Introduction

The Online Competition Standards Authority (OCSA) provides the UK’s first independent standards framework for prize competitions. Our Code of Practice is built around fairness, transparency, consumer protection, responsible advertising, and prize integrity. All operators seeking certification must comply with these standards in full.

THE OCSA CODE OF PRACTICE

Seven Pillars of a Fair Competition Industry

1. Transparency and Honest Information

Operators must provide clear, accurate and complete information at all times, including:

  • full prize descriptions

  • ticket caps and real-time ticket counts

  • accurate odds

  • equal visibility for free entry routes

  • no misleading urgency cues

  • no hidden terms or conditions

Information must never be misleading or difficult to find.

2. Fairness and Accessibility

Competitions must be conducted fairly and impartially.

Requirements include:

  • equal free entry

  • fair winner selection

  • no insider entries

  • no manipulation of ticket pools

  • no pre-determined outcomes

  • no last-minute rule changes

  • clear and stable competition rules

Fairness is central to OCSA certification.

3. Prize Integrity and Legality

All prizes must be legal, safe and accurately described.

Requirements include:

  • full disclosure of faults or known issues

  • accurate photographs

  • clear prize descriptions

  • compliance with all UK laws

Vehicles must be:

  • roadworthy

  • MOT-valid

  • not Category S or N write-offs

  • accurately described (age, mileage, condition, history, reg number)

  • supplied with correct documentation

Prohibited prizes include:

  • non-road-legal e-scooters

  • weapons

  • drones above legal limits

  • any prize encouraging criminality or unsafe behaviour

4. Clear Competition Classification

OCSA recognises only two valid types of competition:

A. Skill-Based Competitions

These must involve genuine skill such as logic, reasoning or analysis.
Banned elements include:

  • trivial questions

  • obvious multiple choice

  • Googleable trivia

  • questions with visible clues

Competitions failing the skill test are reclassified as chance-based.

B. Chance-Based Competitions

Most operators fall into this category.

Requirements include:

  • equal free entry

  • no chance-based prize multipliers

  • no gambling-style mechanics

  • transparent odds

  • audited draw processes

A full framework applies to chance-based competitions.

5. Responsible Advertising and Marketing

Operators must advertise responsibly.
The following are prohibited:

  • cartoon imagery

  • youth-orientated graphics

  • mobile-game style visuals

  • misleading countdowns

  • exaggerated claims

  • gambling-style animations

  • targeting vulnerable individuals

Advertising must be mature, responsible and transparent.

6. Player Protection and Affordability Controls

OCSA-certified operators must:

  • be strictly 18+

  • implement default monthly spend caps

  • offer voluntary lower limits

  • provide self-exclusion

  • provide annual spend summaries on request

  • monitor harmful behaviour (binge spending, spikes, late-night entries)

Player protection is a mandatory requirement.

7. Draw Integrity and Audit Compliance

Operators must ensure:

  • secure ticket allocation

  • transparent closing times

  • fair and auditable draw methods

  • no ticket changes after close

  • audited RNG or ball machine draws

  • publicly visible or verifiable draw logs

The draw must always be fair and provable.

DETAILED FRAMEWORKS

Below are the core OCSA frameworks which support the Code.

Skill-Based Competition Standard

Requirements include:

  • genuine cognitive skill

  • multi-step reasoning

  • non-Googleable challenges

  • no trivial questions

  • no visible answers

  • justification of skill level

OCSA audits skill-based competitions to ensure fairness.

Chance-Based Competition Standard

Requirements include:

  • equal free entry

  • real-time odds

  • no multipliers (e.g. “Golden Ball”)

  • no gambling-style UI

  • audited draw methods

  • accurate ticket caps

  • responsible advertising

  • documented prize inspection

This framework exists to protect consumers and clean up the industry.

Advertising and Visual Standards

To comply with ASA/CAP guidance, OCSA prohibits:

  • cartoon-style imagery

  • chibi or mascot characters

  • loot-box style graphics

  • emoji-heavy designs

  • confetti or celebration effects

  • neon gaming interfaces

Operators must use mature, adult-orientated design.

Prize Safety Standards

OCSA maintains specific standards for:

  • vehicles

  • electronics

  • bullion (gold and silver)

  • property

  • luxury goods

  • experiences

Each prize type must meet documented safety and legal requirements.

Operator Conduct and Ethical Standards

Operators must:

  • treat customers respectfully

  • respond to enquiries promptly

  • honour legitimate refunds

  • resolve disputes fairly

  • comply with GDPR

  • avoid manipulation or harassment

Becoming an OCSA-Certified Operator

To gain certification, operators must:

  1. Read the full OCSA Code

  2. Submit an application

  3. Provide required documentation

  4. Complete an audit

  5. Agree to random checks

  6. Renew annually

Certification demonstrates commitment to fairness and transparency.

Reporting Breaches

If you believe an operator is breaching the Code, you can report them immediately through our Report a Concern page. OCSA reviews all submissions.

Conclusion

The OCSA Standards and Code exist to protect players, promote fairness and ensure the prize competition sector operates with integrity. Certified operators demonstrate professionalism, transparency and respect for the public.