What the OCSA Standards Mean for Operators

OCSA Certification is built on the DCMS Voluntary Code (2025) — but extends far beyond it.
Operators who choose to become certified demonstrate a commitment to higher transparency, better consumer protection and industry professionalism.

This page explains what the standards mean in practical terms.

1. You must run competitions that are genuinely fair

This includes:

  • honest prize descriptions

  • consistent rules

  • clean, auditable draws

  • visible ticket numbers

  • no misleading marketing tricks

  • equal treatment of free entries

Fairness is not a slogan — it is a requirement.

2. You must design your website responsibly

OCSA prohibits:

  • cartoon and youth-appeal graphics

  • gambling-style animations

  • artificial urgency tools

  • dark-pattern tactics

Your site should look like a legitimate business — not a slot machine.

3. Your prizes must be safe, legal and accurately described

This means:

  • vehicles must be roadworthy with a valid MOT

  • full disclosure of faults, damage, mileage and history

  • no illegal e-scooters or unsafe goods

  • no mystery boxes or unclear prize bundles

Consumers must know exactly what they are entering to win.

4. Your advertising must be honest and balanced

You must:

  • avoid exaggerated claims

  • display key terms clearly

  • refrain from emotional pressure tactics

  • avoid implying life-changing outcomes

Marketing should be transparent, not manipulative.

5. You must maintain proper records

This includes:

  • draw logs

  • entry files

  • free-entry counts

  • RNG or method documentation

  • prize proof (ownership, MOT, receipts, etc.)

If OCSA asks for supporting evidence, you must be able to provide it.

6. Certification is an ongoing commitment

OCSA may:

  • conduct spot checks

  • request turnover confirmation

  • review your advertising

  • verify prize descriptions

  • inspect draw integrity

Certification is not a one-off event — it is continuous.

7. You must use the OCSA badge correctly

You may not:

  • edit or recolour the badge

  • use the wrong certification level

  • continue displaying the badge after suspension

  • share badge files with third parties

Misuse results in enforcement action.

8. You become a key part of raising industry standards

Certification signals that you:

  • support transparency

  • support fairness

  • support protecting players

  • are fully committed to ethical practice

This improves trust in both your own brand and the wider industry.