IU «i» United States c2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2005/0143160 AL Bowman et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 30, 2005 (51) METHOD FOR SELECTING LOTTERY NUMBERS. AGE 13/00) 463/17 SUITE 1000 KANSAS CITY, MO 64112-1802 (US) (21) Appl. Nos 107780,352 (22) Filed Dee. 31, 2003 10sUS 2005/0143160 AI METHOD FOR SELECTING LOTTERY NUMBERS ‘TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention is directed to a method and system for selecting lottery aumbers. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method and system for ‘Selecting numbers for lotto type lottery games. BACKGROUND [0002] Loweries have been known since the earliest days, ‘of civilization. Inthe bible, it is told that Moses used” a Jottery to award tracts of land west of the Jordan River, CConsicuction of the Great Wall of China is also said to have been funded, at leas in part, by alotery. Lotteries were also used in ancient Rome t0 fund the government as well as Various government projects, [0003] Lotteries flourished throughout Europe berween the 15 and 17° centuries In these national lotteries, coun- tries used the funds to finance wars, coads and other national projects. Lotteries moved to North America with the colo- hiss, but in 1878, were banned in Canada and all US. States, except Louisiana To fil ths void, at the beginning of| the 20" century, the Queensland State Lotery of Australia and the Irish Sweepstakes becaime available to Americans and Canadians, and proved to be extremely popular [0004] State lotteries resumed in 1964 with the New Hampshire Sweepstakes. New York and New Jersey fol- lowed, with New Jersey implementing the world’s fist ‘on-line lotery system in 1971. By 1973, latery sales in the United States surpassed 500 Millioa Dollars ancualy. la 1974, Massachusetts instituted the frst serateboff lottery ticket. {0005} The lotery game, known as lito, where a player Selects a number of sumbers from single or miltiple pools ‘of numbers was introluced by New York and Massachi Jn 1978. This foto involved players selecting six numbers from 1 to 30 from a single pool of sumbers [0006] In 1996, Geom, Minois, Massachusetts, Mary~ land, Michigan and Vinginia combined lo star lotta game known a8 “The Big Game."The Big Game” added Now Jersey in 1999, New York, Ohio, Washington in 2002 and ‘Texas in 2003, The “Big Game” changed its name to Mega Millions® in 2002. Meza Milions® is played as players pick six numbers from two separate pools. Five dillerent ‘numbers, from Io 52, are selected from the rst pool, while ‘one additional number, from 1 to 52, known as the “Mega Ball” isselected fom the second pool. jackpot is won by matching al six numbers, the firs five in any order, plas the “Mega Ball@”, Jackpots start at $10 Million and increase ‘with each drawing should there not be a Jackpot Winner. In 2000, 2 $363 Million Jackpot was won from this game. [0007] 10 1988, the Multi-State. Lottery Association (MUSL) beyan with Oregon, lowa, Kansas, Rhode Island, West Vieginia as members, Presently, the MUSL includes ‘wventy-six member sates (including the Distt of Colum- bia), and operates various lotto games, including the Pow cerball™ lotto game. [0008] The Powerball™ lotio game is played as players Pick six numbers from two separate pools. Five diferent faumbers, from 1 to 53, are selected from the fist pool of Jun, 30, 2005 white ball, while one additional number, from 1 © 42, Knows as the Powerball™ qumber carzying object, is selected from the second pool of ced balls jackpot is woo bby matching all sic numbers, the firs five in any order, plus the Powerball™ number. Jackpots inecease should there not be a previous jackpot winner. In 1998, Powerball™ paid a then world record Jackpot of $295.7 million. [0009] Loto type fotery games are also played in Florida and New York. In Florida, six dierent numbers, from 1 10 53, are selected by a player. In New York, player select six Giferent numbers, from I t 59. Both the Florida and New York Lotios can be played online, [0010] Players typically pick ther numbers for these lita {ype lottery games with many strategies. Most strategies are random. For example, players use the mumbers of theirs or ‘loved ones birthday their addres, important dates, favorite athletes, or favorite numbers. Players can alko select the ‘numbers trom dice, Additionally, there are many computer programs that will pick random numbers, these programs typrally known as "Quick Picks.” These “Quick Pick” rogeams are even offered a the retail outlets where the li game tickets are purchased. Additionally, there is. an “8-Ball” device, that when shaken will show a visible oumbet ‘SUMMARY, [0011] ‘The present invention improves on the contempo- rary methods for picking lottery numbers by providing & ‘method and system for selecting these numbers [0012] ‘The invention is directed toa system for selecting ‘numbers fora lito type lotery game having n ears, each fof the a cards inchiding a mumher from 1 to a, with corresponding o the numberof number carrying objec that fare eligible to be drawn inthe lito type lottery game, The System i such that each of thea eatds includes a fist side having a number from Iw n thereon, and a second side, the second sides of all n cards being identical. The numbers oo the front sides of each card are typically different and unique for each card of the n cards [0013] The invention is also directed to a method for Secting numbers fora Jott type lttery game. This mettod includes providing n eards, each of the a cards including @ ‘number from 1 to n, with 9 corresponding tothe aumber of ‘umber carrying objects that are eligible to be drawn in the Towto type lowery game; and selecting y cards, with y corresponding o the numberof number carrying objects that ate drawn (irom the eligible number carrying objects) in the Toto type latery game, [0014] The invention is also directed to a method! for selecting numbers for a multiple pool lito type lottery ‘game, This method inchides, providing a fist set of m cards, teach of the n cards including a number from 1 to 9, with 9 corresponding o the numberof number carrying objects that are eligible to be drawn from a first pool ofthe lotto type Towery game, and selecting eards, with y eoresponding 10 the mumber of number carrying objects that are drawn from the first pool (of eligible number earying objects) of the lotto type latery game. At least a second set of m cards is provided, each of the m eard including a number from 1 10 ‘with m coresponding tothe mumber of number earying ‘objects that ate eligible 1 be drawn from at least one secondUS 2005/0143160 AI pool of the lotto type lottery game; and selecting 2 cards, With 7 comesponding to the mumber of number carving ‘objects that age drawn from the at Teast one second pool (of ‘eligible number carrying objecs) of the lotto ype lotery ame, For example, five cards ae selected by a player from the fist set of cards, to correspond tothe drasin numbers from first pool, whereby y is 5, while one card is selected by the player from the at least onc second sot of cards, to ‘contespond to the drawn numbers from the second pool, whereby 2 is [BRIEP DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] Attention is now dieectod to the drawing figures, where corresponding or like componens are indicated by cconesponding or like reference numerals or characters. 19 the drawings [0016] FIG. 1 isa perspective view of an exemplary use ‘of the system of the present invention; and [0017] FIG. 2 is a from view of a side of sn individual member of the system of FIG. L DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] FIG. 1 shows she system 100 ofthe present inven- tion, This system 100 typically includes «plurality of pl members, for example, cards 102. Turning also to FIG. 2, ‘each card 102 includes first or Front side 104, aad a second ‘or rear sie 108, [0019] Each front side 104 of the card 102 typically fncludes a unique number, symbol, ebaracter, graphics of ‘combinations thereof For example, the fat side 104 of each ‘card 102 of the system 100, typically has a unique number 106 at one of more locations thereon. The unique number 106 is visible to the normal human eye, and may. be sccompanied by graphics 107, to make this side 104 of the ‘card 102 aesthetically pleasing. [0020] Each rear side 105 of each card 102 is typically ‘Mentical and uniform ia ils graphics that define its appear ance, This war side 108 could also be blank and, therefore, uniform, but opague sus thatthe sumber 106 and graphics 107 oa the first or front side 104 ean not be seen or detected through the second or rear side 108. [0021] There are typically 2 fixed number “n of cards 102, in the system 100, with “a” being the total number of balls or other number (oe symbol) carving objects, that are cligible tobe drawn inthe particular lotto type lottery game (by the appropriate lotto game administering authority), Exch card 102 lypically bas different sumber 106 oni, that 's unique to the individual ead, The numbers on each of the cards 102 range from Lo n, to correspond with each ofthe 'n” balls or other suitable number carrying objects that are eligible ta be draw in the particular loto type lottery game, [0022] For example ifthe specific lotto type lottery game uses balls or other number earrying objects numbered from 14053 (that ae eligible be draw by the appropriate lotto ‘game administering authority), the system 100 will include 53 cards, Each ear will have 4 diffrent number oa the first fr front side 104, from 1 to 53, with the rear sides 108 of ‘each card being identical. Each number, from 1 to 53, will, bre unique to a single card 102, and there will not be any ‘duplicately numbered cards 102 inthe system 100. Jun, 30, 2005 [0023] The cards 102 are typically identical in size and dimensions, so as to be stackable in a deck. The cards 102 are uniform in appearance on their rear or second side 108, 0 that no single card is distinguishable from any other card in tho system 100, when the cards 102 are artanged with theie rear sides 105 upward (showing), as shown in FIG. 1. [0028] The cards 102, are typically of a rigid paper or «ardboard sock with a Hxequered coating, for protection and to inhibit wear and tear om the cards 102. For example, the ceatds 102 are typically designed of materials that wil ‘withstand slight bending due to shuffling, being bound or grouped or the like However, other materials, that would Bold pining or paps and produce ad cars, ae suitable. [0025] The system 100 can be designed for specific loo type lotery games with fixed number of “n” cards 102 corresponding to that particular lato type lottery game, For fextmple,n” cards wold be: 53 cards, numbered | to 53 for the Florida Lottery Lotto; 52 cards, numbered 1-52 for the ‘Mega Millions® lotio game (52 euds are used in both pools ofthis game), and 53 cards, numbered 1-53 for the Power- ball?" lotto game (53 curds for selecting numbers from the fist pool with only 42 cards, numbered 1-42, used for selecting numbers from the second pool. [0026] | Altermaely the system 100 can be made universal, And an exemplary system 100 can include cards numbered 10 fy number “r” so as to be universal to the various lo games for the various slates and associations of sates, 2 ‘well a other national lato lotery games. Should fewer than “P" cards be needed, to correspond to the “1” cards for 8 particular lotto game or pool ofthe lotto game, cards 102 (in excess of “0") can simply be eemoved from the system 100 Tor that particulaeloto game or pool [0027] In an exemplary operation, as shown in FIG. the cards 102 of the system 100 are, for example, iniially in a ‘eek. The deck i then shuled or reorganized ina suitable random arrangement, sod, for example, placed in 8 fan frrangement, with the second of rear sides 105 ofall f the cards 102 facing upward. A player or user (illusteated by the ‘hand 120) then selects a certain numberof cans, typically corresponding 10 the oumber of balls or other number farrying objects, that ace drawn for the particular lo lottery game, Should thece bo five aumber Toto game (five numbers drawa from all ofthe eligible numbers), te player ‘typically selects five cards, The numbers of the five selected csrds ae then recorded aad the lotto ticket o ieket order is placed with these selected numbers [0028] Should here be a two pool lotto game, the deck of cards is shuted fist time and a player selects @ certain umber of cards eomesponding tothe gumber of balls or ‘number earying objects to be drawn from the frst pool of eligible numbers. The numbers from the selected cards are recorded. The selected cards are returned to the system and the cards are typically shufled or placed into a suitable random arrangement, The player seletts a ertain number af cards corresponding 10 the number of balls or number ‘carrying objets o be drawn from the second pool af eligible jumbers. The number(s) of the selected card(s) isfare recorded. A loltery ticket order is then placed with the selected umbers for the fist aad second pools. [0029] Aliemately, should the second pool of the above- foned two poo! lotto game include fewer lotto balls orUS 2005/0143160 AI objects than the frst pool, the above procedure is repeated, except that cards having numbers ‘conesponding to numbers not included in the seeond pool fare removed Irom the system. Once the exira ears have been removed, the cards may be shutled or placed into another suitable random atrangemeat. The player selects & certain number of cards coresponding to the mumber of bulls or number carrying objects to be drawn from the second pool of eligible numbers. The number(s) of the selected card(s) for this second pool isfawe recorded. A Jottery ticket order is then placed with the selected numbers forthe fist and second pools [0030] Alternately, should the second pool of the above: ‘mentioned two pool lotto game include more Toto balls of ‘other number carrying objects than the first pool, the above. procedure is repeated, except that cards having numbers ‘corresponding o numbers aot included in the fst pool are fudded to the system, Once the extra cards have been ake. ‘The cards may be shufled or placed into another suitable random arrangement, The player selects a certain number of ‘ards corresponding 10 the number of balls or number ‘carrying objects tobe drawn from the second pool of eligible numbers, The numbers) of the selected card(s) for this ‘second pool ijare recorded. A Totey ticket order is then placed with tbe selected numbers for the first and second pools [0031] Suill altrnately, in a two pool loto game, a player ‘may use one deck of eatds to select the numbers forthe fist pool and another completely new deck to select the mum bet(s) fr the second pool [0032] For example, in typical two pool games suet as, Mega Millions and Powerball™, players select five num bers fom a fist pool and one number from a secoad pool With the system 100, player selects fve cards, providing him with the fie aumbers or the fest pool, and one cand, providing him with the one number forthe second pool [0033] In Mega Millioas® the numberof eligible aumbers |S 52 for both pools. For example, five cards are selected 10 provile the player with the first five numbers forthe first pool. The selected cards are retuned to the deck, and the ‘deck is typically shuffled or placed into another suitable random aftangement. The player thea seleets one car for the one mumber to be drawn from the second pool, typically forthe Mega Ball. The numbers of the selected catds are used for the ordered lotery ticket [0034] In Possesball™ the number of eligible numbers is 53 fr the first pool and 42 forthe sceand pool. For example, five cards are selected to provide the player with tbe frst five ‘numbers for the ts pool. The selected cards ae retumed t0 the deck, cards bearing the numbers 43-53 ae removed from the deck and the deck is typically shuled or placed into another suilable random arrangement, The player thea selects one card (from the deck with eards numbered 142) for the one number to be drawn from the secon pool, typically for the Powerball. The numbers of the selected ‘cards are used forthe ordered lottery ticket, [0035] There have been shown and described preferred ‘embodiments of systems and methods for selecting latery rumbers. Its apparent to those skiled in the ari, however, that many changes, variations, modifications and other wses and applications for te systems and methods and also sue Jun, 30, 2005 changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and app ‘ations which do not depart from the spel and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, whieh is limited only by the claims which follow. ‘What is claimed is 1A method for selecting numbers fora Iota type lottery game: providing n cards each of the n aed including a number from 1 to a, with a corresponding to the mumber of hummer carrying abject that are eligible to be drawn in the loto type lowery game; and selecting y cards, with y corresponding tothe number of number carrying objects that are drawn in the lott type lottery game. 2. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising: mov- ing the n cards into random arrangement '3. The method of claim 2, wherein the moving the a cards includes shufling the cards, “4. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing n cards includes providing the o cards in a deck '3. The method of claim 1, where the number carrying objects include balls, with each ball including a different ‘number | to. 6. A system for selecting numbers for Toto type lottery ‘game comprising: ‘ cards, each ofthe n ears including 2 number from 110 1, with n corresponding 40 the mmber of mumber ‘carrying objets that are eligible to be drawn inthe lotto type lottery game; and ‘each of the n cards including a first side having a number from 1 ton thereon and a second side, the second sides ‘of all n cards being identical 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cards are of ‘dentical shape and dimensions. 8. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the a cards includes a different number from 110. '9.,A method for selecting numbers for « multiple poo! Jott type latery game: providing @ first set of a cards, each of the n cards including « aumber from 1 to a, with n corresponding to the number of number caring objects that are cligible to be drawn from a fist pool ofthe lotto type lottery game; selecting y cards, with y corresponding to the number of number cartying objects that are drawn from the frst pool ofthe lote type lottery game: providing at least a second set of m cards, each ofthe ards ineluding 8 number om 1 10 m, with m eorte- ‘ponding tothe number of umber carrying objects that are eligible to be drawn from at least one second pool of the low type lotlery game; and selecting 2 ears, with 7 caresponding tothe number of numer carrying objects that are drain fom the atleast, ‘ane second pool of the lotto type Tatery game. 10, The method of claim 9, wherein thea least one second sotof ears sa single set of eatdsand the at least one second pool isa single second pool TL. The method of claim 9, wherein a and m are equal 12, The metbod of claim L1, wherein y is at least 13, The metbod of claim 12, wherein y i 5US 2005/0143160 AI 14, The method of claim LL, wherein 2 is atleast 1 18. The method of claim 14, wherein zis 1. 16. The method of claim 8, where n and m are aot equal 17. The method of claim 16, whereia providing atleast & second set of m ears nclides removing cards from the first set of a cards that have numbers not included inthe atleast ‘one second pool 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one ‘second st of cards isa single set of cards and be atleast one second pool is a single second pool Jun, 30, 2005 19, The method of claim 18, wherein y is at leat 20. The metbod of claim 19, wherein y is 5 21. The metbod of claim 18, wherein 7 is atleast 22. The method of claim 21, whetein 2 is 1 23, The method of claim 9, additionally comprising moving the n cards and the m ets into respective random arrangements.