Method of facilitating participation in lotteries

• US 20030023547A1
• Filed: 07/26/2001
• Published: 01/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: U-Pickit.Com, Inc.
• Original Assignee: U-Pickit.Com, Inc.
• Inventors: France, Donald, Urban, Matthew J., McWilliams, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 7,716,126 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/39
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/329 Regular and instant lottery, e.g. electronic scratch cards

Abstract

A method and system are presented for selectively entering lottery entries into a state lottery drawing via an internet web site, the method includes the initial step of entering the home page of the web site. There is querying of users for their sign-in identification to establish whether they are pre-registered user members or non-members. Pre-registered user members are presented with a choice of member functions and content as to account information, and selection of a game to be played. Non-members are presented with a choice of different functions and content including the ability to establish an account. Both members and non-members may access functions and content including information relating to gambling addiction, and descriptions of the games that may be played.

Claims

1. A method for selectively entering lottery entries into a state lottery drawing via an internet web site, the method comprising the steps of:

entering the home page of the web site;

querying users for their sign-in identification to establish whether they are pre-registered user members or non-members;

presenting pre-registered user members with a choice of member functions and content;

presenting non-members with a choice of different functions and content;

presenting both members and non-members with a choice of common functions and content.

2. The method set forth in claim 1 wherein member choice of functions and content include depositing funds into the members pre-established accounts;

and

permitting the members to select an offered lottery game to play after a choice is made as to payment thereof.

3. The method set forth in claim 1 wherein the member choices of functions and content includes accessing a member'"'"'s account for selectively determining its current balance, history of wins and loses, and subscriptions for play that are currently active.

4. The method set forth in claim 1 wherein the non-members choice of functions and content includes the establishment of an account for future play.

5. The method set forth in claim 1 wherein the common functions and content for members and non-members selectively includes accessing information concerning:

the web site, gambling addiction, and descriptions of the games that may be played.

6. A method for selectively entering lottery entries into a state lottery drawing via an internet web site, the method comprising the steps of:

accessing an internet web site server;

connecting the web server to a transaction server via a security firewall;

selectively connecting the transaction server to a state lottery system either through;

a) a modem connection;

b) direct high speed connection;

or

c) an intermediary manual re-entry of member orders from members, received at the web site.

7. A system for selectively entering lottery entries into a state lottery drawing via an internet web site, the system comprising:

means for entering the home page of the web site;

means for querying users for their sign-in identification to establish whether they are pre-registered user members or non-members;

means for presenting pre-registered user members with a choice of member functions and content;

means for presenting non-members with a choice of different functions and content; and

means for presenting both members and non-members with a choice of common functions and content.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the means for presenting member choice of functions and content comprises:

means for depositing funds into the members pre-established accounts; and

means for permitting the members to select an offered lottery game to play after a choice is made as to payment thereof.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the means for presenting member choice of functions and content comprises:

means for accessing a member'"'"'s account for selectively determining its current balance, history of wins and loses, and subscriptions for play that are currently active.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein the means for presenting non-member choice of functions and content comprises means for establishing an account for future play.

11. The system of claim 7 wherein the means for presenting member and non-member choice of functions and content comprises means for accessing information concerning:

the web site, gambling addiction, and descriptions of the games that may be played.

12. A system for selectively entering lottery entries into a state lottery drawing via an internet web site, the system comprising:

means for accessing an internet web site web server; and

means connecting the web server to a transaction server via a security firewall;

means for selectively connecting the transaction server to a state lottery system either through;

a) a modem connection;

b) direct high speed connection;

or

c) an intermediary manual re-entry of member orders received from members at the web site.