Odds accelerator for promotional type sweepstakes, games, and contests
DCFirst Claim
1. A method for increasing a player'"'"'s chances of winning a game wherein the game requires multiple game pieces to be matched in a specific winning combination, said method comprising the steps of:
- receiving and inputting data for at least one game player, said data including identification of said player and at least one of collected game pieces and needed game pieces;
facilitating acquisition of at least one of said needed game pieces by said player in order to achieve said specific winning combination;
receiving a predetermined prize when said player acquires said winning combination, wherein said predetermined prize is automatically delivered to said player.
4 Assignments
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for effectuating sponsor and player driven winning of multiple types of sweepstakes type promotions, contests and games through the unique use of automated game entry, enhanced sharing and trading of game pieces and of an Odds Accelerator that creates variable odds. The present invention provides the unique ability to add real-time variable odds changes to any given sweepstakes or promotion type game involving elements of chance or skill based on pre-determined sponsor rules. The system creates the ability for the players of a given promotion to join together via the system and increase all players'"'"' odds of winning a given prize or prizes. The system receives and stores data on its members including the number of elements played, the number of winning elements distributed, the number of losing elements distributed, and any other information required pursuant to set sponsor rules so as to determine the variable nature of a particular game'"'"'s odds.
-
Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A method for increasing a player'"'"'s chances of winning a game wherein the game requires multiple game pieces to be matched in a specific winning combination, said method comprising the steps of:
-
receiving and inputting data for at least one game player, said data including identification of said player and at least one of collected game pieces and needed game pieces;
facilitating acquisition of at least one of said needed game pieces by said player in order to achieve said specific winning combination;
receiving a predetermined prize when said player acquires said winning combination, wherein said predetermined prize is automatically delivered to said player. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
creating a virtual game piece, wherein said virtual game piece is prearranged by a sponsor; and
making said virtual game piece available to said at least one game player at a time to be determined by said sponsor.
-
-
7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
receiving said data via telephone communication between said player and a central information processing location.
-
8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of identifying said game piece by a receipt code associated with a purchase of a product by said at least one game player.
-
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined prize is distributed to said player when said player next uses a facility participating in said game.
-
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of facilitating use of said method by multiple players.
-
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of matching said data from selected members of said multiple players to match said multiple game pieces into said winning combination so as to allow said multiple players to collectively win said game.
-
12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of:
-
storing said data on a computer;
establishing a website accessible by said multiple players of said game; and
permitting selective access to said web site by said multiple players through use of a username and a password.
-
-
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said website stores data in a location associated with said collected game pieces and said needed game pieces.
-
14. A method enabling at least one player to increase a likelihood of winning at least one of a collect-and-win game and a match-and-win game promotion while simultaneously increasing an appeal of said game to the player and thus making a substantially more valuable system for a promoter, comprising the steps of:
-
providing at least one game piece to at least one player;
applying said game piece to an appropriate game board at a game site;
making game piece information available to said player, said game piece information indicative of needed game pieces needed to complete a winning combination of game pieces to thereby win said game, whereby the player may share or trade game pieces with at least one other player, enabling said player and said other player to easily and securely store said game pieces for future use. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
making available a computer based apparatus having limited access;
generating at least one game board; and
associating said game piece with said at least one game board.
-
-
22. The method of claim 14 said method comprising the following steps:
-
issuing said player a member card, wherein said member card is associated with an account number specific to said player facilitating an automated game play for said player, wherein said automated game play is executed without access to said game site by said player; and
crediting said player with a prize associated said winning combination.
-
-
23. The method of claim 14, wherein said game continues until said winning combination yields a prize to at least one of a group of players.
-
24. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of making available to said player a predetermined set of rules, wherein an odds accelerator varies said likelihood of winning, said odds accelerator comprising the step of obtaining a rare game piece by said player or a group of players based on a triggering event.
-
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said triggering event is activated by said promoter.
-
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said triggering event is activated by said player.
Specification