Abstract: In one embodiment, a presentation instrument comprises a card body having machine readable information stored thereon. A protective device is coupled to the card body so as to be disposed over at least a portion of the machine readable information such that the machine readable information is incapable of being read by a machine when the protective device is in place and the machine readable information is readable by a machine when the protective device is removed.

Abstract: The transaction card carrier assemblies of the invention generally include a carrier module releasably secured to a transaction card. In one aspect, the carrier module may be configured so as to allow for display of (e.g., visual access to) substantially all visual information located on the front and back of the transaction card while the transaction card is secured to the carrier module. In certain embodiments, secure (e.g., confidential or security oriented) information, such as personal identification number (PIN) information, may be obstructed from view until after purchase or delivery for security reasons, as is known in the art.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a presentation instrument comprises a card body having machine readable information stored thereon. A protective device is coupled to the card body so as to be disposed over at least a portion of the machine readable information such that the machine readable information is incapable of being read by a machine when the protective device is in place and the machine readable information is readable by a machine when the protective device is removed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for authorizing lottery transactions comprises receiving an account identifier for a stored value lottery account from a lottery system. The account identifier is authenticated at a host computer system and an authentication is transmitted to the lottery system. A cost associated with one or more lottery picks for a lottery transaction is received from the lottery system, a determination is made at the host computer system that the cost does not exceed an account balance associated with the account identifier, and an authorization for the lottery transaction is transmitted to the lottery system.