Gambling Key issues the competition, or to establish the system used to allocate prizes you have won, or to collect a does not differ between the two prize), or entry routes. there is an alternative free Consequences of running an method of entry. illegal lottery The GA states that ‘payment’ An individual or business involved in includes paying money or paying promoting or facilitating an illegal more for something to reflect lottery (which includes a contest the opportunity to enter the which is, in fact, a lottery) is guilty of prize contest. So, for example, if a criminal offence under Part 11 of promotional and non-promotional the GA, and, on conviction, is liable packs of a product (say a boxed to a fine of up to GBP5,000 and/ video game) cost the same, there or imprisonment for up to 51 weeks will be no payment. Even if there is a (England and Wales) or six months paid route to enter, a competition will (Scotland). These sanctions are, of be treated as free to enter if there course, a worst-case scenario, but is an alternative free entry method, the bad publicity that could result provided that: from running a contest which is the alternative method is a letter deemed to be an illegal lottery could sent by ordinary post or some be substantial. If the Commission other form of communication considers that there is an illegal which is neither more expensive lottery and it’s unable to reach nor less convenient than the paid- an appropriate outcome through for method discussions with the operator, the the choice is publicised in such a Commission states in its guidance way as to be likely to come to the that it reserves the right to initiate attention of all those who propose criminal proceedings. to participate, and 145