Cookies Policy
This policy explains what cookies and similar storage technologies BristolGambit places on your device, why we use them, and how you can control or remove them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
What Are Cookies?
A cookie is a small text file placed on your device when you visit a website. Cookies help websites remember your preferences between visits, measure audience behaviour, and support certain technical functions. Similar technologies include localStorage (used by this site to store your consent preferences) and sessionStorage (used to remember your age-gate confirmation for the duration of your browser session).
Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary
These are essential for the site to function. They cannot be switched off. No consent is required for strictly necessary cookies under UK PECR.
| Name / key | Type | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| bgt_age_check | sessionStorage | Records that you have confirmed you are 18+ for the current browser session. Prevents the age gate from re-displaying on every page load during one visit. | Browser session |
| bgt_cookie_state | localStorage | Stores your cookie consent preferences (analytics yes/no, marketing yes/no) so they are honoured on your next visit without presenting the banner again. | Until cleared or updated |
Analytics Cookies (consent required)
These are set only if you accept analytics cookies. They help us understand how readers use the site so we can improve editorial content. The data is aggregated and anonymised — we cannot identify you individually from analytics data.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users for aggregate traffic measurement. Contains a randomly generated identifier. | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state for Google Analytics 4 measurement. | 2 years |
Google Analytics data is processed by Google Ireland Limited. See Google’s Privacy Policy for full details. BristolGambit has enabled IP anonymisation and disabled advertising features within our Analytics configuration.
Marketing / Affiliate Tracking Cookies (consent required)
These are set only if you accept marketing cookies. They allow affiliate networks to attribute clicks to BristolGambit when you visit an operator website via one of our links. They do not enable personalised advertising targeting.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various (_awin_*, _aw_m_*, etc.) | Affiliate network (varies by operator) | Click attribution — records that a referral to the operator originated from BristolGambit. Used solely to calculate editorial commission. | 30–90 days (varies) |
How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences
Via our cookie panel: Click “Cookie settings” in the site footer at any time. Deselect the categories you wish to disable and click “Save preferences”. Your choice is stored in localStorage and takes effect immediately.
Via your browser: All major browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings. Note that blocking strictly necessary localStorage items (bgt_age_check, bgt_cookie_state) may cause the age gate and consent banner to appear on every page load.
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Google Analytics opt-out: You may also install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent your data being used by Google Analytics across all sites.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy when we add or remove cookies or when the law changes. The revision date is shown at the top of this page. We recommend reviewing this page periodically.
For questions about our use of cookies, contact us via the contact page.