INTERACTIVE GAMING SYSTEM

Abstract: A method and system for gaming is provided in which a plurality of players each connect to a host which enables players to participate jointly in the same games of chance. According to one embodiment, a computerized method of gaming is provided that includes connecting a plurality of players to a host remotely located from the plurality of players. Each player jointly participates in a turn-based game of chance.

Description: INTERACTINE GAMING SYSTEM Background of the Invention Playing a game of chance, including lotteries and instant ticket games, typically involves a player traveling to a local outlet at which such tickets are available to purchase a ticket. Most lotteries involve purchasing a ticket in which it is determined at a scheduled drawing in the future whether the ticket is a winner. Another type of lottery game, instant ticket games, usually are played by uncovering play data beneath an opaque material by rubbing the material off with a coin for example. A basic instant ticket game involves uncovering matching numbers or dollar 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. Computerization has offered additional gaming options. Some lotteries enable players to purchase "tickets" over the internet, avoiding the need to travel to an outlet to purchase physical tickets. Computerized instant ticket games also exist, in which a player can play a ticket by electronically removing covered areas on a screen icon, with the basic "win" principles of the game being carried over from the physical ticket versions. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved computerized system and method for gaming. Summary of the Invention A method and system for gaming is provided in which a plurality of players each connect to a host which enables players to participate jointly in games of chance. According to one embodiment, a computerized method of gaming is provided that includes connecting a plurality of players to a host remotely located from the plurality of players. The method further includes each player jointly participating in a turn-based game of chance. According to another embodiment, a computerized method of gaming is provided that includes assigning each of a plurality of players at least one electronic instant ticket, and each player taking turns uncovering concealed areas on the electronic instant tickets. Accordingly to another embodiment, a computerized gaming system is provided that includes a host, and a plurality of players remotely located from the host connected to the host. The players jointly participate in a turn-based game of chance. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a computerized gaming system according to one embodiment; Figure 2 shows a method of gaming according to one embodiment which can be played on the gaming system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a screen icon according to one embodiment that is displayed on each player's screen when playing the method of gaming of Figure 2; and Figure 4 shows an enlarged version of an electronic instant ticket shown in the screen icon of Figure 3. Detailed Description Figure 1 shows a computerized gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a plurality of clients 1, for example, personal computers, coupled to a host server 3. Connection 5 can be a via a local or wide area network, a point to point network provided by telephone services, or other communication network. According to one embodiment, the clients (hereinafter "players") are users of home personal computers coupled to host server 3 via an internet connection 5. Thus, the foregoing system enables a player to connect to server 3 remotely (for example, from the player's home) to play games of chance supported on the server. The server 3 is a computer system that can support a variety of lottery games which can be played remotely at different times and simultaneously by players 1. The server can be of a conventional design and include a processor connected to one or more storage devices, as well as communications devices for establishing connections 5 to players 1. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to a particular computer system platform, processor, operating system, or network. Figures 2-4 show a gaming method and screen icons according to a specific embodiment of a game supported by server 3 for play by players 1. The game is an electronic version of a type of instant scratch ticket game. The game offers the opportunity for a plurality of players to interact with one another by jointly playing in the same game. As shown in Figure 2, to play the game a player connects to the server in step 100. This can be achieved, for example, by the player connecting to an internet site supported by server 3. In step 110, the initial page of the site offers the player the option of playing the instant ticket game. Once the player selects the instant ticket game option, the player's previously established account is debited the amount of the ticket (step 120) and assigned a ticket (step 130). The debiting of account and the assigning of the ticket occur substantially simultaneously, but either can occur first. Prior to selecting to play the instant ticket game, the server can provide an option for establishing an account for the player, for example, by the player entering a bank account or credit card number. Players 1 each establish an account with the server which can be debited and credited during play. For example, a player can authorize monies to be withdrawn electronically from their bank account to their game account, and any amounts won to be transferred to said account. The player is assigned a log-in password to maintain security over the player's account. The server stores a running account which may be replenished/transferred to/from the player's bank account. After "paying" for the ticket by debiting the player's account the amount of the ticket, the server assigns a ticket to the player, and the player is assigned to a game room (similar to an internet chat room). All tickets and the scratch area symbols are assigned from a data file that resides on the server. The assignment process performed by the server can be random, sequential or by player selection. The game room is occupied with other players who have also connected to server 3, selected the instant ticket game and been assigned tickets. All the players in the room jointly play the instant ticket game of the present invention. Alternatively, the gaming method can include the option of entering the room as a spectator. The game is similar to a conventional instant ticket game, yet also provides the excitement of multi-player interaction. Figure 3 shows the screen icon 7 displayed at each player's user interface (transmitted from server 3) when they enter the room to play the game. The screen icon 7 shows a plurality of tickets 9 corresponding to the tickets assigned to each player playing the game. In this example, three players are playing the game, each player having a different ticket. Of course, more or fewer players can participate in a game. Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of an individual ticket 9. The ticket includes an area 10 in which an ID assigned to or selected by the player is displayed. The player's name or other identifier could be displayed. A ticket graphic indicating the type of game being played can also be displayed in area 10. The ticket 9 of Figure 3, which has been partially played, includes eight play areas, or cells, 11. Although eight play areas are shown, it should be understood that any number of play areas 11 can be employed. The ticket is played by the player using a mouse to click on individual play areas to uncover concealed play data. In the embodiment shown, clicking on concealed areas 11 reveals dollar amounts. In step 140 (Figure 2), the players scratch tickets by turn until all covered areas on tickets 11 are uncovered. Game play progresses in a turn-based manner, with players being given turns to scratch off one of the areas 11 on any of the available tickets. Players may elect to scratch an area on their own ticket or they may elect to scratch an area on another player's ticket. Each player receives eight turns (if there are eight play areas 11 on the tickets) during the course of the game so that all of the areas are uncovered. The ordering of the players' turns may be done randomly in a round-robin fashion or in some other manner which is equitable to all players. A number of sample games are shown below in Table 1 for a three player, three ticket, and three scratch-play-area-style game: TABLE 1 The turn column represents the sequence of turns in the game. For each of the games, the Px represents which of the three player's turn it is. The Sx.y represents the move that the player selects in terms of ticket x, scratch area y. For example, P 1 ; S 1.3 indicates that player 1 elects to scratch ticket 1, scratch area 3. Game 1 shows a game in which all three players elect to scratch only their own tickets. Game 2 shows a game in which Player 2 elects to scratch Player l's ticket, Player 3 elects to scratch Player 2's ticket and Player 1 elects to scratch Player 3's ticket. In Game 3 the players get turns in random order, although all three get turns. Players may scratch somewhat random scratch areas; sometimes areas on their own tickets, sometimes areas on other tickets. To win a particular dollar amount, a player uncovers a final required symbol (third) matching dollar amount on a particular ticket. Accordingly, in the ticket shown in Figure 4, the player who clicked on the third matching amount won $10.00 (except if it is another player's ticket as described below). The game is complete when all eight areas are revealed on all of the tickets in a game. Although the foregoing embodiment acknowledges a "win" when three matching symbols are uncovered, more or less matching symbols may be required for a "win." The information regarding what prize amount appears under each scratch area may only be provided, for example, to each client/player when the scratch occurs (click). Thus, for the game to be interactive, the act of one player clicking on a scratch area is conveyed to all of the other players via the server so that all players are displayed the area uncovered by another player. Because the game is interactive, players wait for each other to take turns uncovering areas 11. Accordingly, the server may provide an auto play feature so that slower inattentive players do not stop the game. A no-response timer forces an auto play feature which would continue the game for a player that is disconnected or stops responding. For example, the auto play feature can automatically play and randomly select the next scratch on the non- responding player's own card. However, this feature is not a necessity. After the game is complete any amounts won are credited to the player's account (step 150). In step 160, each player is queried as to whether the player wishes to play again. If so, the method of gaming returns to steps 120 and 130 in which the player's account is debited the amount of another ticket and the player is assigned another ticket to play. If not, the player exits the room and is returned to the initial screen of the gaming site. An option may be included for the player to remain in the room as a spectator rather than a player. The foregoing gaming system and method offers multiple opportunities for a player to win. For example, as stated above, a first approach to a win in the multi-player game is when a player uncovers a third like amount on a ticket, that player wins the amount. For example, if the player takes a turn and selects a ticket that has been previously been selected by other players and revealed two $5.00 symbols, two $10.00 symbols, and one $50.00 symbol, the player will win if either a $5.00 or a $10.00 symbol is uncovered. A second way to win is for the player to make three selections of the same amount across any of the tickets. A third way to win is for a player to be given credit for having a third matching symbol uncovered on the player's ticket, even if that player was not the one to uncover the third and matching amount. For example, as stated above, if a player uncovers a scratch area on the player's own ticket and displays a third of a series of matching symbols on that ticket, the player wins 100% of the prize. If the player uncovers a scratch area on another player's ticket and displays the third of a series of matching symbols on that ticket, the player win 80% of that prize ~ and the owner of the ticket is credited with the remaining 20% of the prize, or vice versa. Thus, credit is given to the player who owns the ticket, even if he is not the one who uncovers the matching symbol. Distribution of prizes can also be made to players who had uncovered one or more of the matching symbols before the winning symbol was uncovered. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the particular "matching" game and win scenarios shown and that countless variations on the specific game described are possible, as well as other types of interactive games in accordance with the invention. For example, any of the traditional non-electronic instant ticket games could be applied to the foregoing method and system. Another option is that games with fewer players than tickets could be played. During game play, the host server 3 keeps a record of various data relating to the game play. The server 3 keeps a log of each game that includes information as to a player selecting a ticket, as well as the date and time of the selection. The host server also logs that a player has selected a scratch area, the ticket and scratch location, the date and time of the scratch is logged, the contents underneath the scratch area and whether the selection was automatic or by a player's choice. If a win occurs, it will occur on a player's turn so the amount won is part of the player's log record. Additionally, if a player wins on his turn by scratching an area on another player's ticket, the other player's log is updated to note the partial win. As indicated in steps 140 and 150, at the completion of each game all scratch areas are uncovered and players' accounts are credited any amounts won. In step 160, each player is queried as to whether they want to play the game again, or whether they wish to exit the game room. Alternatively, there also may be an option for a player to become a spectator by remaining in the room and viewing an active game (i.e., having the screen icon of Figure 3 displayed without playing). The spectator option also can be provided when the player initially connects to the server. When a player elects to play again in step 160, the gaming method returns to step 120 to assign the player another ticket. Accordingly, the foregoing multi-player game enables interactive gaming in which the players are motivated to play scratch areas on their own cards as well as to play scratch areas on other player's cards. Additionally, a single player may play more than one card, allowing the player to see more occasions of wins than if they play only single card at a time by having more turns. Having thus described certain embodiments of the present invention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and not intended to be limiting. What is claimed is:

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A computerized method of gaming comprising the steps of: (A) connecting a plurality of players to a host remotely located from said plurality of players; and (B) each player j ointly participating in a turn-based game of chance. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (A) includes each player connecting to the host by use of a personal computer via the internet. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of assigning an electronic instant lottery ticket to each player. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein each player's electronic instant ticket includes a plurality of concealed areas, and each player's turn includes uncovering play data from one of said concealed areas on one of said instant tickets. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising a player uncovering play data from a ticket assigned to another player. 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising transmitting each player's turn from the host to every other player in the same game so that when a player uncovers play data from one of said concealed areas during that player's turn, a same play data is uncovered from a same concealed area for every other player. 7. The method of claim 3, further comprising debiting an account assigned to each player when each player is assigned a ticket. 8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting a result each player's turn from the host to every other player in the game. 9. The method of claim 1 , wherein each player views a like display during the same game. 10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of debiting an account assigned to each player. 11. A computerized method of gaming comprising the steps of: (A) assigning each player of a plurality of players at least one electronic instant ticket; and (B) each player taking turns uncovering concealed areas on the electronic instant tickets. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of displaying all electronic instant tickets to all players. 13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of a player uncovering a concealed area on another player's electronic ticket. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of a player uncovering a concealed area on another player's electronic ticket. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein when a concealed area on an instant ticket is uncovered, it is uncovered on a same instant ticket displayed to all players. 16. A computerized gaming system comprising: a host; and a plurality of players remotely located from said host cormected to said host, wherein said players jointly participate in a turn-based game of chance. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the host transmits a same display to each player. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein a result of each player's turn is transmitted from the host to the other players in the game. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the host assigns an instant ticket to each player. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the host displays each player's instant ticket to every other player. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein a player takes a turn by selecting and uncovering a concealed area on one of said instant tickets. 22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the host transmits a same display to each player so that each player views the concealed areas uncovered by other players. 23. The system of claim 16, wherein the host is connected to the plurality of players via the internet. 24. The system of claim 16, wherein each player takes a turn in random order, round robin fashion. 25. The system of claim 16, wherein each player takes a turn in an order determined by said host.

Inventors: ANGELL ROBERT C JR, ANGELL, ROBERT, C., JR.
Applicants: GTECH CORP, GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
Application year: 1999
Main classification: G07F17
IPC codes: G07F17