SCRATCH-OFF INSTANT LOTTERY TICKETS WITH VARIABLE MODIFIER SYMBOLS AND ASSOCIATED VARIABLE MODIFIERS

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates scratch-off instant lottery tickets with variable modifier symbols and associated variable modifiers, 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.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. Each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets includes: a substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated variable award amounts printed on the substrate; and a modifier legend printed on the substrate. The modifier legend includes different modifier symbols, and different modifiers associated with the different modifier symbols. For each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the different modifier symbols printed on the substrate in association with that variable game symbol set. Each of the lottery tickets also includes one or more scratch-off coatings on the substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the associated variable award amounts, the modifier legend, and the modifier symbols associated with the variable game symbol sets. For at least two of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the modifiers associated with the same modifier symbol are different.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: second different modifier symbols, and second different modifiers associated with the second different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the second different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the second modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, the first modifier symbols and second modifier symbols are the same, and for one of the first modifier symbols and for a same one of the second modifier symbols, the first and second modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different.

Various other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: the first different modifier symbols, and the first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, for the first instant lottery ticket, the first modifiers are associated with the first modifier symbols in a different manner than for the second instant lottery ticket.

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. 1A is a front view of an example instant lottery ticket of an example instant lottery game of one example embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating the example instant lottery ticket with the SOC in tact.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the example instant lottery ticket of FIG. 1A, and illustrating that example instant lottery ticket with the SOC removed.

FIG. 2A is a front view of another example instant lottery ticket of same example instant lottery game of the example embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and illustrating the example instant lottery ticket with the SOC in tact.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the example instant lottery ticket of FIG. 2A, and illustrating that example instant lottery ticket with the SOC removed.

FIG. 3A is a front view of another example instant lottery ticket of same example instant lottery game of the example embodiment of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B and illustrating the example instant lottery ticket with the SOC in tact.

FIG. 3B is a front view of the example instant lottery ticket of FIG. 3A, and illustrating that example instant lottery ticket with the SOC removed.

FIG. 4A is a front view of another example instant lottery ticket of same example instant lottery game of the example embodiment of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, and illustrating the example instant lottery ticket with the SOC in tact.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the example instant lottery ticket of FIG. 4A, and illustrating that example instant lottery ticket with the SOC removed.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an example modifier configuration for multiple example instant lottery tickets of the same example instant lottery game of the example embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 4B.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an example modifier configuration for multiple example instant lottery tickets of the same example instant lottery game of the example embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 4B.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an example modifier configuration for multiple example instant lottery tickets of another example instant lottery game in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an instant lottery ticket printing press system 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 of an instant lottery ticket game with dynamically determined modifier symbols and dynamically determined modifiers associated with such modifier symbols, and systems and methods for generating and manufacturing same.

In various embodiments, each of the scratch off instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game includes: (1) a substrate; (2) a first quantity of two or more separate and independent variable game symbol sets on the substrate; (3) a second quantity of two or more variable modifiers symbols on the substrate, wherein the second quantity is equal to the first quantity; (4) a static or variable game symbol set award amount legend on the substrate; (5) a variable modifier symbol legend on the substrate; (6) at least one scratch off coating on the substrate covering the variable game symbol sets, the variable modifier symbols, the game symbol set award amount legend, and the variable modifier legend; and (7) one or more informational and/or instructional areas on the substrate.

In various embodiments, for each of the scratch off instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game: (1) the variable modifier symbols are respectively associated with the variable game symbol sets; and (2) the variable modifier symbols are each associated with one of a plurality of different potential modifiers.

In various embodiments, for each of the scratch off instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game: (1) the modifiers are all different; (2) two or more but not all of the modifiers are different; or (3) two or more of the modifiers are the same.

In various embodiments, for the instant lottery ticket game, the modifiers respectively associated with the modifier symbols are different for two or more of the instant lottery tickets. Accordingly, the modifier symbol legend on two or more of the instant lottery tickets are different.

In various embodiments, all of the modifiers for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game are of the same type (such as all being multipliers).

In various embodiments, two or more of the modifiers for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game are different types (such as multipliers and static additional award amounts).

Thus, for each of two or more of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game, the modifiers symbol legends are dynamic and thus can be different for different instant lottery tickets of the same instant lottery ticket game.

Such dynamic legends add additional variable features to instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket games in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure also provides instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game in a manner that employs variable modifier legends instead of and static modifier legends for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery game.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides the variable determination of the quantities of the modifier symbols and variable determination of the different modifiers associated with the modifier symbols therewith for each instant lottery ticket for an instant lottery ticket game. For each of the instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery game, the variable quantities of the modifier symbols and the associated modifiers can be randomly determined or determined in another suitable manner for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery game. Thus, the quantities of such modifier symbols and modifiers can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for the same instant lottery ticket game.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides different placements of the determined modifiers symbols and associated modifiers that can vary from ticket to ticket for the same instant lottery ticket game. In various embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery game, the variable modifier symbols can be positioned in association with one or more game symbol sets or game symbols.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides distinct advantages in comparison to the use of static modifiers and static modifier legends for each instant lottery ticket of an instant lottery ticket game. In various embodiments, the variable modifier symbols and variable modifiers can be employed in any of a wide variety of instant lottery ticket games, game themes, game play styles, and game mechanics in accordance with the present disclosure.

Examples of instant lottery tickets with variable modifier symbols, variable modifiers, and variable modifier legends for an example instant lottery ticket game in accordance with the present disclosure are described herein, but are not meant to limit the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first example instant lottery ticket 200 for an example instant lottery game in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticket 200 is one ticket of a plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the instant lottery ticket game that includes a symbol matching type game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with a predetermined quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three in this example). In various other embodiments, the quantities of game symbol matches that result in awards can vary. This example instant lottery ticket 200 is physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

This first example instant lottery ticket 200 includes a substrate 202 and SOCs 204 and 206 on the substrate 202 (which are in tact in FIG. 1A and which have been removed in FIG. 1B). The instant lottery ticket 200 includes decorative overprints (shown in FIG. 1A but not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCs 204 and 206. The instant lottery ticket 200 includes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas 250, 252, and 254 printed on the substrate 202.

As shown in FIG. 1B, when the SOC 204 is removed from the substrate 202, the play area 210 under the SOC 204 is revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOC 204 are revealed. In other words, this play area 210 under the SOC 204 is what a player sees when the player removes the SOC 204, and what the player can view to determine the quantities of variable game symbols in each of the variable game symbol sets and the variable modifier symbols associated with those variable game symbol sets. The variable game symbols and the variable modifier symbols associated therewith can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for this same instant lottery ticket game (as further described herein) and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket can be 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 the determined desired award amount for this instant lottery ticket 200.

As also shown in FIG. 1B, when the SOC 206 is removed from the substrate 202, the variable modifier legend area 220 under the SOC 206 is revealed and all of the modifier symbols (described below) and the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols under the SOC 206 are revealed. In other words, this play area 210 under the SOC 206 is what a player sees when the player removes the SOC 206, and what the player can view to determine the different modifiers that are respectively associated with the different modifier symbols, and thus how the variable modifier symbols associated with the game symbol sets will affect any award amounts won for or with respect to those game symbol sets. The modifiers associated with variable modifier symbols can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for the same 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, the overall award amount structure of the instant lottery ticket game, and the predetermined desired award amount for this instant lottery ticket 200.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, this example instant lottery ticket 200 includes: (1) variable game symbol sets 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238 printed on the substrate 202; (2) variable modifier symbols 240, 242, 244, and 246 printed on the substrate 202 in association with the variable game symbol sets 230, 232, 234, 236, and 239; (3) variable award amounts 231, 233, 235, 237, and 238 printed on the substrate 202 respectively associated with the variable game symbol sets 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238; and (4) variable modifiers 241, 243, 245, and 247 respectively associated with the modifier symbols 240, 242, 244, and 246 printed on the substrate 202. The variable game symbols (not individually labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238 determine if that game symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticket 200 winning the respective award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols 240, 242, 244, and 246 associated with the variable game symbol sets 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238 and the respective modifiers 241, 243, 245, and 247 associated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective game symbol set is modified.

In this example, the first variable game symbol set 230 includes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount 231, and is associated with the modifier symbol 244. For this example instant lottery ticket 200, the first modifier symbol 240 is associated with the 2× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area 220. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 230 is $200 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 2× multiplier).

In this example, the second variable game symbol set 232 includes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $50 award amount 233, and is associated with the modifier symbol 246. For this example instant lottery ticket 200, the modifier symbol 246 is associated with the 5× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area 220. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 232 is $250 (i.e., the $50 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

In this example, the third variable game symbol set 234 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $25 award amount 235, and is associated with the modifier symbol 242. For this example instant lottery ticket 200, the modifier symbol 242 is associated with the 1× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area 220. No award results from the third variable game symbol set 234.

In this example, the fourth variable game symbol set 236 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount 237, and is associated with the modifier symbol 240. For this example instant lottery ticket 200, the modifier symbol 240 is associated with the 10× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area 220. No award results from the fourth variable game symbol set 236.

In this example, the fifth variable game symbol set 238 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount 239, and is associated with the modifier symbol 246. For this example instant lottery ticket 200, the modifier symbol 246 is associated with the 2× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area 220. No award results from the fifth variable game symbol set 238.

This example lottery ticket 200 shows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) a same modifier symbol can be associated with more than one and thus different variable game symbol sets; and (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or greater) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second example instant lottery ticket 300 for same example instant lottery game as the instant lottery ticket of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticket 300 is another ticket of the plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the same instant lottery ticket game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with the same quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three). This example instant lottery ticket 300 is also physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

This second example instant lottery ticket 300 includes a substrate 302 and SOCs 304 and 306 on the substrate 302 (which are in tact in FIG. 2A and which have been removed in FIG. 2B). The instant lottery ticket 300 includes decorative overprints (shown in FIG. 2A but not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCs 304 and 306. The instant lottery ticket 300 includes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas 350, 352, and 354 printed on the substrate 302.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the SOC 304 is removed from the substrate 302, the play area 310 under the SOC 304 is revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOC 304 are revealed.

As also shown in FIG. 2B, when the SOC 306 is removed from the substrate 302, the variable modifier legend area 320 under the SOC 306 is revealed and all of the modifier symbols and the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols under the SOC 306 are revealed.

As can be seen in FIG. 2B, the modifier symbols are the same as the modifier symbols of the instant lottery ticket 200, but the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols are different.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, this example instant lottery ticket 300 includes: (1) variable game symbol sets 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338 printed on the substrate 302; (2) variable modifier symbols 340, 342, 344, and 346 printed on the substrate 302 in association with the variable game symbol sets 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338; (3) variable award amounts 331, 333, 335, 337, and 339 printed on the substrate 302 respectively associated with the variable game symbol sets 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338; and (4) variable modifiers 341, 343, 345, and 347 associated with the modifier symbols 340, 342, 344, and 346 printed on the substrate 302. The variable game symbols (not labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338 determine if that symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticket 300 winning that award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols 340, 342, 344, and 346 associated with the variable game symbol sets 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338 and the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective symbol set is modified.

In this example, the first variable game symbol set 330 includes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount 331, and is associated with modifier symbol 342. For this example instant lottery ticket 300, the first modifier symbol 340 is associated with the 10× multiplier 341 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 320. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 330 is $1000 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

In this example, the second variable game symbol set 332 includes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $50 award amount 333, and is associated with the modifier symbol 344. For this example instant lottery ticket 300, the second modifier symbol 342 is associated with the 5× multiplier 347 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 320. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 332 is $250 (i.e., the $50 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

In this example, the third variable game symbol set 334 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $25 award amount 337, and is associated with the modifier symbol 340. For this example instant lottery ticket 300, the modifier symbol 340 is associated with the 2× multiplier 345 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 320. No award results from the third variable game symbol set 334.

In this example, the fourth variable game symbol set 336 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol 344. For this example instant lottery ticket 300, the modifier symbol 344 is associated with the 5× multiplier 347 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 320. No award results from the fourth variable game symbol set 336.

In this example, the fifth variable game symbol set 338 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount 339, and is associated with the modifier symbol 346. For this example instant lottery ticket 300, the first modifier symbol 346 is associated with the 1× multiplier 343 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 320. No award results from the fifth variable game symbol set 338.

This example lottery ticket 300 shows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) the same modifier symbol can be associated with different variable game symbol sets; (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or more) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets; (3) the modifier symbols can be associated with different modifiers from ticket to ticket (such as comparing ticket 200 to ticket 300); (4) the modifiers symbols can be associated with the game symbol sets in different manners; and (5) tickets with the exact same game symbol sets and exact same associated awards can result in different winning amounts due to the different modifier symbols associated with those game symbol sets and the different modifiers associated with those modifier symbols.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a third example instant lottery ticket 400 for same example instant lottery game as the instant lottery ticket of FIGS. 1A and 1B and the instant lottery ticket of FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticket 400 is another ticket of the plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the instant lottery ticket game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with the same quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three). This example instant lottery ticket 400 is also physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

This third example instant lottery ticket 400 includes a substrate 402 and SOCs 404 and 406 on the substrate 402 (which are in tact in FIG. 3A and which have been removed in FIG. 3B). The instant lottery ticket 400 includes decorative overprints (shown in FIG. 3A but not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCs 404 and 406. The instant lottery ticket 400 includes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas 450, 452, and 454 printed on the substrate 402.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the SOC 404 is removed from the substrate 402, the play area 410 under the SOC 404 is revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOC 404 are revealed. In this example, the award amounts associated with the game symbol sets are different than for the above two described tickets 200 and 300.

As also shown in FIG. 3B, when the SOC 406 is removed from the substrate 402, the variable modifier legend area 420 under the SOC 406 is revealed and all of the modifier symbols and the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols under the SOC 406 are revealed.

As can be seen in FIG. 3B, the modifier symbols 440, 442, 446, and 448 are the same as the modifier symbols 340, 342, 344, and 346 and the modifier symbols 240, 242, 244, and 246 of the instant lottery tickets 200 and 300, but the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols are different.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, this example instant lottery ticket 400 includes: (1) variable game symbol sets 430, 432, 434, 436, and 438 printed on the substrate 402; (2) variable modifier symbols 440, 442, 444, and 446 printed on the substrate 402 in association with the variable game symbol sets 430, 432, 434, 436, and 438; (3) variable award amounts 431, 433, 435, 437, and 438 printed on the substrate 402 respectively associated with the variable game symbol sets 430, 432, 434, 436, and 438; and (4) variable modifiers 441, 443, 445, and 447 associated with the modifier symbols 440, 442, 444, and 446 printed on the substrate 402. The variable game symbols (not labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets 430, 432, 434, 436, and 438 determine if that symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticket 400 winning that award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols 440, 442, 444, and 446 associated with the variable game symbol sets 430, 432, 434, 436, and 438 and the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective symbol set is modified.

In this example, the first variable game symbol set 430 includes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $40 award amount 431, and is associated with the modifier symbol 440. For this example instant lottery ticket 400, the modifier symbol 440 is associated with the 5× multiplier 441 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 420. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 430 is $200 (i.e., the $40 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

In this example, the second variable game symbol set 432 includes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $30 award amount 433, and is associated with the modifier symbol 342. For this example instant lottery ticket 300, the second modifier symbol 442 is associated with the 5× multiplier 443 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 420. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 432 is $150 (i.e., the $30 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

In this example, the third variable game symbol set 434 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol 446. For this example instant lottery ticket 400, the third modifier symbol 446 is associated with the 2× multiplier 445 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 420. No award results from the third variable game symbol set 434.

In this example, the fourth variable game symbol set 436 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount 437, and is associated with the modifier symbol 440. For this example instant lottery ticket 400, the second modifier symbol 342 is associated with the 5× multiplier 447 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 420. No award results from the fourth variable game symbol set 436.

In this example, the fifth variable game symbol set 438 does not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $200 award amount 439, and is associated with the modifier symbol 444. For this example instant lottery ticket 300, the modifier symbol 444 is associated with the 2× multiplier 443 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 440. No award results from the fifth variable game symbol set 430.

This example lottery ticket 400 shows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) the same modifier symbol can be associated with different variable game symbol sets; (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or greater) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets; (3) the same modifier symbols can be associated with different modifiers from ticket to ticket (such as comparing tickets 200, ticket 300 and ticket 400); (4) different variable amounts can be associated with the same symbol sets from ticket to ticket; and (5) the same modifiers can be associated with different modifier symbols.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a fourth example instant lottery ticket 500 for same example instant lottery game as the instant lottery ticket of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the instant lottery ticket of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and the instant lottery ticket of FIGS. 3A and 3B in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticket 500 is another ticket of the plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the instant lottery ticket game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with the same quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three). This example instant lottery ticket 500 is also physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

This fourth example instant lottery ticket 500 includes a substrate 502 and SOCs 504 and 506 on the substrate 502 (which are in tact in FIG. 4A and which have been removed in FIG. 4B). The instant lottery ticket 500 includes decorative overprints (shown in FIG. 4A but not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCs 504 and 506. The instant lottery ticket 500 includes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas 550, 552, and 554 printed on the substrate 502.

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the SOC 504 is removed from the substrate 502, the play area 510 under the SOC 504 is revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOC 504 are revealed.

As also shown in FIG. 4B, when the SOC 506 is removed from the substrate 502, the variable modifier legend area 520 under the SOC 506 is revealed and all of the modifier symbols (described below) and the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols under the SOC 506 are revealed.

As can be seen in FIG. 4B, the modifier symbols 540, 542, 544, and 546 are the same as the modifier symbols 240, 242, 246, and 248 of the instant lottery tickets 200, 300, and 400 but the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols are different.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, this example instant lottery ticket 400 includes: (1) variable game symbol sets 530, 532, 534, 536, and 538 printed on the substrate 502; (2) variable modifier symbols 540, 542, 544, and 546 printed on the substrate 502 in association with the variable game symbol sets 530, 532, 534, 536, and 538; (3) variable award amounts 531, 533, 535, 537, and 538 printed on the substrate 502 respectively associated with the variable game symbol sets 530, 532, 534, 536, and 538; and (4) variable modifiers 541, 543, 545, and 547 associated with the modifier symbols 540, 542, 544, and 546 printed on the substrate 502. The variable game symbols (not labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets 530, 532, 534, 536, and 538 determine if that game symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticket 500 winning that award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols 540, 542, 544, and 546 associated with the variable game symbol sets 530, 532, 534, 536, and 538 and the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective symbol set is modified.

In this example, the first variable game symbol set 530 includes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount 531, and is associated with the modifier symbol 540. For this example instant lottery ticket 500, the modifier symbol 540 is associated with the 10× multiplier 543 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 520. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 530 is $1000 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

In this example, the second variable game symbol set 532 includes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount 533, and is associated with the modifier symbol 542. For this example instant lottery ticket 500, the modifier symbol 542 is associated with the 10× multiplier 541 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 520. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 532 is $1000 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

In this example, the third variable game symbol set 534 includes three matching dollar bill symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $200 award amount 535, and is associated with the modifier symbol 542. For this example instant lottery ticket 500, the third modifier symbol 542 is associated with the 10× multiplier 541 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 520. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 534 is $2000 (i.e., the $300 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

In this example, the fourth variable game symbol set 536 includes three matching reel symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount 537, and is associated with the modifier symbol 542. For this example instant lottery ticket 500, the modifier symbol 542 is associated with the 10× multiplier 541 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 520. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 536 is $100 (i.e., the $10 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

In this example, the fifth variable game symbol set 538 includes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $50 award amount 539, and is associated with the modifier symbol 546. For this example instant lottery ticket 500, the modifier symbol 546 is associated with the 10× multiplier 547 as shown in the variable modifier legend area 520. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol set 536 is $500 (i.e., the $50 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

This example lottery ticket 500 shows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) the same modifier symbol can be associated with multiple different variable game symbol sets; (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or more) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets; (3) the same modifier symbols can be associated with different modifiers from ticket to ticket (such as comparing tickets 200, 300, and 400); and (4) the same modifier can be associated with different modifier symbols.

In the above examples, each of the variable game symbol sets are indicated as a separate game (i.e., games 1 to 5) on these example tickets 200, 300, 400, and 500; however, it should be appreciated that the sets and/or games can vary in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show different example modifier symbols and modifiers configurations that can be employed for different tickets for the different game symbol sets on each of the tickets of an instant lottery ticket game of the above example embodiment or in various other embodiments of the present disclosure.

In various other embodiments, the modifier symbols and modifiers, can be associated with different types of variable game symbol sets or different types of separate games such as shown in FIG. 7.

In various other embodiments, one or more or all of the variable game symbol sets can include only one game symbol and one modifier symbol (and thus variable modifiers) associated with those variable game symbol sets in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various other embodiments, one or more or all of the variable game symbol sets can include only one game symbol and more than one modifier symbols (and thus variable modifiers) associated with those variable game symbol sets in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket of each instant lottery game, one method of the present disclosure includes; (1) determining a first quantity of variable symbol sets for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the first quantity is at least two; (2) determining each of the symbols of each of the variable symbol sets and a variable award amount associated with that variable symbol set; (3) printing the variable symbol sets and associated award amounts on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (4) determining a second quantity of the modifier symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the second quantity is at least two; (5) determining for each of the second quantity of the variable modifier symbols a variable modifier associated with that modifier symbol; (6) printing that variable modifier symbols and the associated modifiers on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; and (7) applying one or more scratch-off coatings on the substrate that covers all of the variable game symbol sets, the variable award amounts, the variable modifier symbols, and the variable modifiers printed on the substrate.

It should be appreciated that for the variable game symbols, variable award amounts, variable modifier symbols, and variable modifiers 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 suitably formed for variability that offers both aesthetic and security benefits for the instant lottery tickets. The quantities of all of these variable game symbols, award amounts, modifier symbols, and/or modifiers can also vary from ticket to ticket of an instant lottery game. The result of this configuration is an instant lottery game with a virtually unlimited arrangement of the variable game symbols, variable award amounts, variable modifier symbols, and variable modifiers, all arranged to provide no winning outcome or a winning outcome (with one or more associated predetermined award amounts) in accordance with the award amount structure for the instant lottery game.

In various embodiments, the variable game symbols, variable award amounts, variable modifier symbols, and variable modifiers can be more traditional black symbols or can be process color 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.

It should be appreciated from that above that various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. Each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets includes: a substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated variable award amounts printed on the substrate; and a modifier legend printed on the substrate. The modifier legend includes different modifier symbols, and different modifiers associated with the different modifier symbols. For each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the different modifier symbols printed on the substrate in association with that variable game symbol set. Each of the lottery tickets also includes one or more scratch-off coatings on the substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the associated variable award amounts, the modifier legend, and the modifier symbols associated with the variable game symbol sets. For at least two of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the modifiers associated with the same modifier symbol are different. In various such embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets, all of the modifiers associated with the modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for one of the instant lottery tickets, a plurality of the modifiers associated with the modifier symbols are the same. In various such embodiments, for one of the instant lottery tickets, all of the modifiers associated with the modifier symbols are the same. In various such embodiments, for two of the instant lottery tickets, an order of the same modifiers in the modifier legend are different. In various such embodiments, for one of the instant lottery tickets, the same modifier symbol is associated with each of a plurality of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets. In various such embodiments for one of the instant lottery tickets, the same modifier symbol is associated with each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets. In various such embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets, the modifier symbol respectively associated with the first quantity of variable game symbol sets is the modifier symbol positioned adjacent to that variable game symbol set. In various such embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets, each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets comprises a plurality of game symbols.

It should further be appreciated from that above that various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: second different modifier symbols, and second different modifiers associated with the second different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the second different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the second modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, the first modifier symbols and second modifier symbols are the same, and for one of the first modifier symbols and for a same one of the second modifier symbols, the first and second modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for the first instant lottery ticket, all of the first modifiers associated with the first modifier symbols are different, and for the second instant lottery ticket, all of the second modifiers associated with the second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for each one of a plurality of the first modifier symbols and for each of a same one of the second modifier symbols, the modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for each of the first modifier symbols and for each of a same one of the second modifier symbols, the modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, a plurality of the first modifiers are different than each of a plurality of the second modifiers. In various such embodiments, all of the first modifiers are different than all of the second modifiers. In various such embodiments, for the first instant lottery ticket, the same first modifier symbol is associated with each of a plurality of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets.

It should be appreciated from that above that various other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: the first different modifier symbols, and the first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, for the first instant lottery ticket, the first modifiers are associated with the first modifier symbols in a different manner than for the second instant lottery ticket. In various such embodiments, for the second instant lottery ticket, the same second modifier symbol is associated with each of a plurality of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets. In various such embodiments, for the first instant lottery ticket, all of the first modifiers associated with the first modifier symbols are different and for the second instant lottery ticket, all of the first modifiers associated with the first modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for each the first modifier symbols of the first instant lottery ticket, the first modifier associated with that modifier symbol is different that the first modifier associated with that modifier symbol of the second instant lottery ticket.

Additionally, 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 game symbols, award amounts, modifier symbols, and modifiers 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 and 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.

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.