No purchase is required to play, which makes the model sound harmless. The mechanics are those of any casino game: variable rewards, near misses, and a coin pack available the moment a free balance empties. That last point is where the risk sits.

Signs worth acting on

• Buying a coin pack after deciding to use free routes only.
• Sessions running longer than intended.
• Chasing a redemption floor after the games have stopped being enjoyable.
• Concealing time or money spent from people close to you.
• Restlessness or irritability when unable to play.

Controls every operator recorded provides

• Purchase limits. A hard cap per day, week or month, and the single most effective control.
• Session reminders. A prompt at an interval you set.
• Cool off. A short lock from a day to a month.
• Self exclusion. A long or permanent closure. Request in writing and retain the reply.

Concerned about someone else

Address the behaviour rather than the person, do not cover debts, and direct them to the helpline rather than managing it alone.

Under eighteen

These games are for adults only. Where a young person shares your device, operating system parental controls are worth configuring.