System for linking a unique identifier to an instant game ticket

A method of linking a playslip to an instant win game ticket, comprising:

• a. instructing a user to enter a playslip identifier on a playslip by making a plurality of marks on a first predetermined area of the playslip that indicate selection of a sub-set of characters from a set of characters, the sub-set of characters selected forming the playslip identifier;
• b. reading the playslip with a playslip reader;
• c. determining if the user included the playslip identifier on the first predetermined area of the playslip;
• and
• d. if the user included the playslip identifier on the first predetermined area, then performing the following steps:
• i. storing the playslip identifier in a computer-readable memory;
• ii. printing a representation of the playslip identifier and at least one game result character on an instant win game ticket;
• and
• iii. instructing the user not to accept the instant win game ticket unless the representation of the playslip identifier printed thereon corresponds to the playslip identifier that the user entered on the playslip.

An apparatus for generating instant game tickets, comprising:

• a. an unique identifier entry mechanism;
• b. a printer that is capable of printing an instant game ticket;
• and
• c. a computer programmed to:
• i. detect a unique identifier entered on the unique identifier entry mechanism;
• and
• ii. if a unique identifier is detected, then instruct the printer to print an instant win game ticket that includes at least one game result and the unique identifier.

An apparatus for generating instant game tickets, comprising:

• a. a scanner that is capable of reading information from a playslip having a set of characters preprinted thereon;
• b. a printer that is capable of printing an instant game ticket;
• and
• c. a computer programmed to:
• i. instruct the scanner to read the playslip;
• ii. read a playslip identifier;
• and
• iii. if a playslip identifier is detected,
• then instruct the printer to print an instant win game ticket that includes at least one game result and the playslip identifier,
• otherwise,
• reject the playslip,
• wherein the playslip identifier is selected from a sub-set of characters from the set of characters on the playslip.

A device for linking a playslip to an instant game ticket, comprising:

• a. means for instructing a user to select a playslip identifier from a set of characters preprinted on the playslip;
• b. means for reading the playslip identifier with a playslip reader;
• c. means for storing the playslip identifier in a computer-readable memory;
• d. means for printing a representation of the playslip identifier and at least one game result character on an instant game ticket;
• e. means for rejecting the playslip if it does not include a user-selected playslip identifier;
• and
• f. means for instructing the user not to accept the instant game ticket unless the representation of the playslip identifier printed thereon corresponds to the playslip identifier that the user selected on the playslip.

A device for linking a unique identifier to an instant game ticket, comprising:

• a. means for instructing a user to provide a unique identifier;
• b. means for inputting the unique identifier via an identifier entry mechanism;
• c. means for storing the unique identifier in a computer-readable memory;
• d. means for printing a representation of the unique identifier and at least one game result on an instant game ticket;
• and
• e. means for instructing the user not to accept the instant game ticket unless the representation of the unique identifier printed thereon corresponds to the unique identifier that the user provided.