Abstract: At least a method and an apparatus are provided for efficiently generating non-redundant machine-generated quick pick lottery game entries. A computer file is created that includes every possible combination of number groups eligible for being selected for a particular lottery game. The every possible combination within the file is randomly shuffled to create a randomized list of non-redundant entries. A file index with a file index pointer is assigned to the randomized list of non-redundant entries. The file index pointer is set to an initial position in the randomized list of non-redundant entries. Each non-redundant machine-generated lottery game entry is generated by only sequentially incrementing or only sequentially decrementing the file index pointer in the randomized list, and outputting the each non-redundant entry indicated by the file index pointer to a ticket request device.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine-implemented casino-style game includes receiving, with a game machine, a first wager from a human player of the machine-implemented casino-style game, the first wager entitling the human player to a payout if the human player wins the casino-style game, receiving a second wager from the player, the second wager entitling the player to view hidden indicia indicative of the status of machine-implemented game after the game is commenced and to receive a payout if the status of the machine-implemented game matches or exceeds a predetermined criteria, displaying to the player the hidden indicia indicating the position of the machine-implemented game and if the status of the machine-implemented game meets or exceeds the predetermined criteria, providing the human player with a payout.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of conducting an online auction includes the steps of receiving listing information from a seller for creating a listing for a product offered for sale by the seller, enabling the seller to select a chance-based incentive to encourage bidders to bid on the product, storing the listing information in a computer searchable database, the listing information identifying those listings having associated chance-based incentives, receiving one or more search requests including search criteria from one or more bidders, searching a database for products matching the search criteria, transmitting information for those products matching the search criteria such that a list of those products matching the criteria can be displayed to one or more bidders and identifying those products having a chance-based incentive, receiving one or more bids for the product from one or more bidders and identifying a successful bid for the product and the successful bidder placing the successful bid and deter

Abstract: Protection is provided against increases in the price of fuel. As an example, the protection may be provided for an agreed in advance quantity of fuel and/or for an agreed in advance duration.