Responsible Gambling

The game includes an International Casino District. This page sets out what that district is, what it is not, and where to find help in Australia if gambling is causing harm.

What the casino district is

The district is a zone inside a city-building game. Slot machines, roulette, blackjack and baccarat are simulated as part of the city's leisure economy: they generate tourism, nightlife demand and a tax line in the city ledger, and they are played against the simulation rather than against other players.

Chips exist only inside the district and only inside the game. They are not bought, they hold no value outside the simulation, and they cannot be exchanged for money, goods or anything else.

What this site does not do

Play Indie First is a game studio. We do not operate a gambling service, we do not accept wagers, we do not hold player accounts or balances, and nothing on this site allows real money to be staked or won. There is no deposit, no payout and no real-money play anywhere on this website or in the game.

Why the site is 18+

Because the game simulates gambling mechanics, we treat the whole site and the mailing list as material for adults, in line with Australian Classification Board guidance on games that contain simulated gambling and with the restrictions set out in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) for real gambling services. The recommendation applies to the site, the devlog and the newsletter.

Simulated gambling still deserves care

Simulated gambling has no financial risk, but it can normalise the rhythm of real gambling: the near-miss, the next spin, the sense that a run is owed to you. If any of that feels familiar in a way you are not comfortable with, it is worth stepping back from the district — the rest of the game plays perfectly well without it.

• Treat the district as one system among five, not as the point of a run.
• Keep an eye on how long a session runs, as you would with any game.
• If simulated play makes real gambling more appealing, talk to one of the services below.

Where to get help in Australia

• Gambling Help Online — free, confidential support 24 hours a day on 1800 858 858, with online chat and counselling at gamblinghelponline.org.au.
• Lifeline Australia — crisis support and suicide prevention, 24 hours a day on 13 11 14 or at lifeline.org.au.

If someone close to you is affected, both services also support families and friends.

How we talk about the district

We describe the casino district as a game mechanic, with its odds, licences and economy. We do not promote real gambling, we do not link to gambling operators, and we do not use the language of real wins and payouts to advertise the game.

Contact

Questions about this page can go to [email protected] or +61 3 9555 0512.