Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 16 November 2025
Last Updated: 16 November 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy & Cookies Policy (“Policy”) explains in comprehensive detail how Popular Bingo Ltd (“Popular Bingo”, “we”, “our”, “us”, or “the Company”) processes personal data belonging to users (“you”, “your”, “users”, “data subjects”) when they interact with our website popularbingo.co.uk (“the Website” or “our Website”). Because we operate as an online bingo, slots and casino comparison service within the United Kingdom, data protection and user transparency are central pillars of our commitment. This Policy describes the nature of data we collect, the purposes for which we process such information, the legal bases that justify each category of processing, the retention periods, the rights granted to you under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU-GDPR), and the Data Protection Act 2018, and the various security, organisational, and technical measures we employ to keep your information safe.

We have designed this Policy in a hybrid format—long and detailed enough to satisfy legal scrutiny, yet written with explanatory clarity so that ordinary users can understand why their data is processed. Because our Website includes a variety of features—such as newsletters, analytics tracking, user reviews, affiliate links, cookies, advertising scripts, security monitoring, and comment moderation—this Policy is necessarily extensive and thorough. We believe that providing this depth of detail respects your autonomy and gives you full insight into how your data is used.

By accessing or interacting with the Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the practices described herein. If you disagree with any aspect of this Policy or do not wish for your personal data to be processed as described, you should discontinue use of the Website. You may contact us at any time regarding privacy questions, requests, or concerns by emailing privacy@popularbingo.co.uk.

2. Who We Are (Data Controller Information)

Popular Bingo Ltd is the legal entity responsible for the processing of your personal data. As a “Data Controller” under the GDPR, we determine the purposes and means of processing personal data. This means Popular Bingo Ltd is accountable for ensuring that any collection, storage, use, sharing, or deletion of personal data is carried out in accordance with all applicable data protection laws, including the UK-GDPR and EU-GDPR where applicable.

Company Name: Popular Bingo Ltd
Registered Address: [Insert Company Address]
Company Number: [Insert Company Number]
Contact Email: privacy@popularbingo.co.uk

Our internal privacy compliance function is managed by a designated officer with expertise in data protection, GDPR compliance, PECR requirements, and risk mitigation. If we later appoint an official Data Protection Officer (DPO), we will update this Policy accordingly.

3. Purpose and Philosophy of This Privacy & Cookies Policy

This Policy serves several important functions:

3.1 To Provide Transparency

We believe that users have the right to know exactly what types of personal data are collected when they visit a website, especially a website that provides comparisons of online bingo and casino operators—industries where trust and transparency are essential. This Policy ensures you are fully informed.

3.2 To Explain Our Legal Requirements

Popular Bingo is required by UK law to maintain compliance with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). For EU-based visitors, certain EU GDPR rights may also apply.

3.3 To Demonstrate Responsibility and Accountability

As a participant in the digital advertising and affiliate marketing ecosystem, we interact with third-party platforms for analytics, affiliate tracking, and advertising relevance. This Policy outlines how we take responsibility for ensuring those third parties protect your data appropriately.

3.4 To Provide Clarity to All Users

We understand that not all visitors have the same level of experience with data protection terminology. This Policy explains key concepts in plain English with legal accuracy.

3.5 To Support User Rights

Under GDPR, you have numerous rights—access, deletion, rectification, objection, data portability, etc. This Policy explains these rights and how you can exercise them.

3.6 To Provide a Comprehensive and Reliable Legal Document

This Policy is written to a high professional standard to be compliant with GDPR, designed to withstand legal examination, protect the company, and safeguard users.

4. Who This Policy Applies To

This Policy applies to the following groups:

4.1 Website Visitors

Anyone who accesses or browses the Website, regardless of whether they interact with interactive features.

4.2 Newsletter Subscribers

If you register to receive promotional emails, bonus updates, new bingo site alerts, or newsletters, your email and preferences are covered by this Policy.

4.3 Users Who Interact With Content

If you leave a comment, participate in discussions, submit a review, or engage with features that involve publishing content, you fall under this Policy.

4.4 Users Who Contact Us

If you send us an email, fill out a contact form, or otherwise communicate with us, your enquiry is processed under this Policy.

4.5 Users Who View or Interact With Ads and Affiliate Links

Our Website contains affiliate links, cookies, behavioural advertising mechanisms, and tracking pixels. This Policy explains how these work.

4.6 EU-Based Visitors

While Popular Bingo focuses on UK users, the Website may be accessible to EU residents. This Policy therefore includes EU GDPR compliance information where applicable.

5. Definitions and Terminology

Because privacy policies often use specialised terminology, we explain relevant definitions in detail.

5.1 Personal Data

Any information relating to an identified or identifiable person. Examples include your name, email address, IP address, device identifiers, or data linked to cookie identifiers.

5.2 Processing

Any operation performed on personal data, such as storing, modifying, transmitting, organising, analysing, restricting, or deleting it.

5.3 Data Controller

The organisation that decides what personal data to collect and how it will be used. Popular Bingo Ltd is the Data Controller of all processing through our Website.

5.4 Data Processor

A third party that processes personal data on behalf of the Data Controller—such as analytics platforms, hosting services, or email marketing providers. All processors must follow GDPR rules and contractual safeguards.

5.5 Cookies

Small files stored on your device to enable website functionality, analytics, personalisation, advertising relevance, or session integrity.

5.6 Consent

A freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous agreement by a user for data processing for a particular purpose.

5.7 Legitimate Interests

A lawful basis allowing us to process personal data when the processing is important for business operations and does not override your rights.

5.8 Special Categories of Data

Highly sensitive data (such as health, ethnicity, biometric data, or political opinions). Popular Bingo does not collect these categories.

6. Overview of Data We Collect

The following sections provide an extended discussion of every category of data we may collect. This is intentionally detailed to fulfil the thoroughness required for a 10,000-word policy.

6.1 Identity and Contact Information

When users contact us, sign up for newsletters, leave comments, or participate in interactive features, we may collect names, email addresses, usernames, and optional profile pictures. We only request this information when necessary to fulfil a user’s request or provide a service. For example, we may need your email to deliver newsletters or respond to enquiries, but we do not require you to share unnecessary personal details.

6.2 Technical and Device Data

Technical data includes information automatically collected when a user visits our Website. This includes log data such as IP addresses, device type, browser version, screen resolution, operating system, cookie identifiers, time zone settings, server logs, crash logs, and diagnostic information. This helps us ensure the Website loads correctly, performs efficiently, and protects against security threats.

6.3 Usage Information

Usage data reveals how you interact with the Website. It includes information about the pages you visit, how long you stay on them, where you navigate from one page to another, and how quickly pages load for you. This data is statistical and analytical in nature and helps us to improve user experience, evaluate content relevance, and optimize page layout and performance.

6.4 Communication Data

If you send an email or contact form message to us, we will retain a copy of the message, the metadata associated with it, and any attachments. This information helps us respond effectively and maintain accurate business records.

6.5 Marketing Preference Data

When users subscribe to newsletters, we may store their subscription preferences and track interactions with emails, such as open rates and link clicks. This information allows us to refine our content to ensure communications remain relevant.

6.6 User-Generated Content

For users who leave comments, reviews, or feedback, we process the text you submit, your username, your display picture if used, and the timestamp associated with your publication. This content may be publicly visible and may remain visible as long as the corresponding page or article is published.

6.7 Cookies and Tracking Data

We employ a broad range of cookies, tracking pixels, advertising tags, and browser identification technologies. These are used to ensure website functionality, enable analytics, facilitate advertising relevance, support affiliate tracking, and secure the Website against attacks. Cookies may remain stored for varying durations depending on their category.

7. How We Collect Your Data

We collect data through three main mechanisms.

7.1 Direct Interactions With You

This includes any information you give us directly when you contact us, subscribe to newsletters, post comments, or fill out forms. The data you provide voluntarily is processed to deliver the services you request.

7.2 Automated Collection When You Use the Website

When you browse the Website, data is automatically gathered through cookies, logs, and analytics services. This data allows us to learn about website performance and correct issues quickly.

7.3 Information From External Parties

Some limited data may come from external service providers such as analytics networks, email marketing platforms, or hosting services. This helps us measure performance, maintain security, and deliver relevant content.

8. Why We Process Personal Data

We process the data collected for multiple purposes, each supported by a legal basis.

8.1 Website Functionality and Performance

We use data to load pages, ensure that content appears correctly on different devices, and maintain secure connections. This type of processing is essential for the Website to function.

8.2 Communication Purposes

When users reach out, we use their information to provide support and respond to enquiries.

8.3 Email Marketing and Newsletters

Users who subscribe receive curated communications related to bingo and casino sites. Processing is based on consent and can be withdrawn.

8.4 Security and Fraud Prevention

We monitor IP addresses, behaviour patterns, and system performance to detect suspicious activity, block malicious actions, and safeguard the Website.

9. Legal Bases for Processing Personal Data Under UK-GDPR and EU-GDPR

Because Popular Bingo serves a primarily UK-based audience and may occasionally receive visitors from the European Union or EEA regions, our legal bases for processing must follow the standards set out in the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and, when applicable, the EU GDPR. These frameworks emphasise that every single processing activity must align with one or more lawful justifications. We take this responsibility seriously and have carefully evaluated the reasons behind each data-related action carried out on our Website.

9.1 Consent

Consent forms an important legal foundation for optional forms of processing. When you agree to marketing emails, allow non-essential cookies, accept tracking technologies, or voluntarily subscribe to promotional newsletters from Popular Bingo, you provide explicit consent. Consent is never implied—it must be freely given, clearly indicated, and revocable at any time. We make withdrawing consent as easy as providing it, and we always make clear when data processing relies on your agreement.

9.2 Contractual Necessity

In some cases, data processing may be essential to fulfil contractual or quasi-contractual obligations between you and Popular Bingo. For example, if you subscribe to one of our email-based services or request information that requires us to contact you, we must process your email address and preferences to deliver those communications. Although we do not provide paid subscriptions at this time, any future service that relies on user registration may involve processing under this legal basis.

9.3 Legitimate Interests

Legitimate interests form one of the most widely used legal bases in digital environments where the balance between business needs and user expectations must be carefully weighed. Popular Bingo relies on legitimate interests for activities such as website improvement, analytics usage, fraud prevention, site security, ensuring service stability, and anonymised or aggregated behavioural assessment. We only rely on legitimate interests where our interest does not override your rights or freedoms.

9.4 Legal Obligations

Certain forms of data processing are required under UK or EU law. This may include responding to law enforcement requests, ensuring the proper retention of business records, or complying with GDPR requirements such as responding to data subject rights requests. Legal obligation processing may occur even if you withdraw consent for other forms of processing.

9.5 Vital Interests

Although rare and not typical for a comparison website such as ours, vital interests could hypothetically apply in scenarios involving the protection of life or serious harm. This would involve exceptional circumstances and is not part of our normal data processing activities.

10. Detailed Purposes for Collecting and Processing Personal Data

To ensure total transparency, we expand further on the purposes outlined earlier. These detailed explanations form part of our 10,000+ word comprehensive policy and aim to give users a deeper understanding of how and why their data is handled in specific scenarios.

10.1 Operating and Maintaining the Website

We collect technical data such as IP addresses, browser fingerprints, device information, and usage logs to ensure pages load correctly, identify performance bottlenecks, troubleshoot errors, maintain responsive design, and prevent system outages. Without such processing, the Website could not function reliably across devices and browsers.

10.2 Enhancing User Experience

Understanding user behaviour helps us adjust page layout, content placement, navigation structure, guide placement, affiliate link presentation, and overall usability. We analyse aggregated behavioural patterns to determine which bingo site reviews attract the most attention or which bonus pages require enhancements.

10.3 Personalising Newsletter Content

For users who opt into marketing communications, we tailor newsletters to match interests such as bingo, slots, or casino content. If we detect frequent user interest in a specific category, we produce more relevant updates to ensure newsletters remain valuable.

10.4 Preventing Fraud and Maintaining Security

Like all websites, Popular Bingo is subject to potential misuse, including scraping, spam comments, automated bots, and attempted security breaches. To protect our community, we process behavioural and technical data that helps us block suspicious actions, identify malicious patterns, and protect the Website’s integrity.

10.5 Supporting Affiliate Partnerships

As a comparison and review site, we partner with licensed gambling operators through affiliate agreements. Cookies or tracking parameters may be used to inform the operator that a user visited their site through our referral link. No personal data is shared with gambling operators unless you voluntarily provide it on their platform.

10.6 Ensuring Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

Because the gambling sector is highly regulated in the UK, we must keep accurate records relating to affiliate tracking, advertising transparency, and responsible gambling expectations. Data may be processed to meet compliance obligations, demonstrate adherence to ASA guidelines, and maintain accountability.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies — An In-Depth Framework

Cookies play a central role in how modern websites function, and because Popular Bingo includes a wide range of comparison pages, analytics systems, and affiliate tracking mechanisms, our cookie usage is necessarily extensive. This section explains cookies in long-form detail to ensure readers fully understand their presence and function.

11.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you load a webpage. They perform a wide range of functions—from remembering preferences and saving login states to analysing traffic patterns and enhancing advertising relevance. Cookies can be first-party (placed by the website you visit) or third-party (set by external partners such as analytics or advertising networks).

11.2 Why Popular Bingo Uses Cookies

We use cookies for several essential reasons. Some cookies are fundamental to website operation—for example, those that keep navigation stable, protect against spam, or ensure caching services work effectively. Others help us understand how users interact with the Website, allowing us to refine our content strategy and site performance. Additional non-essential cookies support targeted advertising, affiliate tracking, and audience measurement.

11.3 Types of Cookies Used on Our Website

Cookies may be classified into four broad categories:

1. Strictly Necessary Cookies — Required for website operation.
2. Functional/Preference Cookies — Remember your settings.
3. Analytics Cookies — Measure interactions and behaviour.
4. Advertising/Tracking Cookies — Deliver or measure ads and affiliate tracking.

11.4 Duration of Cookies

Cookies may be “session cookies”, deleted when you close your browser, or “persistent cookies”, remaining on your device for longer durations to store certain preferences or recognise returning visitors.

11.5 Third-Party Cookies

We rely on trusted external partners for analytics, affiliate tracking, and performance monitoring. Third-party cookies allow these partners to measure how users engage with our Website so that we can optimise performance and maintain accurate statistical records.

12. Detailed Breakdown of Cookie Categories

Below is an extended, deeply detailed explanation of each cookie category in line with your request for a long, 10,000-word policy.

12.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential to provide basic website functionality. Examples include load-balancing cookies, security verification cookies, anti-bot mechanisms, and session integrity tokens.

Without these cookies:

• The Website may not load correctly
• Interactive features may malfunction
• Certain pages may not render
• Security protections may fail

These cookies do not require consent under PECR.

12.2 Preference & Functional Cookies

Preference cookies store settings such as:

• Consent banner decisions
• Preferred language
• Site state memory (e.g., hiding pop-up banners)
• Comment field preferences

These cookies improve convenience but are not essential to website operation. Consent is required before placing them unless purely technical.

12.3 Analytics Cookies

Analytics cookies help us measure traffic, page popularity, user retention, bounce rate, scroll depth, load times, and navigation patterns. The information collected is generally anonymised, although some tools may process pseudonymous identifiers.

Analytics cookies allow us to:

• Understand which content is most useful
• Improve our guides, reviews, and educational pages
• Test different page layouts
• Detect broken links or errors
• Study how users arrive on our site

12.4 Advertising & Affiliate Cookies

As a gambling comparison website, we rely on affiliate partnerships with licensed UK operators. To ensure compliance and maintain transparency, we use affiliate tracking cookies to inform an operator if a user clicks through from Popular Bingo to their website.

Advertising cookies help us:

• Measure conversions
• Attribute referrals
• Prevent abuse of bonuses
• Improve advertising quality

We never use tracking cookies to learn about your activity once you leave our Website and visit a gambling operator.

13. Behavioural Analytics and User Interaction Tracking

Behavioural analytics refers to the systematic study of how users move through the Website. This involves collecting pseudonymous information about navigation paths, scroll behaviour, link clicks, and reading time. This helps Popular Bingo refine its content strategy, optimise guide layout, detect usability issues, and ensure the Website remains relevant to users’ needs.

We analyse behaviour:

• At an aggregated level
• Without identifying you personally
• Using anonymisation or pseudonymisation processes

These analytics systems help us maintain growth, relevance, and content quality.

14. Data Sharing and Disclosures — Understanding When, Why, and With Whom Your Information Is Shared

Popular Bingo does not sell personal data, nor do we share identifiable personal information with third parties without a lawful basis. However, certain limited disclosures are necessary for us to operate the Website effectively and responsibly. It is important to understand that “disclosure” does not automatically mean that your identity is revealed. Much of the data we share is either anonymised, pseudonymised, aggregated, or purely technical in nature. Nonetheless, we believe in maintaining absolute transparency in describing all instances where personal data may be shared with trusted partners or external entities.

Data sharing may occur under several scenarios: when assisting with Website hosting, delivering email newsletters, analysing user behaviour, ensuring comment moderation, enabling affiliate tracking, or complying with legal obligations. Every third party we engage is subject to strict contractual obligations through Data Processing Agreements (DPAs), ensuring that their handling of data meets GDPR standards and incorporates security and confidentiality commitments.

We categorise third parties into several functional types, each of which receives only the minimal amount of information required to perform their particular service. These categories include hosting providers, analytics platforms, marketing tools, content delivery networks (CDNs), security systems, affiliate tracking networks, and—only when required—legal or regulatory authorities. This structured approach ensures that data remains protected at all times, even when handled outside our direct environment.

15. Third-Party Service Providers — Why We Use Them and What They Do

Third-party providers play an essential role in stabilising, optimising, and enhancing Popular Bingo’s infrastructure. Without these external systems, it would be significantly more difficult to deliver consistent load times, protect users from attacks, maintain accurate analytics, send newsletters efficiently, or provide reliable uptime.

These third parties do not receive your personal data unless it is essential for their task. We share the minimum amount necessary and ensure all providers abide by strict confidentiality obligations.

15.1 Hosting and Infrastructure Providers

Our Website is hosted on secure servers managed by reputable infrastructure companies. These providers maintain data centres with high physical security, redundant power supplies, and environment-controlled server rooms. Technical staff from these providers may incidentally access certain server logs or system files while performing maintenance, but such access is strictly controlled and monitored.

15.2 Analytics Companies

We use analytics partners to understand user behaviour and Website performance. These systems help us evaluate scroll depth, click patterns, exit pages, traffic sources, and page loading speeds. Analytics companies typically receive pseudonymised metadata, and we configure our tools to avoid collecting unnecessary information.

15.3 Email Marketing Tools

Whenever you subscribe to our newsletters, your email is stored within a secure third-party email delivery platform. These systems manage subscription lists, record your preferences, and help ensure emails arrive correctly. They also track open rates and link interactions to help us refine content relevance.

15.4 Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

CDNs distribute Website files across global servers to ensure fast loading times regardless of user location. These networks may store cached versions of images, scripts, or text, but do not retain identifiable user data. They play a vital role in speeding up performance and preventing downtime.

15.5 Security Monitoring Services

Security threats—such as SQL injection, brute-force attacks, bot abuse, and scraping—are unfortunately common across the Internet. To mitigate these risks, we work with security monitoring platforms that track suspicious patterns, identify malicious IP addresses, and block harmful behaviour. These services may collect device characteristics, IP addresses, timestamps, and behavioural signals to distinguish legitimate users from threats.

15.6 Affiliate Tracking Networks

As a bingo and casino comparison website, Popular Bingo participates in affiliate programs run by licensed UK gambling operators. These networks require limited technical tracking, typically involving anonymised identifiers or cookie-based referral tags. The purpose of such tracking is solely to confirm referrals, not to identify individual users. Once you leave our Website and access an operator’s site, your behaviour is governed entirely by their own privacy policy.

15.7 Backup and Disaster Recovery Providers

To prevent data loss due to technical failures, we may use backup services or cloud-based recovery mechanisms. These systems ensure that Website data remains intact even if unexpected events occur, such as server malfunctions or catastrophic outages. Access to backup data is strictly restricted.

16. Affiliate Networks and Gambling Operators — Understanding How Tracking Works

Popular Bingo works with licensed bingo and casino operators under affiliate agreements. This enables us to provide reviews, comparisons, and bonus information at no cost to users. When you click on an affiliate link, a tracking parameter may be added to the URL. This parameter is typically a string of numbers or letters that informs the operator that the user originated from Popular Bingo.

16.1 What Affiliate Tracking Does Not Do

To avoid misunderstanding, it is important to clarify what affiliate tracking does not do. It does not allow us to:

• See what you do after leaving our site
• Access your gambling activity or account details
• See your deposits, withdrawals, or betting history
• Identify you personally

Affiliate tracking exists only to confirm whether a referral occurred.

16.2 What Affiliate Tracking Does

The tracking ensures that:

• Operators know the referral came from Popular Bingo
• We receive credit if you sign up or play
• We comply with advertising and compliance requirements

16.3 Regulatory Oversight

In the UK, the gambling advertising industry is heavily regulated. Affiliate tracking is subject to oversight by the UK Gambling Commission, the ASA, CAP rules, and compliance frameworks that mandate transparency, fairness, and responsible marketing standards. We adhere to all such requirements.

17. International Transfers of Personal Data — How and Why They Occur

Although Popular Bingo is a UK-based website, some of our third-party systems (such as analytics, email marketing tools, or cloud storage providers) may operate infrastructure outside the UK or EEA. When personal data is transferred internationally, GDPR requires that appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure data receives equivalent protection to that provided within the UK or EU.

17.1 Safeguards We Use for International Transfers

Any international transfer of personal data must rely on one or more of the following:

1. Adequacy Regulations issued by the UK (or EU)
2. Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by regulatory authorities
3. Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs)
4. Special legal derogations for specific cases

Whenever data is transferred outside the UK or EU, we verify that the recipient country offers a level of protection that meets GDPR standards. If not, we require the provider to implement additional technical and organisational measures, such as encryption or limited-access environments.

17.2 Minimisation of International Transfers

We avoid unnecessary international transfers by:

• Selecting UK/EU-based providers when possible
• Minimising the personal data sent to overseas partners
• Pseudonymising or anonymising data before transfer

17.3 Cloud and Hosting Providers

Some cloud platforms store data redundantly across multiple regions for resilience. Even if data passes through international servers temporarily, the same GDPR-level protections apply through contractual and technical safeguards.

18. Data Retention — How Long We Keep Your Information

Popular Bingo retains personal data only for as long as necessary to achieve the specific purposes described in this Policy. We never store data indefinitely without justification. Retention times vary depending on the category of data, legal obligations, and the nature of the processing.

18.1 Communications and Contact Messages

Emails, contact form submissions, and customer support enquiries may be retained for up to six years, aligned with UK record-keeping standards for business correspondence.

18.2 Newsletter Subscriber Data

Email addresses used for marketing communications remain stored until you unsubscribe. Once you opt out, your address may be moved into a suppression list to prevent further contact, as allowed under GDPR.

18.3 Analytics and Technical Data

Aggregated analytics data may be retained long-term because it cannot identify individuals. Raw technical logs such as IP-based access records may be retained for shorter periods, usually between 30 days and 12 months, depending on security requirements.

18.4 Comment and Review Data

User-generated content (e.g., comments or reviews) may remain visible as long as the corresponding article or page remains published. If you request removal, we will assess the request in accordance with GDPR and moderation policies.

18.5 Backup Files

Backup copies exist solely for disaster recovery and are deleted on a rolling schedule, typically ranging from 7 days to several weeks.

18.6 Legal and Compliance Requirements

Where required by law—such as for dispute resolution or regulatory oversight—data may be retained longer than typical operational timeframes.

19. Security Measures — How We Protect Personal Data

Protecting user data is one of the primary responsibilities of Popular Bingo. We employ a combination of technical, organisational, and administrative safeguards that collectively defend against misuse, loss, unauthorised access, alteration, or destruction of personal data.

19.1 Technical Security Controls

These include encryption (in transit and at rest), firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-malware solutions, SSL certificates, secure coding practices, and routine software updates.

19.2 Access Controls

Only authorised personnel have access to systems containing personal data. Access rights follow a strict principle of least privilege, ensuring that individuals can only access what is necessary for their tasks.

19.3 Secure Infrastructure

Our hosting providers maintain certified data centres with physical security protections such as biometric access, CCTV monitoring, environmental controls, and redundant systems.

19.4 Log Monitoring and Audits

We conduct regular system audits, log reviews, and automated checks to ensure our services continue to operate securely.

19.5 Staff Training and Awareness

Any staff members or contractors who handle data receive training in data protection, GDPR principles, and secure operational practices.

19.6 Incident Response Procedures

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we follow GDPR-compliant procedures, which include evaluating the severity of the breach, notifying affected users if required, and notifying the ICO where applicable.

20. User Rights Under GDPR and Data Protection Law

One of the foundational principles of the UK GDPR and EU GDPR is that individuals must retain meaningful control over their personal data. Popular Bingo fully supports this principle and recognises that data subjects have extensive rights regarding how their information is collected, used, stored, transferred, and deleted. We are committed to ensuring that our practices respect these rights, respond promptly to requests, and facilitate your ability to make informed decisions about your personal data.

Although Popular Bingo primarily serves users based in the United Kingdom, some visitors may come from the European Union or the EEA. For this reason, we provide explanations that reflect the rights available under both the UK GDPR and the EU GDPR. These rights apply regardless of whether the data collected is minimal or extensive, identifiable or pseudonymised, or whether the processing is based on consent, legitimate interests, or other legal bases.

Below, we explain your rights in clear detail. Although some rights are more likely to apply in specific contexts, we honour every lawful request and ensure that users understand how to exercise control over their information.

21. The Right of Access (Article 15 GDPR)

You have the right to confirm whether Popular Bingo processes your personal data and, where we do, request a copy of that data. This right allows you to understand what information we hold, why we process it, how long we intend to store it, and with whom we may have shared it.

The right of access includes:

• A description of the categories of data we process
• The specific purposes for which data is processed
• The legal bases supporting each form of processing
• The recipients or categories of recipients to whom data may be disclosed
• The source of the data, if not collected directly from you
• Whether any international transfers occur
• Information about your rights and how to exercise them

Access requests typically concern personal data you have provided directly, such as email addresses, newsletter subscriptions, or messages sent through contact forms. Analytical data derived through cookies may only be provided in generalised or pseudonymised form, depending on technical feasibility.

22. The Right to Rectification (Article 16 GDPR)

If the information we hold contains inaccuracies or is incomplete, you have the right to request correction. This may apply, for example, if you provided an incorrect email address, wish to modify your comment display name, or notice an error in stored subscription data. We will correct mistakes as soon as reasonably possible.

Rectification is particularly important in preventing unnecessary communication errors, ensuring compliance with accuracy principles, and maintaining accurate records across our systems and partners.

23. The Right to Erasure (Article 17 GDPR)

Often referred to as the “right to be forgotten,” this right enables you to request the deletion of personal data under specific circumstances. You may exercise this right when:

• The data is no longer necessary for the purpose it was collected
• You withdraw consent and no other legal basis applies
• You successfully object to processing based on legitimate interests
• The data has been unlawfully processed
• Deletion is required to comply with a legal obligation

This right may apply differently depending on the data type. For example, deletion of comments may involve removing the content and display information, whereas deletion of newsletter subscriptions may involve removing your email from active lists and moving it to a suppression list to prevent future communications.

24. The Right to Restrict Processing (Article 18 GDPR)

In certain cases, you may request that Popular Bingo temporarily limit processing of your personal data. Restriction does not necessarily mean deletion; instead, your data may be stored securely but not used until the restriction is lifted.

This right may be exercised when:

• The accuracy of data is contested
• Processing is considered unlawful, but you prefer restriction over deletion
• Data is no longer needed for our purposes but is required by you for legal claims
• You object to processing and await verification of legitimate interests

Restriction is a protective measure that remains active until a resolution is reached.

25. The Right to Data Portability (Article 20 GDPR)

You have the right to receive personal data that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format, and where technically feasible, request that we transfer it to another data controller.

This right primarily applies to data processed:

• With your consent
• Through automated means
• For a service you actively requested

Common examples might include email subscription data or user account information, should Popular Bingo ever introduce membership functions.

26. The Right to Object (Article 21 GDPR)

You may object at any time to processing based on:

• Legitimate interests
• Direct marketing
• Profiling related to either of the above

If you object to direct marketing, processing ceases immediately. If you object to legitimate interests, we must demonstrate compelling reasons for processing that override your rights, such as essential security operations or compliance requirements.

27. Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making and Profiling (Article 22 GDPR)

Popular Bingo does not engage in automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects. We do not make determinations about user behaviour, access, or eligibility based on automated profiling systems.

While analytics tools may help us observe user behaviour, these systems do not:

• Make decisions about your rights
• Alter your available content access
• Affect your legal status or opportunities

We commit to transparent, human-oriented governance of any decision-making processes.

28. How to Exercise Your Rights

If you would like to request access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection, or portability, you may contact us at:

privacy@popularbingo.co.uk

To protect your data, we may require verification of your identity. This prevents unauthorised parties from accessing information they are not entitled to see. We respond to requests within one month, although complex cases may require a lawful extension.

We will:

• Review the request
• Determine applicable rights
• Apply the request when appropriate
• Notify you of results or explanations

If we decline a request, we will inform you of the reason and your right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

29. Complaints and Regulatory Rights

If you believe your data has been processed unlawfully or without sufficient transparency, you have the right to file a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

https://ico.org.uk

You may also lodge complaints with supervisory authorities in the EU if you are an EU resident. However, we encourage users to contact us first, as most concerns can be resolved efficiently through open communication.

30. Children’s Privacy and Age Restrictions

Popular Bingo is created exclusively for adults. We do not knowingly collect, process, or store any personal data related to individuals under the age of 18. This is because our Website discusses gambling-related content and links to licensed bingo, casino, and slot operators who themselves require users to be over 18.

If we become aware that a child has provided personal data, we will:

• Delete that information promptly
• Block any interactions from such accounts
• Implement additional security measures if needed

Parents or guardians who believe their child may have interacted with our Website may contact us to request immediate removal of any associated data.

31. Responsible Gambling and Sensitive Contextual Data

While Popular Bingo does not collect sensitive categories of personal data—such as health data, financial records, or behavioural gambling metrics—we often reference responsible gambling resources and encourage safe play. Any external responsible gambling tools you access (such as self-exclusion services or limit settings) are entirely managed by the gambling operator or responsible gambling organisation.

We do not process:

• Self-exclusion data
• Customer risk profiles
• Financial affordability checks
• Gambling behaviour patterns

These matters fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of licensed operators regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.

32. Third-Party Websites and External Links

Our Website contains numerous links to external bingo, casino, slot, and affiliate websites. Each of these external sites maintains independent privacy policies, which may treat personal data differently. We strongly encourage users to read and understand the privacy policies of any third-party operator before providing personal information.

We are not responsible for:

• External data collection
• Third-party cookie behaviour
• Their security safeguards
• Their marketing practices
• Their retention policies

Once you leave our Website, their rules apply.

33. Behavioural Advertising and Marketing Choices

Popular Bingo occasionally participates in advertising practices that rely on anonymised data to measure audience engagement, track conversions, and deliver relevant content. You retain full control over your marketing preferences.

You may opt out of:

• Email marketing
• Tracking cookies
• Personalisation tools
• Targeted advertising networks

Through:

• Our cookie consent banner
• Your browser settings
• The unsubscribe link in emails
• Built-in device-level advertising preferences

We do not override or bypass your consent choices.

34. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Some browsers allow users to send “Do Not Track” signals. While we respect privacy preferences, DNT is not a widely standardised protocol. Therefore, our Website may not respond to all DNT signals consistently. However, users may still fully control cookies through our consent tools or browser settings.

35. Your Choices and Control Over Personal Data

You have significant control over your personal data and Website experience. This includes the ability to:

• Disable cookies
• Limit tracking
• Opt out of marketing
• Delete comments
• Request data removal
• Decline non-essential processing

We encourage users to manage their privacy preferences in ways that align with their comfort level.

36. Introduction to Our Cookie & Tracking Practices

Cookies and tracking technologies are essential tools for modern websites, enabling enhanced functionality, better user experience, and improved understanding of user behaviour. At Popular Bingo, we treat cookie usage with the same care and transparency we apply to personal data. Although many cookies do not identify users directly, and many operate purely to make the site usable, we acknowledge that certain types—particularly advertising or behavioural cookies—may intersect with privacy considerations.

This Cookie Policy outlines what technologies we use, why we use them, how long they last, and how users can control their usage. Our goal is to ensure that you retain full authority over your online experience while enjoying the convenience and features that cookies provide. Popular Bingo uses cookies to improve navigation, enhance relevance of displayed information, support website functionality, and generate analytical insights that help us refine our platform.

Cookies are never used to extract sensitive data, never used to identify individuals in isolation, and never used for invasive profiling. They serve either functional, analytical, or commercial purposes, each of which is explained in detail below.

37. What Cookies Are and How They Function

Cookies are small text files that a website places on your computer or mobile device through your web browser. These files are stored locally and allow the system to recognise your browser upon subsequent visits. While some cookies are essential for website operation, others enhance convenience or provide analytical insights.

Cookies may store unique identifiers, device specifics, time-based information, browsing patterns, or preferences. They do not contain executable code, do not collect passwords, and cannot scan your device.

Cookies vary in their duration:

• Session cookies, which expire once the browser is closed
• Persistent cookies, which remain until they expire or are manually deleted
• First-party cookies, placed by Popular Bingo
• Third-party cookies, placed by external partners like analytics providers

Although cookies can be beneficial, we respect that some users may wish to limit, block, or control them. You are free to do so through our cookie banner or your browser settings.

38. Why Popular Bingo Uses Cookies

Our cookie usage is driven by the principle of enhancing user experience and improving service quality. Cookies serve multiple purposes on our platform, such as:

Ensuring Core Website Functionality

Some operations simply cannot function without cookies—such as page navigation, saving your cookie preferences, or managing security tokens. Without these cookies, the Website may not operate as intended.

Improving User Experience

Cookies remember your browser type, region, preferred settings, or past interactions. This makes the Website faster, smoother, and more intuitive.

Understanding Website Performance

Analytics cookies help us examine aggregated behaviour patterns, including total visits, time spent on pages, interaction flows, and device types. These insights help us optimise layout, functionality, and site structure.

Supporting Affiliate Attribution

Because we provide bingo and casino reviews, we may receive compensation when users visit partner websites. Certain cookies help track referrals in an anonymous, non-personalised manner.

Delivering Relevant Content and Advertising

Some cookies are used by advertising networks to deliver content that aligns with general user interests. These ads help support our ability to operate the free service.

Ensuring Safety and Fraud Protection

Some cookies help prevent abuse, detect suspicious activity, and secure our technological infrastructure.

39. Categories of Cookies We Use

Although the list of cookies is constantly evolving, we group our cookies into widely recognised categories to maintain clarity.

A. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for core website operations, including page navigation, security verification, cookie consent storage, and access control functions. They do not require user consent under UK GDPR because they serve fundamental site needs.

Strictly necessary cookies may include:

• Cookies that remember your privacy and cookie settings
• Session identifiers that maintain secure browsing
• Load balancing cookies
• Security validation cookies
• Anti-bot management cookies

Disabling strictly necessary cookies may render all or parts of the Website unusable.

B. Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies allow us to analyse user behaviour in aggregate form, providing insight into how visitors engage with different pages. They help us understand which sections users find useful, which may require improvement, and how performance issues affect behaviour.

We may use:

• General analytics cookies
• Event-tracking cookies
• Scroll-depth tracking mechanisms
• Time-on-page measurement tools

These cookies do not reveal a user’s identity; they simply help us evaluate broader trends.

C. Functionality Cookies

Functionality cookies enable enhanced experiences by remembering user preferences such as language, display settings, memorised consent states, or returning-visitor indicators. They contribute to personal convenience but do not necessarily form user profiles.

Examples include:

• Returning visitor recognition
• Saving selected viewing options
• Retaining collapsed or expanded site sections

Without these cookies, the Website may feel less personalised and may not remember your previous interactions.

D. Advertising and Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used by advertising networks, affiliates, and external marketing partners to display advertisements, measure conversions, and track anonymised behavioural patterns across participating platforms.

These may:

• Limit how often you see the same advertisement
• Help evaluate campaign effectiveness
• Assist in affiliate attribution
• Support remarketing activities

We ensure that data used for advertising does not identify you personally. Consent for these cookies is always required.

E. Social Media Cookies

If you share content through social platforms, those platforms may place their own cookies on your device. Popular Bingo does not control these cookies, and we encourage users to review each social network’s privacy policy.

40. Third-Party Cookies Used on Our Website

Popular Bingo uses a variety of trusted partners to support analytics, advertising measurement, and essential website utilities. Each partner may use its own cookies to fulfil its designated role.

Although the full list may evolve, the following are typical categories of partners we work with:

Analytics Providers

Companies that collect anonymised behaviour metrics, such as session duration, referral sources, scroll activity, exit pages, and device types.

Advertising Networks

Platforms that deliver general-interest ads or measure affiliate interactions.

Affiliate Tracking Systems

These systems help us determine when users visit partner bingo or casino sites after clicking links on our Website.

Content Delivery and Security Services

Networks that secure the Website, prevent attacks, and ensure fast loading times.

We apply strict contractual obligations requiring these partners to process data responsibly and within legal limits.

41. Cookie Duration and Retention Periods

Cookie retention periods vary widely depending on their purpose:

• Security or session cookies may last only until the current browser session ends.
• Analytical cookies may last from several hours to two years.
• Advertising cookies may operate over shorter cycles to measure recurring interactions.
• Functional cookies may persist for several months if they relate to remembering user settings.

We periodically review all cookies and update our retention periods when necessary.

42. How You Can Control or Disable Cookies

Popular Bingo empowers users to fully manage their cookie preferences. You may choose to accept, decline, or customise cookie settings at any time. You can:

• Adjust your preferences via our cookie banner
• Modify browser-level cookie permissions
• Delete existing cookies manually
• Use privacy-focused browser extensions

Users may also opt out of interest-based advertising via:

• Google Ads Settings
• Facebook Ad Preferences
• Industry opt-out platforms (e.g., NAI, EDAA)

You retain full control over your browsing data.

43. Pixel Tags, Beacons, and Tracking Scripts

In addition to cookies, Popular Bingo may use tracking pixels, web beacons, or lightweight scripts to measure interactions. These tools typically operate for performance, analytics, or advertising optimisation.

Tracking technologies may help us identify:

• Whether a user opened a newsletter
• Whether a user clicked a link
• Engagement levels with content
• Device characteristics

These technologies do not store personal data on your device but may transmit anonymised or pseudonymised data to analytics or advertising systems.

44. How We Protect Cookie-Related Data

Cookies themselves generally do not contain personal information, but any associated data is safeguarded through robust measures. Popular Bingo employs a multilayered security strategy that includes:

• Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption
• Server-side access control
• Network segmentation
• Intrusion detection systems
• Frequent auditing and monitoring

We also avoid storing sensitive categories of data in cookies under all circumstances.

45. Data Storage, Retention, and Lifecycle Management

Retention practices differ depending on the nature of the data:

Operational Data

Including logs, analytics summaries, and referral statistics, may be stored for periods aligned with business necessity, often between 12 and 36 months.

Consent Records

Stored for compliance purposes for as long as legally required.

Newsletter Data

Stored until users unsubscribe or request deletion.

Communication Records

Stored for a reasonable period for accountability, customer service, and operational analysis.

We periodically purge older records when they no longer serve a legitimate purpose.

46. Our Security Principles and Technical Measures

Protecting user data is a core principle of Popular Bingo’s operations. Even though we collect relatively little personal data, we treat each element with the highest degree of care.

Security practices include:

• Use of secure hosting environments
• Encryption of data in transit
• Strict firewall rules
• Logging of suspicious activity
• Limited authorised personnel access
• Contingency planning and redundancy

We constantly review technological developments to improve security.

47. Data Breach Protocol and Incident Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we follow a structured response plan:

1. Detection and identification of the breach
2. Immediate containment to prevent further access
3. Assessment of data affected
4. Notification to the ICO when required
5. Communication to impacted users where risk exists
6. Remediation and future prevention measures

We are committed to transparency and alerting users promptly whenever legally required.

48. International Data Transfers Under UK/EU GDPR

Popular Bingo primarily operates within the United Kingdom, and our servers are generally located in the UK or within the European Economic Area (EEA). However, as part of our operations—particularly in relation to analytics, hosting, email delivery, and affiliate tracking—some data may occasionally be processed outside the UK or EEA. While the personal data we collect is minimal and often pseudonymised or anonymised, we recognise the importance of ensuring that all transfers meet GDPR safeguards.

Whenever personal data must leave the UK or the EEA, we implement one of the following:

A. Adequacy Decisions

If the receiving country has been formally recognised by the UK Government or the European Commission as offering adequate data protection, the transfer may proceed under this legal foundation.

B. Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)

For transfers to countries without adequacy decisions (such as the United States), Popular Bingo relies on approved SCCs, which impose GDPR-level obligations on the receiving party.

C. Appropriate Technical and Organisational Measures

These may include encryption, secure transmission protocols, restricted access policies, or pseudonymisation to ensure data protection even after transfer.

We only engage with partners who meet strict compliance requirements. We never engage in transfers that expose users to unjustified risks or violate data protection principles. At all times, our focus remains transparency, minimisation, and accountability.

49. Lawful Bases for Processing Personal Data

Under the UK GDPR, we must identify one or more lawful bases for processing data. Because Popular Bingo operates primarily as a non-transactional information platform, most processing occurs under the following bases:

A. Legitimate Interests

This is the primary legal basis for most of our processing. It includes activities such as analytics, fraud prevention, performance monitoring, affiliate tracking, and personalisation. We conduct Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs) where appropriate.

B. Consent

We rely on explicit consent for:

• Marketing communications
• Non-essential cookies
• Behavioural advertising
• Newsletter subscriptions

Users may withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior actions.

C. Contractual Necessity

If users register an account or request a service (such as email updates), certain processing becomes necessary to fulfil that request.

D. Legal Obligations

In rare instances, we may process data to comply with regulatory requirements, such as cooperating with the ICO or responding to lawful requests.

We do not process “special category data,” and we do not engage in invasive profiling or automated decision-making that produces legal effects.

50. Extended Explanation of Legitimate Interests

Because “legitimate interests” is an important and widely misunderstood legal basis, Popular Bingo provides a much more detailed explanation than most websites. Legitimate interests allow a company to process personal data when it is necessary for a reasonable business purpose that does not outweigh user rights.

Our legitimate interests include:

• Operating and improving the Website
• Understanding user behaviour (in aggregate form)
• Measuring affiliate interactions
• Detecting and preventing technical issues
• Maintaining security and protecting the site from abuse
• Providing relevant content
• Monitoring overall Website performance

We ensure users can reasonably expect such processing. We also apply proportionality tests and ensure that users retain the ability to object to any processing they deem intrusive.

51. User Rights Under the UK GDPR

Popular Bingo values user rights and honours each right fully and promptly. Users have numerous rights under data protection law, even when the data collected is limited.

A. Right of Access

Users may request copies of personal data we hold about them. If the data is pseudonymised or anonymised beyond reversibility, we will explain how it is used without identifying individuals.

B. Right to Rectification

If any personal data is inaccurate, users may request corrections or updates.

C. Right to Erasure (“Right to Be Forgotten”)

Users may request deletion of their data in several circumstances, including when consent has been withdrawn or when data is no longer needed.

D. Right to Restriction of Processing

Users may ask us to temporarily restrict processing while an objection or accuracy dispute is reviewed.

E. Right to Data Portability

Applicable when processing is based on consent or a contract and is technically feasible.

F. Right to Object

Users may object to processing conducted on legitimate interests. If the objection is valid and no overriding legitimate grounds exist, processing will cease.

G. Right to Withdraw Consent

Withdrawal is always honoured immediately, and no reason is required.

H. Right to Complain

Users may file complaints with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

We respond promptly to all rights requests and maintain internal policy frameworks to ensure compliance.

52. How Users Can Exercise Their Rights

To exercise rights, users may contact us through the email address listed in the Contact section at the end of the policy. Popular Bingo may require basic verification to ensure security, especially for requests that involve sensitive actions such as account deletion or access requests.

We provide:

• Clear explanations
• Timely responses
• Transparent communication when an exemption applies

The law allows us one month to respond, but we aim to respond faster whenever possible.

53. Newsletter Subscriptions and Email Privacy

Popular Bingo offers optional newsletters containing updates, new bingo site launches, promotions, or guides. Subscription is entirely voluntary and based on consent.

When you subscribe:

• We store your email address securely
• We never sell your data
• You can unsubscribe at any time
• Unsubscribing takes effect immediately

Newsletters may contain affiliate links. When you click a link, anonymous tracking may occur to allow us to receive credit for referrals. This does not identify you personally and is normal within the UK affiliate marketing industry.

We may also track open rates or link clicks to improve newsletter performance. You can disable tracking by adjusting your email client settings.

54. Marketing Communications and Consent

Marketing communications are sent only when the user has freely provided consent. We do not pre-tick boxes or create hidden consent mechanisms. Marketing communications include newsletters, bonus alerts, new brand announcements, and personalised updates.

We also ensure:

• Marketing is easy to unsubscribe from
• You will never receive marketing from third parties via us
• We do not share your email with other companies
• We keep marketing data separate from other processing streams

If you unsubscribe, you will immediately stop receiving marketing but may continue receiving essential service updates if you still have an active relationship with the Website.

55. Advertising Disclosure and Transparency

As part of our business model, Popular Bingo receives compensation when users visit or join partner websites using our links. These transactions do not involve sharing your name, email, or identity with the operator. Instead, anonymous referral tracking systems assign a non-personal identifier that links the click to our platform.

To be clear:

• We do not share personal data with partner websites for marketing purposes
• Referral tracking does not contain your identity
• Operators only know you arrived from Popular Bingo, not who you are
• Compensation does not influence our review integrity

This model funds our operations without requiring user fees.

56. Automated Decision-Making and Profiling

Popular Bingo does not rely on automated decision-making that produces legal effects or significantly affects users. We may conduct minor analytics or content personalisation based on cookies, but this does not qualify as substantial profiling under GDPR.

If an automated process were ever to meaningfully affect users, we would implement:

• Human review options
• Clear explanations
• Ability to contest automated decisions

To date, no such processes are used on our platform.

57. Age Restrictions and Child Protection

Popular Bingo is intended exclusively for users aged 18 or older, as it relates to gambling-related content. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

If we discover that a minor has submitted information, we will:

• Delete it immediately
• Prevent further collection
• Update our controls to prevent future instances

We strongly encourage parents and guardians to supervise internet usage.

58. Anti-Fraud Measures and Abuse Protection

To maintain the integrity of our Website and protect partner relationships, we utilise technical systems that detect suspicious or automated behaviour. These measures do not profile individuals but instead identify behavioural patterns consistent with abuse, such as:

• Repeated automated requests
• Attempts to bypass referral tracking
• Malware-infected devices
• IP addresses associated with malicious activity

These measures operate within legitimate interests and comply with GDPR expectations.

59. Additional Notes on Analytics and Pseudonymisation

Many analytics platforms utilised by Popular Bingo employ pseudonymisation, random identifiers, or anonymisation. This ensures users’ personal data is not exposed unnecessarily. In many cases, the data they collect cannot reasonably identify a user without extra information we do not possess.

Whenever possible, we minimise data, mask identifiers, or anonymise reports before storing them.

60. Data Aggregation and Reporting

To maintain site quality, Popular Bingo may create aggregated, statistical reports about:

• Traffic trends
• Engagement patterns
• Device categories
• Regional audience breakdowns
• Marketing performance

Aggregated data cannot identify users and falls outside GDPR’s definition of personal data.

61. Our Commitment to UK GDPR Compliance

Popular Bingo operates with a strong commitment to full compliance with the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and all applicable ICO guidance. We understand that individuals who visit online platforms—especially those related to bingo, gaming, or entertainment—expect transparency, fairness, and clarity. Our compliance approach is built upon accountability, good faith, and continual review.

We integrate privacy considerations into every aspect of our operations, whether updating our content, implementing cookies, analysing performance metrics, or handling contact forms. Privacy is never an afterthought—it is woven into the operational structure of the Website. Our team regularly reviews regulatory updates, industry developments, and relevant decisions from the ICO and other European bodies to ensure that our privacy practices remain current and robust.

62. Data Minimisation Principle

Popular Bingo follows the strict principle of data minimisation, meaning that we only collect the minimum amount of personal data required for legitimate purposes. Because our Website is informational and comparison-based, we intentionally design features that limit or eliminate personal data processing wherever feasible.

We do not operate user accounts, do not require users to share identity details to read content, and do not request unnecessary information. This approach ensures that your data footprint remains extremely small.

Where we do collect data—such as newsletter subscriptions or contact queries—we collect only what is needed to fulfil the request. We never request sensitive personal data (for example, details relating to race, health, political opinions, or sexuality), nor would such data ever be relevant to our operations.

Data minimisation is more than a legal requirement—it is a core philosophy. By reducing data intake, we reduce risk, enhance security, and strengthen user trust.

63. Purpose Limitation and Fair Use

Popular Bingo ensures that all data is processed exclusively for explicit, legitimate, documented purposes. If we collect your email address for newsletter delivery, for example, we will not use it for unrelated purposes, nor will we share it with third parties. Similarly, if you communicate with us for support or feedback, we will use that data solely for that conversation.

We do not engage in secondary uses that are incompatible with the original purpose. If in the future we intend to use data for a new purpose, we will update this policy and, where appropriate, request fresh consent. This approach ensures that data is handled ethically, transparently, and predictably.

64. Storage Limitation and Data Retention Framework

We retain data only for as long as reasonably necessary relative to the purpose for which it was collected. Because our Website does not rely on long-term storage of personal data, retention periods are typically short.

Below is an extended explanation of typical retention periods:

Newsletter Emails

Stored until you unsubscribe or request deletion. We may retain a suppression list entry to prevent accidental re-marketing.

Contact Forms / Communication Records

Retained for a reasonable period for accountability and administrative purposes, often 6–24 months, unless longer retention is legally required.

Consent Logs

Retained for as long as necessary to demonstrate compliance with consent obligations, particularly cookie consent.

Server Logs & Security Data

Stored briefly (often 1–12 months) depending on security needs and hosting policies.

Aggregated Data

May be stored indefinitely because it cannot identify individuals.

We periodically review data categories to ensure that retention periods remain appropriate.

65. Accuracy of Personal Data

Although Popular Bingo collects minimal personal data, we maintain strict accuracy procedures. If you believe we hold inaccurate information—such as an email address or contact detail—you may request correction at any time, and we will promptly update our records.

We avoid any processing that relies on outdated or incorrect information. Our systems are engineered to maintain clean, accurate, up-to-date data sets.

66. Accountability and Documentation

Accountability is a central GDPR requirement, meaning organisations must not only comply with the law but also demonstrate compliance through internal governance. Popular Bingo implements various accountability measures:

• Internal documentation of data flows
• Cookies and third-party tracking evaluations
• Regular policy reviews
• Transparent public disclosures
• Risk assessments for new tools and technologies
• Staff awareness and compliance measures

Although we operate a relatively simple data model compared to large transactional websites, we still uphold rigorous standards. Our objective is to meet or exceed expectations for data protection governance.

67. Privacy by Design and Default

We incorporate “privacy by design” (PbD) principles during the development, improvement, and maintenance of Popular Bingo. This means:

• Features default to the most privacy-friendly settings
• Non-essential cookies require consent
• Critical operations avoid personal data when possible
• Interfaces remain clear and avoid manipulative design
• Anonymous analytics are used whenever feasible

Privacy by default ensures that users are not required to perform additional steps to protect their personal data—our system is built to protect it naturally.

68. Third-Party Links and External Websites

Popular Bingo contains links to third-party websites—primarily bingo operators, casino operators, slot platforms, and other gaming-related entities—as part of our comparison service. These external websites operate independently from us and maintain their own privacy policies, cookie practices, and terms of service.

We strongly recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any website you visit after leaving Popular Bingo. We cannot control or take responsibility for:

• Their data collection practices
• Their cookie usage
• Their marketing communications
• Their security standards
• Their regulatory compliance

Our affiliate relationships do not grant us access to your personal account details on partner sites.

69. Affiliate Attribution and Tracking Transparency

Popular Bingo participates in affiliate programmes that allow us to earn compensation when users click links to partner websites. This is a standard and widely used model in the UK online gaming review industry.

To ensure transparency:

• We do not share personal data with partners
• They do not receive identifiable information about you from us
• Tracking occurs via anonymous identifiers such as click IDs
• These identifiers cannot identify you

Such tracking is required to verify that a user visited an operator from our platform, but it never involves names, emails, or contact details.

Affiliate relationships do not influence the accuracy of our reviews. All evaluations are performed objectively and editorially independently.

70. Technical and Organisational Safeguards

The protection of user data is achieved through a combination of technical, administrative, and organisational measures. Popular Bingo uses:

• Secure hosting environments with firewalls
• Regularly updated software
• Encryption via SSL/TLS for data in transit
• Strict role-based access controls
• Monitoring of suspicious activity
• Routine vulnerability assessments
• Procedure-based access management

We do not store sensitive financial or identity information because our Website’s function does not require such data.

No system is entirely immune from risk, but our layered security model significantly reduces exposure to threats.

71. Commitment to Continuous Security Improvements

The digital landscape evolves rapidly. New threats, new technologies, and new regulatory expectations arise frequently. Popular Bingo remains committed to ongoing improvement by:

• Monitoring industry best practices
• Updating code bases and plug-ins
• Reviewing cookie partners annually
• Adjusting retention practices
• Revisiting legitimate interest evaluations
• Conducting periodic internal audits

Privacy is a continuous responsibility, not a one-time action.

72. Complaints and How to Raise Concerns

If you believe Popular Bingo has mishandled your data or you have concerns about this Privacy Policy, we encourage you to contact us first. We will investigate the matter thoroughly and respond with transparency.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Website: ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113

You always retain the right to lodge a complaint with the ICO. However, we encourage you to contact us first so we may resolve the matter amicably.

73. Contact Information for Privacy Matters

Users may reach us regarding:

• Requests for personal data access
• Deletion and correction requests
• Withdrawal of consent
• Cookie inquiries
• General privacy-related concerns
• Feedback or improvement suggestions

When you request changes, we may conduct minimal verification to ensure security.

74. Updates, Amendments, and Notification of Changes

Popular Bingo may update this Privacy & Cookies Policy periodically to reflect operational changes, technological improvements, or evolving legal requirements. When updates occur:

• We will adjust the “Last Updated” date
• Significant changes may be highlighted on our Website
• Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of changes
• We do not make changes retroactively unless legally required.

75. Retrospective Application and Interpretation

If any part of this policy contradicts applicable law, the relevant legal requirement prevails. All provisions must be interpreted in harmony with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and prevailing ICO guidance. Disputes about interpretation will be resolved on the basis of fairness, balance, and the reasonable expectations of Website users.

76. Introduction to the Glossary and Why It Matters

Privacy policies often contain terminology rooted in data protection law, technology, or affiliate operations. While this language is necessary for legal accuracy, it can occasionally be dense or unfamiliar. For this reason, Popular Bingo provides an extended glossary, ensuring every visitor—regardless of legal or technical background—can understand every aspect of how their data is processed.

Understanding these terms is important because they clarify your rights, our responsibilities, and the technical mechanisms behind cookies, tracking, and personal data handling. At Popular Bingo, transparency is a core principle, and giving you a glossary ensures you are never left guessing what a term means or how it applies to you.

77. Glossary of Data Protection Terms

Personal Data

Any information that identifies, relates to, or can reasonably be linked to an identified or identifiable individual. While Popular Bingo collects only limited personal data, this definition underpins our entire policy.

Processing

Any operation carried out on personal data—collection, storage, transmission, deletion, or analysis.

Data Controller

The entity responsible for determining the purpose and means of processing personal data. Popular Bingo is the controller for all data processed through our Website.

Data Processor

A third party that processes personal data on our behalf, such as an email newsletter service or an analytics provider.

UK GDPR

The United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation, which governs how personal data is handled within the UK.

Consent

A freely given, informed, specific, and unambiguous indication of a user’s wishes regarding data processing.

Legitimate Interests

A lawful basis allowing processing necessary for operating the website, security, analytics, and similar purposes, provided user rights are not overridden.

Anonymisation

The process of irreversibly removing identifiable elements so data can no longer be linked to an individual.

Pseudonymisation

A reversible transformation that masks identifiable information behind random or unique identifiers.

Profiling

Automated processing intended to evaluate or predict aspects of an individual’s behaviour or preferences. Popular Bingo does not engage in significant profiling.

Affiliate Tracking

Anonymous tracking techniques that allow us to determine whether a user visited an operator’s website through a link on Popular Bingo.

Cookies

Small text files placed on your device to store information, preferences, identifiers, or session data.

Session Cookies

Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.

Persistent Cookies

Remain on your device for a specified duration or until manually deleted.

Third-Party Cookies

Cookies placed by entities other than Popular Bingo, such as advertising or analytics providers.

78. Additional Definitions Specific to Our Industry

Affiliate Network

A digital platform that acts as an intermediary between Popular Bingo and gaming operators to ensure referral tracking is accurate and compliant.

Operator

A bingo or casino website that Popular Bingo reviews, compares, or recommends. Operators handle their own data processing and maintain their own privacy policies.

Attribution Pixel

A small piece of code used to track whether a user clicked a referral link, ensuring compensation without identifying the user.

Impression Tracking

Tracking whether an advertisement or link was viewed on our Website. This does not collect personal details.

Non-Personal Behavioural Indicators

Aggregated or anonymous metrics, such as pages visited or device type, that help us improve user experience without identifying individuals.

79. Clarification on What Popular Bingo Does Not Do

Popular Bingo believes in absolute clarity about what it does not do with personal data. These statements reinforce safety and trust.

We do not:

• Collect financial details
• Collect passport, ID, or government-issued identifiers
• Collect health, religious, political, or sensitive data
• Create gambling profiles linked to personal information
• Sell personal data to any third party
• Share your email with partner bingo or casino sites
• Use hidden data collection mechanisms
• Require users to register accounts to access content

Our business model does not rely on personal data and avoids unnecessary exposure for users.

80. Extended Explanation of Data Subject Rights

To ensure full understanding of GDPR rights, below is a more detailed explanation.

Right to Be Informed

You have the right to know what data we collect, how we use it, and why. This policy exists to satisfy that requirement.

Right of Access

You may request a copy of personal data we hold, along with explanations about how it is used.

Right to Rectification

If information is incorrect or incomplete, you can request changes.

Right to Erasure

This applies when data is no longer needed, consent is withdrawn, or processing is unlawful.

Right to Restrict Processing

You may pause processing while issues are assessed.

Right to Data Portability

You may request transfer of your data to another provider when processing is based on consent or contract.

Right to Object

Particularly relevant to legitimate interests or direct marketing.

Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making and Profiling

We do not use automated decisions that significantly affect users, but if we ever introduce such features, we will provide human review and opt-out mechanisms.

These rights ensure you remain in control of your personal data.

81. How We Verify Identity for Rights Requests

To protect privacy, we may request minimal verification information when processing rights requests. We do not ask for excessive verification. Depending on the request, verification might include confirming:

• Your email address
• Your original message or subscription record
• Details of your interaction with us

Under no circumstances do we request government ID, passport scans, or sensitive documents.

Our verification procedures follow strict principles of proportionality and respect for user privacy.

82. Policy on Special Categories of Data

UK GDPR classifies certain categories as “special,” such as racial origin, health, religion, or biometrics. Popular Bingo does not collect or process any of these. Furthermore, our systems are built to avoid accidental collection of such data.

If a user voluntarily provides such data in a free-text field (e.g., through an email query), we immediately remove and delete it unless it is required for lawful purposes (which is rare).

We discourage users from submitting sensitive data and will always treat any instance with heightened caution.

83. Joint Controller Clarification

Popular Bingo operates independently and does not act as a joint controller with any gaming operator or affiliate network. When you leave our Website and visit an operator, that operator becomes the independent controller of any personal data you provide to them.

Our role ends once you click through.

This separation ensures clear responsibilities and prevents unnecessary sharing of personal data between entities.

84. Liability Limitations and Disclaimers

Although Popular Bingo takes every reasonable measure to protect data, the Website is provided “as is,” and users accept the following disclaimers:

• No system can be completely immune to cyber threats
• We cannot be responsible for data breaches involving third-party operators
• We cannot guarantee uninterrupted service
• We are not liable for user misuse of the Website

However, these disclaimers do not limit your statutory rights under applicable data protection laws.

Our responsibility is to safeguard the data we process, and we fulfil that obligation diligently.

85. Extended Cookie Category Breakdown

While earlier parts of this policy described cookie categories broadly, the following is an expanded explanation.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Ensure the Website functions. These might manage sessions, load balancing, or security tokens. Without them, core features fail.

Analytics Cookies

These help us understand user patterns. Data is summarised and anonymised before analysis, ensuring individuals cannot be identified.

Functionality Cookies

Improve convenience—remembering preferences, regional settings, or saved options.

Performance Enhancement Cookies

Monitor stability, page speed, and server operation for improvement.

Advertising Cookies

Used to measure general performance of affiliate links or to display relevant promotions. These require consent.

Third-Party Cookies

Placed by external providers supporting advertising or analytics. Their policies apply independently.

86. Additional Tracking Technologies Explained

Pixels

Tiny graphics embedded in pages or emails to track engagement.

Scripts

Small pieces of code that support analytics or A/B testing.

Local Storage

Browser-level storage for non-sensitive settings.

Log Files

Server logs that record interactions, used for security and maintenance.

These tools support site integrity, analytics, and performance but do not identify users personally.

87. Our Approach to Fairness and Transparency

Fairness is central to UK GDPR and to Popular Bingo’s ethos. We commit to explaining data practices in a way that is:

• Understanding
• Honest
• Comprehensive
• User-focused

This full-length policy demonstrates our dedication to transparency. We provide deeper explanations than most websites to ensure users fully understand their rights.

88. Accessibility and Readability Commitment

Popular Bingo aims to meet accessibility best practices, ensuring privacy information is understandable by:

• General users
• Those with limited legal knowledge
• Individuals using assistive technologies
• Visitors of all reading levels

We use clear language, logical structure, and layered explanations without sacrificing legal accuracy.

89. Jurisdiction and Governing Law

This policy is governed exclusively by UK law, specifically:

• The UK General Data Protection Regulation
• The Data Protection Act 2018
• Relevant ICO guidelines

Any disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

90. Entirety of the Policy

This Privacy & Cookies Policy constitutes the entire agreement between Popular Bingo and its Website users regarding personal data processing. It supersedes any prior versions. If any clause is deemed invalid by a court, the remainder of the policy remains fully enforceable.

91. Final Statement

Popular Bingo is committed to maintaining a safe, transparent, responsible, and privacy-first environment for all visitors. While our Website focuses on bingo reviews, gaming guides, and comparison features, we approach data protection with the seriousness of a financial or healthcare institution, despite processing far less sensitive data.

Your trust is essential, and we work tirelessly to earn and maintain it through open communication, responsible practices, and strong security.