Player Protection & Safety

Prize competitions should be fun, fair and safe.
The Online Competition Standards Authority (OCSA) works to ensure that operators treat players respectfully, advertise responsibly and run competitions in a way that protects consumers.

This page explains how OCSA standards promote consumer protection and responsible operation within the UK prize-draw sector, explaining the key principles of player protection and how to recognise fair, trustworthy competition operators.

What You Should Expect from a Fair Operator

A responsible operator will always:

  • provide clear, accurate information about prizes

  • show ticket prices, ticket numbers and draw dates upfront

  • run draws transparently and on time

  • handle your data safely

  • offer a genuine and equal free entry route

  • have an accessible complaints process

  • treat all players equally

If an operator regularly changes rules, uses confusing terms or avoids answering questions, this may be a warning sign.

Protecting Yourself When Entering Competitions

You can reduce your own risk by:

1. Setting a personal spending limit

Competitions should be entertainment, not financial pressure.
Avoid chasing losses or re-entering because “you were close”.

2. Checking the operator’s certification status

Look for the OCSA certification badge and confirm the operator appears on the OCSA Register of Certified Operators.

3. Reading the prize description carefully

A fair operator tells you:

  • exactly what the prize is

  • its condition (especially vehicles)

  • any faults or restrictions

  • whether a cash alternative is available

  • whether ongoing costs apply

If information is vague or missing, proceed with caution.

4. Making sure the free entry route is real and accessible

If it’s hard to find, unclear or much more difficult than the paid route, report this to OCSA.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

The following behaviours may indicate poor practice or a potentially unfair operator:

  • cartoon-style or youth-appeal graphics

  • gambling-like visuals (reels, loot boxes, spinning wheels)

  • unrealistic “life-changing” claims

  • hidden terms and conditions

  • unclear free entry routes

  • repeated changes to draw dates or ticket caps

  • sudden rule changes close to the draw

  • prizes that are illegal, unsafe or misdescribed

  • claims of certification that do not match the OCSA Register

If something feels wrong, trust your instinct and avoid entering.

How OCSA Helps Protect You

OCSA sets standards that operators must meet to be certified.
When you see an OCSA certification badge, it means:

  • the operator has passed our review

  • they follow strict advertising and conduct rules

  • draws must be fair and auditable

  • prize descriptions must be honest and complete

  • free entry routes must be equal to paid ones

  • youth-appeal and manipulative techniques are prohibited

  • prize vehicles must be legal and roadworthy

Certification is not a guarantee of winning — but it is a sign that the operator is committed to fairness and transparency.

If You Have a Concern

If something does not look right or you believe an operator is acting unfairly, you can report it to OCSA.

Visit the Report a Concern page and provide as much detail as possible, including:

  • operator name

  • website or social media link

  • screenshots or a description of the issue

  • whether you have already contacted the operator

We use this information to monitor industry practices and take action where necessary.

If a Competition is Causing You Stress

If you feel that your spending, participation or emotional involvement is becoming difficult to manage, consider:

  • taking a break from all prize competitions

  • limiting the number of competitions you enter

  • seeking impartial advice or support

Competitions should be enjoyable — not a burden.