1. Our Commitment
At NeonFern, responsible gaming is not just a policy — it is a fundamental part of who we are as a platform. Although NeonFern is a completely free social gaming experience with no real money wagering, deposits, withdrawals, or financial transactions of any kind, we recognise that our responsibility to our community extends beyond the absence of monetary risk. We are committed to fostering an environment where entertainment remains healthy, balanced, and enjoyable. Our team in Hamilton, New Zealand, has built NeonFern with the deliberate intention of providing a safe space for adults to enjoy slot-style game mechanics without any of the potential harms associated with real money gambling. We actively promote awareness of responsible gaming principles and provide resources to support anyone who may be experiencing difficulties related to gambling behaviour, whether on our platform or elsewhere.
2. Social Gaming vs Gambling
It is important to understand the clear distinction between social gaming, which is what NeonFern provides, and real money gambling. Social gaming platforms like NeonFern offer entertainment experiences that use virtual credits with no monetary value. You cannot deposit real money, you cannot withdraw real money, and no game outcome on NeonFern has any financial consequence whatsoever. Every virtual credit on our platform is provided free of charge and exists solely within the context of our social gaming environment. Real money gambling, by contrast, involves wagering actual currency with the possibility of winning or losing money. NeonFern does not operate as a gambling service, does not hold a gambling licence, and does not facilitate any form of real money betting. The game mechanics you encounter on our platform — spinning reels, matching symbols, bonus rounds — are presented purely for entertainment and should never be interpreted as opportunities to win real prizes or currency.
3. Setting Healthy Boundaries
Even though NeonFern involves no financial risk, we believe in promoting balanced entertainment habits for all our users. Here are some practical strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship with social gaming and digital entertainment in general:
- Set time limits: Decide in advance how long you plan to spend on social gaming and stick to that commitment. Consider using your device's built-in screen time tools to set reminders or automatic limits.
- Take regular breaks: Step away from the screen periodically. A short walk, a stretch, or simply looking away from the display for a few minutes can help you maintain perspective and prevent fatigue.
- Keep it fun: Social gaming should be an enjoyable leisure activity, not an obligation or a compulsion. If you find that gaming sessions are no longer feeling entertaining, take a break and engage in other activities you enjoy.
- Stay connected to reality: Remember that virtual credits on NeonFern have no real-world value. Game outcomes are randomised entertainment features, not indicators of skill or luck that carry over into real life.
- Balance your activities: Ensure that social gaming is just one part of a varied and fulfilling lifestyle that includes physical activity, social interaction, work or study, and rest.
- Talk to someone: If you feel that your gaming habits are becoming excessive or are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or responsibilities, speak to a trusted friend, family member, or professional support service.
4. Signs of Problem Gambling
While NeonFern is a free platform with no real money involved, we want our users to be informed about the warning signs of problem gambling. Recognising these signs early can make a significant difference, whether they relate to activity on other platforms or general behavioural patterns. Common indicators of problem gambling include spending more money on gambling than you can comfortably afford, borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling activities, feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling or when attempting to cut back, chasing losses by continuing to gamble in the hope of recovering money already lost, neglecting work, study, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling, lying to friends or family about the extent of your gambling activity, using gambling as a way to escape stress, depression, loneliness, or other emotional difficulties, and experiencing relationship conflicts or financial hardship as a direct result of gambling behaviour. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs, we strongly encourage you to reach out to one of the professional support organisations listed below.
5. Self-Assessment Questions
The following questions can help you evaluate whether gambling may be affecting your life or the life of someone you care about. These are reflective questions intended to promote self-awareness, not a diagnostic tool. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, consider reaching out to a support service for guidance.
- Do you spend more time or money on gambling than you originally intended?
- Have you tried to cut back on gambling but found it difficult to stop?
- Do you feel preoccupied with gambling when you are engaged in other activities?
- Have you ever gambled to escape feelings of stress, anxiety, guilt, or depression?
- Have you lied to family members, friends, or colleagues about your gambling activity?
- Have you borrowed money, sold items, or gone into debt because of gambling?
- Has your gambling caused conflict in your personal relationships or at work?
- Do you feel a need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same level of excitement?
- After losing money gambling, do you feel compelled to return and try to win it back?
Answering yes to any of these questions does not necessarily mean you have a gambling problem, but it may indicate that seeking advice from a qualified professional would be beneficial. Support is available, and reaching out is a positive step.
6. Support Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling-related concerns, the following organisations provide free, confidential support and assistance. Please do not hesitate to reach out — trained professionals are available to listen and help.
- GambleAware: A leading provider of information and resources for those affected by gambling. Visit www.gambleaware.org for guidance, tools, and support services.
- GamCare: Offers free counselling, advice, and practical support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Visit www.gamcare.org.uk or call their helpline for immediate assistance.
- NZ Gambling Helpline: A free and confidential service for New Zealanders affected by gambling. Call 0800 654 655 to speak with a trained counsellor. The helpline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is available in multiple languages.
These organisations offer a range of services including telephone counselling, online chat support, face-to-face sessions, self-help resources, and referrals to local support groups. No matter what stage you are at, help is available and reaching out is always the right decision.
7. Age Restriction
NeonFern is strictly for individuals aged 18 years and older. We enforce this requirement through an age verification gate that every visitor must pass before accessing any content on the platform. This age restriction applies to all users regardless of the fact that NeonFern involves no real money — it reflects our commitment to providing an age-appropriate environment and our adherence to responsible gaming standards in New Zealand. We urge parents and guardians to supervise the online activities of minors in their care and to use parental control tools available on most devices and browsers to restrict access to age-restricted content. If you believe a person under the age of 18 has accessed NeonFern, please contact us immediately at support@neonfern.com so we can take appropriate action.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our responsible gaming policies, need guidance on accessing support resources, or wish to share feedback about how NeonFern can better promote responsible entertainment, we welcome your correspondence. Our team is genuinely committed to the wellbeing of every member of our community.
- Email: support@neonfern.com
- Address: 28 Hood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
- Phone: +64 7 555 0481
- NZ Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7)
This Responsible Gaming page was last updated in February 2026. NeonFern is a free social gaming platform for entertainment purposes only. No real money is involved at any stage.