The DCMS Voluntary Code for prize draw operators, explained

Last reviewed 29 October 2026 · Competition Brands guides

The Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators was published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 November 2025 (last updated 19 October 2026). It is not law, but it is now the benchmark that players, platforms, payment providers and journalists use to judge comp sites. This guide summarises what it asks for and what that means when you build a new site.

Who the Code is for

The Code covers prize draws and competitions in Great Britain where prizes are allocated by chance and there is both a paid and a free entry route. Operators who combine a free entry route with a skill element are asked to sign up for the free entry side of their business. Operators who run only skill-based competitions are not covered, but they must still meet the skill test in the Gambling Act 2005.

Signatories agreed to implement the Code in full by 20 May 2026. Anyone who signs after that date is expected to comply in full from the outset. DCMS oversees the Code and says it will consider all available options if it is not suitably implemented.

Who has signed

As of our latest check, the Code lists 138 operator signatories and 30 other relevant signatories, including platforms and suppliers. See the full list, with links to company records where we could match them, on our DCMS Code signatories page. Some of the platforms in our platforms directory are listed as other relevant signatories.

Part 1: player protection

18+ only (1.1). Reasonable age verification, and no advertising targeted at under-18s.
Complaints (1.2). A transparent, robust complaints process and, where needed, dispute resolution.
Credit cards (1.3). No more than £250 per player per month by credit card, and no credit card payments at all for instant win draws, including credit card payments made through a money service business.
Spend limits (1.4). Either operator-set monthly limits or player-set monthly limits across all draws. Players must be able to set a limit before further entries, and must be able to set it at £0.
Suspension and closure (1.5). Temporary suspension for at least 6 months, with no entries and no marketing during that time, plus permanent closure. A shorter “pause” is encouraged.
Monitoring and intervention (1.6–1.7). Look for signs of harm, such as players repeatedly hitting limits or frequently changing payment methods, and respond proportionately, which may include stopping a player from taking part.
Signposting (1.8). Point players to support such as Citizens Advice, Money Advice Trust, National Debtline, Samaritans and Mind.
Draw length (1.9). Allow an appropriate time between a draw opening and closing.
Instant wins (1.10). Free and paid routes must be equivalent and clearly explained, and instant win draws should not form the majority of your competitions.
Marketing (1.11). Follow the CAP and BCAP codes. Never suggest that entering is an escape from problems, a solution to money worries, an alternative to work or a route to financial security.

Part 2: fairness and transparency

Rules (2.1). A clear summary of how each type of draw works, including a statement that prizes are awarded according to the laws of chance.
Fair draws (2.2). Winners chosen by an independent person, or under their supervision, unless a computer process produces verifiably random and auditable results or a certified drawing machine is used. Free and paid entries must have an equal chance. Publish details of your draw mechanism.
Odds (2.3). Where possible, show information about the likelihood of winning before entry, such as the maximum number of tickets.
Free entry (2.4). Show free entry clearly and prominently before purchase, and allow enough time for postal entries to arrive.
Prizes (2.5). Award the advertised prize, or a reasonable cash alternative, promptly. Never reduce the prize, change the end date or cancel because of low ticket sales.
Charity (2.6). If you advertise charitable contributions, explain how they work, publish what you give and follow the Code of Fundraising Practice.

Part 3: accountability

Signatories should monitor and review their own compliance (3.1), and make sure third parties such as affiliates and draw-management partners follow the Code, using contracts (3.2). They should share best practice (3.3), publish their player-protection and transparency measures on their websites (3.4), and work with DCMS to keep the Code fit for purpose (3.5).

What this means when you build a site

Most of the Code becomes product requirements. When you compare platforms, check that you can do the following without custom development:

age verification at sign-up or first purchase
monthly spend limits, including £0
6-month suspension, permanent closure and an optional pause
credit card caps and blocking credit cards on instant wins
verifiably random, auditable draws with a public draw record
free entries going into the same draw
odds information such as maximum tickets
a published compliance or responsible-play page

How to become a signatory

The Code says requests to become a signatory can be sent to [email protected], which is also the address for feedback and for concerns about operators. Signing is voluntary, but if you sign you are expected to comply in full from day one.

Frequently asked questions

Is the DCMS Code legally binding?

No. It is voluntary. But DCMS says it will consider all available options if the Code is not suitably implemented. Platforms, payment providers and players increasingly expect operators to follow it.

Can I accept credit cards?

Under the Code, only up to £250 per player per month, and never for instant win draws. Your payment provider may have its own, stricter rules.

Does the Code apply to skill-only competitions?

No. Operators who run solely skill-based competitions are outside the Code, but they must still pass the Gambling Act's skill test.

How do I check whether a competition site has signed?

Check the list on GOV.UK, or our signatory page, which links to the operators' company records where we could match them.

Sources

Sources checked 29 October 2026.

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