1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account on EloVault (“the Platform”), accessing, or using any services offered through elovault.app or the EloVault application, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), our Privacy Policy, and all applicable rules, policies, and guidelines incorporated by reference (collectively, the “Agreement”). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Platform.

EloVault reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes via email or an in-app notification at least 14 days before changes take effect. Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance. If you disagree with any modification, your sole remedy is to close your account and withdraw your remaining balance.

2. Eligibility

To use EloVault, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• ·You are at least 18 years of age. In jurisdictions that require a higher minimum age for skill-based wagering (such as Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, or Virginia, where the minimum age may be 21), you must meet that higher requirement.
• ·You are physically located in a jurisdiction where participation in skill-based competitions for monetary prizes is lawful. You are responsible for knowing and complying with the laws of your jurisdiction.
• ·You are not located in a state or territory where EloVault has determined that skill-based wagering is prohibited or restricted. A current list of restricted jurisdictions is available at elovault.app/restricted.
• ·You are not on any self-exclusion list, whether maintained by EloVault or any state gambling authority.
• ·You are not acting on behalf of another person, organization, or entity.
• ·You have not previously had an account terminated by EloVault for violation of these Terms.
• ·All information you provide during registration is truthful, accurate, and complete. You will promptly update your account information if it changes.

3. Nature of Service — Skill-Based Competition

EloVault is a peer-to-peer competitive chess platform. All games on EloVault are contests of skill as defined under applicable law. Chess is universally recognized as a game in which the outcome is determined predominantly by the relative skill, knowledge, and strategic ability of the participants, not by chance.

Wagers on EloVault represent entry fees into head-to-head skill-based competitions. The Platform facilitates these competitions by providing matchmaking, game hosting, escrow services, and result adjudication. EloVault does not participate in games as a competitor and does not set odds.

EloVault is not a casino, sportsbook, or gambling service. The Platform does not offer games of chance, slots, sports betting, or any form of wagering where outcomes are determined predominantly by chance.

4. Account Registration & Security

You may register one account per person. Creating multiple accounts is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of all accounts and forfeiture of balances.

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. You agree to notify EloVault immediately at support@elovault.app if you suspect unauthorized access to your account. EloVault is not responsible for losses resulting from unauthorized use of your account that occurs before you notify us.

To protect the integrity of the Platform, your account must have a verified email address and a verified phone number before you can create or join wagered games or make deposits.

5. Wagering, Games & Rake

By posting or accepting a wagered game on EloVault, you agree to the following:

• ·Your wager amount is placed into escrow upon game creation or acceptance. Escrow is managed via atomic database transactions to prevent double-spending.
• ·The Platform charges a rake (service fee) of 5% on wins, capped at $5.00 per game. On draws, the rake is 2.5%, capped at $2.50. The rake is deducted from the pot before winnings are credited.
• ·Before creating or accepting any game, the exact rake amount and net payout are displayed. Example: "Wager: $10.00 | Rake: $0.50 (5%) | Winner receives: $19.50."
• ·Game results are determined by the rules of chess as implemented on the Platform, including checkmate, resignation, draw by agreement, stalemate, threefold repetition, fifty-move rule, and timeout.
• ·Game results are final once the game ends. Results are not reversible except in cases of verified cheating or system error, as determined by EloVault in its sole discretion.
• ·New accounts are subject to a calibration period. During your first 8 games, your maximum wager is limited (currently $1.00). After calibration, your wager cap increases based on your performance, account age, and verification status.

6. Disconnection & Abandonment Policy

By playing on EloVault, you explicitly acknowledge and agree to the following disconnection policy, which is consistent with the standard practices of major online chess platforms (Chess.com, Lichess) and FIDE regulations:

• ·Your game clock continues to run if you disconnect from an active game. There is no pause or grace period. Your clock is your responsibility.
• ·If you disconnect and fail to reconnect before your clock expires, you forfeit the game and your wager. The opponent is awarded the win and the payout.
• ·EloVault is not responsible for losses resulting from internet connectivity issues, power outages, device failures, browser crashes, VPN interruptions, or any other technical problems on your end.
• ·Intentionally disconnecting to avoid a loss is considered abandonment and may result in account suspension.
• ·If neither player has made a move and both disconnect, the game is declared a draw and wagers are refunded minus no rake.

7. Deposits & Withdrawals

All deposits are processed by Stripe, Inc. EloVault never stores your payment card details. Stripe’s terms of service and privacy policy apply to all payment transactions.

• ·Minimum deposit: $5.00. Maximum deposit: $5,000.00 per transaction.
• ·Minimum withdrawal: $5.00.
• ·Deposits are subject to user-configurable responsible gaming limits (daily, weekly, monthly). You may set these limits in your account settings.
• ·Withdrawals may be subject to identity verification (KYC). Cumulative withdrawals exceeding $600 per calendar year require government-issued photo ID verification via Stripe Identity, as required for IRS reporting.
• ·Withdrawal processing times vary by method. Standard withdrawals typically arrive within 3–5 business days.
• ·EloVault reserves the right to delay or withhold withdrawals pending investigation of suspected fraud, cheating, collusion, or money laundering. You will be notified of any hold and the reason.
• ·Deposits are for the purpose of funding skill-based competition. Depositing funds and immediately withdrawing without gameplay (“wash trading”) is prohibited and may result in account suspension.

8. Identity Verification (KYC) & Anti-Money Laundering

EloVault is committed to preventing money laundering, fraud, and underage use. By using the Platform, you agree to the following verification requirements:

• ·Tier 1 (required for any withdrawal): Verified email address and verified phone number.
• ·Tier 2 (required when cumulative withdrawals exceed $600 per calendar year): Government-issued photo ID, legal name, date of birth, and mailing address. This information is required for IRS Form 1099-MISC reporting.
• ·EloVault may request additional verification at any time if suspicious activity is detected, including but not limited to: deposits from multiple payment methods, deposits and withdrawals without gameplay, or patterns consistent with structuring.
• ·Failure to complete requested identity verification may result in account suspension, withdrawal holds, or account termination.
• ·Identity verification is performed by Stripe Identity. Your identity documents are processed by Stripe and subject to Stripe's Privacy Policy. EloVault does not directly access or store images of your identity documents.

9. Tax Reporting

You are solely responsible for reporting and paying any taxes owed on your winnings. EloVault will issue an IRS Form 1099-MISC to any user whose net winnings exceed $600 in a calendar year, as required by federal law. To receive a 1099, you may be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Failure to provide this information when requested may result in withholding of withdrawals.

EloVault does not provide tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding your tax obligations.

10. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in immediate account suspension, forfeiture of account balance, and permanent ban:

• ·Use of chess engines (Stockfish, Leela Chess Zero, or any computer analysis tool), bots, browser extensions, or any form of automated or computer-assisted play during live games.
• ·Receiving real-time assistance from another person during a live game, including but not limited to in-person coaching, screen sharing, or communication with third parties about the game in progress.
• ·Creating or operating multiple accounts.
• ·Collusion with opponents to manipulate game outcomes, including intentional losing, result-fixing, or coordinated play.
• ·Fraudulent deposits, chargebacks, or use of stolen payment methods.
• ·Exploitation of software bugs, vulnerabilities, or race conditions.
• ·Harassment, threats, hate speech, or abusive behavior toward other users.
• ·Circumventing geo-blocking restrictions, age verification, or any other compliance controls using VPN, proxy, or other means.
• ·Providing false identity information during registration or KYC verification.
• ·Structuring deposits or withdrawals to avoid reporting thresholds.
• ·Using the Platform for money laundering, terrorist financing, or any other illegal purpose.

11. Anti-Cheat & Fair Play Monitoring

EloVault uses automated and manual methods to detect cheating and maintain competitive integrity. By using the Platform, you consent to the following monitoring activities:

• ·Move analysis: Your moves are compared against chess engine recommendations (Stockfish) to detect patterns of computer-assisted play.
• ·Move timing analysis: The time you spend on each move is analyzed for patterns inconsistent with human play.
• ·Browser focus monitoring: The Platform detects when you navigate away from the game window during active play.
• ·Device fingerprinting: We collect device identifiers to detect multi-accounting and enforce bans.
• ·Cross-game pattern analysis: Your accuracy, timing, and behavioral patterns are compared across multiple games to identify anomalies.
• ·For games above certain wager thresholds, additional monitoring measures may apply, including screen sharing requirements.

If the anti-cheat system flags a game, payouts may be held pending manual review. You may be asked to provide additional information. Flagged users have the right to submit a dispute via the game report system. EloVault will review disputes within 48 hours and provide a written decision.

12. Responsible Gaming

EloVault is committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. The following tools and protections are available to all users:

• ·Deposit limits: You may set daily, weekly, and monthly deposit caps. Decreases take effect immediately. Increases require a 24-hour cooling period.
• ·Loss limits: You may set maximum net loss limits per day, week, or month. When reached, you are blocked from new games until the period resets.
• ·Session time reminders: After 60 minutes of continuous play, a non-dismissible notification displays your session time and net profit/loss. Reminders repeat every 30 minutes.
• ·Self-exclusion: You may lock your account for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or permanently. During self-exclusion, you may only withdraw your balance. Self-exclusion cannot be reversed early.
• ·Cool-off prompts: After 3 or more consecutive losses, a prompt encourages you to take a break. This is informational and non-blocking.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700 (available 24/7). You can also text “HELP” to 233-4357 or visit ncpgambling.org.

13. Jurisdiction & Geographic Restrictions

EloVault is currently available to users physically located in the United States, excluding certain states where skill-based wagering is prohibited or where EloVault has determined the regulatory environment presents unacceptable risk.

A current list of restricted jurisdictions is maintained at elovault.app/restricted. This list may change as state regulations evolve.

• ·EloVault uses IP-based geolocation to determine your physical location at the time of deposit, game creation, and game acceptance.
• ·You must be physically present in an allowed jurisdiction when engaging in wagered activities. Traveling to a restricted state while having an active account does not grant you permission to wager from that location.
• ·Using a VPN, proxy, or any other technology to circumvent geographic restrictions is a violation of these Terms and may result in account termination and forfeiture of funds.
• ·EloVault may flag accounts showing VPN or proxy usage for manual review. Flagging alone does not result in automatic action, but combined with deposits or wagers from flagged connections may trigger a compliance investigation.

Users in restricted jurisdictions may browse the Platform, view public profiles, and spectate games. They may not deposit, create, or join wagered games.

14. Account Termination

EloVault reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate any account at its sole discretion for violations of these Terms or for any conduct that EloVault determines is harmful to the Platform, other users, or the integrity of competition.

• ·Termination for cause (cheating, fraud, collusion, Terms violation): EloVault may freeze your balance pending investigation. If the violation is confirmed, your remaining balance may be forfeited in whole or in part.
• ·Termination without cause: If EloVault terminates your account without cause, you will have 30 calendar days to withdraw your remaining balance. After 30 days, unclaimed balances will be handled in accordance with applicable unclaimed property laws.
• ·Voluntary account closure: You may close your account at any time by contacting support@elovault.app. You must withdraw your balance before closure. After closure, game history and financial records are retained for a minimum of 7 years as required by law, but your personal data will be anonymized.
• ·Suspended accounts: If your account is suspended pending investigation, you may not create a new account. Creating a new account during suspension constitutes a separate violation.

15. Dispute Resolution, Arbitration & Class Action Waiver

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

15.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute proceeding, you agree to first contact EloVault at support@elovault.app with a written description of your dispute, including your account username, the nature of the dispute, and the relief you seek. EloVault will attempt to resolve the dispute informally within 60 days. Most disputes are resolved at this stage.

15.2 Binding Arbitration

If the dispute is not resolved informally within 60 days, you and EloVault agree that it will be resolved through binding individual arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules. The arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding.

The arbitration will take place in the county where you reside, or at your election, via telephone, video conference, or written submissions. EloVault will pay all AAA filing fees and arbitrator fees for claims under $10,000. For claims above $10,000, fees will be allocated as determined by the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules.

15.3 Class Action Waiver

You and EloVault agree that disputes will be resolved on an individual basis only. You waive the right to participate in any class action, class-wide arbitration, or consolidated proceeding. The arbitrator may not consolidate claims or preside over any form of representative or class proceeding.

15.4 Small Claims Court

Notwithstanding the above, either party may bring an individual action in small claims court for disputes within the court’s jurisdiction.

15.5 Opt-Out

You may opt out of the arbitration and class action waiver provisions by sending written notice to support@elovault.app within 30 days of creating your account. Your notice must include your name, username, email address, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out. If you opt out, disputes will be resolved in the state or federal courts of Delaware.

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ELOVAULT, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM.

ELOVAULT’S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE DEPOSITED ON THE PLATFORM IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) $100.

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. ELOVAULT DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE.

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless EloVault and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from: (a) your use of the Platform, (b) your violation of these Terms, (c) your violation of any applicable law or regulation, or (d) your violation of any third party’s rights.

18. Force Majeure

EloVault shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, pandemic, war, terrorism, government actions, power failures, internet or telecommunications failures, cyberattacks, third-party service provider outages (including Stripe, Supabase, Vercel, and Railway), or any other event beyond EloVault’s reasonable control. In such events, game outcomes may be declared draws and wagers refunded at EloVault’s discretion.

19. Intellectual Property

“EloVault,” the EloVault logo, and all related trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of EloVault. All content, software, code, design, and functionality of the Platform are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Platform without prior written consent.

20. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

21. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. To the extent that arbitration does not apply (see Section 15), any legal proceedings shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Delaware.

22. Entire Agreement & Waiver

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and EloVault regarding your use of the Platform. No waiver of any term shall be deemed a continuing waiver of that term or any other term. EloVault’s failure to enforce any right or provision shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

23. Contact

For questions about these Terms, disputes, or any other inquiries:

Email: support@elovault.app

These Terms were last reviewed for legal compliance on April 5, 2026. Final attorney review is pending (see EloVault Development Roadmap, Item #22). These Terms are provided as a good-faith draft and will be updated upon completion of legal review.