Buddies Union | Responsible Gaming Policy

At Buddies Union, we prioritize responsible gaming as a cornerstone of our commitment to customer care and social responsibility. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable gaming experience while helping players stay mindful of the potential risks associated with excessive or uncontrolled gameplay.

Guidelines for Responsible Gaming

1. Monitor Your Gaming Habits

Gaming should be an enjoyable pastime, not a means of escape or income. Here are some tips to maintain a balanced approach:

• Play for fun, not profit: Treat gaming as a recreational activity rather than a way to win prizes or escape reality.
• Manage your time wisely: While we’re thrilled to have you on our platform, gaming should be part of a balanced lifestyle—similar to going to the movies or bowling.
• Take advantage of management tools: If you need a break, our platform provides tools to help you pause your gaming session (see Section 2).
• Self-assess your habits: If you’re concerned about excessive gameplay, consider the self-assessment questions in Section 3 to evaluate your habits.

2. Taking Control When Needed

At Buddies Union, we encourage responsible gaming by offering features designed to help players maintain control.

Self-Exclusion and Account Closure:
If gaming begins to feel problematic, you can voluntarily exclude yourself from the Buddies Union platform through the "Profile" section. Choose one of the following options:

• Permanent Self-Exclusion: Selecting this option will permanently block your account. This action is irreversible.
• Temporary Timeout: Choose a specific period of time to pause access. Once the selected timeframe has passed, your access will automatically resume.

If you encounter technical issues during a self-exclusion period, it is your responsibility to notify us via email immediately.

During the exclusion, you will not have access to our platform. For account history or other information, please contact our customer support team via email.

Marketing and Communication:
Once self-exclusion is initiated, you will no longer receive promotional materials from us. Please note that system updates may take up to 24 hours, during which you may still receive marketing messages.

We also recommend taking steps to exclude yourself from other gaming platforms and limiting exposure to gaming-related content on social media.

Account Closure:
To close your account permanently, submit a written request to our customer support team via email.

Unregistered Player Exclusion:
If you do not have an account but wish to prevent future registration, email us with your full name, address, and age. Self-exclusion will be enacted and can only be reversed with a written request submitted at least seven days in advance.

3. Self-Assessment Questions

If you suspect that gaming may be becoming problematic, consider these questions:

• Do you often think about past gaming sessions or plan for future ones?
• Do you hide or lie about your gaming habits?
• Does gaming make you irritable when interrupted?
• Have you ever returned to gaming after a break and overindulged?
• Do you use gaming to manage stress or difficult emotions?
• Do you play early in the morning or for extended hours?
• Have you missed important responsibilities, like work or school, due to gaming?
• Have you quit a game only to return to it later?
• Has gaming caused conflict in your relationships or replaced hobbies?
• Do you feel guilty or ashamed about your gaming habits?

Answering "yes" to several of these questions may indicate a potential problem. For additional support, please refer to the organizations listed in Section 4.

4. Support Organizations

If gaming has negatively impacted your life or the life of someone you know, consider reaching out to the following support organizations:

• Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous (CGAA): A confidential support network for individuals struggling with gaming addiction. Contact them at helpline@cgaa.info.

Note: CGAA is an independent organization and is not affiliated with Buddies Union.

For questions or concerns about your account, please contact us directly via email.

Player Protection Policy

1. Safeguarding Minors

With widespread internet access, ensuring the safety of minors is critical. We encourage parents and guardians to use filtering software to block inappropriate content and closely monitor children’s online activities.

2. Parental Guidance Tips

• Keep account credentials secure and out of reach of minors.
• Avoid enabling the "Remember Me" feature on shared devices.
• Monitor minors’ use of electronic devices.
• Prevent minors (under 18) from accessing gaming platforms designed for adults.
• Use filtering tools such as Net Nanny, CyberSitter, or SafeToNet to limit exposure to inappropriate content.

3. Tips for Players

• Ensure that playing on Buddies Union is your personal choice.
• Set a budget and time limit before starting a gaming session.
• Familiarize yourself with the rules of each game for a better experience.
• Avoid gaming if:
  • It disrupts your daily responsibilities.
  • You are recovering from addiction.
  • You are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

At Buddies Union, we are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all players. By promoting responsible gaming practices, we ensure a positive experience for everyone in our community.

For further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team via email.