Join OCSA

Apply for OCSA Certification

Applying for OCSA certification is a formal process designed to ensure that only those UK operators meeting clear, published standards are certified.

OCSA certification operates in addition to compliance with the DCMS Voluntary Code of Practice for Prize Promotions.
All applicants must comply with the Government Code, subject to the transitional provisions set out below.

OCSA Certification is not automatic and may be refused or rescinded where standards are not met or maintained.

OCSA operates a two-stage application process.

All applicants must complete an initial eligibility application (the online application form is at the bottom of this page).
Operators seeking Silver or Gold certification will then be required to submit a full formal application.

Transitional Compliance Period (DCMS Voluntary Code)

The DCMS Voluntary Code of Practice for Prize Promotions is expected to be fully implemented by 26 May 2026.

Until that date, OCSA will accept applications from operators who are actively working towards compliance with the DCMS Voluntary Code, provided that:

• The operator commits to achieving full compliance by 26 May, and

• The operator can demonstrate meaningful progress towards compliance, and

• No practices are identified that present a serious risk to fairness, transparency, or consumer protection.

OCSA certification granted during this transitional period may be conditional, time-limited, or subject to additional review.

Failure to achieve full compliance with the Government Voluntary Code by 26 May may result in suspension or withdrawal of OCSA certification.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to UK-based online prize-draw operators who:

• Operate prize competitions lawfully in the UK

• Are compliant with, or actively working towards compliance with, the Government Voluntary Code

• Are willing to submit to ongoing compliance oversight

• Agree to comply with the OCSA Code of Practice and Enhanced Standards (where applicable)

Operators unwilling to disclose required information, or seeking certification purely for marketing purposes, should not apply.

Certification Levels

Applicants may apply for certification at one of the following levels:

• Certified — Baseline compliance (£75 per month)

• Silver — Enhanced standards (£275 per month)

• Gold — Highest level of trust (£1,275 per month)

OCSA reserves the right to recommend or require a lower certification level following review.

The Application Process

1. Submit the Application Form

Applicants must provide accurate information about their organisation, operations, and competition formats.

2. Provide Supporting Information

Depending on the certification level sought, this may include:

• Terms and conditions

• Examples of competitions and prizes

• Advertising and promotional material

• Details of free-entry routes

• Draw methodology and controls

• Complaint-handling procedures

• Prize verification documentation

Higher certification levels require more extensive disclosure.

3. Application Fee

A £150 non-refundable application fee is payable on submission.

This covers initial review, verification work, and assessment preparation.

4. OCSA Review

Applications are reviewed within 10–14 working days.

OCSA may:

• Request clarification or further information

• Grant conditional certification during the transitional period

• Recommend a different certification level

• Approve (or refuse) certification (Where certification is refused, OCSA will provide reasons for the decision.
  Where appropriate, OCSA may indicate the areas that would need to be addressed before a future application could be considered.)

5. Certification & Listing

Approved operators will receive:

• Their certification status

• Authorised certification badge(s)

• Badge usage guidance

• A unique OCSA operator reference

• Inclusion on the public OCSA register

Certification remains valid only while fees are up to date and standards are maintained.

OCSA Support During the Transitional Period

During the implementation period of the DCMS Voluntary Code, OCSA may provide guidance and clarification to operators seeking to understand and meet published requirements.

OCSA does not act as a compliance consultant or advisor.
Responsibility for achieving compliance remains with the operator at all times.

Important Declarations

Before applying, operators must confirm that:

• They are compliant with, or actively working towards compliance with, the Government Voluntary Code

• They commit to full compliance by 26 May 2026

• All information provided is accurate and complete

• They agree to comply with the OCSA Code of Practice

• They understand certification may be suspended or withdrawn

• They will not misuse OCSA certification badges

False or misleading information may result in the refusal or withdrawal of certification.

Apply Now

OCSA Certification – Initial Application

This initial application allows OCSA to assess eligibility for certification.
Further information and documentation will be requested during the review process.

Organisation details

Responsible Person

This person will be the named compliance contact for OCSA

What Happens Next

(Submission of this form does not guarantee certification.)

Once your application is submitted:

• You will receive an acknowledgement email

• A £150 non-refundable application fee will be requested following initial review.

• Applications are reviewed within 10–14 working days.

• Additional documentation will be required during the assessment process

• An OCSA reviewer will assess your application

• You may be contacted for further clarification

• A written decision will be issued after review

If approved, certification will only take effect once the first monthly fee is paid.

Need Clarification?

If you are unsure which certification level is appropriate, you may contact OCSA before applying.

Email: compliance@ocsa.org.uk
(General application enquiries only — certification decisions cannot be pre-approved.)