Game Host Rules

Last Updated: 03/10/26

These Game Host Rules ("Host Rules") apply to all users who create and host games on Tablemate. By creating a game listing, you agree to follow these rules. They supplement our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Community Guidelines. Violations may result in removal of game listings, suspension of hosting privileges, or permanent removal from the platform.

1. ELIGIBILITY TO HOST

1.1 Verification Requirements

• You must be fully verified (ID verification and LinkedIn connection) to create and host games.

• Your profile must be accurate and up to date. Players rely on your profile to decide whether to join your games.

1.2 Age and Location

• You must be at least 21 years old.

• You must be located within a designated Tablemate service area (e.g., Sacramento region) to create games. Geographic restrictions are enforced by the platform.

1.3 Account Standing

• Your account must be in good standing. Users who have been suspended or removed may not host games.

2. CREATING GAME LISTINGS

2.1 Accurate Information

• Title: Use a clear, descriptive title (e.g., "Friday Night Cash Game," "Sunday Tournament").

• Date and Time: Enter the correct date and start time. Double-check for timezone accuracy.

• Location: Select the correct city. The full address is shared only with approved players on game day.

• Stakes: Accurately state the stakes (e.g., "1/2," "2/5," "Tournament $50 buy-in"). Do not misrepresent stakes to attract or mislead players.

• Max Players: Set a realistic maximum number of players. Do not overbook.

• Notes: Use the notes field to communicate house rules, buy-in limits, parking instructions, or other expectations. The more clarity you provide, the fewer surprises on game day.

2.2 Prohibited Listings

• Do not create fake, duplicate, or test listings.

• Do not create listings for games that violate applicable law in your jurisdiction.

• Do not use listings to promote other services, solicit business, or collect contact information outside the platform.

2.3 Listing Updates and Cancellations

• If you need to change the date, time, stakes, or other details, update the listing as soon as possible. Notify approved players of material changes.

• If you must cancel a game, cancel the listing and notify all approved players promptly. Repeated last-minute cancellations may affect your standing.

3. MANAGING PLAYER REQUESTS

3.1 Approval and Rejection

• Review seat requests in a timely manner. Players are waiting for a response.

• You may approve or reject requests at your discretion. However, you must not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.

• Rejecting a request does not require a reason, but abusive or discriminatory rejection may result in enforcement action.

3.2 Game Finalization

• Games close for new seat requests a set number of hours before the start time (e.g., 5 hours). After that, no new players may be added through the platform.

• Ensure your roster is finalized before the cutoff. Communicate with approved players about arrival and any last-minute details.

3.3 No-Show Policy

• You may set expectations in your notes about no-shows (e.g., "Please cancel if you can't make it").

• If a player repeatedly no-shows without notice, you may leave an honest review. Do not harass or threaten players.

4. VENUE AND LOCATION

4.1 Venue Requirements

• Host games only in locations where you have authority to do so (e.g., your home, a space you have permission to use).

• Ensure the venue is safe, accessible, and appropriate for the number of players and the stakes involved.

• Comply with all applicable laws regarding the use of the space (e.g., zoning, occupancy, noise).

4.2 Address Confidentiality

• Game addresses are private by design. The platform discloses your full address only to approved players, and typically only on or near game day.

• Do not share your address publicly in the listing, in messages, or elsewhere. Use the platform's location features.

• Do not ask players to share or screenshot addresses. Report any user who violates address confidentiality.

4.3 Location Accuracy

• Enter the correct coordinates when creating a game. Inaccurate locations affect distance calculations and player expectations.

5. SAFETY AND CONDUCT

5.1 Creating a Safe Environment

• You are responsible for the safety and comfort of players in your space.

• Set clear expectations for conduct. Address disruptive, abusive, or unsafe behavior promptly.

• If a player violates Community Guidelines or poses a safety risk, you may ask them to leave. Report serious incidents to Tablemate.

5.2 Alcohol and Substances

• If you allow alcohol, ensure all participants are of legal age and that consumption is responsible. You may be liable for incidents that occur at your venue.

• Do not allow illegal substances. Hosting games where illegal drug use occurs may result in immediate removal and referral to authorities.

5.3 Minors

• No one under 21 may attend or observe games. Do not allow minors in the playing area.

6. FAIR TREATMENT OF PLAYERS

6.1 Non-Discrimination

• Treat all players fairly regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.

• Do not reject players, change rules, or treat players differently based on protected characteristics.

6.2 Consistent Rules

• Apply house rules consistently to all players. Do not change rules mid-game to favor or disadvantage specific players.

• If you must clarify or adjust a rule, do so clearly and apply it going forward for everyone.

6.3 Stakes and Money

• Be transparent about stakes, buy-in limits, and any fees (e.g., rake, time charge) before play begins.

• Do not pressure players to play for stakes they are uncomfortable with.

• Tablemate does not hold or process funds. All money exchanged is between you and players. Handle disputes fairly and in good faith.

7. HOUSE RULES

7.1 Setting House Rules

• You may set house rules (e.g., buy-in min/max, time limits, re-buy rules, etiquette).

• Communicate house rules clearly in the game notes and again at the start of play.

• Players who disagree with your rules may leave. Do not force anyone to play under rules they did not agree to.

7.2 Rule Enforcement

• Enforce rules calmly and fairly. Avoid favoritism.

• If a dispute arises, try to resolve it without escalating. If you cannot, you may ask the player to leave and report the incident if appropriate.

8. COMMUNICATION

8.1 Before the Game

• Respond to player questions in a timely manner.

• Send reminders or instructions (e.g., parking, entry) as game day approaches, if helpful.

• Use the platform's messaging or group chat features when available.

8.2 During and After

• Be available to answer questions during the game.

• After the game, players may leave reviews. You may also leave reviews for players. Keep feedback honest and constructive.

9. PROHIBITED HOST CONDUCT

The following are strictly prohibited and may result in removal of listings, suspension of hosting privileges, or permanent removal:

• Fake or misleading listings (wrong date, time, stakes, or location)

• Discrimination against players based on protected characteristics

• Harassment, threats, or abuse of players

• Unsafe or illegal venues (e.g., spaces that violate zoning or safety codes)

• Allowing minors to attend or observe games

• Facilitating illegal activity (e.g., illegal gambling, drug use)

• Sharing player data (addresses, contact info) outside the platform without consent

• Soliciting players to play outside the platform or to circumvent Tablemate

• Retaliating against players who leave negative reviews (e.g., harassment, false accusations)

• Creating multiple accounts to evade restrictions or to manipulate ratings

10. RATINGS AND REVIEWS

10.1 Your Host Rating

• Your host rating is based on reviews from players who have attended your games.

• Maintain high standards to build a strong reputation. Consistently positive reviews help attract quality players.

10.2 Responding to Reviews

• You may not be able to reply to every review, but consider feedback constructively.

• Do not harass, threaten, or pressure players to change or remove reviews.

• False or retaliatory reviews you leave about players may be removed and may result in enforcement action.

11. CANCELLATIONS AND NO-SHOWS

11.1 Cancelling a Game

• If you must cancel, do so as early as possible and notify all approved players.

• Frequent last-minute cancellations may affect your ability to host or your standing on the platform.

11.2 Player No-Shows

• Players who no-show without notice may receive negative reviews. You may also report patterns of no-shows to Tablemate.

• Do not use no-shows as a pretext to discriminate or retaliate against players.

12. ENFORCEMENT

12.1 Our Discretion

• Tablemate reserves the right to remove game listings, suspend hosting privileges, or remove users who violate these Host Rules, the Terms of Service, or the Community Guidelines.

• We may consider the severity of the violation, your history, and other factors when deciding on enforcement.

12.2 Appeals

• If you believe action was taken in error, you may contact us to request an appeal. We will review your case and respond. Our decision is final.

13. UPDATES

We may update these Host Rules from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated rules within the Service and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Service as a host after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Host Rules.

14. CONTACT

For questions about these Host Rules or to report a violation:

Tablemate
tablemate916@gmail.com

Thank you for being a Tablemate host. Your role is essential to building a safe, fun, and trustworthy community.