Terms of Service | Goat Gamers Lounge

GOAT Gamers Lounge – Terms of Service

Address: 4805 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Effective Date: April 1, 2025

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

Introduction

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern access to and use of GOAT Gamers Lounge (“GOAT Gamers Lounge,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), including our website(s), booking/reservation tools, on‑site gaming lounge, equipment, tournaments/events, Wi‑Fi/network, and related services (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using the Services, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

Defined Terms

Account: A user profile created to access certain Services (reservations, tournaments, memberships, loyalty, payment history).
Minor: An individual under 18 years old.
Reservation: A booking for a station, seat, room, VR session, or event time slot.
Peak Hours: The time windows designated by GOAT Gamers Lounge as higher‑demand operating periods (posted in‑lounge and/or online).
Station/Equipment: PCs, consoles, VR systems, peripherals, headsets, controllers, furniture, and network resources provided by GOAT Gamers Lounge.
Content: Video, audio, images, usernames/gamertags, chat logs (where applicable), gameplay footage, tournament brackets/results, and any other media created, captured, or displayed through the Services.
Audio Recording: Any capture of spoken words, voice chat, or audio communications, whether in‑person or over networked/messaging platforms.

Eligibility and Minors

Online eligibility: You must be at least 13 to create an Account and use online Services.
Facility entry and participation: Facility entry age requirements, supervision rules, and event eligibility may be more restrictive than online eligibility and are set by our posted policies and Membership & Fair Use Agreement.
Minors: A Minor may only use the Services with consent of a parent/legal guardian and may require a signed Minor Parental Consent/Release for certain activities (e.g., VR, tournaments, livestream participation).

Accounts and Security

You must provide accurate information and keep it current.
You are responsible for all activity under your Account, including any purchases, reservations, and conduct.
We may suspend or terminate Accounts for misuse, fraud, payment disputes/chargebacks, or violation of these Terms.

Code of Conduct and Community Standards

Do not harass, threaten, discriminate, stalk, or abuse others.
Do not cheat, hack, use exploits, circumvent security, or attempt to bypass management/lock‑screen tools.
Do not damage, steal, or tamper with Equipment.
Do not engage in illegal activity or violate third‑party game publisher/platform rules while using GOAT Gamers Lounge’s network/equipment.
Do not create unsafe conditions, including running, fighting, reckless behavior, or refusal to follow staff safety instructions.

We may remove you from the premises, suspend your Account, or terminate Services for violations.

Reservations, Seat Release, and No‑Show Rules

Arrival grace period: Reservations are held for 15 minutes after the scheduled start time unless posted otherwise.
No‑show: If you do not arrive and check in within the grace period, GOAT Gamers Lounge may cancel the Reservation and release the station to walk‑ins/waitlist.
Seat release / AFK: If you are away from your station for more than 15 minutes without staff approval, GOAT Gamers Lounge may pause your session and release your seat to others, especially during Peak Hours.
Waitlist: During high demand, GOAT Gamers Lounge may operate a waitlist and enforce strict time caps.
Peak Hours: Additional restrictions (caps, reservations limits, buddy‑pass restrictions) may apply during Peak Hours as posted.

Payments, Pricing, Taxes, and Refunds

Payment processing: Payments are processed through third‑party processors and/or in‑store point‑of‑sale systems.
Pricing changes: Prices and availability may change at any time; posted pricing at purchase controls.
Refund hierarchy (baseline policy):
Used time / consumed services: No refunds for time already used, consumed food/drink, or completed services.
Equipment failure/outage: If a GOAT Gamers Lounge station failure prevents service delivery, we may provide, at our discretion: (a) a replacement station, (b) time credit, or (c) partial refund for the affected unused portion.
Event cancellation by GOAT Gamers Lounge: If we cancel a paid event, you will receive either a refund or credit (GOAT Gamers Lounge’s choice unless law requires otherwise).
Missed reservations: No refunds for missed reservations; credits may be offered at GOAT Gamers Lounge’s discretion.

Chargebacks: Initiating a chargeback without first contacting us may result in Account suspension, loss of membership benefits, and refusal of future service until resolved.

Equipment Use, Damage, and Remediation Costs

Responsible Use Required: Use all equipment, devices, VR gear, peripherals, and furniture responsibly and follow all staff instructions.
Damage Liability: You are responsible for the reasonable actual costs of repair or replacement for damage you cause due to misuse, spills, unsafe behavior, or rule violations. Costs are based on actual pricing and are not punitive.
Operational Impact & Downtime: If your actions cause a station/device to be taken out of service, GOAT Gamers Lounge may charge reasonable downtime/remediation fees reflecting technician labor, cleaning, diagnostics, or lost service time (fairly and proportionally assessed).
Cleaning & Spill Fees: Liquid spills or sanitation events may incur cleaning or replacement fees where specialized recovery or part replacement is required.
Peripheral & VR Damage: Damage to VR straps, lenses, controllers, sensors, console controllers, keyboards, mice, headsets, or cables may result in replacement fees equal to reasonable actual cost.
Third‑Party Account/API Impacts: If your conduct results in bans or restrictions on GOAT Gamers Lounge accounts/devices (e.g., Steam, Xbox, PSN, VR stores, publishers), you may be responsible for remediation or recovery costs.
If you damage, steal, or tamper with Equipment, you are responsible for the reasonable actual costs of repair, replacement, remediation, and associated operational downtime directly caused by your actions, to the extent permitted by law.
Assessment Process: Incidents will be documented, assessed, and itemized upon request. Charges applied only after reasonable evaluation by staff/management.
Minors: Parents/guardians are responsible for damages caused by Minors under their supervision.
Failure to Pay: Failure to pay valid remediation charges may result in suspension or denial of future services.

Network and Software Acceptable Use

Prohibited: cheating tools, malware, unauthorized admin actions, crypto‑mining, server hosting, illegal downloads/piracy, or attempts to bypass device controls.
Data storage: Workstations may be configured to reset upon reboot and delete local files. You are responsible for saving work to approved cloud storage or your own external drive. GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for lost files due to device reset policies.
Bring Your Own License: If software requires licensing (creative tools, premium apps), you must use your own properly licensed accounts.

VR Safety Rules and Health Warnings

VR can cause dizziness, nausea, motion sickness, eye strain, and disorientation.
Do not use VR if you are sick, fatigued, under the influence of alcohol/drugs, or have conditions that may be aggravated by VR (including sensitivity to flashing lights).
Stop immediately and notify staff if you experience nausea, dizziness, disorientation, sweating, or discomfort.
VR use may be restricted by age, height, or guardian supervision rules as posted.

CCTV and Event Recording; Audio Recording Notice

CCTV: GOAT Gamers Lounge uses CCTV in public areas for safety, fraud prevention, and operational monitoring. (No cameras are placed in restrooms or other private areas.)
Gameplay and event recording: Events may be photographed, recorded, and livestreamed.
Audio recording notice (Pennsylvania alignment): Where audio recording applies (e.g., streaming stations, tournament commentary capture, recorded voice chat), you will be provided notice and participation constitutes consent as required by law. If you do not consent, you must notify staff prior to participating in any audio‑recorded activity and you may be unable to participate in certain streamed formats.
Third‑party capture: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for recording, screenshots, clips, or redistribution created independently by attendees or third‑party platforms.

Assumption of Risk; Release; Safety Obligations

BY ENTERING THE FACILITY, USING ANY EQUIPMENT, PARTICIPATING IN ANY VR, GAMING, OR TOURNAMENT ACTIVITY, OR ACCESSING ANY SERVICES, YOU UNDERSTAND AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUME THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH GAMING LOUNGES AND INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT, including trips/falls, collisions, crowds, participant behavior, repetitive‑stress, eye strain, loud‑audio, flashing‑light, VR‑specific motion effects, equipment malfunction, and contact with furniture/peripherals/other participants.
Assumption of Risk: To the fullest extent permitted by Pennsylvania law, you voluntarily participate with knowledge of these risks and accept responsibility for your participation and conduct.
Release of Ordinary Negligence: To the maximum extent permitted by law, you release GOAT Gamers Lounge and its owners, employees, and contractors from claims arising out of ordinary negligence related to your participation in the Services, except where prohibited by law. This release does not apply to gross negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional misconduct.
Participant‑to‑Participant Conduct: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for injuries or damages caused by the conduct of other participants, including accidental contact, unsafe behavior, or violations of posted rules.
Equipment Use: You agree to follow all staff instructions and posted rules for safe use of PCs, VR headsets, consoles, furniture, and peripherals. Improper or unsafe use may result in termination of play or removal from the facility.
Medical Conditions: You confirm that you do not have any condition that would make participation unsafe (including susceptibility to motion sickness, epilepsy/photosensitive conditions, or injuries aggravated by VR/gaming). You agree to stop immediately and notify staff if you experience discomfort.
Minors: Parents/guardians assume responsibility for Minors under their supervision and agree that Minors may only participate after required parental consent/release forms are signed.
Personal Property: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items, including unattended bags, phones, laptops, controllers, or peripherals brought by guests.
Compliance With Safety Instructions: Failure to follow staff safety instructions, posted rules, or emergency procedures may result in removal from the premises without refund.

Dispute Resolution; Small Claims; Arbitration; Opt‑Out (AAA‑Aligned)

Informal resolution first: Before filing, you agree to contact us with a written description of the issue and desired resolution at Support@GoatGamers.net. We will attempt to resolve within 30 days.
Small claims carve‑out: Either party may bring an eligible claim in small claims court in Allegheny County (or the relevant jurisdiction) instead of arbitration.
Arbitration: If unresolved, disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules then in effect, to the extent applicable. Arbitration must be on an individual basis; class or consolidated actions are waived to the extent permitted by law.
Fees: Consumer costs will be consistent with AAA consumer fee standards and applicable fee schedules; fee waivers may be available under AAA processes.
Opt‑out of arbitration: You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days of first accepting these Terms by emailing Support@GoatGamers.net with subject “Arbitration Opt‑Out,” including your full name, Account email (if any), and a statement that you opt out.

DMCA Notice, Counter‑Notice & Safe Harbor

Designated Agent – GOAT Gamers Lounge: Attn: DMCA Compliance, 4805 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224; Email: Support@GoatGamers.net; Phone: (878) 867-1629. This contact is for copyright claims only. Customer service requests must go to Support@GoatGamers.net.
Submitting a DMCA Takedown Notice: Provide (1) signature; (2) identification of copyrighted work; (3) identification/location of infringing material; (4) contact info; (5) good‑faith belief statement; and (6) perjury statement that you are the owner or authorized agent (17 U.S.C. §512(c)(3)).
Submitting a Counter‑Notice: Provide (1) signature; (2) identification of removed material and location before removal; (3) perjury statement that removal was due to mistake or misidentification; (4) contact info; and (5) consent to the jurisdiction of the federal court in Pennsylvania.
Content Restoration: If a valid Counter‑Notice is received, GOAT Gamers Lounge will restore the content within 10–14 business days unless the original complainant notifies us they filed a court action.
Repeat Infringer Policy: GOAT Gamers Lounge may terminate or suspend accounts, restrict access, and remove content for users determined to be repeat infringers.
Gameplay/Streaming Media: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for publisher enforcement, platform takedowns, or DMCA actions triggered by in‑game music/assets. Users must follow publisher/platform rules.

Third‑Party Platform, Publisher Rules, and Licensing Responsibilities

Machine + Seat Rental Only: You are renting access to a machine and physical seat. GOAT Gamers Lounge does not sell, license, or provide rights to play any specific game or publisher content.
User Licensing Responsibility: By launching or playing any game/software, you represent and warrant you already own, have purchased, or otherwise have lawful access rights to that game or service through your own accounts (e.g., Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, EA, Epic, Riot, Battle.net, Ubisoft).
User Responsible for Third‑Party Accounts: You alone manage your accounts (Steam, Epic, Riot, EA, Ubisoft, PSN, Xbox, Battle.net, Discord, Twitch, YouTube). GOAT Gamers Lounge does not restore, monitor, or intervene in third‑party account issues.
No Responsibility for Bans: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for suspensions, bans, penalties, or lost progress issued by any third‑party publisher or platform due to your conduct or violation of their terms.
Mandatory Compliance: You must comply with all relevant publisher/platform terms including EULAs, ToS, community guidelines, competitive integrity rules, and anti‑cheat policies.
No Unauthorized Access: Do not use stolen/cracked/shared accounts, account‑borrowing/boosting, or content not legally owned by you.
GOAT Accounts Not for Gameplay: Any GOAT‑owned platform accounts are not available for customer gameplay unless explicitly posted.
Logout Responsibility: You must log out and secure your accounts; GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for unauthorized access or purchases due to your failure to log out.
Anti‑Cheat Disclaimer: Shared IP/hardware may trigger automated security/anti‑cheat systems; GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for such actions.
HWID/IP Restrictions: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not liable for hardware bans or IP blocks caused by user actions.
Cloud Save Responsibility: Cloud save conflicts or data loss are solely the user’s responsibility.
Remediation Costs: If your actions cause penalties or losses to GOAT systems/accounts, you may be charged reasonable remediation costs.
Third‑Party Outages & Failures: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not liable for outages or failures of publishers/platforms/ISPs.

Guest Wi‑Fi Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Use at Your Own Risk: Wi‑Fi is provided on an “AS‑IS” basis. Connectivity, speed, performance, and uptime are not guaranteed.
Lawful Use Only: Prohibited activities include, without limitation: copyright infringement (torrents/P2P file sharing), accessing/distributing illegal content, hacking, packet injection, DDoS tools, network scanning, phishing, credential theft, fraud, impersonation, and attempts to bypass security or filtering.
DMCA Liability: GOAT Gamers Lounge complies with the DMCA. You are solely responsible for copyright violations from your activity. We may block, throttle, or disable access for suspected infringement.
Prohibited Services: BitTorrent/P2P, TOR/anonymizers, unauthorized VPNs/proxies, hosting servers, cryptocurrency mining, automated traffic tools.
Cheating & Anti‑Cheat: Do not run or distribute cheats, macros, injectors, or anti‑cheat evasion utilities. Violations may result in removal and third‑party account bans.
Network Monitoring & Security: We may monitor traffic for security threats, block malicious domains/IPs, restrict bandwidth, terminate sessions for suspicious activity, and cooperate with ISPs, publishers, or law enforcement when required.
No Expectation of Privacy: Public Wi‑Fi is inherently insecure. You assume all risks of credential theft, malware, interception, or compromise.
Device Requirements: Your device must be free of malware and not configured to transmit harmful traffic. Rooted/jailbroken devices that pose risks may be blocked.
IP Reputation Impacts: If your activity causes blacklisting, ISP action, platform penalties, or DMCA notices, you may be responsible for reasonable remediation costs.
Termination of Access: GOAT Gamers Lounge may suspend or permanently ban Wi‑Fi or Services access for violations without refund.

Personal Property; Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Items

Bring‑At‑Your‑Own‑Risk: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items including phones, wallets, handhelds, laptops, tablets, controllers, headsets, keyboards, bags, jackets, or any personal property you bring into the facility.
Unattended Items: Any item left unattended at a station, table, seat, floor, charging outlet, or common area is solely your responsibility. Staff are not obligated to monitor, safeguard, or store unattended belongings.
Crowded / High‑Traffic Areas: During peak hours, tournaments, or events, items may be moved, stepped on, spilled on, or damaged. GOAT Gamers Lounge is not liable for accidental interactions or interference by other guests.
Damage Caused by Other Guests: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage caused by the actions of other guests, whether accidental or intentional.
Charging Stations & Outlets: Devices connected to power or charging stations are used at your own risk. GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for electrical damage, power fluctuations, or device loss.
Items Left After Closing: Items left behind may be placed in lost‑and‑found for a limited time or discarded if perishable, unsafe, or unclaimed. GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for storage or retrieval.
Prohibited Storage: Personal belongings may not be stored behind counters, staff areas, or restricted zones. GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for items left in prohibited areas.
Optional Bag Checks: Bag checks may be offered as a courtesy to deter theft but do not create any obligation to monitor or protect belongings.
Lockers (if applicable): Lockers or storage units are used at your own risk. GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for the contents of lockers or improperly secured locks.
Personal Devices Connected to GOAT Equipment: GOAT Gamers Lounge is not responsible for damage to personal devices connected to lounge equipment, including damage caused by other guests or system resets.

Safety, Emergency, and Conduct Compliance

Immediate Compliance Required: You must follow all staff instructions during any safety, health, or emergency situation, including evacuations, crowd control directives, hazard mitigation, or equipment shutdowns.
Emergency Evacuations: In the event of a fire alarm, emergency announcement, or staff‑directed evacuation, you must immediately leave the premises using marked exits. Failure to comply may result in permanent removal without refund.
Hazardous Conditions: GOAT Gamers Lounge may suspend or terminate Services without refund if hazardous conditions arise (including spills, equipment hazards, electrical issues, severe weather, or structural safety concerns).
Medical Events: If you or another guest experiences a medical emergency, notify staff immediately. GOAT Gamers Lounge may contact EMS at its discretion. You assume all risks associated with participating despite any medical conditions.
Dangerous or Disruptive Behavior: Fighting, aggression, property damage, intimidation, or actions that create unsafe conditions may result in immediate removal, law enforcement contact, and permanent bans.
Crowd Management: During tournaments, events, or peak periods, you must follow all crowd‑flow instructions including line formations, seating assignments, or relocation requests.
Emergency Closures: GOAT Gamers Lounge may close the facility or cancel events without notice due to power outages, severe weather, government orders, or other emergencies. Refunds or credits are issued only at GOAT’s discretion.
Restricted Access Areas: Attempting to enter staff‑only, storage, or secured areas is prohibited and may result in removal from the premises.
No Refunds for Safety Removals: Guests removed or restricted for safety, emergency non‑compliance, or dangerous behavior are not entitled to refunds or compensation.

Termination, Ejection, and Ban Policy (Zero Tolerance)

Immediate Removal Authority: GOAT Gamers Lounge may immediately remove, eject, or refuse service to any guest who engages in dangerous, disruptive, aggressive, or non‑compliant behavior. No warning is required.
No Refunds for Removals: If you are removed, suspended, or banned for any violation of these Terms, you are not entitled to a refund, credit, or compensation regardless of remaining time, fees paid, or reservation status.
Permanent Bans: GOAT Gamers Lounge may issue permanent bans for serious misconduct including violence, harassment, threats, property damage, cheating, theft, hate speech, fraud, or repeated violations, without prior warning.
Ban Scope: Bans may extend to all GOAT Gamers Lounge Services including in‑lounge access, tournaments, events, online brackets, website accounts, Discord servers, and affiliated digital communities.
Off‑Site Misconduct: GOAT Gamers Lounge may remove, suspend, or ban guests for misconduct occurring off‑site (including Discord, social platforms, or third‑party chats) if such behavior targets GOAT Gamers Lounge, its guests, staff, or disrupts community safety.
Zero Tolerance Behaviors: Physical aggression, weapons, threats, stalking, harassment, intimidation, sexual misconduct, discrimination, or illegal activity result in immediate ejection and permanent ban.
Cheating or System Tampering: Use of cheats, macros, hacks, network manipulation, or anti‑cheat evasion will result in immediate removal, termination of access, and potential permanent ban.
Fraud and Chargeback Abuse: Fraudulent payments, chargeback misuse, or attempts to avoid proper payment may result in account suspension, debt recovery actions, and permanent ban.
Failure to Pay Fees: Outstanding remediation costs or unpaid fees may result in suspension or termination of access until balances are resolved.
Authority of Staff: Staff decisions related to safety, conduct, or removal are final. Guests interfering with staff duties or refusing directives may be permanently banned.
No Right to Appeal: Guests banned or terminated under this Zero Tolerance policy are not guaranteed any appeal or reinstatement. Reinstatement, if offered, is solely at the discretion of GOAT Gamers Lounge management.

Changes to Terms; Governing Law; Severability; Assignment; Entire Agreement

Changes to Terms: We may update these Terms by posting the revised version with a new effective date. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to conflict‑of‑law principles.
Severability: If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.
Assignment: GOAT Gamers Lounge may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
Entire Agreement: These Terms and the Privacy Policy, plus posted event rules and membership agreements you accept, are the entire agreement regarding the Services.

Contact

GOAT Gamers Lounge

4805 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Email: Support@GoatGamers.net