Abstract: A vending machine for in-pack chance promotion game pieces or other items has a housing with a compartment for retaining items. A controller is mounted to the housing and connected to a remote computer operated by a supplier of the items. An authorizing code is loaded on the vending machine which accords to a set number of authorized dispenses which is confirmed with a database on the remote computer. The controller controls an actuator to selectively release items to purchasers who provide payment through a payment interface. When payment is received, the controller determines whether the number requested to be dispensed is authorized and operates the actuator to dispense the items. If the dispenser is not licensed to dispense the full amount, the actuator dispenses items up to the licensed number and refunds to the purchaser any payment made beyond that due for the dispensed items.

Abstract: An in-pack chance promotion game piece is redeemed at a machine without a cash dispenser. The machine scans a presented game piece and checks a database to determine whether it is a winning piece. The machine has a printer which generates a machine-readable token, such as a QR code or a bar code, which includes the amount of cash which the user is entitled to from the redemption of game pieces. This token may then be presented by the user to a cashier, for example a bartender, who is equipped with a tablet or other computer having a scanner which can read the token and instruct the cashier to dispense cash. In this case the tablet need only confirm that the token is in the proper format, it need not consider the game piece.

Abstract: In-pack chance promotional games, systems and methods utilize playing tickets that include computer readable portions such as QR codes. The QR code allows for players to redeem any instant win game pieces conveniently directly at an automatic pay station or redemption terminal or at a pull-tab vending machine thereby avoiding human error with on-site staff having to process the winning game pieces. Larger reward points amounts can correlate to larger instant win prizes further encouraging players to self-report. After determining the prize is above a certain value, entry of the prize winner's personal information may be required, and the information directed to a governmental agency or entering it into a database for future reference. The prize is dispensed in the form of cash from the automatic pay station directly to the prize winner.

Abstract: Location specific game of chance promotional game pieces are sold to promoters in a pack marked with a unique identifier. The promoter enters this unique identifier into a local computer within a local redemption terminal. The terminal queries a remote computer maintained by the pack's supplier and if the unique identifier corresponds with a pack originating with the supplier, pack-specific prize information is downloaded to the redemption terminal and stored locally. When the owner of a game piece scans a game piece at the redemption terminal, its unique code is compared against the local list of winners to confirm that it is a valid prize which has not previously been redeemed, and then cash is dispensed to the owner.

Abstract: In-pack chance promotional games, systems and methods utilize playing tickets that include computer readable portions such as QR codes. The QR code 26 allows for players to redeem any instant win game pieces conveniently directly at an automatic pay station or redemption terminal 55 or at a pull-tab vending machine thereby avoiding human error with on-site staff having to process the winning game pieces. The QR code 26 also prevents fraud by only allowing tickets that were sold on-site to be redeemed on-site. By scanning the QR code 26, players can also earn rewards points which incentivizes them to submit the information for their winning tickets for compliance with government rules and regulations. Larger reward points amounts can correlate to larger instant win prizes further encouraging players to self-report.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a non-transitory machine-readable medium that stores a program. The program receives a message from a client device. The program further determines a language from a plurality of languages associated with the message. The program also determines a model from a plurality of models that corresponds to the determined language. Based on the determined model, the program further determines a function from a plurality of functions provided by a computing device that is associated with the message. The program also sends the computing device a request to perform the function.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a non-transitory machine-readable medium that stores a program. The program receives a message from a client device. The program further determines a language from a plurality of languages associated with the message. The program also determines a model from a plurality of models that corresponds to the determined language. Based on the determined model, the program further determines a function from a plurality of functions provided by a computing device that is associated with the message. The program also sends the computing device a request to perform the function.