A system for allowing a remote user to purchase, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and/or accommodations for a "contingent event,"i.e., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and/or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell options for the purchase of tickets to contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what individuals qualify for the game.