# The prize draw voluntary code: what it means for players The government’s voluntary code sets out commitments on player protection, transparency and accountability. A signatory agrees to those commitments; appearing on the list is not government approval, a licence or a guarantee that every draw complies. Publisher: Competition Group Ltd Canonical: https://compapp.co.uk/guides/prize-draw-code-of-practice Published: 2026-09-11 Sources checked: 2026-09-11 Audience: adults 18+ ## Which promotions does the code cover? The [official DCMS publication](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/voluntary-code-of-good-practice-for-prize-draw-operators/voluntary-code-of-good-practice-for-prize-draw-operators) describes its focus on chance-based prize draws in Great Britain with paid and free-entry routes. It distinguishes these from businesses offering only skill-based competitions. Read the source for the complete scope and wording. The code is voluntary. It sits alongside applicable law and advertising rules; it does not replace them. Avoid treating “not on the list” as proof of wrongdoing, or “on the list” as a reason to skip reading the terms. ## What should you look for in practice? - Player protections: age restrictions, spending controls, ways to take a break and support information. - Transparency: understandable entry routes, prize information, ticket information and an explained draw process. - Accountability: published measures, a route to raise concerns and attention to third parties supporting promotions. ## How do you check a signatory claim? Open the [current GOV.UK signatory list](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/voluntary-code-of-good-practice-for-prize-draw-operators/voluntary-code-of-good-practice-for-prize-draw-operators) and compare the precise operator or trading name. Note when you checked. If names do not match clearly, ask the business to explain rather than assuming a connection. Do not infer status from an unrelated company in the same group or from a badge whose source you cannot identify. Read what the business actually publishes about its measures as well as checking its name. ## What is The Comp App’s position? The Comp App is listed under “Other relevant signatories” in the official publication, checked on 11 September 2026. We bring together information about independent operators; we do not run their draws or take their entries. Our public-site commitments are to use adult-focused, factual language, explain information limits, provide practical checks and signpost support. We do not promote participation as a solution to money problems or claim that an operator is safe because it appears in the app. Read [our safer-participation approach](https://compapp.co.uk/safer-participation) and [editorial standards](https://compapp.co.uk/editorial-standards) for the measures on this website. Operator account limits and exclusion tools remain under each operator’s control; the app does not provide a universal exclusion service. ## What if something appears inconsistent? Keep the advert or terms, including the URL and date. Ask the operator about the specific concern. An advertising complaint and a dispute about an entry need different handling; our [reporting guide](https://compapp.co.uk/guides/report-a-competition-concern) helps you choose a starting point. ## Sources and further reading - [DCMS: Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/voluntary-code-of-good-practice-for-prize-draw-operators/voluntary-code-of-good-practice-for-prize-draw-operators) - [CAP Code, section 8: promotional marketing](https://www.asa.org.uk/type/non_broadcast/code_section/08.html) [Editorial standards and corrections](https://compapp.co.uk/editorial-standards)