The Prize Competition Council (PCC) has officially launched as a trade association for the UK's prize competition sector, representing over 50 operators. Announced on Wednesday, the PCC aims to establish responsible standards, enhance player protections, and promote long-term growth within the industry.
After months of collaboration across the sector, the PCC has put in place a governance framework and played a role in developing a voluntary code of conduct intended to boost transparency and accountability among prize draw operators. This code was published by the government in November 2022 and took effect in May 2023.
The code responds to concerns regarding player protection and ethical marketing, stipulating that players can set monthly spending limits. Operators are also permitted to implement their own spending limits for users.
Daniel Swann, who represents smaller operators, stressed the necessity for universal adherence to the voluntary code, stating, “It is vital that everyone embraces the Code and feels the PCC has their interests at heart.”
The inaugural board of the PCC was elected for a two-year term and reflects a diverse range of operator sizes and business models. Members of the board include:
– George McGregor (independent chair)
– Chris Jennings (Winvia Entertainment PLC)
– Tam Watson (Jumbo Interactive UK)
– Declan Murray (Pristine Competitions)
– Punit Shah (Seven Days Performance)
– Pete Toye (The GiveAway Guys)
– Oliver Donnelly (McKinney Competitions)
– Ian Buckley (Paragon Competitions)
– Daniel Swann (Two Fat Ladies Competitions)
Jo Bucci, a founding member and outgoing director of the PCC also serving as chair of Winvia Entertainment PLC, noted that the formation of a strong board could “address the challenges the sector faces in the years ahead.” Recognizing the constructive support from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), she acknowledged their engagement during the PCC's establishment.
George McGregor highlighted that the council's establishment “reflects the growing maturity of this sector and the recognition that every successful industry benefits from strong representation and clear standards.”
The PCC intends to focus on aiding its members in implementing the voluntary code and creating industry-wide guidance and training materials. It aims to be a representative voice in policy discussions with government and regulators, with a strong commitment to ensuring smaller operators receive the guidance and advocacy they require.
The UK's prize competitions operate within a complex regulatory framework that often diverges from gambling and lottery regulations depending on the competition's format and prize distribution methods. The Prize Draw Competition (PDC) market has seen significant growth in recent years, with a survey from Rokker in April indicating an annual revenue of £1.3 billion and approximately 7.4 million active participants.
Jamie Pinner, a senior leader at the prize draw operator DrawHouse, noted that one of the advantages in the UK is that prize draws are currently exempt from Remote Gaming Duty. He remarked, “That makes them a far more efficient revenue stream than sportsbook or casino products, at least for the time being.” Pinner suggested that this regulatory advantage may be short-lived, predicting that the market will increasingly move toward regulation in the coming years, positioning major betting operators favorably due to their existing infrastructure and compliance frameworks.
