Abstract: In a row of lottery tickets each ticket has variable image printing game data printed onto a base layer on a substrate and a series of covering layers including at least one sealing layer and at least one scratch-off layer. Simultaneously game information is printed as a multi-color digital image for each ticket using a variable image printing system. The game information graphics can indicate different values for different ones of the tickets. The tickets in the row can be of different series for sale to different retailers. The printing system automatically correlates the game data and game information to ensure no registration errors thus allowing much improved variability and allowing the game to take into account both game data and game information in determining a winning ticket.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing game by a plurality of players includes a set of instant win tickets and a programmed computer system creating a web site associated with the tickets to be accessed by the players. The system provides an app to be downloaded providing access to the site by the remote terminal of those players having the app. A computer controlled validation data base contains the status of each of the set of tickets and the system provides communication with the validation data base. The players can use their terminals to enter information relating to the playing of the game which is communicated to the remote terminals of one or more of others of the players.

Abstract: A game for a plurality of players includes a set of instant win tickets and a programmed computer system creating a web site associated with the tickets to be accessed by the player to play second games. The system provides a ticket validation program for prize redemption at a retailer and provides entry of the player into the second game such that the player who is a winner of prize on the first game can select to accept the prize redemption or to enter the site to use the prize to play said at least one second game. Additional credit can be purchased and applied by a certificate or smart card to the site. The validation data base is maintained separate from the site to prevent access by the players through the site to avoid encryption.

Abstract: A lottery game apparatus includes a set of lottery tickets each printed with an instant win game and information defining a number of points awarded to the player in addition to or as an alternative to a prize for the game together with a programmed computer providing access to a web site associated with the set of tickets. The computer program provides communication through the internet for the player, and program components for registration of details of the player entering the web site and for storing data identifying each player for entry by the registered player of a points entry number from a played ticket so as to define for each player an account of a points total held by that player and a plurality of games to be played by the player using the points.

Abstract: A lottery ticket having a substrate layer with game data printed in a game area and an opaque scratch-off layer applied over game area is modified by the addition of an patterned holographic metallized layer applied over the substrate which has different patterns for a series of the tickets and which is arranged to have an appearance associated with game information printed over the metallized. The printing is carried out by optically analyzing the patterns and longitudinally registering the material printed onto the metallized with the pattern in the metallized.

Abstract: A lottery ticket has printed thereon a matrix of nine rows and nine columns defining eighty one locations some of which are pre-marked with numbers from 1 to 9 and is arranged such that the player can select and enter the numbers in open locations to provide an arrangement of the numbers in which the marked locations and the open locations contain a number selected from the numbers 1 to 9 where all columns and all rows have the nine locations thereof each containing one of the numbers 1 to 9 with each number appearing once only. Prizes are awarded, according to a set of rules relating to the lottery ticket, depending on the appearance of at least one of the numbers in at least one of the locations or depending on the total number of correct rows or columns or other matrix shape of nine locations.

Abstract: A game ticket construction is formed by laminating two substrate sheets by a band of adhesive between the sheets across a center line so as to form an initially flat construction which can be folded into a four page eight surface booklet. A plurality of different games, each defined by game indicia some or all of which are covered by a scratch-off layer are printed, one onto each of the six surfaces except the first and last which carry promotional material.

Abstract: A lottery ticket having a substrate layer with game data printed in a game area and which is arranged to prevent access to the game data from a rear surface of the substrate and has at least one fixing layer applied over the game data in the game area so as to prevent release of the printed game data from the substrate layer and at least one opaque scratch-off layer applied over the sealing layer, the scratch-off layer being arranged such that it separates from the sealing layer and breaks down into fragments when scratched by a player, is modified by the addition of an adhesive layer applied over at least a part of the opaque scratch-off layer and a metal layer attached to the adhesive layer. The metal layer and the adhesive layer are arranged such that they break down into fragments with the scratch-off layer when scratched by the player and may provide both enhanced security and an improved appearance.

Abstract: A lottery ticket has printed thereon a matrix of nine rows and nine columns defining eighty one locations some of which are pre-marked with numbers from 1 to 9 and is arranged such that the player can select and enter the numbers in open locations to provide an arrangement of the numbers in which the marked locations and the open locations contain a number selected from the numbers 1 to 9 where all columns and all rows have the nine locations thereof each containing one of the numbers 1 to 9 with each number appearing once only. Prizes are awarded, according to a set of rules relating to the lottery ticket, depending on the appearance of at least one of the numbers in at least one of the locations or depending on the total number of correct rows or columns or other matrix shape of nine locations.

Abstract: A vending machine for lottery tickets includes an exterior housing for access by a purchasing customer and a secure interior within which is mounted a plurality of dispensing containers to dispense the one or more tickets as selected by the purchasing customer. A plurality of separate holders for printed ticket information are arranged in an array, each with a purchase switch and an information switch actuable by the customer. Graphic information is provided on a video display screen controlled by a control unit within the housing arranged to control the dispensing of the selected tickets and to display on the video display screen graphic information relating to a ticket in response to information switches actuated by the customer. The graphics on the screen can be actuated in response to a motion sensor detecting the presence of a customer. The screen serves also as a display screen for the authorized operator and thus can be moved to be viewed from outside or inside a door.

Abstract: A lottery ticket is printed onto a conventional paper, card or similar substrate to provide game information printed on the substrate and game data printed on the substrate where some or all of the game data is covered by a removable covering which can be removed by the player generally by scratching a latex covering layer to expose the covered data for playing the game. In addition, a battery is printed on the substrate together with printed conductive paths, a powered element such lights or sound or a changeable ink formed on the substrate and a switch responsive to an action on the substrate by the player, generally scratching of the covering layer for conducting power from the battery to the powered element.

Abstract: A packaging material is provided in a continuous roll for forming into a channel shaped receptacle for receiving and supporting a structure such as a food product to be packaged by an over-wrap material. The packaging material is formed from two substrate sheets connected together along side edges to form a coextensive laminate defining a center portion and two side strip portions where the center portion has a width arranged to form the bottom wall and the two side strip portions each have a width arranged to form a respective one of the upstanding side walls. The center portions can be separated and exposed by tearing away the side and end portions and the inside surface of the center portions carries printed indicia providing a remanent value therefor, such as a scratch-off type lottery game or a collectible card.