Types of lottery games
There are many types of lottery games. Generally speaking, there are three main types:
instant lotteries;
on-line lotteries;
traditional draw-type lotteries.
"An instant ticket lottery is typically played by removing a coating from a preprinted ticket to determine whether it is a winner.
"On-line lotteries, such as Powerball©, are based on a random selection of a series of numbers. On-line lottery prizes are generally based on the number of winners who share the prize pool, although fixed prizes are also offered. On-line lotteries are conducted through a computerized system in which lottery terminals in retail outlets are continuously connected to a central computer system. On-line lottery systems may also be used to validate instant tickets to confirm large prize levels and prevent duplicate payments, or separate instant ticket validation systems may be installed. Internationally, the older form of traditional draw-type lottery games, in which players purchase tickets which are manually processed for a future drawing for prizes of a fixed amount, is a popular form of play.
"In addition, lotteries may offer keno, video lottery, sports and other lottery games. Quick draw keno is typically played every five minutes in restricted social settings such as bars and is usually offered as an extension of on-line lottery systems.
"There are video lotteries played on video lottery terminals, or VLTs, featuring 'line-up' and card games, typically targeted to locations such as horse and greyhound racetracks, bars, nightclubs and similar establishments. Video lotteries generally use a system different from an on-line system for accounting, security and control purposes.
"In addition, in Oregon, several provinces in Canada and several countries outside the U.S., lotteries offer pari-mutuel or fixed odds wagers on various sports."
From: Annual Report 2003, Scientific Games Corporation; p. 5.