1. An on-line wagering system, comprising: a central data processor having a central data memory; a plurality of agent terminals in data communication with the central data processor, the agent terminals being operable to receive player entry data from players and to transmit the player entry data to the central data processor, the central data processor being operable to validate play entries upon receipt of the player entry data and to transmit a validation code to the agent terminals, the player entry data relating to an entry of an individual player in at least one game, the agent terminals having inputs for receiving the player entry data and input/output means for transmitting to the central data processor at least a portion of the player entry data and for receiving the validation data therefrom; and, a player card issued to the player, the player card being connectable in data communication with at least one of the agent terminals, said at least one of the agent terminals having alternate inputs for receiving at least a portion of the player entry data directly from the card, the alternate inputs being adapted to interface with the player card, the player card having an on-card memory formed by one of: magnetic media; integrated circuit; and, laser optical memory, and operable to store data unique to said individual player and also to store at least one of the player entry data and the validation code.