Patent Description:
"Scratch-off" or "instant-win" lottery tickets have enjoyed immense popularity in the lottery industry for decades. These games offer distinct advantages to the lottery authorities and are attractive to a broad spectrum of players. The lottery tickets have a predetermined outcome that is revealed to the player upon removing a scratch-off coating from over game play indicia in a game play area on the ticket. Typically, such lottery tickets are printed with a game theme, such as a sports theme or treasure hunt game theme, that is reflected by the indicia (including images, graphics, and words) in the game play area and the other "real estate" areas on the front face of the ticket, such as the header and instruction areas of the ticket.

The types, formats, and games embodied on the scratch-off lottery tickets must continuously evolve and provide new and exciting gaming experiences to maintain current players and entice new players to the games. It would be beneficial to providers and sponsors of lottery ticket games to generate increased player excitement and enthusiasm by allowing the players to design their own personalized scratch-off lottery tickets without unduly complicating the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of the tickets to the public.

<CIT> describes a lottery ticket system providing an instant scratch lottery ticket to a consumer on-demand. A customer vending device of the lottery ticket system may be used to receive consumer input. The consumer input may include selection of a lottery game and one or more play actions for an associated interactive game. A scratch lottery ticket having hidden and non-hidden portions collectively defining an outcome for the lottery ticket is printed on-demand by the vending machine using blank lottery ticket media.

The present invention provides a system and method to address the above-cited need.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

The invention relates to an instant lottery ticket game system according to claim <NUM>. An instant lottery ticket game system according to the invention includes at least one set of scratch-off lottery ticket blanks, wherein each lottery ticket blank has a game play area with play indicia that presents a pre-determined outcome to the game embodied by the ticket. The play indicia in the game play area is covered by a scratch-off coating (SOC).

The system includes an automated dispenser, wherein the set of lottery ticket blanks is housed within the dispenser. An interface is configured with the dispenser and is in communication with a printer operably associated with the dispenser. The interface is configured to accept input of composition indicia from a patron for printing in the composition area on the front face of the lottery ticket blank. The printer prints the composition indicia received from the patron on portions of or the entirety of the front face to generate a finished scratch-off lottery ticket prior to dispensing the finished lottery ticket.

The instant lottery ticket game system is characterized in that a coating layer is applied over at least the game play area such that an entirety of the front face presents an empty composition area void of lottery ticket indicia. Thought of another way, viewed from the front face, the article gives no indication that it embodies a scratch-off lottery ticket.

In a particular embodiment, the coating layer is applied entirely over the front face of the lottery ticket blank and provides the empty composition area with a continuous single color appearance for the patron to compose the finished lottery ticket using the composition indicia.

In an alternate embodiment, the coating layer is applied only over the game play area and visually matches remaining portions of the front face such that the remaining portions and the coating layer define the empty composition area.

The coating layer may be any type of suitable primer coating that "hides" the SOC and any indicia in the game play area and presents a suitable surface for overprinting of the composition indicia thereon. It should thus be understood that the term "primer coating" is used herein generically to encompass any type or formulation of coating that achieves these purposes.

Embodiments of the game system may also include means for indicating to a player of the finished lottery ticket that the game play area is present on the front face of the finished lottery ticket. These means may vary. For example, in one embodiment, the means may include instruction indicia on the back face of the lottery ticket blank that indicates location of the game play area on the front face. The instruction indicia may also include instructions on how to play the game embodied by the game play indicia, prize awards, and generally any other information related to play of the game.

In another embodiment, the means may include a tactile feel imparted to the game play area that distinguishes the game play area from the remaining portions of the front face. For example, the tactile feel may be a "rough" feel as compared to other portions of the front face provided by a matte finish of the coating layer applied over the game play area.

In still another embodiment, the patron may be provided with the option to print indicia on the front face when composing the finished lottery ticket that indicates the location of the game play area.

In a particular embodiment of the game system, the dispenser includes a controller in communication with the interface and the printer, the controller configured to present a plurality of indicia templates to the patron via the interface, wherein the composition indicia input by the patron may be combined by the controller with the indicia template selected by the patron and printed in the empty composition area by the printer.

The dispenser controller may be in communication with a central game server, wherein the indicia templates are updated or downloaded to the controller by the central game server.

In another embodiment, the indicia templates may include static indicia associated with a particular event or occasion, wherein the player input personalizes the static indicia. The indicia is "static" in that it is not changeable by the player input. For example, the static indica may include a "Happy Birthday" message and the player may input composition indicia to complete or modify the message with a particular name or other unique information provided by the player.

In yet another embodiment of the system, the dispenser interface and controller are configured to accept an external image (e.g., a digital picture) presented by the player as the player's composition indicia. This image may be, for example a digital image in an external storage device presented by the player, wherein the interface includes conventional means for communicating with the external storage device to accept the digital image (e.g., a USB port, Bluetooth connection, etc.).

In still other embodiments, the interface and controller can be configured to present to the player options for backgrounds or borders to be printed in the empty canvas template along with the composition indicia from the player. These backgrounds and borders may include any manner of design, color scheme, words, etc..

In another unique embodiment of the system, the interface and controller are configured to present to the player an option to purchase the lottery ticket blank without any additional printing on the front face. In other words, the front face is left completely blank (void of any indicia). This option provides the player with the ability to personalize the composition area post-purchase. For example, the player may wish to sketch or paint an image in the composition area, or attach a photograph in the area, and so forth.

The dispenser may include a plurality of the sets of scratch-off lottery ticket blanks for different games having a different purchase price and prize structure. For example, the dispenser may offer a $<NUM>, $<NUM>, $<NUM>, and $<NUM> ticket, wherein each ticket is associated with a game having a different prize structure (i.e., greater prizes for more expensive tickets).

As with conventional scratch-off lottery tickets, each of the lottery ticket blanks may include a validation code that is linked to an electronic validation file associated with the lottery ticket blank, the validation file containing ticket-specific information for validation and pay-out on the lottery ticket blank.

The invention also encompasses a method according to claim <NUM>, the method including providing an automated dispenser with a set of scratch-off lottery ticket blanks, each lottery ticket blank having a front face and a back face, and a game play area on the front face with play indicia that presents a pre-determined game outcome, the play indicia covered by a scratch-off coating (SOC). The lottery ticket blanks include a coating layer applied over at least the game play area such that an entirety of the front face presents an empty composition area void of lottery ticket indicia. Via an interface configured with the dispenser and in communication with a printer associated with the dispenser, the method includes accepting input from a patron containing composition indicia for printing in the composition area. The method includes printing the composition indicia from the patron in the composition area to generate a finished scratch-off lottery ticket and then dispensing the finished lottery ticket from the dispenser.

In a particular embodiment of the method, the coating layer is applied entirely over the front face of the lottery ticket blank and provides the empty composition area with a continuous single color appearance for the patron to compose the finished lottery ticket using their composition indicia (or other indicia options provided to the patron).

In an alternate method, the coating layer is applied only over the game play area and includes a primer coating suitable for overprinting of the composition indicia thereon, the primer coating visually matching remaining portions of the front face such that the remaining portions and the coating layer define the empty composition area.

Embodiments of the method may include providing means for indicating to a player of the finished lottery ticket that the game play area is present on the front face of the finished lottery ticket. Such means may include, for example, a tactile feel imparted to the game play area that distinguishes the game play area from the remaining portions of the front face. The tactile feel may be provided by the coating layer. Alternate means may include providing instruction indicia on the back face of the lottery ticket blank or, at the option of the patron, on the front face of the lottery ticket blank.

Some or all of the above-discussed various embodiments may be incorporated into the same instant lottery ticket game system and/or may be method steps of the same method for conducting an instant lottery ticket game, respectively.

A full and enabling disclosure including the best mode of practicing the appended claims and directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification. The specification makes reference to the appended figures, in which:.

Reference will now be made in detail to various and alternative exemplary embodiments and to the accompanying drawings, with like numerals representing substantially identical structural elements. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure includes modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The term "patron" is used herein to encompass a person that composes and purchases a finished lottery ticket as described herein. The term "player" is used herein to encompass a person that actually plays the finished lottery ticket. The patron and the player may be the same or different persons.

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to an instant lottery ticket game system <NUM> (<FIG>) and associated method <NUM> (<FIG>) wherein unique scratch-off lottery ticket blanks <NUM> (<FIG>) are composition by a player to compose a finished lottery ticket <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment of a lottery ticket blank <NUM> is depicted and includes a front face <NUM> with a game play area <NUM> having play indicia <NUM> printed therein that presents to the player a pre-determined outcome of the game embodied by the ticket blank <NUM>. The lottery ticket blanks <NUM> may be provide in the form of a fan-folded stack <NUM> or roll of interconnected tickets.

The concept and various forms/styles of scratch-off lottery tickets are well-known to those skilled in the art and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for an appreciation or understanding of the present invention. In general, the game play area <NUM> typically includes a first set <NUM> of game play indicia <NUM> covered by a scratch-off coating (SOC) <NUM> and a separate, second set <NUM> of game play indicia <NUM> also covered by the SOC <NUM>. In a particular game format, the player scratches off the SOC from both sets <NUM>, <NUM> and the outcome of the game is determined by the number of matches between the game play indicia <NUM> in the first set <NUM> and the second set <NUM> of game play indicia. Instruction indicia may be provided in the game play area <NUM> and also covered by the SOC that instructs the player as to how to play the game embodied on the ticket blank <NUM>.

The game outcome is "predetermined" in that the game indicia <NUM> is preprinted on the ticket blank <NUM> and the player can take no action to change whether or not the ticket blank <NUM> is a winning ticket or the prize amount. The lottery ticket blank <NUM> includes a validation code or number <NUM> (e.g., a bar code) printed thereon that links the ticket blank <NUM> to an electronic validation file in a remote server/computer system. The validation file includes the status of the ticket (i.e., winning ticket or losing ticket and prize amount) and enables redemption of the ticket blank <NUM> (in a finished version) by the player. The validation code <NUM> may be covered by the SOC or may be provided on the back face <NUM> of the lottery ticket blank <NUM> (<FIG>).

It should be appreciated that the current system and method embodiments are not limited to any particular type, style, rules, or format of scratch-off game embodied on the lottery ticket blank <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, a coating layer <NUM> is applied over at least the game play area <NUM>. <FIG> depicts an embodiment wherein the coating layer <NUM> covers the entire front face <NUM> of the lottery blank <NUM> (with a portion removed to show the underlying game play area <NUM> for illustrative purposes). In this embodiment, the coating layer <NUM> is selected and applied so that essentially the entirety of the front face <NUM> presents an "empty" or "blank" canvas <NUM> that is void of lottery indicia such as graphics, images, instructions, or the like. In other words, a patron viewing the front face <NUM> has essentially no indication that the article is a scratch-off lottery ticket.

<FIG> depicts an embodiment wherein the coating layer <NUM> is applied essentially only over the game play area <NUM>. The remaining portions of the front face <NUM> are void of any lottery indicia and may simply be the front face of the paper stock used to make the lottery ticket blanks <NUM>. Typically, this paper stock is provided to the ticket manufacturer with a pre-applied coating or finish that is suitable for overprinting of lottery indicia thereon. The coating layer <NUM> visually matches the remaining portions of the front face <NUM> such that the remaining portions and the coating layer <NUM> together define the empty composition area <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the coating layer <NUM> may be any type of suitable primer coating that "hides" the SOC and any indicia in the game play area <NUM> and presents a suitable surface for overprinting of the composition indicia thereon. Thus, the term "primer coating" is used herein generically to encompass any type or formulation of coating that achieves these purposes.

In addition, those skilled in the art understand that scratch-off lottery tickets are typically printed with a number of different layers on a paper stock. These layers can include any combination of security layer, game play indicia layer, protective coating layer, primer layer, release layer, SOC layer, overprint layer, and so forth. The lottery ticket blanks <NUM> may be initially provided with any suitable combination of layers known and used in the art.

The present system <NUM> and method <NUM> are not limited to any particular type of composition indica <NUM> selected or entered by the patron to be printed on the front face <NUM> (i.e., in the empty canvas area <NUM>) when composing a finished lottery ticket. For example, <FIG> depicts a finished lottery ticket <NUM> that includes an image or picture <NUM> supplied by the patron, as well as the indicia (e.g., words) <NUM> above the image. The composition indicia <NUM> may include selection of a background color or pattern, a border, or virtually any other type of indicia desired by the patron for printing in the empty canvas area <NUM>. As described below, this composition indicia may be provided by the patron or may be presented to the patron in the form of selectable options.

Thus, the finished lottery ticket <NUM> is "personalized" by the patron at least to the extent that the patron is essentially the artist that composes the visual appearance of the front face <NUM> of the finished lottery ticket <NUM> in the empty canvas area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, embodiments of the game system <NUM> and method <NUM> may also include means <NUM> for indicating to a player of the finished lottery ticket <NUM> that the game play area <NUM> is present on the front face <NUM> of the finished lottery ticket <NUM>. Depending on how the patron composes the finished lottery ticket <NUM>, it may not appear to the player that the article is indeed a scratch-off lottery ticket. Means <NUM> can be provided to convey to the player that they are in possession of a scratch-off lottery ticket without overtly displaying or announcing this fact on the front face <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the means <NUM> may include instruction indicia <NUM> on the back face <NUM> of the lottery ticket blank <NUM> (or finished lottery ticket <NUM>) that indicates location of the game play area <NUM> on the front face <NUM>. The instruction indicia <NUM> may also include instructions on how to play the game embodied by the game play indicia <NUM>, prize awards, and generally any other information related to play of the game.

In another embodiment, the means <NUM> may include a tactile feel imparted to the game play area <NUM> that distinguishes the game play area <NUM> from the remaining portions of the front face <NUM>. For example, the tactile feel may be a "rougher" or "smoother" feel as compared to other portions of the front face <NUM> provided by a particular finish of the coating layer <NUM> applied over the game play area <NUM>. This tactile option for the means <NUM> may be used alone or along with instruction indicia <NUM> on the back face <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>.

In still another embodiment of the means <NUM>, the patron may be provided with the option to print indicia on the front face when composing the finished lottery ticket <NUM> that indicates the location of the game play area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> and method <NUM> include use of an automated dispenser <NUM> in which sets <NUM> (e.g., bundles, rolls, or stacks) of the lottery ticket blanks <NUM> are housed. With reference to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the dispenser <NUM> may be a self-serve vending machine type of dispenser that is designed for direct interaction with players or patrons for selection and purchase of lottery tickets directly via the dispenser <NUM>. Examples of such dispensers <NUM> include the PlayCentral HD, PlayCentral EX and the PlayCentral <NUM>, offered by Scientific Games Corporation having a principal place of business in Alpharetta, Ga. , USA, which may be configured with features and functionalities for practice of the present system <NUM> and method <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment also depicted in <FIG>, the automated dispenser <NUM> may be embodied as a lottery ticket terminal <NUM> and associated ticket array <NUM> at a point-of-sale (POS) location <NUM> of a retail establishment. For example, Scientific Games Corporation offers Flair™ and Wave™ lottery ticket terminals that may be readily configured by those skilled in the art for a system <NUM> and method <NUM> as described herein. A patron's input of composition indicia <NUM> and request for a finished lottery ticket <NUM> may be inputted into the lottery ticket terminal <NUM> by a retail clerk or other employee of the retail establishment by various means. A commercially-available Scientific Games Corporation SciQ™ "smart" lottery ticket dispenser array <NUM> may be in wired or wireless communication with the terminal <NUM>. This dispenser array includes one or a plurality of individual lottery ticket bins, with each bin typically containing tickets for a different respective lottery ticket game. For example, one bin may contain "Lucky <NUM>" themed scratch-off lottery tickets, while an adjacent bin may contain "Gold Rush" themed scratch-off lottery tickets, and so forth. One or more of the bins may contain sets <NUM> of the lottery ticket blanks <NUM> for use with the present system <NUM> and method <NUM>.

The dispenser <NUM>, whether embodied as a self-serve vending machine as in <FIG> or a POS terminal <NUM>/array <NUM> as in <FIG>, is associated with a printer <NUM> that is capable of printing indicia, graphics, photos, or any other matter selected by the player for personalizing the lottery ticket blank <NUM> with composition indicia <NUM> before a finished lottery ticket <NUM> is dispensed via the slot <NUM> in the dispenser <NUM> (<FIG>). Conventional commercial printers, such as an ink jet printer, can be readily configured by one skilled in the art for this purpose.

The automated dispenser <NUM> includes an interface <NUM> that is configured to accept a player's input of composition indicia <NUM> for printing in the empty canvas area <NUM> by the printer <NUM>. The interface <NUM> can include any manner of hardware/software configuration. For example, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the interface <NUM> may be embodied as an interactive screen <NUM> that steps the player through the process of selecting options and inputting composition indicia <NUM> for printing in the empty canvas area <NUM>. The process may include the use of sequentially displayed windows <NUM> that step the player through the various options and data input process. The interface may also include a keyboard <NUM> or touchscreen.

When the dispenser <NUM> is embodied as terminal <NUM> configured with a ticket array <NUM> (<FIG>), the interface <NUM> may include a clerk-operated device, such as an interactive screen, keyboard, scanner or other device in communication with the terminal <NUM> and array <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> may include a plurality of the sets of scratch-off lottery ticket blanks <NUM> for different games (games A-D) having a different purchase price and prize structure. For example, the dispenser may offer a $<NUM>, $<NUM>, $<NUM>, and $<NUM> scratch-off ticket, wherein each lottery ticket blank <NUM> is associated with a game having a different prize structure (i.e., greater prizes for more expensive tickets).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> that is in communication with the interface <NUM> and the printer <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to process various commands and control the hardware components of the dispenser <NUM> for printing and dispensing the finished lottery ticket <NUM> (<FIG>) therefrom. In the POS station <NUM> embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may be operably associated with the terminal <NUM>.

In a particular embodiment of the system <NUM> and method <NUM>, the controller <NUM> has access to or contains a plurality of digital indicia templates <NUM> (<FIG>) to present to the player via the interface <NUM> (e.g., via the interactive screen <NUM>). The indicia templates <NUM> may be stored in an internal memory within the controller <NUM> or in an external storge <NUM> (<FIG>) that is accessible by the controller <NUM> (or downloaded from the storage <NUM> to the controller <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the indicia templates <NUM> are provided to the patron as options to use when composing the finished lottery ticket <NUM> and may contain any manner of static indicia <NUM> that can be further modified or combined with additional composition indicia <NUM> that is entered by the player via the interface <NUM>. For example, as depicted in <FIG>, an indicia template <NUM> may be provided for various special events, such as a birthday, anniversary, birth announcement, etc. The indicia <NUM> is "static" in that it is a feature of the template <NUM> that is not changeable by the player input. The templates <NUM> may be added to or modified with the composition player indicia <NUM>, such as by adding a name, date, or other information to the template <NUM> (as indicated by the highlighted names in the templates <NUM> of <FIG>) via the interface <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, via the interface <NUM>, the player may also be presented with options for different background colors <NUM>, patterns <NUM>, or borders <NUM> for use as a part of the composition indicia <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> associated with the dispenser <NUM> may be in communication (via a communication network <NUM>) with a central game server <NUM> that is managed by a game provider. This server <NUM> may initially store sets of templates <NUM> for a number of different games (e.g., Game A through F). The templates <NUM> may be downloaded to the controller <NUM> on a periodic basis or when a purchase is initiated for an individual ticket at the terminal <NUM> or dispenser <NUM>. The templates <NUM> stored remotely at the central server <NUM> or locally at the controller <NUM> may also be updated by the central server <NUM> as needed.

In general, communication between the central host server <NUM> and controller <NUM> can be carried via a network interface <NUM> using any type of wired and/or wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML, JSON), and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL). It should be appreciated that the central host server <NUM> can include a network interface for providing communications over the network <NUM>. A network interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one more networks, including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

The central host server <NUM> can be any computing device and can include one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media. The computer-readable media can store instructions which cause the processor to perform the operations described herein, as well as other functions related to conduct of the overall game for the lottery authority.

<FIG> and <FIG> also depict an embodiment wherein the player has the option to import an external image <NUM>, such as a photograph or other digital image, from an external storage device <NUM> (e.g., a mobile phone or flash drive) as composition indicia <NUM> for printing in the empty canvas area <NUM>. The image may be combined with any one or more of the templates <NUM>, background options <NUM>, <NUM>, borders <NUM>, and so forth. The dispenser <NUM> (particularly the interface <NUM> and controller <NUM>) is configured to communicate with the external storage device <NUM> to accept the external image <NUM>. For example, the dispenser may be configured with a USB port to accept an external flash drive presented by the player. Alternatively, the dispenser may be configured for a wireless exchange of the external image <NUM> from the player's storage device <NUM> (e.g., via Bluetooth).

Referring again to <FIG>, the player may also be presented with the option to purchase the lottery ticket blank <NUM> without adding composition indicia <NUM> of any type to the empty canvas composition area <NUM>. This option may be desirable to many players in that they are free to compose virtually any manner of highly personalized art, design, message, and so forth, in the empty canvas area <NUM> at a later time using any means they desire, such as paint, ink, stick-on materials, and so forth.

The present invention also encompasses various method embodiments for conducting an instant lottery game with composition scratch-off lottery tickets. <FIG> depicts an embodiment of such a method <NUM>, aspects of which are discussed above.

At step <NUM>, an automated dispenser (vending-machine type or POS terminal based) is supplied with one or more sets of lottery ticket blanks described above.

Step <NUM> indicates that the patron makes a selection of one of the lottery ticket blanks for purchase.

At step <NUM>, via the interface configured with the dispenser, the player is presented with options for personalizing the lottery ticket blank by supplying or selecting composition indicia. Step <NUM> indicates that the options may be presented by way of indicia templates, background and border selections, and so forth. Step <NUM> indicates that, via the interface, the player enters composition indicia, such as (but not limited to) images, graphics, messages, and so forth, as discussed above.

At step <NUM>, via a printer configured with the dispenser, the lottery ticket blanks are printed with the player's selected options and composition indicia to generate a finished lottery ticket.

At step <NUM>, the finished lottery ticket is dispensed from the dispenser.

Claim 1:
An instant lottery ticket game system (<NUM>), comprising:
a set of scratch-off lottery ticket blanks (<NUM>), each lottery ticket blank (<NUM>) comprising a front face (<NUM>) and a back face (<NUM>);
each lottery ticket blank (<NUM>) further comprising a game play area (<NUM>) on the front face (<NUM>) with play indicia (<NUM>) that presents a pre-determined game outcome, the play indicia (<NUM>) covered by a scratch-off coating (SOC) (<NUM>);
an automated dispenser (<NUM>), the set of lottery ticket blanks (<NUM>) housed within the dispenser (<NUM>);
an interface (<NUM>) configured with the dispenser (<NUM>) and in communication with a printer (<NUM>) associated with the dispenser (<NUM>);
the interface (<NUM>) configured to accept input of composition indicia (<NUM>) from a patron for printing on the front face (<NUM>); and
wherein the printer (<NUM>) prints the composition indicia (<NUM>) received or selected from the patron on portions of or the entirety of the front face (<NUM>) to generate a finished scratch-off lottery ticket (<NUM>) prior to dispensing the finished lottery ticket (<NUM>),
characterized in that a coating layer (<NUM>) is applied over at least the game play area (<NUM>) such that an entirety of the front face (<NUM>) presents an empty composition area (<NUM>) void of lottery ticket indicia.