Responsible Play Guide
18+Healthy gaming habits for free social casino games — and where to get help if you need it.
1. About This Guide
Lunar Shadow Garden is a free social casino — we don't accept real money, and there are no real prizes. That said, social casino mechanics share similarities with gambling: repetition, variable rewards, and engaging feedback loops. Even without financial stakes, it's worth being mindful of how much time you spend playing.
This guide exists to help you recognise patterns early, maintain a healthy relationship with games, and know where to turn if things feel out of balance.
2. Four-Step Plan for Healthy Play
- Decide on a time limit before opening any game. Set a timer on your phone. When it goes off, stop.
- Check in weekly. Ask yourself honestly: am I playing more than I planned? Has play affected other activities?
- Use your device's built-in tools. iOS Screen Time and Android Digital Wellbeing both let you set daily limits for specific apps or websites.
- Know where to get help — see the Support Directory below. If something feels off, reach out early.
3. Warning Signs
It's worth pausing if you notice any of the following:
- Playing longer than intended most days
- Feeling anxious or restless when unable to play
- Neglecting responsibilities because of play sessions
- Hiding play time from friends or family
- Using gaming to escape stress or low mood
- Disrupted sleep from late-night sessions
- Making repeated in-app purchases beyond budget
- Borrowing money to fund in-app purchases
4. UK Support Directory
All of the following services are free and confidential:
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (24/7) · gamcare.org.uk
Counselling, advice, and online chat for anyone affected by gambling harm.
begambleaware.org
Information, advice, and self-assessment tools for problem gambling.
gamstop.co.uk
Free self-exclusion service that blocks you from all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps.
nhs.uk/gambling-addiction
NHS information and referral to the National Gambling Treatment Service via your GP.
Phone: 116 123 (24/7, free) · samaritans.org
Emotional support for anyone in distress or struggling to cope.
Phone: 0808 808 4000 · nationaldebtline.org
Free debt advice if gambling has caused financial difficulty.
gordonmoody.org.uk
Residential treatment and recovery programmes for severe gambling addiction.
5. Self-Exclusion Options
If you want to limit or block access to gambling content, here are your options:
GAMSTOP
Blocks all UK-licensed gambling operators. Free. Takes effect within 24 hours. Register at gamstop.co.uk →
Bank Card Blocks
Monzo, Starling, Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, and most major banks offer free gambling transaction blocks in their apps or by phone.
iOS Screen Time
Settings → Screen Time → App Limits → Games. Set daily time limits or block specific websites.
Android Digital Wellbeing
Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Dashboard. Set app timers or use Focus Mode to block distracting apps.