The Prize Competition Council (PCC), a UK trade body focused on the prize draws sector, has appointed Tom Banks as its first executive director. This appointment comes as the newly formed group experiences rapid growth in membership.
With over 13 years in public affairs and reputation management, Banks has a diverse background that includes advisory roles within several gambling businesses and political organizations. Before joining the PCC, he worked as a consultant at Public First for four years, where he supported Kindred. He then spent another four years at FDJ United, most recently serving as head of external relations.
George McGregor, the PCC's independent chair, expressed his confidence in Banks’ capabilities, stating, “Tom brings experience in explaining complex regulatory issues to government, regulators, and the media across the UK and Europe. He understands the scrutiny facing businesses that serve the public and the need to support what they say with evidence.” McGregor stressed that aiding members in complying with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Code is the council's immediate priority.
Other notable board members include Chris Jennings from Winvia Entertainment, who has recently acquired Giveaway Guys, and Declan Murphy of Pristine Competitions.
Banks stated that listening to members and supporting their adherence to the DCMS Code would be his primary focus. He expressed his desire to present a strong case for the sector, emphasizing the standards upheld by responsible operators and clarifying the mechanics of prize competitions for participants.
Established in July 2023, the PCC aims to unify the voice of the prize-competition market while assisting operators in adhering to the DCMS Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators. This code promotes transparency regarding terms and conditions, entry methods, and prize fulfillment, and seeks to eliminate misleading or exploitative practices.
According to a report from Rokker released in August, approximately 195 operators had signed the DCMS Code by late July 2023, along with 31 service providers categorized as “other relevant signatories.” Despite this, Rokker noted that these signatories made up less than 20% of the sector’s estimated active operators at that time.
