I want to create a trivia game for my website. The graphic design does not have to be too fancy, probably no more advanced than a typical flash game. It needs to be secure because I want users to be able to play for real money. It also needs to run fast so users don't spend their time frustrated with game freezing. Compatibility, as with almost all online products, is key because of the large target market.

I am most acquainted with Java programming, but I don't want to do it in Java if there is something much better. I am assuming I will have to utilize a variety of different languages in order for everything to come together.

If someone could point out the main structure of everything so I could get a good start that would be great!

1) Language choice for simple secure online multiplayer games?

2) Perhaps use a database like MySQL, stored on a secure server for the trivia questions?

3) Free educational resources and even simpler projects to practice?

Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful...Thanks!