Responsible Play — Safe Harbour

At John Purcell Out of the Woods, we believe that even free social casino entertainment should be enjoyed responsibly. While our platform uses virtual Acorns with no real-money value, we recognise that gaming habits matter. This page provides information, resources, and guidance to help you maintain a healthy relationship with gaming.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing a safe, transparent social casino experience. Our platform:

• Does not accept real-money deposits or wagers of any kind;
• Does not offer real-money payouts, prizes, or rewards;
• Uses virtual Acorns that reset on page refresh and have zero cash value;
• Requires age verification (18+) before access;
• Provides clear disclaimers on every page about the entertainment-only nature of our social casino;
• Links to professional support organisations in New Zealand and internationally.

Know the Signs

Even without real money involved, it's important to be aware of unhealthy gaming patterns. Consider taking a break if you notice any of the following:

• Spending more time gaming than you intended, neglecting work, study, or relationships;
• Feeling restless or irritable when unable to play;
• Using gaming as an escape from problems or negative feelings;
• Lying to friends or family about how much time you spend gaming;
• Continuing to play despite wanting to stop;
• Experiencing anxiety, depression, or sleep disruption related to gaming habits.

If any of these resonate with you — whether on our social casino or elsewhere — please reach out for support. There is no shame in asking for help.

Tips for Healthy Play

• Set time limits: Decide how long you'll play before you start, and stick to it. Use a phone timer if it helps.
• Take regular breaks: Step away from the screen every 30–60 minutes. Stretch, hydrate, get some fresh air.
• Remember it's entertainment: Our social casino is designed for fun, not profit. Virtual Acorns have no value — treat them accordingly.
• Don't chase losses: Even with virtual currency, the urge to "win back" losses can be unhealthy. Refresh the page for a fresh 1,000 Acorns and move on.
• Balance your activities: Make sure gaming is one of many hobbies — tramping, reading, socialising, exercise.
• Talk to someone: If gaming is affecting your wellbeing, speak to a friend, family member, or professional.

New Zealand Support Resources

International Resources

• GambleAware — Information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm.
• GamCare — Free support, information, and counselling for problem gambling.

Important Disclaimer

The content on this page, including all entertainment content presented on johnpurcelloutofthewoods.com, is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes. This is not real-money gambling: no real-money wagers are accepted, and no real-money payouts or prizes are offered. Virtual Acorns used in our social casino have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for anything of value.

John Purcell Out of the Woods is a social casino platform. We are not a licensed gambling operator and do not facilitate real-money gambling in any form. If you or someone you know needs help with gambling-related issues, please contact the resources listed above.

Contact Us

If you have concerns about responsible play on our platform or suggestions for improving our safe harbour approach, please get in touch. We take your wellbeing seriously.