The Prize Competition Council (PCC) has been launched as the official trade association for the prize competition sector in the UK. Announced on Wednesday, this new organization aims to unify more than 50 operators to promote responsible standards, enhance player security, and foster long-term growth within the industry.
After months of collaboration across the industry, the PCC has set up a governance framework and contributed to the creation of a voluntary code of conduct aimed at increasing transparency and accountability among prize draw operators. The UK government published this code in November of the previous year, and it became effective in May of this year.
This code addresses concerns regarding player protection and ethical marketing practices. It also establishes a framework allowing players to set their own monthly spending limits, while operators can impose their own limits on users.
Daniel Swann, who represents smaller operators, stressed the importance of widespread adoption of the code, saying, “It is vital that everyone embraces the Code and feels the PCC has their interests at heart.”
The PCC recently elected its inaugural board for a two-year term, reflecting a diverse range of operator sizes and business models. Board members 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), and Daniel Swann (Two Fat Ladies Competitions).
Jo Bucci, a founding member and outgoing director of the PCC, as well as chair of Winvia Entertainment PLC, commented that the establishment of a strong board is essential for addressing future challenges in the sector. She also expressed gratitude for the “constructive engagement and support” from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) during the council’s establishment.
George McGregor, the independent chair, noted that the creation of the council “reflects the growing maturity of this sector and the recognition that every successful industry benefits from strong representation and clear standards.”
The PCC has outlined its immediate priorities, which include supporting members in adopting the voluntary code of conduct and developing guidance and training materials for the sector. Acting as an advocate in policy discussions with government and regulatory bodies is also a key focus. The organization is committed to ensuring that smaller operators receive the guidance and representation they need.
In the UK, prize competitions operate within a complex regulatory landscape, often distinguished from gambling and lottery regulations based on their format and prize distribution methods. The Prize Draw Competition (PDC) market has seen significant growth in recent years. A survey by Rokker in April revealed that it had generated £1.3 billion in annual revenues with approximately 7.4 million active players.
Jamie Pinner, a senior leader at DrawHouse, highlighted that prize draws are currently not subject to Remote Gaming Duty, making them a more efficient revenue stream compared to sportsbooks or casino products for the time being. However, Pinner views this as a short-term regulatory gap and anticipates a shift toward greater regulation in the coming years. He believes that major betting operators will be well-positioned to adapt quickly due to their existing infrastructure, compliance frameworks, and established customer bases.
