Abstract: An online game of chance and methods of conducting and playing the game on a virtual instant ticket are disclosed. The game is based on a map having multiple branches and nodes, where a desired path is selected by clicking on the branch or node as play progresses between a starting point and multiple finishing points. Each available branch or node that is selected results in a prize value being increased, decreased, or a token being awarded for later use in the game. In a single player mode, a final prize is awarded to the player. In multiple player modes, the final prize is divided among the players according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An on-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards including cards having on-card data storage for value tokens and data uniquely related to the player and including cards with on-card data storage for operator security data. The player cards are operable as payment means in which the tokens are spent and as play validation and play entry means in lieu of mark sense slips and printed validation receipts. Demographic player data uniquely related to the owner of the card is stored on the card and possibly in the central wagering system memory. This allows correlation of play entries with player demographics. The operator cards are operable to associate every transaction with an individual operator for the purpose of enhancing transaction security. A plurality of agent terminals in data communication with the central data processor interface between the central processor and the player cards.

Abstract: A reader for cards having handwritten marks positioned to encode data, is provided with an image recorder for capturing an instantaneous image of the possible mark-bearing area of the card, including the handwritten marks and identification marks printed on the card. A data processor digitizes the data to a matrix of pixels representing grey levels at spaced points in the image. Digital means are provided to locate the identifcation marks and define the expected mark areas of the image field while accounting for positioning error such as skew, and to map the image field into potential mark-bearing areas. A comparator then compares the grey levels at successive pixels or groups of pixels in the mark areas with immediate adjacent pixels or groups, thereby detecting marks by finding contrasting edges. The identification marks printed on the card can be variable in type or position to provide for separate game cards. The reader is adaptable to be reprogrammed for additional games and functions.