Abstract: A method for conducting a lottery second chance game program defines a quorum condition for entry into a second chance games, wherein a plurality of losing game tickets in a primary lottery game are needed to satisfy the quorum conditions. A quorum value is assigned to the game tickets and is linked to a unique identifier on each game ticket. Game ticket data is received from entries by players of losing game tickets, including the unique identifiers. The quorum value for the entered losing game tickets is applied to the quorum conditions for the second chance games. A prize value is established for each of the second chance games that appears to the player as a rolling prize that varies over time but is a fixed amount predetermined by one of the losing game tickets used to satisfy the quorum condition for the respective second chance game.

Abstract: A method for verifying the age or location of a player of an Internet-based lottery game entails providing lottery tickets for purchase by players at an authorized retail location, the lottery tickets having a game authorization code that is entered by the initiate play of the Internet-based lottery game on an internet enabled device. The age of the player is verified at the retail location and a separate verification password is entered via a terminal that is in communication with to the lottery system central computer, with the password linked to the game authorization code. Upon initiating play of the game via a web site, the player enters the verification password separately from the game authorization code. An Internet game server communicates with the lottery system central computer to ensure that the entered verification password corresponds to the linked verification password prior to permitting play of the Internet-based lottery game.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for conducting a parlay wagering game wherein players place a parlay wager on a plurality of linked wagering events. The odds of winning and respective parlay payouts are computed for the parlay wagering game and presented to the players. Wagers are then collected from the players for the particular parlay game they select prior to the first wagering event. If the player is a winner in the first wagering event, an exit payout is calculated and presented to the player that is less than the original parlay payout. The player is presented with the option to accept the exit payout and cash out of the parlay wagering game or to continue with play of the original parlay wager.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method establishes a payout schedule for a game of chance having an enhanced upper tier or a method of conducting a real time drawing for multiple jurisdictions. Arrangement is made with an insurer to provide insurance payment to the game provider in the event of payout of the enhanced upper tier amount, wherein the insurer receives a premium payment that is less than the upper tier payout amount. A computer system uses an algorithm known to the insurer and the game provider to randomly determine whether the upper tier payout will be awarded in the game of chance. One or more seeds are input into the computer system for use by the algorithm for random determination of whether the upper tier payout will be awarded, with each party contributing to generation of the seeds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing a prize structure of a game by using insurance to provide payment of highly valued prizes while securing the game entries such that the parties cooperating to form the entries are unable to locate winning entries in the completed entries.

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 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: 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 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 lottery data transfer method for processing lottery ticket data piggybacks on a merchant's existing debit or credit card interchange system. A BIN is assigned to lottery tickets that is unique in the merchant's credit or debit card interchange, the BIN associated with a lottery data blob also provided on the lottery ticket. The lottery BIN and data blob are into the merchant's existing credit or debit card activation barcode protocol to initiate transfer of the lottery data to a central lottery site via the interchange. At a processor within the interchange, the unique lottery BIN is flagged to initiate special routing to and further processing of the lottery data blob at the lottery central site, wherein the lottery data blob is processed outside of the interchange's debit or credit card data transfer and processing procedures.

Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a Digital Gate enabled lottery game wherein players are offered the chance to increase the prize value of a ticket by linking subsequently purchased tickets in a chain. Lottery tickets are provided for players, wherein each lottery ticket includes a unique validation code and play of the game enabled by the lottery ticket may result in a prize within a given prize structure. For winning plays of one of the lottery tickets, consumers are provided an option to redeem the ticket for the prize or to register and designate the winning lottery ticket as part of a chain. The player may enhance the prize associated with the first ticket in the chain by subsequent registration of an additional lottery ticket wherein, upon being registered, the additionally registered tickets in the chain may or may-not be individually redeemed.

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 is provided for implementing a Digital Gate enabled lottery game wherein players are offered the chance to increase the prize value of a ticket by linking subsequently purchased tickets in a chain. Lottery tickets are provided for players, wherein each lottery ticket includes a unique validation code and play of the game enabled by the lottery ticket may result in a prize within a given prize structure. For winning plays of one of the lottery tickets, consumers are provided an option to redeem the ticket for the prize or to register and designate the winning lottery ticket as part of a chain. The player may enhance the prize associated with the first ticket in the chain by subsequent registration of an additional lottery ticket wherein, upon being registered, the additionally registered tickets in the chain may or may-not be individually redeemed.

Abstract: A method and associated system for Internet play of an instant lottery game includes supplying instant lottery tickets for purchase by players, with each of the instant lottery tickets having a game authorization code. The winning or loosing status of the instant lottery tickets is unknown to the players at the time of purchase. Each of the instant lottery tickets is provided with a unique prize claim code separate from the game authorization code. A web site is provided wherein a player enters the game authorization code via an Internet device to initiate play of the instant lottery game. The outcome of the game is then randomly determined and presented to the player via the web site. The value of a winning outcome is credited to a running tally associated with the lottery ticket and, upon the player cashing out to end the lottery game, a monetary value is assigned for the running tally associated with the unique prize claim code.

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 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 is provided for implementing a Digital Gate-based, multi-player lottery game by providing lottery tickets for players that may include a first game component with a first prize structure and an entry into a multi-player network wherein a plurality of players combine their respective entries to complete a multi-player game, such as a puzzle. Upon successful conclusion of the multi-player game, the players are awarded a prize separate from the first prize structure. A code is provided on the lottery ticket that enables the player to access a designated Internet website and place their entry into at least one of a plurality of ongoing multi-player games with other players. Respective validation files associated with the lottery ticket codes are updated to reflect prizes won in the multi-player games, wherein players may present the lottery ticket and assigned code if required for redemption in the multi-player game.

Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a Digital Gate enabled lottery game wherein players are offered the chance to increase the prize value of a ticket by linking subsequently purchased tickets in a chain. Lottery tickets are provided for players, wherein each lottery ticket includes a unique validation code and play of the game enabled by the lottery ticket may result in a prize within a given prize structure. For winning plays of one of the lottery tickets, consumers are provided an option to redeem the ticket for the prize or to register and designate the winning lottery ticket as part of a chain. The player may enhance the prize associated with the first ticket in the chain by subsequent registration of an additional lottery ticket wherein, upon being registered, the additionally registered tickets in the chain may or may-not be individually redeemed.

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.