Abstract: A method of processing messages within a distributed computer system in order to compensate for latency effects within the distributed computer system, the distributed computer system comprising a plurality of user devices and a message processing device, the method comprising: receiving a message from a user device at a message management device; determining if the received message corresponds to a message type that requires compensation for latency delays; and, in the event that the message does not require compensation, forwarding the message to the message processing device; and, in the event that the message does require compensation for latency effects, calculating a randomized delay period, and holding the message at the message management device for the calculated delay period and subsequently forwarding the message to the message processing device.