IE20100216U1 - A lottery gift voucher - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a lottery gift voucher, in particular a gift voucher which incorporates "scratch card" type prize panel, and a corresponding debit card style "gift card" having prepaid credit to the value of any prize indicated on the prize panel.

Description

Field of the invention This invention relates to a lottery gift voucher (gift voucher), in particular a gift voucher which incorporates aspects and/or functionality of a conventional “scratch card” and a conventional “gift card” or “debit card” in a fiised product. The product offers the recipient the chance to play and convert the gift card element from a guaranteed win of x amount to a much higher win of X plus.

Background of the invention “Scratch cards” for example as sold by Lottery agencies or the like, generally comprise a paper or cardboard card having a prize panel on the front of the card which is covered with a removable coating. The prize panel conventionally includes a “match three” type selection of symbols, whether denoting different monetary values or some other prize, whereby scratching off the removable coating reveals whether the “scratch card” is a winning card, and what cash amount or prize has been won. The card holder can then take the “scratch . carc ” to a participating outlet in order to redeem the prize.

While such “scratch cards” are very popular, they are generally purchased by an individual for personal use, and have not generally been utilised in the gift market, perhaps because of three issues. With standard lottery “scratch cards” there is a perception that such “scratch cards” are not of high enough value to be used for gift purposes. Secondly people are reluctant to buy high value “scratch cards” as gifts where the recipient is most likely to lose on the game. And thirdly givers are reluctant to give away the chance of a very high value prize win to another person.

At the same time, the use of debit/credit cart type “gift cards” has risen significantly. These “gift cards” are generally purchased for use with a particular store or chain of stores, or indeed an entire shopping complex or the like, and can be used in the same manner as a conventional debit card at each of the participating stores, and via the standard point of sale checkout systems. The “gift card” is purchase having a certain amount of credit contained thereon, which the recipient can then use to purchase items at participating stores. The value of the “gift card” can be used over several transactions, and some of these “gift cards” can be topped up with additional credit. The versatility of such “gift cards”, along with the perception that they embodied a more high value gift, have lead to their popular in the gift market.

It is therefore an object of the present invention’ to overcome the above mentioned problems in relation to lottery gifting and to provide a novel lottery gift voucher.

Summary of the invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a gift voucher comprising ls‘ and 2"d sections, the first section comprising a prize panel, and the second section comprising a card having a value redeemable against a prize shown on the prize panel.

Preferably, the 13‘ and 2'“ sections are formed integrally with one another.

Preferably, the card is separable from the gift voucher.

Preferably, the card comprises a prepaid debit card.

Preferably, the prize panel comprises a scratch card panel.

Preferably, the scratch card panel comprises an irreversibly removable coveroccluding the prize shown on the prize panel.

Preferably, the cover comprises a removable coating on the prize panel.

Preferably, the value of the card is equal to the prize.

Preferably, the first and second sections are formed integrally with one another.

Ix) Ln Brief description of the drawing Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a gifl: card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawing Referring now to the accompanying drawing there is illustrated a gift voucher, generally indicated as 10, which is intended to be sold in retail outlets that act as lottery sales agents or the like, and preferably embodies a guaranteed minimum prize, such that the gift Voucher 10 can successfully address the high value gifting market through fulfilment of both buyer and recipient motivations.

The gift voucher 10 comprises, in the embodiment illustrated, a first section 12 and a second section 14 which are formed integrally with one another in the form of a card or ticket, for example formed from paper or cardboard or the like, and which is preferably dimensioned to be easily handled for retail purposes, and small enough to fit inside a conventional or card such as a Christmas/birthday card or the like.

The first section 12 comprises a prize panel 16 in the form of a scratch card panel, while the second section 14 comprises a card 18 which is preferably separable from the giftgvoucher for example via a line of weakness 20 surrounding the card 18. The card 18 may take various fonns, for example a conventional “gift card” or a “debit card” or the like, although it is also envisaged that the card 18 could simply be in the form of a ticket, for example, providing admission to an event or the like, or any other suitable alternative. .

Returning to the prize panel 16, in the embodiment illustrated and as mentioned above, this is in the form of a scratch card panel provided with a base layer 22011 which prize icons or indications (not shown) are provided, and an irreversibly removable cover 24, which is preferably in the form of a scratchable latex coating.

Thus in use the gift voucher 10 is purchased at any participating outlet and is then for example given to a recipient as a gift. The recipient then removes the cover 24, for example by scratching same with a coin or the like as is conventional practice for scratch cards, thus revealing the base layer 22 therebeneath. On this base layer is provided, for example the conventional “match three” type format of cash prizes or thelike. It is preferred that the gift voucher 10 includes a minimum guaranteed prize value. The card 18 is programmed or otherwise provided with credit to this exact value, such that the recipient can then separate the card 18 from the gift voucher 10, and use the card 18 in any number of participating stores or other outlets, in order to redeem the value as displayed on the prize panel 16. v While in the embodiment illustrated the first and second sections 12, 14 are shown formed integrally with one another as a single sheet or card, it is also envisaged that the gift voucher -10 could be provided in other forms. For example a pouch type carrier (not shown) could be provided with both the scratch card type prize panel 16 and separate card 18 therein, to be opened by the recipient and the prize panel 16 then revealed by removing the cover 24 thereon. The card 18 is then already separate from the prize panel 16, and can simply be used to redeem the value shown on the prize panel 16.

In order to effect the implantation of the use of the gift voucher 10 on a large scale, for example by a national lottery agency or the like, the following process steps are proposed.

Initially a database of prepaid accounts is established, for example on an existingsecure pre- _ paid card database. The database of pre-paid card numbers is then assigned to a corresponding database of prize records which will correspond to the prize panels 16. The databases are then populated with prize values per record, and this database is then hosted_ within a secure environment. This database is then sent to the prepaid transaction operator who will post the Winning values in shadow form on their database of prepaid accounts. This database may be used to validate winning tickets.

During the manufacture of the gift vouchers 10, this database is then utilised. The manufacturing process includes the production of the pre—paid cards 18, and printing of the gift vouchers 10 with the prize panels 16 assigned thereto. In the case of the above. mentioned pouch type format, the cards 18 must then be inserted into the pouch on which the prize panels 16 have been assigned, and these pouches then securely sealed. The gift - vouchers 10 are then delivered to the retail outlets. Regardless of the format of the gift voucher 10, it is preferable that each gift voucher 10 is provided with a unique bar code thereon. The bar code is scanned to record that the gift voucher pack has been received and validated at a retail outlet.

The buyer then gives the gift voucher 10 to the recipient, for example as a gift. The recipient scratches the prize panel 16 and reveals his/her winnings. It is envisaged that if the winnings are in excess of the guaranteed amount and below a pre-set amount, the recipient activates the gift card for spending by calling an IVR number or by clicking on the web and providing certain card details. The vouchers 15 then have values posted to the records of the corresponding cards 18, and these cards 18 are now activated for pay outs via the authorised outlets or the like.

- ‘Prizes above or possibly below a pre—set amount are claimed in person at an authorised lottery outlet and paid out in cash or cheque or by electronic funds transfer.

The winner can then spend their prize winnings using the prepaid card 18 at any of the authorised retail partners. The card 18 is preferably in the form that can be swiped or otherwise read at a conventional credit card payment terminal or the like.

Claims (5)

1. A gift voucher comprising 1“ and 2”“ sections, the first section comprising a prize panel, and the second section comprising a card having a value redeemable against a prize shown on the prize panel.

2. A gift, voucher according to claim 1 in which the 15‘ and 2”‘ sections are formed integrally with one another.

3. A gift voucher according to claim 1 or 2 in which the card is separable from the gift card.

4. A gift voucher according to any preceding claim in which the card comprises a prepaid debit card. '

5. A gift voucher according "to any preceding claim in which the prize panel comprises a scratch card panel.