Privacy Policy

1) Who we are & what this policy covers

Walnut Creek Magazine (“we,” “us,” “our”) operates https://walnutcreekmagazine.com/ (the “Site”).

The Site is a USA-focused affiliate and editorial website that publishes informational content about iGaming and adjacent topics. For example, we cover subjects like sports betting in California, including common betting markets (moneylines, spreads, totals, props), live betting considerations, payments and verification (KYC), promotions and terms, and responsible gambling resources.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your choices.

2) What we collect

We keep data collection lightweight. The Site does not require user accounts and does not process purchases.

A) Information you provide

Based on your options:

• Newsletter: No
• Contact form: No
• Comments/UGC: No

Because we do not offer these features, we generally do not collect direct contact details (like name, email, phone) through the Site.

B) Browsing/device data collected automatically

When you visit the Site, we and our partners may automatically collect:

• IP address (often used for approximate location such as city/state)
• Pages viewed, time on page, clicks, scroll activity, and navigation paths
• Referral URLs and the page you visited before/after
• Device type, browser type, operating system, language settings
• Cookie IDs or similar identifiers

C) Cookies and tracking for analytics, ads, and affiliate attribution

We use cookies and similar technologies (pixels, tags, local storage, SDK-like scripts) for:

• Analytics (understanding what content helps readers most)
• Advertising (serving and measuring ads, controlling frequency)
• Affiliate tracking (measuring link-outs and attributing partner conversions)

Affiliate tracking may include standard parameters like UTMs, click IDs, and link-out events.

D) Sensitive information

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information (such as Social Security numbers, precise geolocation, or financial account details) through the Site.

If you click to a third-party sportsbook, casino, or other platform, that third party may collect additional information under its privacy policy (including identity verification details).

3) How we use information

We use information to:

• Run, maintain, and secure the Site
• Detect and prevent abuse, spam, and fraud (including bot activity)
• Measure traffic and engagement (for example, how readers interact with California sports betting guides)
• Improve content and site performance (especially mobile usability)
• Deliver and measure advertising (including limiting repetitive ads)
• Track outbound link performance and attribute affiliate commissions when a referral from our Site results in a conversion on a partner site

4) Cookies & tracking

What these technologies do

Cookies and similar technologies help us:

• Understand which pages are useful and where people drop off
• Maintain basic site functionality
• Measure ad performance and reduce invalid traffic
• Attribute affiliate referrals (so partners know a user came from our Site)

How you can control cookies

You can manage cookies by:

• Adjusting browser settings to block or delete cookies
• Enabling built-in privacy controls (varies by browser/device)
• Using ad privacy controls on your device (where available)

Blocking cookies may affect some site features and may reduce measurement accuracy.

“Do Not Sell or Share” and opt-out

You did not provide a dedicated “Do Not Sell or Share” page URL or a contact email. If you want to reduce cross-site tracking, your most direct options are:

• Block third-party cookies and trackers in your browser, and/or
• Use privacy-focused browser settings or extensions.

Global Privacy Control (GPC)

If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control signal, we aim to honor it where feasible as an opt-out of certain “sale/share” or targeted advertising activities (as defined under applicable laws).

5) Advertising, analytics & affiliates

Advertising

The Site uses display and/or programmatic advertising. Advertising partners may use cookies or similar technologies to:

• Serve ads based on context or browsing signals
• Measure performance (impressions, clicks, conversions)
• Limit ad frequency and detect fraud

Analytics

We use analytics tools to understand how visitors use the Site (for example, which content about betting markets, promotions, verification steps, and responsible gambling is most read).

Affiliate links

Some outbound links are affiliate links, which means:

• Links may include tracking IDs to attribute referrals
• We may earn compensation if you click and later take an action with a partner (such as signing up)
• This compensation helps support the Site

6) Sharing of information

We may share information with:

1. Service providers (hosting, analytics, security, performance, anti-abuse)
2. Advertising and affiliate partners (measurement, attribution, fraud prevention)
3. Legal/compliance parties if required by law or to protect rights, safety, and the integrity of the Site

We do not sell personal information for money. However, some data sharing for advertising measurement or cross-context behavioral advertising may be considered “sharing” (or “sale/share”) under certain laws.

7) Your privacy rights (US states)

Depending on where you live, you may have rights under state privacy laws.

California (CPRA)

California residents may have rights to:

• Know/access personal information collected
• Delete personal information (with exceptions)
• Correct inaccurate personal information
• Opt out of the sale/share of personal information
• Non-discrimination for exercising rights
  We do not intentionally collect or use sensitive personal information in a way that would require “limit use” requests.

Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah

Residents may have rights such as:

• Access
• Delete
• Correct (where applicable)
• Opt out of targeted advertising
• Appeal a denied request (where applicable)

How to exercise your rights

Because the Site does not have user accounts and we collect limited direct identifiers, the most effective controls are often:

• Browser/device cookie controls
• GPC-enabled opt-out signals (where available)

If you need to submit a request, contact us through https://walnutcreekmagazine.com/ using the contact information provided on the Site. We may ask for basic details to verify the request (for example, approximate visit dates and device/browser information).

Appeals

If your request is denied, you can appeal by contacting us again and including “Appeal” in the subject line (or first line of your message). We will review and respond.

8) Data retention & security

Retention

We keep information only as long as needed for the purposes above. Typical ranges:

• Analytics data: up to 24 months
• Server/security logs: up to 12 months
• Affiliate attribution data: varies by partner program and is retained as needed for reporting, fraud prevention, and commission validation

Security

We use reasonable safeguards such as HTTPS, access controls, and regular updates. No system is perfectly secure, so we can’t guarantee absolute security.

9) Children’s privacy

The Site is intended for adults (21+) due to gambling-related content. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 21.

10) Third-party links & disclaimers

The Site links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review third-party privacy policies before providing personal information, especially if a platform requests identity verification.

11) Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page and update the “Last updated” date.

12) Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact us through https://walnutcreekmagazine.com/ using the contact details provided on the Site.

13) Not legal advice

This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.