The British government has introduced a new code which aims to strengthen the protection of players participating in draw competitions.
The introduction was announced on Thursday 20 November, with more than 20 major operators signing up to the voluntary code, which provides stronger protections and greater transparency.
It comes after draws have grown in popularity in recent years, with 7.4 million adults playing each year across the UK. The market is described as being worth £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion) a year.
Today we published our new Voluntary Code for Sweepstakes Operators. The millions of people who participate in these competitions each year will now benefit from stronger protections and greater transparencyhttps://t.co/R2x9BEvAo4
-Fiona Twycross (@fionatwycross) November 20, 2025
However, as these draws also provide a free entry route for players, those organizing them do not currently need a license under the Gambling Act 2005. The Government says that in light of this market growth it is determined to ensure that players can enjoy the draws safely.
The newly introduced code established a clear set of industry standards “which will help provide a uniform approach across the sector to strengthen player protection, increase transparency and improve accountability for sweepstakes operators”.
Monthly credit card cap introduced for sweepstakes operators
Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross said: “Millions of people enjoy taking part in competitions every year, and they need to be sure that reasonable protections are in place. With the introduction of this code, that will be the case.”
The changes include a monthly cap of £250 ($326) on credit card entries for sweepstakes and a complete ban on credit card entries for all instant win competitions.
As part of the code, there is now also a commitment to ensuring that free entry routes are adequately publicized and accessible to all. As well as new measures to enable operators to identify and mitigate damage, including signage to support them where necessary.
Currently, more than 20 major operators have reportedly agreed to sign the code following extensive consultations between the industry and government. These operators will then have six months to implement the provisions of the code.
The Games Minister continued: “I would like to thank all the operators who have already signed up, both for their cooperation in developing the code and for their commitment to following it in the future. »
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