Abstract: Systems and techniques are described to provide an application through which users can participate in online virtual competitions through a network interface. This can include, for example, contests tied to pari-mutuel wagering. The virtual contests can combine aspects of fantasy-styled sports and pari-mutuel wagering to provide a hybrid contest structure that is distinct from those provided by other fantasy sports systems and other pari-mutuel wagering systems. As described below, these distinctions can enable the systems to provide contests with greater flexibility, competitiveness, and fairness. Additionally, data associated with the virtual contests received through the application can be processed using pattern recognition techniques to provide functionalities that are not performable by many other contest systems.

Abstract: A racing scoring game aids in specifying a maximum stable value as an aggregation of pre-race salary values attributable to a predetermined number of race horses. The method and system receive, via a network, pre-race odds for a plurality of horses across a plurality of races. For each horse, a pre-race salary value and a rules selection for a given game exists. Based on an automated point scoring method and odds value determinations, a participant receives race results via a network connection. The method and system determine from race results, a score value for each of the plurality of horses across said plurality of races and an aggregated score value for the first participant stable. The result is a computer-based daily fantasy-styled, horse racing game combining fantasy sports with thoroughbred handicapping and pari-mutuel wagering, together with a system and method for using same.