Skip to main content

Cookie Policy

Beta · Effective 12 March 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Rivals Group Ltd ("Rivals", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit rivalsapp.com or use our platform (together, the "Platform").

Reading this policy will help you understand what data is stored on your device, why we store it, and how you can control it.

This policy sits alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle your personal data more broadly.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device on subsequent visits, remember your preferences, and provide you with a more consistent experience.

We also use similar technologies including:

  • Local storage — data stored in your browser that persists between sessions.
  • Session storage — data stored in your browser that is cleared when you close the tab.
  • Pixel tags — small image files embedded in pages or emails that tell us when content has been viewed.
  • For simplicity, we refer to all of these technologies as "cookies" in this policy.

    3. Types of Cookies We Use

    3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

    These cookies are essential for the Platform to function. Without them, services you have requested — such as logging in, joining a competition, or making a deposit — cannot be provided. They do not require your consent.

    Cookie / Key

    Purpose

    Duration

    Provider

    Consent Required?

    rivals_session

    Maintains your authenticated login session across pages.

    Session (cleared on logout)

    Rivals

    No

    csrf_token

    Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks on form submissions.

    Session

    Rivals

    No

    rivals_region

    Stores your detected region to apply the correct jurisdiction settings.

    30 days

    Rivals

    No

    rivals_cookie_consent

    Records your cookie consent preferences so we do not ask again.

    12 months

    Rivals

    No

    3.2 Functional Cookies

    These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences. Without them the Platform will still work, but some features may be less convenient.

    Cookie / Key

    Purpose

    Duration

    Provider

    Consent Required?

    rivals_theme

    Remembers your display preference (e.g. dark mode).

    12 months

    Rivals

    Yes

    rivals_lang

    Stores your language preference.

    12 months

    Rivals

    Yes

    rivals_game_filter

    Remembers your last selected game filter on the competitions page.

    7 days

    Rivals

    Yes

    3.3 Security and Fraud Prevention Cookies

    We use a third-party service to protect the Platform from automated abuse, bots, and fraudulent activity. This is necessary to protect the integrity of our competitions.

    Cookie / Key

    Purpose

    Duration

    Provider

    Consent Required?

    _GRECAPTCHA

    Google reCAPTCHA — distinguishes human users from automated bots on login and registration forms. Data is processed by Google LLC under their privacy policy.

    6 months

    Google LLC

    No (legitimate interest — security)

    3.4 Analytics Cookies

    We use analytics to understand how people use the Platform so we can improve it. Analytics cookies collect information in aggregate and do not identify you personally.

    Cookie / Key

    Purpose

    Duration

    Provider

    Consent Required?

    _ga, _ga_*

    Google Analytics — tracks page views, session duration, and navigation paths in aggregate. Data is processed by Google LLC. IP anonymisation is enabled.

    2 years / 13 months

    Google LLC

    Yes

    rivals_perf

    Internal performance telemetry — page load times and error rates, used to improve platform stability.

    Session

    Rivals

    No (legitimate interest)

    3.5 Third-Party Authentication Cookies

    When you connect a third-party account (such as Steam or Discord) to verify your identity or pull in your gaming stats, those providers may set their own cookies in your browser. These cookies are governed by the respective provider's privacy and cookie policies.

    Provider

    When Set

    Their Policy

    Steam (Valve Corporation)

    When you authenticate via Steam SSO.

    store.steampowered.com/privacy_agreement

    Discord Inc.

    When you connect your Discord account.

    discord.com/privacy

    Google LLC

    When you use Google Sign-In.

    policies.google.com/privacy

    Twitch Interactive, Inc.

    When you connect your Twitch account.

    twitch.tv/p/legal/privacy-notice

    4. Advertising and Tracking

    We do not use advertising cookies. We do not sell your data to advertisers or third-party data brokers. We do not build advertising profiles or share your data with ad networks.

    Rivals' business model is based on competition entry fees and platform service fees — not advertising. We have no commercial incentive to track you beyond what is necessary to run the Platform.

    5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

    5.1 Cookie Banner

    When you first visit the Platform, a cookie banner will ask for your consent to non-essential cookies (functional and analytics). You can:

  • Accept all non-essential cookies.
  • Accept only strictly necessary cookies.
  • Choose your preferences category by category.
  • You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by visiting Settings → Privacy → Cookie Preferences on the Platform.

    5.2 Browser Settings

    Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:

  • View the cookies stored by each website.
  • Delete cookies individually or all at once.
  • Block third-party cookies.
  • Set your browser to notify you before a cookie is placed.
  • Be aware that blocking strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in and using the Platform. For instructions, visit your browser's help pages:

  • Chrome: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
  • Firefox: support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
  • Safari: support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
  • Edge: support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/view-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-a7d95376-f2cd-8e4a-25dc-1de753474879
  • 5.3 Opt-Out from Analytics

    If you consent to analytics but later wish to opt out, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On. This prevents Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits.

    6. International Data Transfers

    Some of the cookies described in this policy involve data being transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK and European Economic Area (EEA), including the United States (for Google services).

    Where data is transferred internationally, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as UK Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions. For more detail on how we handle international transfers, see our Privacy Policy.

    7. How Long Do Cookies Last?

    Cookie durations are shown in the tables in Section 3. As a general rule:

  • Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.
  • Persistent cookies remain on your device for the period shown, unless you delete them sooner.
  • Consent records (stored in rivals_cookie_consent) are kept for 12 months, after which we will ask for your preferences again.
  • 8. Changes to This Policy

    We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time — for example, if we introduce new features that use additional cookies or if legal requirements change. When we make material changes, we will:

  • Update the effective date at the top of this policy.
  • Display a notice on the Platform or re-trigger the cookie banner where consent is required.
  • We encourage you to check this page periodically. Continued use of the Platform after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

    9. Contact

    If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, please contact us:

    Email: privacy@rivalsapp.com

    Post: Rivals Group Ltd, 71–75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom

    If you are in the UK and are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

    If you are in India, you can contact the Data Protection Board of India once established under the DPDP Act 2023.