Are the contests free?

Yes, this site is completely free! We are supported by advertising.

Are there any prizes for winning?

Not at this time, as contests are a new feature, but we plan on having prizes later.

How do I join a contest?

First you need to find the contest you want to join.
- Public contest: look on the Contests Home page.
- Private contest: have the contest leader send you a link and the password.

How do I create a contest?

Simply click on the Create a Contest link and fill out the information.

TEACHERS: How do I sign up my classroom?

Go to the Create a Contest page and fill out the information.
- Use the Private Classroom option.
- Set a Password to share with your students.
- Set the Start / Stop Dates.
- Click the Invite button to send your students emails with the link to the contest.

Why are some orders delayed by 15 minutes?

This is to reduce cheating. If someone has access to real-time quotes, they will have an advantage on our site, where most of our quotes are delayed by 15 minutes. Delaying the orders helps because even the "cheaters" don't know what the prices will be in the future.
Note: Our site has about 2,000 real-time stocks, so there is no order delay for them.

Example: If you place your order at 2pm, we will try to execute it at 2:15pm using the 2:15pm delayed price, which actually came from 2pm (because our stock quotes are delayed 15 minutes).

If you want this delay turned off for a contest you created, please edit your contest options (see below) or create a personal portfolio (they have no delays).

How can I change my contest options (stop date, balances, etc)?

If you are the creator of the contest, go to the Contest Status page and near the top will be a link called Edit Contest.

Are contests in Realistic Mode?

Yes, all contests run in Realistic Mode so they will have many options and be as realistic as possible. Learn more about Fun Mode vs Realistic Mode.

Can I view the stocks of other contestants?

Yes, at the end of the contest. Or teachers of Private Classrooms may view them during the contest. On the Contest Status page, look for a link next to each trader called My Trades.

My student forgot their password. What do I do?

If you have a Private Classroom contest, go to the Contest Status page and next to that student's name will be an Edit link, which will allow you to change their password.

What is the longest contest I can create?

Right now contests can last from 1 day to 1 year.

How do I reset my contest portfolio?

If the Contest Rules allow resetting, log into your contest account and then click on Contest Status. At the top of the Status page there should be a link called "Reset Contest".

How do I quit a contest?

You may withdraw from a contest at any time. However, you may not be able to re-join later, depending on whether the contest rules allow "portfolio resets."
- Visit your Contest Status page.
- At the top of the Status page there should be a link called "Quit Contest".

How do I delete a contest?

If you created a contest, you may delete it at any time.
- Visit your Contest Status page.
- At the top of the Status page there should be a link called "End Contest".

Please also read the Virtual Trading FAQ for trading questions!