Patent ID: 7419426

Claim:
A server for facilitating a raffle, wherein the server communicates with clients via a distributed computing network, and wherein the server comprises: (a) a memory storing an operating system, an instruction set, agent data related to at least one entrant agent residing in a first jurisdiction, sponsor data related to at least one raffle within the first jurisdiction and site data related to electronic pages associated with the at least one raffle; and (b) a processor for running the instruction set, the processor being in communication with the memory and the distributed computing network, wherein the processor is operative to: (i) present rules associated with the at least one raffle to a plurality of entrants, the entrants residing in a second jurisdiction outside the first jurisdiction; (ii) receive acceptance of the rules by the entrants; (iii) accept an order for the at least one raffle from each of the entrants; (iv) form a contract between the entrant agent and each of the entrants so the entrant agent is authorized to purchase tickets on behalf of the entrants; (v) issue tickets for the raffle to the purchasing entrant agent, each ticket being associated with one of the entrants and held by the purchasing entrant agent on behalf of the respective entrant; (vi) determine a winning ticket of the at least one raffle from the tickets; and (vii) if the winning ticket was issued to the purchasing entrant agent, identify and notify the entrant associated with the winning ticket to collect a prize associated with the at least one raffle.