Method for conducting a lottery

Abstract

A method for conducting a lottery game includes setting a current lottery period for which there will be held lottery drawings; setting the number (X) of drawings for the current lottery period where X is at least two; setting a main prize pool PM for the current lottery period; setting dates/times Z1-Zx for conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period; selling lottery tickets for the current lottery period, each lottery ticket bearing at least one game set of m numbers selected from a set of n numbers, the game set of m numbers being valid for winning in each of the X drawings; conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period at dates/times Z1-Zx whereby each drawing produces a drawn set of m numbers from a set of n numbers; and, distributing prizes for the current lottery period for each of the X drawings to persons holding tickets bearing at least some of the m numbers of the drawn set of m numbers in accordance with the setting a main prize pool step.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lottery gaming and, more particularly, to a method for conducting a lottery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lotteries have been documented since early Roman, Greek and Japanese civilizations. The first state run lotteries are reported to have begun in Europe in the mid 1500's. In American history, one of the first lotteries was held at Jamestown to help pay for passage of new settlers. For the last 300 years, lotteries have helped support road construction, bridges, railroads, and schools, as well programs to help the underprivileged. More recently, lotteries are also favored as to help reduce illegal numbers gambling.

Most current U.S. state lotteries were created by individual state legislation and referendums during the 1970's and 1980's. Existing state-run lottery systems typically provide, at a minimum, for a consumer to purchase a ticket having a series of preselected or randomly selected numbers. Each such ticket is eligible to win a corresponding lottery drawing to be held on a certain day. Shortly after a ticket purchase cut-off time on the certain day, a random drawing of numbers is held, and any ticket bearing some or all the numbers drawn for that day may be redeemed for the stated prize.

Lotteries across the country now generate billions of dollars in ticket sales each year. The revenue streams are often not steady, however, and states are continually looking for ways to both increase ticket sales and to keep such sales steady. One of the factors affecting the rate and volume of ticket sales is the size of the jackpot. As the jackpot grows from single-digit millions toward double- and triple-digit millions, ticket sales tend to surge, but during the periods of average to small jackpots, player apathy can severely limit ticket sales. Advertising the size of the jackpot or the good fortune of recent winners can help, but lottery sponsors must stay vigilant in finding new ways to keep the game fresh and the chances of winning obtainable.

Variations have been devised in the lottery game to make it easier and more enjoyable to play, some of which are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. and published applications: 6,398,646; 6,325,716; 6,296,569; 6,210,275; 6,146,272; 6,110,042; 6,086,477; 5,186,463; 5,082,275; US2002/0037766; US2002/0115484.

Lottery sponsors are therefore continually looking for ways to improve and invigorate consumer interest and ticket sale volumes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lottery system that provides multiple drawings for which a single set of lottery numbers are eligible to win.

Generally speaking, A method for conducting a lottery game includes setting a current lottery period for which there will be held lottery drawings; setting the number (X) of drawings for the current lottery period where X is at least two; setting a main prize pool P_M for the current lottery period; setting dates/times Z₁-Z_x for conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period; selling lottery tickets for the current lottery period, each lottery ticket bearing at least one game set of m numbers selected from a set of n numbers, the game set of m numbers being valid for winning in each of the X drawings; conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period at dates/times Z₁-Z_x whereby each drawing produces a drawn set of m numbers from a set of n numbers; and, distributing prizes for the current lottery period for each of the X drawings to persons holding tickets bearing at least some of the m numbers of the drawn set of m numbers in accordance with the setting a main prize pool step.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved lottery game.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the method 10 for conducting a lottery in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a lottery ticket 16 suitable for use in the method 10 for conducting a lottery of claim 1.

FIG. 3 is a lottery ticket 22 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a lottery ticket 22 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a lottery ticket 22 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a lottery ticket 22 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a lottery ticket 22 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and any alterations or modifications in the illustrated article, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

In the typical government lottery system, there are defined lottery periods in which a jackpot is established, tickets are sold and a lottery drawing is held to determine winners, if any, to whom lottery prizes will be paid. The lottery period varies from one lottery game to the next. Common periods are one day (the lottery drawing is held daily), one week (the lottery drawing is held weekly), and bi-weekly (the lottery drawing is held twice a week, for example, each Wednesday and Saturday). Prior to making lottery tickets available for sale for a certain lottery period, the governing lottery director or commission establishes the size of the jackpot. This decision considers such factors as the total amount of prizes won in the prior period (by persons holding tickets with all or fewer than all the winning numbers), ticket sales revenues from the prior lottery period, the overall size of the last established jackpot, current public perception and desire to play the lottery, and the current financial needs of the lottery sponsor (usually the State). Upon publicizing the jackpot amount, persons are inspired to purchase one or more lottery tickets. The revenues from such sales comprise the overall lottery revenue. Customarily, tickets are sold from special lottery computer terminals that are electronically connected to a central lottery database server that collects relevant data such as the number of tickets sold and revenues therefrom, as well as the location, date and time of each ticket purchase.

Most of these government-run lotteries are forms of a pari-mutuel lotto whereby, in a certain lottery period, players purchase a ticket bearing a game set of m numbers from a set of n numbers. The m numbers may be selected by the player or picked randomly by the issuing computer. At the end of the lottery period, a drawing is held whereby m balls are drawn randomly from the same set of n balls to produce the m winning numbers. Prizes are awarded from a main prize pool, which is a portion of the overall lottery revenue designated for payout. The main prize pool includes a jackpot prize pool, which is awarded to the one or several persons whose ticket(s) match all m winning numbers, and a secondary prize pool for those whose tickets match fewer than all m numbers (e.g. m−1, m−2, etc., as desired). If no one matches all m winning numbers, the jackpot prize pool may be rolled-over into the next lottery period, typically increasing the stated jackpot prize pool. The period for the current lottery (the “current period”) typically begins at or just before the drawing for the previous period and continues until shortly before the drawing for the current period. The drawing for the current period often occurs in the evening and is broadcast by television or other public ally accessible medium. The m balls bearing the winning numbers are drawn at random and are drawn one at a time to extend the excitement of the drawing. The person or persons holding a ticket bearing all m winning numbers drawn in the current period will share in the jackpot prize pool for the current period; the person or persons holding tickets with one or more designated winning numbers less than all m winning numbers (e.g. m−1, m−2, etc. winning numbers) may be awarded lesser prizes according to the stated rules of the current lottery; and, the remaining persons holding tickets with no or few of the m winning numbers win nothing and their tickets have no further value. Some tickets, whether bearing winning numbers or not, may entitle the bearer to a free, new ticket to a lottery drawing of the next valid period after such ticket is redeemed.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a flowchart representing a lottery system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of description, lottery system 10 is considered as being administered by a lottery director, it being understood that administration can be performed by any person or group of persons, as desired. Lottery system 10 generally includes the steps of: 11—setting the current lottery period; 12—setting the number (X) of drawings for the current lottery period, 13—setting the main prize pool (P_M) for the current lottery period, 14—setting the dates/times Z₁-Z_x for the X drawings for the current lottery period, 15—selling lottery tickets 16 (FIG. 2) for the current lottery period, 18—conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period at dates/times Z₁-Z_x, and 19—distributing prizes for the current lottery period. Step 11,—setting the current lottery period includes defining the beginning and end of the period in which lottery tickets can be purchased or otherwise rightly obtained by lottery participants for eligibility in one or more lottery drawings that define winning numbers for that period only. For example and without limitation, the current lottery period may be defined to be from Saturday to the immediately following Saturday with a drawing to be held on such immediately following Saturday. Or, the current lottery period could be from Wednesday to the immediately following Wednesday with the drawing to be held on such immediately following Wednesday. Or, the current lottery period could be from Wednesday to the immediately following Wednesday with the drawing being held on the Friday immediately following such immediately following Wednesday. Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the current lottery period may vary, be periodic and/or nonsequential. For example and without limitation, the current lottery period could contain two parts and include a first period from Wednesday to the immediately following Saturday with a first drawing being held on such Saturday, and a second period from that immediately following Saturday to the immediately following Wednesday with a second drawing being held on such Wednesday.

Step 12—setting the number (X) of drawings includes setting how many drawings will be conducted for which a single lottery ticket 16 is eligible. That is, for the current lottery period where X=3, for example, there will be three lottery drawings (drawing 1, drawing 2 and drawing 3), and if the holder of a lottery ticket 16 with a set of m numbers does not match all m numbers of drawing 1 and therefore does not win a share of the first jackpot prize pool, he is nevertheless eligible to win a share of the second jackpot prize pool determined by drawing 2 or of the third jackpot prize pool determined by drawing 3. The number X of drawings is two or greater. The X drawings in a lottery period are contemplated to be mutually exclusive whereby, once the m balls are drawn in drawing 1, they are put back with the undrawn n-m balls so that drawing 2 is conducted using all m balls, and so on. Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the X drawings in a lottery period are not mutually exclusive, whereby subsequent drawings are held without previously drawn balls so that each of the set of m winning numbers from drawing 1 is excluded from drawing 2, which thereby contains only n-m numbers from which are drawn a second set of m numbers, and so on. This has the limiting effective of precluding not only the previously drawn set of m numbers from winning in a subsequent jackpot prize pool, but of precluding any ticket bearing any one of such previously drawn m numbers from winning in a subsequent jackpot.

The present embodiment refers to a single lottery ticket 16 with a game set 21 of m numbers. It is to be understood that such lottery ticket may be obtained with two or more game sets of m numbers, each game set of m numbers being individually eligible to win in the X drawings. Thus, for example as shown in FIG. 3, a single lottery ticket 22 has two game sets 24 and 25 of m numbers, each game set 24 and 25 being eligible for each of the drawings (1 through X) identified on ticket 22. A single lottery ticket, as referred to herein, is thus contemplated to include one or more game sets of m numbers.

Step 13—setting the main prize pool P_M includes the steps of: 27—setting the total jackpot prize pool (P_T) for the current lottery period, 28—setting the individual jackpot prize pool (P₁) for each of the drawings 1 through X (“1-X”) for the current lottery period, and 29—setting the secondary prize pool (P_S) for the current lottery period. Thus, for the current lottery period, P_M=P_T+P_S and P_T=Σ_1-x P₁ (X). Steps 12 and 13, setting the number of drawings and setting the main prize pool, can be conducted in any order or simultaneously. For example, in one current lottery period the total jackpot prize pool may be set at 10 million dollars; the number of drawings may be set at two; and, each individual jackpot prize pool P₁ for the first and second drawings may each be set at five million dollars. That is, both P₁ (X=1) and P₁ (X=2) equal five million dollars. The individual jackpot prize pools are preferred to be equivalent, that is, being equal to the total jackpot prize pool divided by the number of drawings, which in this example is 10 million divided by two. Alternatively, the individual jackpot prize pools can be set to be non-equivalent. For example, for a total jackpot prize pool of 10 million dollars with the number of drawings set at three, as shown in the drawings for which ticket 16 of FIG. 2 is valid, the individual jackpot prize pools P₁ may be set at 2 million, 3 million and 5 million dollars for the three drawings 1, 2 and 3 respectively. (i.e. P₁ (X=1)=2 million dollars; P₁ (X=2)=3 million dollars; and P₁ (x=3)=5 million dollars and P_T=Σ_1-X P₁ (X)=P₁ (1)+P₁ (2)+P₁ (3)=10 million dollars.

The additional step 29 of setting the secondary prize pool P_S for the current lottery period includes setting which groups of drawn numbers fewer than all m winning numbers will win a prize and the amount of substance of such prize. For example, a ticket 16 with game set 21 of m numbers that matches only m−1 numbers is set to win D_{m-1 dollars; that matches only m−}2 numbers is set to win D_m-2 dollars; and so on. The amounts D_m-1, D_m-2, etc. may be set and changed from drawing to drawing, but more typically, these values remain constant and are changed by the lottery director only from time to time. In one embodiment, for example, where m=6, D_m-1=$100,000, D_m-2=$1,000, D_m-3=$100, and D_m-4=$10. Thus, while the total jackpot prize pool P_T and individual prize pool P₁ are typically changed from one drawing period to the next, the secondary prize pool P₅ will largely stay constant.

Of course, the amount of the secondary prize pool P_T will vary from drawing to drawing as it cannot be known in advance how many tickets will contain numbers eligible for payout from the secondary prize pool P_S, and thus the amount of the main prize pool P_M can only be set as to the extent of the jackpot prize pool P_T.

Alternative embodiments contemplate the single lottery ticket being good for one or more jackpot prize pools P₁ in the current period and, in addition, at least one alternative prize pool (P_A) held for (that is, in relation to), but after the current lottery period. For example and without limitation, a single lottery ticket 35 (FIG. 4) is good for drawings 1 and 2 (at 36 and 37), stated to be held on May 6, 2006 (i.e. for the current lottery period) and, in addition, an alternative drawing to be held on New Year's Eve (at 38) (i.e. for, but after the current lottery period). As used in this alternative embodiment, “after the current period lottery period” means at a time substantially at the same time as or subsequent to the conducting at least one drawing for a lottery period succeeding the current lottery period. Such alternative prize pool (P_A) is contemplated to be held at any desired, stated date/time outside of and after the current lottery period. This alternative prize pool would be intended to heighten the lottery anticipation as ticket holders continue to buy and amass tickets that may not have won in the prior, standard drawings (the current period drawings), but may still become winning jackpot tickets in a month-end, season-end, or year-end drawing or other pre-existing or newly designated holiday or special event. Such alternative prize pool and associated drawing is contemplated to correspond to no particular event (i.e. to be held on an a calendar day that is otherwise non-special, such as May 9) or may be set to correspond with any desired government recognized or other type of holiday, such as New Year's Eve or July 4^th.

Lottery ticket 16 bears the name 41 of the lottery game (for example, “TRIPLE PLAY LOTTO”), a game set 21 of m lottery numbers, the scheduled drawing times 42, the date 43 ticket 16 was printed, and various other control and security numbers 44. The name 41 may be any desired name. The name TRIPLE PLAY LOTTO is exemplary and is used here only in relation to the number of drawings set for the present embodiment.

The game set 21 of lottery numbers consists of m numbers selected specifically by the player upon purchasing the ticket 16 or selected at random by the issuing computer (not shown) from a set of n numbers. The present invention is intended to be administered in the same manner as current state run lotteries, as is well known, by a computer network where tickets are sold through specialized lottery computers located at various distributors throughout the participating lottery territory. Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the present lottery system is administered through privately held devices, such as might be found in casinos and betting parlors. The step 14—setting dates/times Z₁-Z_x for the X drawings includes setting which day(s) and the times at which the X drawings are to be held in the current lottery period, as set forth in step 12. For example and without limitation, in one embodiment, the current lottery period is one week, extending from 9:00 pm Saturday to 9:00 pm the next Saturday, and for which there are three drawings (X=3); the three drawings are held at the same time, 9 pm, which here means that the three drawings are held, not simultaneously, but promptly sequentially. Thus, drawing 1 may be held at approximately 9:00 pm, drawing 2 promptly thereafter (e.g. at 9:02 pm), and drawing 3 promptly thereafter (e.g. at 9:04 pm). Alternatively, the drawings may be spread out, but still on the same stated day. For example and without limitation, drawing 1 may be held at 9 pm, drawing 2 at 10 pm and drawing 3 at 11 pm. Here again, the amounts and breakdown of the individual prize pools P₁ may be identical or varied. Alternatively, as shown for ticket 50 of FIG. 45, drawings in a lottery period (e.g. Saturday to Saturday) may be on different days, For example, for the drawing of ticket 50, drawing 1 is on Wednesday, and drawings 2 and 3 are on Saturday. For the drawings of ticket 50, the lottery period is one week, but ticket sales for the multiple day drawing tickets begins on Wednesday and ends on Wednesday, before the first drawing occurs.

Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein a drawing period for a multiple day drawing extends from one drawing to the next. Thus, where there are two drawings in one week (e.g. Wednesday and Saturday), ticket sales for the next lottery period begin at a time (e.g. 9 pm) on the drawing day for the previous period and extend to just before the next drawing, yet the ticket (e.g. ticket 50) is good for drawings on multiple days. For example, buying a ticket on Wednesday evening, after the 9 pm drawing on that day, provides the buyer with a ticket good for the next drawing (Saturday) and for the subsequent drawing (next Wednesday). Thus, each ticket individually is good for the next X drawings, be they on the same or different days. Further, in such embodiment, tickets 52 (FIG. 6) would be sold between Wednesday and Saturday for the drawings held on that Saturday and the next Wednesday, and tickets 53 (FIG. 7) would be sold between Saturday and Wednesday for the drawings held on that Wednesday and the next Saturday.

The lotteries discussed herein each consists of six discrete and non-identical selection numbers 21. Such selection numbers 21 may be selected individually by the purchaser or may be selected randomly by the computer (“random selection”) and are selected from the set of numbers 1-45. Each selection number 21 may be selected only once. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the selection numbers are: 2, 10, 23, 39, 40 and 45. Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the game set of numbers 21 consists of fewer or greater than six discrete and non-identical numbers. For example, and without limitation, lottery entry 32 could consist of just one number or of eight numbers. In addition, alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the selection numbers 21 are selected from a set of numbers that is different than 1-45. For example, numbers 21 could consist of five discrete and non-identical numbers selected from the range 1-60. The number of selection numbers comprising set 21 and the range of numbers from which the selection numbers are selected both directly affect the odds of winning. Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the lottery entry consists of elements other than numbers. For example, the lottery entry could consist of numbers, and/or letters, and or any desirable symbols. One such example combination might be a lottery entry comprising two numbers from a specified range of numbers, three letters from a specified alphabet, and an animal from a specified list of animals. Thus, the game set of m numbers 21 is contemplated to comprise any appropriate combination of symbols selected from a specified set of symbols.

The steps of 15—selling lottery tickets 16 for the current lottery period, 18—conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period at dates/times Z₁-Z_x, and 19—distributing prizes for the current lottery period are contemplated to be performed as described herein, in manners as known by persons skilled in the art, and in any other suitable and appropriate manner to achieve a reliable and respected lottery game. For example and without limitation, selling lottery tickets 16 may also be performed over the Internet or in any other reliable remote manner, and such lottery tickets may be purchased for cash, credit or in any suitable and acceptable manner. Furthermore and by example, conducting the X drawings may be performed over the Internet, in a public setting or in a private setting, videotaped for later broadcast. Furthermore and by example, distributing prizes or winnings could be in person, by mail, or direct deposit and in cash or merchandise or credit against future tickets purchased.

Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the number X of drawings is not announced until the time of the first drawings. For example and without limitation, a stated lottery ticket would bear just one drawing date, but periodically it is announced at sometime just before or just after the drawing first drawing that all tickets in the current lottery period will be valid for a second drawing to be held at a then stated date/time, which could be immediately after the first drawing or at any time thereafter.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrated and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A method for conducting a lottery game, comprising:

setting a current lottery period for which there will be held lottery drawings;

setting the number (X) of drawings for the current lottery period where X is at least two;

setting a main prize pool PM for the current lottery period;

setting dates/times Z1-Zx for conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period;

selling lottery tickets for the current lottery period, each lottery ticket bearing at least one game set of m numbers selected from a set of n numbers, the game set of m numbers being valid for winning in each of the X drawings;

conducting the X drawings for the current lottery period at dates/times Z1-Zx whereby each drawing produces a drawn set of m numbers from a set of n numbers; and,

distributing prizes for the current lottery period for each of the X drawings to persons holding tickets bearing at least some of the m numbers of the drawn set of m numbers in accordance with the setting a main prize pool step.

2. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 1 wherein the setting a main prize pool step includes setting a total jackpot prize pool PT and includes setting an individual jackpot prize pool P1 for each of the drawings 1-X for the current lottery period wherein PT=Σ1-XP1 (X).

3. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 2 and wherein the distributing prizes step includes distributing each jackpot prize pool P1(X) for each drawing X for the current lottery period to persons holding tickets bearing a game set of m numbers that matches all m numbers in the drawn set of m numbers in accordance with the setting a main prize pool step

4. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 3 wherein the setting a main prize pool step includes setting a secondary jackpot prize pool PS for each of the drawings 1-X for the current lottery period for persons matching less than all m numbers of the drawn set of m numbers, and wherein PM=PT+PS.

5. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 wherein the setting a main prize pool step includes setting the individual jackpot prize pools P1 in the current lottery period to be mutually equivalent.

6. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 wherein the setting a main prize pool step includes setting the individual jackpot prize pools P1 in the current lottery period to be unequal.

7. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 wherein the conducting the X drawings step includes each of the drawn m numbers being randomly drawn.

8. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 wherein the n numbers are sequential.

9. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 wherein the setting a current lottery period step includes the current lottery period being one week.

10. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 9 wherein the conducting the X drawings step includes all X drawings being on the same day.

11. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 9 wherein the conducting the X drawings step includes all X drawings being on different same days.

12. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 further including the step of rolling over any jackpot prize pool P1(X) into the total jackpot prize pool PT of the next succeeding lottery period where, for the current lottery period, no lottery ticket is issued that bears a game set of m numbers that matches all m numbers in the drawn set of m numbers.

13. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 wherein the conducting the X drawings step includes the X drawings in the current lottery period being mutually exclusive

14. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 4 wherein the conducting the X drawings step includes the X drawings in the current lottery period not being mutually exclusive

15. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 1 wherein the setting a main prize pool step includes setting a total jackpot prize pool PT and includes setting an individual jackpot prize pool P1 for each of the drawings 1-X for the current lottery period and setting at least one alternative drawing A and at least one alternative prize pool PA and wherein PT=Σ1-XP1(X) +ΣPA and wherein the setting dates/times Z1-Zx step includes setting the date/time ZA for each alternative drawing.

16. The method for conducting a lottery game of claim 15 wherein the setting dates/times Z1-Zx step includes at least date/time ZA being within one day of a government recognized holiday.