Fantasy vault system for managing fantasy league competitor entry fees and awards

摘要

The invention is a fantasy vault system and method for operating a fantasy league, such as a fantasy sports league. The system is independent from the league participants, namely, a fantasy league commissioner and fantasy competitors. Fantasy data providers provides data whereby the performance of the fantasy competitors can be scored and ranked. Different league accounts can be associated with respective distinct data providers. A data provider can be a fantasy host. The system is, therefore, adapted to scoring competitors based on competition data represented in a plurality of formats. The system may accept default and alternate award schemes from commissioners, the particular scheme to be used depending upon the number of competitors paying their entry fee by a deadline. Entry fees from the fantasy competitors are not handled by the league participants, but are deposited into an account in the vault system, from which they may be transferred to a bank account. Awards to successful fantasy competitors from the pool of entry fees are made directly from the vault on or before a payout date, typically chosen by the commissioner.