SCRATCH-OFF INSTANT LOTTERY TICKETS WITH DYNAMICALLY POSITIONED VARIABLE SYMBOLS

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates scratch-off instant lottery tickets with dynamically positioned variable symbols, and systems and methods for generating and manufacturing same.

Scratch-off instant lottery games have been widely employed. Various scratch-off instant lottery tickets include variable symbols under a scratch-off coating. The scratch-off-coating (“SOC”) is used to ensure that the instant lottery ticket has not been previously used, played, or modified. More specifically, one purpose of the SOC is to ensure that the printed variable symbols underneath the SOC cannot be read or decoded without first removing the SOC in a manner that it would be obvious to a purchaser of that instant lottery ticket. The SOC is thus used to try to prevent nefarious people from picking out winning instant lottery tickets from packs of unsold instant lottery tickets.

The SOC is susceptible to what is often called micro-scratching or pin-prick attacks, where a nefarious person attempts to identify winning variable symbols under the SOC via a series of small scratches or holes made in the SOC such that the SOC on the instant lottery ticket still appears to be intact and the instant lottery ticket appears to be un-played to the untrained and/or unmagnified eye, and therefore can be sold to an unsuspecting purchaser. In other words, the formation of such small scratches or holes in the SOC may not readily identifiable by an unsuspecting legitimate instant lottery ticket purchaser, but are nevertheless large enough to enable a nefarious person to identify winning variable symbols under microscopic inspection.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game. The method includes, for each of the instant lottery tickets: determining a first quantity of first variable symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the first quantity is at least one; determining a position for each of the first quantity of the first variable symbols anywhere in an entire play area of a substrate for that instant lottery ticket; for each of the first quantity of first variable symbols, printing that first variable symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that first variable symbol; determining a second quantity of the second variable symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the second quantity is at least two; determining a position for each of the second quantity of the second variable symbols anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; for each of the second quantity of the second variable symbols, printing that second variable symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that second variable symbol; and applying a scratch off coating on the substrate that covers all of the first variable symbols and all of the second variable symbols printed on the substrate. For each instant lottery ticket, an award amount for that instant lottery ticket is based partly on relative distances between the each of the first variable symbols and the second variable symbols on the substrate.

Various other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game. The method includes, for each instant lottery ticket: determining a first target symbol for that instant lottery ticket; determining a position for the first target symbol anywhere in an entire play area of a substrate for that instant lottery ticket; printing that first target symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that first target symbol; determining a second quantity of second variable game symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein each of the second variable symbols indicates an attempt at reaching the target symbol; for each of the second quantity of the second variable game symbols, determining a position of the second variable game symbol anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; for each of the second quantity of the second variable game symbols, printing that second variable game symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that second variable symbol; and applying a scratch off coating on the substrate that covers the first target symbol and all of the second variable game symbols printed on the substrate. For each instant lottery ticket, an award amount for that instant lottery ticket is partly based on relative distances between the first target symbol and the second variable symbols on the substrate.

Various other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game. The method includes, for each instant lottery ticket: determining a first target symbol for that instant lottery ticket; determining a position for the first target symbol in a play area of a substrate for that instant lottery ticket; determining a second target symbol for that instant lottery ticket; determining a position for the second target symbol in the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket and based on the position of the first target in the play area; printing that first target symbol and the second target symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined positions for that first target symbol and that second target symbol; determining a second quantity of the second variable game symbols for that instant lottery ticket; determining a position for each of the second quantity of the second variable game symbols in the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; for each of the second quantity of second variable game symbols, printing that second variable game symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that second variable symbol; and applying a scratch off coating on the substrate that covers the first target symbol, the second target symbol, and all of the second variable game symbols printed on the substrate. For each instant lottery ticket, an award amount for that instant lottery ticket is partly based on relative positions of the first target symbol, the second target symbol, and the second variable symbols on the substrate.

Additional features are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of part of an example known instant lottery ticket illustrating the instant lottery ticket with the SOC in tact (i.e., before the SOC thereof is removed).

FIG. 2 is a front view of part of the example known instant lottery ticket of FIG. 1, and illustrating this instant lottery ticket after the SOC is removed.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example of the variable symbol configuration structure for the example known instant lottery ticket of FIG. 1, and illustrating the specific required limited locations for the variable symbols of this example instant lottery ticket.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an example instant lottery ticket of one example embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating the instant lottery ticket with the SOC thereof in tact (i.e., before the SOC thereof is removed).

FIG. 5 is a front view of the example instant lottery ticket of FIG. 4, and illustrating this example instant lottery ticket after the SOC thereof is removed.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an example instant lottery ticket of another example embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating this example instant lottery ticket after the SOC thereof is removed.

FIG. 6A is a front view of an example instant lottery ticket of another example embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating this example instant lottery ticket after the SOC thereof is removed.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an example instant lottery ticket of another example embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating this example instant lottery ticket after the SOC thereof is removed.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an instant lottery ticket printing press in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to scratch-off instant lottery tickets with dynamically positioned variable symbols, and systems and methods for generating and manufacturing same.

Before describing the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is useful to first describe an example known instant lottery ticket for a better understanding of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows an example known instant lottery ticket 100 having a substrate 102 and a SOC 110 on the substrate 102. FIG. 2 shows the instant lottery ticket 100 with the SOC 110 scratched off of the substrate 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the SOC 110 includes a decorative overprint (not labeled) that is sometimes called the covered artwork. As shown in FIG. 2, when the SOC 110 is removed from the substrate 102, the play area (not labeled) that is sometimes called the uncovered artwork (under the SOC 110) is revealed and all of the variable symbols under the SOC 110 are revealed. In other words, this play area under the SOC 110 is what a player sees when the player removes the SOC 110, and which the player can view to determine based on the variable symbols on the substrate 102 if the player won any award amounts as well as the specific award amounts won (if any). The variable symbols can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for an instant ticket lottery game, and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket is determined by the variable symbol configuration structure that takes into account, among other factors, the overall award amount structure of the instant ticket lottery game.

This example instant lottery ticket 100 includes variable game symbols 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, and 120h printed on the substrate 102 in specific required predetermined positions in specific sections of the play area and variable award amount symbols 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, and 122h printed on the substrate 102 in specific required predetermined positions in the specific section of the play area. The variable game symbols 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, and 120h are respectively associated with the variable award amount symbols 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, and 122h. Each respective pair of the variable game symbols and the variable award amount symbols are each printed as a static predetermined section of the play area on the substrate. Specifically, as also shown in FIG. 3: (1) the variable game symbol 120a and the associated variable award amount symbol 122a are printed in the first section 126a of the play area on the substrate 102; (2) the variable game symbol 120b and the associated variable award amount symbol 122b are printed in the second section 126b of the play area on the substrate 102; (3) the variable game symbol 120c and the associated variable award amount symbol 122c are printed in the third section 126c of the play area on the substrate 102; (4) the variable game symbol 120d and the associated variable award amount symbol 122d are printed in the fourth section 126d of the play area on the substrate 102; (5) the variable game symbol 120e and the associated variable award amount symbol 122e are printed in the fifth section 126e of the play area on the substrate 102; (6) the variable game symbol 120f and the associated variable award amount symbol 122f are printed in the sixth section 126f of the play area on the substrate 102; (7) the variable game symbol 120g and the associated variable award amount symbol 122g are printed in the seventh section 126g of the play area on the substrate 102; and (8) the variable game symbol 120h and the associated variable award amount symbol 122h are printed in the eighth section 126h of the play area on the substrate 102. This configuration and placement of such variable symbols are the same for each and every instant lottery ticket of this instant lottery ticket game.

FIG. 3 shows the variable symbol configuration structure for the instant lottery ticket 100 and specific required sections 126a to 126h for the variable symbols of this instant lottery ticket 100. FIG. 3 shows the specific shapes, sizes, and locations of each of the sections 126a to 126h. This variable symbol configuration structure can be referred to as the game data page for this instant lottery ticket game (that this instant lottery ticket 100 is part of). The game data page establishes the specific sections of the play area where each of the variable symbols (including the variable game symbols and the variable award amount symbols) must appear on each substrate for each respective instant lottery ticket of this instant lottery game. This game data page is predetermined and does not change for each instant lottery ticket of the instant lottery game, but rather only the specific combinations of variable game symbols and variable award amount symbols that are printed on each section of the play area of the substrate of each instant lottery ticket of the instant lottery game changes (although two or more of the instant lottery tickets of an instant lottery game can have the same specific combination of variable game symbols and variable award amount symbols). In other words, these variable game symbols and variable award amount symbols are for this instant lottery game always printed in the static limited areas defined by the game data page. This structure generally enables a nefarious person who wants to micro-scratch or pin-prick this instant lottery ticket to know exactly where to expect the variable symbols to be, and thus exactly where to make such scratches or holes in the SOC of this instant lottery ticket.

The variable symbol configuration structure that can be defined by the game data page thus provides a very limited degree to which each variable game symbol and each variable award amount symbol can be slightly alternatively positioned (sometimes referred to as float) within each of the respective sections 126a to 126h. This float is meant to function as a security measure to thwart micro-scratching and pin-pricking attempts; however, since there is a variable game symbol and a variable award amount symbol in each of the respective sections 126a to 126h, the relative positional changes of such symbols is very limited. Additionally, the respective quantities of variable game symbols (8 in this example) and respective quantities of variable award amount symbols (8 in this example) for each instant lottery ticket for this instant lottery game is predetermined and static. This also provides a nefarious person who wants to micro-scratch or pin prick this instant lottery ticket with substantial location information regarding the positions of these variable symbols under the SOC of this instant lottery ticket.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game in a manner that removes the requirements for the placements of each of the variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or the variable award amount symbols) in such limited sections of the play area and in such predetermined and static manners. In various embodiments, the present disclosure also provides instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game in a manner that removes the requirements for quantities of the variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or the variable award amount symbols) in such limited sections of the play area and in such predetermined and static manners.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides the variable determination of the quantities of the variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or variable award amount symbols) to be positioned within the entire play area of the substrate of the instant lottery ticket. For each of the instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery game, the variable quantities of the variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or variable award amount symbols) to be positioned in the entire play area of the substrate can be randomly determined or determined in another suitable manner. Thus, the quantities of such variable symbols in the play area of the substrate can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for an instant lottery ticket game.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides the determination of the placement of the determined quantities of variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or variable award amount symbols) based on distances measured (such as in pixels) within an entire play area of the substrate of the instant lottery ticket. For each of the instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery game, the variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or variable award amount symbols) can be positioned anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate based on distances (such as measured in pixels) relative to one another and/or relative to one or more reference points (such as but not limited to a predetermined center reference point, one or more predetermined off-center reference points, or one or more side, top, or bottom edges) within the entire play area of the substrate of the instant lottery ticket.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides distinct advantages in comparison to the static placement of the variable symbols in the specific sections for the play area of the substrate for the instant lottery ticket. The variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or the variable award amount symbols) for an instant lottery ticket game can be positioned anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate, and consequently the positions of these variable symbols (as well as the quantities of these variable symbols) can vary significantly from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for a same instant lottery ticket game. The ability to position variable symbols for an instant lottery ticket game anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate substantially deters micro-scratching and pin-pricking attempts since it would be unknown to a nefarious person exactly how many and where the variable symbols will be on any specific instant lottery ticket for an instant lottery ticket game, and thus provides an enhanced security feature.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure also provides for a wide variety of instant lottery ticket games, game themes, game play styles, game mechanics, different types of variable symbols that can be dynamically placed in accordance with the present disclosure.

Examples of such instant lottery tickets with such variable symbols (such as the variable game symbols and/or variable award amount symbols) and quantities thereof in various locations in the play areas of the substrates in accordance with the present disclosure are described herein, but are not meant to limit the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an example instant lottery ticket 200 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticket 200 is part of an instant lottery ticket game that is a bocce type game where the relative positions of: (1) a target (which is the bocce cochonnet ball referred to as the jack in this example); (2) each of the one or more player balls; (3) each of the one or more opponent balls; (4) a multiplier zone; and (5) variable award amounts, in the play area of the substrate determine the outcome and any award amounts associated with this instant lottery ticket. In various embodiments, the relative positions of the target, each of the player and opponent balls, the multiplier zone, and the awards amounts (which function as the variable symbols) can be placed anywhere within the entire play area for the various different instant lottery tickets for this instant lottery ticket game.

More specifically, this example instant lottery ticket 200 includes a substrate 202 and a SOC 210 on the substrate 202. The SOC 210 is shown in tact in FIG. 4 and is removed from the substrate 202 in FIG. 5. The instant lottery ticket 200 includes a decorative overprint (not label) on or that is part of the SOC 210. The instant lottery ticket 200 includes various player instructions such as player instructions in player instruction and paytable areas 250, 252, 254, and 256.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the SOC 210 is removed from the substrate 202, the play area under the SOC 210 is revealed and all of the variable symbols and particularly the variable game symbols and variable award symbols under the SOC 210 are revealed. In other words, this play area under the SOC 210 is what a player sees when the player removes the SOC 210, and that the player can view to determine the quantities and locations of the variable award amount symbols and variable award amount symbols. The variable game symbols and the variable awards symbols vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for the instant lottery ticket game and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket can be determined by a suitable programming methodology that takes into account, among other factors, (1) the overall award amount structure of the instant lottery ticket game, (2) the desired award amount for this instant lottery ticket (of zero or a greater amount); and (3) other variables that determine the outcomes of the game, as determined by each lottery system or lottery ticket administrator.

This example instant lottery ticket 200 includes: (1) variable game symbols 230, 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e, and 232f printed on the substrate 202; (2) variable award amount symbol 234a printed on the substrate 202; and (3) variable game symbol 234 printed on the substrate 202. Each of the variable game symbols and the variable award amount symbols can be printed in the play area on the substrate 202 based on one or more random determinations and based on determined distances from each other (such as on a pixel by pixel basis). The variable game symbol 230 establishes a variable sized and positioned target game symbol. The variable game symbol 234a defines a variable sized, shaped, and positioned area around the target game symbol 230. The variable game symbols 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e, and 232f define variable sized and positioned player and opponent attempts relative to the target game symbol and the area around the target game symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket 200, the award amount for this instant lottery ticket 200 is based on how close the player and opponent balls (variable game symbols 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e, and 232f) are to the target (variable game symbol 230) as well as based on the variable game symbol 234 (which is the multiplier area around the target) and the multiplier (the variable award amount symbol in the area around the target). In this example, the instant lottery ticket 200 provides a $100 winning amount (because the opponent ball is closest to the target—which results in no winning amount; but there is a 12 in the bonus game, which results in the award amount of $100 for this instant lottery ticket).

It should be appreciated that in other versions of the present disclosure, such instant lottery tickets do not includes one or more of the multiplier and the bonus game.

It should be appreciated that for this bocce type game example, the graphical variable symbols such as the player's and opponent's balls, and the bonus circle can be in any suitable positions on the play area, can be of any suitable sizes, can be of any suitable colors, can be rotated at any suitable angles, and can be otherwise formed for variability that offers both aesthetic and security benefits. For example, the size of the bonus area can be static or variable and can move about the play area (for different tickets) based upon a set of parameters that determine its placement relative to the ball. The balls can be placed in the play area to satisfy the degree of variability desired and other game play restrictions that are defined for this instant lottery ticket game. The quantities of all of these variable symbols can also vary from ticket to ticket. The result of this configuration is an instant lottery bocce type game with a virtually unlimited arrangement of the variable symbols, all arranged to provide no winning outcome or a winning outcome (with an associated predetermined award amount) in accordance with the award amount structure for the instant lottery game.

From this example, it should be appreciated that this configuration of the variable symbols on the substrates for the instant lottery tickets for this instant lottery game provide wide variations that substantially decrease the chances of success of micro-scratching and/or pin-prick attempts. The dynamic placement and quantity of these variable symbols on this instant lottery ticket thus provide an enhanced security feature. In other words, since the quantities and positions of the variable game symbols and variable award amount symbols are dynamic, micro-scratching and pin-pricking techniques are more difficult to employ to determine if the instant lottery ticket is a winning instant lottery ticket.

It should also be appreciated that this example instant lottery ticket 200 also includes a more traditional variable bonus award in a predefined section of the play area (e.g., the lower right hand corner). This is shown on this example instant lottery ticket 200 solely to illustrate that this more traditional structure can additionally be provided on the instant lottery tickets of the present disclosure, but do not need to be included on such instant lottery tickets in accordance with the present disclosure.

These types of instant lottery ticket configurations are also applicable to a wide variety of other instant lottery ticket games where the quantities, positions, sizes, and shapes of the variable symbols on the entire play area are used to determine a winning outcome.

In another such example, the instant lottery game is a roulette type game where the positions of the roulette ball and the player chips are dynamically placed in the play area. The roulette ball and the chips are the variable symbols in this example embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an example instant lottery ticket 300 in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the instant lottery game is a roulette type game where the relative positions of: (1) two targets (which are the roulette wheel and the roulette ball in this example); and (2) each of one or more player chips, in the play area on the substrate determine the outcome and any award amounts associated with each instant lottery ticket of this instant lottery game. The position of the targets and each of the player chips can be placed anywhere in respective wheel/ball sections and the chip section (relative to the betting layout) and thus within the play area of the substrate for the various different instant lottery tickets for this instant lottery ticket game.

In various embodiments, the orientation of the roulette wheel can change from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket. This embodiment can provide the indications that the roulette wheel rotates from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket, such that each instant lottery ticket for the instant lottery game captures includes an image of the roulette wheel stopped in one of the plurality of different positions. This feature provide players with a dynamic playing experience where the orientation of the roulette wheel, the position of the ball on the roulette wheel, and the position of the chips can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket. Thus, in such embodiments, the game and award symbols and the background upon which they are printed (the wedges of the roulette wheel are dynamic generated.

This example instant lottery ticket 300 includes a substrate 302 and a SOC (not shown) on the substrate 302. The SOC is removed from the substrate 302 in FIG. 6. The instant lottery ticket 300 includes a decorative overprint (not shown) on or that is part of the SOC. As shown in FIG. 6, when the SOC is removed from the substrate 302, the play area under the SOC is revealed and all of the variable symbols under the SOC are revealed. In other words, this play area under the SOC is what a player sees when the player removes the SOC, and that the player can view to determine the variable symbols and any award amounts won. The variable symbols can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for such an instant lottery ticket game, and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket is determined by a suitable programming methodology that takes into account, among other factors, the overall award amount structure of the game and other parameters as would be established by a lottery system or administrator.

This instant lottery ticket 300 also includes various player instructions such as player instructions in the playtable areas 350 and 352.

This example instant lottery ticket 300 includes variable game symbols 328, 332, 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e, 332f, 332h, 332i, and 332j printed on the substrate 302. Each of these variable game symbols are printed in the play area on the substrate 302 based on one or more random determinations and based on determined distances from each other (such as on a pixel by pixel basis). The variable game symbol 328 establishes a part of the target (which is the relative rotational position of the roulette wheel example). The variable game symbol 332 establishes another part of the target (which in this example is the number 3 on the roulette wheel). The variable game symbols 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e, 332f, 332h, 332i, and 332j define variable positioned attempts relative to the targets (and are the chips placed by the player on the betting layout 380).

In this embodiment, while the roulette wheel 328 has a predefined position, the roulette wheel can be rotated or any suitable rotational position to create multiple variations. In this embodiment, the roulette ball 332 can be within any of the slots of the roulette wheel 328. In alternative embodiments, the relative rotational position of the roulette wheel can be static and this part of the play area does not change. In various alternative embodiments, the variable symbols in the form of the roulette wheel and the ball can be below the betting layout 380.

In this embodiment, the quantity and placement of the variable game symbols in the form of the chips can be determined in any suitable manner and the chips can be placed on the roulette betting layout to create the desired quantities of winning and non-winning outcomes based on the award amount structure of the instant lottery ticket game. In alternative embodiments, the relative positions of the individual bet indicators of the betting layout can vary and thus also function as a variable game symbol.

In this example, the position of the variable symbol 332 (the ball) is determined based on the rotational position of the variable symbol 328 (the roulette wheel) and suitable determined distances (such as on a pixel by pixel basis) between the two.

In this example, the positions of the variable symbols (the chips) are determined based on the positions of the betting layout and in certain respects can be independent of the rotational positions of the variable target symbols 332 and 328. For this example instant lottery ticket, the award amount is $15 (for matching the red-3 and the 4 corners win.

The result of this configuration is a roulette game with a virtually unlimited arrangement of the variable game symbols, all arranged to provide no winning outcome or a winning outcome with an associated predetermined award amount in accordance with the award amount structure for the instant lottery game. The configuration for the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game provides a higher degree of variability and security. In other words, the dynamic placement of the respective quantities of the different types of variable game symbols (the roulette wheel, the ball, the chips, and the betting layout) provides an enhanced security feature. Since the positions of all of the variable game symbols are dynamic, micro-scratching and pin-pricking are more difficult to employ to determine if this instant lottery ticket is a winning instant lottery ticket. It should also be appreciated from this example that various colors can be employed for the background and for the various dynamically generated and placed symbols - which adds another layer of variability to these instant lottery tickets.

In another such example, the instant lottery game is a differently structured roulette type game where the rotational position of the wheel, roulette ball, and the chips are dynamically placed in the play area. The roulette wheel, roulette ball, and the chips are the variable symbols in this example embodiment.

This example instant lottery ticket 300A includes a substrate 302a and a SOC (not shown) on the substrate 302a. The SOC is removed from the substrate 302a in FIG. 6A. The instant lottery ticket 300A includes a decorative overprint (not shown) on or that is part of the SOC. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the SOC is removed from the substrate 302a, the play area under the SOC is revealed and all of the variable symbols under the SOC are revealed. In other words, this play area under the SOC is what a player sees when the player removes the SOC, and that the player can view to determine the variable symbols and any award amounts won. The variable symbols can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for such an instant lottery ticket game, and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket is determined by a suitable programming methodology that takes into account, among other factors, the overall award amount structure of the game and other parameters as would be established by a lottery system or administrator.

This instant lottery ticket 300A also includes various player instructions (not shown) such as player instructions (not shown) in the playtable areas 350a and 352a.

This example instant lottery ticket 300 includes variable game symbols (not labeled) on the wheel 330a printed on the substrate 302a. Each of these variable game symbols are printed in the play area on the substrate 302a based on one or more random determinations. The variable game symbols establish a part of the target (which is the relative rotational position of the roulette wheel example). In this embodiment, the roulette wheel 330a can be rotated or in any suitable rotational position to create multiple variations. In this example, the quantity and placement of the variable game symbols in the form of the chips (not shown) can be determined in any suitable manner and the chips can be placed on the roulette betting layout to create the desired quantities of winning and non-winning outcomes based on the award amount structure of the instant lottery ticket game. In this example, the position of the variable symbol (not shown) is determined based on the rotational position of the wheel 330a.

The result of this configuration is another wheel game with a virtually unlimited arrangement of the variable game symbols, all arranged to provide no winning outcome or a winning outcome with an associated predetermined award amount in accordance with the award amount structure for the instant lottery game. The configuration for the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game provides a higher degree of variability and security. In other words, the dynamic placement of the respective quantities of the different types of variable game symbols (the roulette wheel, the ball, the chips, and the betting layout) provides an enhanced security feature. Since the positions of all of the variable game symbols are dynamic, micro-scratching and pin-pricking are more difficult to employ to determine if this instant lottery ticket is a winning instant lottery ticket. It should also be appreciated from this example that various colors can be employed for the background and for the various dynamically generated and placed symbols—which adds another layer of variability to these instant lottery tickets.

In another example, the instant lottery game is a golf type game where the position, size, and shape of the green, the position of the hole (and thus the flag) on the green, and the balls are dynamically placed in the entire play area on the substrate. The relative positions of the golf balls on the course including the green, and their placement relative to the hole (flag) determine the outcome and award amounts. The green, the hole (flag) on the green, and the balls are the variable game symbols in this example embodiment.

More specifically, FIG. 7 shows an example instant lottery ticket 400 in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

This example instant lottery ticket 400 includes a substrate 402 and a SOC (not shown) on the substrate 402. The SOC is removed from the substrate 402 in FIG. 7. The instant lottery ticket 400 can include a decorative overprint (not shown) that is part of the SOC. As shown in FIG. 7, when the SOC is removed from the substrate 402, the area under the SOC is revealed and all of the variable symbols under the SOC are revealed. In other words, this play area under the SOC is what a player sees when the player removes the SOC, and that the player can view to determine if the player wins any award amounts and any such award amounts won. The variable symbols can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for an instant lottery ticket game and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket is determined by a suitable programming methodology that takes into account, among other factors, the overall award amount structure of the instant ticket lottery game and other factors as determined by a lottery system or lottery administrator.

This example instant lottery ticket 400 includes various player instructions such as player instructions in the playtable area 450.

This example instant lottery ticket 400 includes variable symbols and specifically variable game symbols 428, 430, 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d, 432e, 432f, 432h, 432i, and 432j printed on the substrate 502. Each of these variable game symbols are printed in the play area on the substrate 402 based on one or more random determinations and based on determined distances from each other (such as on a pixel by pixel basis). The variable game symbol 428 establishes a part of the target (which is the green in this example). The variable game symbol 430 establishes another part of the target (which in this example is the hole (flag) on the green). The variable game symbols 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d, 432e, 432f, 432h, 432i, and 432j define variable positioned attempts relative to the targets (and are the player balls on the course including on the green 428). This example includes additional variable game symbols in the form of larger circles 440 and 442 around the hole (flag) in phantom. While these circles are not part of the course, they indicate award levels and thus demonstrate that the present disclosure contemplates game symbols that are added to the underlying theme of the game. The variable symbols can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for an instant lottery ticket game and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket is determined by a suitable programming methodology that takes into account, among other factors, the overall award amount structure of the instant lottery ticket game and other factors as determined by a lottery system or lottery administrator.

Thus, in this example, the instant lottery game provides a golf type game where the relative positions of: (1) targets (which is the green and the hole (flag)); (2) each of the one or more player balls in the entire play area; and (3) other variable game symbols associated with the targets and/or the balls, determine the outcome and any award amounts associated with this instant lottery ticket. The position of the target the green, hole (flag), each of the player balls, and the other variable game symbols can be placed anywhere within the entire play area for the various different instant lottery tickets for this instant lottery ticket game. The result is a game with a virtually unlimited arrangement of the game symbols, all arranged to provide no winning outcome or a winning outcome with an associated predetermined award amount in accordance with the award amount structure for the instant lottery game. In all of these configurations a virtually unlimited set of combinations can be generated. This gives players of a game a much wider variety of possible outcomes that leads to a much more engaging experience with the benefit of added security as well. In other words, the dynamic placement of the respective quantities of the different types of variable game symbols provide an enhanced security feature. Since the positions of all of the variable game symbols are dynamic, micro-scratching and pin-pricking are more difficult to employ to determine if this instant lottery ticket is a winning instant lottery ticket. This example instant lottery ticket provides a $16 winning award amount.

While the above described aspects of the present disclosure reduce the likelihood of successful micro-scratch and pin-prick attacks for instant lottery ticket games, another aspect of the present disclosure provides variable game symbols that can be unexpected for the player. In other words, for any given instant lottery ticket of a game, which dynamically generated variable symbols (including the targets) that are on the substrate thereof as well as the positions on the substrate can vary such that the player may not know what to expect in terms of features and locations of variable symbols.

In other examples not shown, the instant lottery ticket games can be a horseshoe type game, a darts type game, or any other suitable game style that includes one or more outcomes based on any of: (1) hitting or coming close to a target, (2) position(s) of player game pieces relative to a point of reference (such as a goal, target, or another player's game pieces), and/or (3) other style where proximity relative to specific places on the game area will determine the outcome(s).

In various embodiments, the variable symbols can be more traditional black symbols or can be process color game symbols produced by printing a variety of colors in discrete combinations of primary component color inks. While there are multiple combinations of primary component inks available for process colors, various embodiments provide mixtures of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks.

FIG. 8 shows one example instant lottery ticket printing press configuration 800 capable of manufacturing the instant lottery tickets described above. The instant lottery ticket printing press configuration 800 includes a hybrid flexographic and digital imager printing press used to produce the backgrounds, the variable symbols, and SOCs on the substrates of instant lottery tickets. The printing press 800 is configured to unravel a paper web substrate from a roll 801 and flexographically print 802 lower security coatings and a primer in the scratch-off area as well as optionally print displays (i.e., the regions on the front of the instant lottery ticket not covered by SOC) and the back of the instant lottery ticket's non-variable information. The press web enters a secured imager room where the variable symbols are applied by an imager 803. The imager employed can be a process color imager 809 (such as Memjet® Duralink) instead of a monochromatic imager. The process color imager 809 has the advantage of full-color printing, since the imager is equipped with multiple discrete print heads each imaging a primary component color (such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as indicated in 800).

The instant lottery ticket printing press configuration 800 can be in accordance with the industry standard for producing instant lottery tickets with a second, monochromatic, imager 804 utilized to print the variable information presented on the back of the substrate (e.g., inventory barcode). Subsequently, a series of flexographic print stations 805 print the upper security layers of an instant lottery ticket (such as a clear release coat, an upper blocking black coat, and/or a white coating) as well as the decorative overprint with the web being rewound into a roll 806 for storage and ultimate processing by a separate packaging line.

In other embodiments, other instant ticket printed machinery and methods can be employed such as digital printing instead of or in addition to flexographic printing. In various embodiments, the present disclosure is not dependent on a specific printing method-flexographic, digital, or any combination of the two. In other words, this method of generating game data and instant ticket generation that can be dynamically placed on a substrate of an instant lottery ticket is not dependent on the printing methodology and manufacturing process.

It should be appreciated from the above that various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of manufacturing instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game, wherein the method includes: for each of the instant lottery tickets: (1) determining a first quantity of first variable symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the first quantity is at least one; (2) determining a position for each of the first quantity of the first variable symbols anywhere in an entire play area of a substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (3) for each of the first quantity of first variable symbols, printing that first variable symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that first variable symbol; (4) determining a second quantity of the second variable symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the second quantity is at least two; (5) determining a position for each of the second quantity of the second variable symbols anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (6) for each of the second quantity of the second variable symbols, printing that second variable symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that second variable symbol; and (7) applying a scratch off coating on the substrate that covers all of the first variable symbols and all of the second variable symbols printed on the substrate, wherein an award amount for that instant lottery ticket is based partly on relative distances between the each of the first variable symbols and the second variable symbols on the substrate. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the first quantity is one, and the first variable symbol is a target symbol. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the second variable symbols indicate attempts at reaching the target symbol. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the first quantity is more than one, and the first variable symbols are target symbols. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the second variable symbols indicate attempts at reaching the target symbols. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the first quantity is more than one, the first variable symbols are target symbols, and one of the first target symbols is at least partially surrounded by a second one of the first target symbols. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the second variable symbols indicate attempts at reaching the target symbols. In various such embodiments, the method comprises for each instant lottery ticket: (a) determining a third quantity of third variable symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the third quantity is at least one, wherein each of the third variable symbols is a variable award amount symbol; (b) determining a position for each of the third quantity of third variable symbols anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (c) for each of the third quantity of third variable symbols, printing that third variable symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that third variable symbol; and (d) applying the scratch off coating on the substrate that covers all of the third variable symbols on the substrate, wherein the award amount for that instant lottery ticket is partly based on each of the third variable symbols relative to one of the first variable symbols on the substrate. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the first quantity is more than one, the first variable symbols are target symbols, and one of the first target symbols is at least partially surrounded by a second one of the first target symbols. In various such embodiments, the method comprises, for each instant lottery ticket, determining the relative distances between the first variable symbols and the second variable symbols based on pixels of the play area of the substrate of that instant lottery ticket.

It should be appreciated from the above that various embodiments of the present disclosure provide instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game manufactured in accordance with the above described methods.

It should further be appreciated from the above that various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of manufacturing instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game, wherein the method includes: for each instant lottery ticket: (1) determining a first target symbol for that instant lottery ticket; (2) determining a position for the first target symbol anywhere in an entire play area of a substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (3) printing that first target symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that first target symbol; (4) determining a second quantity of second variable game symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein each of the second variable symbols indicates an attempt at reaching the target symbol; (5) for each of the second quantity of the second variable game symbols, determining a position of the second variable game symbol anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (6) for each of the second quantity of the second variable game symbols, printing that second variable game symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that second variable symbol; and (7) applying a scratch off coating on the substrate that covers the first target symbol and all of the second variable game symbols printed on the substrate, wherein an award amount for that instant lottery ticket is partly based on relative distances between the first target symbol and the second variable symbols on the substrate. In various such embodiments, the method comprises for each instant lottery ticket: (a) determining a second target symbol for that instant lottery ticket; (b) determining a position for the second target symbol anywhere in the entire play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (c) printing that second target symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that second target symbol; and (d) applying the scratch off coating on the substrate that covers the second target, wherein the award amount for that instant lottery ticket is also based on relative distances between the second target symbol and the second variable symbols on the substrate. In various such embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket, the first target symbol is at least partially surrounded by the second first target symbol. In various such embodiments, the method comprises, for each instant lottery ticket, determining the relative distances between the first target symbols and the second variable symbols based on pixels of the play area of the substrate of that instant lottery ticket.

It should be appreciated from the above that various embodiments of the present disclosure provide instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game manufactured in accordance with the above described methods.

It should further be appreciated from the above that various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of manufacturing instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game, wherein the method includes: for each instant lottery ticket: (1) determining a first target symbol for that instant lottery ticket; (2) determining a position for the first target symbol in a play area of a substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (3) determining a second target symbol for that instant lottery ticket; (4) determining a position for the second target symbol in the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket and based on the position of the first target in the play area; (5) printing that first target symbol and the second target symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined positions for that first target symbol and that second target symbol; (6) determining a second quantity of the second variable game symbols for that instant lottery ticket; (7) determining a position for each of the second quantity of the second variable game symbols in the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (8) for each of the second quantity of second variable game symbols, printing that second variable game symbol on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket at the determined position for that second variable symbol; and (9) applying a scratch off coating on the substrate that covers the first target symbol, the second target symbol, and all of the second variable game symbols printed on the substrate, and wherein an award amount for that instant lottery ticket is partly based on relative positions of the first target symbol, the second target symbol, and the second variable symbols on the substrate. In various such embodiments, the method comprises, for each instant lottery ticket, determining the positions of each of the second variable symbols based a betting layout printed on the substrate. In various such embodiments, the method comprises, for each instant lottery ticket, determining the positions of each of the second variable symbols based a betting layout on the substrate, wherein the betting layout is the same for each instant lottery ticket. In various such embodiments, the method comprises, for each instant lottery ticket, determining the position for the first target symbol for that instant lottery ticket in part by determining a rotational position for the first target symbol for that instant lottery ticket. In various such embodiments, the method comprises, for each instant lottery ticket, determining the position for the second target symbol for that instant lottery ticket in part by determining the position for the second target symbol based on the rotational position of the first target in the play area. In various such embodiments, the method comprises, for each instant lottery ticket, determining the positions of the second quantity of second variable game symbols independent of distances relative to the first target symbol and the second target symbol.

It should be appreciated from the above that various embodiments of the present disclosure provide instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game manufactured in accordance with the above described methods.

Various changes and modifications to the present embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required, or that each of the disclosed components must communicate with every other component. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure. As such, these changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended technical scope. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.