Safety Policy

Clear, fair poker host rules for smooth game nights

Last Updated: 03/10/26

Your safety is our priority. Tablemate facilitates in-person meetings between users who may not know each other. This Safety Policy outlines our expectations, recommendations, and resources to help keep our community safe. It works alongside our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, and Game Host Rules.

Important: Tablemate is a coordination platform. We do not conduct background checks on users, host games, or supervise in-person meetings. You assume responsibility for your own safety when meeting other users. If you feel unsafe at any time, leave and contact authorities if necessary.

1. BEFORE MEETING

1.1 Review Profiles and Reviews

Check the host's or player's profile, verification badges, and ratings before attending a game or approving a seat request.
Read reviews from other users. Look for patterns of positive or negative feedback.
If something seems offâ€”inconsistent information, no reviews, or concerning commentsâ€”proceed with caution or decline.

1.2 Communicate Through the Platform

Use Tablemate's messaging to confirm details, ask questions, and share arrival instructions.
Be wary of users who pressure you to communicate only off-platform (e.g., personal phone, email) before you have met or built trust.
Do not share personal financial information, passwords, or sensitive data.

1.3 Share Your Plans (Optional but Recommended)

Tell a friend or family member where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return.
Consider sharing your live location with a trusted contact during the game.

1.4 Trust Your Instincts

If you feel uncomfortable before a gameâ€”whether from messages, profile information, or gut feelingâ€”you do not have to attend. Cancel or decline. Your safety comes first.

2. DURING THE GAME

2.1 Arrival and Entry

Follow the host's instructions for arrival, parking, and entry.
Do not arrive unannounced or significantly early. Respect the host's schedule.
If the venue or situation feels unsafe when you arrive, leave immediately. You do not need to explain or stay.

2.2 Stay Aware

Be aware of your surroundings and the behavior of others.
If you feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe, leave. Go to a public place or your vehicle and contact someone you trust or authorities if needed.
Do not feel obligated to stay out of politeness. Your safety is more important than social etiquette.

2.3 Alcohol and Substances

If alcohol is present, consume responsibly. Do not drive under the influence.
Do not use or allow illegal substances. Leave and report if you observe illegal activity.
Hosts: You may be liable for incidents involving alcohol at your venue. Set clear expectations and monitor consumption.

2.4 Money and Valuables

Keep cash and valuables secure. Do not leave bags or wallets unattended.
Tablemate does not hold or process funds. All money exchanged is between users. Handle transactions discreetly and in accordance with agreed-upon rules.

2.5 Conflict and Disputes

If a dispute arises over game rules, stakes, or conduct, try to resolve it calmly.
If the situation escalates, disengage. Do not engage in physical confrontation or verbal abuse.
Hosts: You may ask disruptive or unsafe players to leave. If you cannot resolve a situation, end the game and report the incident.

3. RED FLAGS AND WARNING SIGNS

Be cautious and consider leaving or reporting if you observe:

Pressure or coercion to do something you are uncomfortable with
Aggressive or threatening language or behavior
Harassment (unwanted advances, comments, or contact)
Discrimination or hate speech
Cheating or collusion
Excessive alcohol or drug use
Unsafe or unsanitary conditions at the venue
Weapons (unless legally permitted and disclosed)
Minors present when they should not be
Requests to share addresses, personal data, or financial information inappropriately
Refusal to follow house rules or reasonable requests from the host

4. REPORTING

4.1 When to Report

Report to Tablemate when:

Another user has violated our Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, or Game Host Rules
You have experienced or witnessed harassment, threats, violence, or other harmful conduct
You believe a user poses a safety risk to the community
You have concerns about fraud, impersonation, or misuse of the platform

4.2 How to Report

Use in-app reporting when available.
Contact us at [Email Address] with "Safety Report" in the subject line.
Include: who was involved, what happened, when and where, and any evidence (e.g., screenshots, photos) if appropriate and safe to share.

4.3 What We Do

We review reports and may take action including warnings, suspension, or permanent removal.
We may report serious incidents to law enforcement.
We do not share details of our investigations or actions with other users, but we may notify you of the outcome of a report you submitted.

4.4 When to Contact Law Enforcement

Immediate danger: Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Threats, violence, or assault: Contact police.
Theft or fraud: File a police report.
Stalking or harassment: Document the behavior and contact authorities.

Tablemate cannot intervene in emergencies. Law enforcement has the authority and resources to respond to immediate threats.

5. EMERGENCY RESOURCES

5.1 Emergency Services

United States: 911 (police, fire, medical)
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

5.2 Local Resources

Keep your local non-emergency police number and nearest hospital information accessible.
Know the address of the venue before you go. Share it with a trusted contact if you choose.

6. ADDRESS AND PRIVACY

6.1 Address Confidentiality

Game addresses are private. Do not share, screenshot, or disclose addresses to anyone who is not an approved participant for that game.
Violation may result in immediate permanent removal and may create safety risks for hosts and players.

6.2 Your Information

Do not share your full address, financial details, or other sensitive information with other users unless necessary and appropriate.
Report users who pressure you for personal information or who misuse information you have shared.

7. HOST RESPONSIBILITIES

Hosts play a critical role in safety:

Venue: Host only in safe, accessible spaces where you have authority to do so.
Conduct: Set clear expectations and address disruptive or unsafe behavior promptly.
Alcohol: If allowed, ensure responsible consumption and compliance with law.
Minors: No one under 21 may attend or observe games.
Emergencies: Know how to contact emergency services. Have a plan for medical or safety incidents.
Reporting: Report serious incidents to Tablemate and, when appropriate, to authorities.

See our Game Host Rules for full host responsibilities.

8. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

Players also contribute to safety:

Respect: Follow the host's rules and treat others with respect.
Communication: Notify the host if you cannot attend. Do not no-show without notice.
Conduct: Do not harass, threaten, or engage in violence or abuse.
Reporting: Report unsafe or concerning behavior to Tablemate and, when appropriate, to authorities.

9. PLATFORM LIMITATIONS

Tablemate provides tools to help you make informed decisions, but we cannot guarantee safety:

No background checks: We do not conduct criminal background checks on users. Verification (ID, LinkedIn) confirms identity, not character or history.
No supervision: We do not host, attend, or supervise games. All in-person interactions are between users.
No liability: As stated in our Terms of Service, we are not liable for harm that occurs during or as a result of in-person meetings. You participate at your own risk.

10. UPDATES

We may update this Safety Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy within the Service and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Safety Policy.

11. CONTACT

For safety-related questions or to report a concern:

Tablemate
tablemate916@gmail.com

For emergencies, contact local law enforcement or emergency services (e.g., 911 in the United States).

Your safety matters. When in doubt, prioritize your well-being and leave. We are here to support a safe communityâ€”report concerns and look out for one another.