· COOKIES ·
Cookie Policy
This policy explains how rate8uk.com uses cookies and similar technologies such as localStorage. Rate8Uk is an editorial comparison site, not a gambling operator. Questions: dataprotection@rate8uk.com.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device. LocalStorage is a related browser feature that can hold preference flags without sending them on every request. Both help sites remember choices and understand usage.
2. How we use them
We use storage to remember age confirmation, honour cookie consent choices, keep basic security signals and — only if you accept — measure aggregated analytics. We do not use cookies to open casino accounts or move money.
3. Essential storage
Essential items include the Rate8Uk_age flag that hides the age overlay after confirmation and security logs on our host. These are required for a lawful adult-only experience and site integrity. Declining non-essential cookies does not remove essential storage.
4. Preference storage
When you Accept or Decline on the banner we store Rate8Uk_cookies so we do not keep asking on every page. You can clear this through browser settings; the banner may return afterwards.
5. Analytics cookies
If you accept non-essential cookies we may load analytics that count page views, approximate location at country level and technical errors. Data is aggregated where possible. Declining keeps analytics tools from firing.
6. Affiliate and third-party cookies
Outbound casino links may cause third parties to set their own cookies after you leave Rate8Uk. Those cookies follow the destination’s policy. Review operator notices before registering.
7. Managing choices
Use the on-site banner, browser controls, or private browsing modes. Blocking all storage may break the age gate memory and force confirmation on each visit. That is expected behaviour, not a fault.
8. Retention
Local preference flags remain until cleared. Analytics retention follows the configured window of our measurement tools, typically measured in months. Server logs rotate on a shorter security schedule.
9. Updates
We revise this policy when tools change. The date above shows the latest material edit. Pair this page with our Privacy Notice for the full picture of personal data rights under UK GDPR.
11. Browser controls in practice
Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari each expose cookie panels under privacy settings. You can delete cookies for rate8uk.com only, block third-party cookies globally, or enable tracking prevention. After clearing storage you will see the age overlay and cookie banner again. That reset is intentional so consent remains informed.
12. Similar technologies
Besides cookies we may use localStorage keys, sessionStorage for short-lived UI state, and cache headers that instruct browsers how long static files such as core.css may be kept. Cache-buster query strings like ?v=20260812a force fresh CSS and JS after deployments without relying on tracking cookies.
13. Do Not Track signals
Browser Do Not Track signals are interpreted inconsistently across the industry. Our banner remains the primary control for optional analytics. If you decline non-essential cookies we treat that choice as decisive regardless of DNT headers.
14. Children and cookies
Because the Site is restricted to adults, we do not design cookie flows for children. Guardians who discover a minor used the Site should clear browsing data for rate8uk.com and supervise device settings.
10. Contact
Write to dataprotection@rate8uk.com for cookie questions. Safer gambling help remains available via GAMSTOP, GamCare, BeGambleAware and 0808 8020 133.