System and method for implementing an additional game to players of a lottery game
View Patent ↗A system and method for providing an additional or end-of-game drawing to players of a lottery game is provided. In one embodiment, unique validation codes provided on lottery tickets can be encrypted using an algorithm and used to create a record of such encrypted codes. A player then participates in the lottery and subsequently submits the validation code from the ticket to a lottery provider. The lottery provider applies the algorithm to the submitted validation code to create another encryption code for comparison with the record of encrypted codes. In the event a match is found, the player is entered into a second-chance or end of game drawing. Upon entry, the player is no longer required to maintain possession of the ticket for subsequent validation.
1. A computer-implemented method for providing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game, comprising the steps of:
producing tickets for the lottery game, including printing a unique validation code on each ticket;
with a computer system, applying an algorithm to generate a unique, first encryption code for each ticket validation code;
storing the first encryption code in the computer system so that the first encryption code and algorithm are present only as electronic data in the computer system and the tickets are free of the first encryption code and algorithm;
distributing the tickets for possession by players of the lottery game;
providing for players to access the computer system and submit the unique validation codes for registration in the second-chance game;
the computer system applying the algorithm to the submitted validation codes to create a second encryption code for each submitted validation code;
the computer system comparing the second encryption code with the record of first encryption codes to determine whether a match exists;
registering players for the second-chance game when such players submit a validation code that results in a match; and
conducting a subsequent lottery drawing for all validated ticket entries in the second-chance game.
2. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , wherein said registering step comprises recording identification information provided by the player.
3. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of rejecting a submitted validation code where there is no match between the second encryption code and the record of first encryption codes.
4. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , wherein said step of providing for players to submit the unique validation code comprises providing a website accessible over the internet by which players may access the computer system and provide the unique validation code from the ticket.
5. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 4 , wherein the website locks out a player who submits three validation codes that do not result in a match.
6. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 4 , wherein for a predetermined period of time the website locks out a player who submits three validation codes that do not result in a match.
7. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , wherein said comparing step further comprises determining whether a validation code that results in a matching first and second encryption code has already been submitted.
8. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , wherein the lottery tickets are instant-win scratch-off tickets and the validation number on the ticket is printed under a coating on the instant-win scratch-off ticket that is removable by a player.
9. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , wherein the algorithm is the MD5 algorithm.
10. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , wherein the algorithm provides the same unique encryption number for each entry of a particular validation code.
11. A method for implementing a second-chance game to players of a lottery game as in claim 1 , where the validation code is an alphanumeric code.