> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.treehouse.finance/protocol/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.treehouse.finance/protocol/dor/payout-mechanism.md).

# Payout Mechanism

The *DOR* ecosystem is designed to provide monetary incentives to participants who contribute positively to the system's operations. At the outset, the *DOR* operator establishes a reward pool to compensate Panelists and Delegators. Throughout each observation period, Panelists make predictions on reference rates, and those who accurately forecast the rates, along with their respective Delegators, receive payouts from the rewards pool. 

Furthermore, the Operator may specify the method of payouts, which can either be in the form of direct native tokens or escrowed tokens. Escrowed tokens follow a vesting schedule, allowing for gradual release over time. Participants may have the option for early withdrawal of escrowed tokens, although this may incur penalties as determined by the Operator.