1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how cookies and similar tracking technologies are used on the Casino SkyCity Hamilton website. It sets out what cookies are, the categories of cookies in use, the purposes for their use, and the options available to manage cookie preferences.
By continuing to use this website, you acknowledge that cookies may be placed on your device in accordance with this Cookie Policy. This document should be read together with the Privacy Policy, which provides broader information about the handling of personal information.
2. Legal framework
New Zealand does not have a standalone statute specifically governing cookies. Where cookies collect or generate information that can be linked to an identifiable individual, that information is treated as personal information under the Privacy Act 2020.
Casino SkyCity Hamilton operates in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and its 13 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs). The principles most directly relevant to the use of cookies are:
- IPP 1 - Personal information is collected only for a lawful purpose connected with the functions or activities of the company, and only to the extent necessary for that purpose.
- IPP 3 - When personal information is collected from an individual, reasonable steps are taken to make the individual aware of the fact of collection, the purpose of collection, and who may receive that information.
- IPP 10 - Personal information is used only for the purpose for which it was collected, or for a directly related purpose, unless an exception applies.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) is the independent regulator responsible for overseeing compliance with the Privacy Act 2020. Concerns about the handling of personal information may be raised with the OPC at privacy.org.nz.
3. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files placed on a device when a website is visited. They allow the website to recognise that device on subsequent visits or during a single browsing session. Cookies do not, by themselves, provide access to a device or to information beyond what they are configured to collect.
Some cookies are deleted when the browser is closed. Others remain on the device for a set period and are retrieved when the user returns to the site.
4. Categories of cookies used
The following categories of cookies may be used on the Casino SkyCity Hamilton website:
Essential cookies
- Purpose: Required for the website to function. These include cookies for session management, authentication, and security features. The site cannot operate correctly without them.
- Duration: Session or short-term persistent.
Analytics cookies
- Purpose: Used to collect aggregated, non-identifiable data about how visitors use the website. This information is used to understand traffic patterns and improve site performance.
- Duration: Persistent (varies by tool).
Functional cookies
- Purpose: Used to remember preferences and settings, such as language or display choices, so that information does not need to be re-entered on each visit.
- Duration: Persistent.
Third-party cookies
- Purpose: Set by external providers, including analytics platforms and, where applicable, affiliate or referral tracking services. These cookies operate under the privacy policies of the respective third parties.
- Duration: Varies.
Essential cookies are placed automatically as they are necessary for the website to operate. Other categories of cookies are placed in accordance with this Cookie Policy and applicable New Zealand privacy law.
5. Purposes of cookie use
Cookies are used on the Casino SkyCity Hamilton website for the following purposes:
- To maintain the security and integrity of user sessions.
- To enable core website functionality, including account access where applicable.
- To analyse how the website is used in order to identify areas for improvement.
- To remember user preferences and reduce the need to re-enter information.
- To support fraud prevention and detect unusual activity.
- To measure the effectiveness of content and services made available online.
Cookies are not used to collect more personal information than is necessary for these purposes. Where analytics data is collected, steps are taken to ensure it is aggregated and does not identify individual users where this is reasonably practicable.
6. Third-party cookies and external services
Some cookies on the Casino SkyCity Hamilton website are set by third-party services used for analytics or operational purposes. These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies, and the company does not control the data they collect independently of the company’s instructions.
Where third-party cookies are used for purposes that go beyond basic site operation, reasonable steps are taken to ensure those purposes are disclosed in this Cookie Policy and are consistent with what users would reasonably expect.
If there are concerns about a specific third-party service, users are encouraged to review that provider’s privacy documentation directly.
7. Cookies and the Gambling Act 2003
The Department of Internal Affairs administers the Gambling Act 2003, which includes provisions relevant to the online advertising of gambling services. Section 16 of the Act prohibits advertising overseas gambling in New Zealand.
Where cookies are used in connection with any marketing or referral activity on the website, care is taken to ensure that such use does not facilitate advertising of services that are not permitted under New Zealand law. The use of tracking technologies for marketing purposes is limited to activities that are consistent with obligations under the Gambling Act 2003 and the Privacy Act 2020.
8. Managing your cookie preferences
New Zealand law does not require an explicit opt-in for cookies in the same way as some other jurisdictions. However, the following options are available to manage cookies:
- Browser settings: Most browsers allow cookies to be viewed, blocked, or deleted through their settings menus. Blocking essential cookies may affect the functionality of the website.
- Do Not Track: Some browsers allow the sending of a Do Not Track signal. This preference is respected where it is technically practicable to do so.
- Third-party opt-outs: For cookies set by third-party analytics or advertising providers, it may be possible to opt out directly through those providers’ own tools or industry opt-out mechanisms.
Restricting certain cookies may limit the ability to use parts of the Casino SkyCity Hamilton website.
9. Data retention
Cookies are retained for the period necessary to fulfil the purpose for which they were placed. Session cookies are deleted when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies remain on the device for a defined period, which varies depending on the cookie’s function. Cookies can be deleted at any time through browser settings.
10. Your rights
Under the Privacy Act 2020, individuals have the right to request access to personal information held about them and to request correction of that information if it is inaccurate. To exercise these rights in relation to information collected through cookies, contact details in Section 11 can be used.
If an individual is not satisfied with how a privacy concern has been handled, a complaint may be made to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
Office of the Privacy Commissioner
PO Box 10094, The Terrace, Wellington 6143
Telephone: +64 4 474 7590
Email: [email protected]
Website: privacy.org.nz
11. Contact
Questions about this Cookie Policy or about how Casino SkyCity Hamilton handles personal information collected through cookies should be directed to the official contact channels listed on the Casino SkyCity Hamilton website.
12. Updates to this policy
This Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in practices, technology, or applicable law. The current version of this Cookie Policy is available on the Casino SkyCity Hamilton website. Users are encouraged to review it periodically.