It speaks well for on-line games, a pursuit whose reputation has been tarnished of late.

This kind of success "validates the subscription model for on-line games," he said.

The on-line games solve two major problems that kept more casual fans away: they keep stats and allow players access from anywhere.

With numerous on-line and scratch-off games available, players have a wide variety of prize levels to choose from.

Yoyodyne Entertainment Inc. makes on-line games for all three services.

But nothing really creates a commitment in an on-line game.

Intended as an interactive teaching tool, the site includes on-line educational games, a financial library and information for parents.

The sites typically offer free on-line games and other entertainment in exchange for personal information valuable to marketers.

They had specifically chosen on-line games as their medium for economic reasons, since outdoor activities involve higher costs.

"This is the first cycle that it can be proven that a candidate needs to have a good on-line game as well."