Terms of Service & Ego Match User Agreement

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using ratz-gg.net (the "Platform"), including any features, tools, or services for tournaments, community tools, or Ego Matches (as defined below), you ("User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and Ego Match User Agreement ("Terms"). If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform or participate in any Ego Matches.

These Terms form a binding legal agreement between you and Ratz-GG (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our"). We may update these Terms; continued use constitutes acceptance of changes. We will notify material changes via the Platform or email.

2. Description of the Service

The Platform provides tools for skill-based competitive gaming, including tournaments, combos, community features, and optional "Ego Matches" - direct, peer-to-peer skill-based contests between Users in supported games (currently including Naraka: Bladepoint and Where Winds Meet).

For Ego Matches:

• Users may mutually agree to stake real money on the outcome of a head-to-head skill-based contest, or participate in "Ego Only" matches for bragging rights without any monetary stake.
• The Platform acts solely as a neutral facilitator by providing matchmaking tools, result validation/monitoring (e.g., via screenshots, in-game verification, or agreed evidence), and administrative oversight.
• The Platform does not hold, escrow, process, or transmit funds as a payment processor or bookmaker. Payouts occur directly between Users via third-party Stripe workflows (loser pays winner).
• A 10% service fee is deducted from the loser's wager on each Ego Match. This fee covers payment processing costs, platform administration, anti-cheat oversight, match validation, and dispute resolution. The winner receives 90% of the loser's wager; the remaining 10% is retained by the Platform. The winner's own funds are never touched. This fee is clearly displayed before match creation and acceptance.
• Outcomes are determined predominantly by skill (player ability, strategy, execution); the Platform does not guarantee results, fairness beyond basic moderation, or enforceability of transfers.
• The Platform is not a gambling site, betting operator, or financial institution. Ego Matches are contests of skill, not games of chance.

3. Eligibility

To use Ego Matches, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher) and have full legal capacity to enter contracts.
• Be physically located in a jurisdiction where participating in real-money skill-based competitions is legal under all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Not be on any restricted-person lists (e.g., sanctions lists).
• Provide accurate information and maintain only one account.

We use reasonable geolocation/IP verification and may block access in prohibited jurisdictions (which may include certain U.S. states or countries where such activity is restricted or illegal). You are solely responsible for confirming legality in your location before participating. The Platform may disable Ego Matches in restricted areas without notice.

4. User Representations and Warranties

By participating in an Ego Match, you represent and warrant that:

• You are in full compliance with all applicable laws, including those governing skill-based competitions, online gaming, payments, and taxes.
• The activity is a lawful skill-based contest in your jurisdiction (not illegal gambling, wagering, or betting).
• You understand and accept the risks of real-money loss.
• You will not use the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of Stripe's terms.
• You will resolve any disputes directly with the other User(s) or follow the Platform's validation process.
• All information provided (including match results) is accurate and truthful.
• You acknowledge that the Company makes no representations about the legality of Ego Matches in any jurisdiction.

5. Ego Match Rules and Process

• Matches require mutual agreement on stakes, rules, and game settings.
• Both (or all) participants must confirm the outcome for the Stripe workflow to proceed.
• The Platform may validate results using available evidence (e.g., game logs, screenshots, or third-party tools). Our validation decision is final for Platform purposes.
• In case of disagreement or suspected cheating: The match may be voided, fees retained, and Users banned at our discretion. No refunds or payouts will issue unless mutually agreed.
• You are responsible for initiating and completing any Stripe transfers. The Company is not a party to your financial transaction.
• Cheating, collusion, account sharing, or use of bots/scripts voids the match and may result in permanent ban and forfeiture of any fees.
• A 7-day cooldown period applies between completed Ego Matches to promote responsible participation.
• Optional anti-cheat verification may be required if both participants agree.

6. Payments, Fees, and Financial Responsibilities

• All stakes and payouts are processed via Stripe and Stripe Connect. The loser's wager is captured; the winner receives 90% automatically via Stripe Connect Express transfer. The winner's own hold is fully released (no charge). The Platform retains 10% as a service fee, taken only from the loser's captured funds.
• The 10% service fee covers: Stripe payment processing fees (~2.9% + 30¢ per transaction), platform infrastructure and server costs, anti-cheat system operation, match validation and dispute resolution, and administrative overhead. You agree to this fee by creating or accepting an Ego Match.
• To receive payouts, you must complete Stripe Connect Express onboarding (identity verification, bank account linkup). Payouts are processed automatically upon match settlement. The Company is not responsible for Stripe onboarding delays or account restrictions.
• You are solely responsible for any taxes, chargebacks, fees, or liabilities arising from your participation (including income tax on winnings). The Company may report transactions as required by law (e.g., 1099 forms for annual payouts exceeding $600).
• Stripe's terms of service apply to all payment processing; the Company is not liable for Stripe errors, delays, or account restrictions.
• No refunds or reversals for completed or voided matches except at our sole discretion.

7. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Engage in fraud, cheating, collusion, or any activity that undermines fair play.
• Use the Platform in prohibited jurisdictions or for illegal purposes.
• Harass, threaten, or disparage other Users beyond the scope of good-natured competitive banter.
• Attempt to circumvent geofencing, age verification, or security measures.
• Share accounts or use automated tools.
• Abuse the trash-talk/comment features with hate speech, threats of violence, doxxing, or illegal content.

Violations may result in account suspension, ban, forfeiture of fees, IP/HWID blocks, and reporting to authorities.

8. Intellectual Property

The Platform and all content (except User-generated match data) are owned by the Company. You grant us a worldwide, royalty-free license to use your match results, screenshots, or feedback for Platform operation and improvement.

9. Privacy

Your use is governed by our Privacy Policy. We collect data necessary for verification, validation, and compliance.

10. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM AND EGO MATCH SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF CHEATING. WE DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSSES, DISPUTES BETWEEN USERS, PAYMENT ISSUES, GAME BUGS, OR LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR PARTICIPATION.

WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF STRIPE OR OTHER USERS. EGO MATCHES INVOLVE RISK OF LOSS; PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE COMPANY'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL SERVICE FEES YOU PAID TO US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM. IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS OR DATA).

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its owners, officers, employees, and affiliates from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from: (i) your use of the Platform or Ego Matches; (ii) your breach of these Terms; (iii) any dispute with another User; (iv) your violation of law; or (v) any content or actions you submit or take.

13. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access at any time, with or without cause or notice. You may stop using the Platform at any time. Sections 10-16 survive termination.

14. Dispute Resolution

Binding Arbitration. ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE PLATFORM, OR ANY EGO MATCH (INCLUDING VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY, OR CLAIMS BETWEEN USERS THAT INVOLVE THE PLATFORM) SHALL BE RESOLVED BY FINAL AND BINDING ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (AAA) UNDER ITS COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION RULES. Arbitration will be conducted in Bridgeport, Connecticut (or another mutually agreed location). You waive any right to a jury trial or class action.

The arbitrator's decision is final and binding. Each party bears its own costs unless the arbitrator awards otherwise. Claims must be filed within one (1) year. This arbitration agreement is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act.

Exceptions: You or we may seek injunctive relief in court to protect intellectual property or confidential information. Small claims court actions (if qualifying) may be brought in your county of residence or Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Class Action Waiver: All disputes must be brought on an individual basis. You waive any right to participate in a class, collective, or representative action.

15. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, United States, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any non-arbitrable disputes shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. You consent to personal jurisdiction and venue there.

16. UIGEA Compliance Notice

Ego Matches on this Platform are structured as contests of skill exempt from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), 31 U.S.C. §§ 5361-5367. The outcomes of all matches are determined predominantly by the relative knowledge, attention, experience, and skill of the participants. The Platform does not operate games of chance and does not accept bets or wagers on sporting events. Users acknowledge that participation constitutes a skill-based competition, not gambling.

17. Miscellaneous

Severability: If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remain in effect.

No Waiver: Failure to enforce a right does not waive it.

Entire Agreement: These Terms (plus Privacy Policy) constitute the full agreement.

Contact: Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Responsible Gaming: We encourage responsible play. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

By clicking "I Agree" or participating in an Ego Match, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms.