1. Our position
Level-UpFree does not provide gambling under the Gambling Act 2005, because no real-money play is possible and virtual coins have no monetary value. Yet research from organisations such as the UK Gambling Commission, the National Centre for Social Research and academic studies into "social casino" formats has shown that simulated game mechanics can sometimes affect people's wellbeing. We treat that risk seriously even though the platform is free.
2. What we do
- Age verification. First-visit age gate restricts the platform to users who confirm they are 18 or older.
- No real-money payment paths. The platform has no checkout, no card form, no cryptocurrency, no in-app purchases.
- No prizes or rewards. Virtual coins cannot be exchanged for cash, vouchers, items or services.
- Refill on demand. If you run out of virtual coins, a clear Refill Free Coins button resets you to 1000. This is not a "second chance" tactic - it exists so users do not feel any artificial scarcity.
- Clear disclaimers. Every page on the platform carries a 18+ disclaimer with a link to UK support resources.
- Plain-English copy. We avoid language that frames our games as a way to win money or get rich.
3. Signs play may be affecting you
Even with no money involved, watch out for the following warning signs:
- You play for longer than you intended, or you lose track of time;
- You feel restless, irritable or anxious when not playing;
- Play interferes with sleep, work, study, household responsibilities or relationships;
- You chase "wins" or "streaks" with increasingly larger virtual stakes;
- You hide how much time you spend on the platform from people close to you;
- You feel that game outcomes affect your mood disproportionately;
- You play as a way to escape low mood or stress, rather than for fun.
If any of these resonate with you, it is worth taking a step back and speaking to someone.
4. Steps you can take right now
- Take a break. Close the tab and step away from the screen for an hour, or longer.
- Set a time limit. Use your phone or browser's screen-time tools to cap sessions to, for example, 30 minutes.
- Clear local storage. Clearing the browser data for level-upfree.com resets the platform and removes your virtual balance and stats history.
- Block the site. Most modern browsers and operating systems offer site-blocking tools (Screen Time on iOS, Digital Wellbeing on Android, Family Safety on Windows, etc.). You can also use third-party blockers such as Gamban, BetBlocker or Cold Turkey.
- Talk to someone. A confidential conversation with a friend, family member, or a trained adviser is one of the most effective first steps.
5. UK support resources
- GamCare - free, confidential information, advice and support. National helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7). Online chat and forums at gamcare.org.uk.
- National Gambling Helpline - operated by GamCare, the helpline is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- BeGambleAware - independent UK charity providing information, tools and confidential one-to-one support: begambleaware.org.
- GamAnon - a fellowship for friends and family of people affected by problem play: gamanon.org.uk.
- NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic - specialist treatment available via GP referral or self-referral: nhs.uk.
- Samaritans - if you are in distress, call 116 123 any time, any day.
6. Help for friends and family
If you are worried about someone else, approach the conversation with curiosity rather than judgement. GamCare and GamAnon both offer dedicated resources for partners, parents, siblings and friends. Even though Level-UpFree itself involves no money, the time spent on simulated games can still be a worthwhile topic of discussion.
7. Contact us
If you need help applying any of the steps above to your use of Level-UpFree - for example, requesting that we permanently disable a feature on your device - email hello@level-upfree.com and we will respond promptly.
In an emergency, or if you are concerned about your immediate safety or someone else's, dial 999 for UK emergency services.