New Prize Competition Council to represent growing but controversial sector
The new trade body will represent over 50 prize competition operators.
UK.- The UK’s prize competition sector has formed its first dedicated trade body, the Prize Competition Council (PCC). The body already represents more than 50 operators and has elected its first board of directors.
The PCC says it aims to represent a rapidly expanding sector by encouraging voluntary self-regulation, strengthening player protections and fostering dialogue with government and regulators. Priorities will include rolling out the new Voluntary Code of Conduct for Prize Draw Operators.
The newly appointed nine-member board of directors will serve a two-year term. George McGregor will serve as an independent chair, while the other elected directors include Chris Jennings of Winvia Entertainment, Tam Watson of Jumbo Interactive, Declan Murray of Pristine Competitions and Punit Shah of Seven Days Performance.
The remaining members are Pete Toye of The GiveAway Guys, Oliver Donnelly of McKinney Competitions, Ian Buckley of Paragon Competitions and Daniel Swann of Two Fat Ladies Competitions
Jo Bucci, chair of Winvia Entertainment and a founding member of the PCC, said: “This is a strong Board to address the challenges the sector faces in the years ahead. Representing a diverse group of operators and opinions, it will be up to this Board to steer the newly created body through areas like compliance with the new Voluntary Code of Conduct for Prize Draw Operators and ensuring customers have an enjoyable, safe experience.”
Swann added: “As a smaller operator, I know how important it will be in this fledgling industry to ensure everyone embraces the Code and feels the PCC has its interests at heart. I am pleased to be elected by my peers and encourage fellow operators to join the PCC and support the valuable work this Board will do.”
The move comes after the British government opted last year to hold off from regulating the sector. Instead, the Department of Culture, Media and Sports announced a voluntary code of conduct for prize competitions, to which 23 operators had signed up by November last year.
However, the lack of regulation remains controversial, with lottery operators licensed by the Gambling Commission complaining that the sector provides unfair competition for their products. The regulator itself has said that there is evidence that the sector may be harming lottery sales. A report noted 544 instances of society lotteries presenting themselves as free draws in 2025.
