Responsible Gaming at HarbourPlay

Understanding Social Gaming

HarbourPlay operates as a nongamstop and nongamban social games platform, meaning we exist outside traditional gambling regulatory frameworks. Our games involve no real-money wagers, deposits, or payouts. However, we still encourage all players to approach social gaming responsibly and maintain healthy boundaries around screen time and entertainment habits.

Safer Gaming Tools

1. Set Personal Limits

Even though there's no financial risk, it's wise to establish time boundaries. Consider setting a timer on your device to remind you when to take breaks. Most smartphones and computers include built-in screen time monitoring tools.

2. Take Regular Breaks

Step away from the screen every 30-45 minutes. Stretch, hydrate, and rest your eyes. Extended gaming sessions can lead to fatigue and reduce enjoyment.

3. Balance Your Activities

Social games should be one part of a balanced lifestyle. Make time for physical activity, social connections, hobbies, and responsibilities alongside your entertainment.

4. Stay Self-Aware

Regularly ask yourself: "Am I enjoying this?" If gaming feels like an obligation rather than entertainment, it may be time to take a longer break.

5. Use Device Controls

Enable parental controls, app limits, or website blockers on your devices if you find it difficult to moderate your usage independently.

Recognising Problematic Behaviour

While HarbourPlay involves no financial risk, excessive screen time and gaming can still impact wellbeing. Watch for these signs:

• Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities to play social games
• Feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when unable to access games
• Using social gaming to escape problems or negative emotions
• Lying to others about time spent gaming
• Experiencing physical symptoms like eye strain, headaches, or sleep disruption

If any of these resonate, please reach out to professional support services. Help is available and confidential.

The Nongamstop & Nongamban Context

HarbourPlay operates as a social casino platform outside the UK's GamStop and GamBan systems because we offer no real-money gambling services. These self-exclusion schemes apply to licensed gambling operators, whereas our nongamstop social games are purely entertainment-based.

However, if you've previously registered with GamStop or use GamBan due to gambling concerns, we encourage you to reflect carefully before engaging with any gaming content, even social games. If you're uncertain, please consult with a support organisation first.

For Friends & Family

If you're concerned about someone's gaming or gambling habits, support is available for you too. GamCare and GambleAware offer guidance for friends and family members seeking advice on how to help loved ones.

Approach conversations with empathy and without judgement. Encourage the person to seek professional support and offer to help them access resources.

Age Restrictions

All HarbourPlay users must be 18 years or older. We operate an age verification system to prevent underage access. If you believe someone under 18 has accessed our platform, please contact us immediately.

Our Commitment

HarbourPlay is committed to promoting safer gaming practices and providing transparent information about our social games platform. We regularly review our policies and features to ensure we're supporting player wellbeing effectively.

If you have suggestions for how we can improve our responsible gaming measures, we welcome your feedback via our contact page.