Countdown to May 2026: Prize Draw Operators - will you be ready?

In late 2025, the UK Government published the long-anticipated Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators, setting out a comprehensive set of standards that many in the industry have been preparing for over the past year.

While this Code is not law, it marks a significant step forward for responsible practice in the prize draw sector, designed to raise standards around consumer protections, transparency and accountability — without immediately moving prize draws into full gambling-style regulation.

Here’s what operators should know — and why acting now is worthwhile.

What Is the Voluntary Code?

The Code was finalised and published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in November 2025 and reflects extensive collaboration with industry stakeholders.

It sets out a range of best practice expectations for operators of prize draws that include both a paid entry route and a genuinely available free entry route — the kind of “free draws” that currently sit outside the Gambling Act 2005 due to that free element.

Unlike statutory regulation, the Code is voluntary. Operators choose whether to sign up, but if they do, they agree to implement its provisions in full by 20 May 2026.

Countdown to Compliance: Key Areas and Deadlines

With less than six months to go until the Code’s implementation deadline, now is the time for prize draw operators to review their systems and policies. Here’s what the Code expects:

Player Protection

The Code lays out clear standards to safeguard players, including:

• Restricting participation to individuals aged 18 or over with reasonable age-verification procedures.

• Limiting credit card spend per player to £250 per month and banning credit card entries for instant-win draws.

• Providing tools for players to set personal spend limits or even suspend or close accounts.

• Monitoring player behaviour for signs of harm and intervening appropriately.

Transparency

Operators are encouraged to be open about how prize draws work:

• Clear communication of draw rules, mechanisms and how winners are selected.

• Accessible information on the free entry route, which must be genuinely equivalent to paid entry.

• Fair and prompt delivery of prizes or reasonable alternatives.

Accountability

The Code also emphasises governance and ongoing compliance:

• Operators should have internal systems to monitor Code adherence and share relevant information publicly.

• Third parties supporting prize draws should likewise be held to Code-aligned standards.

What Happens After May 2026?

As the Code is voluntary, there are currently no specific legal penalties for non-compliance — but the Government has been clear that its success will influence future policy decisions, including whether more formal regulation becomes necessary.

This makes early and visible adoption something worth considering for any operator seeking to:

• Demonstrate a commitment to high standards

• Build player trust and confidence

• Stay ahead of potential regulatory changes

A Note on Industry Collaboration

The UKCPSA is a signatory to the Voluntary Code but we see this as part of a broader industry journey toward best practice, not just a badge of honour. Participation reflects a shared interest in strengthening the sector’s reputation and delivering responsible customer experiences.

Stay Ahead with Compliant RNG

As operators prepare to meet the Code’s expectations — particularly around transparency, fairness and auditability — rigorous, compliant RNG systems are becoming increasingly relevant.

If you’re looking for solutions that help meet both consumer expectations and industry standards, check out our DCMS-Compliant RNG page, where we outline robust approaches to random number generation that support transparent and fair prize competition mechanics:https://www.ukcpsa.com/dcms-compliant-rng

Final Thoughts

The Code’s implementation deadline is fast approaching. Operators would be wise to review their practices now and begin preparations, rather than waiting for the countdown to reach zero. Doing so not only positions you for compliance — it positions you as a trusted and responsible player in an evolving sector.

If you’d like help breaking down the Code’s sections into operational steps for your business — just let us know!