Lottery-type game with rollover feature

Disclosed is a lottery-type game which involves providing a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon, and a master game card. The game further involves distributing at least a portion of the playing cards to a plurality of individual players and selecting one or more of the individual players having playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols. The game further includes determining whether one or more of the selected individual players are winners of primary prizes associated with an initial and a subsequent level of play. If none of the selected individual players are determined to be winners of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play, at least a portion of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play is rolled over into a primary prize value associated with the subsequent level of play.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to lottery-type game systems.

One type of lottery-type game system which has proven quite popular with players are the so-called break-open or jar ticket games. In this type of game, players purchase playing cards or tickets for a monetary sum. Each playing card displays game symbols, selected ones of which correspond to prize values. In a typical configuration, each playing card comprises a lamination of an upper ply and a lower ply of material, such as paper, with the game symbols printed on the inside surface of the lower ply. The game symbols are thus initially sealed and hidden from view by the upper ply and are revealed only by “breaking open” one or more flap-like portions die-cut into the upper ply. Game symbols may also be hidden by other concealing means, including scratch-off, optical and other covering methods commonly known in the art. In addition to the entertainment value such games provide for players, these types of games may also provide a source of revenue for the operator, be it a municipality, a charity, or business establishment.

As will be appreciated, affording players an opportunity to win prizes in different ways enhances the entertainment value of a game. One form of game provides for selected players to become eligible for a prize, with at least one of these players, in turn, having an opportunity to win the prize. Providing game players the opportunity to win prizes enhances the entertainment value of the game. Implementation of such prizes is often accomplished through the use of a master game card that is associated with the particular set or sets of playing cards. Examples of such game systems are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,046,737 and 5,407,200. By enhancing the entertainment value of such a game, player interest in the game and, in turn, the potential revenues generated from the sale of game tickets to such players, is also enhanced.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling play of a lottery-type card-based game. The apparatus includes a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon, and a master game card for use in conjunction with the plurality of playing cards. At least one of the master game card and the plurality of playing cards includes an eligibility indicator for establishing the eligibility of one or more selected game players holding playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols. The master game card further includes a first prize identifier for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize associated with an initial level of play and a second prize identifier for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize associated with a subsequent level of play in the same game as the first level of play. The apparatus further includes indicia displayed on at least one of the master game card and the plurality of playing cards for indicating that if there is no winner of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play, a winner of the primary prize associated with the subsequent level of play also wins at least a portion of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of playing a lottery-type card-based game. The method involves providing a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon, as well as at least one master game card for use in conjunction with the playing cards. At least a portion of the playing cards are distributed to a plurality of individual players. One or more of the individual players having playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols are selected. Using at least one master game card, determinations are made as to whether one or more of the selected individual players is a winner of a primary prize associated with an initial level of play identified by at least one master game card, and whether one or more of the selected individual players is a winner of a primary prize value associated with a subsequent level of play identified by at least one master game card. At least a portion of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play, in addition to the primary prize value associated with the subsequent level of play, is awarded to a winner of the primary prize value associated with the subsequent level of play, if, during the initial level of play, none of the selected individual players are determined to be winners of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for controlling play of a lottery-type card-based game. The system includes a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon. The playing cards also have displayed thereon indicia for establishing the eligibility of one or more selected game players having playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols for additional levels of play. The system also includes a symbol selection device for use in conjunction with the plurality of playing cards. The symbol selection device is operable to indicate a first symbol for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize value associated with an initial level of play and a second symbol for determining whether there is a winner of a primary prize value associated with a subsequent level of play in the same game as the initial level of play. The playing cards also include indicia displayed thereon for indicating that if, during the initial level of play, there is no winner of the primary prize associated with the initial level of play, a winner of the primary prize associated with the subsequent level of play also wins at least a portion of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

Briefly stated, embodiments generally provide for a lottery-type game system with a rollover feature. The game involves using a master game card in conjunction with other individual player game cards or tickets. Certain individual game players having playing cards displaying predetermined symbols are selected for two or more bonus levels of play based on the master game card. If none of the selected players wins the first level of play, the prize associated with the first level gets rolled over into the next level of play, and so on, until a level is won.

Exemplary Lottery-Type Game Systems

FIGS. 1-7illustrate various embodiments of a master game card10and playing card or ticket40for a lottery-type game system. Playing card or ticket40represents a typical card useable in the present game system. In one embodiment, each of these playing cards or tickets40is purchased by a game player, with certain ones of the players being eligible to participate in two or more levels of play on the master game card10, with or without prior or subsequent opportunities to win prizes or awards.

Each of the playing cards40preferably comprise a lamination of an upper ply41and a lower ply42of material, such as paper or the like. Each of the playing cards40displays one or more game symbols43, which are displayed on the inside surface of the lower ply42of the card in one embodiment. This type of card is typically referred to as a “break-open” playing card, in that flap-like portions44of the upper ply41can be selectively lifted or removed from each of the game symbols43in order to reveal the game symbols after the card has been purchased. However, it will be understood that a game embodying the principles of the present invention may include playing cards40and a master game card10otherwise configured, including, but not limited to, “scratch-off” arrangements for initially concealing game symbols.

In play of the game, the present game system provides prizes to those players having playing cards40which display predetermined winning prize symbols45. In its one or more levels of play, the present system permits selected ones of the players to become eligible for at least one prize, through use of the master game card10. The playing cards40and/or the master game card10may include indicia46to that end.

Another aspect of the present game system entails establishing selected game players who become eligible to play in a plurality of additional levels of play21-24, with these players then listed on the master game card10in the illustrated embodiment. To this end, the master game card10may include a list arrangement14for listing the selected, eligible players, such as by handwriting in blanks provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the eligibility of these selected players is established by those players having cards40containing predetermined selected ones of the game symbols, be they graphics, letters, numbers or the like. The predetermined selected ones of the game symbols may be indicated on the master game card10, on the player cards40, or both. In the illustrated embodiment, such predetermined game symbols comprise numeric designations—in particular numeric designations ending in the digits “13” (i.e., 013, 113, 213, etc.). In another embodiment, the predetermined game symbols may correspond to particular bingo balls, i.e. 1-75, and/or other groups of numbers, letters, or graphics. In another embodiment, the illustrated game may also permit the player who purchases the last playing card of the set to be eligible for the prize by entry in a “last sale” listing (not illustrated). This may be reflected in list14, for example.

In another embodiment, the eligibility of one or more selected players is established through a raffle. The raffle may be a traditional raffle, in that the selected players are established through a drawing. Alternatively, the raffle may involve a raffle card, which includes concealed indicia of the one or more selected players. During game play, the indicia is revealed, thereby establishing the one or more selected players. The indicia may indicate, for example, one or more numbers corresponding to one or more of the playing cards.

The levels of play21-24of the master game card10provide the additional levels of play of the present system. In one embodiment, the master game card10may include a plurality of identifiers18printed on the inside surface of lower ply12, each of which is concealed by a respective flap-like portion19of the upper ply11. In the illustrated embodiment, the identifiers18either identify one or more of the selected players as having won a prize at the associated level of play or indicate that none of the selected players have won a prize for the associated level of play. In the first level of play21, at least one of the identifiers18indicates that none of the selected players have won a prize for the first level of play21. It should be appreciated that althoughFIG. 3depicts a master card10having four levels of play, other embodiments are possible as long as there are at least two bonus levels.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, it is contemplated that an individual (e.g., a game operator, a player, etc.) will open only one of the flap-like portions19in each of the successive levels of play. In one embodiment, the master card10includes indicia32to that end. In an embodiment where a player selects which flaps19to open, such player may be determined through a selection process. This process may involve a raffle similar to those described above. Alternatively, a player holding a player card40displaying a predetermined symbol may be designated the “picker.”

The values of the respective prizes for each level of play are preferably prominently displayed at regions25-28on the master game card10so that game players are aware of the potential prizes available to be won. Although the prize values25-28of the levels of play21-24inFIG. 3are depicted as being equal to each other (i.e., all $250), it should be appreciated that the prize values may vary from level to level. For example, in one embodiment, the prize values may progressively increase (e.g., $250, $500, $750, etc.) as the levels of play change.

Thus, the first level of play begins by revealing an identifier18in the first level21. If the identifier18that is revealed identifies one or more of the selected players, the prize value associated with the first level21is awarded to the identified player(s). If, on the other hand, the revealed identifier18indicates that none of the selected players has won a prize at the first level (e.g., “try again,” “sorry,” “roll it over,” etc.), the prize value assigned to the first level “rolls into” the prize value corresponding to the second level of play22. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, if window “C” of the first level21is revealed, then the player associated with the symbol “1213” wins $250. On the other hand, if any of the other identifiers of the first level of play21are revealed, none of the selected players win at the first level of play21, and therefore the associated $250 prize is rolled over into the second level of play.

If a “picker” player is designated, some of the identifiers18may specifically identify the picker. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, the picker is a winner if window “A” of the first level21or window “D” of the fourth level24is opened. Similarly, if one or more of the selected players was selected through a raffle, some of the identifiers18may specifically identify the raffle winner(s)—by displaying the word “RAFFLE,” for example.

If none of the selected players wins in the first level of play, the players selected for the second level of play would then be eligible for an accumulated prize of $500 in the second level22. Similarly, if none of the selected players is identified as a winner of the second level of play22, the $500 accumulated prize from the second level of play is rolled over into the third level of play23, with selected players for the third level therefore being eligible for $750 in the third level of play23, and so on through the remaining level(s) of play. To this end, the master card10includes indicia29and30indicating that if none of the selected players has won a particular level of play, the prize associated with that level of play rolls over into the prize for the next consecutive level of play.

In one embodiment, multiple identifiers18are revealed. For example, in an embodiment where two player identifiers18are revealed at each level, there are two prizes available at each level of play. If both identifiers18that are revealed in a given level identity a selected player, the identified players are awarded the prizes associated with that level. If both identifiers18indicate that none of the selected players has won the corresponding prize (e.g., “try again,” “sorry,” “roll it over,” etc.), both prizes are rolled over to the second level of play. If one of the identifiers18identifies a selected player and the other does not, one prize is awarded and one prize is rolled over to the second level of seal card play. This style of play may continued for any number of additional levels of play.

In another embodiment, the master card10provides for “directed” play. In directed play, each level of play begins by first revealing a predetermined one of the identifiers18. This identifier then provides a directive as to which other identifier18in that level of play should be opened next. The next identifier18revealed will then indicate which of the selected players, if any, wins the corresponding prize for that level of play. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, window “A” is opened first in each level of play. Behind each window “A” is a directive to open a different window in that level. For instance, in the first level of play21, window “A” is first opened to reveal the directive “OPEN C”. In accordance with the directive, window “C” is opened next, thereby revealing that player number 1213 wins the prize corresponding to the first level21—$250 in this example.

In one embodiment, it may be desirous to ensure that all the prizes are ultimately awarded. In such a case, the identifiers18may be arranged such that all of the identifiers18associated with a final level of play24each identify at least one selected player. Thus, regardless of how many previous prizes may or may not be rolled into the final level of play, it is guaranteed that upon the conclusion of the final level of play, all of the prizes will have been awarded.

Similarly, it may be desirous to ensure that a prize is awarded in certain intermediate levels of play. In such a case, the identifiers18of the certain intermediate levels may be arranged such that they each identify at least one selected player. Thus, regardless of how many previous prizes may or may not be rolled into the intermediate level of play, it is guaranteed that upon the conclusion of such level of play, all of the prizes of the previous levels will have been awarded.

To further enhance entertainment value, it may be desirous to repeat a particular player identifier18associated with one or more selected players in multiple levels of play. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the selected player associated with the game symbol “1213” is unknowingly a potential winner in both the first level of play21and the final level of play24. Similarly, the selected player associated with the game symbol “713” is unknowingly a potential winner in both the second level of play22and the final level of play24. In other embodiments, it may not be desirous to repeat any player identifiers18that identify selected players. It should be appreciated that in the present mode of play, the odds of winning a particular level of play is not a function of how many previous bonus levels have been played. Put differently, the odds of winning one level of play are independent from the odds of winning another.

As a further means of enhancing entertainment value, a winner of a particular level of play (e.g. the final level of play24) may be given an opportunity to play in a “jackpot” level of play. In the jackpot level, a jackpot identifier18is revealed which indicates either that the player wins the jackpot (e.g. by displaying “jackpot,” “winner,” etc.) or that the player does not win the jackpot (e.g., “try again,” “sorry,” etc.). If the jackpot is not won, the value of the jackpot prize may roll over from game to game until a player wins the jackpot. The master card10may include indicia to that end.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide for several variations in which a raffle process is used, which allow for more than one raffle winner to play on the master card10. In one embodiment, multiple (e.g. three) identical sets of raffle numbers are created. Each set of raffle numbers is coded—for example, by color (e.g. red, blue and green) or by some equivalent coding method—so as to distinguish the sets. The winning number is then identified by the raffle. In this example, because of the color-coding, three players qualify for play on the master card10. Play on the master card10works as described above, except that the word “RED,” “BLUE” or “GREEN” appears instead of a number to reveal which player wins at that level, as shown inFIG. 7.

In another embodiment, more than one winning raffle number holder may play on the master card10by using a portion of a raffle number and completing it in the master card play. For example, the first two digits of a three-digit raffle number may be determined through a raffle. A window is then opened on the first level of play21on the master card10to reveal one digit or “SORRY” (or an equivalent to “SORRY”). If “SORRY” is revealed, the prize amount is rolled over to the second level of play22. If a number (0-9) is revealed, the player holding the playing card40displaying the number with the first two digits identified in the raffle and the last digit revealed on the master card10is awarded the prize associated with that level. At the next level of play, “SORRY” or a new number (0-9) can be revealed completing a winning raffle number by adding the new final digit to the previously identified first and second raffle number digits, and so on.

Exemplary Drawing-Type Game Systems

An alternative embodiment of the present invention may be played in conjunction with a symbol identification device, such as a bingo ball blower, a roulette wheel or other numbered wheel, a computerized random symbol generator, or the like. The symbols may be letters, numbers, colors, or other graphical symbols. While the following discussion may describe particular embodiments with respect to a bingo blower or drawing device, it shall be appreciated that any other suitable symbol identification device may be used instead.

FIGS. 8-13illustrate a master game card110and playing card or ticket140for a bingo-type game system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

While the present embodiment may be described with reference to master card110, it should be appreciated that other embodiments may not use such a master card.

The game using the master card110ofFIG. 9may initially be played similarly to the game using the master card10ofFIGS. 3-4. Thus, the master game card110is used in conjunction with a plurality of playing cards140. As described above, each of these playing cards may be purchased by a game player, with certain ones of the players being eligible to participate in two or more levels of play with master game card110, with or without prior or subsequent opportunity to win prizes or awards.

The game may be initiated in the same manner, by providing prizes to those players having playing cards140which display predetermined winning prize symbols145—an instant winner. Another aspect of the present game system similarly involves establishing selected game players who become eligible to play in a plurality of bonus levels of play121-125. These players may then be listed in a list arrangement114on the master game card10(not illustrated) or on a separate registration card200, such as the one illustrated inFIG. 13. In the present embodiment, the eligibility of these selected players is established by those players having cards40having predetermined selected ones of the game symbols, such as symbols associated with particular bingo numbers/balls. The predetermined selected ones of the game symbols may be indicated on the master game card110, on the player cards40, or both. In the present embodiment, such predetermined game symbols comprise a combination of color, letter, and numeric designations—in particular color-coded, numeric designations corresponding to particular bingo balls (i.e., blue I-24, red O-72, green B-4, etc), as shown inFIG. 8. This may be reflected in list114, for example.

The levels of play121-125indicated on the master game card110provide the additional levels of play of the present system. In one embodiment, a bingo number is drawn, which is then used in conjunction with the instructions on the master card110to determine whether there is a winner of the first bonus level of play. In the illustrated embodiment for example, only players holding playing cards140having blue, even bingo numbers may win at the first level of play. Thus, a drawing of O-73 would not produce a winner at the first level121, while a drawing of I-16 might. Accordingly, it is possible that no winner at the first level of play121will be selected. Although the present embodiment is described as having five levels of play, other embodiments are possible having at least two levels of play.

In the present embodiment, it is contemplated that an individual (e.g., a game operator, a player, etc.) will draw only one bingo number for each of the successive levels of play. The master card110therefore may include indicia to that end. The values of the respective prizes for each of the levels of play are preferably prominently displayed at regions127on the master game card110so that game players are aware of the potential prizes they might win. Although the prize values127of the levels of play121-125denoted on the master card110inFIG. 9are depicted as being equal to each other (i.e., all $100), it should be appreciated that the prize values may vary. For example, in one embodiment, the prize values may progressively increase (e.g., $100, $200, $300, etc.) as the levels of play increase.

Thus, the first level of play begins with a first bingo ball drawing. If the bingo number that is drawn matches a bingo symbol on a playing card40held by one or more eligible, selected players, the prize value associated with the first level of play121is awarded to the identified player(s). If, on the other hand, the number drawn does not match with any of the eligible, selected players, the prize for the first level of play rolls into the second prize value corresponding to the second level122. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, if “B-10” is drawn, then the player associated with the symbol “Blue B-10” wins $100. On the other hand, if an odd number such as N-45 is drawn, none of the selected players win the first level of play121, and the associated $100 prize is rolled over into the second level of play122. Accordingly, if none of the selected players won in the first level of play, the selected players would then be eligible for an accumulated prize of $200 in the second level of play122. Similarly, if none of the selected players is identified as a winner of the second bonus level of play122, the $200 accumulated prize from the second level of play is rolled over into the third bonus level of play123, with the selected players therefore being eligible $300 in the third level123, and so on through the remaining level(s) of play. To this end, the master card110includes indicia129indicating that if none of the selected players has won a particular level of play, the prize associated with that level of play rolls over into the prize for the next level of play.

In one embodiment, it may be desirous to ensure that all the prizes are ultimately awarded, or that a prize is awarded in certain intermediate levels. In such cases, a total of 75 players (e.g., Red B-1 through O-75 numbers), one for each possible bingo drawing, may be eligible for the desired level of play (e.g. the final level125). Thus, regardless of which bingo number is drawn, it is guaranteed that upon the conclusion of that level of play, all of the prizes will have been awarded.

Thus, embodiments provide for a lottery-type game system with a rollover feature. The rollover feature enhances the entertainment value of the game, thereby increasing player interest in the game, and in turn, potential revenues generated from the sale of playing cards to such players.