Responsible Gaming Policy
Last Updated: January 2025
1. Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
At thryvonishaven, responsible gaming is at the core of everything we do. While our platform operates with virtual currency only and does not involve real money gambling, we recognize that even entertainment-based gaming should be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation.
We are committed to:
- Providing a safe, transparent entertainment environment
- Protecting vulnerable users, especially those with gambling concerns
- Ensuring all users are 18 years of age or older
- Offering tools and resources to promote healthy gaming habits
- Supporting users who may develop problematic gaming patterns
- Complying fully with the New Zealand Gambling Act 2003
2. Platform Definition and Scope
2.1 Social Casino Entertainment
thryvonishaven is a social casino platform designed exclusively for entertainment purposes. Key characteristics:
- Virtual Currency Only: All games use virtual coins with no monetary value
- No Real Money Gambling: Users cannot wager or win real money
- No Real Prizes: Virtual wins cannot be exchanged for tangible goods or services
- Free to Play: Full access to entertainment without purchases
- Entertainment Focus: Designed for social interaction and casual fun
2.2 Not a Substitute for Gambling
Our platform should NOT be used as:
- Practice for real money gambling
- A way to develop gambling skills or strategies
- A substitute for gambling activities
Success in our games does not predict or guarantee success in real money gambling.
3. Age Verification and Protection of Minors
3.1 Strict 18+ Policy
Our platform is strictly for users aged 18 and older. We implement:
- Age verification during account creation
- Prominent 18+ warnings on all pages
- Technical measures to prevent underage access
- Regular monitoring for compliance
3.2 Parental Guidance
We encourage parents and guardians to:
- Monitor their children's online activities
- Use parental control software
- Educate children about age-appropriate content
- Report any suspected underage use to support@thryvonishaven.com
3.3 Immediate Action on Underage Discovery
If we discover a user is under 18, we will immediately:
- Suspend the account permanently
- Delete all associated personal information
- Investigate how the underage access occurred
- Strengthen verification measures if necessary
4. Tools for Responsible Gaming
4.1 Self-Limitation Tools
We provide users with tools to manage their gaming activity:
- Session Time Reminders: Optional notifications about time spent playing
- Play Time Limits: Set daily or weekly time limits for gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block access to your account
- Activity Tracking: View your gaming history and patterns
- Reality Checks: Periodic reminders about entertainment-only nature of platform
4.2 How to Use Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion allows you to take a break from the platform:
- Temporary Exclusion: Block access for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or 90 days
- Permanent Exclusion: Permanently close your account
- Implementation: Takes effect immediately upon request
- No Early Reversal: Cannot be reversed before the exclusion period ends
To request self-exclusion, contact support@thryvonishaven.com or use the account settings.
4.3 Account Cooling-Off Period
Users can request a cooling-off period to take a break from gaming without permanent account closure.
5. Recognizing Problem Gaming Behaviors
5.1 Warning Signs
Even with virtual currency, excessive gaming can be problematic. Warning signs include:
- Gaming interferes with work, school, or personal responsibilities
- Spending excessive time thinking about gaming when not playing
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to play
- Neglecting relationships, social activities, or personal health
- Using gaming to escape problems or negative emotions
- Lying to others about time spent gaming
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gaming
- Using the platform as practice for real money gambling
5.2 Risk Factors
Certain individuals may be at higher risk:
- History of gambling addiction or problem gambling
- History of substance abuse or addictive behaviors
- Mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety
- Social isolation or lack of support network
- Stressful life circumstances or major life changes
5.3 Special Warning for Problem Gamblers
IMPORTANT: If you have a history of gambling addiction or problem gambling, using our platform may not be appropriate, even though we use virtual currency only. Social casino games can trigger gambling urges or behaviors. We strongly recommend consulting with a professional before using our platform.
6. Professional Support Resources
6.1 New Zealand Support Services
Professional help is available 24/7, free, and confidential:
Gambling Helpline NZ
Phone: 0800 654 655 (24/7)
Text: 8006
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling or gaming issues.
Problem Gambling Foundation
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz
Professional counselling and support services specializing in problem gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous NZ
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
Peer support meetings for people affected by gambling problems.
Lifeline NZ
Phone: 0800 543 354
Website: www.lifeline.org.nz
24/7 support for anyone experiencing difficult times or mental health concerns.
1737 - Need to Talk
Call or Text: 1737
Free mental health support available any time, day or night.
Support for Family & Friends
Family Services: 0800 211 211
Relationship Services: 0800 735 283
Help for families and relationships affected by gaming or gambling concerns.
6.2 On-Platform Support Links
Support resources are accessible on every page of our platform through:
- Footer links to responsible gaming resources
- Dedicated Responsible Gaming page with detailed information
- Contact page with direct support organization contacts
- In-account access to self-limitation tools
7. Platform Monitoring and Intervention
7.1 Activity Monitoring
We monitor platform usage to identify concerning patterns:
- Excessive time spent on platform
- Unusual or compulsive gaming patterns
- Attempts to circumvent limitations
- Multiple account creation
7.2 Proactive Intervention
When concerning patterns are detected, we may:
- Send responsible gaming reminders
- Suggest use of self-limitation tools
- Provide links to support resources
- Implement mandatory cooling-off periods
- Contact users directly with welfare concerns
7.3 Account Restrictions
We reserve the right to restrict or suspend accounts when:
- User behavior indicates problematic gaming
- Self-exclusion is violated through new accounts
- Platform is misused or abused
- User wellbeing is at risk
8. Education and Awareness
8.1 Player Education
We educate users about responsible gaming through:
- Clear information about virtual currency limitations
- Transparent explanations of how games work
- Regular responsible gaming messages and tips
- Resources on recognizing problem gaming behaviors
- Information about available support services
8.2 Transparency
We are transparent about:
- The entertainment-only nature of our platform
- How virtual currency works and its limitations
- The fact that success does not translate to real gambling
- Our policies, terms, and responsible gaming measures
9. Regulatory Compliance
9.1 New Zealand Gambling Act 2003
We operate in full compliance with the NZ Gambling Act 2003 as a social casino entertainment platform exempt from gambling regulations due to our exclusive use of virtual currency with no monetary value.
9.2 Compliance Measures
- Strict age verification (18+)
- No real money transactions
- Virtual currency cannot be exchanged for value
- Prominent disclaimers and warnings
- Accessible responsible gaming resources
- Regular policy reviews and updates
10. Staff Training
All thryvonishaven staff members receive training on:
- Responsible gaming principles and practices
- Recognizing signs of problem gaming
- Responding to users in distress
- Privacy and sensitivity when handling welfare issues
- Referral to appropriate support services
- Company policies and legal requirements
11. Policy Review and Updates
This Responsible Gaming Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and compliant with best practices and legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised date.
12. Contact Us
If you have concerns about your gaming behavior or questions about our responsible gaming measures:
thryvonishaven Ltd.
Responsible Gaming Team
Email: support@thryvonishaven.com
Auckland, New Zealand
For Immediate Support: Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (24/7)