Abstract: A method of interconnecting a plurality of users via a communications network includes steps of accepting key data from each user terminal, and validating the key data. Each of the key data is indicative of purchase of a physical token, and is associated with player data. Each user is allowed access to an online game of skill running on a server, and is playable via the respective user terminals. Gaming inputs associated with the game are accepted from the users via the respective user terminals. Gaming data is provided to each of the user terminals, with the gaming data being based upon interaction between gaming software, gaming inputs from the user terminal, and the player data associated with the user terminals and their respective associated key data. Based upon the gaming software, one or more winners is determined from amongst the users playing the game of skill. A prize is then allocated to the determined winner.