Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2025

1. Introduction

schmertel ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website schmertel and use our social casino gaming services.

This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

  • Email address (for account creation and newsletter)
  • Username or display name
  • Age verification information
  • Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

  • IP address and location data
  • Browser type and version
  • Device information
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Referral sources
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Game Data

We collect information related to your gaming activity:

  • Games played and preferences
  • Game scores and achievements
  • Social interactions within games
  • Time spent gaming

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

  • To provide and maintain our social casino gaming services
  • To create and manage your account
  • To enable social features and community interactions
  • To personalize your gaming experience

3.2 Communication

  • To send you newsletters and updates (with your consent)
  • To respond to your inquiries and support requests
  • To notify you of important changes to our services

3.3 Analytics and Improvement

  • To analyze website usage and improve our services
  • To develop new games and features
  • To ensure website security and prevent fraud

3.4 Legal Compliance

  • To comply with legal obligations
  • To enforce our Terms of Use
  • To protect our rights and the rights of our users

4. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent: For newsletters, marketing communications, and non-essential cookies
  • Contract: To provide our gaming services and fulfill our Terms of Use
  • Legitimate Interest: For website analytics, security, and service improvement
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

  • Website hosting and maintenance
  • Email delivery services
  • Analytics and performance monitoring
  • Customer support services

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

  • Court orders or legal processes
  • Government requests
  • To protect our rights, property, or safety
  • To protect the rights, property, or safety of our users

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide our services to you
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
  • Maintain security and prevent fraud

Generally, we retain account information for 3 years after account closure, and analytics data for 2 years.

7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

7.1 Right to Access

You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

7.2 Right to Rectification

You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

7.3 Right to Erasure

You can request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.

7.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can request that we limit the processing of your personal data.

7.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

7.6 Right to Object

You can object to the processing of your personal data for marketing purposes.

7.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

You can withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@schmertel.com.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. For detailed information about our cookie practices, please see our Cookie Policy.

8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
  • Marketing Cookies: Used for advertising purposes (with consent)

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data:

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Access controls and authentication measures
  • Employee training on data protection
  • Incident response procedures

10. International Data Transfers

Your personal data is primarily processed within the UK and European Economic Area (EEA). If we transfer data outside the EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

  • Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Binding Corporate Rules
  • Certification schemes

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Sending you an email notification (if you have provided your email)
  • Displaying a prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@schmertel.com

General Support: support@schmertel.com

Website: schmertel

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's data protection authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), if you believe your data protection rights have been violated.

ICO Contact: https://ico.org.uk