Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – In a chance application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-12
2001-06-05
Layno, Benjamin H. (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
In a chance application
C463S042000, C273S138200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241606
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Instant ticket lottery games usually are played by uncovering play data beneath an opaque material by rubbing off the material with a coin, for example. A basic instant ticket game involves uncovering matching numbers or monetary amounts in order to win. Various other types of games are also played on instant tickets, for example, casino games such as blackjack or poker, or sports games.
To play an instant ticket game, a player typically travels to a local outlet at which such tickets are available to purchase a ticket. Computerization and networking offer additional, more convenient, gaming options that avoid the need to continually, physically distribute paper tickets to various outlets. Computerized instant ticket games exist in which a player can purchase an electronic ticket remotely from a central source. For example, the player can purchase the ticket over the Internet or via a game terminal located at a casino. The basic game play principles of the electronic instant ticket game are carried over from the physical ticket versions.
One problem in distributing electronic instant ticket games remotely from a central source is the need to monitor and account for the play of the tickets provided to a game terminal. The game terminal can be coupled to a host computer which monitors distribution and play of tickets distributed at various game terminals across a distributed network. The central host computer monitors tickets used, pay-outs, and resupplies tickets as needed. The host computer periodically communicates with the terminals to gather this information. In order to monitor use of and redistribute tickets to the terminal, game play at the terminal is suspended so the terminal can communicate with the host computer. At the time the host is performing these accounting functions, game play is not permitted at the terminal. This is undesirable, since a terminal can often be accessed 24 hours per day by customers, for example, in a casino.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved computerized system and method for distributing and playing electronic instant tickets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A system and method for distributing electronic instant lottery games is provided in which at least two ticket batches are distributed to each game play terminal.
In one embodiment, a method of distributing and playing electronic instant lottery tickets is provided. The method comprises the steps of creating a first pack of tickets, creating a second pack of tickets, distributing the first and second packs to a location at which the tickets are to be played, and permitting play from the first pack of tickets for a first period of time while play from the second pack is not permitted.
In another embodiment, a system for distributing and playing electronic instant lottery tickets is provided. The system includes a central controller, and a plurality of remote terminals coupled to the central controller at which the tickets are played. The central controller creates at least first and second packs of tickets for each of the plurality of remote terminals, and distributes the first and second packs of tickets to each of the plurality of remote terminals.
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Riendeau Timothy
Swartz Brent
Dike, Bronstein, Roberts & Cushman Intellectual Property Group
GTECH Rhode Island Corporation
Jensen Steven M.
Layno Benjamin H.
Manus Peter J.
LandOfFree
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