diff --git a/internal/plugin/holdem.go b/internal/plugin/holdem.go
index 297463c..c3c73da 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/holdem.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/holdem.go
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package plugin
 import (
 	"fmt"
 	"log/slog"
+	"math/rand/v2"
 	"strconv"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
@@ -98,12 +99,14 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) OnMessage(ctx MessageContext) error {
 	}
 
 	// If this is a DM, resolve the player's game room so actions route correctly.
-	// Clear EventID so replies go as plain messages — the room can't resolve DM events.
+	// Save the original DM room into OriginRoomID so sender-private replies (errors,
+	// help, status) route back via DM rather than broadcasting to the games room.
 	if isDM {
 		p.mu.Lock()
 		gameRoom := p.findGameRoom(ctx.Sender)
 		p.mu.Unlock()
 		if gameRoom != "" {
+			ctx.OriginRoomID = ctx.RoomID
 			ctx.RoomID = gameRoom
 			ctx.EventID = ""
 		}
@@ -113,7 +116,7 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) OnMessage(ctx MessageContext) error {
 	if !isDM && !isGamesRoom(ctx.RoomID) {
 		gr := gamesRoom()
 		if gr != "" {
-			return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Games are only available in the games channel!")
+			return p.reply(ctx, "Games are only available in the games channel!")
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -139,14 +142,23 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) OnMessage(ctx MessageContext) error {
 	case args == "status":
 		return p.handleStatus(ctx)
 	case args == "help":
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, renderHelpMessage())
+		return p.reply(ctx, renderHelpMessage())
 	case args == "addbot":
 		return p.handleAddBot(ctx)
 	default:
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Unknown command. Try `!holdem help`.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Unknown command. Try `!holdem help`.")
 	}
 }
 
+// reply routes sender-private responses to the originating DM when the command
+// came from a DM (ctx.OriginRoomID set), otherwise replies in-thread.
+func (p *HoldemPlugin) reply(ctx MessageContext, msg string) error {
+	if ctx.OriginRoomID != "" {
+		return p.SendMessage(ctx.OriginRoomID, msg)
+	}
+	return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, msg)
+}
+
 func (p *HoldemPlugin) isDMRoom(roomID id.RoomID) bool {
 	// DM rooms typically have exactly 2 members.
 	members := p.RoomMembers(roomID)
@@ -166,11 +178,11 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) findGameRoom(userID id.UserID) id.RoomID {
 
 func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleTipsToggle(ctx MessageContext, args string, isDM bool) error {
 	if !isDM {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Tips can only be toggled in DM. Send `!holdem tips on/off` directly to me.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Tips can only be toggled in DM. Send `!holdem tips on/off` directly to me.")
 	}
 
 	if p.IsAdmin(ctx.Sender) {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Tips are always on for admins. 🐝")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Tips are always on for admins. 🐝")
 	}
 
 	parts := strings.Fields(args)
@@ -180,18 +192,18 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleTipsToggle(ctx MessageContext, args string, isDM bo
 		if !pref {
 			status = "off"
 		}
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, fmt.Sprintf("Tips are currently **%s**. Use `!holdem tips on/off` to change.", status))
+		return p.reply(ctx, fmt.Sprintf("Tips are currently **%s**. Use `!holdem tips on/off` to change.", status))
 	}
 
 	switch parts[1] {
 	case "on":
 		saveTipsPref(ctx.Sender, true)
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Tips enabled. You'll receive coaching on your turn.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Tips enabled. You'll receive coaching on your turn.")
 	case "off":
 		saveTipsPref(ctx.Sender, false)
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Tips disabled.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Tips disabled.")
 	default:
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Use `!holdem tips on` or `!holdem tips off`.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Use `!holdem tips on` or `!holdem tips off`.")
 	}
 }
 
@@ -249,25 +261,25 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleJoin(ctx MessageContext, amountStr string) error {
 
 	// Check if already seated.
 	if game.playerByUserID(ctx.Sender) != nil {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "You're already at the table.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "You're already at the table.")
 	}
 
 	// Max 9 players.
 	if len(game.Players) >= 9 {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Table is full (9 players max).")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Table is full (9 players max).")
 	}
 
 	// Check balance.
 	balance := p.euro.GetBalance(ctx.Sender)
 	if balance < float64(p.cfg.MinBuyin) {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID,
+		return p.reply(ctx,
 			fmt.Sprintf("Minimum buy-in is €%d. Your balance: €%.0f.", p.cfg.MinBuyin, balance))
 	}
 
 	// Resolve DM room.
 	dmRoom, err := p.GetDMRoom(ctx.Sender)
 	if err != nil {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Couldn't open a DM with you. Check your privacy settings.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Couldn't open a DM with you. Check your privacy settings.")
 	}
 
 	// Get display name.
@@ -280,19 +292,19 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleJoin(ctx MessageContext, amountStr string) error {
 		amountStr = strings.TrimPrefix(amountStr, "€")
 		requested, err := strconv.ParseInt(amountStr, 10, 64)
 		if err != nil || requested <= 0 {
-			return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID,
+			return p.reply(ctx,
 				fmt.Sprintf("Usage: `!holdem join [amount]` — amount between €%d and €%d.", p.cfg.MinBuyin, p.cfg.MaxBuyin))
 		}
 		if requested < p.cfg.MinBuyin {
-			return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID,
+			return p.reply(ctx,
 				fmt.Sprintf("Minimum buy-in is €%d.", p.cfg.MinBuyin))
 		}
 		if requested > p.cfg.MaxBuyin {
-			return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID,
+			return p.reply(ctx,
 				fmt.Sprintf("Maximum buy-in is €%d.", p.cfg.MaxBuyin))
 		}
 		if requested > int64(balance) {
-			return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID,
+			return p.reply(ctx,
 				fmt.Sprintf("You only have €%.0f.", balance))
 		}
 		buyin = requested
@@ -305,7 +317,7 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleJoin(ctx MessageContext, amountStr string) error {
 
 	// Debit buy-in immediately to prevent double-spending across tables.
 	if !p.euro.Debit(ctx.Sender, float64(buyin), "holdem_buyin") {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Failed to reserve buy-in.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Failed to reserve buy-in.")
 	}
 
 	state := PlayerActive
@@ -343,12 +355,12 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleLeave(ctx MessageContext) error {
 
 	game := p.games[ctx.RoomID]
 	if game == nil {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "No active game here.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "No active game here.")
 	}
 
 	player := game.playerByUserID(ctx.Sender)
 	if player == nil {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "You're not at the table.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "You're not at the table.")
 	}
 
 	if !game.HandInProgress || player.SittingOut {
@@ -401,11 +413,11 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleStart(ctx MessageContext) error {
 
 	game := p.games[ctx.RoomID]
 	if game == nil {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "No players seated. Use `!holdem join` first.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "No players seated. Use `!holdem join` first.")
 	}
 
 	if game.HandInProgress {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "A hand is already in progress.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "A hand is already in progress.")
 	}
 
 	// Count non-sitting-out players.
@@ -421,7 +433,7 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleStart(ctx MessageContext) error {
 		if ready == 1 {
 			hint = " Use `!holdem addbot` to add an AI opponent."
 		}
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Need at least 2 players to start."+hint)
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Need at least 2 players to start."+hint)
 	}
 
 	p.startHand(game)
@@ -431,13 +443,13 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleStart(ctx MessageContext) error {
 func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleRaise(ctx MessageContext, args string) error {
 	parts := strings.Fields(args)
 	if len(parts) < 2 {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Usage: `!holdem raise <amount>`")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Usage: `!holdem raise <amount>`")
 	}
 
 	amtStr := strings.TrimPrefix(parts[1], "€")
 	amount, err := strconv.ParseInt(amtStr, 10, 64)
 	if err != nil || amount <= 0 {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Invalid amount. Usage: `!holdem raise <amount>`")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Invalid amount. Usage: `!holdem raise <amount>`")
 	}
 
 	return p.handleAction(ctx, "raise", amount)
@@ -449,21 +461,21 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleAction(ctx MessageContext, action string, amount in
 
 	game := p.games[ctx.RoomID]
 	if game == nil || !game.HandInProgress {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "No hand in progress.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "No hand in progress.")
 	}
 
 	seatIdx := game.playerIdx(ctx.Sender)
 	if seatIdx < 0 {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "You're not at this table.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "You're not at this table.")
 	}
 
 	if seatIdx != game.ActionIdx {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "It's not your turn.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "It's not your turn.")
 	}
 
 	player := game.Players[seatIdx]
 	if player.State != PlayerActive {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "You can't act right now.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "You can't act right now.")
 	}
 
 	var result ActionResult
@@ -483,7 +495,7 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleAction(ctx MessageContext, action string, amount in
 	}
 
 	if errMsg != "" {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, errMsg)
+		return p.reply(ctx, errMsg)
 	}
 
 	// Reset action timer.
@@ -520,12 +532,12 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleStatus(ctx MessageContext) error {
 
 	game := p.games[ctx.RoomID]
 	if game == nil {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "No active game here.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "No active game here.")
 	}
 
 	seatIdx := game.playerIdx(ctx.Sender)
 	if seatIdx < 0 {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "You're not at this table.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "You're not at this table.")
 	}
 
 	player := game.Players[seatIdx]
@@ -556,12 +568,12 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) handleAddBot(ctx MessageContext) error {
 	// Check if NPC already exists.
 	for _, pl := range game.Players {
 		if pl.IsNPC {
-			return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "An AI opponent is already at the table.")
+			return p.reply(ctx, "An AI opponent is already at the table.")
 		}
 	}
 
 	if len(game.Players) >= 9 {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "Table is full.")
+		return p.reply(ctx, "Table is full.")
 	}
 
 	// Get NPC house balance.
@@ -827,9 +839,10 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) doShowdown(game *HoldemGame) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	// Post end announcement to room.
+	// Post end announcement to room and DM each player.
 	endAnn := renderEndAnnouncement(results, game)
 	p.SendMessage(game.RoomID, endAnn)
+	p.broadcastDM(game, endAnn)
 
 	// Settle balances.
 	settleNetDeltas(game, p.euro)
@@ -862,6 +875,7 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) finishHand(game *HoldemGame) {
 	ann, winnerID := awardPotToLastPlayer(game)
 	if ann != "" {
 		p.SendMessage(game.RoomID, ann)
+		p.broadcastDM(game, ann)
 	}
 
 	// Track bot defeats (if NPC won by everyone folding).
@@ -967,6 +981,7 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) sendTurnNotifications(game *HoldemGame) {
 }
 
 func (p *HoldemPlugin) broadcastDM(game *HoldemGame, msg string) {
+	first := true
 	for _, pl := range game.Players {
 		if pl.IsNPC || pl.State == PlayerSatOut {
 			continue
@@ -977,6 +992,11 @@ func (p *HoldemPlugin) broadcastDM(game *HoldemGame, msg string) {
 		if pl.DMRoomID == game.RoomID {
 			continue
 		}
+		if !first {
+			// Jitter 150–400ms between sends to avoid bursts on the Matrix server.
+			time.Sleep(150*time.Millisecond + time.Duration(rand.IntN(250))*time.Millisecond)
+		}
+		first = false
 		p.SendMessage(pl.DMRoomID, msg)
 	}
 }