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New guidelines for TV quizzes

29/06/2007

Greater distinction is needed between TV quizzes and lotteries, the gambling watchdog has said today.

The Gambling Commission has today set out new guidance as part of the Gambling Act after controversy surrounding a number of popular TV prize draws.

Channel 4's Richard and Judy Show and the BBC's Blue Peter show were among a number of shows which caused concern about the transparency of TV quizzes earlier this year.

In comprehensive guidance documents issued today, the Gambling Commission said it was concerned that simple questions on quizzes blurred the boundaries between lotteries and competitions.

The commission says it intends to meet with all major operators ahead of September 1st, when new gambling regulations come into force, to ensure they are all aware of the difference between the two.

"There are many competitions which ask just one simple question, the answer to which is widely and commonly known or is blatantly obvious from the material accompanying the competition," the guidance notes read.

"The commission considers that these do not meet the test in the [Gambling Act]."

The commission's deputy chief executive Tom Kavanagh said today's advice came after ten months of extensive consultation.

"Prize competitions and free draws remain free of statutory control but operators who cross the boundary and operate a lottery will be required to apply for an operating licence from the commission or cease to operate," he said.

"Operators can use this guidance to help ensure they stay within the law. The Commission will have powers to take action against breaches of the Gambling Act when it comes into full effect on September 1st."

Under the act, public lotteries will usually need to be licensed by the Gambling Commission, while prize competitions and free draws will be free of statutory regulatory control.

From September 1st, larger lotteries' operators will need an operating licence from the commission and will be required to give at least 20 per cent of proceeds to a non-commercial beneficiary.

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