Method and System for cooperatively playing games of chance

Abstract

A method and system for providing games of chance based on partial entries are disclosed. The method comprises exchanging partial entries in a non-intrusive manner amongst participants, and combining partial entries to make complete entries to enter into draws for prizes. A drawing server may implement a variety of reward schemes, and prize certificates or notifications may then be communicated electronically. The disclosed method and system may also be used for product or brand promotions. Prizes certificates may be redeemed online or at a point of sale equipped with a validation terminal in communication with the drawing server.

1 . A method of playing a game of chance, comprising the steps of: providing a first partial token to a first player; providing a second partial token to a second player; exchanging copies of said first and second partial tokens between said first and second players; generating a third token from a first combination of said first and second tokens; providing said third token to said first player, said third token being eligible for entry into the game of chance; generating a fourth token from a second combination of said first and second tokens; and providing said fourth token to said second player, said fourth token being eligible for entry into the game of chance. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the game of chance is a lottery. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the game of chance is a sweepstakes. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said third and fourth tokens are generated from said first and second partial tokens in accordance with a first set of rules. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said tokens are alphanumeric characters. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said tokens are digital graphics. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said players are connected via a data network. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of sending a first invitation message from said first player to said second player. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of exchanging copies of said first and second partial tokens is triggered by entering said second partial token in the game by said second player. 
     
     
         10 . A method of playing a game of chance, comprising: providing a partial token to each of a plurality of players; exchanging copies of said partial tokens such that each player has a copy of each of the tokens of the other players; generating a plurality of complete tokens from combinations of said partial tokens, said complete tokens being eligible for entry into the game of chance; and providing at least one complete token to each of said plurality of players. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said complete tokens are generated from said partial tokens in accordance with a first set of rules. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said players are connected via a data network. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of sending at least one invitation message from one of said players to the other players. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said step of exchanging copies of said partial tokens is triggered by entering a partial token in the game by each of the plurality of players. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: drawing at least one winning complete token; and distributing prizes based on the result of said drawing. 
     
     
         16 . A networked gaming system for allowing a plurality of players to play a game of chance, comprising: a means to generate a plurality of partial tokens; a means to provide at least one of said tokens to each of said players; a means to exchange copies of said tokens via a data network; a first computer program for generating a plurality of complete tokens from combinations of said partial tokens in accordance with a first set of rules; a second computer program for drawing at least one winning complete token in accordance with a second set of rules; and a third computer program for distributing at least one prize in accordance with a third set of rules.