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GroundRules
Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gaming Policy

GroundRules — Noel Innovations LLC

Last updated · June 2026

1. Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming

At GroundRules, we are committed to providing a safe, fair, and responsible platform for real-money skill challenges. While our app is designed for entertainment and skill-based challenges, we recognize the importance of promoting responsible participation and preventing harmful behavior.

This Responsible Gaming Policy outlines our commitment to protecting users and promoting healthy, balanced use of our platform.

2. Age Requirement

GroundRules is ONLY for users who are 18 years of age or older (21 in certain states).

  • You must be at least 18 to create an account (21 in certain states)
  • We may request identity verification at any time
  • Accounts found to belong to minors will be immediately terminated
  • We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18

By using GroundRules, you confirm that you are of legal age to participate in real-money skill challenges in your jurisdiction.

3. Play for Fun, Not Profit

GroundRules is designed for ENTERTAINMENT purposes only.

Important Reminders

  • This is NOT a way to make money
  • All challenges involve risk of loss
  • Never stake more than you can afford to lose
  • Treat challenging as a cost of entertainment, not an investment
  • Don’t chase losses by creating larger challenges

Our platform is meant to add excitement to friendly challenges with friends, not to serve as a source of income.

4. Setting Personal Limits

We strongly encourage all users to set personal limits:

Recommended Practices

  • Set a monthly challenge budget and stick to it
  • Never borrow money to participate in challenges
  • Don’t use money intended for bills, rent, or essentials
  • Take regular breaks from the app
  • Track your spending in the app’s transaction history

Self-Imposed Limits

  • You can request deposit limits by contacting support@groundrules.app
  • You can request a “cooling off” period (temporary account suspension)
  • You can permanently close your account at any time through app settings

Remember: Responsible gaming means knowing your limits and respecting them.

5. Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Please be aware of these warning signs:

  • Spending more money or time than you intended
  • Feeling the need to challenge with increasing amounts
  • Becoming restless or irritable when trying to cut back
  • Participating in challenges to escape problems or relieve negative feelings
  • Chasing losses by creating more challenges
  • Lying to family or friends about your challenge activity
  • Jeopardizing relationships or work due to challenging
  • Relying on others to bail you out of financial trouble caused by participating

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.

6. Getting Help

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available:

National Resources (United States)

Online Resources

International Resources

Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

7. Self-Exclusion Options

We offer multiple self-exclusion options:

Temporary Suspension (Cooling Off Period)

  • Request a 24-hour, 7-day, or 30-day account suspension
  • During suspension, you cannot participate in challenges or access your account
  • Contact support@groundrules.app to request

Permanent Account Closure

  • You may permanently close your account at any time
  • Go to Profile > Settings > Account > Delete Account
  • You can withdraw your balance before closing
  • Closed accounts cannot be reopened

Third-Party Exclusion Programs

  • Consider enrolling in state/national self-exclusion programs
  • These programs can prevent you from accessing gambling platforms
  • Contact your local gaming commission for information

8. For Friends and Family

If you’re concerned about someone’s challenge spending behavior:

How to Help

  • Express your concern in a caring, non-judgmental way
  • Encourage them to seek professional help
  • Avoid lecturing, criticizing, or enabling their behavior
  • Don’t lend them money for participating in challenges
  • Take care of your own well-being

Resources for Loved Ones

  • Gam-Anon: Support group for family members (www.gam-anon.org)
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Family resources and counseling referrals
  • Consider family counseling with a gambling addiction specialist

You are not alone. Many families have successfully navigated these challenges with proper support.

9. Our Platform Safeguards

GroundRules has implemented several features to promote responsible gaming:

Built-in Protections

  • Daily stake limits based on KYC verification level ($100-$250,000/day)
  • Transaction history for spending transparency
  • Unresolved challenges are refunded minus a small capped fee — no penalties
  • Skill-based challenges, not games of pure chance
  • Proof-based result confirmation prevents exploitation
  • Account verification (KYC) to prevent underage access
  • Session time tracking

Transparency

  • All fees clearly disclosed before participating in challenges
  • Detailed receipts for every transaction
  • Real-time balance updates
  • Complete challenge history accessible in-app

Jurisdictional Restrictions

  • GroundRules is available in the United States and Canada, in eligible regions only
  • Geo-verification is required to confirm your location
  • VPN and GPS spoofing are detected and blocked
  • It is YOUR responsibility to ensure compliance with local laws
  • Violating local laws may result in account termination

Not Gambling

  • GroundRules is a skill-based challenge platform
  • Outcomes are determined by verifiable proof and participant agreement, not random chance
  • We do not operate as a traditional gambling platform
  • We do not participate in or influence challenge outcomes

However, we recognize that any form of real-money competition carries risks and should be approached responsibly.

11. Reporting Concerns

If you witness concerning behavior on our platform:

Report to Us

  • Email: support@groundrules.app
  • Include user ID, challenge details, and description of concern
  • We investigate all reports promptly
  • Reports are confidential

What We Investigate

  • Underage users
  • Signs of problem gambling behavior
  • Manipulation or fraud
  • Harassment or exploitation
  • Violation of Terms of Service

We take all reports seriously and will take appropriate action to protect our community.

12. Contact Us

For questions about responsible gaming or to request support:

Email: support@groundrules.app
Responsible Gaming Team: responsibility@groundrules.app
Phone: (516) 387-2140

Self-Exclusion Requests: support@groundrules.app (Subject: “Self-Exclusion Request”)

We are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.

Important Reminder

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at:

1-800-522-4700

Help is available. You are not alone.