Terms of Service
The rules that govern your use of ChessStake
Key Points at a Glance
Pure Skill
Chess has zero randomness. Your skill determines the outcome, not luck.
Non-Custodial
We never hold your funds. Smart contracts handle all payments automatically.
Transparent
20% protocol fee on winnings. No hidden charges. Verified on-chain.
Your Responsibility
Verify local laws apply to you. 18+ only. No restricted jurisdictions.
Platform Classification & Legal Status
What ChessStake IS
- A software platform that facilitates peer-to-peer chess competitions
- A matchmaking service connecting players who wish to compete
- A technology provider offering non-custodial smart contract infrastructure
- A skill-based competition platform where outcomes depend entirely on player ability
What ChessStake is NOT
- NOT a gambling operator — Chess is a game of pure skill with no element of chance
- NOT a betting platform — We do not offer odds, spreads, or wagering on third-party events
- NOT a custodian of funds — We never hold, control, or have access to user funds
- NOT a payment service provider — All transactions occur directly between user wallets and the smart contract
- NOT a financial institution — We do not issue, store, or transmit money
ChessStake operates as a technology platform that provides software enabling users to engage in competitive chess matches with agreed-upon stakes. The platform's role is strictly limited to:
- Providing the chess game interface
- Facilitating player matchmaking
- Recording game results
- Interfacing with publicly deployed smart contracts
Skill-Based Competition Declaration
Chess as a Game of Pure Skill
Chess has been universally recognized as a game of pure intellectual skill with no element of chance or randomness. This classification is supported by:
- Legal precedent in multiple jurisdictions worldwide
- Recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Classification by FIDE (World Chess Federation) as a mind sport
- Academic research confirming skill as the sole determinant of outcomes
ChessStake
- No randomness
- No house edge
- No odds/spreads
- Skill determines outcome
- Peer-to-peer
Gambling
- Random outcomes
- House always wins
- Fixed odds
- Luck determines outcome
- Against the house
Non-Custodial Architecture
Smart Contract Escrow System
All fund management is handled by an autonomous, immutable smart contract deployed on the Polygon blockchain.
How It Works
Create Game
Player sends USDC from wallet to smart contract
Join Game
Opponent sends matching stake to contract
Play Match
Competition occurs on ChessStake
Result Signed
Cryptographic signature validates outcome
Auto Payout
Contract releases funds to winner instantly
Platform Non-Involvement in Funds
ChessStake at no point:
- Receives user funds
- Holds user funds
- Controls user funds
- Has the ability to block, freeze, or redirect funds
- Makes decisions about fund distribution
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Protocol Fee Structure
Deducted from total pot upon game resolution
This fee:
- Is a technology service fee for platform infrastructure and development
- Is not a house edge or gambling commission
- Is transparently coded into the smart contract
- Is disclosed to all users before game creation
- Is identical for all users regardless of outcome
User Responsibilities & Eligibility
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher) to use ChessStake.
Legal Compliance
You are solely responsible for verifying that skill-based competitions with stakes are legal in your jurisdiction.
Wallet Security
You are responsible for securing your wallet, private keys, and verifying all transactions before signing.
Fair Play
No engines, bots, external assistance, collusion, or exploits. Play honestly or face account restrictions.
Your Legal Responsibility
You are solely responsible for determining whether your use of ChessStake complies with laws applicable in your jurisdiction. ChessStake makes no representation regarding the legality of the platform in any particular jurisdiction.
Restricted Jurisdictions
This list is not exhaustive. Users must independently verify local regulations.
Risk Disclosure
Important Risks to Consider
Only stake what you can afford to lose. ChessStake is not responsible for any financial losses incurred through platform use.
Fund Access & KYC Policy
Guaranteed Fund Access
ChessStake will never block, freeze, or withhold user funds for any reason, including:
- Failure to complete KYC verification
- Account disputes
- Suspected violations
- Regulatory requests (we have no ability to do so)
Because we operate a non-custodial architecture, we physically cannot interfere with fund settlement. The smart contract executes automatically based on game results.
Intellectual Property
The ChessStake name, logo, website design, and software are owned by Elysium Media FZCO. The smart contract code is open source and publicly verifiable.
Limitation of Liability
- ChessStake is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
- We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- We are not liable for losses due to smart contract behavior, blockchain issues, or third-party services
- Our total liability shall not exceed the protocol fees you have paid in the past 12 months
Dispute Resolution
Game disputes are resolved by:
- Smart contract logic — Automatic resolution based on submitted game results
- Arbiter system — Cryptographic signature system validates edge cases
- Timeout protection — 24-hour timeout allows refunds for abandoned games
ChessStake does not manually adjudicate game outcomes or financial disputes.
Modifications to Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email notification, platform announcement, and updated "Last modified" date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of new terms.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates. Any disputes shall be resolved through arbitration in Dubai, UAE.
Contact Information
Acceptance of Terms
By creating an account, connecting your wallet, or using any ChessStake services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.
I Understand — Launch App