Win a Brand New operates as a skill-based prize competition, not a lottery or game of chance. This page explains the legal framework that governs our platform and why no gambling licence is required.
The Legal Framework
In the United Kingdom, competitions and prize draws are regulated by the Gambling Act 2005. However, not all competitions fall under gambling regulation. The Act makes a clear distinction between:
- Lotteries and games of chance — where the outcome depends wholly or partly on luck
- Prize competitions — where success depends on the exercise of skill, knowledge, or judgment
Win a Brand New falls into the second category: a lawful prize competition.
What the Law Says
Section 14 of the Gambling Act 2005
Under Section 14 of the Gambling Act 2005, an arrangement is not a lottery if:
"The success of a participant depends on the exercise of skill or judgment or the display of knowledge."
This exemption applies to competitions where skill is the determining factor in selecting winners — which is exactly how Win a Brand New operates.
Sections 3 and 6 — Definition of Gambling
The Gambling Act defines "gambling" in Sections 3 and 6 as activities involving:
- Gaming (playing a game of chance for a prize)
- Betting (making or accepting a bet on an outcome)
- Participating in a lottery
Since our competitions do not involve chance, betting, or lottery mechanics, they do not meet the legal definition of gambling.
How Win a Brand New Qualifies
Our competitions are designed to reward genuine skill. Here's how:
Quiz Challenges
- Participants answer multiple-choice questions against the clock
- Scoring is based on accuracy (correct answers) and speed (reaction time)
- The highest scorer wins — determined entirely by knowledge and quick thinking
- No random elements influence the outcome
Stop the Bar Challenges
- Participants must stop a moving bar at the precise moment it reaches the target zone
- Success requires timing, focus, and hand-eye coordination
- The most accurate player wins — determined entirely by precision and skill
- No random elements influence the outcome
Key Principles We Follow
To ensure our competitions remain lawful and fair, we adhere to the following principles:
- Skill determines success — Winners are selected based on performance, not luck
- Transparent scoring — All scoring mechanisms are clearly explained before entry
- Equal opportunity — All participants face the same challenges under the same conditions
- No purchase necessary to play — Free attempts are offered, ensuring no one is required to pay for a chance to compete
- Verifiable results — All scores and rankings can be reviewed and verified
Regulatory Guidance
The Gambling Commission, the regulatory body for gambling in Great Britain, provides guidance on prize competitions. According to their published guidance:
"Competitions where success depends on skill, knowledge or judgment are not lotteries and do not require a licence, provided the competition is conducted fairly."
Win a Brand New fully complies with this guidance.
Summary
Win a Brand New is a lawful skill-based prize competition under UK law. Our competitions:
- Are exempt from gambling regulation under Section 14 of the Gambling Act 2005
- Do not require a gambling licence
- Reward genuine skill, knowledge, and timing — not luck
- Are transparent, fair, and open to all eligible participants
If you have any questions about our legal status or how our competitions work, please visit our FAQ page or contact our support team.
