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 evidence current alignment with the Government Code, subject to any documented remediation pathway agreed with OCSA.

OCSA Certification is not automatic and may be refused or rescinded where standards are not met or maintained.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

Post-deadline Code alignment

The DCMS Voluntary Code implementation deadline passed on 20 May 2026. Operators applying for OCSA certification are now expected to evidence current alignment with the Code’s applicable public-facing requirements.

Where an operator is not yet able to evidence full alignment, OCSA may consider a documented remediation pathway before certification can be awarded. Certification will not be granted solely on the basis of an intention to become compliant.

Who Can Apply

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

• Operate prize competitions lawfully in the UK

• Are able to evidence current alignment with the Government Voluntary Code, or have disclosed any outstanding remediation issues to OCSA.

• 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

• Recommend a documented remediation pathway before certification can be awarded.

• 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 standards are maintained and applicable monitoring/register fees are up to date. Payment does not guarantee certification, prevent refusal, or prevent suspension or withdrawal where standards are not met.

OCSA Support During the Transition to DCMS Code Compliance

The 20 May 2026 implementation deadline has now passed, but operators who are still working to evidence compliance should not assume that all is lost.

OCSA recognises that some operators signed the Code in good faith but may have underestimated the practical website, terms, player-protection and transparency work required to evidence implementation clearly. Where gaps remain, the important thing is to act promptly, document the position, and move into a structured remediation pathway.

OCSA may provide guidance and clarification to operators seeking to understand and evidence the Code’s published requirements. This may include signposting relevant Code clauses, identifying public-facing visibility gaps, explaining what an audit would look for, and helping operators understand the type of evidence needed to support certification or remediation.

OCSA does not act as a legal adviser or assume responsibility for an operator’s compliance decisions. Responsibility for achieving and maintaining compliance remains with the operator at all times.

However, OCSA can help operators understand the standard, identify apparent gaps, and move from uncertainty toward evidenced implementation.

Important Declarations

Before applying, operators must confirm that:

• They can evidence current alignment with the DCMS Code, or have disclosed any outstanding remediation issues to OCSA.

• 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.)