Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LOTTERY TICKET GAME
This invention relates to a set of winning and losing lottery tickets to be
used in a lottery ticket game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lottery tickets have become very common in the lottery industry and
commonly use a scratch-off coating which is removed by the player to reveal
whether the ticket is a winning or a losing ticket. J_.
The present invention is primarily concerned with "instant-win" tickets
in which the nature of the ticket, that is whether it is a winning ticket or a
losing ticket
is entirely predetermined but is only revealed to the player once the scratch-
off
coating is removed in the required locations.
Initially such tickets were of a simple nature in which, typically, a grid of
game symbols is covered by a scratch-off layer. Once the scratch-off layer is
removed, if the game symbols provide a certain pattern, for example three of
the
same symbol, the ticket is exposed as a winning ticket and the player can
redeem
the ticket for a prize.
As opposed to "probability" tickets, in which some or all of the tickets
may be winning tickets depending upon selections made by the player, such
predetermined "instant-win" tickets have the advantage that the winning
percentage
and therefore the pay out is predetermined and alsa have the advantage that
security can be more readily retained due to the availability of checking of
validation
codes printed on the tickets.
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Thus, while such "instant win" tickets are necessarily predetermined, it
is highly desirable to provide for the player an extended length of play which
allows
the player to take a number of steps and compare a number of symbols before
the
winning or losing nature of the ticket is revealed. Thus in mature lottery
jurisdictions,
where players have reached a certain level of sophistication, lottery
operators must
introduce new concepts that allow the player to extend their play. Numerous
lotteries have therefore dedicated entire product categories to such extended-
play
games. The industry has seen bingo, crosswords, word-finds and maze-like games
introduced into this extended play category. Although lotteries continue to
use these
types of extended play games, there is a requirement to provide new extended
play
formats for inclusion into this category.
While play formats in extended play categories take longer to play, in
order to be successful, the concept needs to be clear and easily understood by
the
average player.
Examples of extended play format tickets are shown in the following
patents and patent applications.
US Patent Application 2002/0109294 (Gauthier) assigned to Oberthur
Gaming Technologies discloses a lottery ticket describing a form of "dominoes"
game which includes a first play area comprising a pre-selected number of
pairs of
adjacent play symbols, and a second play area comprising a plurality of
intersecting
rows. The player matches the pairs (dominoes) from the first play area with
the
same pairs (dominoes) in adjacent regions of the second play area and a prize
is
won if the player matches a sufficient number.
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US Patent Application 200210084584 (Yusuf) assigned to Oberthur
Gaming Technologies discloses a lottery ticket describing a form of "go to"
game
with a play area covered by a removable scratch-off layer in which there is a
plurality
of individual play regions each containing at least one of a prize supporting
symbol,
a prize defeating symbol or a directional symbol advising the player to
proceed to
another play region. A prize is won if the player accumulates at feast a
minimum of
prize supporting symbols before obtaining a pre-selected number of prize
defeating
symbols.
US Patent Application 200310025270 (Schaefer) assigned to Oberthur
Gaming Technologies discloses a lottery ticket describing a form of "race
track"
game with a play area having a player identification area containing a player
identification symbol and a plurality of individual play regions each of which
contains
the player identification symbol, a prize defeating symbol or a neutral
symbol.
US Patent Application 2002/003335 (Schaefer) assigned to Oberthur
Gaming Technologies discloses a form of "hangman" game in which a game area is
scratched to expose either letters in the target word or symbols which defeat
the
prize. If the target word is obtained before the prize defeating symbols are
collected,
the ticket is a winner.
US Patent Application 200210093188 (Downes) assigned to Oberthur
Gaming Technologies discloses a game ticket having aligned rows of play
indicia,
target and prize.
US patent 6,241,246 (Guttin) assigned to Oberthur Gaming
Technologies discloses a lottery ticket forming a word game based upon target
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words in which a set of letters in a grid or matrix, a series of target words
which are
covered by scratch off some of which are located in the matrix of letters so
that the
player can expose the target words and then look in the matrix for the target
words.
US Patent 5,411,260 (Smith) assigned to Dittler discloses a maze type
game where there is a series of covered numbers from a first box which can be
exposed by removing the scratch off. These numbers are then applied to a
matrix of
numbers to see whether, after scratching all of the numbers from the first
box, the
scratched numbers define a path through the maze.
US Patent 5,657,991 (Camarato) assigned to Media Drop-In
Productions, Inc. relates to a bingo type game with bonus numbers.
US Patent 5,560,608 (Silverschotz) assigned to Webcraft
Technologies, Inc. relates to a bingo type game where the bingo card is marked
by a
"marking formulation".
US Patent 4,491,319 (Nelson) relates to a game of skill where the
player compares images.
US Patent 5,112,058 (Sandeen) relates to a bingo type game having a
series of hexagonal shaped game areas.
US Patents 5,855,514, 5,931,467 and 5,996,997 (Kamille) relate to
various arrangements of probability games with a matrix of scratch off areas
covering various symbols which are winning symbols, losing symbols and in some
cases directional symbols.
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In addition to the above patents there are well known games such as
"Battleships", "Snakes and Ladders" and "Twister" where in each case the
substrate
forming each game ticket comprises:
a first game area on the substrate;
5 a plurality of first game symbols printed in the first game area;
the first game symbols being covered by a scratch-off coating
which can be removed by the player to expose the first game symbols;
a second game area on the substrate;
the second game area defining a matrix of game locations set out in
rows and columns;
the substrate having printed thereon a set of second game
symbols each arranged in a respective one of a plurality of the game locations
of the
second game area;
the set of second game symbols being covered by a layer of a
scratch-off coating removable by the player;
the scratch-off coating having printed thereon a set of third
game symbols each arranged in a respective one of a plurality of the game
locations
of the second game area;
some of the third game symbols being the same as the first
game symbols such that, when the player exposes the first game symbols, this
provides an indication to the player of those of the third game symbols which
identify
game locations of the matrix to be scratched to expose the second game
symbols;
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on a winning ticket, a number equal to or greater than a predetermined
number of the second game symbols defining a prize winning symbol;
and on a losing ticket, less than a predetermined number of the second
game symbols defining a prize winning symbol.
This type of ticket provides to some extent an extended play format but
there remains opportunity to yet further improve the game play action for the
pleasure of the player without significantly complicating the ticket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of the invention to provide a set of "instant win" lottery
tickets including winning and losing tickets in which the predetermined game
defined
on the ticket for the player has an extended play format.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a set of
winning and losing lottery tickets comprising:
a plurality of ticket substrates, each having:
a first game area on the substrate;
a plurality of first game symbols printed in the first game area;
the first game symbols being covered by a scratch-off coating which
can be removed by the player to expose the first game symbols;
a second game area on the substrate;
the second game area defining a matrix of game locations set out in
rows and columns;
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the substrate having printed thereon a set of second game symbols
each arranged in a respective one of a plurality of the game locations of the
second
game area;
the set of second game symbols being covered by a layer of a scratch-
off coating removable by the player;
the scratch-off coating having printed thereon a set of third game
symbols each arranged in a respective one of a plurality of the game locations
of the
second game area;
some of the third game symbols being the same as the first game
symbols such that, when the player exposes the first game symbols, this
provides an
indication to the player of those of the third game symbols which identify
game
locations of the matrix to be scratched to expose the second game symbols;
on a winning ticket, a number equal to or greater than a predetermined
number of the second game symbols defining a prize winning symbol;
and on a losing ticket, less than a predetermined number of the second
game symbols defining a prize winning symbol;
substantially all of the second game symbols exposed which are not
prize winning symbols comprising one or more words which are neutral to the
game.
By the term "neutral to the game" is intended to include words which
do not affect the outcome of the game either as prize winning symbols or as
prize
defeating symbols but which merely add to the pleasure of the game action for
the
player
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Preferably substantially al! of the second game symbols exposed
which are not prize winning symbols comprise one or mare words, which symbol
is
independent of the words of other of the second game symbols exposed which are
not prize winning symbols. That is each word or set of words which is exposed
has
some meaning to the player independent of any other of the second game
symbols.
Preferably each of the substrates has printed thereon game graphics
defining a theme for the set of tickets and wherein substantially all of the
second
game symbols exposed which are not prize winning symbols comprise one or more
words which are associated with the theme.
Preferably each of the second game symbols exposed which is not a
prize winning symbol comprises one or more words, where all of the parts of
the
word or words forming the symbol are exposed by scratching the respective
third
game symbol. That is the whole of each second game symbol is exposed including
the word or words forming that symbol when that respective third game symbol
is
fully scratched without any of the word or words forming the symbol underlying
any
of the other third game symbols.
Preferably there are seven columns and five rows in the matrix and
wherein the columns are headed with the days of the week, and wherein the
third
game symbols are numbers representing the days of the month and wherein the
first
game symbols are selected ones of those numbers.
Preferably each of the substrates has printed thereon game graphics
defining a calendar theme for the set of tickets and wherein substantially all
of the
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second game symbols exposed which are not prize winning symbols comprise one
or more words which are related to events on a calendar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a lottery ticket of the set as
presented to the player prior to scratching the first and second coated areas
to
expose the game areas and the first and second playing symbols thereon.
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the lottery ticket of Figure 1 after
scratching the first coated area to expose the first playing symbols thereon.
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of a winning lottery ticket of the set
of the arrangement shown in Figure 2 after scratching those elements of the
second
coated area to expose the second playing symbols fihereon.
Figure 4 is a front elevational view of a losing lottery ticket of the set of
the arrangement shown in Figure 2 after scratching those elements of the
second
coated area to expose the second playing symbols thereon.
Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the lottery ticket of Figure 1 after
all of the coated areas to expose all of the playing symbols thereon.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding
parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In Figures 1 through 5 is shown the arrangement of ticket of a set of
lottery tickets including winning and losing tickets for a game concept which
is based
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upon a monthly calendar. However the same concept can be used for other games
in which a matrix is provided.
Thus the game ticket in general comprises an area 10 which is used to
contain a Ibgo identifying the game and game information which indicates to
the
5 player how the game should be played. The area 10 thus acts in effect as a
promotional and selling area to provide interest to the player and encourages
the
player to take the game.
The game itself includes two playing areas including a first playing
area 11 and a second playing area 12. The first playing area 11 is covered by
a
10 scratch-off coating as shown in Figure 1 and on top of the coating includes
lettering
indicating that the coating is to be removed to expose a series of playing
numbers
printed underneath the coating. This series of numbers is shown in Figure 2
after
the coating has been removed.
The second playing area 12 also includes a scratch-off coating. An
example of the underlying second game symbols is shown in Figure 5 after the
coating on the second area is removed. Prior to removal of the coating on the
second area, the coating is printed with a matrix of rows and columns. Rows
and
columns are divided by vertical and horizontal lines. In the example shown
there are
five horizontal rows and seven vertical columns. At the top of each vertical
column
is printed the days of the week indicated at "Sunday" through to "Saturday".
The
printed headings at the top of the columns can be printed onto the scratch-off
coating or the scratch-off coating can be limited to the area below the
heading so
that the printing is applied directly onto the underlying substrate. 1'n
either event, the
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A~~.~n.m_.___ _ .~..~,~.___._.__ .__ __,____ _ ___ . _ .
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headings are visible to the player in the arrangement as shown in Figure 1
prior to
the removal of any scratch-off coating.
On top of the scratch-off coating is printed the days of the month 1
through 28, 29, 30 or 31 depending upon the month concerned. The dates of the
month are set out in accordance with the particular days to which they relate
in the
month concerned.
The exposed numbers in the first playing area relate to selected ones
of the dates set forth in the second playing area on the coating of the second
area.
Thus in the example shown there are 10 dates selected from the 31 dates
available
indicating to the player that those particular dates should be scratched from
the
matrix in the particular elements relating to those dates defined by the
horizontal and
vertical lines.
As shown in Figures 3 and 5, underneath each of the dates in the
elements of the matrix is a playing symbol on the second area defining the
second
playing symbols. One or more of these symbols may indicate a prize. In the
event
that the prize symbol is exposed when the selected numbers from the first
playing
area are scratched in the matrix of the second playing area, the prize can be
redeemed by the player.
In the example shown a single prize symbol is present in the exposed
elements of the matrix indicating that the single prize is won. It is of
course possible
that the game may require more than one prize symbol to be exposed,
particularly
for larger prizes.
In the losing ticket of Figure 4, there is no prize symbol exposed when
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the numbers from the first playing area are scratched in the matrix of the
second
playing area. Thus the ticket is a Posing ticket.
Some or all of the remaining elements of the matrix, when scratched,
contain a neutral symbol. By the term "neutral" symbol is intended any symbol
which is not indicative of the winning or losing of a prize. In the example
shown
where the matrix relates to a calendar, the neutral symbols relate to various
activities
which the player might undertake in a calendar such as chores or entertainment
events.
Thus each neutral symbol is independent of the others and is fully
exposed when the area is scratched thus exposing the whole of the symbol for
reading of the word or words by the player. The word or words forming the
symbol
by themselves carry a meaning which is related to the theme of the ticket as
defined
by the graphics of the ticket. These symbols, thus when exposed by the player,
give
added pleasure to the player beyond the mere game winning or losing play
action.
The graphics defining the theme of the game are provided on the ticket
primarily on
the front face but also on additional printed material associated with the
ticket and
possibly on the rear face of the ticket. Such graphics can be of many
different types
and characters as will be well known to one skilled in the art but provide, by
the
choice of a single word such as "Calendar" or the use of a phrase or picture,
a
particular theme.
Other themes can be selected which have as a basic structure a matrix
into which numbers can be located and words or phrases which can be applied as
the printed game data which are readily associated with the theme
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Some of the exposed elements of the matrix may be blank. The matrix
elements which are not exposed when the numbers from the first area are
scratched
may also be blank or may contain other calendar events. The presence of a
prize
symbol under a matrix element which is not to be scratched in accordance with
the
numbers from the first playing area may or may not include a prize symbol
since it
will be clear that such a prize symbol does not indicate a winning ticket
since it is not
associated with the numbers from the first playing area.
It will of course be appreciated that the whole of the game is entirely
predetermined when the first playing symbols are printed and they are
associated in
the second playing area with either prize winning symbols or blank areas or
neutral
symbols. It will be further appreciated that each of the tickets can be
individual and
unique although tickets with the same winning or losing patterns may be
printed.
However each ticket is associated with an individual validation number as is
welt
known to those skilled in the art, when can be checked manually or by computer
to
determine whether the ticket concerned is a winning ticket or a Posing ticket
in
accordance with the predetermined printed characteristics identified at the
time of
printing.
While the matrix set forth is primarily intended to act as a calendar
game in which the rows and columns are associated with days of the week and
dates of the month, other similar matrixes can be used for other types of
games
where the graphics printed on the substrate define a theme.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein
above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made
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within the spirit and scope of the Claims without department from such spirit
and
scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying
specification shall
be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
