Electronic prize verification and display apparatus

An electronic prize verification and display apparatus that provides an interactive interface with a consumer to receive information, such as an alphanumeric data sequence that includes a plurality of digits, indicative of a prize to be awarded to that consumer. The display apparatus compares the received alphanumeric data sequence with a predetermined series of winning sequences and displays a prize won by the consumer or a message encouraging the consumer to try again. The alphanumeric data sequence could be a prize code printed on a consumer product, such as a paper cup. Upon purchase of the product, a consumer would enter the prize code into the electronic prize verification and display apparatus to determine if the prize code was a winning code, and if so, the prize won. To facilitate entry of the prize code and display of an appropriate message to the consumer, the electronic prize verification and display apparatus preferably includes a keypad and liquid crystal display. As each digit of the alphanumeric data sequence is entered into the apparatus, it is displayed on the liquid crystal display. Upon entry of a predetermined number of digits, or upon actuation of an appropriate key by the consumer, the entered sequence is compared to the predetermined series of winning sequences for verification.