Gambling Commission issues advice on house competitions
Press
release
Date: 15 May
2009
The Gambling Commission has issued further
advice to people attempting to realise the value of their
properties using a house competition scheme*, to emphasise that we
do not advise on or approve individual house competition schemes.
In summary:
The Commission does not in any circumstances
‘approve’ prize competitions which remain free of statutory control
under the Gambling Act 2005.
Organisers considering running a house
competition should read the Commission’s guidance on prize
competitions and free draws and take independent legal advice
before proceeding.
Organisers of house competitions are likely to
attract regulatory intervention from the
Commission.
A decision over prosecution in a case where an
operator persists in the face of the Commission’s concern will be
made with due regard to the public interest and in line with the
Code for Crown Prosecutors.
The circumstances in every case are different
and a decision over prosecution in one case will not necessarily
set a precedent for others.
Organisers of house competitions may be liable
for taxation and should contact HM Revenue and Customs before
proceeding.
Ends
Notes to editors
- 1.
Advice note on prize competitions and free draws: house
competitions - May 2009
- 2. * In this context a house competition refers
to the attempted use of a prize competition by a homeowner to
realise the value of their property.
- 3. The Gambling Commission (the Commission)
regulates gambling in the public interest. It does so by keeping
crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted
fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people
from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission also
provides independent advice to government on gambling in
Britain.
- 4. The Commission is responsible for licensing
and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than the
National Lottery and spread betting, which are the responsibility
of the National Lottery Commission and the Financial Services
Authority (FSA) respectively.
- 5 The Commission does not comment on
individual cases. This release is intended to ensure organisers are
properly informed of the law, not to seek to ban the operation of
such competitions.
- 6. The Commission expects to publish revised
guidance on prize competitions and free draws following a public
consultation this summer.
Further information
Further information is available from the
Commission’s website at: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
John Travers on (0121) 230 6700, (07852)
124624 or communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk