1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device when you visit. They let the site recognise your device, remember your settings and understand how the site is used. We also use similar technologies, such as pixels (tiny images that record a page view or click) and local storage (data kept in your browser), and we refer to all of them as “cookies” in this policy.

2. Why we use cookies

  • to keep the Website working securely and remember your cookie choices;
  • to remember simple display preferences, such as whether a section of a page is expanded;
  • to measure how many people visit and which pages are useful, so we can improve our guides;
  • to track affiliate referrals, so that we are credited when a visitor signs up with a betting operator through one of our links.

3. Types of cookies we use

Strictly necessary cookies. These keep the Website secure and functioning, for example by maintaining your session and remembering your cookie choices. They cannot be switched off in our settings because the Website would not work properly without them.

Functional cookies. These remember display preferences you choose, such as whether the table of contents is expanded, to make the Website easier to use.

Performance and analytics cookies. These tell us how visitors find and use the Website, for example which pages are viewed most. The information is used to improve the Website and is normally reported in aggregate form.

Targeting and affiliate cookies. When you click a link to a betting operator, a cookie or referral identifier may be set so that the operator and its affiliate network can attribute your sign-up to us. These cookies are how we earn commission. They do not add to your cost.

4. First-party and third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set by Betting Sites CA and can only be read by us. Third-party cookies are set by another organisation, such as an analytics provider, an affiliate network or a betting operator you have clicked through to. Those organisations control how their cookies are used and handle the resulting information under their own privacy policies.

5. Cookies in detail

The table below gives representative examples. Exact names and lifespans can vary as providers update their tools.

CategoryExample cookie or identifierPurposeTypical durationSet by
Strictly necessarybsca_sessionKeeps your visit secure and consistent while you browseSessionFirst party
Strictly necessarybsca_consentRemembers your cookie choices12 monthsFirst party
Functionalbsca_prefsRemembers display preferences, such as an expanded table of contents12 monthsFirst party
AnalyticsVisitor identifierCounts visits and shows which pages are usedUp to 24 monthsThird party (analytics provider)
AffiliateReferral click identifierCredits us when a sign-up follows a click on our link30 to 90 daysThird party (operator or affiliate network)

6. Your choices and how to manage cookies

  • Cookie banner. When you first visit, our banner lets you accept or decline non-essential cookies. Analytics, functional and affiliate cookies stay off until you choose to turn them on.
  • Change your mind at any time. Use the “Cookie settings” link in the footer of any page to review or withdraw your consent.
  • Browser settings. Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. The steps differ by browser, so check its help section. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may stop parts of the Website from working.
  • Affiliate links. If you decline affiliate cookies, you can still use the Website and visit any operator. We just may not be credited for your visit.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy when we change the cookies we use or when the law changes. The “Last updated” date shows the latest version. If a change affects the choices you have made, we will ask for your consent again where needed.

9. Responsible gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. If it stops being fun, help is free and confidential. See our Responsible Gambling page.

10. Contact

Questions about cookies or your choices? Email [email protected], or visit our Contact Us page. You can also read our Privacy Policy for details on your rights.