Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how SkillBets ("we", "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website and services (the "Service"). It should be read together with our Privacy Policy andTerms & Conditions.
Last updated: 2025-10-24
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device. They are widely used to make websites work, to remember preferences, and to provide aggregated analytics. We also use local storage and similar technologies for related purposes.
2. How we use cookies
- Operate the Service: Keep you signed in, route requests reliably, and secure your session.
- Remember preferences: For example, cookie consent choices, UI settings, and locale/timezone.
- Analytics: Understand usage patterns so we can improve features and performance.
3. Types of cookies we use
- Strictly Necessary (Essential): Required for the Service to function (authentication/session, load balancing, security). You cannot opt out of these via the banner because the site will not work without them.
- Preferences (Functional): Remember choices like cookie consent, interface preferences, and locale.
- Analytics (Performance): Help us measure and improve site usage. Data is aggregated or pseudonymous; we do not use analytics to build personal profiles for advertising.
We do not use advertising/marketing cookies for ad targeting or retargeting.
4. Cookies we set (first‑party)
Exact names may vary by release. Typical examples include:
| Name | Purpose | Category | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| sb_session, sb_csrf | Authenticate you, maintain a secure session, prevent CSRF. | Strictly Necessary | Session / <= 1 day |
| sb_cookie_consent | Stores your cookie banner choices (accept/reject/manage). | Preferences | 6–12 months |
| sb_pref_* | UI preferences (e.g., collapsed panels, locale, theme). | Preferences | 3–12 months |
| sb_analytics_* | Anonymous/aggregated usage stats to improve the Service. | Analytics | Up to 13 months |
5. Third‑party cookies
We may use third‑party analytics providers that set their own cookies to help us measure performance (for example, page views, feature adoption, and error rates). These providers act on our instructions where applicable and may provide their own privacy/cookie notices. You can refuse analytics via our banner (where offered) and/or through your browser settings.
6. Your choices
- Cookie banner: On your first visit, you can choose Accept all, Reject non‑essential, or Manage settings (where available). You can change your choice at any time via the Cookie Settingslink in the footer (if implemented) or by clearing cookies in your browser.
- Browser controls: Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. Check your browser's help pages for instructions. Blocking essential cookies may break core functionality such as sign‑in.
- Do Not Track (DNT): Some browsers send a DNT signal. At this time, the Service does not respond to DNT signals.
7. Retention
Cookie lifetimes depend on their purpose and your choices. Session cookies expire when you close your browser; persistent cookies last for a set period unless you delete them sooner. We aim to keep retention aligned with the purposes described above.
8. Updates to this Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. If changes are material, we will provide reasonable notice (for example, via a banner or on this page). Your continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
9. Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, contact us atsupport@skillbets.co.za.