# Eight privacy checks for a betting app

> Eight privacy checks for a betting app in Ireland: store data labels, privacy policy, tracking, marketing consent, retention, access, withdrawal and the DPC.

Source: https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/betting-app-privacy-checks/
Updated: 2026-11-07

Check eight things about your data before you use a betting app: the App Privacy or Data safety section, the operator's privacy policy, tracking, marketing consent, how long data is kept, your right to a copy, how to withdraw consent and how to complain to the Data Protection Commission (DPC). Device permissions are covered separately.

## The eight checks

**Privacy checklist. Source: GDPR; Data Protection Act 2018; DPC guidance; store listings · checked 7 November 2026**

| # | Check | Where to look | Fail if |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Store data section | App Privacy (App Store) or Data safety (Google Play) | It is empty, or it lists data the app does not need to run a bet |
| 2 | Privacy policy | The operator's own site and the app's settings | No policy, or it does not name who is responsible for your data |
| 3 | Tracking | The app's settings and the store data section | It tracks you and offers no choice |
| 4 | Marketing consent | Sign-up screens and account settings | Marketing is switched on for you with no clear choice |
| 5 | How long data is kept | The privacy policy | No retention period is stated |
| 6 | Right to your data | The privacy policy's rights section | It does not say how to ask for a copy |
| 7 | Withdrawing consent | The policy and account settings | You cannot find how to withdraw |
| 8 | Complaint route | The policy's contact section | It does not mention the right to complain to the DPC |

**In short:** eight checks, each answered by a store page, a policy or a setting.

## The rules behind the checks

- GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply. The Data Protection Commission (DPC) supervises them.
- On a website, cookies that are not strictly necessary need your consent (reg 5 of the ePrivacy Regulations, S.I. 336/2011). Strictly necessary cookies do not. The DPC publishes [guidance on cookies](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/dpc-guidance/guidance-cookies-and-other-tracking-technologies).
- The store sections are declarations by the developer. They are not an audit.
- Retention periods and rights wording in each operator's policy: Not checked.

**In short:** GDPR sets the duties; the DPC supervises; store labels are declarations.

## Reading the store sections

- Read the [ten listing checks](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/read-a-betting-app-store-listing/) first.
- Compare the data types listed with what a betting app needs: account details, payment and age check data.
- Device permissions such as location or camera are separate: see [what the app asks the phone for](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/betting-app-permissions-and-data/).
- Notification and marketing settings: [switching off notifications](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/control-betting-app-notifications/).

**In short:** read the labels against what a betting app plausibly needs.

## If a check fails

- **Check 1 or 2 fails.** Do not install until the section or policy exists.
- **Check 3 or 4 fails.** Switch the choice off in the app. If there is none, do not sign up.
- **Check 5 to 7 fails.** Ask the operator in writing. Keep the reply.
- **Check 8 fails.** You can still complain to the DPC.
- **The operator does not answer.** Follow the order in [complaints](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/complain-about-a-betting-app/).

For your own login security, see [securing your account](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/secure-your-betting-account-on-your-phone/).

**In short:** ask in writing; the DPC is the route if the operator does not answer.

## How we checked

- Law: GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the ePrivacy rule on cookies, as recorded in our country notes.
- Still to capture: App Privacy and Data safety labels for three apps (snapshot D2); the privacy policies of three operators, for retention periods and rights wording.
- This site's own policy is on the [privacy page](https://beforeyouinstall.com/privacy/). We did not install any app.

**In short:** the law is sourced; operator policies and labels are not checked.

## What changed

- 7 November 2026: first version of this page.

**In short:** no earlier versions exist.

## Related questions

**Who supervises data protection in Ireland?** The Data Protection Commission (DPC) supervises compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 in Ireland.

**Do I have to accept marketing from a betting operator?** Accepting marketing is a choice. Look for a separate marketing consent and for how to withdraw it. What each operator offers is Not checked.

**Does this page cover the permissions the app asks the phone for?** No. Permissions such as location or camera are on the page about [what a betting app asks the phone for](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/betting-app-permissions-and-data/). For phone settings, see the [iPhone checks](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/iphone-betting-app-safety-checks/) or the [Android checks](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/android-betting-app-safety-checks/).

18+ only. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Free 24/7 support: 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie.

**In short:** 18+ only; help is free and open 24/7.

## FAQ

**Who supervises data protection in Ireland?**

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) supervises compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 in Ireland.

**Do I have to accept marketing from a betting operator?**

Accepting marketing is a choice. Look for a separate marketing consent and for how to withdraw it. What each operator offers is Not checked.

**Does this page cover the permissions the app asks the phone for?**

No. Permissions such as location or camera are on the page about what a betting app asks the phone for.