Abstract: An Internet gaming system and method enable play of a plurality of different Internet-based games made on an Internet game site. Game specific modules conduct play of the different respective games with players via an interface with the Internet game site. A secure game outcome generator determines a game outcome for each game play selected for play by a player and has a game specific outcome file for each game specific module, with each file having individual play scripts that are communicated to the game specific module for each game played by a player via the Internet lottery site. Each play script determines the outcome of the game play and includes a clear text portion that presents inventory and audit information in human readable text, and an encrypted data portion that presents all data determinative of the game play outcome in encrypted form.

Abstract: A method for implementing transfer of payments and prize amounts for Internet gaming transactions includes issuing an Internet gaming account to a consumer having an open loop sub-account affiliated with a financial institution, and respective wagering and winning sub accounts. The consumer loads the closed loop wagering account from a plurality of sources. Funds are transferred from the wagering account in defined incremental amounts to a lottery Internet service provider's game account for play of lottery games by the consumer via an Internet enabled device. Any transactional fees associated with loading the wagering account are garnered at the time of a respective load to the account and substantially no transactional fees are associated with the individual incremental transfer of funds from the wagering account to the lottery Internet service provider's game account.

Abstract: An internet gaming system includes a core platform, and a vertical extension functionality configured with the core platform and having a first application programming interface. A plurality of game specific modules are provided with a hardware and software configuration to conduct different respective Internet-based games with players via an Internet lottery site, with each game specific module including a dedicated second application programming interface. Input/output data between the core platform and the game specific modules occurs only through the first and second application programming interfaces. A secure game outcome generator has a hardware and software configuration to determine a game outcome for each game played via the system and is linked to the core platform via a secure interface with the vertical extension.

Abstract: A lottery instant-game ticket and method of making same. On a substrate is placed a first set of game indicia including a first set of game symbols, and a second set of indicia larger than the first set of game indicia and including a second set of game symbols, and includes any winning symbol. A subset of the second set of game indicia with each symbol including a non-winning indicator. The first set and second of game indicia are covered with a removable covering, with the covering having position indicators positioned substantially over each of the first set of game indicia, and identical game symbols positioned substantially over a corresponding identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia such that removal of the identical game symbol reveals the identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia and any non-winning indicator, if present.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for conducting play of Internet-based lottery games includes providing players with a plurality of different Internet-based lottery games playable on an Internet enabled device in communication with an Internet game site, wherein the games have different game themes and mechanics of play by the player. A selection is accepted from a player for play of a particular one of the Internet-based lottery games. The plurality of different Internet-based games are linked to a common predetermined prize structure associated with a defined set of data files loaded in a secure game outcome generator such that the data files determine the outcome and prize structure of a defined number of game plays regardless of the particular game selected for play by the player from the plurality of different games.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing an instant win lottery game includes receiving a player's wager and selection of a game at a point-of-sale (POS) lottery location. The player receives a lottery ticket corresponding to the selected game, with the lottery ticket including a unique identification code that dictates the outcome of the game. The player accesses the lottery authority system via a wireless internet enabled mobile device to display and play an instant win game to reveal the outcome of the lottery ticket.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securely generating lottery games are presented. A final game generation seed number is formed from multiple seed numbers from multiple and differing parties such that no one party has the ability to create the final seed number without the other parties' consent or knowledge. Since the final seed number is required by the software that governs the distribution of prizes within a game and is therefore required to produce valid game data, no one entity would have enough information to determine the location of a winning prize. This creates an environment of transparency such that all parties must agree on the terms that result in the formation of the final seed number from the individual seed number fragments in order to produce a game.

Abstract: A multi-matrix lottery game allowing cross-matching between two sets of player indicia against two sets of game indicia drawn by a lottery authority is provided. A player selects one set of indicia from a first set of indicia matrix and another set of indicia from a second set of indicia matrix. The lottery authority determines an winning result by making similar selection from two sets of indicia matrices. The player's prize is determined by matching between indicia from the corresponding sets. The player is entitled to an enhanced prize if there is cross-matching between the player indicia from the first set and the winning indicia from the second set or between the player indicia of the second set and the winning indicia from the first set.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing a lottery game includes providing players with a unique validation code for each desired play of a lottery game. A first encryption code is generated for each validation code and stored so that the first encryption code and algorithm are present only as electronic data in the computer system and are not provided to the players. Players submit their respective unique validation code for registration in the lottery game and the computer system applies the algorithm to each code submitted by a player to create a second encryption code for each unique validation code. The computer system compares the second encryption code with a record of the first encryption codes to determine whether a match exists between the second encryption code and one of the first encryption codes.

Abstract: A first server system stores a validation file having validation records for lottery tickets provided to players and is accessible by authorized lottery personnel for verifying the status of a lottery ticket. A second server system stores a verification file having verification records for the lottery tickets provided to the players and is made accessible to players prior to redemption of the lottery ticket, wherein a player enters a code provided on the lottery ticket that is linked to the specific verification record for the lottery ticket and is provided with the winning or losing status of the lottery ticket.

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 instant-game ticket and method of making same. On a substrate is placed a first set of game indicia including a first set of game symbols, and a second set of indicia larger than the first set of game indicia and including a second set of game symbols, and includes any winning symbol. A subset of the second set of game indicia with each symbol including a non-winning indicator. The first set and second of game indicia are covered with a removable covering, with the covering having position indicators positioned substantially over each of the first set of game indicia, and identical game symbols positioned substantially over a corresponding identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia such that removal of the identical game symbol reveals the identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia and any non-winning indicator, if present.

Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a ticket-based Internet lottery game wherein winning plays of the Internet games are validated and redeemed through a lottery authority's existing validation and redemption system for on-line lottery tickets. Lottery tickets are provided for players, with the lottery tickets having a code that enables a player to access a designated web site and play an Internet game having a prize structure. The code is validated against a database and, for winning plays of the Internet game, a virtual bet is generated and transferred to the on-line lottery ticket validation system. Virtual drawings are periodically conducted within the on-line lottery ticket validation system in order to load win files corresponding to winning plays of the Internet game into the on-line lottery ticket winners database. The winning players are instructed as to a time after the virtual drawing when they can redeem their prize.

Abstract: A method and associated lottery game card/ticket are provided for implementing a ticket-based, multi-component lottery game and includes providing lottery tickets for players, wherein the lottery tickets include a first game component with a first prize structure and at least one additional game component with a separate second prize structure. A first validation code is provided on the lottery ticket that is linked to a first game server for validating and redeeming the first game component of the lottery ticket. A second validation code is provided on the lottery ticket that may be linked to a separate second game server for validating and redeeming the second game component of the lottery ticket. Validation and redemption of the lottery ticket for the first and second game components is enabled by separate redemption acts.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a network-based lottery game includes providing lottery tickets to players, wherein each of the lottery tickets includes a code that allows the player to access an Internet site maintained by a server system for play of a lottery game via a network-enabled device. A game result file is randomly assigned to the player from a finite set of game result files maintained by the server system, wherein each game result file has a unique identifier and a predetermined game outcome. The predetermined game outcome is assigned to the player via the Internet-enabled device and, in the event of a winning game play, the unique identifier of the respective game result file is transmitted to the player for subsequent use in redeeming the game play.

Abstract: A method for adapting a game of bingo to a lottery, includes predetermining a plurality of bingo faces to achieve a desired liability profile. One or more of the plurality of bingo faces are distributed. Random call numbers are generated until a desired pattern is achieved on one or more of the distributed bingo faces.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an additional or end-of-game drawing to players of a lottery game is provided. In one embodiment, unique validation codes provided on lottery tickets can be encrypted using an algorithm and used to create a record of such encrypted codes. A player then participates in the lottery and subsequently submits the validation code from the ticket to a lottery provider. The lottery provider applies the algorithm to the submitted validation code to create another encryption code for comparison with the record of encrypted codes. In the event a match is found, the player is entered into a second-chance or end of game drawing. Upon entry, the player is no longer required to maintain possession of the ticket for subsequent validation.

Abstract: In a gaming method, player symbol data indicative of a plurality of sets of player symbols associated with a player may be received. Each player symbol is selected from a plurality of possible symbols. An indication that the player submitted a wager associated with the plurality of sets of player symbols may be received. Winning symbol data indicative of a set of winning symbols from the plurality of possible symbols may be received. A value payout based on respective numbers of winning symbols in respective sets of player symbols may be determined, wherein for at least some value payouts the value payout is different than a sum of a plurality of individual value payouts, each individual payout based on the respective number of winning symbols in the corresponding set of player symbols. Player payout data indicative of the value payout may be transmitted.

Abstract: An electron game machine is provided that may be used in association with standard or special type lottery tickets to enhance a lottery players game experience. The machine may be configure for single or plural play options and may be recharged for reuse. Game play data may be entered manually or automatically. Game machines may be manufactured as generic devices and programmed with game specific information as needed.