AU2019264995A1

AU2019264995A1 - Pre-printed and pre-selected lottery tickets for point-of-sale purchase

Info

Publication number: AU2019264995A1
Application number: AU2019264995A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Richard Alan GOTLIEB; Ryan KOOP; Melissa MURILLO; Prashant NEDUNGADI
Original assignee: Blackhawk Network Inc
Current assignee: Blackhawk Network Inc
Priority date: 2018-05-10
Filing date: 2019-05-10
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Also published as: WO2019217915A1; GB2587994A; CA3100010A1; GB202018170D0; AU2025201104A1

Abstract

A method including receiving an activation request including an identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket, determining if the activation request is valid, determining a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket, determining a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated, and enrolling the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system.

Description

PRE-PRINTED AND PRE-SELECTED LOTTERY TICKETS FOR POINT-OF-SALE

PURCHASE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application ET.S. Ser. No. 62/669,730 filed May 10, 2018 by Richard Alan Gotlieb, et al., and entitled“Point of Sale Activated Instant Lottery Ticket,” and claims priority to provisional application ET.S. Ser. No. 62/673,568 filed May 18, 2018 by Richard Alan Gotlieb, et al., and entitled“Instant Lottery Scratcher Dispensed at Point of Sale,” and claims priority to provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 62/688,540 filed June 22, 2018 by Richard Alan Gotlieb, et al., and entitled“Instant Lottery Scratcher Dispensed at Point of Sale,” and claims priority to provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 62/777,575 filed December 10, 2018 by Richard Alan Gotlieb, et al., and entitled“System and Method for Automatic Win Notification For Draw Based Games,” which are each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, there are two types of lotteries. A first type of lottery is a draw-based lottery or“online” lottery, where a player makes a wager with respect to a subsequently occurring event. For example, a player may wager based upon numbers that will be drawn in the subsequent event. The numbers, which may be selected by the player or randomly selected if the player does not have a preference for the numbers, are printed on a ticket and provided to the player. Once the event occurs, for example the numbers are drawn or generated by the lottery organization, the ticket may be a winner depending on if one or more of the selected numbers were drawn or generated.

[0003] A second type of lottery is an instant win lottery where a printed ticket provides all of the lottery information. These instant-win tickets typically have a play area covered by scratch off material. The tickets can be purchased from a retailer, and the scratch off material removed to reveal whether the ticket is a winner.

SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments is lottery ticket processing system comprising a processor comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions configured to cause the processor to receive an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising an identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket. The processor may also be configured to access a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket. The processor may also be configured to determine if the activation request is valid. The processor may also be configured to upon determining that the activation request is valid, determine a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket. The processor may also be configured to determine a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated. The processor may also be configured to enroll the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system, wherein a comparison between the set of attributes and results of a drawing for the lottery enables a player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[0005] In some embodiments is a lottery ticket processing system comprising a processor comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions configured to cause the processor to receive an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising a first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket. The processor may also be configured to access a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket. The processor may also be configured to determine if the activation request is valid based upon the first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket. The processor may also be configured to upon determining that the activation request is valid, update a status associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket to indicate that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active. The processor may also be configured to receive an enrollment request comprising a second identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket from a player. The processor may also be configured to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is active. The processor may also be configured to determine a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated. The processor may also be configured, upon determining that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active, to enroll the pre printed lottery ticket with the central gaming system and to communicate the first set of attributes to the player. A comparison between the first set of attributes and a second set of attributes disposed on the pre-printed lottery ticket enables the player to determine if the pre- printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[0006] In some embodiments is a method of processing a lottery ticket. The method may comprises receiving an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising an identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket, accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket, determining if the activation request is valid, upon determining that the activation request is valid, determining a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket, determining a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated, and enrolling the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system, wherein a comparison between the set of attributes and results of a drawing for the lottery enables a player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[0007] In some embodiments is a method of processing a lottery ticket. The method may comprise receiving an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising a first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket, accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket, determining if the activation request is valid based upon the first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket, upon determining that the activation request is valid, updating a status associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket to indicate that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active, receiving an enrollment request comprising a second identifier uniquely identifying the pre- printed lottery ticket from a player, determining if the pre-printed lottery ticket is active, determining a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre- printed lottery ticket is associated. The method may also comprise, upon determining that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active, enrolling the pre-printed lottery ticket with the central gaming system and communicating the first set of attributes to the player. A comparison between the first set of attributes and a second set of attributes disposed on the pre-printed lottery ticket enables the player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A illustrates a front- view of a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1B illustrates a view of a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2A illustrates a rear view of the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket of Figure 1A.

[0011] Figure 2B illustrates a view of a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a front-view of an instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket according to an embodiment of the disclosure with information obscured.

[0013] Figure 4A illustrates a front-view of an instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket according to an embodiment of the disclosure with information visible.

[0014] Figure 4B illustrates a view of a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a lottery system and/or environment in which a pre-printed and/or pre-selected lottery ticket may be enrolled in a lottery at point of sale (POS) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a system network that may be used to implement an embodiment of the lottery system of Figure 5.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method of activation of a draw-type lottery ticket.

[0018] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate embodiments of communications with a lottery player for providing additional functionality implemented by the lottery system.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method for providing information to a lottery card purchaser.

[0020] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate an embodiment of activation of an instant- win-type lottery ticket.

[0021] Figure 11 illustrates an instant scratcher chit according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [0022] Figure 12 illustrates a process relating to an instant lottery scratcher dispensed at a point of sale terminal via an in-lane ticket dispenser system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] Figure 13 illustrates a particular machine suitable for implementing the several embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Disclosed herein are various embodiments of pre-printed lottery tickets that can be securely merchandised, that is, made available, throughout a retail store without risk of loss from fraudulent redemption or shrinkage. Generally, the pre-printed lottery tickets disclosed herein can be displayed openly, for example, throughout a retail establishment, in that the pre-printed lottery tickets are inactive. Additionally, the disclosed pre-printed lottery tickets closely resemble a traditional paper ticket so as to foster consumer recognition, trial, and confidence.

[0025] Additionally, also disclosed herein are embodiments of virtual lottery tickets having preselected attributes (e.g., lottery picks). As will be disclosed herein, the pre-printed lottery tickets or preselected virtual lottery tickets disclosed herein allow for technical improvements in the processing of lottery tickets, in comparison to the way in which conventional lottery tickets are processes using conventional lottery systems. Particularly, in comparison to conventional lottery systems, the systems utilized to process the disclosed physical pre-printed/virtual pre- selected lottery tickets can benefit from reduced computer processing requirements due to the fact that the pre-printed/pre-selected ticket accounts/files are already present in the system and only need to be marked as active/enrolled instead of the system having to create new account/files for every ticket entered in a particular lottery.

[0026] It will be appreciated that in some contexts, a purchaser of a ticket may not ultimately be the person who“plays” or“uses” the ticket; conversely, a purchaser of a ticket may be a player or user of a ticket (though not necessarily). Thus, references throughout this disclosure to one or more of a“purchaser,”“consumer,”“user,” or“player” are not intended to be limiting and should be interpreted as synonymous except where explicitly or contextually so limited.

[0027] In some embodiments disclosed herein are draw-type pre-printed lottery tickets. In some embodiments, the draw-type pre-printed lottery tickets may be activated at a point of sale (POS), such as in a retail store or a consumer’s interaction with a website or smart device application which provides the consumer with the ability to purchase and activate a virtual version of a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket, e.g., a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102. In some embodiments, a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket may be activated by enrollment of that particular draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket in a lottery. Prior to activation (for example, by enrollment in a lottery), as will be disclosed herein, even if a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket bears winning indicia, no prize would be paid out by the lottery to a holder of the draw- type pre-printed lottery ticket. Only winning tickets that have been activated, for example, enrolled in a lottery game, will be redeemable.

[0028] In some embodiments, the draw-type pre-printed lottery tickets disclosed herein contain pre-printed play-selections which will later be determined to be either winning or losing. Similarly, a consumer may purchase a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 which will also include, e.g., be associated with, data equivalent to the information imprinted on a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket. In various embodiments, the virtual ticket may be processed/activated/enrolled/and determined to be winners or losers via the same methods as described for the physical ticket, with the exception that a virtual ticket may be directly entered into a consumer’s e-wallet and its pur chase/ activation requires a confirmation that the consumer device which has requested the pur chase/ activation is located in a geographic location approved for the sale of the particular virtual lottery ticket and/or participation in the particular gaming authority’s lottery game. For example, the pre-printed play-selection may be determined to be either winning or losing based upon a drawing or other event taking place at a time after purchase of the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket. After a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket is purchased and activated by enrollment in a lottery, the lottery“plays” printed on the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket may be compared to subsequently drawn numbers to determine if one or more of the lottery plays constitute winning entries. The draw-type pre-printed lottery tickets disclosed herein are distinct from scratch-off lottery tickets in which game data, when unobscured, is instantly recognizable as either winning data or non-winning data.

[0029] Referring to Figures 1A and 2, an embodiment of a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 is shown; particularly, a front view 101 and a rear view 201 are shown, respectively. In various embodiments, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes a substrate 110 of a suitable material, for example, a cardstock, a cardboard, a chipboard, another paper material, a plastic, or combinations thereof, such as a paper material having a plastic coating.

[0030] In the embodiment of Figures 1 A and 2A, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 is imprinted with various indicia (such as certain numbers, symbols, words and the like). Particularly, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 is imprinted with at least multiple play-selections 120; in other embodiments, a draw-type pre- printed lottery ticket 100 may include only a single play-selection 120. Each play-selection 120 constitutes a separate and distinct play for a game. In the embodiment of Figure 1A, the draw- type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes three play-selections 120, although in various other embodiments, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes any suitable number of play- selections 120, for example, one, two, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more play- selections 120. Each of the play-selections includes a plurality of game attributes 122 and each attribute 122 may include, for example, a number, a letter, a symbol, or an illustration. The attributes 122 may be randomly selected. The attributes 122 for the play-selection may be generated using, for example, a Random Number Generator (RNG). As shown in Figure 1B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 where the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having the same characteristics as described in this paragraph for the physical draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100.

[0031] In various embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 A and 2A, the configuration for each play-selection 120 may be dependent upon the game or lottery for which the draw-type pre- printed lottery ticket 100 is intended. For example, in some embodiments, the pre-printed lottery ticket 100 may be configured for play in a Powerball^® lottery game (Powerball^® is a registered trademark of Multi-State Lottery Association). In an embodiment where the draw-type pre- printed lottery ticket 100 configured for play in a Powerball^® lottery game, each play-selection 120 may include six attributes 122, particularly, a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth attribute 122. Each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth attributes 122 may be a number selected from sixty-nine (69) possibilities and the sixth attribute 122 may be a number independently selected from twenty-six (26) possibilities. As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 where the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having the same characteristics as described in this paragraph for the physical draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 may be configured for play in a Mega Millions^® lottery game (Mega Millions^® is a registered trademark of Illinois Department of the Lottery). In an embodiment where the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 configured for play in a Mega Millions^® lottery game, each play-selection 120 may include six attributes 122, particularly, a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth attribute 122. Each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth attributes 122 may be a number selected from seventy (70) possibilities and the sixth attribute 122 may be a number independently selected from twenty-five (25) possibilities. In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw- type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having the same characteristics as described in this paragraph for the physical draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100.

[0033] In some embodiments, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 may include a covering configured to obscure the play-selections, until removed. In various embodiments, the covering may be a continuous layer disposed over a given play-selection 120 or two or more play-selections or disposed over a given attribute 122 or two more attributes 122. The covering may include a material that may be suitably removed by a purchaser, such as a scratch-off material, an example of which may include, but is not limited to a latex film. The scratch-of material may obscure various information (e.g., the play-selections) from observation by both the ticket distributor (e.g., a retailer) and the ticket purchaser until after the ticket has been sold.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 A and 2 A, in various embodiments, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 may include various additional indicia. In various embodiments, the indicia may be machine-readable (such as via a scanner or card reader), human-readable, or both. For example, in various embodiments, the indicia may comprise a magnetic stripe, a bar-code (e.g., a linear barcode such as a UCC 128 barcode or a matrix barcode, such as a quick-response code (e.g., a QR code^®— QR code^® is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated) a number, a combination of letters and number, or combinations thereof.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, in embodiments where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, when displayed on a consumer’s device 200, may comprise indicia which is machine readable (such as via a scanner or card reader), human-readable, or both. For example, in various embodiments, the indicia may comprise a linear barcode such as a UCC 128 barcode or a matrix barcode, such as a quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®), a number, a combination of letters and numbers, or combinations thereof.

[0036] For example, in the embodiment of Figures 1A and 2A, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes an activation code 210. As shown in Figure 2A, the activation code 210 is a machine-readable barcode, although in other embodiments an activation code 210 may take any suitable configuration. As will be further explained, the activation code 210 may be unique, for example, with respect to the particular draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 with which it is associated. In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having an activation code 210 as described in this paragraph for the physical draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 and/or the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 in an activated state.

[0037] Also, in the embodiment of Figures 1 A and 2A, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes an encrypted control number 130. The encrypted control number 130 may contain various information about the pre-printed lottery ticket 100, for example, which may be used to track or authenticate the pre-printed lottery ticket 100. In some embodiments, the encrypted control number 130 may be unique, for example, with respect to the particular pre printed lottery ticket 100 with which it is associated. In some embodiments, the encrypted control number 130 may be obscured by the covering, prior to the covering being removed (e.g., prior to being“scratched-of ’).

[0038] As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having an encrypted control number 130. The encrypted control number 130 may contain various information about the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, for example, which may be used to track or authenticate the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102. In some embodiments, the encrypted control number 130 may be unique, for example, with respect to the particular virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 with which it is associated.

[0039] Also, in the embodiment of Figures 1 A and 2A, the pre-printed lottery ticket includes both a low-tier redemption code 140 and a high-tier redemption code 220. In various embodiments, the low-tier redemption code 140 and/or the high-tier redemption code 220 may be utilized to redeem any winnings, for example, dependent upon the size and/or value of any potential winnings, e.g., a low-tier redemption code 140 may be utilized to redeem prizes/winnings valued at under $600.00 whereas the high-tier redemption code 220 may be utilized to redeem prizes/winnings valued at over $600.00. The demarcation of the value amounts for the low-tier redemption code 140 and a high-tier redemption code 220 may be determined on a game-by-game basis. In various embodiments, the low-tier redemption code 140 and/or the high-tier redemption code 220 may be machine-readable. As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having the same characteristics as described in this paragraph for the physical draw-type pre printed lottery ticket 100. Moreover, the low-tier redemption code 140 and/or the high-tier redemption code 220 may be configured to be activatable on the consumer’s device 200 to request available redeemable values.

[0040] Also, in the embodiment of Figures 1 A and 2A, the pre-printed lottery ticket includes confirmation information 230. As shown in Figure 2A, the confirmation information 230 may comprise a quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®), a website, a call-number, a text- number (SMS), or combinations thereof. As will be further explained, a purchaser may use one or more of the confirmation information 230 to confirm their entry into a lottery, a draw-date for that lottery, and/or winning numbers for that lottery. Furthermore, in embodiments the purchaser may not be the player of the lottery for which the lottery ticket is purchased, rather the purchaser may direct that the lottery ticket be delivered to another party. As shown in Figure 2B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having the same characteristics as described in this paragraph above for the physical draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100.

[0041] Also, in the embodiment of Figures 1 A and 2A, the pre-printed lottery ticket includes an indication of the number of plays 150. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the pre-printed lottery ticket 100 is configured to allow three (3) plays, as apparent from the inclusion of three (3) different play-selections 120. As such, indication of number of plays 150 indicates that the pre-printed lottery ticket 100 is configured to allow three (3) plays. As shown in Figure 1B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having the same characteristics as described in this paragraph for the physical draw-type pre- printed lottery ticket 100.

[0042] Also, in the embodiment of Figures 1A and 2A, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes denomination indicia 160, for example, the price or value of the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100. The denomination indicia 160 may correspond to the number of plays. As an example, in the embodiment of Figures 1 A and 2A where the draw-type pre- printed lottery ticket 100 is configured for three (3) plays, the pre-printed lottery ticket 100 has a $6 denomination based upon each play being valued at $2. Also, in the embodiment of Figure 1 and 2, the pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes a Universal Product Code (UPC) associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket 100, for example, which may be utilized at a point of sale to determine the pre-printed lottery ticket being transacted and its price.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having denomination indicia 160, for example, the price or value of the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100. The denomination indicia 160 may correspond to the number of plays. As an example, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 is configured for three (3) plays, e.g., the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 has a $6 denomination based upon each play being valued at $2.

[0044] Also in the embodiment of Figures 1 A and 2A, the pre-printed lottery ticket includes various user instructions 240, for example, related to rules for game-play; confirmation of entry in a lottery, confirmation of a date for that lottery, and/or winning numbers for that lottery; redemption instructions; and the like.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein various user instructions 240, for example, related to rules for game-play; confirmation of entry in a lottery, confirmation of a date for that lottery, and/or winning numbers for that lottery; redemption instructions; and the like may be displayed.

[0046] In some embodiments disclosed herein are instant-win-type pre-printed lottery tickets. In some embodiments, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery tickets may be activated at a POS, such as in a retail store or a consumer’s interaction with a website or smart device application which provides the consumer with the ability to purchase and activate a virtual version of a draw- type pre-printed lottery ticket, e.g., a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302. In some embodiments, an instant-win-type pre-printed lottery tickets contain hidden pre-printed winning and losing game data. As such, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery tickets are distinct from lottery tickets in which winning numbers are drawn some time after the sale of the ticket.

[0047] Referring to Figures 3 and 4A, an embodiment of an instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 is shown, particularly, a front view 301 of the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 is shown. In various embodiments, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 includes a substrate 310 of a suitable material, for example, a cardstock, a cardboard, a chipboard, another paper material, a plastic, or combinations thereof, such as a paper material having a plastic coating. [0048] In various embodiments, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 is imprinted with various indicia (such as information, such as certain numbers, symbols, words and the like). Similarly, a consumer may purchase a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 which will also include, e.g., be associated with, data equivalent to the information imprinted on a physical instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300. In various embodiments, the virtual ticket may be processed/activated/enrolled/and determined to be a winner or a loser via the same methods as described for the physical ticket, with the exception that a virtual ticket may be directly entered into a consumer’s e-wallet and its purchase/activation requires a confirmation that the consumer device which has requested the purchase/activation is located in a geographic location approved for the sale of the particular virtual lottery ticket and/or participation in the particular gaming authority’s lottery game. In some embodiments, the indicia may provide an indication as to whether the bearer has won a prize. Particularly, in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4A, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 is imprinted with each of a“Your Winning Data” section 320 and a“Your Data” section 330. The“Your Winning Data” section 320 may include pre-printed instructions that instruct the purchaser to electronically communicate a certain indicium (e.g., a play-code) uniquely identifying the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 to a particular destination (e.g., a node), for example, to text a unique number to a particular short-code. The“Your Data” section 330 may include a plurality of game attributes 332 and each attribute 332 may include, for example, a number, a letter, a symbol, or an illustration. The attributes 332 may be randomly selected, for example, generated using a RNG. The attributes 332 may be compared against indicia received by the purchaser of the instant-win- type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 upon communicating the indicium uniquely identifying the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 to the particular destination, as directed by the “Your Winning Data” section 320.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant- win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual instant-win- type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 may be displayed as having each of a“Your Winning Data” section 320 and a“Your Data” section 330. The“Your Winning Data” section 320 may include accessible instructions, which when displayed, instruct the purchaser to electronically communicate a certain indicium (e.g., a play-code) uniquely identifying the instant-win-type pre printed lottery ticket 300 to a particular destination (e.g., a node), for example, to text a unique number to a particular short-code and/or the instructions may be configured to be activatable on the consumer’s device 200 to automatically communicate the indicium to the relevant party when activated by a user. The“Your Data” section 330 may include a plurality of displayable game attributes 332 and each attribute 332 may include, for example, a number, a letter, a symbol, or an illustration. The attributes 332 may be randomly selected, for example, generated using a RNG. The attributes 332 may be compared against indicia received by the purchaser of the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 upon communicating the indicium uniquely identifying the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 to the particular destination, as directed by the“Your Winning Data” section 320 and/or via automatic communication as a result of the purchaser activating the portion of section 320 configured to be activatable, e.g., a button and/or a hyperlink.

[0050] In some embodiments, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 may include a covering 340. For example, as illustrated in Figure 3, the“Your Winning Data” section 320, the“Your Data” section 330, or both may be obscured from sight by a scratch-off material, an example of which may include, but is not limited to a latex film. For example, the covering 340 may obscure the winning indication information from observation by both the ticket distributor and the ticket purchaser until after the ticket has been sold.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 may also include an activation code 350 which may be machine-readable (such as via a scanner or card reader), human-readable, or both. For example, in various embodiments, the activation code 350 may comprise a magnetic stripe, a bar-code (e.g., a linear barcode such as a UCC 128 barcode or a matrix barcode, such as a quick-response (e.g., a QR code^®), a number, a combination of letters and number, or combinations thereof. As will be further explained, the activation code 350 may be unique, for example, with respect to the particular instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 with which it is associated.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, when displayed on a consumer’s device 200, may comprise an activation code 350 which is machine readable (such as via a scanner or card reader), human-readable, or both. For example, in various embodiments, the activation code may comprise a linear barcode such as a UCC 128 barcode or a matrix barcode, such as a quick-response response (e.g., a QR code^®), a number, a combination of letters and numbers, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Also, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the instant-win-type pre printed lottery ticket 300 may also include a control number 360 (e.g., a serial number) which may uniquely identify the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 with which it is associated. In some embodiments, the control number 360 may be used to track or authenticate instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 with which it is associated. In various embodiments, the control number 360 which may be the same or different than a number encoded by the activation code 350 and/or a play-number contained in the“Your Winning Data” section 320. In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4B, where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win- type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein the virtual draw-type pre selected lottery ticket 102 may be displayed as having the same characteristics as described in this paragraph for the physical instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300.

[0054] Additionally, in some embodiments the instant- win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 may also contain other information such as marketing, pricing, and rules of play, as similarly disclosed with respect to the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100. In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, the virtual instant- win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 may be electronically delivered to a consumer’s device 200 wherein other types of information, for example, related to as marketing, pricing, rules of play, and the like may be displayed.

[0055] Also disclosed herein are embodiments related to a system for processing a pre printed lottery ticket (and/or a virtual pre-selected lottery ticket), such as the draw-type pre printed lottery ticket 100 of Figures 1A and 2A, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 of Figures 1B and 2B, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 of Figures 3 and 4A, and/or the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 of Figure 4B. In some embodiments, an environment in which a pre-printed lottery ticket is processed may include users, merchants, vendors, issuers, providers, and other interested parties. As described hereinbelow, one or more components of the pre-printed lottery ticket processing system, individually or collectively, may be configured to perform various functions related to a pre- printed lottery ticket. These functionalities include and relate to the activation of a pre-printed lottery ticket and/or the enrollment of a pre-printed lottery ticket in a lottery, the provision of an activation and/or enrollment confirmation to a purchaser of a pre-printed lottery ticket, the provision of a draw-date confirmation to a purchaser of a pre-printed lottery ticket, the notification of the winnings associated with a pre-printed lottery ticket, the addition of an enrolled pre-printed lottery ticket (or virtual pre-selected lottery ticket) to an electronically-maintained data file (e.g., an“electronic wallet” or“e-wallet”) of the purchaser, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a pre-printed lottery ticket processing system 500 for processing draw-type pre-printed lottery tickets 100, virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery tickets 102, instant-win-type pre-printed lottery tickets 300, and virtual instant-win-type pre selected lottery tickets 302. The lottery ticket processing system 500 generally includes one or more point of sale terminals 502 (POSs) disposed at retailer 501 (it is also understood that a consumer’s device 200 may be a point of sale in the context of the purchase of a virtual pre selected lottery ticket). In the embodiment of Figure 5, the lottery ticket processing system 500 also includes a lottery system 520 communicably coupled to the point of sale terminal 502 and at least one central gaming system (CGS) (e.g., at least one of 540a, 540b, and 540c) communicably coupled to the lottery system 520. In various embodiments, various components of the system of Figure 5 may be operably connected via one or more networks (e.g., broadband, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular, satellite, cloud, card processing network, banking network, a local area network, the World Wide Web for Internet, non-cellular mobile phone network, a land-line network, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a dedicated communication line, other networks for transferring electronic information, or combinations thereof). The communication between various components may be secured using various encryption techniques.

[0057] In some embodiments, the POS terminals 502 disposed at the retailer 501 may include a processing unit 504, memory unit 506 and I/O interface(s) 508 for communicating with devices external to the POS terminal 502. Additionally or alternatively, while the embodiment of Figure 5 illustrates POS terminals 502 disposed at the retailer 501, in some other embodiments, other types of terminals may be used in place or along with conventional POS terminals, for example, network terminals which may include PCs, laptops, handheld devices, mobile phones, or other devices. Network terminals may, for example, be made available in kiosks to provide retailers access to the lottery system 520 and the associated functionality.

[0058] In some embodiments, the processing unit 504 can comprise an electronic input device, a register or terminal, a computer processing unit (“CPU”), a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (e.g., smart phone), or other means of communicating with the I/O interface(s) 508. In some embodiments, the processing unit 504 may incorporate a“store-and- forward” functionality. Generally, the store-and-forward functionality may operate during activation of a stored-value card such that, if connectivity between the POS terminal 502 and a stored-value processing system is lost during activation of the stored-value card, the processing unit 504 will store the activation request for the stored-value card and communicate the activation request when connectivity is regained, thus allowing the activation to go forward. In some embodiments, the processing unit 504 may be configured to allow the store-and-forward functionality to be disabled or suppressed.

[0059] The I/O interface(s) 508 generally comprises one or more interpretation units such as a bar code scanner, magnetic strip reader, optical character recognition device, biometric recognition device, numerical keyboard (e.g., for entering an identification number), or other device configured to interrogate, interpret, capture, or input the data encoded in or on the authentication token. For example, the I/O interface(s) 508 may comprise a barcode scanner for scanning and/or retrieving machine-readable (e.g., barcode information, such as Universal Product Code information or other information) disposed on a ticket. In some embodiments, the POS terminal 502 may also be connected to a printer 512, for example, for printing a receipt of the transaction. The POS terminal 502 includes instructions 514 stored in the memory unit 506, which when executed by the processor unit 504, cause the POS terminal 502 to provide certain functionality, as disclosed herein.

[0060] In the embodiment, the lottery system 520 generally includes a processing unit 522, one or more memory units 524, and one or more I/O interface(s) 526 for communicating with components external to the lottery system 520. The memory unit(s) 524 may store instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the lottery system 520 to provide certain functionality, as disclosed herein.

[0061] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an example system network 600 that may be used to implement an embodiment of the lottery system of Figure 5. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the system network 600 in Figure 6 is described to illustrate one example of a network that may be used to implement the system described above with reference to Figure 5. Many other network architectures not described here may be used as well. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the system network 600 includes a web server farm 602, a database server farm 604, an electronic data interchange (EDI) farm 606, and an internal access server farm 608. The system network 600 includes a layer 7 switch farm 610 and an Internet firewall infrastructure 612, for example, to implement a consumer front-end over the Internet 614. The consumer front-end may be implemented as a site on the World Wide Web. The system network 600 also includes an EDI virtual local area network (VLAN) 616 with point-to-point connections 618 to EDI partners 620a, 620b, 620c.

[0062] In general, the system network 600 in Figure 6 includes remote and local infrastructure. Connectivity to the system network 600 may be provided by co-location facilities hosting the remote infrastructure. Remote infrastructure includes servers, routers, databases and other network entities that are geographically distributed as needed to provide access to partners and/or to consumers. The remote infrastructure includes devices that may fall under a functional class and may be distributed in the system network 600 as a farm (e.g. web server farm, EDI server farm, etc.). Local infrastructure may include servers, routers, databases, and other network entities that provide limited, primarily internal access within the system, for example, for resource management. Local infrastructure may also be geographically distributed with access limited by network design (e.g. completely internally accessed databases may be maintained within an Intranet).

[0063] The system network 600 in Figure 6 implements a logical separation of server systems based upon type and manner of access. This introduces multiple layers of access, and in turn, provides a deeper layer of security, even within the system network 600. The system network 600 includes a general vertical depth of separation of service and levels of security allowing for several layers of access. The layers of access range from the consumer front-end (via the Internet 614), which is at the forefront and has the lightest layer of security, to a system database 605, which is at the deepest layer of access and security.

[0064] The layers of access are implemented as virtual local area networks (VLANs) having no real access to one another except through routing done by routing modules on the network switches. Each VLAN may be configured appropriately to limit access according to the appropriate level of security. The levels of security correspond in general to four tiers of network entities: the presentation tier, the business logic tier, the data access tier, and the data tier.

[0065] At the top level of access (for the consumer front-end), the presentation tier is responsible for delivery of data to end clients. The end clients may be consumers or partners 620a, 620b, 620c. In the presentation tier, data is formatted for communication with the business logic tier of applications that processes requests and handles data delivery to the client applications. Data in the presentation tier may be in XML format along with XSLT stylesheets to allow rendering by client applications. The presentation tier operations, generally, in a layer of servers from the web server farm 602 that resides in a DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone) network. These servers in the DMZ network may be accessed using a web farm DMZ VLAN 630 and the Layer 7 switch farm 610. The DMZ network servers operate as proxy servers between consumers and the enterprise infrastructure.

[0066] The next layer of access includes servers in the web server farm 602 that form the business logic tier. The business logic tier includes application code (Beans) that will handle requests from client applications (such as web browsers) and make requests to the Data Access Tier for relevant data. It will then process the data and deliver it for presentation to the client applications. The business logic tier is kept separate from interaction with consumers to preserve integrity of the applications and access to the database 605. Added security may be provided by an outer web farm VLAN 632.

[0067] In the next layer, the data access tier may make requests directly to the Data Tier (or the database 605). The data access tier may be separate from the business logic tier of applications to differentiate how the data is stored and how it is retrieved from certain platforms. Security may be configured with an inner web farm VLAN 634. [0068] The data tier is in the last layer of security, which includes the database 605, and which has the tightest security to protect the most critical data. Security may be configured with an internal access VLAN 636.

[0069] The system network 600 includes a general horizontal separation of EDI partnerships, which are logical VLANs that separate access by each partner 620a, 620b, 620c to the infrastructure of the example system for implementing the disclosed lottery system using the system network 600. In general, a partner may access their own private VLAN at 616 and 618 into the system network 600 infrastructure through a VPN concentrator or routed through a routing module on the backbone switch. This structure may isolate potential security breaches from single partners 620a, 620b, 620c. It may also prevent any partner 620a, 620b, 620c from being able to access rival partner data from the system network 600.

[0070] The EDI partner access to the system network 600 may also be layered vertically according to level of security. An EDI farm DMZ VLAN 640 provides the lowest level of security at the consumer front-end for access to the EDI server farm 606. The outer EDI farm VLAN 642 provides a higher level of security at a business logic level similar to the business logic tier described above with reference to the web server farm 602. The highest level of security is provided at the inner EDI farm VLAN 644 for access to more critical data via the database server farm 604.

[0071] Connectivity to the system network 600 may be provided by co-location facilities hosting the remote infrastructure. Connectivity may be provided by Tier 1 Internet Backbone providers to ensure access to most networks without having to transcend networks in order to provide the shortest network path from Leverage Consumer to Leverage Infrastructure. Besides utilizing connectivity to Tier 1 providers and managing complex BGP routes to the Internet Backbone, a backup connection to InterNAP will also be established.

[0072] In the example system for implementing an embodiment of the disclosed lottery system, the complex backbone connections force the infrastructure to appear“local” to the consumers accessing the system network 600 via their host ISPs. This prevents the consumer from transcending networks between peer networks and eventually experience degraded network performance. [0073] The web server farm 602 includes two banks of servers for serving either static or dynamic content. Each bank may be designated as either the static web farm or the dynamic web farm. The static web farm may service client requests for static content that is neither database- generated nor does it use any type of server content processing and generation before being transmitted through the Internet to the client applications (e.g. web browser). Such examples of content would be images, video, or web templates. The dynamic web farm may be designed to serve dynamic content generated in multiple ways, whether that is done via XML/XLS transformation, server-side scripting, or through middle-tier applications that directly interfaces with the database 605.

[0074] The web server farm 602 may be implemented using any suitable hardware and software systems implementing server functions. In one example implementation, the web server farm 602 is implemented with Sun^® multiprocessor blade servers (Sun^® is a registered trademark of Oracle America, Inc.) running either the Solaris^® (Solaris^® is a registered trademark of Oracle America, Inc.) operating system or Red Hat^® Enterprise Linux™ operating system (Red Hat^® Enterprise Linux™ are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc.). The example implementation of the web server farm 602 also includes the Zeus^® web server (ZWS) application (Zeus^® is a registered trademark of Marden-Kane, Inc.). Like the Apache^® web server Apache Micro Peripherals, Inc.), the ZWS is a robust, commercial -grade, full-featured and highly efficient web server software. However, ZWS is multi -threaded to leverage the symmetric multiprocessing nature of multi- cored hardware platforms, which increases the response times and load servicing for client requests. The web server farm 602 will also house the Java^® application server software (Java^® is a registered trademark of Oracle America, Inc.) that operates the applications to service consumer requests on the enterprise website. The Java^® application aerver software may be a combination of Apache^® Tomcat for simple Java^® applications and JBoss Application Server software for J2EE applications.

[0075] It is to be understood that specific implementations of the web server farm 602 may use any suitable hardware and software systems. The hardware and software systems described above are merely examples of the types of hardware and software systems that may be used.

[0076] The database server farm 604 may store data specific to consumer front-end interactions and the EDI partner data collected from partners 620a, 620b, 620c. The database server farm 604 may be implemented using any suitable hardware and software systems configured to operate as database servers. In one example implementation, the database server farm 604 is implemented using Sun multiprocessor Enterprise servers banked with multi-core processors and full redundant power and mirrored drives for the operating system and database application. Depending upon the nature of the application and the database 605 that is needed to interface against such applications, the database server farm 604 may run either the Oracle Database Server product or the MySQL Database server product. Also, depending upon the nature of the data that is being stored, highly complex relational database tables may use Oracle while simplistic database schemas may use MySQL. The database server applications may be clustered to ensure high availability and fault tolerance. This will also provide application load balancing among the database server farm 604.

[0077] The database 605 for the database server farm 604 may reside in a SAN (Storage Area Network) solution that will offer both high availability and fault tolerance.

[0078] It is to be understood that specific implementations of the database server farm 604 may use any suitable hardware and software systems. The hardware and software systems described above are merely examples of the types of hardware and software systems that may be used.

[0079] The EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) farm 606 may be designated in the system network 600 to communicate with partners 620a, 620b, 620c. The EDI farm servers 606 may have different applications and permissions from the web server farm 602 to access and process, as well as store, data within the database farm 604. The nature of the applications operating on the EDI farm servers 606 may have more direct access to the database 605 to increase efficiency in data processing and storage. The EDI farm servers 606 may reside in a private VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) that can only be accessed via VPN (Virtual Private Network) Concentrators or through specific Point-to-Point access into the VLAN as shown at 616 and 618.

[0080] The EDI farm servers 606 may be implemented using any suitable hardware and software system configured to operate server functions. In an example implementation, the EDI server farm 606 is implemented using the same platform as that of the web server farm 602 or by running IBM Mainframes. The EDI farm servers 606 software in the example implementation may also be similar to that of the web server farm 602 software. If the EDI farm servers 606 include IBM Mainframes, then the hardware will run IBM AIX operating systems, and the EDI farm servers 606 will run IBM Websphere Application Server software.

[0081] It is to be understood that specific implementations of the EDI server farm 606 may use any suitable hardware and software systems. The hardware and software systems described above are merely examples of the types of hardware and software systems that may be used.

[0082] The internal access farm servers 608 may also resemble the web server farm 602 in platform, software, and resource architecture. However, like the EDI farm servers 606, the applications will be tailored for internal access from an enterprise Intranet. Such applications may include data mining and statistical information for marketing and sales.

[0083] Referring again to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the lottery system 520 may be configured for communication with one or more information datastores 530, for example, which may individually or collectively include an entry for each of the pre-printed lottery tickets offered for sale the retailer 301 or multiple retailers.

[0084] Also, in some embodiments, the lottery system 520 may be configured for communication with at least one CGS (e.g., at least one of 540a, 540b, and 540c). Generally, lottery jurisdictions (e.g., a states) use various CGSs to manage the drawings associated with a lottery. In various embodiments, the lottery system 520 is configured to utilize one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) that are each configured to allow the lottery system 520 to interface and/or interact with a particular CGS (e.g., 540a, 540b, 540c). For example, in the embodiment of Figure 5 the lottery system 520 utilize each of a first API 525a, a second API 525b, and a third API 525c to interface and/or interact with each of a first CGS 540a, a second CGS 540b, and a third CGS 540c. For example, one of the first API 525a, second API 525b, or third API 525c may allow the lottery system 520 to enter the play-selections into a particular draw for a particular lottery with one of the first CGS 540a, the second CGS 540b, or the third CGS 540c.

[0085] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of methods related to processing a transaction with respect to a pre-printed lottery ticket (and/or a virtual pre-selected lottery ticket), for example, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 of Figures 1 and 2 and/or the instant-win- type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 of Figures 3 and 4. In various embodiments, the transaction being processed may be the activation of a lottery ticket (such as by enrollment of the lottery ticket in a particular drawing), the reactivation and/or reenrollment of a lottery ticket, the confirmation of the activation or enrollment of a lottery ticket, the provision of a draw-date of in which a lottery ticket is enrolled, or the provision of attributes to a purchaser to enable the purchaser to enable the purchaser to determine whether a lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[0086] Referring to Figure 7, an embodiment of a method 700 for activation of a draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket is shown. The method 700 of Figure 7 is disclosed with reference to the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 of Figures 1 and 2 and the pre-printed lottery ticket processing system 500 of Figure 5, though the method 700 may be similarly carried-out with respect to alternative embodiments of draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket, a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, and/or other embodiments of pre-printed lottery ticket processing systems.

[0087] In the embodiment of Figure 7, once the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 has been manufactured, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 may be distributed to a retailer 501.

[0088] At block 701, the method 700 begins when a purchaser selects the draw-type pre- printed lottery ticket 100, which may be displayed at the retailer 501 and, at block 702, the purchaser proceeds to the POS terminal 502 and presents the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 to the cashier to be scanned and purchased. At block 703, at the POS terminal 502, the activation code 210 may be read, such as via the I/O interface(s) 508 or, alternatively, manually input at the POS terminal 502. At block 704, the POS terminal 502 displays the total due for the order. For example, the UPC associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket 100 may be read, for example, to determine price for the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100. At block 705, the purchaser pays the amount due and at block 706, the cashier then accepts the tender and updates the payment into the POS terminal 502.

[0089] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be purchased by a consumer (e.g., a purchaser), wherein a consumer’s electronic device (serving as a point of sale), e.g., consumer’s device 200, accesses an electronic marketplace for virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery tickets and wherein the electronic marketplace is accessible via a website, application, or the like. Upon completion of the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 purchase, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 is electronically delivered to the consumer’s device 200.

[0090] At block 707, the POS terminal 502 generates a transaction request, particularly, an activation request, and communicates the activation request to the lottery system 520. The activation request may also constitute an enrollment request, for example, a request that each the play-selections 120 associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 being enrolled be entered for a drawing of a lottery. The activation request may comprise, in addition to information uniquely identifying the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 being purchased, the encrypted control number 130 for the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 being purchased, information identifying the retailer 501, information identifying the POS terminal 502, information identifying the jurisdiction (e.g., the state) in which the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 is being purchased, or combinations thereof.

[0091] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the consumer’s device 200 (e.g., serving as POS terminal 502) generates a transaction request, particularly, an activation request, and communicates the activation request to the lottery system 520. The activation request may also constitute an enrollment request, for example, a request that each the play-selections 120 associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 being enrolled be entered for a drawing of a lottery. The activation request may comprise, in addition to information uniquely identifying the draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket being purchased, the encrypted control number 130 for the draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket being purchased, information identifying the retailer 501, information identifying the consumer’s device 200, information identifying the jurisdiction (e.g., the state) in which the draw-type pre- selected lottery ticket is being purchased, information identifying the geographic location (e.g. GPS coordinates) of the consumer’s device 200 which is purchasing the virtual draw-type pre- selected lottery ticket 102, or combinations thereof.

[0092] Upon receipt of the activation request, at block 708, the lottery system 520 may access one or more records associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 referenced in the activation request and determine the validity of the activation request received from the POS terminal 502. In various embodiments, the lottery system 520 may determine the validity of the activation request based upon (i) whether or not the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 referenced in the activation request has been previously activated or enrolled in a lottery drawing; (ii) whether or not a retailer associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the retailer referenced in the activation request; (iii) whether or not a POS terminal associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the POS terminal 502 referenced in the activation request; (iv) whether or not a jurisdiction associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the jurisdiction referenced in the activation request; (v) whether or not the geographic location of the POS terminal associated with the purchase of the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 corresponds to a geographic location approved for the sale of the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100, or (vi) combinations thereof.

[0093] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, upon receipt of the activation request, the lottery system 520 may access one or more records associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 referenced in the activation request and determine the validity of the activation request received from the consumer’s device 200 (serving as the POS terminal 502). In various embodiments, the lottery system 520 may determine the validity of the activation request based upon (i) whether or not the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 referenced in the activation request has been previously activated or enrolled in a lottery drawing; (ii) whether or not a retailer associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the retailer referenced in the activation request; (iii) whether or not the consumer’ s device 200 associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the consumer’s device 200 referenced in the activation request; (iv) whether or not a jurisdiction associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the jurisdiction referenced in the activation request; (v) whether or not the geographic location of the consumer’s device 200 associated with the purchase of the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 corresponds to a geographic location approved for the sale of the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, or (vi) combinations thereof.

[0094] Upon a determination that the activation request is valid, at block 709, the lottery system 520 may determine the play selections 120 associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 referenced in the activation request, for example, which may be stored in the one or more records associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100. At block 710, the lottery system 520 may also determine the CGS responsible for administering the lottery for the jurisdiction associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 (e.g., the first CGS 540a), for example, which may also be stored in the one or more records associated with the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100. At block 711, the lottery system 520 may also interact with the first CGS 540a, via the first API 525a, to enroll the play selections 120 in the next available drawing for the lottery with which the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 is associated. For instance, the lottery system 520 may employ a“cut-off’ time prior which the play selections 120 will be enrolled in a particular drawing and subsequent to which the play selections 120 will be enrolled in a drawing subsequent to that drawing (e.g., the next available drawing).

[0095] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, upon a determination that the activation request is valid, the lottery system 520 may determine the play selections 120 associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 referenced in the activation request, for example, which may be stored in the one or more records associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102. The lottery system 520 may also determine the CGS responsible for administering the lottery for the jurisdiction associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 (e.g., the first CGS 540a), for example, which may also be stored in the one or more records associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102. The lottery system 520 may also interact with the first CGS 540a, via the first API 525a, to enroll the play selections 120 in the next available drawing for the lottery with which the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 is associated. For instance, the lottery system 520 may employ a“cut-off’ time prior which the play selections 120 will be enrolled in a particular drawing and subsequent to which the play selections 120 will be enrolled in a drawing subsequent to that drawing (e.g., the next available drawing).

[0096] If the enrollment in the drawing is successful, at block 712, the lottery system 520 may receive an enrollment confirmation from the first CGS 540a, which may include an indication of the drawing (e.g., the date and/or time of the drawing) in which the play selections 120 were enrolled. Alternatively, if the enrollment in the drawing is unsuccessful, the lottery system 520 may either receive an indication from the first CGS 540a that the enrollment was not successful or fail to receive an enrollment confirmation within a predetermined time-period, thus indicating that the enrollment was unsuccessful.

[0097] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, if the enrollment in the drawing is successful, the lottery system 520 may receive an enrollment confirmation from the first CGS 540a, which may include an indication of the drawing (e.g., the date and/or time of the drawing) in which the play selections 120 were enrolled. Alternatively, if the enrollment in the drawing is unsuccessful, the lottery system 520 may either receive an indication from the first CGS 540a that the enrollment was not successful or fail to receive an enrollment confirmation within a predetermined time-period, thus indicating that the enrollment was unsuccessful.

[0098] At block 713, the lottery system 520 may store the enrollment confirmation received from the first CGS 540a in association with one or more of the records associated with the draw- type pre-printed lottery ticket 100, for example, the indication that the play selections 120 have been successfully enrolled and the date and/or time of the drawing.

[0099] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the lottery system 520 may store the enrollment confirmation received from the first CGS 540a in association with one or more of the records associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, for example, the indication that the play selections 120 have been successfully enrolled and the date and/or time of the drawing.

[00100] At block 714, if the enrollment in the drawing is successful, the lottery system 520 may communicate an enrollment confirmation to the POS terminal 502, which may include an indication of the drawing (e.g., the date and/or time of the drawing) in which the play selections 120 were enrolled. Alternatively, if the enrollment in the drawing is unsuccessful, the lottery system 520 may either communicate an indication to the POS terminal 502 that the enrollment was not successful or fail to communicate an enrollment confirmation within a predetermined time-period, thus indicating that the enrollment was unsuccessful. If the enrollment is unsuccessful, the funds may be returned to the purchaser and the transaction canceled. In some embodiments, in order to allow for the possibility that an enrollment may be unsuccessful, any store-and-forward functionality of the POS terminal may be disabled.

[00101] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, if the enrollment in the drawing is successful, the lottery system 520 may communicate an enrollment confirmation to the consumer’s device 200 (e.g. serving as the POS 502), which may include an indication of the drawing (e.g., the date and/or time of the drawing) in which the play selections 120 were enrolled. Alternatively, if the enrollment in the drawing is unsuccessful, the lottery system 520 may either communicate an indication to the consumer’s device 200 (e.g. serving as the POS 502) that the enrollment was not successful or fail to communicate an enrollment confirmation within a predetermined time-period, thus indicating that the enrollment was unsuccessful. If the enrollment is unsuccessful, the funds may be returned to the consumer and the transaction canceled. In some embodiments, in order to allow for the possibility that an enrollment may be unsuccessful, any store-and-forward functionality of the POS terminal may be disabled.

[00102] As disclosed with respect to Figures 1A and 2A, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 includes confirmation information 230. In some embodiments, the confirmation information 230 may enable a user to verify enrollment in a lottery, to verify a draw date, and/or to enroll in automatic prize notification. For example, through descriptive text, the purchaser of the ticket may be offered multiple ways to enroll in automatic prize notification, including scanning a quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code®), texting a unique code to a short code, visiting a website, calling in to an inter active voice response system (IVR), and/or some other bi-directional communication channel. Depending on the method selected, the user may enter some indicia allowing the particular draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 to be identified, or in the case of scanning the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®), the unique ticket information may be automatically passed to the lottery system 520.

[00103] As disclosed with respect to Figures 1B and 2B, in an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the confirmation information 230 may enable a user to verify enrollment in a lottery, to verify a draw date, and/or to enroll in automatic prize notification. For example, through descriptive text, the consumer/purchaser of the ticket may be offered multiple ways to enroll in automatic prize notification, including scanning a quick- response response code (e.g., a QR code^®), texting a unique code to a short code, visiting a website, calling in to an inter active voice response system (IVR), activating a portion the 230 information configured to be activatable (e.g., a button and/or a hyperlink) to automatically verify and/or enroll, and/or some other bi-directional communication channel. Depending on the method selected, the consumer may enter some indicia allowing the particular virtual draw-type pre- selected lottery ticket 102 to be identified, or in the case of scanning the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®), the unique ticket information may be automatically passed to the lottery system 520.

[00104] In some embodiments, the purchaser can also verify the draw date information at the same time as enrolling in automatic prize notification. After scanning the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) and/or texting a unique code to the lottery system 520, the system would return the draw date information in a format appropriate to the communication channel selected by the purchaser.

[00105] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the consumer can also verify the draw date information at the same time as enrolling in automatic prize notification. After scanning the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®), texting a unique code to the lottery system 520, or ), activating a functionality on the consumer’s device 200 (e.g., a button and/or a hyperlink) to automatically verify and/or enroll, the system would return the draw date information in a format appropriate for the consumer’s device 200.

[00106] In some embodiments, the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 and the numbers associated with the ticket may be configured to be able to be entered into a plurality of draws, e.g., a plurality of subsequent draws with the same lottery authority, and/or a plurality of draws with different lottery authorities. In some embodiments, the ticket may comprise a plurality of quick-response response codes associated with each draw. In some embodiments, the ticket may comprise one quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®), wherein the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) directs the user to a webpage where the user may select the plurality of draws desired and/or may see a display with the plurality of draws indicated. In some embodiments, the plurality of draws may be chosen at the time of purchase of the ticket.

[00107] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102, the numbers associated with the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may be configured to be able to be entered into a plurality of draws, e.g., a plurality of subsequent draws with the same lottery authority, and/or a plurality of draws with different lottery authorities. In some embodiments, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may comprise a plurality of quick-response response codes associated with each draw. In some embodiments, the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102 may comprise one quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) or activatable button/hyperlink, wherein the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) or activatable button/hyperlink directs the user to a webpage where the user may select the plurality of draws desired and/or may see a display with the plurality of draws indicated. In some embodiments, the plurality of draws may be chosen at the time of purchase of the virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102.

[00108] In some embodiments, lottery tickets may not have the draw date printed on the ticket or receipt, but rather, consumers are informed that they are entered into a“next possible draw date.” The consumers then have the ability to verify their ticket’s particular draw date through a variety of methods. For example, a consumer could visit a website, enter a unique ticket identifier, and then the website would display the draw date information. In addition to websites, consumers could text a unique ticket identifier to a short code and receive back via text the draw information, or the consumers could phone an interactive voice response (IVR) system and speak the unique ticket identifier and have the IVR speak the draw date information. In some embodiments, the consumer could scan a quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) on the lottery ticket to verify the draw date.

[00109] A consumer who purchases a lottery ticket and then uses one of these methods to validate draw date may typically receive back the draw date information. If a user attempts to use one of the methods to validate draw date information, but hasn’t purchased that particular lottery ticket, the system might return a message that indicates the lottery ticket hasn’t been purchased or some other similar type of response. A bad actor could discern differences in responses between purchased and activated lottery tickets and lottery tickets that have never been purchased.

[00110] If a bad actor was interested in committing fraud, such as attempting to counterfeit a lottery ticket, the bad actor might be advantaged if they had knowledge of which lottery tickets have been purchased or not purchased. This is particularly true if the bad actor uses a computer system to automate the process of entering a unique ticket identifier to the system, and then receiving back the system’s response confirming draw date and/or if the ticket has been purchased.

[00111] Embodiments of the disclosure may prevent or reduce the possibility of a bad actor gathering information about lotter tickets in this way. In some embodiments, a system may comprise a user interface that allows a consumer to enter a unique identifier, e.g. control number 130 or 360, into the system. This user interface is then connected to a database that references the Ticket Draw Date information. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a consumer response system and/or a fraud mitigation system.

[00112] The fraud mitigation system may employ different tools and methods to prevent bad actors from obtaining lottery ticket information. The fraud mitigation system may comprise one or more fields that are invisible to humans, but visible to automated systems such as bots. The system could then not return any response where one of these invisible fields is filled in. The fraud mitigation system may comprise captchas. The fraud mitigation system may comprise human friendly, bot un-friendly questions. The fraud mitigation system may comprise Use Session Tokens that are applied at the site level and required by the user interface in the case of web bases user interfaces.

[00113] Figure 8A illustrates a diagram depicting a mobile website 800 that returns draw date information specific to the ticket’s unique code and prompts the purchaser to enter a phone number (or other contact information or communication channel identifier) as a means of selecting preference to receive automatic prize notification. The purchaser may be prompted to enter a communication specific identifier 810, such as a mobile phone number if the user wishes to receive automatic prize notification by text, an email address to receive automatic prize notification by email, a phone number to receive voice-based notification, and/or some other unique identifier appropriate to the communication channel such as a social media user name. The user may also be able to opt into or out of other communication or notification from the service, and the user may tap submit to enter the information. In some embodiments, the mobile website 800 user interface presented in Figure 8A may comprise one or more consumer response systems and/or fraud mitigation systems to prevent a bad actor from obtaining information about the lottery ticket. [00114] In various embodiments, some or all of the information outlined above may be stored in a database of the lottery system 520, which could include a unique lottery ticket identifier, the desired communication channel (such as text, email, voice, or some other communication channel), along with the communication channel unique identifier (such as a mobile phone number, email, etc.).

[00115] After the drawing takes place, the lottery system 520 receives the winning attributes from the CGS, or from an internal table in the case where this embodiment is offered by CGS. The lottery system 520 may provide a notification comprising the winning attributes to the user, for example, via a desired communication channel.

[00116] In some embodiments, the lottery system 520 matches winning and losing ticket numbers and associates them with tickets that have been purchased. The unique identifier of the tickets may then be used to identify associated communication channel identifiers for users. The lottery system 520 may receive information about the draw outcome, including whether or not a specific ticket is a winner, and if a winner, the amount won, prize redemption instructions, and expiration date of the winning ticket. Additionally, the lottery system 520 may identify the desired communication channel and the communication identifier associated with the ticket.

[00117] Next, the lottery system 520 utilizes a communication module 550, which is integrated with other systems capable of storing information and transmitting information according to the desired communication method (in some embodiments the communication module may reside within lottery system 520 and in other embodiments the communication module 550 may be communicatively coupled to lottery system 520 but not necessarily residing within lottery system 520). The user then receives notification informing them that their ticket wasn’t a winner, or it was a winner, the amount won and prize redemption instructions.

[00118] In some embodiments, the lottery system 520 may be configured to also provide the user with an option to be notified of a winning lottery ticket and/or to claim a prize associated with the ticket. For example, the user may be prompted as to whether or not the user wishes to be notified as to whether or not the ticket is a winning ticket. In some embodiments where the ticket is determined to have a redeemable value (e.g., by virtue of the ticket being a winning ticket), the lottery system 520 may provide the user with options to redeem the lottery ticket, which may depend upon the amount and nature of the redeemable value. For example, the lottery system 520 could generate a stored-value card containing the prize amount associated with the ticket, where the stored-value card could be delivered to the user electronically or by mail; alternatively, the lottery system 520 could add a stored-value account to the user’s electronic wallet; alternatively, the lottery system 520 could direct the user to an authorized physical location (e.g., a lottery office) to redeem the lottery ticket (for example, if the redemption value exceeds a winnings threshold). Additionally or alternatively, the lottery system 520 could present the user with the option to redeem the winnings in the form of additional lottery tickets (e.g., which may be presented virtually to the user) for play in a future lottery game.

[00119] Figure 9 illustrates a method for communicating random draw lottery ticket information. At block 901, a purchaser may wish to verify the draw date associated with a ticket and enroll in automatic win notification. At block 902, the purchaser may decide to enroll using a quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) printed onto the ticket (or associated with a virtual draw-type pre-selected lottery ticket 102) by scanning quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) (optionally using a mobile device). At block 903, the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) may open a web page or mobile web page with a unique URL that displays draw information and allows the user to enter a mobile phone number or other communication channel identifier to enroll for automatic prize notification. In some embodiments, the method may comprise verifying the user’s identity via one or more consumer response systems and/or fraud mitigation systems before displaying the draw information. At block 904, the purchaser may enter their mobile number and/or other communication identifier and press submit. At block 905, the web page may display a confirmation message, such as“your ticket is entered in the draw and you will receive a notification to [mobile number]” or the like. At block 906, following the draw associated with the ticket, the winning file may be received by the CGS and may be matched to each ticket. At block 907, the system may generate a message appropriate for the selected communication channel for notifications associated with each ticket that informs the user if the ticket is a winner and the amount won, or if the ticket is not a winner.

[00120] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, an embodiment of a method 1000 for activation of an instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 is shown. The method 1000 of Figures 10A and 10B is disclosed with reference to the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 of Figures 3 and 4 and the pre-printed lottery ticket processing system 500 of Figure 5, though the method 1000 may be similarly carried-out with respect to alternative embodiments of instant-win-type pre-printed lottery tickets, virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery tickets, and/or other embodiments of pre-printed lottery ticket processing systems.

[00121] In the embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B, once the instant- win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 has been manufactured, the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 may be distributed to a retailer 501. The instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 may initially have an inactive or un-activated status.

[00122] At block 1001, the purchaser picks up an embodiment of the disclosure (e.g. a ticket) in a retail location such as a grocery store. At block 1002, the purchaser proceeds to POS terminal 502 and presents the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 to the cashier to be scanned and purchased. At block 1003, at the POS terminal 502, may be read, such as via the I/O interface(s) 508 or, alternatively, manually input at the POS terminal 502. As similarly disclosed with respect to the method 700 of Figure 7, at block 1004, the POS terminal 502 displays the total due for the order; at block 1005, the purchaser pays the amount due; and, at block 1006, the cashier then accepts the tender and updates the payment into the POS terminal 502.

[00123] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 may be purchased by a consumer (e.g., a purchaser), wherein a consumer’s device 200 (serving as a point of sale) accesses an electronic marketplace for virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery tickets and wherein the electronic marketplace is accessible via a website, application, or the like. Upon completion of the virtual instant- win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 purchase, the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 is electronically delivered to the consumer’s device 200.

[00124] At block 1007, the POS terminal 502 generates a transaction request, particularly, an activation request, and communicates the activation request to the lottery system 520. The activation request may also constitute a request to update the status of the unique ticket number to an active or purchased state. The activation request may comprise, in addition to information uniquely identifying the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 being purchased, information identifying the retailer 501, information identifying the POS terminal 502, information identifying the jurisdiction (e.g., the state) in which the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 is being purchased, or combinations thereof.

[00125] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, the consumer’s device 200 (e.g., serving as POS terminal 502) generates a transaction request, particularly, an activation request, and communicates the activation request to the lottery system 520. The activation request may also constitute a request to update the status of the unique ticket number to an active or purchased state. The activation request may comprise, in addition to information uniquely identifying the draw-type pre-printed lottery ticket 100 being purchased, information identifying the retailer 501, information identifying the consumer’s device 200, information identifying the jurisdiction (e.g., the state) in which the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 is being purchased, information identifying the geographic location (e.g. GPS coordinates) of the consumer’s device 200 which is purchasing the virtual instant-win- type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, or combinations thereof.

[00126] Upon receipt of the activation request, the lottery system 520 may access one or more records associated with the instant- win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 referenced in the activation request and determine the validity of the activation request received from the POS terminal 502. In various embodiments, the lottery system 520 may determine the validity of the activation request based upon (i) whether or not the instant- win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 referenced in the activation request has been previously activated or redeemed in a lottery drawing; (ii) whether or not a retailer associated with the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the retailer referenced in the activation request; (iii) whether or not a POS terminal associated with the instant-win-type pre printed lottery ticket 300 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the POS terminal 502 referenced in the activation request; (iv) whether or not a jurisdiction associated with the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the jurisdiction referenced in the activation request; (v) whether or not the geographic location of the POS terminal 502 associated with the purchase of the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 corresponds to a geographic location approved for the sale of the instant-win- type pre-printed lottery ticket 300; or (v) combinations thereof.

[00127] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, upon receipt of the activation request, the lottery system 520 may access one or more records associated with the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 referenced in the activation request and determine the validity of the activation request received from the consumer’s device 200. In various embodiments, the lottery system 520 may determine the validity of the activation request based upon (i) whether or not the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 referenced in the activation request has been previously activated or redeemed in a lottery drawing; (ii) whether or not a retailer associated with the virtual instant- win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the retailer referenced in the activation request; (iii) whether or not the consumer’s device 200 associated with the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the consumer’s device 200 referenced in the activation request; (iv) whether or not a jurisdiction associated with the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 referenced in the activation request is consistent with the jurisdiction referenced in the activation request; (v) whether or not the geographic location of the consumer’s device 200 associated with the purchase of the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 corresponds to a geographic location approved for the sale of the virtual instant-win-type pre selected lottery ticket 302, or (vi) combinations thereof.

[00128] Upon a determination that the activation request is valid, at block 1008, the lottery system 520 responds to the POS terminal 502 with a response to the request indicating success or failure. If success the purchase transaction is complete. If unsuccessful, the POS terminal may indicate the failure and the funds tendered by the purchaser may be returned.

[00129] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, upon a determination that the activation request is valid, at block 1008, the lottery system 520 responds to the consumer’ s device 200 with a response to the request indicating success or failure. If success the purchase transaction is complete. If unsuccessful, the consumer’s device 200 may indicate the failure and the funds tendered by the purchaser may be returned.

[00130] At block 1009, the purchaser may wish to play the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300. The purchaser may remove the covering obscuring the“Your Winning Data” section 320, revealing a message instructing purchaser to send the ticket play-code to a short code for SMS (alternatively, some other node identifier in the case of another communication scheme). The play-code, which may be unique and specific to the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300, will be associated with the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 at the unique number by the lottery system 520. The purchaser may also remove the covering obscuring the “Your Data” section 330, revealing the game attributes 332 (e.g., a second set of attributes). At block 1010 communication module 550 receives the SMS or other communication protocol containing the play-code for the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 and, at block 1011, forwards the play-code to the lottery system 520.

[00131] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, the consumer may wish to play the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302. The consumer’s device 200 may display a“Your Winning Data” section 320, revealing a message instructing consumer to send the ticket play-code to a short code for SMS (alternatively, some other node identifier in the case of another communication scheme) or activate a functionality displayed on consumer’s device 200 (e.g., a button and/or a hyperlink) to send the ticket play-code. The play-code, which may be unique and specific to the virtual instant- win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, will be associated with the virtual instant-win-type pre selected lottery ticket 302 at the unique number by the lottery system 520. The consumer’s device 200 may also display a“Your Data” section 330, revealing the game attributes 332. At block 1010 communication module 550 receives the SMS or other communication protocol containing the play-code for the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 and, at block 1011, forwards the play-code to the lottery system 520.

[00132] At block 1012, the play-code is received by the lottery system 520. If the records for the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery card 300 indicate that the ticket has been purchased and is active, the lottery system 520 may determine the CGS responsible for administering the lottery for the jurisdiction associated with the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 (e.g., the second CGS 540b), and, atblock 1013, will communicate an enrollment request to the CGS 540a. If the records for the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery card 300 do not indicate that the ticket has been purchased and is active (e.g., that the ticket has not been purchased and remains inactive), the lottery system 520 may return a message, via the communication module 550, to the player’s device indicating that the ticket is not able to be played (e.g.,“Sorry, this ticket can’t be played.”). [00133] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, at block 1012, the play-code is received by the lottery system 520. If the records for the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 indicate that the ticket has been purchased and is active, the lottery system 520 may determine the CGS responsible for administering the lottery for the jurisdiction associated with the virtual instant-win-type pre selected lottery ticket 302 (e.g., the second CGS 540b), and, at block 1013, will communicate an enrollment request to the CGS 540a. If the records for the virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302 do not indicate that the ticket has been purchased and is active (e.g., that the ticket has not been purchased and remains inactive), the lottery system 520 may return a message, via the communication module 550, to the consumer’s device 200 indicating that the ticket is not able to be played (e.g.,“Sorry, this ticket can’t be played.”).

[00134] At block 1014, the second CGS 540b enrolls the ticket and returns the payload (e.g., attributes) for the“Your Winning Data” (e.g., a first set of attributes) to the lottery system 520. At block 1015, the lottery system 520 routes the“Your Winning Data” (e.g., a first set of attributes) to the communication module 550 and, at block 1016, the communication module 550 sends the“Your Winning Data” to purchaser’s mobile phone or other device, e.g., consumer’s device 200, as shown in Figure 8B at 815. At block 1017, the player receives the“Your Winning Data” (e.g., a first set of attributes) on their mobile phone or other device and compares the“Your Winning Data” (e.g., a first set of attributes) with the“Your Data” (e.g., a second set of attributes 332) section 330 printed on the instant-win-type pre-printed lottery ticket 300 to determine if any matches occur and evaluate what prizes may be paid based on the results.

[00135] In an embodiment where the lottery ticket is a virtual instant-win-type pre-selected lottery ticket 302, at block 1014, the second CGS 540b enrolls the virtual instant-win-type pre selected lottery ticket 302 and returns the payload (e.g., attributes) for the“Your Winning Data” (e.g., a first set of attributes) to the lottery system 520. At block 1015, the lottery system 520 routes the“Your Winning Data” to the communication module 550 and, at block 1016, the communication module 550 sends the“Your Winning Data” to the consumer’s device 200. At block 1017, the consumer’s device 200 displays the“Your Winning Data” (e.g., a first set of attributes) and compares the“Your Winning Data” (e.g., a first set of attributes) with the“Your Data” (e.g., a second set of attributes 332) associated with the virtual instant-win-type pre- selected lottery ticket 302 to determine if any matches occur and evaluate what prizes may be paid based on the results, as shown in Figure 8B at 825.

[00136] Referring to Figure 11, additionally or alternatively, the current disclosure may include an instant scratcher chit 1100, separate from the instant lottery ticket. The instant scratcher chit 1100 may comprise machine-readable indicia 1110 (e.g., a barcode solution) enabling a unit placed in-lane (e.g., within a shopping or check-out lane) to issue instant lottery tickets at the POS by automatically dispensing an instant lottery ticket at the time of sale.

[00137] Referring to Figure 12, an embodiment of a process relating to an instant lottery scratcher dispensed at the POS terminal via an in-lane ticket dispenser system 1200. The consumer requests an instant lottery game by handing a clerk the instant scratcher chit 1100 that is merchandised in store. The clerk scans the machine-readable indicia 1110 on the instant scratcher chit 1100 and the consumer tenders payment via the POS terminal 1210. The POS terminal 1215 triggers an in-lane ticket dispenser 1220 to dispense the requested instant lottery ticket. The consumer scratches the instant lottery ticket, gets the result, and then the consumer follows traditional redemption in-store and/or lottery office process. The in-lane dispenser 1220 may comprise an instant game/scratcher dispense machine created and may be managed by a lottery ticket distributor 1230.

[00138] In some embodiments, the instant ticket (i.e., the instant scratch-off lottery ticket and/or the chit) may comprise a quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) (for example, on the back side of the instant ticket), where the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) may be used to deliver the winning numbers to the user, for the user to identify a match. For example, a user may purchase the instant ticket with a quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) on the back, the instant ticket may be activated by purchase (as described above), the user may scratch the front of the ticket to reveal their selection, and then the user may scan the quick- response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) (for example, with a mobile device, and/or a scanner within the store, possibly near the POS 502 or at the in-lane dispenser machine 1220) to reveal the winning numbers associated with that instant ticket. The user may match these winning number revealed by scanning the quick-response response code (e.g., a QR code^®) with the scratched numbers on the front of the ticket to determine a win.

[00139] A method of the disclosure may comprise triggering, by the POS 1210, the in-lane dispenser 1220 to dispense an instant ticket 100 or 300. The barcode (which may be a 128 barcode) provided on the chit 1100 handed to the clerk will signal to the transaction processor 1240 for notification. The transaction processor 1240 may then capture the store ID, lane ID, and UPC of the chit 1100 and may send the transaction details (API call) to the lottery ticket distributor system 1230. The lottery ticket distributor system 1230 locates the wi-fi server 1250 for the store ID provided by the transaction processor 1240, finds the in-lane dispenser machine 1220 located at the lane ID, and dispenses the requested instant lottery ticket 100 or 300 by UPC.

[00140] The disclosed systems and methods may drive incremental lottery spending by virtue of being in-lane, and in the sight of the customer when they are checking out at the retail store. The disclosed embodiments may address deficiencies of consumer lottery purchase experience in grocery channels.

[00141] All of, or a portion of, the system described above may be implemented on any particular machine, or machines, with sufficient processing power, memory resources, and throughput capability to handle the necessary workload placed upon the computer, or computers. Figure 13 illustrates a computer system 1380 suitable for implementing all, or a portion of, one or more embodiments disclosed herein. The computer system 1380 includes a processor 1382 (which may be referred to as a central processor unit or CPU) that is in communication with memory devices including secondary storage 1384, read only memory (ROM) 1386, random access memory (RAM) 1388, input/output (I/O) devices 1390, and network connectivity devices 1392. The processor 1382 may be implemented as one or more CPU chips.

[00142] It is understood that by programming and/or loading executable instructions onto the computer system 1380, at least one of the CPU 1382, the RAM 1388, and the ROM 1386 are changed, transforming the computer system 1380 in part into a particular machine or apparatus having the novel functionality taught by the present disclosure. It is fundamental to the electrical engineering and software engineering arts that functionality that can be implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be converted to a hardware implementation by well- known design rules. Decisions between implementing a concept in software versus hardware typically hinge on considerations of stability of the design and numbers of units to be produced rather than any issues involved in translating from the software domain to the hardware domain. Generally, a design that is still subject to frequent change may be preferred to be implemented in software, because re-spinning a hardware implementation is more expensive than re-spinning a software design. Generally, a design that is stable that will be produced in large volume may be preferred to be implemented in hardware, for example in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), because for large production runs the hardware implementation may be less expensive than the software implementation. Often a design may be developed and tested in a software form and later transformed, by well-known design rules, to an equivalent hardware implementation in an application specific integrated circuit that hardwires the instructions of the software. In the same manner as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a particular machine or apparatus, likewise a computer that has been programmed and/or loaded with executable instructions may be viewed as a particular machine or apparatus.

[00143] The secondary storage 1384 is typically comprised of one or more disk drives or tape drives and is used for non-volatile storage of data and as an over-flow data storage device if RAM 1388 is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storage 1384 may be used to store programs which are loaded into RAM 1388 when such programs are selected for execution. The ROM 1386 is used to store instructions and perhaps data which are read during program execution. ROM 1386 is a non-volatile memory device which typically has a small memory capacity relative to the larger memory capacity of secondary storage 1384. The RAM 1388 is used to store volatile data and perhaps to store instructions. Access to both ROM 1386 and RAM 1388 is typically faster than to secondary storage 1384. The secondary storage 1384, the RAM 1388, and/or the ROM 1386 may be referred to in some contexts as computer readable storage media and/or non-transitory computer readable media.

[00144] I/O devices 1390 may include printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screen displays, keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input devices.

[00145] The network connectivity devices 1392 may take the form of modems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB) interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) cards, wireless local area network (WLAN) cards, radio transceiver cards such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), and/or other air interface protocol radio transceiver cards, and other well- known network devices. These network connectivity devices 1392 may enable the processor 1382 to communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets. With such a network connection, it is contemplated that the processor 1382 might receive information from the network or might output information to the network in the course of performing the above-described method steps. Such information, which is often represented as a sequence of instructions to be executed using processor 1382, may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave.

[00146] Such information, which may include data or instructions to be executed using processor 1382 for example, may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data baseband signal or signal embodied in a carrier wave. The baseband signal or signal embedded in the carrier wave, or other types of signals currently used or hereafter developed, may be generated according to several methods well known to one skilled in the art. The baseband signal and/or signal embedded in the carrier wave may be referred to in some contexts as a transitory signal.

[00147] The processor 1382 executes instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts which it accesses from hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk (these various disk-based systems may all be considered secondary storage 1384), ROM 1386, RAM 1388, or the network connectivity devices 1392. While only one processor 1382 is shown, multiple processors may be present. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or multiple processors. Instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts, and/or data that may be accessed from the secondary storage 1384, for example, hard drives, floppy disks, optical disks, and/or other device, the ROM 1386, and/or the RAM 1388 may be referred to in some contexts as non-transitory instructions and/or non- transitory information.

[00148] In an embodiment, the computer system 1380 may comprise two or more computers in communication with each other that collaborate to perform a task. For example, but not by way of limitation, an application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or parallel processing of the instructions of the application. Alternatively, the data processed by the application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or parallel processing of different portions of a data set by the two or more computers. In an embodiment, virtualization software may be employed by the computer system 1380 to provide the functionality of a number of servers that is not directly bound to the number of computers in the computer system 1380. For example, virtualization software may provide twenty virtual servers on four physical computers. In an embodiment, the functionality disclosed above may be provided by executing the application and/or applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may comprise providing computing services via a network connection using dynamically scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at least in part, by virtualization software. A cloud computing environment may be established by an enterprise and/or may be hired on an as-needed basis from a third-party provider. Some cloud computing environments may comprise cloud computing resources owned and operated by the enterprise as well as cloud computing resources hired and/or leased from a third-party provider.

[00149] In an embodiment, some or all of the functionality disclosed above may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may comprise one or more computer readable storage medium having computer usable program code embodied therein to implement the functionality disclosed above. The computer program product may comprise data structures, executable instructions, and other computer usable program code. The computer program product may be embodied in removable computer storage media and/or non-removable computer storage media. The removable computer readable storage medium may comprise, without limitation, a paper tape, a magnetic tape, magnetic disk, an optical disk, a solid state memory chip, for example analog magnetic tape, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) disks, floppy disks, jump drives, digital cards, multimedia cards, and others. The computer program product may be suitable for loading, by the computer system 1380, at least portions of the contents of the computer program product to the secondary storage 1384, to the ROM 1386, to the RAM 1388, and/or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer system 1380. The processor 1382 may process the executable instructions and/or data structures in part by directly accessing the computer program product, for example by reading from a CD- ROM disk inserted into a disk drive peripheral of the computer system 1380. Alternatively, the processor 1382 may process the executable instructions and/or data structures by remotely accessing the computer program product, for example by downloading the executable instructions and/or data structures from a remote server through the network connectivity devices 1392. The computer program product may comprise instructions that promote the loading and/or copying of data, data structures, files, and/or executable instructions to the secondary storage 1384, to the ROM 1386, to the RAM 1388, and/or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer system 1380.

[00150] In some contexts, the secondary storage 1384, the ROM 1386, and the RAM 1388 may be referred to as a non-transitory computer readable medium or a computer readable storage media. A dynamic RAM embodiment of the RAM 1388, likewise, may be referred to as a non- transitory computer readable medium in that while the dynamic RAM receives electrical power and is operated in accordance with its design, for example during a period of time during which the computer 1380 is turned on and operational, the dynamic RAM stores information that is written to it. Similarly, the processor 1382 may comprise an internal RAM, an internal ROM, a cache memory, and/or other internal non-transitory storage blocks, sections, or components that may be referred to in some contexts as non-transitory computer readable media or computer readable storage media.

[00151] The ordering of steps in the various processes, data flows, and flowcharts presented are for illustration purposes and do not necessarily reflect the order that various steps must be performed. The steps may be rearranged in different orders in different embodiments to reflect the needs, desires and preferences of the entity implementing the systems. Furthermore, many steps may be performed simultaneously with other steps in some embodiments.

[00152] Also, techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be coupled through some interface or device, such that the items may no longer be considered directly coupled to each other but may still be indirectly coupled and in communication, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise with one another. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed. The following numbered entries represent a non- exhaustive collection of exemplary embodiments of the instantly disclosed subject matter.

[00153] Following are particular embodiments of the disclosure. [00154] A first embodiment is a lottery ticket processing system comprising a processor comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions configured to cause the processor to receive an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising an identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; access a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket; determine if the activation request is valid; upon determining that the activation request is valid, determine a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; determine a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated; and enroll the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system, wherein a comparison between the set of attributes and results of a drawing for the lottery enables a player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[00155] A second embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of the first embodiment, wherein the point-of-sale terminal from which the activation request is received is configured to selectively disable a store-and-forward functionality, wherein the store-and-forward functionality is configured to operate during activation of a stored-value card such that, if connectivity between the point-of-sale terminal and a stored-value processing system is lost during activation of the stored-value card, the point-of-sale terminal will stored the activation request for the stored-value card and communicate the activation request when connectivity is regained.

[00156] A third embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the second embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to receive an enrollment confirmation from the central gaming system, wherein the enrollment confirmation comprises a date for the drawing.

[00157] A fourth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the third embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the enrollment confirmation to the point-of-sale terminal.

[00158] A fifth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the fourth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to store the enrollment confirmation and the draw date in association with the record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket. [00159] A sixth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the fifth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to receive an enrollment confirmation request from a player, wherein the enrollment confirmation request comprises a confirmation identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket.

[00160] A seventh embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the sixth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the enrollment confirmation to the player.

[00161] An eighth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the seventh embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the draw date to the player.

[00162] A ninth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the eighth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to prompt the player to determine whether the player wishes to be notified of the results of the drawing.

[00163] A tenth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the first through the ninth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to notify the player of the results of the drawing.

[00164] An eleventh embodiment is a lottery ticket processing system comprising a processor comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions configured to cause the processor to receive an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising a first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; access a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket; determine if the activation request is valid based upon the first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; upon determining that the activation request is valid, update a status associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket to indicate that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active; receive an enrollment request comprising a second identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket from a player; determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is active; determine a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated; and upon determining that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active enroll the pre-printed lottery ticket with the central gaming system; and communicate the first set of attributes to the player, wherein a comparison between the first set of attributes and a second set of attributes disposed on the pre- printed lottery ticket enables the player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[00165] A twelfth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of the eleventh embodiment, wherein the processor is further configured to receive an enrollment confirmation from the central gaming system.

[00166] A thirteenth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the eleventh through the twelfth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the enrollment confirmation to the point-of-sale terminal.

[00167] A fourteenth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the eleventh through the thirteenth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to store the enrollment confirmation in association with the record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket.

[00168] A fifteenth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the eleventh through the fourteenth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to prompt the user to determine whether the player wishes to be notified as to whether the lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[00169] A sixteenth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the eleventh through the fifteenth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to determine if the lottery ticket is a winning ticket and notify the player as to whether the lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[00170] A seventeenth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the eleventh through the sixteenth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to determine if the lottery ticket has any redeemable value and notify the player as to whether the lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[00171] An eighteenth embodiment is the lottery ticket processing system of one of the eleventh through the seventeenth embodiments, wherein the processor is further configured to present an option for redemption of the lottery ticket to the user.

[00172] A nineteenth embodiment is a method of processing a lottery ticket, the method comprising receiving an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising an identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket; determining if the activation request is valid; upon determining that the activation request is valid, determining a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; determining a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated; and enrolling the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system, wherein a comparison between the set of attributes and results of a drawing for the lottery enables a player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

[00173] A twentieth embodiment is a method of processing a lottery ticket, the method comprising receiving an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising a first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket; determining if the activation request is valid based upon the first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket; upon determining that the activation request is valid, updating a status associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket to indicate that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active; receiving an enrollment request comprising a second identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket from a player; determining if the pre-printed lottery ticket is active; determining a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated; and upon determining that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active enrolling the pre- printed lottery ticket with the central gaming system; and communicating the first set of attributes to the player, wherein a comparison between the first set of attributes and a second set of attributes disposed on the pre-printed lottery ticket enables the player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A lottery ticket processing system comprising:

a processor comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions configured to cause the processor to:

receive an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising an identifier uniquely identifying the pre- printed lottery ticket;

access a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket;

determine if the activation request is valid;

upon determining that the activation request is valid, determine a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket;

determine a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated; and

enroll the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system, wherein a comparison between the set of attributes and results of a drawing for the lottery enables a player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

2. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 1, wherein the point-of-sale terminal from which the activation request is received is configured to selectively disable a store-and-forward functionality, wherein the store-and-forward functionality is configured to operate during activation of a stored-value card such that, if connectivity between the point-of-sale terminal and a stored-value processing system is lost during activation of the stored-value card, the point- of-sale terminal will stored the activation request for the stored-value card and communicate the activation request when connectivity is regained.

3. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive an enrollment confirmation from the central gaming system, wherein the enrollment confirmation comprises a date for the drawing.

4. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the enrollment confirmation to the point-of-sale terminal.

5. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to store the enrollment confirmation and the draw date in association with the record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket.

6. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 5, wherein the processor is further configured to receive an enrollment confirmation request from a player, wherein the enrollment confirmation request comprises a confirmation identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket.

7. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the enrollment confirmation to the player.

8. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the draw date to the player.

9. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to prompt the player to determine whether the player wishes to be notified of the results of the drawing.

10. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to notify the player of the results of the drawing.

11. A lottery ticket processing system comprising:

receive an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising a first identifier uniquely identifying the pre- printed lottery ticket;

access a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket;

determine if the activation request is valid based upon the first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket;

upon determining that the activation request is valid, update a status associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket to indicate that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active; receive an enrollment request comprising a second identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket from a player;

determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is active;

upon determining that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active:

enroll the pre-printed lottery ticket with the central gaming system; and communicate the first set of attributes to the player, wherein a comparison between the first set of attributes and a second set of attributes disposed on the pre-printed lottery ticket enables the player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

12. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to receive an enrollment confirmation from the central gaming system.

13. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the enrollment confirmation to the point-of-sale terminal.

14. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to store the enrollment confirmation in association with the record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket.

15. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to prompt the user to determine whether the player wishes to be notified as to whether the lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

16. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to determine if the lottery ticket is a winning ticket and notify the player as to whether the lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

17. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to determine if the lottery ticket has any redeemable value and notify the player as to whether the lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

18. The lottery ticket processing system of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to present an option for redemption of the lottery ticket to the user.

19. A method of processing a lottery ticket, the method comprising:

receiving an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising an identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket;

accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket;

determining if the activation request is valid;

upon determining that the activation request is valid, determining a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket;

determining a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated; and

enrolling the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system, wherein a comparison between the set of attributes and results of a drawing for the lottery enables a player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

20. A method of processing a lottery ticket, the method comprising:

receiving an activation request for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, the activation request comprising a first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket;

accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket;

determining if the activation request is valid based upon the first identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket;

upon determining that the activation request is valid, updating a status associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket to indicate that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active;

receiving an enrollment request comprising a second identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket from a player;

determining if the pre-printed lottery ticket is active;

upon determining that the pre-printed lottery ticket is active:

enrolling the pre-printed lottery ticket with the central gaming system; and communicating the first set of attributes to the player, wherein a comparison between the first set of attributes and a second set of attributes disposed on the pre- printed lottery ticket enables the player to determine if the pre-printed lottery ticket is a winning ticket.