Method, device and computer program for carrying out linked digital games

Abstract

The invention relates to a method in a system comprising game devices and a server, wherein a first device participates in a first game and a third game and a second device participates in a second game and the third game, the server comprising separate software modules for carrying out the first, second and third games, the server further comprising a linked-game management software module for executing the software module linked to the third game following the execution of the software module linked to the first or second game, the server executing the steps of: the linked-game management software module receiving digital data for executing the third game, the digital data being received from the software module linked to the first or second game, and updating the software module linked to the third game according to the received digital data.

Description

Method, device and computer program for implementing linked digital games

[0001] The invention relates to the field of instant digital lottery games, participation in which may give access (for example in the event of a losing result) to participation in a second game such as an instant digital jackpot game (of the "1 in N chance of winning" type), and to the implementation of such linked games on computer servers. In the remainder of the text, it will be said that the digital lottery game and the digital jackpot game to which it gives access are linked games.

[0002] The present invention aims to simplify the development and implementation of linked games, in particular instant digital lottery games and instant digital jackpot games. The invention further allows the implementation of multi-jurisdictional jackpot games, i.e. jackpots linked to games belonging to lotteries dependent on several jurisdictions. Statement of the invention

[0001] To this end, the invention proposes a method, a device and a computer program for implementing linked games.

[0002] There is thus proposed a method for managing linked digital games for a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming devices and at least one server, according to which a first gaming device is configured to participate in a first and a third game and a second gaming device is configured to participate in a second and the third game, the first, second and third games being different, said at least one server comprising a first software module implementing said first game, a second software module implementing said second game and a third software module implementing said third game, said first, second and third software modules being distinct, said at least one server further comprising a software module for managing linked games,said linked game management software module being configured to execute said third software module following the execution of said first software module and to execute said third software module following the execution of said, second software module, the method being implemented in said at least one server comprising at least one processor and comprising the steps of: • reception, by said software module for managing linked games, of digital data for the execution of said third game, said digital data being received from said first and second software modules and • updating of said third software module according to the digital data received.

[0003] The method according to the invention thus allows the implementation of linked digital games in a complex environment, in particular in a multi-jurisdictional context, and to simplify and reduce the costs of developing and implementing linked digital games.

[0004] According to particular embodiments, the method further comprises a step of adapting at least one piece of digital data received according to a normalization coefficient linked to said first or second gaming device.

[0005] Still according to particular embodiments, said adaptation comprises the conversion of said at least one received data into a unit specific to said at least one third software module.

[0006] Still according to particular embodiments, the method further comprises a step of executing said third software module and generating a digital result.

[0007] Still according to particular embodiments, the method further comprises a step of adapting said digital result according to an adaptation coefficient linked to said first or second gaming device.

[0008] Still according to particular embodiments, digital data received are common to users of said first and second software modules and digital data received are specific to users of said first software module or said second software module.

[0009] Still according to particular embodiments, a generated result specific to a user of said first software module is based on said common data and, if there is data specific to said users of said first software module, on said data specific to said users of said first software module.

[0010] Still according to particular embodiments, the method further comprises a step of transmitting said result to said first or second gaming device.

[0011] Still according to particular embodiments, said first and second games are digital lottery games and said second game is a digital jackpot game.

[0012] The invention also relates to a device comprising a processing unit configured to execute each of the steps of the method described above. The advantages of this device are similar to those of the method described above.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method described above, or certain parts of this method, when this program is executed by a computer.

[0014] This program may use any programming language (e.g., an object language or otherwise) and be in the form of interpretable source code, partially compiled code, or fully compiled code.

[0015] Another aspect relates to a non-transitory storage medium of a computer-executable program, comprising a data set representing one or more programs, said one or more programs comprising instructions for, upon execution of said one or more programs by a computer comprising a processing unit operatively coupled to memory means and to an input / output interface module, to execute all or part of the method described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. This is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which: - Figure 1 illustrates an example of an environment in which the invention can be implemented according to particular embodiments; - Figure 2 illustrates an example of a graphical interface used on a player's device to participate in linked games, here an instant digital lottery game and then an instant digital jackpot game; - Figure 3 illustrates a first example of software architecture of a linked game system, according to embodiments of the invention, allowing a player to participate in a first game and, after having participated in the first game, in a second game - Figure 4 illustrates an example of communication between application modules, an instant game module, a linked game management module and a jackpot game management module such as those illustrated in Figure 3; - Figure 5 illustrates a second example of software architecture of a linked game system, according to embodiments of the invention, allowing a player to participate in a first game and, after having participated in the first game, in a second game; - Figure 6 illustrates a third example of software architecture of a linked game system, according to embodiments of the invention, allowing a player to participate in a first game and, after having participated in the first game, in a second game; - Figure 7 illustrates a first example of implementation of two linked games comprising separate instant games and a common jackpot game; - Figure 8 illustrates a second example of implementation of two linked games comprising separate instant games and a common jackpot game; - Figure 9 illustrates a third example of implementing two linked games comprising separate instant games and a common jackpot game; and - Figure 10 illustrates an example of a device that can be used to implement, at least partially, embodiments of the invention, in particular steps described with reference to Figures 2 to 9. Detailed description

[0017] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the software architecture used to implement linked games is organized into software modules allowing different linked games to be based on common modules. Furthermore, this architecture allows the use of common modules for linked games implemented in particular contexts, for example games implemented in different jurisdictions, for example with different currencies. The linked games are for example instant digital lottery games and instant digital jackpot games. A single jackpot game can thus be linked to different lottery games, which reduces development times and costs. Sharing a single jackpot game with several lottery games also allows the amount of winnings to be increased.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an environment in which the invention can be implemented, according to particular embodiments. According to this example, a user can access, using a personal gaming device or a self-service gaming device, for example using a tablet 100, a smartphone 105 or a computer 110, linked games. This access can in particular be carried out after the player has logged into a previously created player account. Such a player account makes it possible in particular to purchase a participation in an instant digital lottery game. Certain instant digital lottery games offer the right to participate in an instant digital jackpot game. In this case, according to embodiments, a portion of the stake in the instant digital game is taken to fund the jackpot in question, and following participation in the instant digital game, an instant jackpot draw is made for the player.The draw is generally of the "1 chance to win among N" type. We will say that the instant digital lottery game and the instant digital jackpot game to which it gives access are linked games.

[0019] Access to these games is here offered by a game operator on a server 115, via a communication network 120.

[0020] By way of illustration, access to the lottery game may be performed through a graphical interface, for example interface 125, which may be a web interface or an interface of an application (app) installed on the player's device and configured to interface with the corresponding game application, implemented on the server 115.

[0021] The communication network 120 is, for example, the Internet network to which the devices 100, 105, 110 and 115 can connect using standard wired or wireless communication technologies, using known communication protocols.

[0022] It is observed that the linked games can be implemented on a single server 115 or on several servers, for example in the form of software modules specific to each game. For example, the lottery games can be implemented through software modules installed on a first server and the jackpot game can be implemented through a software module installed on another server. The lottery games can also be implemented through software modules installed on different servers.

[0023] Similarly, lottery games and jackpot games may be implemented by separate game operators. Thus, for example, a first lottery game and an associated jackpot game may be implemented on a first server and offered by a first game operator and a second lottery game may be implemented on a second server and be associated with the jackpot game implemented on the first server, the second lottery game and the associated jackpot game being offered by a second game operator.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a graphical interface used on a player's gaming device, for example the tablet 100 of Figure 1, to participate in related games, here an instant digital lottery game and then an instant digital jackpot game.

[0025] As illustrated, the graphical interface comprises a first area 200 allowing a user to select several numbers, for example six numbers between one and forty. The selected numbers are those surrounded by a thicker outline. The graphical interface also comprises a second area 205 in which the potential winnings are displayed and a validation button 210 allowing the selected numbers to be validated and, thus, validating the purchase of the related games including participation in the lottery game for which a player has just select the numbers played and participation in a jackpot game. As soon as validation is carried out, an instant draw is carried out. According to the example illustrated, six numbers between one and forty are drawn and displayed one after the other in a results window 215 (only the first five numbers are drawn here, among which two have been selected by the player who is thus likely to win €1 if the last number drawn is a number played). As soon as the player has participated in the lottery game, he is offered to participate in the jackpot game. Alternatively, he participates automatically as soon as he has played the lottery game. As illustrated, the amount of the jackpot associated with the lottery game in which the player is participating is displayed in the display area 220. It is preferably updated automatically.

[0026] The game engines corresponding to the lottery game and the jackpot game are, for example, implemented in the server 115 of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a first example of software architecture of a linked game system, according to embodiments of the invention, allowing a player to participate in a first game and, after participating in the first game, in a second game.

[0028] As illustrated, the gaming system here comprises several software modules, in particular application modules or app 300-1 to 300-n (generically referenced 300), intended to be implemented in each of the devices used by the players to participate. They may in particular comprise an interface allowing a player to interact with the gaming system, in particular to participate in a first game, for example a lottery game as described with reference to Figure 2. These application modules are specific to one or more particular games, for example one or more lottery games and the associated jackpot games.

[0029] The application modules 300 are connected to a linked game management module 305, the purpose of which is in particular to manage the players' participations, in particular to manage the payments and the distribution of these payments between the linked games (preferably in a transparent manner for the player). It also has the purpose of triggering participation in the second game, for example a jackpot game, after the player has participated in the first game, for example a lottery game.

[0030] The application modules 300 are also connected to a game module 310 to allow a player to participate in the first game, for example, select and validate numbers of a lottery game as described with reference to FIG. 2. This game module is called an instant game module. The instant game module 310 receives the player's participation information, for example the selected numbers, and executes the corresponding game. By way of illustration, the instant game module 310 can draw numbers, compare them to numbers selected by a player and determine a result of the game. As illustrated, the instant game module 310 is also connected to the linked game management module 305, in particular to inform it of the participation of a player in the game implemented by the instant game module 310 and trigger, if applicable, participation in the second game.

[0031] The application modules 300 are also connected to a game module 315 to allow a player to participate in the second game, for example to allow him to receive an amount from a jackpot game prize pool and, if applicable, a winning amount. This game module is called a jackpot game module. The jackpot game module 315 can manage the participation of players in a jackpot game as well as the prize pool. Different rules can be used to manage the prize pool in relation to the players' participations, for example progressively (the amount of the prize pool increases proportionally to the amount of the participations), incrementally (the amount of the prize pool increases in increments according to the amount of the participations), fixedly (the amount is fixed and determined), etc.As illustrated, the jackpot game module 315 is also connected to the linked game management module 305, in particular to enable the linked game management module 305 to trigger a player's participation in the second game.

[0032] The links between modules 300, 305, 310 and 315 are links allowing data exchanges and the triggering of participation in a game. They can use standard communication protocols.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates an example of communication between application modules, an instant game module, a linked game management module and a jackpot game management module, such as the software modules illustrated in Figure 3.

[0034] A first step (step 400) here has the purpose of transmitting information relating to a second game, for example a jackpot amount of a jackpot game, between a jackpot game module, for example the jackpot game module 315 of figure 3, to application modules, for example the application modules 300 of figure 1. As illustrated, this step is repeated, for example as soon as the jackpot amount changes or as soon as the variation exceeds a particular threshold.

[0035] In a following step, after a player has validated participation in a first game linked to a second game from which information may have been received, for example a lottery game as described with reference to FIG. 2, a request for participation in the first game is transmitted (step 405) from the application module implemented in the device used by the player to a linked game management module, for example the linked game management module 305 of FIG. 3. This request preferably includes information on the player, in particular information allowing him to be debited with an amount corresponding to his participation in the linked games.According to particular embodiments, in response to receiving a participation request, the linked game management module obtains payment from the player (directly or via a third party) and allocates a portion of it to the instant game and a portion to the jackpot game according to predetermined rules stored in the module itself or to which it has access. The amount of the participation may be transmitted in the request or may be known to the linked game management module. After obtaining payment from the player, the linked game management module sends to the application module implemented in the device used by the player information validating participation in the first game (step 410).

[0036] After receiving information validating participation in the first game, the application module implemented in the device used by the player sends a participation request to a game module allowing the implementation of the first game, for example the instant game module 310 of FIG. 3 (step 415). This request preferably includes the game parameters, for example numbers selected by the player to participate in the game. The game module allowing the implementation of the first game then executes the game. By way of illustration, the game module allowing the implementation of the first game carries out a draw by lot and compares the result of this draw to a selection made by the player to participate in the game.

[0037] In a next step, the game module enabling the implementation of the first game sends information to the linked game management module to inform it of the player's participation in the first game (step 420). In response, the linked game management module sends a request to the jackpot game module to request the player's participation in the jackpot game (step 425). This request includes, for example, an indication relating to the identity of the player and a participation amount. Upon receipt of this request, the jackpot game module records the player's participation and updates the amount of the jackpot. As indicated previously, the updated amount of the jackpot is preferably transmitted to the application modules (step 430).When the jackpot game module performs the draw, for example according to predetermined rules (for example on a predetermined date), it informs the winner(s) or all players who participated in the jackpot (step 435).

[0038] As described above, the instant game module, the game management module, and the jackpot game module can be implemented in a single server or in multiple servers. Depending on the configuration, communication between these modules is carried out within a single server or via a communication network, for example using standard communication protocols.

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates a second example software architecture of a linked game system, according to embodiments of the invention, allowing a player to participate in a first game and, after participating in the first game, in a second game.

[0040] In this example, several different first games, for example several different first instant games, may be associated with the same second game, for example the same jackpot game.

[0041] Again, as illustrated, the gaming system here comprises application modules or apps 500-1 to 500-n (generically referenced 500), intended to be implemented in each of the devices used by the players to participate. They notably comprise an interface allowing a player to interact with the gaming system, in particular for participating in the first game, for example a lottery game as described with reference to Figure 2. These application modules are specific to one or more particular games, for example one or more lottery games and associated jackpot games.

[0042] The application modules 500 are connected to a linked game management module 505, the purpose of which is in particular to manage the players' participations, in particular to manage the payments and the distribution of these payments between the linked games (in a transparent manner for the player). It also has the purpose of triggering participation in the second game, for example a jackpot game, after the player has participated in a first game, for example a lottery game.

[0043] The application modules 500 are also connected to one or more game modules 510-1 to 510-p, preferably independent of each other, generically referenced 510, to allow a player to participate in a first game of his choice from among the first games offered by the application module installed on the device he uses, for example selecting and validating numbers of a lottery game as described with reference to FIG. 2. The selected instant game module receives the player's participation information, for example the selected numbers, and executes the corresponding game. Again, the instant game modules 510 are connected to the linked game management module 505, in particular to inform it of a player's participation in a game implemented by an instant game module 510 and trigger, if applicable, participation in the second game.

[0044] The application modules 500 are also connected to a game module 515 to allow a player to participate in the second game, for example to allow him to receive an amount from a jackpot game prize pool and, if applicable, a winning amount. Like the jackpot game module 315, the jackpot game module 515 can manage the participation of players in a jackpot game as well as the prize pool. Similarly, the jackpot game module 515 is also connected to the linked game management module 505, in particular to allow the linked game management module 505 to trigger the participation of a player in the second game.

[0045] Figure 6 illustrates a third example of software architecture of a linked game system, according to embodiments of the invention, allowing a player to participate in a first game and, after participating in the first game, in a second game.

[0046] According to this example, several different first games, for example several different first instant games, can be associated with the same second game, for example a single jackpot game. As illustrated, this software architecture implements several linked game management modules, thus making it easy to implement games in different locations with different legislation and / or currencies.

[0047] Again, as illustrated, the gaming system here comprises application modules or app 600-1 to 600-n (generically referenced 600), intended to be implemented in each of the devices used by the players to participate. They notably comprise an interface allowing a player to interact with the gaming system, in particular to participate in the first game, for example a lottery game as described with reference to Figure 2. These application modules are specific to one or more particular games, for example one or more lottery games and the associated jackpot games.

[0048] Each of the application modules 600 is connected to a linked game management module among the linked game management modules 605-1 to 605-q, generically referenced 605, identified according to the application module used, for example according to a geographical location of the device implementing the application module in question or according to a player's registration location. Each of the linked game management modules has the particular purpose of managing the players' participations, in particular of managing the payments and the distribution of these payments between the linked games (in a transparent manner for the player). It also has the purpose of triggering participation in the second game, for example a jackpot game, after the player has participated in a first game, for example a lottery game.Each of the linked game management modules may further be configured to perform conversions, for example converting a participation in the second game from a local currency to a reference unit used by the second game and vice versa, as described below.

[0049] The application modules 600 are also connected to one or more game modules 610-1 to 610-p, preferably independent of each other, generically referenced 610, to allow a player to participate in a first game of his choice from among the first games offered by the application module installed on the device he uses, for example selecting and validating numbers of a lottery game as described with reference to Figure 2. The selected instant game module receives the player's participation information, for example the selected numbers, and executes the corresponding game. Again, the instant game modules 610 are connected to a linked game management module 605, in particular to inform it of a player's participation in a game implemented by an instant game module 610 and trigger, if applicable, participation in the second game.

[0050] The application modules 600 are also connected to a game module 615 to allow a player to participate in the second game, for example to allow him to receive an amount from a jackpot game prize pool and, if applicable, a winning amount. Like the jackpot game module 315, the jackpot game module 615 can manage the participation of players in a jackpot game as well as the prize pool. Similarly, the jackpot game module 615 is also connected to a linked game management module 605, in particular to allow the linked game management module 605 to trigger the participation of a player in the second game.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates a first example of implementing two linked games comprising separate instant games and a common jackpot game.

[0052] As illustrated, participation in a first set of linked games, for example via a single purchase of a first amount referenced 700-1, here allows participation in a first instant game for a first fraction of the amount of the first set of linked games, referenced 705-1, and participation in a jackpot game for a second fraction of the amount of the first set of linked games. This second fraction can itself be broken down into a commission for the gaming operator managing the first set of linked games, referenced 710-1, and a second part which is the subject of the jackpot game, managed by the same gaming operator or by another, referenced 715-2.

[0053] According to particular embodiments, the second part which is the subject of the jackpot game is converted into game units, for example into tokens, according to a fixed or variable coefficient or conversion rate, referenced 720-1. For example, If players using different currencies can participate in the same jackpot game, a reference coefficient can be defined for one of the currencies called the reference currency (e.g. twenty chips correspond to one euro) and estimated rates, based for example on a history of exchange rates, including a risk margin, can be used for the other currencies. The price of the game units or chips is thus predetermined for all players.

[0054] The second part which is the subject of the jackpot game, possibly converted into game units or tokens, is then broken down, for example, according to predetermined ratios, for example, to fund the jackpot game prize pool, referenced 725, to fund an initialization fund used to create a basic prize pool when a new jackpot is created after one or more players have won, referenced 730, to fund a reserve fund which can be used in the event of difficulty by the jackpot game operator or to exceptionally fund the prize pool, referenced 735, and / or to finance the jackpot game operator in the form of a commission referenced 740.

[0055] If, after the draw, a player who participated in the first set of linked games wins the jackpot, an inverse coefficient, referenced 745-1, may be applied, in particular if the second part of the jackpot game has been converted into game units or tokens. If the amount of the jackpot won must be converted into the reference currency, a coefficient inverse to that used to convert the second part of the jackpot game into game units or tokens may be applied. On the contrary, if the amount of the jackpot won must be converted into a currency other than the reference currency, the coefficient used may be based on the exchange rate (in relation to the reference currency) on the day of payment of the jackpot, taking into account the conversion coefficient between the reference currency and the game units or tokens.

[0056] Similarly, participation in a second set of linked games, for example via a single purchase of a first amount referenced 700-2, allows participation in a second instant game, different from the first instant game, for a first fraction of the amount of the second set of linked games, referenced 705-2 and participation in the jackpot game for a second fraction of the amount of the second set of linked games. Again, this second fraction can itself be broken down into a commission for the gaming operator managing the second set of linked games, referenced 710-2, and a second part which is the subject of the jackpot game, managed by the same gaming operator or by another, referenced 715-2.

[0057] Similarly, the second part that is the subject of the jackpot game can be converted into game units, for example into tokens, according to a fixed or variable coefficient or conversion rate, referenced 720-2. The second part that is the subject of the jackpot game, if applicable converted into game units, is broken down to fund the jackpot game prize pool, referenced 725, fund an initialization fund used to create a basic prize pool when a new jackpot is created after one or more players have won, referenced 730, fund a reserve fund that can be used in the event of difficulty by the jackpot game operator or to exceptionally fund the prize pool, referenced 735, and / or to finance the jackpot game operator in the form of a commission referenced 740.

[0058] For illustration, the operator of the jackpot game may here implement a jackpot game module such as one of the jackpot game modules 515 and 615 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. It may also implement a linked game management module such as one of the linked game management modules 505 and 605 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The game operators of the first and second sets of linked games may implement instant game modules such as the instant game modules 505 and 605 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. They may also implement linked game management modules such as the linked game management modules 505 and 605 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0059] According to particular embodiments, when the game operators of the first and second sets of linked games implement linked game management modules such as the linked game management modules 505 and 605 described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, money transfers to the jackpot game operator are only made when the jackpot is won.

[0060] Still according to particular embodiments, the amount of the jackpot is calculated in the different currencies used, preferably using the exchange rate of the day, as described previously, to indicate the amount potentially earnable per day (as described with reference to steps 400 and 430 of Figure 4).

[0061] Still according to particular embodiments, the jackpot game operator can combine several jackpots associated with the same instant games, for example to offer several jackpots having different draw frequencies and amounts.

[0062] Figure 8 illustrates a second example implementation of two linked games comprising separate instant games and a common jackpot game.

[0063] The example illustrated in Figure 8 is based on the example of Figure 7, the same references designating the same elements. As illustrated in Figure 8, a portion of the participation in the linked game sets is used to fund a second jackpot game pool, referenced 800 and to fund a reserve fund 805. The second jackpot can further be funded by the jackpot game operator, from an exceptional fund 810. The jackpot 800 can then be combined with the jackpot 725 to form the jackpot 815 which is the subject of the jackpot.

[0064] Figure 9 illustrates a third example implementation of two linked games comprising separate instant games and a common jackpot game.

[0065] The example illustrated in Figure 9 is based on the example of Figure 7, the same references designating the same elements. As illustrated in Figure 9, a portion of the participation in the second set of linked games is used to fund a second jackpot game prize pool, referenced 900, fund an initialization fund 905 and a reserve fund 910 specific to this second prize pool and to pay a commission 915 to the operator of the jackpot game. The second prize pool is specific to the players participating in the linked games of the second set. According to the illustrated example, the second prize pool is managed in the currency of the game operator managing the second set of linked games. Alternatively, the second prize pool can be managed in game units or tokens.

[0066] According to the example illustrated in Figure 9, a player participating in the first set of linked games only participates in the 725 jackpot while a player participating in the second set of linked games participates in the 725 jackpot as well as the 900 jackpot, these two jackpots preferably being the subject of different draws.

[0067] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a device that can be used to implement, at least partially, embodiments of the invention, in particular steps described with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

[0068] The device 1000 is for example a server, a computer or a terminal.

[0069] The device 1000 preferably comprises a communication bus 1002 to which are connected: - a central processing unit or microprocessor 1004 (CPU, acronym for Central Processing Unit in Anglo-Saxon terminology); - a read-only memory 1006 (ROM, acronym for Read Only Memory in English terminology) which can contain the operating system and programs such as "Prog"; - a random access memory or cache memory 1008 (RAM, acronym for Random Access Memory in English terminology) comprising registers adapted to record variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned programs; and - a communication interface 1026 connected to a distributed communication network 1028, for example a wireless communication network and / or a local communication network, the interface being capable of transmitting and receiving data, in particular to and from a user's device.

[0070] Optionally, the device 1000 may also have the following elements: - a hard disk 1020 which may contain the aforementioned “Prog” programs and data processed or to be processed according to the invention; - a keyboard 1022 and a mouse 1024 or any other pointing device such as an optical pen, a touch screen or a remote control allowing the user to interact with the programs according to the invention; - a reader 1010 of removable storage media 1012 such as a memory card or a disk, for example a DVD disk; and - a 1014 graphics card connected to a 1016 screen.

[0071] The communication bus enables communication and interoperability between the different elements included in the device 1000 or connected to it. The representation of the bus is not limiting and, in particular, the central unit is capable of communicating instructions to any element of the device 1000 directly or via another element of the device 1000.

[0072] The executable code of each program enabling the programmable device to implement the processes according to the invention may be stored, for example, in the hard disk 1020 or in read-only memory 1006.

[0073] According to a variant, the executable code of the programs may be received via the communication network 1028, via the interface 1026, to be stored in a manner identical to that described previously.

[0074] More generally, the program(s) may be loaded into one of the storage means of the device 1000 before being executed.

[0075] The central unit 1004 will control and direct the execution of the instructions or portions of software code of the program(s) according to the invention, instructions which are stored in the hard disk 1020 or in the read-only memory 1006 or in the other aforementioned storage elements. When the power is switched on, the program(s) which are stored in a non-volatile memory, for example the hard disk 1020 or the read-only memory 1006, are transferred into the random access memory 1008 which then contains the executable code of the program(s) according to the invention, as well as registers for storing the variables and parameters necessary for implementing the invention.

[0076] Although embodiments of the invention have been explained in the context of games, it is not limited to this context.

[0077] Depending on the embodiment selected, certain acts, actions, events, or functions of each of the methods described herein may be performed or occur in a different order than they were described, or may be added, merged, or not performed or not occur, as the case may be. In addition, in some embodiments, certain acts, actions, or events are performed or occur concurrently and not successively.

[0078] Although described through a certain number of detailed exemplary embodiments, the proposed method and the equipment for implementing the method include various variants, modifications and improvements which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, it being understood that these various variants, modifications and improvements are part of the scope of the invention. In addition, various aspects and features described above may be implemented together, or separately, or substituted for each other, and all various combinations and subcombinations of the aspects and features are within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, some systems and equipment described above may not incorporate all of the modules and functions described for the preferred embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for managing linked digital games for a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming devices (100, 105, 110) and at least one server (115), wherein a first gaming device is configured to participate in a first and a third game and a second gaming device is configured to participate in a second and the third game, the first, second and third games being different, said at least one server comprising a first software module (510) implementing said first game, a second software module (510) implementing said second game and a third software module (515) implementing said third game, said first, second and third software modules being distinct, said at least one server further comprising a linked game management software module (505),said linked game management software module being configured to execute said third software module following the execution of said first software module and to execute said third software module following the execution of said second software module, the method being implemented in said at least one server comprising at least one processor and comprising the steps of:, • reception, by said software module for managing linked games, of digital data for the execution of said third game, said digital data being received from said first and second software modules and • updating of said third software module according to the digital data received.

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of adapting at least one received digital data according to a normalization coefficient linked to said first or second gaming device.

3. Method according to claim 2, according to which said adaptation comprises the conversion of said at least one received data into a unit specific to said at least one third software module.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a step of executing said third software module and generating a digital result.

5. Method according to claim 4, further comprising a step of adapting said numerical result according to an adaptation coefficient linked to said first or second gaming device.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, according to which digital data received are common to users of said first and second software modules and digital data received are specific to users of said first software module or said second software module.

7. Method according to claim 6, directly or indirectly dependent on claim 4, according to which a generated result specific to a user of said first software module is based on said common data and, if there is data specific to said users of said first software module, on said data specific to said users of said first software module.

8. Method according to claim 4 or according to any one of claims 5 to 7, directly or indirectly dependent on claim 4, further comprising a step of transmitting said result to said first or second gaming device.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said first and second games are digital lottery games and said second game is a digital jackpot game.

10. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing each of the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 9, when this program is executed by a processor.

11. Device comprising a processing unit configured to execute each of the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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