Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Smart Racecards ("we", "our", or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.smartracecards.com.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Create an account (email address, username)
• Subscribe to our newsletter (email address, preferences)
• Submit picks or competition entries
• Contact us or report issues
• Support us via Ko-fi (handled by Ko-fi's payment processor)

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our site, we automatically collect certain information:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, links clicked
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device (see Cookie Policy below)
• Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand site usage

2.3 Information We DO NOT Collect

• We do NOT collect payment information (handled securely by Ko-fi/Stripe)
• We do NOT collect sensitive personal data
• We do NOT track your betting activity or financial transactions

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain our free racing tips service
• Send you daily tips newsletters (if subscribed)
• Manage competition entries and leaderboards
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Improve our website and user experience
• Analyze site usage and trends
• Prevent fraud and ensure site security
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our site. Cookies are small data files stored on your device.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality (login, preferences)
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand site usage
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Supabase (authentication), Google Analytics (analytics), Ko-fi (donations)
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights
• Public Data: Competition leaderboards show usernames only (no personal data)

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/SSL)
• Secure authentication via Supabase
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited access to personal data

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are a resident of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing
• Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Objection: Object to processing of your data
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 11.

8. Newsletter and Email Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we will send you:

• Daily racing tips (if selected)
• Weekly roundups (if selected)
• Big race previews (if selected)
• Site updates (if selected)

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or by contacting us.

9. Third-Party Services

Our site uses the following third-party services:

• Supabase: Authentication and database hosting
• Google Analytics: Site analytics and usage tracking
• Ko-fi: Donation processing (see Ko-fi's privacy policy)
• Vercel: Website hosting

Each service has its own privacy policy. We recommend reviewing their policies.

10. Children's Privacy

Our site is intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.