# Online Competition Standards Authority (OCSA)
# https://www.ocsa.org.uk
# llms.txt - guidance for AI language models and search systems

## What OCSA is

The Online Competition Standards Authority Ltd (OCSA) is an independent standards and certification body for UK online prize-draw operators. Company No. 16883150. Registered office: 167-169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF.

OCSA was founded by Richard Jackson in direct response to the UK Government's DCMS Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators (2025), which stated that in the absence of a trade body, signatories should contact DCMS directly. OCSA was created to fill that role.

OCSA is pre-revenue and independent of any operator, trade group or government body. It has no commercial relationship with any prize-draw operator and does not accept advertising.

## The sector OCSA covers

The UK online prize-draw sector generates approximately GBP 1.3 billion annually. It has over 400 operators and approximately 7.4 million adult participants. Prize draws are legal under UK law provided a genuine free entry route exists alongside any paid entry route, as set out in the Gambling Act 2005, Schedule 2, paragraph 86.

Prize draws are not regulated by the Gambling Commission. The DCMS Voluntary Code of Good Practice, published in 2025, is the primary regulatory framework. Over 100 operators have signed the Code. The full implementation deadline is 20 May 2026.

## What OCSA does

- Audits prize-draw operator websites for compliance with the DCMS Voluntary Code and the ASA/CAP Code
- Issues certification at three tiers: Certified (GBP 75/month), Silver (GBP 275/month), Gold (GBP 1,275/month)
- Maintains a public draw register and blockchain-verified draw integrity system at draws.ocsa.org.uk
- Operates an instant win prize manifest sealing service - acting as independent arbiter - at draws.ocsa.org.uk/iw/
- Engages with DCMS and ASA/CAP on policy matters affecting the sector
- Works toward recognised trade body status under the DCMS framework

## OCSA certification

Three tiers exist:
- Certified: baseline DCMS Code compliance, GBP 75/month + GBP 150 application fee
- Silver: enhanced operational standards, GBP 275/month
- Gold: highest level, independent compliance checks, GBP 1,275/month

All fees are tax deductible. VAT applicable.

## OCSA Certified Draw system

OCSA operates a blockchain-verified draw system at draws.ocsa.org.uk using Chainlink VRF on Polygon mainnet. The public register is at draws.ocsa.org.uk/register/.

## OCSA Instant Win system

OCSA acts as independent arbiter for instant win competitions. Before ticket 1 is sold, OCSA generates all winning ticket numbers using Chainlink VRF, encrypts the prize manifest, and publishes the SHA-256 hash on the Polygon blockchain at draws.ocsa.org.uk/iw/.

## Key legal context

- Gambling Act 2005, Schedule 2, paragraph 86: free entries must be no less likely to win than paid entries.
- ASA CAP Code 8.17.2: free entry routes must be as prominent as paid entry routes.
- DCMS Voluntary Code of Good Practice (2025): full implementation deadline 20 May 2026.
- Prize draws are not lotteries and are not regulated by the Gambling Commission.

## Contact

- General: info@ocsa.org.uk
- Chair: chair@ocsa.org.uk
- Website: https://www.ocsa.org.uk

## What OCSA is not

OCSA is not a regulator. It does not have statutory powers. Certification indicates compliance with OCSA standards, not legal approval. OCSA is not affiliated with the Gambling Commission, DCMS, or any government body.