Cookies Policy

Last updated: 09 October 2025

This Cookies Policy explains how Central Competitions Ltd uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at www.centralcompetitions.co.uk. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

1. Introduction

We use cookies and similar technologies to personalise content, analyse traffic, improve your experience, and help us understand how visitors use our website. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They help the website recognise your device on future visits and remember information about your preferences and actions.

Cookies can be categorised as follows:

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important reasons:

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as the website cannot function properly without them.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
session_id Maintains your login session and basket contents Session
csrf_token Security measure to prevent cross-site request forgery attacks Session
cookie_consent Remembers your cookie preferences 1 year

4.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect anonymous information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are most popular and if users receive error messages. This helps us improve the website's performance and user experience.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
_ga Google Analytics: Distinguishes unique users 2 years
_gid Google Analytics: Distinguishes users 24 hours
_gat Google Analytics: Throttles request rate 1 minute

4.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your username, language, or region) and provide enhanced, more personalised features.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
user_preferences Stores your display preferences and settings 1 year
language Remembers your language preference 1 year

4.4 Targeting/Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
_fbp Facebook Pixel: Tracks conversions and enables remarketing 3 months
fr Facebook: Delivers targeted advertising 3 months

5. Third-Party Cookies

We work with carefully selected third-party partners who may also set cookies on your device when you visit our website. We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing their privacy policies.

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors use our website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information such as how often users visit the site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to visiting.

Learn more: Google Privacy Policy

5.2 Facebook Pixel

We use Facebook Pixel to measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and provide personalised advertisements on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more: Facebook Data Policy

5.3 Hotjar

We use Hotjar to understand user behaviour through heatmaps and session recordings. This helps us identify areas where we can improve the user experience. Hotjar anonymises data and does not collect personally identifiable information.

Learn more: Hotjar Privacy Policy

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies:

6.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or delete certain cookies. Please note that if you disable or refuse cookies, some parts of our website may become inaccessible or not function properly.

Here's how to manage cookies in common browsers:

6.2 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of certain third-party cookies using these tools:

6.3 Mobile Devices

For mobile devices, you can control advertising cookies through your device settings:

7. Other Tracking Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:

7.1 Web Beacons (Pixels)

Small graphic images embedded in web pages and emails to track user behaviour and measure campaign effectiveness.

7.2 Local Storage

Browser storage that allows websites to store data locally on your device for improved performance.

7.3 Session Storage

Temporary storage that is cleared when you close your browser tab or window.

8. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that lets you tell websites you do not want to have your online activities tracked. At this time, we do not respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals, as there is no industry standard for how such signals should be interpreted.

9. Changes to This Cookies Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, our operations, or for other reasons. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date at the top. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookies Policy, please contact us:

11. Further Information

For more information about cookies and online privacy, you may find the following resources helpful:

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