I didn't stop to think of playing cards initially, but a that is and amazing idea. Make it small enough and you could place the game and the cards that serve as a randomize in one package... Seems to make a bit more sense then my on and off again idea about a game that fits in a CD case.
As to pay to play contests, while it sounds like a decent concept, I have a number of misgivings.
First of all, there may be some legal issues with this. If our organization is receiving money for a service, we are probably liable for taxes. Exactly what the cut-off points are, I'm not sure, and for that matter, I don't know what country and laws this site is registered to. (I know Mr. Lang is in Englnd, but how about Keeton?)
Secondly, we don't know the likelyhood of any given contest paying for itself. Our first contest had 30 entries, and a roughly 45 dollar prize. Two dollars each wold have paid, even if half balked at the entrance fee. A shorter contest, or one with more esoteric goals than producing a game in 24 hours might have a very different turn out. We don't have the the experience to go on yet.
I would also ask, where does the money go and who is put in charge of it. While I don't see embezzling as a potential problem, if we have less than necessary to pay for the prize, how is it returned, and if there is more available, what happens with the balance?
Generally speaking, I'm far more inclined towards prizes offered through the site - special pages for winning games, interviews with the authors, a winner's circle... These might not be quite the incentive a monetary prize holds, but but are certainly easier to manage.
Now if 1km1kt.net ever ends up as its own legal entity/imprint (like Indie Press Revolution?) then monetary contests seem to fall under general business or promotions. I'll see what answers I can get from some of the people I know who work in accounting.