Twenty UK prize draw companies signed a government voluntary code. The code aims to improve transparency and player protections. DCMS created the code. New rules include a £250 monthly cap on credit card entries for prize draws. Credit card entries face a complete ban for instant-win competitions. Prize draws let players enter free or paid competitions. Winners receive cars, luxury items and houses. These competitions need no gambling licence in the UK.

The sector grows continuously. Government data shows 7.4 million adults participate yearly. The market generates £1.3bn annually. New measures require operators to publicise free entry methods clearly. Companies must make these methods accessible to everyone. Operators need to identify harm and provide support signposting.

Code Establishes Three Focus Areas

The code contains three sections: player protections, transparency, and accountability. Credit card limits join other protective measures. Companies must set suitable monthly spend limits for all players. Players can set personal limits themselves. Account suspension options become mandatory. Permanent closure must be available too. Licensed gambling operators offer similar self-exclusion facilities. Technology enables pause options where available. Players set short periods, like one week. During this time, they cannot enter prize draws.

Companies monitor player activity reasonably. They identify harm or potential harm through monitoring. Intervention approaches vary based on individual situations. Support signposting becomes essential. Transparency requires clear summaries of prize draw procedures. Fair prize distribution follows the displayed rules and terms. Accountability demands compliance monitoring systems. Regular reviews check adherence to new rules. Third parties must follow all requirements. Operators share best practices across the sector. Companies publish their protection measures publicly. Transparency and accountability measures require publication, too. DCMS collaboration ensures future code effectiveness.

Code of Conduct Receives Widespread Support

Twenty leading prize draw operators agreed to the code. Omaze, Best of the Best, and Raffle House signed up. DCMS conducted extensive sector consultation. Signatories receive six months for implementation. Baroness Twycross stated millions enjoy prize draw competitions yearly. She believes people deserve confidence in reasonable protections. The code introduction provides this confidence. She thanked the operators for their cooperation during development. Their commitment to following guidelines matters greatly.

James Oakes leads Omaze as president. Omaze became a founding code signatory. The company operates as the UK’s largest prize draw business. They established industry-leading customer safeguards previously. Charities received over £100m through their operations. More companies offer prize draws now. Omaze welcomes the DCMS code introduction. They expect all operators to maintain high standards.