WIREDGOV

The Gambling Commission (the Commission) has published updated advice for organisers of prize competitions and free draws.

The revised advice benefits from the experience gained in the two years since the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act) came into effect in September 2007. It reflects changes to the Commission’s general understanding of how the Act applies.

Commenting on the proposals, the Commission’s Deputy Chief-Executive, Tom Kavanagh said: 

“Our role is to protect good causes by policing the boundary between prize competitions, free draws and licensed lotteries.
 
”We do not approve prize competitions or free draws but operators who seeking to stay within the law should read this publication and take independent legal advice before proceeding.”

A quick guide for prospective operators has also been published. Further information can be found at: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/lotteries.

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

1. 1. The Commission regulates gambling in the public interest. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.
2. 2. The Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than the National Lottery and spread betting, which are the responsibility of the National Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) respectively.
3. 3. The publication of the updated advice follows a public consultation in the summer.

Further information

1. Further information is available from the Commission's website at:  www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
2. You can also call John Travers on (0121) 230 6700, (07852) 124624 or email via communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.