Terms of Service
Last Updated: January 27, 2026
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Handshake peer-to-peer betting platform operated by Handshake Bets, Inc. ("Handshake," "we," "us," or "our"). By using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
Important Legal Notice
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY BEFORE USING HANDSHAKE.
Regulatory Status: Handshake Bets, Inc. is an early-stage technology platform that facilitates peer-to-peer sports betting. The legal status of online sports betting varies significantly by jurisdiction. Handshake is not currently licensed as a gambling operator in any U.S. state or foreign jurisdiction.
Your Responsibility: By using this platform, YOU acknowledge that YOU are solely responsible for determining whether your use of Handshake is legal in your jurisdiction. We make no representation that our services are legal, appropriate, or available for use in any particular location.
No Legal Advice: Nothing on this platform constitutes legal advice. If you are uncertain about the legality of online betting in your jurisdiction, you should consult with a qualified attorney before using our services.
Assumption of Risk: You understand and accept that using this platform may carry legal risks depending on your location, and you assume all such risks voluntarily.
Geographic Restrictions & Jurisdiction
Sports betting laws vary by country, state, and territory. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction before using Handshake.
You represent and warrant that:
- You have independently verified that online peer-to-peer sports betting is legal in your jurisdiction
- You are physically located in a jurisdiction where such activity is permitted when placing bets
- You will not use VPNs, proxies, or other tools to mask your true location
- You will not access Handshake from any jurisdiction where doing so would be prohibited
- You understand that laws may change, and it is your ongoing responsibility to stay informed
Restricted Jurisdictions:
Users from certain jurisdictions may be restricted from accessing some or all features of the platform. We reserve the right to restrict access based on geographic location at any time without prior notice.
Blocked U.S. States (as of January 2026):
Real-money betting features are NOT available in the following states due to state law restrictions:
Attempting to access Handshake's real-money features from a blocked state using VPNs, location spoofing, or other circumvention methods is a violation of these Terms and may result in account termination and forfeiture of funds.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By creating an account or using Handshake, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our services.
2. Eligibility
To use Handshake, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old (or the minimum legal age for sports betting in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher)
- Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
- Be physically located in a jurisdiction where peer-to-peer sports betting is legal at the time of placing any bet
- Have independently verified the legality of online sports betting in your jurisdiction
- Not be on any prohibited lists or subject to sanctions
- Provide accurate and truthful information, including your real identity and location
- Not be a problem gambler or have self-excluded from gambling platforms
User Acknowledgment Required:
By creating an account and using Handshake, you explicitly acknowledge that: (1) you have read and understood the Important Legal Notice above; (2) you accept full responsibility for ensuring your use of this platform is legal in your jurisdiction; (3) you understand that Handshake is not licensed as a gambling operator; and (4) you voluntarily assume all legal risks associated with using this platform.
You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of Handshake complies with all applicable local, state, federal, and international laws in your jurisdiction. Handshake is not responsible for any legal consequences that may arise from your use of this platform.
3. Account Responsibilities
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- You must not share your account or allow others to access it
- You are liable for all activities that occur under your account
- You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach
- You may only create one account per person
4. Prohibited Activities
You agree NOT to:
- Use the platform for illegal activities or money laundering
- Create multiple accounts or use bots/automation
- Manipulate odds, collude with other users, or engage in match-fixing
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or modify our software
- Harass, abuse, or threaten other users
- Upload malicious code or viruses
- Scrape or copy content without permission
- Circumvent betting limits or verification requirements
5. Practice Mode
Users in restricted jurisdictions (blocked states or international locations) are automatically placed in Practice Mode.
Practice Mode Features:
- $10,000 starting balance in simulated funds (no real money)
- Full access to platform features and betting functionality
- Can only match bets with other practice mode users
- Cannot deposit or withdraw real money
- Profile displays "Practice Mode" badge when interacting with real-money users
Location Verification:
Real-money users must verify their location at the time of each bet placement to ensure compliance with state regulations. Practice mode users only verify location at signup.
6. Betting and Matching
How It Works:
- Handshake facilitates peer-to-peer betting between users
- Bets may be matched by other users (P2P) or by our expert pool at fair odds
- Once a bet is matched and a game starts, it cannot be cancelled
- Funds are held in escrow during active bets
- Settlement is based on official sports scores
Important:
All bets are final once matched. We are not responsible for incorrect bets placed due to user error.
7. Financial Terms
Deposits and Withdrawals:
- You may deposit funds via bank transfer through our payment processor (Plaid)
- Withdrawals are subject to verification and processing times
- We reserve the right to request additional identity verification for large transactions
- Minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts may apply
Fees:
Handshake may charge fees for certain services. Any applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you complete a transaction.
8. Intellectual Property
All content, features, and functionality on Handshake (including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, software, and design) are owned by Handshake Bets, Inc. and are protected by intellectual property laws.
You may not use, copy, or distribute our content without explicit written permission.
9. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
AS-IS BASIS:
Handshake is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee that the platform will be error-free or uninterrupted.
BETTING RISKS:
You acknowledge that betting involves financial risk. You may lose money. We are not responsible for your betting losses.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Handshake Bets, Inc. shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the platform.
MAXIMUM LIABILITY:
Our total liability to you for all claims shall not exceed the amount you paid to Handshake in the 12 months preceding the claim.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Handshake Bets, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the platform or violation of these Terms.
11. Dispute Resolution
Governing Law:
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Disputes:
Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of Handshake shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, rather than in court.
12. Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for:
- Violation of these Terms
- Fraudulent or illegal activity
- Abusive behavior toward other users or staff
- Risk to platform security or integrity
Upon termination, any outstanding bets will be settled, and remaining funds will be returned to you (subject to verification).
13. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification. Continued use of Handshake after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
14. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
Contact Us
Questions about these Terms? Contact us: