Scratch-Off Instant Lottery Tickets with Variable Modifier Symbols and Associated Variable Modifiers

The present disclosure relates scratch-off instant lottery tickets with variable modifier symbols and associated variable modifiers, and systems and methods for generating and manufacturing same.

Scratch-off instant lottery games have been widely employed. Various scratch-off instant lottery tickets include variable symbols under a scratch-off coating. The scratch-off-coating (“SOC”) is used to ensure that the instant lottery ticket has not been previously used, played, or modified.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. Each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets includes: a substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated variable award amounts printed on the substrate; and a modifier legend printed on the substrate. The modifier legend includes different modifier symbols, and different modifiers associated with the different modifier symbols. For each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the different modifier symbols printed on the substrate in association with that variable game symbol set. Each of the lottery tickets also includes one or more scratch-off coatings on the substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the associated variable award amounts, the modifier legend, and the modifier symbols associated with the variable game symbol sets. For at least two of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the modifiers associated with the same modifier symbol are different.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: second different modifier symbols, and second different modifiers associated with the second different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the second different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the second modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, the first modifier symbols and second modifier symbols are the same, and for one of the first modifier symbols and for a same one of the second modifier symbols, the first and second modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different.

Various other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: the first different modifier symbols, and the first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, for the first instant lottery ticket, the first modifiers are associated with the first modifier symbols in a different manner than for the second instant lottery ticket.

Additional features are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to scratch-off instant lottery tickets of an instant lottery ticket game with dynamically determined modifier symbols and dynamically determined modifiers associated with such modifier symbols, and systems and methods for generating and manufacturing same.

In various embodiments, each of the scratch off instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game includes: (1) a substrate; (2) a first quantity of two or more separate and independent variable game symbol sets on the substrate; (3) a second quantity of two or more variable modifiers symbols on the substrate, wherein the second quantity is equal to the first quantity; (4) a static or variable game symbol set award amount legend on the substrate; (5) a variable modifier symbol legend on the substrate; (6) at least one scratch off coating on the substrate covering the variable game symbol sets, the variable modifier symbols, the game symbol set award amount legend, and the variable modifier legend; and (7) one or more informational and/or instructional areas on the substrate.

In various embodiments, for each of the scratch off instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game: (1) the variable modifier symbols are respectively associated with the variable game symbol sets; and (2) the variable modifier symbols are each associated with one of a plurality of different potential modifiers.

In various embodiments, for each of the scratch off instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game: (1) the modifiers are all different; (2) two or more but not all of the modifiers are different; or (3) two or more of the modifiers are the same.

In various embodiments, for the instant lottery ticket game, the modifiers respectively associated with the modifier symbols are different for two or more of the instant lottery tickets. Accordingly, the modifier symbol legend on two or more of the instant lottery tickets are different.

In various embodiments, all of the modifiers for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game are of the same type (such as all being multipliers).

In various embodiments, two or more of the modifiers for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game are different types (such as multipliers and static additional award amounts).

Thus, for each of two or more of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket game, the modifiers symbol legends are dynamic and thus can be different for different instant lottery tickets of the same instant lottery ticket game.

Such dynamic legends add additional variable features to instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery ticket games in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure also provides instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery ticket game in a manner that employs variable modifier legends instead of and static modifier legends for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery game.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides the variable determination of the quantities of the modifier symbols and variable determination of the different modifiers associated with the modifier symbols therewith for each instant lottery ticket for an instant lottery ticket game. For each of the instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery game, the variable quantities of the modifier symbols and the associated modifiers can be randomly determined or determined in another suitable manner for each of the instant lottery tickets of the instant lottery game. Thus, the quantities of such modifier symbols and modifiers can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for the same instant lottery ticket game.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides different placements of the determined modifiers symbols and associated modifiers that can vary from ticket to ticket for the same instant lottery ticket game. In various embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets for an instant lottery game, the variable modifier symbols can be positioned in association with one or more game symbol sets or game symbols.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides distinct advantages in comparison to the use of static modifiers and static modifier legends for each instant lottery ticket of an instant lottery ticket game. In various embodiments, the variable modifier symbols and variable modifiers can be employed in any of a wide variety of instant lottery ticket games, game themes, game play styles, and game mechanics in accordance with the present disclosure.

Examples of instant lottery tickets with variable modifier symbols, variable modifiers, and variable modifier legends for an example instant lottery ticket game in accordance with the present disclosure are described herein, but are not meant to limit the present disclosure.

1 1 FIGS.A andB 200 200 200 show a first example instant lottery ticketfor an example instant lottery game in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticketis one ticket of a plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the instant lottery ticket game that includes a symbol matching type game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with a predetermined quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three in this example). In various other embodiments, the quantities of game symbol matches that result in awards can vary. This example instant lottery ticketis physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

200 202 204 206 202 200 204 206 200 250 252 254 202 1 FIG.A 1 FIG.B 1 FIG.A This first example instant lottery ticketincludes a substrateand SOCsandon the substrate(which are in tact inand which have been removed in). The instant lottery ticketincludes decorative overprints (shown inbut not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCsand. The instant lottery ticketincludes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas,, andprinted on the substrate.

1 FIG.B 204 202 210 204 204 210 204 204 200 As shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the play areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOCare revealed. In other words, this play areaunder the SOCis what a player sees when the player removes the SOC, and what the player can view to determine the quantities of variable game symbols in each of the variable game symbol sets and the variable modifier symbols associated with those variable game symbol sets. The variable game symbols and the variable modifier symbols associated therewith can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for this same instant lottery ticket game (as further described herein) and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket can be determined by a suitable programming methodology that takes into account, among other factors, the overall award amount structure of the instant lottery ticket game, and the determined desired award amount for this instant lottery ticket.

1 FIG.B 206 202 220 206 206 210 206 206 200 As also shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the variable modifier legend areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the modifier symbols (described below) and the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols under the SOCare revealed. In other words, this play areaunder the SOCis what a player sees when the player removes the SOC, and what the player can view to determine the different modifiers that are respectively associated with the different modifier symbols, and thus how the variable modifier symbols associated with the game symbol sets will affect any award amounts won for or with respect to those game symbol sets. The modifiers associated with variable modifier symbols can vary from instant lottery ticket to instant lottery ticket for the same instant lottery ticket game and their placement on any given instant lottery ticket can be determined by a suitable programming methodology that takes into account, among other factors, the overall award amount structure of the instant lottery ticket game, and the predetermined desired award amount for this instant lottery ticket.

2 FIG.B 200 230 232 234 236 238 202 240 242 244 246 202 230 232 234 236 239 231 233 235 237 238 202 230 232 234 236 238 241 243 245 247 240 242 244 246 202 230 232 234 236 238 200 240 242 244 246 230 232 234 236 238 241 243 245 247 More specifically, as shown in, this example instant lottery ticketincludes: (1) variable game symbol sets,,,, andprinted on the substrate; (2) variable modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substratein association with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; (3) variable award amounts,,,, andprinted on the substraterespectively associated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; and (4) variable modifiers,,, andrespectively associated with the modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substrate. The variable game symbols (not individually labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets,,,, anddetermine if that game symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticketwinning the respective award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols,,, andassociated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, andand the respective modifiers,,, andassociated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective game symbol set is modified.

230 231 244 200 240 220 230 In this example, the first variable game symbol setincludes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the first modifier symbolis associated with the 2× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $200 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 2× multiplier).

232 233 246 200 246 220 232 In this example, the second variable game symbol setincludes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $50 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 5× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $250 (i.e., the $50 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

234 235 242 200 242 220 234 In this example, the third variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $25 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 1× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the third variable game symbol set.

236 237 240 200 240 220 236 In this example, the fourth variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 10× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the fourth variable game symbol set.

238 239 246 200 246 220 238 In this example, the fifth variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 2× multiplier as shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the fifth variable game symbol set.

200 This example lottery ticketshows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) a same modifier symbol can be associated with more than one and thus different variable game symbol sets; and (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or greater) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets.

2 2 FIGS.A andB 1 1 FIGS.A andB 300 300 300 show a second example instant lottery ticketfor same example instant lottery game as the instant lottery ticket ofin accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticketis another ticket of the plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the same instant lottery ticket game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with the same quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three). This example instant lottery ticketis also physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

300 302 304 306 302 300 304 306 300 350 352 354 302 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.A This second example instant lottery ticketincludes a substrateand SOCsandon the substrate(which are in tact inand which have been removed in). The instant lottery ticketincludes decorative overprints (shown inbut not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCsand. The instant lottery ticketincludes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas,, andprinted on the substrate.

2 FIG.B 304 302 310 304 304 As shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the play areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOCare revealed.

2 FIG.B 306 302 320 306 306 As also shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the variable modifier legend areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the modifier symbols and the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols under the SOCare revealed.

2 FIG.B 200 As can be seen in, the modifier symbols are the same as the modifier symbols of the instant lottery ticket, but the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols are different.

2 FIG.B 300 330 332 334 336 338 302 340 342 344 346 302 330 332 334 336 338 331 333 335 337 339 302 330 332 334 336 338 341 343 345 347 340 342 344 346 302 330 332 334 336 338 300 340 342 344 346 330 332 334 336 338 More specifically, as shown in, this example instant lottery ticketincludes: (1) variable game symbol sets,,,, andprinted on the substrate; (2) variable modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substratein association with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; (3) variable award amounts,,,, andprinted on the substraterespectively associated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; and (4) variable modifiers,,, andassociated with the modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substrate. The variable game symbols (not labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets,,,, anddetermine if that symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticketwinning that award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols,,, andassociated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, andand the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective symbol set is modified.

330 331 342 300 340 341 320 330 In this example, the first variable game symbol setincludes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the first modifier symbolis associated with the 10× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $1000 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

332 333 344 300 342 347 320 332 In this example, the second variable game symbol setincludes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $50 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the second modifier symbolis associated with the 5× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $250 (i.e., the $50 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

334 337 340 300 340 345 320 334 In this example, the third variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $25 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 2× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the third variable game symbol set.

336 344 300 344 347 320 336 In this example, the fourth variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 5× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the fourth variable game symbol set.

338 339 346 300 346 343 320 338 In this example, the fifth variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the first modifier symbolis associated with the 1× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the fifth variable game symbol set.

300 200 300 This example lottery ticketshows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) the same modifier symbol can be associated with different variable game symbol sets; (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or more) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets; (3) the modifier symbols can be associated with different modifiers from ticket to ticket (such as comparing ticketto ticket); (4) the modifiers symbols can be associated with the game symbol sets in different manners; and (5) tickets with the exact same game symbol sets and exact same associated awards can result in different winning amounts due to the different modifier symbols associated with those game symbol sets and the different modifiers associated with those modifier symbols.

3 3 FIGS.A andB 1 1 FIGS.A andB 2 2 FIGS.A andB 400 400 400 show a third example instant lottery ticketfor same example instant lottery game as the instant lottery ticket ofand the instant lottery ticket ofin accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticketis another ticket of the plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the instant lottery ticket game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with the same quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three). This example instant lottery ticketis also physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

400 402 404 406 402 400 404 406 400 450 452 454 402 3 FIG.A 3 FIG.B 3 FIG.A This third example instant lottery ticketincludes a substrateand SOCsandon the substrate(which are in tact inand which have been removed in). The instant lottery ticketincludes decorative overprints (shown inbut not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCsand. The instant lottery ticketincludes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas,, andprinted on the substrate.

3 FIG.B 404 402 410 404 404 200 300 As shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the play areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOCare revealed. In this example, the award amounts associated with the game symbol sets are different than for the above two described ticketsand.

3 FIG.B 406 402 420 406 406 As also shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the variable modifier legend areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the modifier symbols and the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols under the SOCare revealed.

3 FIG.B 440 442 446 448 340 342 344 346 240 242 244 246 200 300 As can be seen in, the modifier symbols,,, andare the same as the modifier symbols,,, andand the modifier symbols,,, andof the instant lottery ticketsand, but the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols are different.

3 FIG.B 400 430 432 434 436 438 402 440 442 444 446 402 430 432 434 436 438 431 433 435 437 438 402 430 432 434 436 438 441 443 445 447 440 442 444 446 402 430 432 434 436 438 400 440 442 444 446 430 432 434 436 438 More specifically, as shown in, this example instant lottery ticketincludes: (1) variable game symbol sets,,,, andprinted on the substrate; (2) variable modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substratein association with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; (3) variable award amounts,,,, andprinted on the substraterespectively associated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; and (4) variable modifiers,,, andassociated with the modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substrate. The variable game symbols (not labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets,,,, anddetermine if that symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticketwinning that award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols,,, andassociated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, andand the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective symbol set is modified.

430 431 440 400 440 441 420 430 In this example, the first variable game symbol setincludes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $40 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 5× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $200 (i.e., the $40 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

432 433 342 300 442 443 420 432 In this example, the second variable game symbol setincludes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $30 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the second modifier symbolis associated with the 5× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $150 (i.e., the $30 award amount modified by the 5× multiplier).

434 446 400 446 445 420 434 In this example, the third variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the third modifier symbolis associated with the 2× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the third variable game symbol set.

436 437 440 400 342 447 420 436 In this example, the fourth variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the second modifier symbolis associated with the 5× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the fourth variable game symbol set.

438 439 444 300 444 443 440 430 In this example, the fifth variable game symbol setdoes not include any three matching symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $200 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 2× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. No award results from the fifth variable game symbol set.

400 200 300 400 This example lottery ticketshows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) the same modifier symbol can be associated with different variable game symbol sets; (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or greater) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets; (3) the same modifier symbols can be associated with different modifiers from ticket to ticket (such as comparing tickets, ticketand ticket); (4) different variable amounts can be associated with the same symbol sets from ticket to ticket; and (5) the same modifiers can be associated with different modifier symbols.

4 4 FIGS.A andB 1 1 FIGS.A andB 2 2 FIGS.A andB 3 3 FIGS.A andB 500 500 500 show a fourth example instant lottery ticketfor same example instant lottery game as the instant lottery ticket of, the instant lottery ticket of, and the instant lottery ticket ofin accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, the instant lottery ticketis another ticket of the plurality of different instant lottery tickets that are part of the instant lottery ticket game. For this example instant lottery ticket game, the award amounts are associated with the same quantity of matching symbols (wherein the quantity is three). This example instant lottery ticketis also physical, but can be virtual in alternative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

500 502 504 506 502 500 504 506 500 550 552 554 502 4 FIG.A 4 FIG.B 4 FIG.A This fourth example instant lottery ticketincludes a substrateand SOCsandon the substrate(which are in tact inand which have been removed in). The instant lottery ticketincludes decorative overprints (shown inbut not labeled) on or that are part of the SOCsand. The instant lottery ticketincludes various player instructions such as the example player instructions in player instruction areas,, andprinted on the substrate.

4 FIG.B 504 502 510 504 504 As shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the play areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the variable game symbol sets (described below) and modifier symbols (described below) associated with the variable game symbol sets under the SOCare revealed.

4 FIG.B 506 502 520 506 506 As also shown in, when the SOCis removed from the substrate, the variable modifier legend areaunder the SOCis revealed and all of the modifier symbols (described below) and the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols under the SOCare revealed.

4 FIG.B 540 542 544 546 240 242 246 248 200 300 400 As can be seen in, the modifier symbols,,, andare the same as the modifier symbols,,, andof the instant lottery tickets,, andbut the respective modifiers (described below) associated with those modifier symbols are different.

4 FIG.B 400 530 532 534 536 538 502 540 542 544 546 502 530 532 534 536 538 531 533 535 537 538 502 530 532 534 536 538 541 543 545 547 540 542 544 546 502 530 532 534 536 538 500 540 542 544 546 530 532 534 536 538 More specifically, as shown in, this example instant lottery ticketincludes: (1) variable game symbol sets,,,, andprinted on the substrate; (2) variable modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substratein association with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; (3) variable award amounts,,,, andprinted on the substraterespectively associated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, and; and (4) variable modifiers,,, andassociated with the modifier symbols,,, andprinted on the substrate. The variable game symbols (not labeled) of each of the variable game symbol sets,,,, anddetermine if that game symbol set results in the player of the instant lottery ticketwinning that award amount associated with that variable game symbol set. The variable modifier symbols,,, andassociated with the variable game symbol sets,,,, andand the respective modifiers associated with those modifier symbols determine if the award amount (if any) that is won for that respective symbol set is modified.

530 531 540 500 540 543 520 530 In this example, the first variable game symbol setincludes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 10× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $1000 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

532 533 542 500 542 541 520 532 In this example, the second variable game symbol setincludes three matching dollar-sign symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $100 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 10× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $1000 (i.e., the $100 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

534 535 542 500 542 541 520 534 In this example, the third variable game symbol setincludes three matching dollar bill symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $200 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the third modifier symbolis associated with the 10× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $2000 (i.e., the $300 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

536 537 542 500 542 541 520 536 In this example, the fourth variable game symbol setincludes three matching reel symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $10 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 10× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $100 (i.e., the $10 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

538 539 546 500 546 547 520 536 In this example, the fifth variable game symbol setincludes three matching coin stack symbols (not labeled), is associated with a $50 award amount, and is associated with the modifier symbol. For this example instant lottery ticket, the modifier symbolis associated with the 10× multiplieras shown in the variable modifier legend area. Thus, the total award for the variable game symbol setis $500 (i.e., the $50 award amount modified by the 10× multiplier).

500 200 300 400 This example lottery ticketshows various components of the present disclosure such as but not limited to: (1) the same modifier symbol can be associated with multiple different variable game symbol sets; (2) the quantity of modifier symbols can be different (such as less than or more) than the quantity of variable game symbol sets; (3) the same modifier symbols can be associated with different modifiers from ticket to ticket (such as comparing tickets,, and); and (4) the same modifier can be associated with different modifier symbols.

200 300 400 500 In the above examples, each of the variable game symbol sets are indicated as a separate game (i.e., games 1 to 5) on these example tickets,,, and; however, it should be appreciated that the sets and/or games can vary in accordance with the present disclosure.

5 6 FIGS.and show different example modifier symbols and modifiers configurations that can be employed for different tickets for the different game symbol sets on each of the tickets of an instant lottery ticket game of the above example embodiment or in various other embodiments of the present disclosure.

7 FIG. In various other embodiments, the modifier symbols and modifiers, can be associated with different types of variable game symbol sets or different types of separate games such as shown in.

In various other embodiments, one or more or all of the variable game symbol sets can include only one game symbol and one modifier symbol (and thus variable modifiers) associated with those variable game symbol sets in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various other embodiments, one or more or all of the variable game symbol sets can include only one game symbol and more than one modifier symbols (and thus variable modifiers) associated with those variable game symbol sets in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, for each instant lottery ticket of each instant lottery game, one method of the present disclosure includes; (1) determining a first quantity of variable symbol sets for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the first quantity is at least two; (2) determining each of the symbols of each of the variable symbol sets and a variable award amount associated with that variable symbol set; (3) printing the variable symbol sets and associated award amounts on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; (4) determining a second quantity of the modifier symbols for that instant lottery ticket, wherein the second quantity is at least two; (5) determining for each of the second quantity of the variable modifier symbols a variable modifier associated with that modifier symbol; (6) printing that variable modifier symbols and the associated modifiers on the play area of the substrate for that instant lottery ticket; and (7) applying one or more scratch-off coatings on the substrate that covers all of the variable game symbol sets, the variable award amounts, the variable modifier symbols, and the variable modifiers printed on the substrate.

It should be appreciated that for the variable game symbols, variable award amounts, variable modifier symbols, and variable modifiers can be in any suitable positions on the play area, can be of any suitable sizes, can be of any suitable colors, can be rotated at any suitable angles, and can be otherwise suitably formed for variability that offers both aesthetic and security benefits for the instant lottery tickets. The quantities of all of these variable game symbols, award amounts, modifier symbols, and/or modifiers can also vary from ticket to ticket of an instant lottery game. The result of this configuration is an instant lottery game with a virtually unlimited arrangement of the variable game symbols, variable award amounts, variable modifier symbols, and variable modifiers, all arranged to provide no winning outcome or a winning outcome (with one or more associated predetermined award amounts) in accordance with the award amount structure for the instant lottery game.

In various embodiments, the variable game symbols, variable award amounts, variable modifier symbols, and variable modifiers can be more traditional black symbols or can be process color symbols produced by printing a variety of colors in discrete combinations of primary component color inks. While there are multiple combinations of primary component inks available for process colors, various embodiments provide mixtures of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks.

It should be appreciated from that above that various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. Each of the plurality of instant lottery tickets includes: a substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated variable award amounts printed on the substrate; and a modifier legend printed on the substrate. The modifier legend includes different modifier symbols, and different modifiers associated with the different modifier symbols. For each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the different modifier symbols printed on the substrate in association with that variable game symbol set. Each of the lottery tickets also includes one or more scratch-off coatings on the substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the associated variable award amounts, the modifier legend, and the modifier symbols associated with the variable game symbol sets. For at least two of the plurality of instant lottery tickets, the modifiers associated with the same modifier symbol are different. In various such embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets, all of the modifiers associated with the modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for one of the instant lottery tickets, a plurality of the modifiers associated with the modifier symbols are the same. In various such embodiments, for one of the instant lottery tickets, all of the modifiers associated with the modifier symbols are the same. In various such embodiments, for two of the instant lottery tickets, an order of the same modifiers in the modifier legend are different. In various such embodiments, for one of the instant lottery tickets, the same modifier symbol is associated with each of a plurality of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets. In various such embodiments for one of the instant lottery tickets, the same modifier symbol is associated with each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets. In various such embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets, the modifier symbol respectively associated with the first quantity of variable game symbol sets is the modifier symbol positioned adjacent to that variable game symbol set. In various such embodiments, for each of the instant lottery tickets, each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets comprises a plurality of game symbols.

It should further be appreciated from that above that various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respectively associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: second different modifier symbols, and second different modifiers associated with the second different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the second different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the second modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, the first modifier symbols and second modifier symbols are the same, and for one of the first modifier symbols and for a same one of the second modifier symbols, the first and second modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for the first instant lottery ticket, all of the first modifiers associated with the first modifier symbols are different, and for the second instant lottery ticket, all of the second modifiers associated with the second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for each one of a plurality of the first modifier symbols and for each of a same one of the second modifier symbols, the modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for each of the first modifier symbols and for each of a same one of the second modifier symbols, the modifiers associated with those first and second modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, a plurality of the first modifiers are different than each of a plurality of the second modifiers. In various such embodiments, all of the first modifiers are different than all of the second modifiers. In various such embodiments, for the first instant lottery ticket, the same first modifier symbol is associated with each of a plurality of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets.

It should be appreciated from that above that various other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a plurality of instant lottery tickets for a same instant lottery ticket game. The plurality of instant lottery tickets include a first instant lottery ticket and a second instant lottery ticket. The first instant lottery ticket includes: a first substrate; a first quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated first variable award amounts printed on the first substrate; a first modifier legend printed on the first substrate, the first modifier legend comprising: first different modifier symbols, and first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the first substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more first scratch-off coatings on the first substrate and covering: the first quantity of variable game symbol sets, the first associated variable award amounts, the first modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the first variable game symbol sets. The second instant lottery ticket includes: a second substrate; a second quantity of variable game symbol sets and respective associated second variable award amounts printed on the second substrate; a second modifier legend printed on the second substrate, the second modifier legend comprising: the first different modifier symbols, and the first different modifiers associated with the first different modifier symbols; for each of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, one of the first different modifier symbols printed on the second substrate in association with that variable game symbol set; and one or more second scratch-off coatings on the second substrate and covering: the second quantity of variable game symbol sets, the second associated variable award amounts, the second modifier legend, and the first modifier symbols associated with the second variable game symbol sets. Additionally, for the first instant lottery ticket, the first modifiers are associated with the first modifier symbols in a different manner than for the second instant lottery ticket. In various such embodiments, for the second instant lottery ticket, the same second modifier symbol is associated with each of a plurality of the second quantity of variable game symbol sets. In various such embodiments, for the first instant lottery ticket, all of the first modifiers associated with the first modifier symbols are different and for the second instant lottery ticket, all of the first modifiers associated with the first modifier symbols are different. In various such embodiments, for each the first modifier symbols of the first instant lottery ticket, the first modifier associated with that modifier symbol is different that the first modifier associated with that modifier symbol of the second instant lottery ticket.

8 FIG. 800 800 800 801 802 803 809 809 800 800 804 805 806 Additionally,shows one example instant lottery ticket printing press configurationcapable of manufacturing the instant lottery tickets described above. The instant lottery ticket printing press configurationincludes a hybrid flexographic and digital imager printing press used to produce the backgrounds, the game symbols, award amounts, modifier symbols, and modifiers and SOCs on the substrates of instant lottery tickets. The printing pressis configured to unravel a paper web substrate from a rolland flexographically printlower security coatings and a primer in the scratch-off area as well as optionally print displays (i.e., the regions on the front of the instant lottery ticket not covered by SOC) and the back of the instant lottery ticket's non-variable information. The press web enters a secured imager room where the variable symbols are applied by an imager. The imager employed can be a process color imager(such as Memjet® Duralink) instead of a monochromatic imager. The process color imagerhas the advantage of full-color printing, since the imager is equipped with multiple discrete print heads each imaging a primary component color (such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as indicated in). The instant lottery ticket printing press configurationcan be in accordance with the industry standard for producing instant lottery tickets with a second, monochromatic, imagerutilized to print the variable information presented on the back of the substrate (e.g., inventory barcode). Subsequently, a series of flexographic print stationsprint the upper security layers of and instant lottery ticket (such as a clear release coat, an upper blocking black coat, and/or a white coating) as well as the decorative overprint with the web being rewound into a rollfor storage and ultimate processing by a separate packaging line.

Various changes and modifications to the present embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required, or that each of the disclosed components must communicate with every other component. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure. As such, these changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended technical scope. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.