A method and an arrangement for electronic lottery

Abstract

An arrangement and a computer implemented method for an electronic lottery, the method comprising storing in a memory of an arrangement (104, 201), such as a computer and / or a server, a record for a lottery ticket (302) comprising at least two lottery ticket parts (303-1, 303-2, 303-3), wherein each lottery ticket part (303-1, 303-2, 303-3) comprises at least an identifier of the lottery ticket set (105-1, 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, … 105-n) to which the lottery ticket part relates to, each lottery ticket set (105-1, 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, … 105-n) comprising prize distribution information of that lottery ticket set and permutation information, e.g. random permutation information, of that lottery ticket set, and wherein the lottery ticket parts (303-1, 303-2, 303-3) are independent from each other and relate to different lottery ticket sets (105-1, 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, … 105-n), e.g. so that a draw of one lottery ticket part does not have an effect on a draw of the other lottery ticket part. The method further comprises determining, by the arrangement (104, 201), in response to receiving information, e.g. from a user apparatus (101, 102), that a lottery ticket is bought, a prize of each lottery ticket part (304-1, 304-2, 304-3) based at least in part on the identifier of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, the permutation information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part and prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, and sending, from the arrangement (104, 201), information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket (305) to the user apparatus based on the determined prize of each lottery ticket parts (304-1, 304-2, 304-3).

Description

[0001] A METHOD AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR ELECTRONIC LOTTERY

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention concerns in general the technical field of gaming solutions. More particularly, the invention concerns a method and an arrangement for electronic lottery.

[0004] Background

[0005] Conventional instant lotteries are usually based on lottery tickets made of paper or paperboard containing printed information about the prize offered by the lottery ticket. The information is protected e.g. with a tear-off tab or a scratch off surface, which is intact when the ticket is purchased and may be broken by the purchaser only when he has paid for the ticket.

[0006] Nowadays various computer games are accessible over a communication network, such as Internet. These games include also for example different lottery games. For example, document EP 1133338 discloses a solution in which a lottery agent determines a size of a set of electronic lottery tickets, and distribution of prizes, and request a lottery press to generate the set of electronic lottery tickets. During the generation, a ticket-specific key is generated for each ticket, each ticket is associated with a corresponding prize, which is encrypted using the ticket-specific key by the lottery press and stored with a ticket identifier to a lottery database, wherefrom the lottery agent sells the lottery tickets, and keeps information on sold lottery tickets. The ticket-specific key and ticket identifier pairs are stored in a key database, which is separate from the lottery database. When a ticket is bought, the lottery agent transmits the encrypted prize with the ticket identifier to the buyer's apparatus, which then requests the ticket-specific key, using the ticket identifier, from the key database, and after receiving the ticket-specific key, decrypts the prize. EP3893210A1 discloses another electronic lottery related solution. In the solution of EP3893210A1 there exists, for a set of lottery tickets, a record, which comprises at least an identifier of the set, prize distribution information and permutation information. The information in the record is used to determine, for a bought lottery ticket, an initial index value, which undergoes one or more permutations to a final index value. The final index value is used to determine a prize of the bought ticket.

[0007] In the prior art solutions, the lottery game tickets are related only to a single lottery ticket set and this restricts the playing experience of the user e.g. by restricting the way the prizes can be given and informed to the users and how the game event can be constructed and organized. For this reason, there is a need for a lottery solution with less restrictions than in the prior art solutions, but which still enables safe and reliable operation of the electronic lottery system and lottery event.

[0008] Summary

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide basic understanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. The summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplifying embodiments of the invention.

[0010] An object of the invention is to present a method and an arrangement for electronic lottery.

[0011] The objects of the invention are reached by a method, an arrangement and a computer program as defined by the respective independent claims. According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a computer implemented method for an electronic lottery, the method comprising storing in a memory of an arrangement, such as a computer and / or a server, a record for a lottery ticket comprising at least two lottery ticket parts, wherein each lottery ticket part comprises at least an identifier of the lottery ticket set to which the lottery ticket part relates to, each lottery ticket set comprising prize distribution information of that lottery ticket set and permutation information, e.g. random permutation information, of that lottery ticket set, and wherein the lottery ticket parts are independent from each other and relate to different lottery ticket sets, e.g. so that the draw of one lottery ticket part does not have an effect on the draw of the other lottery ticket part. The method further comprises determining, by the arrangement, in response to receiving information, e.g. from a user apparatus, that a lottery ticket is bought, a prize of each lottery ticket part based at least in part on the identifier of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, the permutation information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part and prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, and sending, from the arrangement, information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket to the user apparatus based on the determined prize of each lottery ticket parts.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention the information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket sent to the user apparatus comprises prize information combined from the determined prizes of each lottery ticket parts.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises shuffling the lottery ticket set and / or the order of the lottery ticket set and / or picking order of the lottery ticket set before the lottery ticket is sold.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises drawing an index for the lottery ticket part from the prize distribution information and / or prize tier information, e.g. based on a random generator, essentially when the ticket is purchased by a user and / or by the user apparatus.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention same drawing and / or shuffling methods are used for at least two different lottery ticket parts.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention different drawing and / or shuffling methods are used for at least two different lottery ticket parts.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises assigning, by the arrangement, an initial index value to each lottery ticket part of the lottery ticket by using the permutation information of the lottery ticket set to which the lottery ticket part relates to, the initial index value being an unused index value within an index space of each lottery ticket set, which index space is based on a size of the lottery ticket set, performing, by the arrangement, to the initial index of each lottery ticket part one or more permutations resulting to a final index value of that lottery ticket part within the index space of that lottery ticket set, and determining, by the arrangement, a prize of each lottery ticket part using the final index value of that lottery ticket part and the prize distribution information of that lottery ticket set.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention the permutation information of each lottery ticket set comprises a list of initial index values for lottery ticket parts in a random order, and the assigning of the initial index value of a lottery ticket part includes selecting an index value from the list.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention the lottery ticket, comprising at least two lottery ticket parts, gives the user of the user apparatus a right to play a single lottery-based game and / or a single lottery-based game-event.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention the at least two lottery ticket parts have same and / or different lottery related criteria from each other in the lotterybased game. In one embodiment of the invention the lottery is an electronic instant lottery, and the tickets are electronic lottery tickets.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an arrangement, such as a computer and / or a server, for an electronic lottery, wherein the arrangement is configured to store in a memory of an arrangement, such as a computer and / or a server, a record for a lottery ticket comprising at least two lottery ticket parts, wherein each lottery ticket part comprises at least an identifier of the lottery ticket set to which the lottery ticket part relates to, each lottery ticket set comprising prize distribution information of that lottery ticket set and permutation information, e.g. random permutation information, of that lottery ticket set, and wherein the lottery ticket parts are independent from each other and relate to different lottery ticket sets, e.g. so that the draw of one lottery ticket part does not have an effect on the draw of the other lottery ticket part. The arrangement is further configured to determine in response to receiving information, e.g. from a user apparatus, that a lottery ticket is bought, a prize of each lottery ticket part based at least in part on the identifier of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, the permutation information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part and prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, and to send, from the arrangement, information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket to the user apparatus based on the determined prize of each lottery ticket parts.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention the arrangement is configured to carry out a method according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, such as a server, cause the computer to carry out a method according to any embodiment of the invention. According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising the computer program according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] The solution of the invention provides an electronic lottery solution with less restrictions than with the prior art solutions. The solution of the invention achieves this by using multiple different lottery ticket sets in a same lottery, e.g. a same lottery-based game. At the same time purpose of the invention is to safely and reliably implement the drawing of the prize for different lottery set parts. The different lottery part sets can be combined or hidden from the game and in this way the user of the game can enjoy the benefits of more flexible prize system at the same time the game developers don’t have to (at least in some embodiments) to take care of complex prize arrangements as the solution of the invention is able to take care of that for the lottery-based game. Also, the prize (pool) distribution with a game with multiple lotteries in single game is simpler when multiple different lottery sets can be utilized.

[0025] The solution of the invention also provides technical advantages over the solution in which only a one lottery ticket set would be used for one lottery ticket. If, for example, three lottery ticket sets would be used, each containing 1000 tickets, the total number of tickets would be 3 x 1000 = 3000 tickets. To achieve the same number of winning categories with a single lottery ticket set, that single lottery ticket set would need to contain 10003i.e. one billion tickets. In reality, even larger ticket sets would be needed, and this would cause significant problems for the needed resources and management of the system.

[0026] When the ticket set is larger, there are more different possible arrangements for shuffling the tickets and / or selecting the ticket from the ticket set. Shuffling smaller ticket sets is simpler to implement for achieving the corresponding entropy. The larger the number of tickets is in the ticket set, the smaller is the number of reliable shuffling methods that can be used, making it possible for the shuffle to become biased. Additionally, picking individual tickets from one massive ticket set and managing and updating the associated winning table is challenging and requires lot of resources. Also presenting the possible winning tables for the users is also a technical problem. If there are, for example, five winning categories per lottery ticket, the winning table would have 5+5+5 = 15 winning possibilities when five lottery ticket sets are used in one lottery ticket when compared to the situation with a lottery ticket using single lottery ticket set which would have 53= 125 winning possibilities which have to be presented to the user.

[0027] The expression "a number of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from one, e.g. to one, two, or three. The expression "a plurality of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from two, e.g. to two, three, or four.

[0028] Various exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention both as to constructions and to methods of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of unrecited features. The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an”, i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

[0030] Brief Description of Figures

[0031] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 illustrates schematically a lottery system according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates schematically an arrangement according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates schematically aspects relating to an implementation of electronic lottery according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates schematically an example method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Description of the Exemplifying Embodiments

[0036] The specific examples provided in the description given below should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or the applicability of the appended claims. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description given below are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates schematically an example embodiment of an electronic lottery system 100. In accordance with the example embodiment the system 100 comprises an arrangement 104, such as a computer or a server, configured to execute operations enabling an execution of an electronic lottery in the arrangement 104. The execution of the electronic lottery in the arrangement 104 at least refers to a hosting of at least one user apparatus 101 , 102 to access to the electronic lottery so that the users, e.g. players, of the user apparatuses 101 , 102 may participate to the electronic lottery. An access to participate to the electronic lottery hosted by the arrangement 104 may be established to user apparatuses 101 , 102 over a communication network 103, such as Internet, intranet, virtual private network, or any other suitable network. The communication connections between communicating entities may be established by applying wireless or wired communication technologies, or any combination of these. The communication connections between communicating entities can be protected by using methods known for transmitting confidential data over a data network.

[0038] In addition to the above-described operations the arrangement 104 may be configured to perform further operations with respect to the execution of the electronic lottery in the arrangement 104, such as managing the participation of the user(s) in the electronic lottery in accordance with one or more predefined rules. This may include, but is not limited to, a utilization of user data stored e.g. in a data storage e.g. implemented as a database. The data storage may store user data including, but not limited to, user profile data comprising e.g. personal data (for example name, address, phone number, email address), credit data relating to the electronic lottery in question wherein the credit data may be defined as a value of money or tokens or any similar which are at least in part required to access to the electronic lottery and / or to buy the electronic lottery tickets.

[0039] The user apparatuses 101 , 102 may include any suitable computing device for accessing the electronic lottery and for executing the electronic lottery e.g. as an online based electronic lottery through the communication connection to the arrangement 104. For example, the user apparatus 101 , 102 may comprise a display device configured to display information in relation to the electronic lottery and I / O device(s), such as one or more keys or buttons, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a touchpad and / or a mouse, that enables a user to interact during the electronic lottery game or game session and to send and / or receive information from the arrangement 104. The user apparatus(es) 101 , 102 may include a processing unit that includes a number of processors that is coupled to a memory unit. The processing unit can be configured to execute a number of computer programs enabling a control of user apparatus 101 , 102 according to user instructions received via I / O device(s) and / or from the arrangement 104. The user apparatus 101 , 102 may be, but is not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop or a tablet computer, a smartphone, a handheld mobile device including a cellular telephone, a game console, an electronic gaming machine (EGM) and the like.

[0040] The arrangement 104, such as a server or a computer, can comprise a database in which information for at least one lottery ticket set is stored. In one embodiment, there are multiple separate lottery ticket sets stored into the arrangement. In the example of Figure 1 there are several (e.g. n) lottery ticket sets 105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-(n-1 ), 105-n, stored to the arrangement 104, such as a computer or a server. Each lottery ticket set can comprise an identifier of the lottery ticket set, prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set and permutation information, e.g. random permutation information, of the lottery ticket set. The permutation information may relate to the order of the lottery ticket parts in the lottery ticket set.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the arrangement can comprise an external database or can be connected to at least one external database in which at least one lottery ticket set is stored which can be utilized in an electronic lottery provided by the arrangement.

[0042] An example of the arrangement 104, such as a computer or a server, is schematically illustrated in Figure 2. The arrangement 104, e.g. implanting functionalities of the server, may be for example a computer device. In other words, the arrangement of Figure 2 may be configured to perform operations as is described in the description. For sake of clarity, it is worthwhile to mention that the block diagram of Figure 2 depicts some components of an entity that may be employed to implement a functionality of the arrangement.

[0043] The arrangement 201 of Figure 2 comprises at least a memory 202 and a processing unit 203 which comprises at least one processor. The memory 202 may store data, but also computer program code, causing an operation in a manner as is described in the forthcoming description. The arrangement may further comprise a communication interface 204, such as a wireless communication interface or a communication interface for wired communication, or both to communicate with other entities. The communication interface 204 may thus comprise one or more modems, antennas, and any other hardware and software for enabling an execution of the communication e.g. under control of the processing unit 203. Furthermore, I / O (input / output) components may be arranged, together with the processing unit 203 and a portion of the computer program code, to provide a user interface for receiving input from an operator and / or providing output to the operator of the arrangement when necessary. In particular, the I / O components may include user input means, such as one or more keys or buttons, a keyboard, a touchscreen, or a touchpad, etc. The I / O components may also include output means, such as a loudspeaker, a display, or a touchscreen. The components of the arrangement may be communicatively connected to each other via data bus that enables transfer of data and control information between the components.

[0044] The memory 202 and at least a portion of the computer program code stored therein may further be arranged, with the processing unit 203, to cause the arrangement to perform at least a portion of a method as is described in the forthcoming description. The processing unit 203 may be configured to read from and write to the memory 202. Although the processing unit 203 is depicted as a respective single component, it may be implemented as respective one or more separate processing components. Similarly, although the memory 202 is depicted as a respective single component, it may be implemented as respective one or more separate components, some, or all of which may be integrated and / or removable, and / or may provide permanent, semi-permanent, dynamic and / or cached storage.

[0045] The computer program code may comprise computer-executable instructions that implement functions that correspond to steps implemented in a method according to an embodiment of the invention when loaded into the processing unit 203 of the respective arrangement 104. As an example, the computer program code may include a computer program consisting of one or more sequences of one or more instructions which may relate to an execution of the electronic lottery but also other operations, such as to a management of users in the electronic lottery in a manner as is described in the description. The processing unit 203 is able to load and execute the computer program by reading the one or more sequences of one or more instructions included therein from the memory 202. The one or more sequences of one or more instructions may be configured to, when executed by the processing unit 203, cause the arrangement to perform a method according to any embodiment of the invention. Hence, the arrangement may comprise at least one processing unit 203 and at least one memory 202 including the computer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memory 202 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor 203, cause the arrangement, e.g. implementing a server, to perform at least a method according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The computer program code may be provided e.g. a computer program product comprising at least one computer-readable non-transitory medium having the computer program code stored thereon, which computer program code, when executed by the processor, causes the arrangement to perform the method. The computer-readable non-transitory medium may comprise a memory device or a record medium, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, or another article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program. As another example, the computer program may be provided as a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program.

[0047] Still further, the computer program code may comprise a proprietary application, such as computer program code for causing an execution of the method in the manner as described in the description herein.

[0048] Any of the programmed functions mentioned may also be performed in firmware or hardware adapted to or programmed to perform the necessary tasks. The operation of the server 104 may be implemented with a plurality of arrangement, e.g. as a distributed computing environment. The distributed computing environment may be implemented as a cloud computing system wherein a number of arrangements are harnessed to execute operations to generate an implementation of a method as is described herein. In the distributed computing environment, the plurality of arrangements are each configured to perform a dedicated task or dedicated tasks and the cooperation of the arrangements cause the operation of the server to occur in the manner as is described herein.

[0049] In the solution of the invention users can purchase electronic lottery tickets with which they are able to win prizes. The lottery can be an electronic instant lottery and / or the tickets can be electronic lottery tickets. In the solution of the invention the lottery ticket comprises at least two lottery ticket parts, wherein each lottery ticket part comprises at least an identifier of the lottery ticket set to which the lottery ticket part relates to. The lottery ticket parts are independent from each other and relate to different lottery ticket sets, e.g. so that a draw of one lottery ticket part does not have an effect on a draw of any other lottery ticket part.

[0050] When a user wishes to buy an electronic lottery ticket, the user can contact e.g. a lottery agency and pay the lottery ticket, e.g. by paying a given fee. Having paid the fee, the user can get an access to an electronic ticket for example in an electronic ticket database and e.g. a receipt of the legally made payment can be provided to the user. The choice of the lottery ticket and / or separate lottery ticket parts can be given to the user, or the arrangement, e.g. a server or a lottery agency's computer, can make the choice on behalf of the user. In one embodiment of the invention the arrangement can make a random choice of the lottery ticket and / or lottery ticket parts of the lottery ticket. In one embodiment of the invention the selected lottery ticket and / or lottery ticket parts is / are removed from the lottery ticket database and / or lottery ticket part database or is / are marked as sold, to avoid that the same lottery ticket or lottery ticket part is sold twice.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention the lottery ticket, comprising at least two lottery ticket parts, gives the user of the user apparatus a right to play a single lottery-based game and / or a single lottery-based game-event. In the solution of the invention, in response to receiving information, e.g. from a user apparatus, that a lottery ticket is bought, a prize of each lottery ticket part is determined based at least in part on the identifier of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, the permutation information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part and prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part. Based on determined prizes of each lottery ticket parts of the lottery ticket, the determined prize information can be sent to the user apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention the information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket sent to the user apparatus comprises prize information as combined from all lottery ticket parts of the lottery ticket. The prize information can be presented to the user via the user apparatus, e.g. in a user interface of the user apparatus.

[0052] The prize of the lottery ticket can be provided to the user e.g. by a lottery agency. In one embodiment of the invention the user apparatus can contact the prize payment service and present the required information, e.g. the lottery ticket, lottery ticket part and / or a proof that the user he has received for the lottery ticket. The prize payment service can e.g. check that this particular lottery ticket part has been sold in its sold lottery ticket parts database. In one embodiment of the invention, the prize payment service can verify the proofs to confirm that the user has purchased the lottery ticket and / or lottery ticket part. The prize payment service can further check that the lottery ticket part really is a winning lottery ticket part and that the corresponding prize has not been previously collected. If all the required verifications are successfully accomplished and no errors are observed, the prize can be paid to the user. These aforementioned steps can be carried out separately for each lottery ticket part of the lottery ticket or for the whole lottery ticket when the prize amounts have been determined for all lottery ticket parts.

[0053] The lottery ticket set can comprise information on the size of the lottery ticket set, i.e. the number (n) of the lottery ticket parts, and prize distribution information and how many ticket parts belong to each prize tier of the prize distribution information. For example, a lottery ticket set may comprise 1 000 000 lottery ticket parts, and the prize distribution information may be that there are two prize tiers, a jackpot and empty, wherein there are 10 lottery ticket parts with the jackpot (meaning that the rest of the lottery ticket parts in the lottery ticket set are empty). There can also be more prize tiers than in thin this example.

[0054] A prize tier table which can be utilized in the solution of the invention can be determined using the prize distribution information. A prize tier table may be a straightforward mapping of an index space and a prize tier. Also other kinds of mappings may be used. Using the straightforward mapping with the given example, the prize tier table may be expressed and stored as follows:

[0055] V(i) = { jackpot 0 < i ( 10, empty 10 < i ( 1 000 000.

[0056] However, as said above, the prize tier table could be expressed in many ways, for example as follows:

[0057] V(i) = { empty 0 < i ( 999 990, jackpot 999 990 < i ( 1 000 000, or V(i) = { empty 0 < i ( 10, jackpot, 10 < i ( 20, empty 20 < i ( 1 000 000.

[0058] As can be seen from the above examples, one requirement for the prize tier table can be that an index value maps unambiguously to a prize tier, and thereby to a prize.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention an identifier for the lottery ticket set comprises an identifier which uniquely identifies the lottery ticket set e.g. at the lottery agency. The identifier may, for example, be a combination of the lottery name part and a running number or a globally unique identifier (GUID), for example a universally unique identifier (UUID), which is used to identify information in computer systems.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention the at least two lottery ticket parts have same and / or different lottery related criteria from each other in the lotterybased game. In one embodiment of the invention same drawing and / or shuffling methods are used for at least two different lottery ticket parts. In one embodiment of the invention different drawing and / or shuffling methods are used for at least two different lottery ticket parts. In one embodiment of the invention same drawing and / or shuffling methods are used for some lottery ticket parts but not for all lottery ticket parts.

[0061] In the following different prize determining methods are presented which can be used with the solution of the invention.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises shuffling the lottery ticket set and / or the order of the lottery ticket set before the lottery ticket is sold. In this case, the tickets can be sold in the order as they are in the database after the shuffling, e.g. so that the “topmost” ticket, for example the next available ticket with smallest index is always given to the user when a new ticket is sold. In one embodiment of the invention determining a prize for a lottery ticket part can further comprise using encrypted lottery ticket parts and a key database which is separate from the lottery ticket part database.

[0063] In this kind of solution, a plurality of lottery ticket parts belonging to one lottery ticket set can be generated and stored. Each lottery ticket part can comprise prize data which is encrypted and can be decrypted with a lottery ticket part- related key. These keys can be stored, e.g. to an arrangement, separately from the stored lottery ticket parts. A given user can be provided access to the stored lottery ticket part so that the player acquires a given lottery ticket part and said player can also be provided access to the stored keys so that the player acquires a key corresponding to a given lottery ticket part.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, a message representing an individual lottery ticket part is encrypted separately and the encrypted lottery ticket parts are stored in a specific lottery ticket part database. In addition, a key database can be formed, which contains a key corresponding to each individual encrypted lottery ticket part, the key serving to decrypt the lottery ticket part. When a player acquires a specific lottery ticket part, user apparatus can be provided with a message representing the encrypted lottery ticket part and e.g. a receipt as evidence of his legal acquisition of the lottery ticket part. By presenting his receipt to the key database, the player can be provided a key, with which he can decrypt the lottery ticket part. Should the lottery ticket part prove to offer a prize, this can be presented to the user via the user apparatus, e.g. with the prizes of other lottery ticket parts. The prize of the lottery ticket can be provided to the user e.g. by a lottery agency.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, for ensuring safety, the lottery ticket parts are generated and encrypted by a particular lottery ticket press, e.g. a reliable party which does not benefit from the winning lots being sold or unsold. The lottery ticket and lottery ticket part database generated by the lottery ticket press and containing encrypted lottery ticket parts can be put under the control of a lottery agency. The key database consisting of keys required for decrypting the electronic lottery ticket parts can be kept under the control of the lottery ticket press or delivered to a particular key holder, who can also be a reliable party not participating in the game. The key database may also be under the control of the lottery agency. The data transmission connections between a user apparatus, a lottery agency, a lottery ticket press and a key holder over a data network can be protected by using methods known for transmitting confidential data over a data network.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, after successfully buying a lottery ticket, the user contacts the key holder and presents the proof of his legal purchase of a given lottery ticket or lottery ticket part he has been given by the lottery agency. The proof can include an unambiguous lottery ticket and / or lottery ticket part identifier, by means of which the key holder searches, in the key database, the key which decrypts the encryption of this particular lottery ticket part. The key holder delivers the key and the proof of its reception to the user, who now has access both to the lottery ticket part and to the key with which he can decrypt the lottery ticket part in order to find out whether it is a winning lottery ticket part or not. The user also has proofs of having received access to the lottery ticket part and the key according to the rules.

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises shuffling the picking order of the lottery ticket set before the lottery ticket is sold. In one embodiment of the invention this can be implemented by assigning, by the arrangement, an initial index value to each lottery ticket part of the lottery ticket by using the permutation information of the lottery ticket set to which the lottery ticket part relates to, the initial index value being an unused index value within an index space of each lottery ticket set, which index space is based on a size of the lottery ticket set, by performing, by the arrangement, to the initial index of each lottery ticket part one or more permutations resulting to a final index value of that lottery ticket part within the index space of that lottery ticket set, and by determining, by the arrangement, a prize of each lottery ticket part using the final index value of that lottery ticket part and the prize distribution information of that lottery ticket set.

[0068] In one embodiment of the invention the permutation information of each lottery ticket set can comprise a list of initial index values for lottery ticket parts in a random order, the size of the lottery ticket set and / or a running number. The method may comprise performing the assigning by setting the initial index value to be the running number, increasing the running number by one in the record, calculating a lottery set-specific permutation key using the identifier and a secret global permutation key stored to the memory, and performing one or more pseudorandom permutations to the initial index value by using the setspecific permutation key and the size.

[0069] In one example embodiment, when a user successfully buys a lottery ticket comprising at least two lottery ticket parts, the lottery agency receives corresponding information. Then the lottery agency can assign an initial index value (i) for each lottery ticket part in the respective lottery ticket set and update the agency record of each lottery ticket set. Then the lottery agency can permute, i.e. perform one or more permutations to the initial index value of each lottery ticket part, the result being the final index value (i-f). It may be that the key 1 is used to perform one or more pseudorandom permutations to the initial index value, and the result then can undergo one or more pseudorandom permutations which uses the key 2. Then the lottery agency can map the final index value to a corresponding prize using at least prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set. The determined prize can then be sent in message to the user apparatus and displayed (shown) to the user.

[0070] In one example embodiment an input to create a new set of lottery ticket parts for a lottery ticket set can be received at an apparatus, such as a server. In the example it is assumed that the input also comprises information on the size of the lottery ticket set, i.e. the number of the tickets, prize distribution information and e.g. how many tickets belong to each prize tier of the prize distribution information. The number of the tickets of the lottery ticket set in this example can be n = 1 000 000.

[0071] In one embodiment an index space N can be determined, using the size, i.e. the value n. The index space may be determined as follows: N = i e Z | 0 < i ( n, wherein

[0072] • N = index space

[0073] • i= index value

[0074] • Z means integer

[0075] • n = number of tickets in the lottery ticket set (size of the set)

[0076] For the given example the index space is: N = i e Z | 0 < i ( 1 000 000

[0077] Further, in this example it is assumed that the first sold (bought) lottery ticket part of a lottery ticket set gets a running number value 0, the second sold (bought) lottery ticket part of the lottery ticket set gets a running number value 1 , the third sold (bought) lottery ticket part of the lottery ticket set gets a running number value 2, etc. Therefore, a running number value r is initialized to be zero. In other words, r is set to be equal to zero (r=0). Naturally any other way may be used as well.

[0078] Then the set of tickets has been created in the lottery agency, and corresponding information can be stored to the data storage as an agency record comprising e.g. the identifier, number of tickets in the lottery ticket set (n), index space (N), prize tier table or distribution table (Vi) and / or running number (r). This way the picking order of the lottery ticket parts has been shuffled and the prize of an individual lottery ticket part can be (at least in part) based on this picking order.

[0079] In one embodiment of the invention determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises drawing an index for the lottery ticket part from the prize distribution information essentially when the ticket is purchased by a user and / or by the user apparatus. The drawing can be based for example on a random generator, such as a random number generator. Random number generators (RNGs) are algorithms or arrangements configured to generate sequences of numbers that appear random. In this way the lottery ticket set does not have to be shuffled and / or modified before the lottery ticket and / or lottery ticket part is sold.

[0080] For describing further aspects of the invention, Figure 3 is referred to. Figure 3 illustrates schematically how a user 301 acquires a lottery ticket 302. The user can access the lottery session e.g. via a computer, a user apparatus and / or a gaming device. The session may be implemented for example on a web page arranged to provide the user interface to the game. The lottery ticket 302 acquired by the user comprises in this example three lottery ticket parts 303-1 , 303-2, 303-3. The lottery ticket 302 can comprise any number of lottery ticket parts above one. Each lottery ticket part 303-1 , 303-2, 303-3 is individual and separate lottery ticket part from the other lottery ticket parts of the lottery ticket. Every lottery ticket part 303-1 , 303-2, 303-3 is related to a prize of that lottery ticket part from a lottery ticket set related to each lottery ticket part. The prize 304-1 , 304-2, 304-3 of each lottery ticket part can be zero or more. In the example of Figure 3, the total prize 305 of the lottery ticket is comprised from prizes 304-1 , 304-2, 304-3 of each individual lottery ticket parts.

[0081] Figure 4 describes one embodiment of the method according to the invention. The example method, e.g. a computer implemented method, of Figure 4 comprises storing in a memory of an arrangement, such as a computer and / or a server, a record for a lottery ticket comprising at least two lottery ticket parts, determining, by the arrangement, in response to receiving information, e.g. from a user apparatus, that a lottery ticket is bought, a prize of each lottery ticket part based at least in part on the identifier of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, the permutation information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part and prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, and sending, from the arrangement, information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket to the user apparatus based on the determined prize of each lottery ticket parts.

[0082] The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or the interpretation of the appended claims. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A computer implemented method for an electronic lottery, the method comprising: storing in a memory of an arrangement (104, 201 ), such as a computer and / or a server, a record for a lottery ticket (302) comprising at least two lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3), wherein each lottery ticket part (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) comprises at least an identifier of the lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n) to which the lottery ticket part relates to, each lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105- 3, 105-4, ... 105-n) comprising prize distribution information of that lottery ticket set and permutation information, e.g. random permutation information, of that lottery ticket set, and wherein the lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) are independent from each other and relate to different lottery ticket sets (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n), e.g. so that a draw of one lottery ticket part (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) does not have an effect on a draw of the other lottery ticket part (303- 1 , 303-2, 303-3), wherein the method further comprises: determining, by the arrangement (104, 201 ), in response to receiving information, e.g. from a user apparatus (101 , 102), that a lottery ticket (302) is bought, a prize of each lottery ticket part (304-1 , 304-2, 304-3) based at least in part on the identifier of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, the permutation information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part and prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, and sending, from the arrangement (104, 201 ), information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket (305) to the user apparatus (101 , 102) based on the determined prize of each lottery ticket parts (304-1 , 304-2, 304-3).

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket (305) sent to the user apparatus (101 , 102) comprisesprize information combined from the determined prizes of each lottery ticket parts (304-1 , 304-2, 304-3).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises shuffling the lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105- 3, 105-4, ... 105-n) and / or order of the lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n) and / or picking order of the lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n) before the lottery ticket (302) is sold.

4. A method according to any previous claim, wherein determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises drawing an index for the lottery ticket part (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) from the prize distribution and / or prize tier information, e.g. based on a random generator, essentially when the ticket (302) is purchased by a user and / or by the user apparatus.

5. A method according to any previous claim, wherein same drawing and / or shuffling methods are used for at least two different lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3).

6. A method according to any previous claim, wherein different drawing and / or shuffling methods are used for at least two different lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3).

7. A method according to any previous claim, wherein determining a prize for a lottery ticket part comprises: assigning, by the arrangement, an initial index value to each lottery ticket part (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) of the lottery ticket (302) by using the permutation information of the lottery ticket set to which the lottery ticket part relates to, the initial index value being an unused index value within an index space of each lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n), which index space is based on a size of the lottery ticket set, performing, by the arrangement, to the initial index of each lottery ticket part one or more permutations resulting to a final index value of that lotteryticket part within the index space of that lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n), and determining, by the arrangement, a prize of each lottery ticket part (303- 1 , 303-2, 303-3) using the final index value of that lottery ticket part (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) and the prize distribution information of that lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n).

8. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the permutation information of each lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n) comprises a list of initial index values for lottery ticket parts in a random order, and the assigning of the initial index value of a lottery ticket part includes selecting an index value from the list.

9. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the lottery ticket (302), comprising at least two lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3), gives the user of the user apparatus (101 , 102) a right to play a single lottery-based game and / or a single lottery-based game-event.

10. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the at least two lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) have same and / or different lottery related criteria from each other in the lottery-based game.11 . A method according to any previous claims, wherein the lottery is an electronic instant lottery, and the tickets are electronic lottery tickets.

12. An arrangement, such as a computer and / or a server, for an electronic lottery, wherein the arrangement (104, 201 ) is configured: to store in a memory of an arrangement, such as a computer and / or a server, a record for a lottery ticket (302) comprising at least two lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3), wherein each lottery ticket part (303-1 , 303-2, 303- 3) comprises at least an identifier of the lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n) to which the lottery ticket part relates to, each lottery ticket set (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n) comprising prize distributioninformation of that lottery ticket set and permutation information, e.g. random permutation information, of that lottery ticket set, and wherein the lottery ticket parts (303-1 , 303-2, 303-3) are independent from each other and relate to different lottery ticket sets (105-1 , 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, ... 105-n), e.g. so that a draw of one lottery ticket part does not have an effect on a draw of the other lottery ticket part, to determine in response to receiving information, e.g. from a user apparatus 101 , 102), that a lottery ticket (302) is bought, a prize of each lottery ticket part (304-1 , 304-2, 304-3) based at least in part on the identifier of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, the permutation information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part and prize distribution information of the lottery ticket set of that lottery ticket part, and to send, from the arrangement (104, 201 ), information relating to the prize of the lottery ticket (305) to the user apparatus based on the determined prize of each lottery ticket parts (304-1 , 304-2, 304-3).

13. An arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the arrangement (104, 201 ) is configured to carry out a method according to any claim 2 - 11.

14. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, such as a server, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any of claims 1 - 11.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising the computer program according to claim 14.