Abstract: A lottery ticket dispensing unit includes at least one ticket compartment and a separation module that has a drive roller and an opposed idler roller, with a motor geared to the drive roller. An automatic separator device is provided, wherein the drive roller conveys a leading lottery ticket to a separation position such that a line between the leading ticket and an adjacent ticket is presented to the separator device. The separator device includes a shuttle that travels in a linear path along the line, the shuttle having a head that engages and separates the leading ticket from the adjacent ticket along the line. A bi-directional drive mechanism moves the shuttle back and forth along the linear path.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser system includes a physical dispenser array having a plurality of separate bins for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. A control system is in communication with a drive mechanism in each bin to initiate a dispense sequence upon receipt of a ticket dispense command. A central lottery server is in communication with the control system. An electronic display device is in communication with the central lottery server and is configured to present a virtual dispenser array with bin positions that mimics the physical dispenser array. The central lottery server transmits lottery ticket images to the electronic display device that correspond to the lottery tickets in the physical dispenser array and bin position assignments for the lottery ticket images in the virtual dispenser array.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for dispensing lottery tickets at retail establishments. A lottery ticket terminal is in communication with a retail POS register and accepts a request for purchase of a particular lottery ticket selected from a plurality of different lottery tickets. A dispenser array is in communication with the terminal and includes a plurality of separate bins having a different respective lottery tickets stored. The lottery tickets have a machine readable code printed thereon and each bin includes a scanner disposed to read the code as the tickets are dispensed from the bin by an electronic drive mechanism. The lottery ticket terminal transmits a purchase signal for dispensing a particular lottery ticket that is routed to the respective bin containing the particular lottery ticket. The bin transmits a signal that is routed to a central lottery server for each lottery ticket dispensed from the bin, the signal identifying the lottery ticket from the scanned code.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for dispensing lottery tickets at a retail establishment. Lottery tickets are provided for purchase from a dispenser array in the retail establishment, the dispenser array including a plurality of separate bins having a pack of different respective lottery tickets stored therein. The dispenser array is in communication with a central lottery server. Upon loading of a ticket pack into the bins, a code associated with the ticket pack is scanned and transmitted to the central lottery server. With the central lottery server, a total minimum winning prize amount of the lottery tickets in the pack associated with each bin is determined, and a message is generated and transmitted as a function of this minimum total prize amount of the lottery tickets in all of the bins in the array, with the message being displayed to consumers at the retail establishment.

Abstract: A security-enhanced document, such as an instant lottery ticket, includes a substrate. Indicia is provided on the substrate, and a scratch-off-coating (SOC) layer is applied over the indicia to maintain the indicia unreadable until removal of the SOC layer. The indicia is printed onto the substrate as pigmented particles. One or more opacity film layers may be provided over or under the pigmented particle indicia.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser system includes a physical dispenser array having a plurality of separate bins for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. A control system is in communication with a drive mechanism in each bin to initiate a dispense sequence upon receipt of a ticket dispense command. A central lottery server is in communication with the control system. An electronic display device is in communication with the central lottery server and is configured to present a virtual dispenser array with bin positions that mimics the physical dispenser array. The central lottery server transmits lottery ticket images to the electronic display device that correspond to the lottery tickets in the physical dispenser array and bin position assignments for the lottery ticket images in the virtual dispenser array.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for dispensing lottery tickets at a retail establishment. Lottery tickets are provided for purchase from a dispenser array in the retail establishment, the dispenser array including a plurality of separate bins having a pack of different respective lottery tickets stored therein. The dispenser array is in communication with a central lottery server. Upon loading of a ticket pack into the bins, a code associated with the ticket pack is scanned and transmitted to the central lottery server. With the central lottery server, a total minimum winning prize amount of the lottery tickets in the pack associated with each bin is determined, and a message is generated and transmitted as a function of this minimum total prize amount of the lottery tickets in all of the bins in the array, with the message being displayed to consumers at the retail establishment.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser system includes a physical dispenser array having a plurality of separate bins for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. A control system is in communication with a drive mechanism in each bin to initiate a dispense sequence upon receipt of a ticket dispense command. A central lottery server is in communication with the control system. An electronic display device is in communication with the central lottery server and is configured to present a virtual dispenser array with bin positions that mimics the physical dispenser array. The central lottery server transmits lottery ticket images to the electronic display device that correspond to the lottery tickets in the physical dispenser array and bin position assignments for the lottery ticket images in the virtual dispenser array.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for dispensing lottery tickets at a retail establishment. Lottery tickets are provided for purchase from a dispenser array in the retail establishment, the dispenser array including a plurality of separate bins having a pack of different respective lottery tickets stored therein. The dispenser array is in communication with a central lottery server. Upon loading of a ticket pack into the bins, a code associated with the ticket pack is scanned and transmitted to the central lottery server. With the central lottery server, a total minimum winning prize amount of the lottery tickets in the pack associated with each bin is determined, and a message is generated and transmitted as a function of this minimum total prize amount of the lottery tickets in all of the bins in the array, with the message being displayed to consumers at the retail establishment.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser array includes a plurality of separate bins, with each bin defined by a housing having a defined first internal space for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. Each bin has an electronic ticket drive mechanism a control system in communication with the drive mechanism to initiate a dispense sequence upon receipt of a ticket dispense command. The control system is furthered configured to generate a bin ID signal upon a lottery ticket being dispensed from the bin. A central lottery server receives the bin ID signals and is configured to randomly determine a select one of the bins within the dispenser array to associate with a bonus prize and, for each dispense sequence, to compare the received bin ID signal to the select bin to determine if the bin associated with the dispense cycle corresponds to the selected bonus bin.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser system includes a physical dispenser array having a plurality of separate bins for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. A control system is in communication with a drive mechanism in each bin to initiate a dispense sequence upon receipt of a ticket dispense command. A central lottery server is in communication with the control system. An electronic display device is in communication with the central lottery server and is configured to present a virtual dispenser array with bin positions that mimics the physical dispenser array. The central lottery server transmits lottery ticket images to the electronic display device that correspond to the lottery tickets in the physical dispenser array and bin position assignments for the lottery ticket images in the virtual dispenser array.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser array includes a plurality of separate bins, with each bin defined by a housing having a defined first internal space for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. Each bin has an electronic ticket drive mechanism a control system in communication with the drive mechanism to initiate a dispense sequence upon receipt of a ticket dispense command. The control system is furthered configured to generate a bin ID signal upon a lottery ticket being dispensed from the bin. A central lottery server receives the bin ID signals and is configured to randomly determine a select one of the bins within the dispenser array to associate with a bonus prize and, for each dispense sequence, to compare the received bin ID signal to the select bin to determine if the bin associated with the dispense cycle corresponds to the selected bonus bin.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for dispensing lottery tickets at a retail establishment. Lottery tickets are provided for purchase from a dispenser array in the retail establishment, the dispenser array including a plurality of separate bins having a pack of different respective lottery tickets stored therein. The dispenser array is in communication with a central lottery server. Upon loading of a ticket pack into the bins, a code associated with the ticket pack is scanned and transmitted to the central lottery server. With the central lottery server, a total minimum winning prize amount of the lottery tickets in the pack associated with each bin is determined, and a message is generated and transmitted as a function of this minimum total prize amount of the lottery tickets in all of the bins in the array, with the message being displayed to consumers at the retail establishment.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for dispensing lottery tickets at retail establishments. A lottery ticket terminal is in communication with a retail POS register and accepts a request for purchase of a particular lottery ticket selected from a plurality of different lottery tickets. A dispenser array is in communication with the terminal and includes a plurality of separate bins having a different respective lottery tickets stored. The lottery tickets have a machine readable code printed thereon and each bin includes a scanner disposed to read the code as the tickets are dispensed from the bin by an electronic drive mechanism. The lottery ticket terminal transmits a purchase signal for dispensing a particular lottery ticket that is routed to the respective bin containing the particular lottery ticket. The bin transmits a signal that is routed to a central lottery server for each lottery ticket dispensed from the bin, the signal identifying the lottery ticket from the scanned code.

Abstract: Improved scanner designs are provided to improve imaging and reduce errors during the scanning process. Embodiments disclosed include, for example, the use of dual cameras to improve imagery and reduce the scanner enclosure size, synchronized lighting techniques during the scanning sequence, shielded lens for the camera scanner, a scanner enclosed on at least three sides, adjustments to scanner lighting based on the levels of ambient lighting, a combined branding and scanner apparatus, a gimbaled scanner mount, and a tilted platen with stop for document alignment.

Abstract: A lottery terminal includes a housing and a terminal controller configured within the housing for processing a player's request for a lottery ticket via an input device and issuing an authorized lottery ticket to the player via an output device. A network interface communicatively couples the terminal controller to a lottery authority network. A motion sensor is operably configured within the housing to detect movement of the lottery terminal from a stationary position. The motion sensor is in communication with the terminal controller, which may be further configured to transmit a signal to the lottery authority network indicating movement of the lottery terminal beyond a threshold value.

Abstract: A security-enhanced document, such as an instant lottery ticket, includes a substrate. Indicia is provided on the substrate, and a scratch-off-coating (SOC) layer is applied over the indicia to maintain the indicia unreadable until removal of the SOC layer. The indicia is printed onto the substrate as pigmented particles. One or more opacity film layers may be provided over or under the pigmented particle indicia.

Abstract: A lottery sales method and related system utilizes a computing device interfaced to a printer. The device is configured to track inventory of activated instant tickets and access sales reporting data, the sales reporting data indicating total sales of at least one lottery product of interest. For each lottery product of interest, a machine-readable indicator is generated corresponding to the total sales of the lottery product of interest. A report is printed that includes each generated machine-readable indicator.

Abstract: Improved scanner designs are provided to improve imaging and reduce errors during the scanning process. Embodiments disclosed include, for example, the use of dual cameras to improve imagery and reduce the scanner enclosure size, synchronized lighting techniques during the scanning sequence, shielded lens for the camera scanner, a scanner enclosed on at least three sides, adjustments to scanner lighting based on the levels of ambient lighting, a combined branding and scanner apparatus, a gimbaled scanner mount, and a tilted platen with stop for document alignment.

Abstract: Improved scanner designs are provided to improve imaging and reduce errors during the scanning process. Embodiments disclosed include, for example, the use of dual cameras to improve imagery and reduce the scanner enclosure size, synchronized lighting techniques during the scanning sequence, shielded lens for the camera scanner, a scanner enclosed on at least three sides, adjustments to scanner lighting based on the levels of ambient lighting, a combined branding and scanner apparatus, a gimbaled scanner mount, and a tilted platen with stop for document alignment.