WO2016170536A1

WO2016170536A1 - Lottery online system and player-specific terminal device

Info

Publication number: WO2016170536A1
Application number: PCT/IL2016/050415
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roni Orpaz
Original assignee: Roni Orpaz
Priority date: 2015-04-23
Filing date: 2016-04-21
Publication date: 2016-10-27
Also published as: WO2016170536A8

Abstract

An identification device and system for online/offline supervising and managing game of chance, which comprises: an electronic identification device; a server or a centralized website by which updated player-specific personal data is accessible; a user terminal device that is in data communication with both the electronic identification device and the server and a gaming platform for allowing an authorized player to participate in a game. The electronic identification device comprises an identifying unit by which the player inputs personal information, and the user terminal device is operable to transmit a player identifier associated with the player to the server after the input personal information has been verified. The server is operable to retrieve and analyze the updated player- specific personal data associated with the player and to transmit a deny signal to the user terminal device to prevent the player from participating in the game if the retrieved player- specific personal data is indicative that the player is not allowed to participate in the game.

Description

LOTTERY ONLINE SYSTEM AND PLAYER-SPECIFIC TERMINAL DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of lottery systems. More particularly, the invention relates to an online user-specific terminal device for online supervising and limiting lottery games, as well as other games of chance.

Background of the Invention

Lottery games, as well as other games of chance, are widespread all over the world. Such games and especially lottery games are regulated by governments, in order to make them legal and to avoid any intervention of criminal entities in the games penetrating into the market. In turn, governments assign only a part of the collected money to winners, while the major part is directed to projects in the community, such as education, health systems culture art, etc. However, even though all the activities involved with conducting lottery games are regulated, still there are social problems that are difficult to overcome.

One of the main problems is addiction of players. Many players who come from relatively lower socioeconomic layers have the perception of a chance to improve their financial state. As a result, many of them lose most of their income, trying to win, since their participation is not limited. The same problem became even more severe when online technologies became available and have been implemented in the field of lottery games. Today, any person may access gami ng websites via his terminal device which is connected online, without the need to leave home. Also, debit and credit are made online, which make access even easier.

Another problem arises with anonymity of the lottery game. This allows minors and even children to participate in online games, without knowledge of their parents. In addition, the anonymity allows money laundering by criminal entities, who may "buy" winning cards and credits from ordinary winners (usually for more money than the won prize).

It is therefore clear that transparency and effective supervision on lottery games cannot be achieved using existing tools, which are currently available to the regulators (official authorities who should supervise lottery games).

It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective supervision tool on lottery games and other games of chance.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an effective supervision tool on lottery games and other games of chance, which will prevent money laundering. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an effective supervision tool on lottery games and other games of chance, which will prevent participation of children and minors.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an effective supervision tool on lottery games and other games of chance, which will reduce the addiction of players.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an effective supervision tool on lottery games and other games of chance, which will allow a regulation authority to limit possible bets of each player for a predetermined time period.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to an identification device and system for online/offline supervising and managing game of chance (such as lottery), which comprises^

a) an electronic identification device!

b) a server or a centralized website by which updated player-specific personal data is accessible! c) a user terminal device that is in data communication with both the electronic identification device and the server!

d) a gaming platform for allowing an authorized player to participate in a game. The electronic identification device comprises an identifying unit by which the player inputs personal information, and the user terminal device is operable to transmit a player identifier associated with the player to the server after the input personal information has been verified, whereupon the server is operable to retrieve and analyze the updated player-specific personal data associated with the player and to transmit a deny signal to the user terminal device to prevent the player from participating in the game if the retrieved player-specific personal data is indicative that the player is not allowed to participate in the game.

Communication between the electronic identification device and the user terminal device may be made using short rage wireless transmission or USB/micro-USB.

The player- specific personal data may include one or more of the following:

- banking details;

- criminal records!

- age of the player!

- playing history!

- financial data. The terminal device of the player may be selected from, and interfaced with, the group of

- Smartphone!

- Tablet;

- PC;

- Laptop computer.

The user terminal device may comprise an application, which is adapted to terminate the authorization process if received player-specific data is inconsistent with the authorization conditions. Upon receiving decision is that the player is authorized to participate, a temporary participation code is transmitted to the player's terminal device via the electronic identification device.

Whenever the player activates the electronic identification device in order to participate in a game, the electronic identification device communicates with a gaming website/server of the regulator/server of license providers, which is secured and adapted to perform all required actions for the player

The website may perform one or more of the following actions:

- submitting a request to participate in a specific game!

- receiving authorization;

- conducting the game;

- charging all participating players! - crediting winning players!

- checking the history of players!

- limiting bets in response to checking the history of players!

- assigning a game reference number.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

- Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an online player identification system, according to one embodiment of the present invention!

- Figs. 2-3 are a schematic possible illustrations of an electronic identification device in the form of a user-specific terminal device, in conjunction with the system of Fig. 1!

- Figs. 4-5 illustrate the data flow between the electronic identification device, the user terminal device and the gaming server, according to embodiments of the invention!

- Fig. 6 illustrates the data flow between the electronic identification device and a gaming website, according to different embodiments of the invention! and

- Fig. 7 illustrates the process of an identified login operation, according to different embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

In the identification device and system for online supervising and managing lottery games (or other game of chance) proposed by the present invention, each player is presented with an electronic identification device that is required to be used prior to participating in a game of chance, such as a lottery game. The electronic identification device comprises an identifying unit that interfaces with a terminal device of the player (such as a smartphone), which in turn communicates with the server of a centralized website.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an online player identification system, generally designated by numeral 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 10 comprises an electronic identification device 5, a gaming server 20 for a centralized website by which information related to allowed players can be accessed, and user terminal device 15 that is adapted to interface with both electronic identification device 5 and gaming server 20. User terminal device 15 transmits an enable signal E to gaming platform 25, after receiving information from both electronic identification device 5 and gaming server 20 that is indicative that the player is authorized to participate in the game of chance.

Gaming server 20 has access to players' personal data which is burned into the electronic identification device 5 or received from one or more authoritative sources. The personal data may include, but not limited to, age of the player, playing history, financial data such as bank count details (for payment of winning prize and for charging him for his bets), criminal records etc. The player's personal data is updated on a regular basis, and may provide more accurate information than what may be available from electronic identification device 5. Even though this player's personal data is generally confidential information, third parties are unable to access data transmitted to user terminal device 15, and therefore the confidentiality is not compromised.

Electronic identification device 5 in the form of a user-specific terminal device is schematically illustrated in Fig. 2. A potential player is granted the small user- specific terminal device, which may be sized to fit on a keychain, at the receiving office of a governmental agency. A memory device 2 is burned at the governmental regulation agency with unchangeable player-specific information, including, but not limited to, name, gender, identification number, scanned biometric information, birth date, criminal records, financial records etc. Since memory device 2 is burned, the data stored therein cannot be modified by unscrupulous people.

A biometric reader 3, such as a fingerprint, palm vein or iris scanner, is housed within casing 1, and the scanner is accessible to a corresponding body part of a player to be authorized. A processor 6 is in data communication with both memory device 2 and biometric reader 3, and will terminate the authorization process if the currently scanned biometric information does not match the biometric information that is stored in memory device 2.

A short range transceiver 7, for example operable in accordance with the Bluetooth protocol, transmits an authorization request signal R to user terminal device 15 (Fig. l) after processor 6 determines that the currently scanned biometric information matches the stored biometric information. Authorization request signal R is modulated with, or otherwise provided with, the player- specific information retrieved from memory device 2. The various components of electronic identification device 5 are powered by battery 9, or any other suitable power source. Alternatively, a wired connection such as USB/micro-USB may be used.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates user terminal device 15. User terminal device 15 comprises a short range transceiver 16 for receiving the authorization request signal together with the player- specific information provided therewith from the electronic identification device 5, and an application 21 in data communication with transceiver 16. Application 21 stored in memory module 18 is adapted to terminate the authorization process if received player- specific data is inconsistent with the authorization conditions, for example if the player has criminal records, the player has already played and exceeded a predetermined investment amount (e.g., $ 200 per months) or is a child or a minor.

User terminal device 15 (which may be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or a PC) comprises a communication unit 17 for establishing a communication channel C with gaming server 20 (Fig. l), by one or more protocols selected from GSM, Wi- Fi, Bluetooth, RF, RFID, NFC, USB and RS232. The communication channel C is preferably programmed to access the IP address of gaming server 20, but communication unit 17 may also be configured to communicate at a predetermined frequency. Communication unit 17 may interface with memory module 18 and software module 19 in order to initiate an encryption process for the data that is transmitted between communication unit 17 and gaming server 20.

Application 21 commands the transmission of player- specific information, e.g. the identification number, over communication channel C to gaming server 20, after receiving the authorization request signal. The gaming server 20 then retrieves and analyzes the player's personal data. An authorization signal is transmitted to user terminal device 15 if the payer's personal data and playing history is indicative that the player can participate in the game. Otherwise a deny signal is transmitted to user terminal device 15 to prevent the player from participating.

It will be appreciated that the electronic identification device may be configured with any other suitable identifying unit by which the player inputs personal information, such as a Onetime Code (OTC) used to compare information input by the player with corresponding information stored in a memory device, allowing a request to retrieve player's personal data to be transmitted to the server once the input information is verified. Fig. 4 illustrates the data flow between the electronic identification device 5, the user terminal device 15 and the gaming server 20, according to an embodiment of the invention. When the player activates the electronic identification device 5 in order to participate in a game, it communicates with the gaming server 20 (Lottery data and recording center) in the form of sending a unique ID code, along with a request for authorization to participate. The gaming server 20 checks the player's data and sends an authorization or a denial decision back to the electronic identification device 5, which communicates with the gaming platform 25 via player terminal device 15 and sends the decision whether the player is authorized or unauthorized to participate in the current game. In case when the decision is that the player is authorized to participate, the electronic identification device 5 will received a (temporary ad-hoc) participation code and will communicate with the player's terminal device 15, such that communication with the gaming platform will be allowed.

Fig. 5 illustrates the data flow between the electronic identification device 5, the user terminal device 15 and the gaming server 20, according to another embodiment of the invention. The process is essentially similar to the process illustrated in Fig. 4, but instead of communicating directly with the gaming server 20, when the player activates the electronic identification device 5 in order to participate in a game, it communicates with the gaming platform 25 (which may be a terminal device of the player with a dedicated application), which communicates with the gaming server 20 in order to submit a request to participate in a specific game and receive authorization.

Fig. 6 illustrates the data flow between the electronic identification device 5 and a gaming website, according to another embodiment of the invention. The process is essentially similar to the process illustrated in Fig. 4, but instead of communicating directly with the gaming server 20, when the player activates the electronic identification device 5 in order to participate in a game, it communicates with a gaming website 26, which is secured and adapted to perform all required actions for the player, including submitting a request to participate in a specific game, receiving authorization, conducting the game, charging all participating players and crediting winning players. The website is accessible by the players' terminal device and may also be adapted to check the history of players and limit their bets accordingly, as well as assigning a game reference number.

According to another embodiment, the electronic identification device 5 may be used to perform an identified login operations, in order to reliably identify users who connect to the internet or to websites and prevent attempts of identity theft (such as phishing, spoofing etc.). This option allows users who are interested to increase his level of trust to his profile or posts over social networks (such as Facebook). Also, website which will be interested in limiting the access of untrusted users will be able to demand such identified login. Fig. 7 illustrates the process of such identified login. In this case, a trusted (e.g., governmental) data center 70 will be solely allowed to issue electronic identification devices 5, by burning unchangeable user-specific information, including, but not limited to, name, gender, identification number, scanned biometric information, birth date, address into memory device 2. Since memory device 2 is burned, the data stored therein cannot be modified by unscrupulous people.

Upon initiating a login operation from a user's terminal device 71a (which may be for example, a laptop or tablet) or 71b (which may be for example, a smartphone), the user will be asked to input his biometric information (such as fingerprint) into the biometric reader 3 of identification devices 5. In response, identification devices 5 will transmit its unique ID code, which encapsulates partial or the entire user-specific information to trusted data center 70 and to the user's terminal device 71a or 71b, via which the user wishes to login. Then trusted data center 70 will analyze the unique ID code and only of found reliable, will be in communication with each user's terminal device and will transmit corresponding signals to the user's terminal device 71a or 71b that will indicate that the user who requested that login operation has been reliably identified. In response, the user's terminal device will connect the identified user to the desired website. Upon connection, the accessed website will also display a predetermined icon 72 on each accessed webpage (e.g., a post or a profile) that is related to an identified user, for verifying that user. This way, any other user that interfaces with the accessed webpage (e.g., a post or a profile) that is related to that user will be able to know that the identity of that user has been verified by trusted data center 70 and is therefore, authentic.

The predetermined icon 72 will be transmitted from trusted data center 70 to the user's terminal device 71a or 71b. The trusted data center 70 may generate the icon 72 according to varying predetermined parameters, so as to make it harder for an untrusted user (an attacker) to copy it and generate a fake indication that the untrusted user has been reliably identified.

In all embodiments, the player's identity is known and authenticated before and after participating in any game, such that no money laundering is possible.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An identification device and system for online/offline supervising and managing game of chance, comprising:

a) an electronic identification device;

b) a server or a centralized website by which updated player- specific personal data is accessible!

c) a user terminal device that is in data communication with both said electronic identification device and said server!

d) a gaming platform for allowing an authorized player to participate in a game,

wherein said electronic identification device comprises an identifying unit by which the player inputs personal information, and said user terminal device is operable to transmit a player identifier associated with the player to said server after said input personal information has been verified, whereupon said server is operable to retrieve and analyze the updated player- specific personal data associated with said player and to transmit a deny signal to said user terminal device to prevent said player from participating in said game if said retrieved player- specific personal data is indicative that said player is not allowed to participate in said game.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein communication between the electronic identification device and the user terminal device is made using short rage wireless transmission or USB/micro-USB.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the game of chance is lottery.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the player- specific personal data includes one or more of the following:

banking details!

criminal records!

age of the player!

playing history!

financial data.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device of the player is selected from, and interfaced with, the group of

Smartphone!

Tablet!

PC;

Laptop computer.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal device comprises an application, which is adapted to terminate the authorization process if received player- specific data is inconsistent with the authorization conditions.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein upon receiving decision is that the player is authorized to participate, a temporary participation code is transmitted to the player's terminal device via the electronic identification device.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein whenever the player activates the electronic identification device in order to participate in a game, said electronic identification device communicates with a gaming website, which is secured and adapted to perform all required actions for the player

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the website performs one or more of the following actions :

submitting a request to participate in a specific game!

receiving authorization;

conducting the game!

charging all participating players!

crediting winning players! checking the history of players!

limiting bets in response to checking the history of players! assigning a game reference number.