Cookie Policy

1. What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text token that a site asks your browser to remember. The next time you load a page, the browser sends the token back so the site recognises that it is the same visit. Cookies cannot run code on your device, cannot read other browser data, and cannot reach files outside your browser sandbox. They are tools for memory, not surveillance.

2. The cookies we set

EmpireSporePlus uses a small, deliberately short list of cookies:

Strictly necessary

• esp_consent — remembers whether you accepted, rejected, or partially accepted our cookie banner. Stored for twelve months. Without it the banner would reappear on every page load.
• esp_chat — remembers that you opened the chat window during the current visit, so we do not greet you twice. Cleared when you close the tab.

Analytics (only if you opt in)

• _esp_session — assigns an anonymous session number so we can count unique daily visitors. Stored for thirty minutes after your last activity, then erased.
• _esp_route — records which page you arrived at first so we can measure which links work. Stored for thirty days. Contains no identifying information.

Affiliate measurement (only if you opt in)

• esp_aff — set when you click a "Play Now" button. Tells the destination publisher that you arrived via EmpireSporePlus so we can be credited for the referral. Stored for thirty days. Contains a partner code only — no name, email, or browsing history.

3. Third parties

We do not set advertising cookies. We do not embed social-media trackers. The map embed on the contact section is served by Google Maps, which may set its own cookies if you interact with the map. The fonts are served by Google Fonts and do not set cookies. The chat avatar is served from our own server.

4. Managing cookies

You can change your choice at any time by clicking "Cookie settings" in the footer (if shown), or by clearing this site's cookies from your browser. Browsers also let you block all cookies, but if you block the strictly-necessary cookies the site will behave oddly — the banner will reappear constantly and the chat will greet you twice per visit.

5. Browser controls

Each major browser has its own cookie-management page:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

6. Do Not Track

If your browser sends a Do Not Track signal, we treat it as a rejection of analytics and affiliate cookies. The strictly-necessary cookies remain in place because the site cannot function without them.

7. Changes

When we add or remove cookies we update this page and reset the consent banner so you can review the new list. The "effective" date at the top tracks the latest version.

8. Contact

Questions about cookies — including a request to see exactly what is stored against your visit — can be sent to [email protected].