OCSA Certification Levels

OCSA Certification is awarded to operators who meet strict standards of fairness, transparency, prize integrity and responsible advertising.

OCSA offers three progressive certification tiers designed to recognise operator compliance, transparency, and excellence in online prize-draw conduct.

All certification levels operate in addition to the UK Government’s Voluntary Code of Practice for Prize Promotions.
Compliance with the Government Voluntary Code is mandatory for every operator and is a precondition for achieving any OCSA certification level.

OCSA standards build upon those Government requirements, providing enhanced safeguards, operational rigour and transparency designed to raise industry standards.

Certification is progressive, allowing operators to demonstrate their advancement through the OCSA framework.

Below are the three official OCSA certification levels.

Transitional Compliance Note (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 certification levels may be granted to operators who are actively working towards compliance with the DCMS Voluntary Code, provided that meaningful progress is demonstrated and no practices are identified that pose a serious risk to fairness, transparency, or consumer protection.

All operators must achieve full compliance with the DCMS Voluntary Code by 26 May 2026.
Failure to do so may result in suspension or withdrawal of OCSA certification.

Level 1 — OCSA Certified

This is the foundation level of certification.

This level confirms that an operator meets the essential OCSA standards on top of the DCMS Voluntary Code.

Certified operators must demonstrate:

  • Clear and accurate prize descriptions

  • Honest advertising practices

  • Transparent ticket information and odds

  • Correct management of all free-entry routes

  • Secure and responsible handling of payments

  • Clear and accessible terms and conditions

  • Transparent draw mechanisms

  • Basic anti-fraud and anti-manipulation safeguards

Who this level is for:
All operators entering the OCSA framework.

Badge entitlement:

  • OCSA Certified

This badge confirms the operator has met OCSA’s essential criteria for fair and lawful prize competitions.

Level 2 — OCSA Silver

Silver certification recognises operators who exceed baseline compliance and apply higher operational and transparency standards.

Additional requirements include:

  • Verified prize ownership and documentation

  • Full disclosure of vehicle condition, MOT, faults and mileage (where relevant)

  • Publication of complete draw logs

  • Strengthened anti-fraud and integrity controls

  • Comprehensive complaint-handling procedures

  • Stronger player-protection measures

  • Evidence of honest, non-manipulative marketing

  • Full transparency of skill-based or chance-based rules, robust record-keeping

  • proactive customer support

Who this level is for:
Operators committed to demonstrably higher standards and consistency

Badge entitlement:

  • OCSA Certified

  • OCSA Silver

Displaying both badges highlights the operator’s progression and heightened commitment to good practice.

Level 3 — OCSA Gold

Gold certification is awarded to operators who demonstrate exceptional performance, transparency and consumer protection across all areas of operation.

Gold requirements include:

  • Full operational audit and transparency review

  • Independent verification of every prize draw

  • Annual compliance assessment

  • Demonstrated history of compliant behaviour

  • High-standard customer service metrics

  • Zero misleading, manipulative or youth-orientated advertising

  • Full disclosure of prize documentation and verification

  • Highest levels of operational clarity and accountability

Who this level is for:
Operators who wish to be recognised as industry leaders in fairness, transparency and consumer protection.

Badge entitlement:

  • OCSA Certified

  • OCSA Silver

  • OCSA Gold

Gold operators represent the highest level of trust and excellence in the industry.

Maintaining Your Certification

All operators must:

  • comply with OCSA standards at all times

  • respond to compliance checks

  • notify OCSA of significant operational changes

  • renew certification annually

Certification may be suspended or withdrawn if standards are not maintained.

Certification Badges

Certified operators will receive an official OCSA certification badge appropriate to their level:

  • Certified badge (baseline compliance)

  • Silver badge (Certified + Silver)

  • Gold badge (Certified + Silver + Gold)

Badges may only be displayed while certification remains active, compliant, and in good standing.

Apply for Certification

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