Last updated: 26 October 2026
This Privacy Policy explains what personal data HotStakes (“we”, “us”) collects when you use hotstakes.io (the “Site”), why, and your rights. We follow the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
1. Who we are
HotStakes is an independent iGaming directory curated by Cyndia Lee. For any privacy question or request, email [email protected].
2. What we collect
| Data | When | Why (legal basis) |
|---|---|---|
| Usage data: pages viewed, device, browser, approximate location, referrer | Only if you accept analytics cookies | Understand which pages help readers (consent) |
| Advertising data via the Meta (Facebook) pixel | Only if you accept marketing cookies | Measure our social campaigns (consent) |
| Affiliate click counts (operator and currency only, no name or IP) | When you click an operator link | Count which operators readers choose (legitimate interest) |
| A one-way hashed version of your IP address, kept for 10 minutes | When you use the USDT address check | Stop abuse and rate-limit the tool (legitimate interest) |
| The wallet address you check | When you use the USDT address check | Run the check; results are cached for 10 minutes (legitimate interest) |
| Username, email, password (stored hashed), posts | If you join the community forum | Run your account (contract) |
| Name, email and message | If you email us or use a contact form | Reply to you (legitimate interest) |
| Email address | If you sign up for alerts | Send the alerts you asked for (consent) |
We do not collect payment details. We never ask for your casino account login. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 18.
3. Data saved only in your browser
Some settings are saved in your own browser (local storage) and are not sent to us: your chosen currency, favourite games, recently viewed games, and your cookie choice. See our Cookie Policy.
4. Who we share data with
- Google (Google Analytics 4) and Meta Platforms (Facebook pixel), only after you give consent.
- Our web host and service providers who run the Site for us, under contract.
- Authorities, if the law requires it.
We do not sell your personal data. We do not pass your details to casino operators. When you click an affiliate link, the operator may see that you came from HotStakes; their own privacy policy then applies.
5. International transfers
Some providers (such as Google and Meta) may process data outside the UK. Where they do, they use legal safeguards such as the UK International Data Transfer Addendum or the UK–US Data Bridge.
6. How long we keep data
- USDT check hashed IP and results: 10 minutes.
- Analytics data: up to 14 months (Google Analytics setting).
- Forum accounts: until you ask us to delete them.
- Emails: up to 2 years, unless we need them longer for a legal reason.
7. Your rights
Under UK GDPR you can ask to: see your data; correct it; delete it; restrict or object to its use; move it to another service; and withdraw consent at any time (for cookies, use “Cookie settings” in the footer). Email [email protected]. We reply within one month.
If you are unhappy, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk. If you live outside the UK, you may also contact your local data protection authority.
8. Security
The Site uses HTTPS. Access to our systems is limited. No website is 100% secure, so please do not post sensitive data in the forum.
9. Changes
We may update this policy. The date at the top shows the latest version.
Related: Terms & Conditions · Cookie Policy · Disclaimer