[I] A RANDOM BASED BETTING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF CONDUCTING A RANDOM BASED BETTING SYSTEM 5 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a random based betting system and a method of conducting a random based betting system. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 10 The gambling marketplace has seen a large number of random based betting systems develop over time. Some of these betting systems, such as lotteries, have multiple potential winning outcomes. In such cases, the higher paying winning outcomes are statistically difficult to achieve and thus can be the subject to one or more jackpots. Jackpots see the money allocated for payment to a player who placed a bet on such a 15 winning outcome carried over to a future lottery or instance of the betting system. These higher paying winning outcomes, particularly when the subject of one or more jackpots, creates a situation where players may place multiple bets of varying combinations as a means to maximise their chances of winning one or more of these higher paying winning outcomes. In the lottery field, this can be achieved by what are known as systems bets. 20 Because systems bets cover multiple combinations of numbers, they cost more than a standard entry, making it unattractive for many players to participate in the higher level systems bets available. One way to spread the cost of such systems bets is to establish a 'syndicate'. In a syndicate, the cost of one or more purchased systems bet(s) are shared 25 equally between a selected number of players and the winnings are shared accordingly. It is known for syndicates to be formed amongst friends or, more commonly, for syndicates to be created by a local lottery agent. These arrangements create a number of problems. Firstly, a systems bet is typically recorded with betting administrators in the name of the purchaser alone. Alternatively, in situations where no names are recorded, the player in 30 possession of the written record of the systems bet(s) will be treated as the winning player and only able to claim any prize due to the syndicate as a whole. This can result in disputes between syndicate members when prizes are awarded or potentially even fraud.
[2] In an attempt to overcome this problem, it is known for a syndicate to be formed and "managed" by lottery agents. When this is done, players provide their personal contact details to the lottery agent who is then responsible for contacting each player to distribute prize money in the event of a win. This places an onerous burden on lottery agents, 5 particularly when a dispute arises over the amount of money being paid out. In the event of a dispute over a payout to a syndicate, this solution presents a privacy risk in that the lottery agent may be required to disclose personal contact details for syndicate members with other syndicate members who were, prior to the dispute, essentially strangers. In most cases, the lottery agent is required to pay for the systems entry in advance with the 10 view to then selling shares in the systems entry to the public. If the lottery agent is unable to sell all of the allocated shares in the systems entry prior to commencement of the prize draw, that lottery agent is then forced to become a syndicate member by personally bearing the costs associated with the unsold shares. This also means that it is only lottery agents who have a sufficiently high turnover to bear the risks associated with being left with 15 unsold shares in systems entry tickets typically offer syndicates. This makes participation in systems entries dependent in part on the geographical location of the player. The culmination of these problems is that new players for systems entries are hard to attract while at the same time existing users may become frustrated with disputes over 20 payouts and decide to no longer participate. The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. 25 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a random-based betting system, comprising: at least one data entry station having an input means to accept game entry data; a data processor in data communication with the data entry station for receiving 30 game entry data from the data entry station and issuing a validated record of said game entry data; a means for allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data; [3] a means for identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a comparison of each validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly-selected data; a means for allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for the 5 winning outcome based on said comparison; and, a means for registration of a nominated percentage elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for the winning outcome. 10 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for placing random-based bets comprising: at least one data entry station having an input means to accept game entry data; a data processor in data communication with the data entry station for receiving 15 game entry data from the data entry station and issuing a validated record of said game entry data; a means for allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data; a means for identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a comparison of each 20 validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly-selected data; a means for allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for each winning outcome based on said comparison; and, a means for registration of a nominated percentage elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual 25 game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for each winning outcome. wherein the player nominates the actual game entry fee and the means for registration of a nominate percentage calculates said nominated percentage by dividing the actual game entry fee nominated by the player by the standard game entry fee and 30 multiplying by one hundred. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a data processor for a random-based betting system, the system comprising at least one data entry station having [4] an input means to accept game entry data, the data processor being in data communication with: the data entry station for receiving game entry data from the data entry station and issuing a validated record of said game entry data; 5 a means for allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data; a means for identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a comparison of each validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly-selected data; a means for allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for each 10 winning outcome based on said comparison; and, a means for registration of a nominated percentage elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for each winning outcome, 15 where, on receipt of game entry data from the data entry station. the data processor operates to determine the nominate percentage, the actual game entry fee, and the actual dividend for a winning outcome. wherein the player nominates the actual game entry fee and the means for registration of a nominate percentage calculates said nominated percentage by dividing the 20 actual game entry fee nominated by the player by the standard game entry fee and multiplying by one hundred. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer server implementing a random-based betting system where the computer server: 25 communicates with at least one data entry station having an input means to accept game entry data: communicates with a data processor in data communication with the data entry station for receiving game entry data from the data entry station and issuing a validated record of said game entry data; 30 communicates with a means for allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data: communicates with a means for identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a [5] comparison of each validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly selected data; communicates with a means for allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for each winning outcome based on said comparison; and, 5 communicates with a means for registration of a nominated percentage elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for each winning outcome. wherein the player nominates the actual game entry fee and the means for 10 registration of a nominate percentage calculates said nominated percentage by dividing the actual game entry fee nominated by the player by the standard game entry fee and multiplying by one hundred. In one form, the player nominates the actual game entry fee and the means for registration 15 of a nominate percentage calculates said nominated percentage by dividing the actual game entry fee nominated by the player by the standard game entry fee and multiplying by one hundred. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data is selected by the data processor. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data is inputted or communicated to the data processor for subsequent comparison. In one form, the winning 20 set of randomly-selected data represent numbers or symbols drawn in a lottery. In one form, the system further comprises a payment means for receiving the actual game entry fee from the player. In one form, the system or apparatus further comprises a dispensing means for dispensing the actual dividend to the player. In one form, one or both of the payment means and the dispensing means includes at least one of the following: a currency 25 reader; a currency payout means; a credit card payment facility; a debit card payment facility; a value card payment facility; a loyalty card payment facility; a bank account transaction facility; or, a mobile phone credit transaction facility. In one form, the data entry station is operable to provide a physical record of the validated game entry data and wherein the dispensing means is operable to dispense the actual dividend to the player on 30 presentation of the physical record. In one form, the data processor is remotely located from the data entry station. In one form, the data processor is integrated with the data entry station. In one form, the input means is one or more of the following: a marked card reader; a touch-screen display; a virtual game entry card; a plurality of control buttons; a [6] mobile phone; or, a keypad. In one form, the at least one data entry station is one or more of the following: a gaming machine, a lottery terminal; a personal computer; or a web enabled mobile phone. In one form, the system or apparatus further comprises a jackpot processor connected with one or more data processors, where on receipt of a winning 5 outcome to which a jackpot applies, the jackpot processor operates to calculate a jackpot payable to the player as equal to the percentage value multiplied by the jackpot payable on a standard game entry fee. In one form, the game entry data includes a subset of unique numbers or symbols selected from a predetermined larger set of numbers or symbols and the predetermined game procedure comprises a comparison of the subset of unique 10 numbers or symbols against a winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In one form, the game entry data includes a nomination of the size of the subset of unique numbers or symbols for a game. In one form, the size of the subset of unique numbers is greater than the size of the winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In another form, the size of the subset of unique numbers is less than the size of the winning 15 set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In one form, the at least one data entry station is one of a plurality of data entry stations. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program stored on a computer readable medium operable, on execution, to: 20 accept game entry data from an input means associated with at least one data entry station; receive gam e entry data from the a data processor in data communication with the data entry station and issue a validated record of said game entry data; allocate a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data; 25 identify a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a comparison of each validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly-selected data; allocate a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for each winning outcome based on said comparison; and, 30 register of a nominated percentage elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for each winning outcome.
[7] In one form, the player nominates the actual game entry fee and the means for registration of a nominate percentage calculates said nominated percentage by dividing the actual game entry fee nominated by the player by the standard game entry fee and multiplying by one hundred. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data is selected by the data 5 processor. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data is inputted or communicated to the data processor for subsequent comparison. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data represent numbers or symbols drawn in a lottery. In one form, the computer program further comprises a payment means for receiving the actual game entry fee from the player. In one form, the computer program further comprises a 10 dispensing means for dispensing the actual dividend to the player. In one form, one or both of the payment means and the dispensing means includes at least one of the following: a currency reader; a currency payout means; a credit card payment facility; a debit card payment facility; a value card payment facility; a loyalty card payment facility; a bank account transaction facility; or, a mobile phone credit transaction facility. In one 15 form, the data entry station is operable to provide a physical record of the validated game entry data and wherein the dispensing means is operable to dispense the actual dividend to the player on presentation of the physical record. In one form, the data processor is remotely located from the data entry station. In another 20 form, the data processor is integrated with the data entry station. In one form, the input means is one or more of the following: a marked card reader; a touch-screen display; a virtual game entry card; a plurality of control buttons; a mobile phone; or, a keypad. In one form, the at least one data entry station is one or more of the following: a gaming machine, a lottery terminal; a personal computer; or a web-enabled mobile phone. In one 25 form, the system further comprises a jackpot processor connected with one or more data processors, where on receipt of a winning outcome to which a jackpot applies, the jackpot processor operates to calculate a jackpot payable to the player as equal to the percentage value multiplied by the jackpot payable on a standard game entry fee. In one form, the game entry data includes a subset of unique numbers or symbols selected from a 30 predetermined larger set of numbers or symbols and the predetermined game procedure comprises a comparison of the subset of unique numbers or symbols against a winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In one form, the game entry data includes a nomination of the size of the subset of unique numbers or symbols for a game. In one [8] form, the size of the subset of unique numbers is greater than the size of the winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In one form, the size of the subset of unique numbers is less than the size of the winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In one form, the at least one data entry station is one of a plurality of data entry stations. 5 According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a random based betting system comprising the steps of: receiving game entry data; issuing a validated record of said game entry data; 10 allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data; identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a comparison of each validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly-selected data; allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for each winning 15 outcome based on said comparison; and, registering a nominated percentage elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for each winning outcome. 20 In one form, the player nominates the actual game entry fee and the means for registration of a nominate percentage calculates said nominated percentage by dividing the actual game entry fee nominated by the player by the standard game entry fee and multiplying by one hundred. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data is selected by a data 25 processor. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data is inputted or communicated to a data processor for subsequent comparison. In one form, the winning set of randomly-selected data represent numbers or symbols drawn in a lottery. In one form, the method further comprises receiving the actual game entry fee from the player. In one form, the method further comprises dispensing the actual dividend to the player. In 30 one form, the method further comprises receiving a physical record of the validated game entry data and dispensing the actual dividend to the player on presentation of the physical record. In one form, the game entry data includes a subset of unique numbers or symbols selected from a predetermined larger set of numbers or symbols and the predetermined [9] game procedure comprises a comparison of the subset of unique numbers or symbols against a winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In one form, the game entry data includes a nomination of the size of the subset of unique numbers or symbols for a game. In one form, the size of the subset of unique numbers is greater than the size of 5 the winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. In one form, the size of the subset of unique numbers is less than the size of the winning set of randomly-selected numbers or symbols. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 10 In order that the invention may be more readily understood, embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. I is a schematic diagram of embodiments of a lottery system according to the present invention, showing a plurality of player data entry terminals for recording and validation game entry data in bi-directional data communication with a data processor; 15 FIG. 2 is a plan view of a game entry card for use in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a game entry card according to Example I; FlG. 4 is a schematic representation of a keno gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 20 FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the keno gaming machine as shown in FIG. 4: FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an on-line random-based betting system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of the on-line random-based betting system as 25 shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the method of conducting a random-based betting system illustrated schematically in Figure 1. In this 30 embodiment, the random-based betting system is a lottery and will hereafter be described within this embodiment as a lottery system (10). Throughout this specification the term "lottery" refers to a game of chance in which tickets are sold to players who participate in a centralized draw. Each player selects a subset of numbers from a larger group of numbers.
[101 If the player's selected subset of numbers matches some or all of the winning numbers selected at random during the draw, then the player wins a portion of the total prize fund generated for that centralized draw. A "lottery" is typically organized in such a way that a portion of money raised is given to a public cause or for a charitable purpose. The term 5 "keno" is used in countries such as Australia and the United States to refer to a particular kind of lottery that is conducted in a casino or other gaming establishment. The lottery system (10) of this embodiment has a plurality of data entry stations (12), each data entry station (12) having input means (14) to accept game entry data from one or more 10 players (16) and a data processor (20) in data communication with each data entry station for receiving game entry data from the data entry station and issuing a validated record (18) of said game entry data. The system (10) includes a means for allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data (21) and a means for identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure 15 being based on a comparison of each validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly-selected data (23) as well as a means for allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for the winning outcome based on said comparison (25). A key difference between the system of the present invention compared with other prior art lottery systems is that the system (10) includes a means for registration of a nominated 20 percentage (28) elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for the winning outcome. 25 By way of example only, embodiments of the lottery system are now described in the context of a lottery in which six winning numbers between I and 45 are selected for each draw with particular reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 illustrates an input means (14) to accept game entry data in the form of a game entry card (22) or "playslip". The player (16) marks the game entry card (22) with an indication (24) of the nomination of the size 30 of the subset of unique numbers that the player is selecting for each systems game. Having marked the game entry card (22) with the indication (24) of the size of the systems game, the player (16) marks one or more of the games (26) appearing on the game entry card (22) with a subset of unique numbers presented for each game (26). The subset must [111 have the same number of elements as the player chose when indicating the nomination of the size of the subset of unique numbers that the player is selecting for each systems game. By way of example, if the player elects to play a system 8 game, the player places a mark 5 in the indication square (24) marked with the number "8" on the game entry card (22). The player (16) then proceeds to mark the game entry card (22) with a selection of eight unique numbers between I and 45 for each game (26). Alternatively, if the player (16) elects to play a system 15 game, the player places the indication square (24) marked with the number "15" on the game entry card (22), and then proceeds to mark the game entry card 10 (22) with a selection of fifteen unique numbers between I and 45, vastly increasing their chances of successfully selecting the six winning numbers, but also substantially increasing the game entry fee. In the example illustrated in Figure 3, a system 12 game is being played. 15 In this embodiment of the present invention, each game entry card (22) is further provided with a means (28) for registration of a nominated percentage, in the form of a plurality of percentage indicator boxes (labelled 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 50%, and 100%) to be marked by the player (16) and included in the game entry data. The actual game entry fee and the actual dividend paid to a winning player is a function of said nominated 20 percentage. In use, the player (16) provides a mark on the game entry card (22) using the means for registration of a nominated percentage (28) to indicate what percentage of the standard game entry fee that the player (16) is choosing to pay. In so doing, the player (16) is also selecting the percentage of the standard dividend that will be paid to them in the event of a win. In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the nominated percentage is 20%. 25 In the event that the nominated percentage is, say 25%, the player (16) may mark more than one of the percentage indicator boxes (28), in this example, the percentage indicator box for 5% and the percentage indicator box for 20%, to record the player's (16) nominated percentage. 30 In this first embodiment of the present invention, the completed game entry card (22) is provided to a lottery agent (30) who processes it to collect the game entry data using the data entry station (12) operated by the lottery agent (30). Each data entry station (12) is provided with input means in the form of a mark sense reader (24) for accepting the game [12] entry data from the game entry card (22), a data display screen (26), and a printer (28) for producing a hard copy printout of the validated record in the form of a ticket (29) which the lottery agent (30) is able to give to the player (16). Once the game entry data has been communicated to and validated by the data processor (20), the lottery agent (30) is able to 5 collect the actual game entry fee from the player (16) and provide the player (16) with a validated physical record in the form of a ticket (29) which provides the player with proof of validation of the game entry data by the data processor (20). The ticket (29) is used by the player ( 16) to facilitate redemption of any actual dividend from a lottery agent (30) in the event that the game entry data contains a winning outcome. 10 In any event, each data entry station (12) is in bi-directional data communication with a data processor (20) which is used for receiving, validating and issuing the validated record of the game entry data for each originating data entry station (12) in advance of the winning numbers being selected and announced for each prize draw. The game entry data 15 received via each data entry station (12) is transmitted to the data processor (20) via any suitable data communication means such as the Internet. A record of validated game entry data including the identity of the originating data entry station (12) is also stored by the data processor (20). 20 The system (10) includes a means (23) for identifying a winning combination according to a predetermined game procedure including a comparison of the validated game entry data with a winning set of randomly-selected data. The data may take of the form of numbers or symbols. By way of example, a winning set of randomly-selected numbers for each draw may be generated using numbered ping pong balls chosen at random in the usual 25 manner known in the art. The winning set of numbers may equally be selected by the data processor. Depending upon the coincidence of the subset of unique numbers selected by a player for each game and the winning set of randomly-selected numbers selected during the draw, one or more players with winning outcomes are identified using the validated records of the game entry data received by the data processor (20). 30 After determining the number of players with winning outcomes, the system (10) is further provided with a means (25) for allocating a "dividend" from a prize pool to be paid to the players who are able to present a winning ticket or winning validated record based on said [131 comparison according to the particular rules and procedures of each lottery. Each dividend is a monetary amount calculated on predetermined terms to return a portion of the total amount of money paid in the way of game entry fees for a given draw. A portion of the prize pool may go to state purposes or to charities as well as the administration of the 5 betting system. In this embodiment, the means (23) for identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure including a comparison of the game entry data to a winning set of randomly-selected data is integrated within the data processor (20), for example, by 10 way of a computer program stored on a computer readable medium operable upon execution. Analogously, the means (25) for allocating a standard dividend based on said comparison is also integrated within the data processor (20) in this embodiment, for example, by way of a computer program stored on a computer readable medium operable upon execution. 15 Using this embodiment of the system of the present invention, the actual dividend paid out on presentation of a validated record having a winning outcome depends entirely on the nominated percentage elected by the player and included in the validated record of the game entry data as described above. Should more than one player have a winning 20 outcome, then the prize pool is shared between all of the validated records having a winning outcome on the basis of their nominated percentage of the standard dividend. If no validated records include a winning outcome, the prize pool can accumulate ('Jackpot'), wholly or partly, thereby increasing interest in the lottery due to the increased potential prize. 25 To facilitate a better understanding of this embodiment of the system of the present invention, specific examples are now described. These examples are illustrative of a variety of possible implementations and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any way. 30 Example 1: 20% Systems 12 game entry In this example and the examples to follow a lottery is conducted in such a way that six winning numbers between I and 45 are selected for each draw. In this example, the player is electing to play a 20% Systems 12 game. The player would proceed to mark their game [14] entry card as per Figure 3 by marking the means for electing to play a Systems game (16) with an indication that the player wishes to play a Systems 12 game. The player then marks at least one of the games (20) appearing on the game entry card (22) with their nominated selection of twelve non-repeating numbers (in this example, numbers 3, 4, 5, 8, 5 10. I1, 19, 20, 26, 35, 42, and 45). To complete the game entry card (22) the player (16) would then proceed to mark the 20% box appearing in the means (28) for registration of a nominated percentage appearing on the game entry card (22) before handing the completed game entry card to the lottery agent (30) for registration and validation. 10 Table I below sets out an example of the entry fees and dividends for the hypothetical lottery of this example: Table 1: Percentage Type of Full Price of Actual Cost of Full Dividend Percentage Nominated Systems Systems Entr Percentage Dividend by Player Entry (100%) Systems Entry 1% I $276.95 $2.80 $4,000,000 $40,000 1% 15 $3000.50 $30.00 $4,000,000 $40,000 10% 20 $23,236.60 $232.40 $4,000,000 $40,000 5% 12 $553.95 $4.80 $4,000,000 $200,000 10% g $16.80 $1.70 $4,000,000 $400,000 10% 16 $4800.80 $480.10 '$4,000,000 $400,000 20% 1 2 $553.95 $1 10.80 $4,000,000 $800,0(0 15 Having made this selection, the monetary consideration paid by the player for the Systems 12 entry ticket is 20% of the standard price for a Systems 12 entry ticket. According to Table 1, the player would thus pay $110.80 as their game entry fee for this 20% Systems 12 entry. 20 If six of the twelve numbers selected by the player match the six randomly-selected winning numbers for that prize draw, the lottery operator distributes prize money to each winning player in the form of an actual dividend. For this 20% Systems 12 entry, the monetary value of said actual dividend is 20% of the standard dividend in line with the [15] player's nominated percentage at time of game entry. Thus the player will win $800,000 if there is only one winner. Example 2: Determination of Dividends and Jackpots when Payout represents less 5 than 100% of total prize pool For the purposes of this example, a total prize pool of $4,000,000 is assumed. There are 16 winners for this draw: 10 a) 8 players who elected to play a 1% game, each of whom win $40,000 each; b) 7 players who elected to play a 5% game, each of whom win $200,000 each; and, c) I player who elected to play a 20% game, this player winning $800,000. 15 The total payout for this draw is thus $2,520,000 which represents only 63% of the total prize pool of $4,000,000. As a result, the jackpot for the next draw is $1,480,000 which represents 37% of the total prize pool. 20 Example 3: Determination of Dividends when Payout represents more than 100% of the total prize pool For the sake of this example, a total prize pool of $4,000,000 is assumed. In this example, there are 41 winners for this draw: 25 a) 15 players who elected to play a 1% game, each of whom win $15,094.35; b) 10 players who elected to play a 5% game, each of whom win $75,471.65; c) 15 players who elected to play a 10% game, each of whom win $150,943.20; and, d) I player who elected to play a 50% game, that player winning $754,716.50. 30 In this case wherein the sum of the number of winners multiplied by their nominated percentage is greater than 100%, the actual dividends listed above were calculated using the following formula: [16 Total Prize Pool + (Sum of (number of winners x nominated percentage)). In this case, the sum of the number of winners multiplied by each player's nominated 5 percentage is 265% (which is 15 x I + 10 x 5 + 15 x 10 + I x 50). Thus the actual dividends are based on $4 million divided by 265% and there is no jackpot going forward. A second embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 in which the system includes at least one data 10 entry station (12) in the form of a gaming machine (100). In this embodiment, the random based game operated by the gaming machine (100) is keno. The gaming machine (100) comprises: input means to accept game entry data (14) in the form of a touchscreen display (102) and a plurality of buttons (104) and a payment means (108). The gaming machine (100) includes a processing unit (106) which serves the function of the data processor (20). 15 The touchscreen display (102) acts as a display mechanism for the processing unit (106). The plurality of buttons (104), touchscreen display (102) and payment means (108) all act as input mechanisms for the processing unit (106). Additional features and components of this embodiment, as well as the interaction between components already described, will be illustrated in the context of the ordinary usage of the gaming machine (100). 20 The gaming machine is further provided with a means for allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data; a means for identifying a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a comparison of each validated record of game entry data with a winning set of randomly 25 selected data: a means for allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for the winning outcome based on said comparison; and, a means for registration of a nominated percentage elected by a player, whereby the nominated percentage is applied to the standard game entry fee to determine an actual game entry fee and the nominate percentage is applied to the standard dividend to determine an actual dividend for the 30 winning outcome. A player (not shown) moves to a position where they are able to access the touchscrcen display (102), plurality of buttons (104) and payment means (108). Once appropriately [171 positioned the player indicates that they wish to commence a new game of keno by pressing the appropriate button (104) (Step 150). Once pressed, the touchscreen display (102) operates, under the control of the processing unit (106), to display the game grid (110) (Step 152). The game grid (110) shows a set of unique numbers from which the 5 winning set of numbers will be randomly selected by the processing unit (106) to determine a winning outcome after the player has completed input of the game entry data. The player then chooses a subset of the unique numbers displayed in the game grid (110) by touching the touchscreen display (102) at the displayed location (112) for each desired 10 unique number forming the subset (Step 154). As each unique number is selected, the touchscreen display (102) operates to display to the player the standard game entry fee based on the game entry data validated by the data processor (106) for the chosen subset (Step 156). If the player does not wish to bet the standard game entry fee, the player has the option of: 15 " deselecting one or more of the unique numbers in the chosen subset to alter the size of the subset. This may be achieved by again touching the touchscreen display (102) at the displayed location (112) of the desired unique number to be deselected; AND/OR 20 0 indicate, by way of the appropriate buttons (104), the actual game entry fee that they wish to bet which is converted to and then registered as a nominated percentage by the data processor (step 158); OR, * register, by way of the appropriate buttons (104), a nominated percentage of the actual game entry fee that they wish to bet (step 159). 25 Once the actual game entry fee is acceptable to the player, the player is required to pay that amount (Step 160). If the player has sufficient funds in credit with the gaming machine (100), this can be done by pressing the appropriate button (104). If the player has insufficient funds in credit with the gaming machine (100), the player is required to 30 provide additional funds to cover the actual game entry fee by way of the payment means (108).
[18] In this embodiment, the payment means (108) takes the form of a currency reader (114) and currency return (116). The player inserts the appropriate denomination note into the currency reader (114). The currency reader (114) checks the validity of the note and determines its denomination. Once so validated, the gaming machine (100) is then 5 credited with the denomination of the note inserted. Once sufficient credit has been inserted, the player presses the appropriate button (104) of the machine to commence the game. This sends an appropriate control command to the processing unit (106). On receipt of a control command indicating that the game is to 10 commence, the processing unit (106) validates the game entry data and records it in a memory (118). Simultaneously, the processing unit (106) operates to record the actual game entry fee, as determined in accordance with the above description, and debits that amount from the amount of credit the player has with the gaming machine (100) (step 162). 15 The processing unit (106) also operates to determine, if necessary, and register the nominated percentage according to the following formula: Nominated Percentage = (Actual Game Entry Fee / Standard Game Entry Fee) x 100, 20 wherein, the Standard Game Entry Fee is the game entry fee which would otherwise be required to be paid to receive a full standard dividend share from the relevant prize pool in the event that the subset of unique numbers selected by the player in the game entry data contains a winning outcome (Step 164). 25 After the actual game entry fee has been paid and the game entry data has been validated, the processing unit (106) operates to select a winning set of randomly-selected numbers from the full set of unique numbers displayed to the player on the game grid (110) (step 166). Alternatively, the winning set of randomly-selected data is inputted or 30 communicated to the data processor for subsequent comparison. In this embodiment, the winning set of randomly-selected numbers is greater than size of the subset of unique numbers chosen by the player and stored in the form of the game entry data in the memory (I 18).
[191 Following generation of the winning set of randomly-selected numbers, the processing unit (106) operates to identify a winning outcome according to a predetermined game procedure, the predetermined game procedure being based on a comparison of the winning set with each validated record of game entry data stored in memory (I 18) (Step 168). In 5 the event of a winning outcome, the processing unit (106) then operates to determine the standard dividend for each winning outcome (Step 170). Calculation of the winning dividend for each winning outcome is determined according to the programming of the gaming machine (100) and may vary from machine to machine. However, calculation of the winning dividend is initially determined on the basis that the amount bet is the 10 Standard Bet Amount (as defined above). Once the standard dividend has been determined for each winning outcome, the processing unit (106) checks the nominated percentage registered and stored earlier as part of the game entry data. The standard dividend for each winning outcome is multiplied by the 15 nominated percentage to determine the actual dividend. The actual dividend payable for each winning outcome is then summed and added to the credit available to the player on that gaming machine (100). At any point in time the player may decide that they no longer wish to play on the gaming 20 machine (100). When this occurs, the player presses the appropriate button (104) and the amount of credit the player has with the gaming machine (100) at that point in time will be returned to them by way of the dispensing means (116). A third embodiment of the present invention is now described with particular reference to 25 Figures 6 and 7. In this third embodiment of the present invention, a random based betting system (200) is provided in the form of a plurality of play entry stations (202) in data communication with a central server (204) via the Internet. In this embodiment, each play entry station (202) takes the form of a personal computer but could equally take the form of a web-enabled mobile phone or other portable electronic device. This embodiment is 30 equally applicable to a plurality of gaming machines of the type described above for the second embodiment which are configured to operate in data communication with a central server located at a casino. The nature and configuration of each personal computer may vary from instance to instance as would be known to the person skilled in the art, however [20] each must have an input means (206) for accepting game entry data and a display means (208). Additional features and components of this embodiment, as well as the interaction between components already described, will be illustrated in the context of the ordinary usage of the random based betting system (200). 5 A player (not shown) operates the personal computer (202) so as to execute a dedicated betting program (210) (Step 250). Upon execution, the dedicated betting program (210) establishes a communications link with the central server (204) (Step 252). The dedicated betting program may be stored on a computer readable medium operable, on execution by 10 the personal computer (202). Alternatively, the dedicated betting program may be stored on the central server (204) and operable, on execution by the central server (204) in response to a communications link being established between the central server (204) and the personal computer (202). 15 Following establishment of the communications link, by way of the display means (208), the player is presented with a range of random-based games which they may play. The player then uses the input means (206) to select one of the random based games (Step 254). The betting program (210) then operates to convey this selection to the central server (204) and establish the selected game according to the data received in return from the central 20 server (204) (step 256). This data may include details of current prize pools, jackpots, etc. In establishing the game according to the data received from the central server (204), the betting program (210) goes through two distinct phases. The first such phase sees the player prompted to select their game entry data according to the rules of the chosen game 25 (Step 258). Once selected, the game entry data is sent to the central server (204). The central server (204) then allocates a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data which is then communicated back to the betting program (210) (step 260). The second phase sees the player prompted to choose the actual game entry fee. In this 30 second phase, the player can choose the amount of the game entry fee using one of two methods (Step 262). It should be noted, however, that the player may switch between registering a nominated percentage or specifying an actual game entry fee (which is converted 1:o a nominate percentage as described in greater detail below) by way of [21] selection of the appropriate tab (216). In the first method the player is initially shown the standard game cntry fee by way of the display means. The player may then increase or reduce this amount by selecting one or more displayed control buttons (212). Each control button (212) represents a different nominated percentage of the standard game entry fee. 5 Thus, if the player wanted to pay half of the standard game entry fee, they would select the 50% control button (212). Similarly, if the player wanted to pay double the standard game entry fee they would select the 200% control button (212). At each stage after selection of a control button (212), the current actual game entry fee for the selected game entry data is updated to reflect the current nominated percentages chosen and displayed to the player. 10 Thus, as an example, if the player wanted to bet $27 for a game that had a standard game entry fee of $100, the player may first select the 20% control button (212). This would result in the player being shown the current actual game entry fee for the bet as $20. The player would then select the 5% control button (212), resulting in the current actual game 15 entry fee for the bet being updated to $25. The player would then select the 1% control button (212) twice with the end result that the current actual game entry fee for the bet being updated to the desired $27 amount. Once the nominated percentage is registered in this manner, the player indicates that they 20 now wish to make payment by selecting a payment button (214). Once selected, the nominated percentage forms part of the game entry data recorded by the betting program (210). Alternatively, as a second method of choosing the actual game entry fee, the series of 25 control buttons (212) shown to the player may be changed to each represent a monetary figure. The player chooses the monetary amount of the actual game entry fee that they wish to bet in a similar manner to that described above (ie. to achieve a $27 bet, the player selects the following control buttons: $20, $5, $1, $1). Again, after each control button (212) is selected the current purchase price for the bet is updated. Once the actual game 30 entry fee is determined, the player indicates that they now wish to make payment of the actual game entry fee by selecting the payment button (214). Once selected, the betting program (210) calculates the nominated percentage to be registered according to the following formula: [22] Nominated Percentage = (Actual Game Entry Fee / Standard Game Entry Fee) x 100 where, the Standard Game Entry Fee is that fee which would be required to be paid 5 to receive a full standard dividend share from the relevant prize pool in the event that the game entry data contains a winning outcome (Step 266). The nominated percentage (Step 266) is then registered with the game entry data being maintained by the betting program (210). The player is then prompted by the betting 10 program (210) to enter in their credit card details to facilitate payment of the bet (step 264). These details, once entered, are communicated, along with the game entry data and details of the personal computer (202) through which the bet is being placed to the central server (204) (step 268). The central server (204) then operates to validate the game entry data. After validation of the game entry data, the central server (204) then operates to debit the 15 player's credit card for the actual game entry fee. A register (218) of each validated record of game entry data is then stored in an associated game database (220) (Step 270). On successful debiting of the player's credit card, the central server (204) indicates this fact to the betting program (210). The game is then played in accordance with the rules of the predetermined game procedure with the winning set of randomly-selected numbers 20 being deterriined by the central server (204) (Step 272). The outcome of each game is then communicated to the betting program (210). At the same time, the central server (204) operates to check the register of validated records (218) in the game database (220) to identify game entry data having winning outcomes (step 274). 25 On identifying that one or more validated records in the register (218) in the game database (220) has a winning outcome, the central server (204) operates to determine the actual dividend payable for the game entry data based on each winning outcome (step 276). This is done by multiplying the standard dividend (being the dividend that would have been payable for that winning outcome in the event that the player had elected to pay the 30 standard game entry fee) with the nominated percentage to determine the actual dividend. In the event of more than one winning outcome, the actual dividends payable for such a multiple-entry bet are summed. The actual dividend(s) are then: [23] i. credited to the player's credit card based on the credit card information given previously: and, ii. notified to the betting program (210) used by the player to inform them of their win and the amount won (Step 278). 5 Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be evident that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following: a) Existing physical infrastructure established for random-based games can be utilised 10 with only minor modification needed to its programming to accommodate percentage bets. This is particularly important in the context of lottery systems where stich infrastructure can be extensive and widespread across a jurisdiction; b) The percentage allocation nature of the prize pool makes the likely size of jackpots much larger than usual; 15 c) The increased play number selection provides for increased anticipation that the player will be able to select a winning outcome combined; d) The game entry price reflects player's appetite for risk in participation in systems entries; e) The risk of lottery agents, or syndicate administrators, being left with bearing the 20 cost o unsold portions of entries or being forced players in a syndicate is removed; f) The availability of systems tickets of all descriptions is spread to all potential game entry stations rather than just those operated by agents willing to accept the risk of unsold portions of a systems entry. g) There is no requirement on an intermediary to maintain records of player 25 participation; h) Provides a stand-alone game in which the percentage lottery game is differentiated from existing lottery games and provides a different pool, or one that can be incorporated as part of an existing lottery system. 30 The person skilled in the art should appreciate that the above invention is to a large extent distinct from the rules and operation of the random-based game to which it is applied.. Factors such as whether a set of unique or non-unique numbers or symbols are selected, or the order of selection, arc immaterial to the invention while being material to the random- [24] based game played. In the same manner, the method by which prize pools standard dividends are calculated are material to the random-based game played, but immaterial to the invention described. Yet further, what constitutes a winning outcome is also immaterial to the invention described, yet important to the random based game played. It 5 should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. " it is to be clearly understood that other types of random-based games may equally be used provided only that the game entry data requires a betting subset of numbers 10 or symbols to be selected from a predetermined larger set of numbers or symbols, and where the determination of a winning outcome is a comparison between a winning subset of randomly-selected numbers or symbols with the betting subset of nunbe-:s. * In one form, the random-based game may specify an ordinary number of elements 15 to be included in the betting subset of numbers. In such a situation, where the player specifies a subset having a number of elements less than this ordinary number, the bet is considered to be for those elements specified in combination with all other possible combinations of the pre-determined larger set of numbers or symbols that may be chosen to make up the ordinary number. For example, where 20 the ordinary number is six elements and the player has chosen the subset {1, 2, 3, 4, 5) from the larger set of { I ... 45), such a bet will be considered to be representative of a bet for each of the following combinations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), {I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7), {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8) ... (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 44), {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 45) " Similarly, where the player specifies a subset having a number of elements greater 25 than this ordinary number, the bet is considered to be for all possible combinations of such elements chosen to make up the ordinary number. For example, where the ordinary number is six elements and the player has chosen the subset {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}, such a bet will be considered representative of a bet for each of the following combinations 11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7), {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7), {l. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7), 30 {1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7}, 11, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} and 12, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) e The means (21) for allocating a standard game entry fee based on the game entry data may be integrated within the data processor (20) or integrated with the data entry station (12), for example, by way of a computer program stored on a [25] computer readable medium operable upon execution. Alternatively, the means (21) for allocating a standard game entry fee may be, by way of example, physical media such as a look-up table. " Analogously, the means for identifying a winning outcome according to a 5 predetermined game procedure may be integrated within the data processor (20) or integrated with the data entry station (12), for example, by way of a computer program stored on a computer readable medium operable upon execution. Alternatively, the means for identifying a winning outcome may be, by way of example, physical media such as a look-up table. 10 e Analogously, the means for allocating a standard dividend from a prize pool to be paid for the winning outcome based on said comparison may be integrated within the data processor (20) or integrated with the data entry station (12), for example, by way of a computer program stored on a computer readable medium operable upon execution. Alternatively, the means for allocating a standard dividend may 15 be, by way of example, physical media such as a look-up table. * Analogously, the means for registration of a nominated percentage elected by a player, may be integrated within the data processor (20) or integrated with the data entry station (12), for example, by way of a computer program stored on a computer readable medium operable upon execution. Alternatively, the means for 20 registration of a nominated percentage, may be, by way of example, physical media such as a look-ip table. * Validation of game entry data may be performed by the data entry station (12) or by the data processor (20). Furthermore, as indicated in the various embodiments above, the invention may be implemented either as a standalone or distributed 25 processing system. In the former case, the reference to a central processor need not be a reference to a physically separate processor, rather being a reference to a processor centralised within the standalone data entry station (12) or like component. e The method of entering game entry data (which may include multiple-entry bet 30 data), may be physical (with later electronic conversion), or electronic as described in the embodiments above. Alternatively, game entry data may be randomly selected by the game entry station (12), betting unit (202) or gaming machine (100), or randomly selected by the data processor (20) at the direction of the player.
[26] 0 The invention need not require the player to be issued with a receipt for, or acknowledgement of, their actual game fee payment as evidenced in the second and third embodiments of the invention. However, where a receipt or acknowledgement, is issued it may take one or more of the following forms, 5 amongst others: SMS message, e-mail message or attachment to an e-mail message, on-screen notification, or printed ticket. * As indicated in the second embodiment and third embodiments, the invention may be modified to allow automatic crediting of any actual dividend(s) due to the player without the need for presenting a receipt or acknowledgement of their wager. 10 e Communication between distributed components, such as the data entry station (12) and the data processor (20) of the first embodiment, may be by way of modem signals, dedicated digital communications lines, the Internet, radio signal or messaging services (such as SMS), amongst others. Alternatively, communication may be by way of physical delivery of computer readable media. 15 * Payment mechanisms may differ from those described above. For instance the gaming machine (100) of the second embodiment may be employed with a premises-based value card or loyalty card loaded with credit obtained by way of transactions conducted on the premises (such as payment made to a cashier). Payment may also be made using the mobile phone credit of the player. Other 20 alternatives would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art. 0 Additionally, in situations such as the first embodiment described where the data entry station (12) is under the control of the game organiser or an authorised agent such as a lottery agent, the payment mechanism may be physically separated from the data entry station (12). 25 a The gaming machine (100) may form part of a plurality of machines linked to a jackpot computer to facilitate jackpot payments on certain winning outcomes. * While the invention has been described with reference to the player entering in either their desired actual game entry fee or nominated percentage by way of specialised buttons (both physical and virtual), other means of entering such 30 information can be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, at its base level, the player may simply be asked to enter by way of a numeric keypad the monetary amount of the actual game entry fee or nominated percentage they wish to register. In the case of a nominated percentage [271 being registered, the amount entered may be limited to a certain number of decimal places. It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that one or more of the above modifications and improvements, not being mutually exclusive, may be combined to 5 form yet further embodiments considered within the scope of the present invention. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country. In the statement of invention and description of the invention which follow, 10 except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense. i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 15