Abstract: Methods and systems for encouraging on-line gaming. An on-line competition is conducted amongst a first plurality of contestants using a device operatively coupled to a computer system via an internet connection. No cash prizes are awarded in relation to the conducting of the on-line competition. A subset of the first plurality of contestants is selected to form a second plurality of contestants that qualify for entry to a live competition held at a physical location. Cash prizes are awarded as part of the live competition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encouraging on-line gaming. An on-line competition is conducted amongst a first plurality of contestants using a device operatively coupled to a computer system via an internet connection. No cash prizes are awarded in relation to the conducting of the on-line competition. A subset of the first plurality of contestants is selected to form a second plurality of contestants that qualify for entry to a live competition held at a physical location. Cash prizes are awarded as part of the live competition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encouraging on-line gaming. An on-line competition is conducted amongst a first plurality of contestants using a device operatively coupled to a computer system via an internet connection. No cash prizes are awarded in relation to the conducting of the on-line competition. A subset of the first plurality of contestants is selected to form a second plurality of contestants that qualify for entry to a live competition held at a physical location. Cash prizes are awarded as part of the live competition.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for monetizing virtual poker winnings that include selecting a first plurality of contestants for participation in a virtual poker tournament; conducting the virtual poker tournament, wherein each one of the first plurality of contestants play in the virtual poker tournament using a device operatively coupled to the computer system via an internet connection, and wherein no prizes are awarded in relation to the conducting of the virtual poker tournament; selecting a subset of the first plurality of contestants to form a second plurality of contestants, wherein the second plurality of contestants qualifies for entry to a live poker tournament, and wherein the selecting of the subset of the first plurality of contestants is based at least in part on performance in the virtual poker tournament; conducting the live poker tournament; and awarding prizes to a subset of the second plurality of contestants.