US20090036191A1

US20090036191A1 - Games of chance with game enhancement features

Info

Publication number: US20090036191A1
Application number: US11/882,147
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael L. Hughes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-31
Filing date: 2007-07-31
Publication date: 2009-02-05

Abstract

A game of chance with a first and second gaming segment which provides additional winning opportunities, greater odds and enhanced playing experiences to players, while providing an opportunity to increase revenues to the sponsoring entity by offering a second gaming segment with increased odds by limiting the second gaming segment participants to winners of a first gaming segment throughout a defined period who initially paid a premium wager to participate in the first gaming segment. A plurality of games are also taught offering higher odds and enhanced winning opportunities to players by offering a surplus of pre-selected symbol choices over an amount drawn and post-game symbol modification features. A percentage of the gaming prize payouts is funded by a percentage of the revenues received from at least one player who paid a premium wager to participate the games of the present invention.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to games of chance, such as state or nationally sponsored lotto/lottery games, but can be applied to other games of chance as well, such as bingo or casino games. More specifically, the invention is a game of chance and a method for providing subsequent winning opportunities, greater odds and enhanced playing opportunities to players, while providing an opportunity to increase revenues to the sponsoring entity as well as a self-supporting system for financing the subsequent winning opportunities. For conceptual purposes, the present invention will be described as applied to a state/national lottery program hereunder, but shall not be viewed as fixed or limited to such application.
While each national/state lottery has its own rules which vary slightly and are usually published on their websites, and while some states/nations now permit the purchase of lottery tickets through the internet, the following is just one example of basic lotto rules or regulations, how to play the game, and game summary which are presented for foundational purposes and should additionally not be viewed as fixed or limiting.
Lotto Game Summary:
A player chooses six numbers from 1 to 49. Six numbers are drawn plus a bonus number, out of 49 numbered balls. If a player matches all 6 numbers, they win the jackpot. If they match 5 numbers and the bonus number, they win the second highest prize. If they match five, four or three numbers, they can win smaller prizes.
How to Play Lotto:
First, mark six numbers on any individual lottery board or lottery play slip. On some lottery play slips a player can play with more than one set of numbers. A player can also buy tickets without completing a play slip. The player allows the computer terminal choose six-number combinations at random.
Some play slips allow a player to play the same numbers for more than one week (for several draws). The player needs to mark the appropriate section accordingly. The player will only receive one ticket, but their numbers will be entered for the draw-days and number of weeks selected.
A player takes the completed lottery play slip to a retailer or lottery terminal. They will enter the player's selections into the terminal and give the player a Lotto/Lottery game ticket. The player is responsible for checking that the information it contains is correct—the numbers, the days they wish to play, the number of weeks and the draw date(s).
Where applicable, they must also check that the bar-coded serial number on the ticket is clearly readable and that the “Void” box has not been marked. The player is encouraged to keep their ticket safe as they'll need it to claim their prize, as it is the only proof that they are a winner. It is recommended that they put their name and address on the reverse of the ticket for security purposes.
If any of the six-number Lottery/Lotto game selections on their ticket matches the main six numbers drawn in the relevant Lottery/Lotto game draw—in any order—they are a jackpot winner. In some cases, they may have to share the jackpot with other winners. They can also win smaller amounts by matching five, four or even three main numbers out of six. In some states/nations, if they have matched five numbers already, matching the bonus number will win them the second highest prize.
Basic Lotto/Lottery Game Rules and Regulations for Popular Lotteries:

- A player must be 16/18/21 years of age or older to buy Lotto/Lottery tickets and claim prizes.
- Players are responsible for checking their tickets before leaving the retailer location.
- A ticket is void if stolen, unissued, mutilated, illegible, tampered with or altered in any way, defective or incomplete.
- The Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.
- A Lotto/Lottery ticket may be cancelled only if presented before the drawing to the Retailer where it was originally purchased.
- A player must fill in their name, address and phone number on the back of their winning ticket before they file a prize claim.
- All winning tickets are subject to validation by the Lottery.
- All winning tickets are bearer instruments.
- All prizes must be claimed within 6 months/one year from date of drawing.

Lottery games have always been popular, and have provided consistently growing revenues for education in many states/nations. One marketing aspect credited for increasing Lotto/Lottery revenues is the introduction of various instant win, scratch-off lottery games at premium prices.
Industry research shows lottery games with higher overall payouts and payout chances create more “winning experiences” for players, and sell better. Almost 10 years ago, many states began to introduce premium variations of traditional scratch-off, instant win lottery tickets. For a higher price such as $2.00-$10.00 instead of the traditional $1.00, players could experience multiple winning opportunities or better odds with higher payouts, which enhanced their overall chances and playing experience. As a result, scratch-off, instant win lottery ticket revenues have surpassed traditional lotto revenues in many states, and continue to thrive while traditional lotto revenues remain stagnant, and in some states are consistently declining.
Of particular interest is the observation of Lotto/Lottery game analysts that consumers are most receptive to purchasing a new game in the first 4 weeks it is offered for sale. This puts the burden on scratch-off ticket designers to constantly create new, innovative gaming ideas.
Efforts to raise traditional lotto sales, such as increasing drawings from 1× week to 2× a week, have been implemented, but due to the already high payout expectation in the minds of consumers, game sponsoring entities have been challenged to provide a fresh lotto innovation that would demand a ticket price higher than the traditional $1.00 per ticket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan front view of a lotto ticket incorporating the game of chance of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan front view of an instant win, scratch-off lottery ticket incorporating the game of chance of the present invention;

FIG. 3(A-B) is a schematic block diagram depicting a lotto game with a first and second gaming segment pertaining only to jackpot winners according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4(A-B) is a schematic block diagram depicting a lotto game with a first and second gaming segment pertaining to all winners according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5(A-B) is a schematic block diagram depicting a lotto game with a first and second gaming segment and a guaranteed secondary payout according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram depicting a scratch-off lottery ticket with a first and second gaming segment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram depicting a blanket casino game option that allows a player of a first pre-approved gaming segment resulting in a winning outcome to participate in a second gaming segment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram depicting a gaming segment with post-game symbol modification features according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram depicting a game of chance with a pre-game enhanced odds feature according to one embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, the attached figures illustrate various embodiments of a game of chance with a first and second gaming segment, and a system for funding the second gaming segment prize payout. In one embodiment, the present invention is a premium feature to be added to an existing game of chance.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description, steps or illustrations. Additionally, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, including game instructions, game cost, amount of numbers selected to play, amount of matching numbers required for a jackpot or winning outcome are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
FIG. 1. depicts a lotto ticket 100 with the second gaming segment feature logo 102 and a premium lotto price of $2.00 104, signifying that the ticket is a premium ticket containing the first and second gaming segment feature of the present invention. In one embodiment, the sponsoring entity will provide for special ink designs or ticket paper with different colors or special insignia representing the new game or game feature of the present invention, which will allow players to quickly differentiate the premium tickets from traditional lotto tickets. In one embodiment, the new game will be branded with a catchy phrase 106, such as “Lightning Strikes Twice” or “The Rich Get Richer”, which will help players to easily identify with the premise of the new game.
FIG. 2. depicts an instant win, scratch-off lottery ticket 108 integrated with the first and second gaming segment feature; the catchy phrase 106 designed as the title of the ticket, and the display of the premium lottery price of $2.00 104, signifying that the ticket is a premium ticket containing the first and second gaming segment feature of the present invention. In one embodiment, complete artwork 110 and/or play indicia 112 are designed or themed around the first and second game of chance feature, as scratch-off lottery tickets 108 provide for a greater range of design flexibility.
FIG. 3 (A-B) is a schematic block diagram depicting a method of a lottery game or game of chance with the first and second gaming segment feature according to one embodiment of the present invention pertaining only to jackpot winners. In the present embodiment, a player pays a wager and plays a first gaming segment; i.e. they select 6 numbers from a field of numbers on a lottery play slip 200. In one embodiment, the player allows a lotto computer terminal to choose number combinations at random. The player is offered the option of paying a first wager in playing their chosen numbers, i.e. a traditional $1.00 lotto ticket, or a second wager in playing their chosen numbers, i.e. as a premium lotto ticket with the first and second gaming segment feature for an additional cost, i.e. $2.00 per game. In one embodiment, the choice is offered verbally through the lotto retailer. In one embodiment, the choice is offered on the play slip. In one embodiment, the choice is offered online through an internet website. In one embodiment, there is not an additional cost for a premium ticket with first and second gaming segment feature of the present invention, but is rather used by the sponsoring entity for promotional or game enhancing purposes.
The player chooses a wager option 202, and the retailer or lottery terminal employee enters the player's selections into the terminal and gives the player a Lotto game ticket after paying the pre-determined cost.
The game is played and a determination is made if the six-number Lotto game selection on their ticket matches the main six numbers drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw 206. If the six-number Lotto game selection (or maximum-number of matches possible) on their ticket matches the main six numbers drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw—in any order—they are a jackpot winner 207 and receive a 1^stprize payout. In one embodiment, a winning outcome is based on other forms of random gaming symbol selection. In some cases, they may have to share the jackpot with other winners. In one embodiment, the first gaming segment is a raffle, drawing, sweepstakes, contest, random selection, bingo, casino game, card game, dice game, spin wheel or game of skill.
If the six-number Lotto game selections on their ticket do not match the main six numbers drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw, they are not a jackpot winner 208, but can also win a lesser 1^stpayout by matching five, four or even three main numbers out of six. In some states/nations, if they have matched five numbers already, matching the bonus number will win them the second highest prize. However, for these players, the game is now over.
Upon the end of a pre-defined period, such as a quarter, calendar or fiscal year, the finite number of jackpot winners throughout the pre-defined period are eligible to participate in a second gaming segment and at least one subsequent winner is selected 214. In one embodiment, data representing each of the jackpot winners throughout the pre-defined period is collectively pooled together 210 and at least one subsequent winner is selected 214. In one embodiment, the collectively pooled data representing the finite number of second gaming segment participants is indicia 103 originally printed on the lotto/lottery ticket of the first gaming segment. In one embodiment, a second gaming segment winner is selected through a game of chance, spin wheel, drawing, sweepstakes contest, casino game, random selection, game of skill or raffle. In one embodiment, data representing each of the finite number of winners throughout the period is pooled in categories according to their winning classification, such as 3, 4, 5 or 6 matching number winners, and at least one subsequent winner is selected from each category of previous winners. In one embodiment, data representing a limited number of winners throughout the period, i.e. the first 100 winners throughout the period, is pooled together 210 and at least one subsequent winner is selected 214. In one embodiment, data representing at least one non-winning player who initially purchased a premium ticket with the first and second gaming segment feature is pooled into a category, and is a participating unit in the second gaming segment. In one embodiment, the second gaming segment payout is modified to the category the winner is selected from; i.e. the second gaming segment payout for a previous jackpot winner might be larger than the second gaming segment payout of a previous winner who matched 3 of 6 numbers. In one embodiment, the second gaming segment payout offered is associated to the wager the player paid to participate in the first gaming segment.
Once selected, a determination is made 216 whether the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the first wager to play the first gaming segment, i.e. as a traditional $1.00 lotto ticket or the second wager to play the first gaming segment, i.e. as a $2.00 premium ticket with the first and second gaming segment feature. If the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the first wager to play the first gaming segment, the second gaming segment selected winner(s) receives a first 2^ndprize payout equal to zero 218, and the game is over.
If the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the second wager to play the first gaming segment, the second gaming segment selected winner(s) receives a second 2^nd prize payout 220, such as an amount equal to their initial 1^stprize payout, a percentage or multiplier of that amount, an amount based on ticket sales, an amount equal the taxes on all their winnings, or another amount.
The enhanced benefit to this method is the greatly increased & finite odds of winning the second gaming segment if the first gaming segment is won. For example, a typical traditional lotto game offers a player a 41,000,000 to 1 chance of winning a major jackpot. In a calendar year, if there are a total of 100 jackpot winners who are all entered into the second gaming segment, each winner has a 1 in 100 chance of winning the second gaming segment payout. In one embodiment, a system is employed along with at least one game and method taught herein whereby a percentage of the second gaming segment payout is funded by increased revenues received by the sponsoring entity from at least one player who paid a second wager to purchase a premium Lotto/Lottery ticket with the first and second gaming segment feature. In one embodiment, the winners of the first gaming segment are given a voucher; in lieu of being collectively pooled, possession of the voucher allows the player to participate in the second gaming segment.
FIG. 4(A-B) is a schematic block diagram depicting one embodiment of the present invention, similar to the method depicted in FIG. 3(A-B), with the noted modifications as follows. A determination is made if at least the minimum number of selected game symbols, i.e. 3 of the six-number Lotto game selections, on a player's ticket match the main six symbols drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw in any order 205. If there are at least 3 matching symbols, the player is a winner and redeems the ticket for a 1^st prize payout 207. If there are not at least 3 matching symbols, the player is not a winner and the game is over 208. Upon the end of a pre-defined period, such as a calendar or fiscal year, data representing each of the finite winners in multiple categories are collectively pooled together 212, such as jackpot winners, winners with five matching numbers, four matching numbers, and three matching numbers, etc., and at least one second gaming segment winner is selected 214 from the combined categories.
Once selected, a determination is made 216 whether the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the first wager to play the first gaming segment, i.e. as a traditional $1.00 lotto ticket or the second wager to play the first gaming segment, i.e. as a $2.00 premium ticket with the first and second gaming segment feature. If the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the first wager to play the first gaming segment, the second gaming segment selected winner(s) receives a first 2^ndprize payout which is equal to zero 218, and the game is over.
If the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the second wager to play the first gaming segment, the second gaming segment selected winner(s) receives a second 2^nd prize payout 220, such as an amount equal to their initial 1^stprize payout, a percentage or multiplier of that amount, an amount based on ticket sales, an amount equal the taxes on all their winnings, or another amount.
In one embodiment, if the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the first wager to play the first gaming segment, the second gaming segment selected winner(s) wins a first 2^ndprize payout that is greater than zero, but less than the prize payout would have been if the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the second wager to play the first gaming segment.
The enhanced benefit to this method is the greatly increased & finite odds of winning a second, possibly much larger prize payout even if the winner won a small 1^stpayout initially. For example, a typical traditional lotto offers a player a 41,000,000 to 1 chance of winning a major jackpot. In a calendar year, if there are a combined total of 100,000 winners comprising 3 matching, 4 matching, 5 matching, or all 6 matching number winners, who are all pooled together for the second gaming segment, every winner has a 1 in 100,000 chance of winning the 2^ndprize payout, regardless of the amount of their initial 1^stpayout winnings.
FIG. 5(A-B) is a schematic block diagram depicting one embodiment of the present invention pertaining to a guaranteed 2^ndprize payout. In previous embodiments taught, a 2^ndprize payout is awarded if the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the second wager to play the first gaming segment. If the second gaming segment selected winner(s) initially paid the first wager to play the first gaming segment, a first 2^ndprize payout equal to zero is awarded.
In the present embodiment, only winners of the first gaming segment who initially paid the second wager to play the first gaming segment are eligible to participate in the second gaming segment. If the winners initially paid the second wager, they are participants in the second gaming segment and at least one second gaming segment winner is selected 214 from this remaining group. The second gaming segment selected winner(s) receives a second 2^nd prize payout 220, such as an amount equal to their 1^stprize payout, a percentage or multiplier of that amount, an amount based on ticket sales, an amount equal the taxes on all their winnings, or another amount.
The enhanced benefit to this method is the greatly increased & finite odds of winning a second 2^ndprize payout combined with the guarantee of a second 2^ndprize payout. In one embodiment, the second gaming segment is replaced with a straight prize enhancement option, i.e. if a player paid a second or premium wager to obtain the lottery prize enhancement option and won a 1^stprize payout, the enhancement option could be applied to enhance the prize payout.
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention depicting pre-printed, scratch-off lottery tickets incorporating the first and second gaming segment feature.
In the present embodiment, a player purchases an instant win, scratch-off lottery ticket with the first and second gaming feature of the present invention already incorporated at a premium cost 224, i.e. an additional $1.00 per ticket. The player scratches the ticket play indicia to determine if they are a winner 226. If the ticket provides for a winning outcome, the player is a winner and redeems the ticket for the specified 1^st prize payout 228. If the ticket does not provide for a winning outcome, the player does not receive a 1^stprize payout and the game is over 230.
Upon the end of a pre-defined period, such as a calendar or fiscal year, data representing the finite number of recorded 1^stprize payout winners are pooled together in a single category 210, i.e. jackpot winners; or in multiple categories 212, and at least one second gaming segment winner is selected 214. The selected second gaming segment winner (s) receives a second 2^nd prize payout 220, such as an amount equal to their initial prize amount, a percentage or multiplier of that amount, an amount based on ticket sales, an amount equal the taxes on all their winnings, or another amount.
FIG. 7 depicts a game of chance with a post-game increasing odds feature. A player is required to pay a wager to play a game of chance where a winner is selected through random selection or random symbol selection. A player pays the wager and selects the symbols to play, i.e. six lotto numbers from a lotto play slip 199. The game is played and a determination is made if the six-number Lotto game selection on their ticket matches the main six numbers drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw 206.
If the six-number Lotto game selection (or maximum-number of matches possible) on their ticket matches the main six numbers drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw—in any order—they are a jackpot winner 207 and receive a jackpot or grand prize payout. If the six-number Lotto game selection (or maximum-number of matches possible) on their ticket do not all match the main six numbers drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw, the player has the option to modify, or claim credit for modifying at least one symbol of the pre-selected symbols on their ticket by at least one integer after the first gaming segment is over, to enhance their winning outcome 209, i.e. if one of the numbers on their lotto ticket was a “7”, the player would have the option to “change that number”, or claim redeeming credit for having either an “8” or a “6” on their ticket in replacement of the “7”, after the game is over, to enhance their winning outcome. In one embodiment, the payout they receive is the same as if they originally chose the replacing number. In one embodiment, the prize payout they receive is a reduced amount, i.e. half of the prize amount they would have received if they originally chose the replacing number. In one embodiment, the player has the option of changing a plurality of symbols by a plurality of integers. In one embodiment, the post-game symbol-changing feature is only available if a premium or 2^ndwager was paid to play the game, i.e. $2.00.
FIG. 8 depicts a game of chance with a pre-game increasing odds feature. A player is required to pay a wager to play a game of chance where a winner is selected through random selection or random symbol selection. A player selects a higher amount of symbols to participate in the game than the maximum amount drawn in the game of chance without changing the amount of matching symbols necessary to achieve a winning outcome, i.e. a player can select 8 lotto numbers instead of 6 lotto numbers 201. The player pays the pre-determined wager; the lottery retailer enters the player's selections into the terminal and gives the player the corresponding Lotto game ticket containing a higher amount of numbers than the amount drawn in the lotto game, i.e. 8 numbers 203.
The game is played and a determination is made if at least the minimum number of selected game symbols, i.e. 3 of the eight game symbol selections, on a player's ticket match the main six symbols drawn in the relevant Lotto game draw in any order 205. If there are at least 3 matching symbols, the player is a winner and redeems the ticket for a 1^stprize payout. If at least six of the numbers selected on their ticket match the main six numbers drawn (or maximum number drawn) in the relevant Lotto game draw—in any order—they are a jackpot winner 207 and receive a jackpot or grand prize payout. If there are not at least a minimum amount of matching symbols required to achieve a winning outcome, the player is not a winner and the game is over 208.
In one embodiment, there is a premium or second wager required to participate in the aforementioned gaming segments with the enhanced winning options; only players who paid the second wager are able to select a higher amount of symbols than the maximum amount drawn in the game of chance.
FIG. 9 depicts a casino second gaming segment blanket option for a specified period of time that is applicable to a plurality of first gaming segments. A player pays consideration and obtains a blanket second gaming segment option for a specified period of time that is applicable to a plurality of first gaming segments 300. The option allows the player to add the second gaming segment feature to pre-approved games of chance that resulted in a winning outcome for the player within the specified time period within the casino entity, i.e. a player pays an independent fee to a casino to cover the 3 days the player will be participating in the casino's games of chance. The player plays the casino entity's games of chance during the specified period of time 301.
A determination is made if the games of chance the player participated in during the specified period of time are approved for the second gaming feature and result in a winning outcome 302. If the games of chance the player participates in during the 3 day period are approved for the second gaming feature and resulted in a winning outcome, the player would have the option to add a second gaming segment feature to the initial game of chance that resulted in a winning outcome for the player 304; the second gaming segment being identical to at least one of the plurality of second gaming segments taught herein.
In one embodiment, the blanket second gaming segment option is offered at no additional cost for promotional or marketing purposes. In one embodiment, the blanket gaming segment option is obtained through a minimum amount of playing or winning activity achieved by the player. In one embodiment, the second gaming segment is replaced with a straight prize enhancement option, i.e. if a player obtained the enhancement option and won a 1^stprize payout, the option could be applied to enhance the prize payout.
In one embodiment the second gaming segment is a random drawing. In one embodiment, the second gaming segment of the methods and embodiments taught herein is assignable. In one embodiment, the amount of the 2^ndprize payout is modified based on the amount of the wager the player paid to participate in the first gaming segment. In one embodiment, at least one of the games of chance in the methods and embodiments taught herein are replaced with a game of skill.
It should be understood that, while the invention is described herein in terms of a lotto and instant win, scratch-off lottery ticket, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. The invention is also capable of being applied to bingo, keno, poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, slot machine games, progressive games, all casino games, raffles, auctions, contests, sweepstakes, drawings, and any type of a game or venue of chance where players pay a form of consideration to participate.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact steps shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications, steps, combinations of steps, features and equivalents that may be resorted to, in order to provide a game of chance with a first gaming segment and a second gaming segment offering increased odds by limiting the second game of chance participants to winners of the first gaming segment throughout a defined period who initially paid a second wager to play the first gaming segment, before their initial win; or a to provide a system whereby a percentage of the second 2^ndprize payout is funded by a percentage of the revenues received from at least one player who paid a second, premium wager to play a game of chance with the first and second gaming segment feature, fall within the scope of the invention.
It is appreciated that not every implementation will necessarily embody all or even most of the specific embodiments, details and extensions discussed above in relation to the basic method. The games, methods and systems are described in the above manner to reduce the need for external reference when attempting to understand the context in which the alternative embodiments and aspects of the present invention operate. For that matter, it is to be appreciated that all embodiments taught are applicable to all games, methods and systems presented herein, and fall within the scope of the invention.
Should any provision of this patent be void or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be deemed omitted and this patent with such provision omitted shall remain in full force and effect.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method for hosting a game of chance, comprising the steps of:

a. offering a first gaming segment with a first wager and a second wager;

b. generating a game piece for a player with a set of player indicia and an indication of the wager paid;

c. determining if the first gaming segment outcome qualifies the player to play a second gaming segment;

d. pooling data representing a plurality of players of the second gaming segment and selecting at least one winner;

e. determining the wager a second gaming segment winner paid to play the first gaming segment;

f. awarding a 1^stprize to the second gaming segment winner if the winner paid the first wager to play the first gaming segment; and

g. awarding a 2^ndprize to the second gaming segment winner if the winner paid the second wager to play the first gaming segment.

22. The method of claim 21 where the first wager is less than the second wager.

23. The method of claim 21 where the 1^stprize is a selected one of nothing and an amount less than the 2^ndprize.

24. The method of claim 21 where a selected one of the first gaming segment and the second gaming segment is a selected one of a lotto, lottery, instant win scratch-off lottery ticket, bingo, keno, card game, dice game, roulette, slot machine game, spin wheel, game of skill, drawing, sweepstakes, contest, raffle, progressive game, casino game, and a venue with un unpredictable outcome.

25. The method of claim 21 where the first gaming segment outcome that qualifies the player to play the second gaming segment is a selected one of the highest winning outcome possible, i.e. jackpot winners, and a winning outcome resulting in a first gaming segment prize payout.

26. The method of claim 21 where data representing a plurality of players of the second gaming segment are collectively pooled into a plurality of categories; the categories defined by the winning outcomes achieved in the first gaming segment, i.e. the number of matching numbers in the first gaming segment.

27. The method of claim 26 where the amount of the second segment prize payout is modified based on the category the data representing the winning player is selected from.

28. The method of claim 21 where the amount of the second segment prize payout is modified based on the amount of the wager a player paid to participate in the first gaming segment.

29. The method of claim 21 where the second wager is equal to the first wager for marketing and promotional purposes.

30. The method of claim 21, comprising the steps of:

a. offering a first gaming segment with a first wager and a second wager;

d. determining if the wager the player paid to play the first gaming segment qualifies the player to play the second gaming segment where the first wager does not qualify them to play the second gaming segment and the second wager does qualify them to play the second gaming segment;

e. pooling data representing a plurality of players of the second gaming segment and selecting at least one winner; and

f. awarding a prize to a second gaming segment winner.

31. The method of claim 30 where the first wager is less than the second wager.

32. The method of claim 30 where a selected one of the first gaming segment and the second gaming segment is a selected one of a lotto, lottery, instant win scratch-off lottery ticket, bingo, keno, card game, dice game, roulette, slot machine game, spin wheel, game of skill, drawing, sweepstakes, contest, raffle, progressive game, casino game, and a venue with un unpredictable outcome.

33. The method of claim 30 where the first gaming segment outcome that qualifies the player to play the second gaming segment is a selected one of the highest winning outcome possible, i.e. jackpot winners, and a winning outcome resulting in a first gaming segment prize payout.

34. The method of claim 30 where data representing a plurality of players of the second gaming segment are collectively pooled into a plurality of categories; the categories defined by the winning outcomes achieved in the first gaming segment, i.e. the number of matching numbers in the first gaming segment.

35. The method of claim 34 where the amount of the second segment prize payout is modified based on the category the data representing the winning player is selected from.

36. The method of claim 30 where the amount of the second segment prize payout is modified based on the amount of the wager a player paid to participate in the first gaming segment.

37. The method of claim 30 where the second wager is equal to the first wager for marketing and promotional purposes.

38. A method for hosting a game of chance with post-game symbol modification features, comprising the steps of:

a. offering a gaming segment with a first wager;

b. generating a game piece for a player with a set of player symbols;

c. selecting an amount of symbols based on random selection as the official winning symbols for the gaming segment;

d. determining if the first gaming segment outcome qualifies a player for a prize; where

i. players who match the maximum amount of symbols on their game piece with the official winning symbols are awarded a top prize; and

ii. players who did not match the maximum amount of symbols on their game piece with the official winning symbols can receive credit upon redemption for replacing at least one symbol on their game piece, i.e. “7” with a symbol that is a selected one of a symbol greater than the replaced symbol by at least one integer, i.e. “8” and a symbol less than the replaced symbol by at least one integer, i.e., “6” for winning enhancement purposes.

39. A method for hosting a game of chance with a pre-game enhanced odds feature, comprising the steps of:

a. offering a gaming segment with a first wager;

b. generating a game piece for a player with a set of player symbols; where

i. the amount of symbols a player selects for the gaming segment is more than the maximum amount drawn in the gaming segment as the official winning numbers;

d. determining if the first gaming segment outcome qualifies a player for a prize, the prize amount determined by the amount of matching symbols on the player's game piece with the official winning numbers.