1. Introduction & Account Registration

These Master Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User" or "Player") and NUGSAU LIMITED ("Company", "We", "Us"). They govern access to all websites, web applications, mobile interfaces, APIs, and digital tools operated under the NUGS ecosystem, including the Esports Arena, NUGS Ascent, Partner Portal, OBS Overlay Suite, and Merch Shop (collectively, the "Platform").

User accounts are non-transferable and strictly limited to one identity per person. You warrant that all information provided during registration, including your real full name, Date of Birth, Country, and Competitive Hardware/Gamertag credentials, is accurate, current, and truthful.

2. Age Eligibility & Youth Protection Policies

• Base Platform Registration (13+): Individuals aged 13 and older may create account identities, join competitor rosters, participate in free-to-enter tournaments, build digital player cards, and access streamer tools. Anyone under 13 is strictly prohibited from creating accounts.
• Cash Prize Competitions & Wallet Withdrawals (18+ / 19+ / 21+): Entering pay-to-enter skill contests with real-money cash prize pools or executing wallet payouts requires the user to have reached the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction baseline 18+; 19+ in AL, NE, BC; 21+ in AZ, IA, LA, MA, MS, PR, Estonia, Greece, Monaco, Singapore.

3. Skill Gaming Exemption & Legal Framework (UK Gambling Act 2005, Sec. 11)

All competitive esports events, leaderboards, leagues, and head-to-head match challenges hosted on the Platform are Bona Fide Skill-Based Competitions. Pursuant to Section 11 of the UK Gambling Act 2005 and international skill gaming jurisprudence, contests where match outcomes are determined by physical dexterity, game strategy, reaction times, tactical positioning, and player skill are legally classified as Skill Contests, NOT gambling, lotteries, or chance betting.

The Platform does not act as a bookmaker, operator of chance games, or gambling house. Consequently, no gambling license is required under UK, European, or international betting regulations to host these competitions, escrow entry fees, or distribute cash prize pots.

4. 100% Prize Pool Escrow, Contests & Administrative Fees

• 100% Prize Pool Distribution: 100% of tournament prize pools contributed to verified event vaults are distributed directly to winning champions upon event completion. The Platform charges 0% platform fee on tournament prize pools.
• Administrative & Processing Service Charges: The standard 5% administrative fee applied upon wallet withdrawals covers payment processing, banking wires, identity verification, anti-fraud screening, and server maintenance. These charges represent standard technical service fees.
• Free Promotional Contests: Promotional tournaments with £0 entry fees are open to all verified eligible users aged 13+; cash withdrawals require 18+ identity verification.

5. Restricted Jurisdictions & Geofencing Exclusion

Pay-to-play skill competitions (Entry Fee > £0, Prize > £0) are void where prohibited by law. Automated IP geofencing and address validation restrict entry for residents of prohibited US states (Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont) and Indian states (Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland). Residents of restricted territories remain eligible to compete in free promotional events.

6. KYC Verification, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Wallet Payouts

To comply with global Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and banking regulations, all wallet balance cashouts require Government Photo ID Identity Verification (KYC). Users must be 18+ to complete KYC. The Company reserves the right to request proof of address, source of funds, or photo identification at any time to verify compliance.

7. Hardware Gamertags, Input Gear & Peripherals Verification Policy

• One-Time Reputation Boost: Users receive a one-time +5 Reputation (REP) boost upon initial setup and verification of hardware specs and competitive gamertags.
• Hardware Lock & Ticket Review Workflow: Once initial hardware specs are saved, inputs lock to prevent reputation abuse or gear spoofing. Subsequent updates to gear or competitive gamertags require submitting a formal Support Ticket with Equipment Proof (photo/video setup link) for manual Admin review and approval.

8. Digital Player Cards, Bespoke Forge & Custom Cosmetic Licences

All basic (free) and subscribed users are granted a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to design custom TCG Player Cards using our Bespoke Forge customisation tools.

• Subscription Utility Locks: Custom avatar/banner image file uploads and Metallic Holographic Foil Shine rendering are exclusive utility perks reserved for active paid Membership Pass subscribers.
• User Content Warranty: By uploading custom avatar image files or banner artwork, you represent and warrant that you own or possess all necessary copyrights, trademarks, and intellectual property rights for the uploaded media. Uploading copyrighted, defamatory, or explicit material will result in immediate content removal and account suspension.

9. Partner Portal, Creator Network & Custom Reward Shops

• Partner Eligibility: Approved Partners (creators, tournament hosts, team owners) may design and list custom reward cosmetics (avatar frames, profile banners, title badges) and custom competitive game modes.
• 100% Net Direct Revenue: Approved Partners receive 100% of net sales proceeds generated from their custom listed items, credited directly to their wallet balance. Partners are solely responsible for all personal tax reporting and liabilities stemming from earnings.

10. OBS Streamer Overlay Suite & Broadcast License

Active Supporter Members receive access to real-time browser overlays for OBS Studio and Streamlabs. Overlays are licensed solely for live streaming tournament content on Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. Broadcasting hate speech, illegal material, or unauthorized sponsor overlays using NUGS overlay branding is strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate access revocation.

11. Official Merchandise Shop, Orders & Dropshipping (Printful)

Apparel and merchandise purchased through our Official Merch Shop (`/shop`) are custom produced on-demand via our print-on-demand fulfillment partner (Printful). Orders are processed upon payment confirmation via PayPal or Card. Returns or replacements are limited to defective items or manufacturing errors reported within 14 days of receipt.

12. B2B Enterprise Data API, Credentials & Usage

B2B Enterprise Data API keys provision access to real-time match score feeds, bracket statistics, and player performance data for approved broadcast networks and media platforms. Sharing, reselling, or unauthorized scraping of API endpoints is strictly prohibited and subject to immediate key cancellation and legal action.

13. Code of Conduct, Anti-Cheat, Reputation (REP) & Integrity

Cheating, exploiting bugs, smurfing, match-fixing, colluding, toxic speech, or utilising unauthorised third-party software results in immediate account termination, forfeiture of balances, and permanent inclusion in the Wall of Shame ban registry. Reputation scores (REP) reflect community standing; toxic behaviour or ticket spamming will result in REP penalties.

14. Support Ticket Desk, Match Disputes & Administrative Appeals

All tournament match score disputes, hardware change requests, and account inquiries must be submitted through the official Support Desk ticket system. Match score dispute tickets must include valid match lobby screenshots or video proof links. All decisions made by ecosystem Admins and Referees are final.

15. Intellectual Property Rights & DMCA Takedowns

All brand logos, trademarks, UI code, card designs, and graphics are the exclusive property of NUGSAU LIMITED. If you believe your copyrighted work has been uploaded without authorisation, please submit a DMCA Notice to our legal desk at info@nugsau.com.

16. Limitation of Liability, Indemnification & Governing Law

The Platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, NUGSAU LIMITED disclaims liability for network latency, server downtime, or third-party service interruptions. These Master Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England & Wales, and any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of London, United Kingdom.