time the player receives the game card, they have until the designated lap of the race to scratch off the specified number of spaces (five in the case of NASCAR Sprint Cup® or Nationwide Series®). In order to qualify for the Sponsor promotions, the fan must register their race team and control number by the time or lap specified in the rules. This can be accomplished by scanning the QR code printed at the bottom of their game card or using a web browser to type in the address listed on the card for registration.
Once the card is registered, the player can receive an email confirmation as shown in
After registering, the fan may complete the game card by filling in the relevant team positions 130 below the scratch off area. Once the qualifying order has been determined, the fan will then fill in their team's numbers and names. At the conclusion of the race, the player inserts the finish position in the proper location on the game card for total points 135. If a fan's team finishes the race as the top five finishers, that fan qualifies for a chance of winning the grand prize! As described in the previous example, in the unlikely event of a tie, the last two numbers/letters of the control code will be used to break the tie by converting the alphabet to numeric with “A” having the designation 1 and Z having the designation of 26 and adding the last two alpha/numeric digits together; the lowest cumulative score will be deemed the winner.
In the preferred embodiment, the sponsor is only required to give away one grand prize per race however; the sponsor can choose to add additional competitive game card entries and prizes. Optional ways to win can include adding up the starting positions and insert the total points on your game card. In this option, the player with the lowest cumulative score wins the pre-race competition. In another option, the player that has the card that is leading at the halfway point in the race can be a winner.
As shown in
a shows an example of a mobile website page for a sponsored game event. Clicking on the click to play button takes the fan directly to the registration page shown in
After clicking on “click to play”, the fan is directed to the registration page as shown in
Clicking on either the “Like” or “Skip” button takes the fan to the actual game page.
c shows a screen shot with five scratch-off flags along with a control number. The fan actually “scratches off” the five flags by clicking the five individual flags to reveal the fans team as shown in
Once the team is revealed, the starting positions, control number and registration are automatically entered into the race database. A screen confirming the fan's participation in the game is automatically displayed to the fan. Shortly thereafter, the fan also receives an email from the Sponsor confirming their participation. The email confirmation includes the fan's team and control number. In appreciation for their participation, the sponsor can also attach a money savings coupon to the confirmation email.
Additional features can include bar code type scanable features on the card where the player can win sponsor supported prizes if all their 5 numbers end up in the top 5 for this race.
The cards can be used for groups to play in the stands, at bars, and the like. Through the use of smart phones, fans not at the event can also participate, with the approval of the other participants, by sending their game side photo to the moderator of the game. There are always pools in the stands and this takes picking your favorite out of the equation. The invention has been test marketed at the Daytona 500 race track and had a great response from fans.
Optionally, the sponsor can use support material for the sponsored Race Day Scratch Play game.
For example, 50,000 customized scratch-off cards can be provided for a set licensing fee with deals on more volume for the weekend. Each weekend there are typically two to three races per race weekend at the same track, all on different days that could require new sets of cards.
Although the embodiment uses the cards for a car racing event, the invention cards can be used for other sporting events where there are multiple competitors in a single event, such as but not limited to boat racing events, golf events, swimming race events, and the like.
While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.
This invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/608,777 filed Mar. 9, 2012, the entire application of which is incorporated by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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61608777 | Mar 2012 | US |