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Playing for fun, a pal you’re texting (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

amateur

'playing for fun' is the definition.
(as opposed to professional)

'a pal you're texting' is the wordplay.
'pal' becomes 'mate' (both can mean a friend).
'you're texting' becomes 'ur' (informal spelling of 'you're' eg in text messages).
'a'+'mate'+'ur'='AMATEUR'

(Other definitions for amateur that I've seen before include "Dabbler" , "Lay person" , "Not pro" , "Receiving no money" , "Unpaid or unskilled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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