The UK’s prize competition sector now has its own trade association. The Prize Competition Council (PCC) officially launched on Wednesday, aiming to bring together over 50 operators to promote responsible standards and enhance player protection. The PCC’s formation follows months of industry collaboration, resulting in a governance framework and a voluntary code of conduct published by the government last November. This code, effective since May, addresses player protection and ethical marketing, and allows players to set monthly spend limits.
Leadership and Structure
The PCC’s newly elected board—serving a two-year term—reflects a wide range of operator sizes and business models. Independent chair George McGregor leads the board, which includes industry figures like Chris Jennings from Winvia Entertainment PLC and Tam Watson from Jumbo Interactive UK. Jo Bucci, a founding member and outgoing director of PCC, noted the board’s importance in tackling future sector challenges. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has been supportive during this formation phase.
Industry Goals and Challenges
A key priority for the PCC is helping members implement the voluntary code of conduct. The council also aims to be a major voice in governmental policy discussions and to develop guidance and training materials for the sector. And the UK prize draw market is complex, often distinct from gambling and lottery laws based on competition formats. The PCC is committed to representing all operators, especially smaller ones needing guidance.
Market Dynamics
The Prize Draw Competition market has boomed recently, generating £1.3 billion in annual revenue and attracting 7.4 million active players, according to an April survey by Rokker. Jamie Pinner from DrawHouse noted the current advantage of prize draws not being subject to Remote Gaming Duty, making them a more efficient revenue stream than sportsbooks or casinos. However, Pinner expects regulation to tighten over the next few years, benefiting major betting operators already equipped with the necessary infrastructure and compliance systems. The PCC plans to continue engaging with regulatory bodies to shape the future of the prize competition sector. The board will likely address further regulatory shifts in their next meeting, expected later this year.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
