Code of Practice on Top Prize Management

Version 13 – July 2022

• Introduction

  This Code of Practice on Top Prize Management (“the Code”) for Scratchcard games has been approved by Gambling Commission (“the Commission”) under Condition 7.15 of the Section 5 Licence. The Code covers the process which applies to the communication of Scratchcard Top Prize information to National Lottery players (including all forms of advertising). A Top Prize refers to the highest value which is available to be won on a Scratchcard game.

  Detailed information of the prizes which are available to be won at the start of each game shall be provided in the Scratchcard Game Procedures (available at retailers, www.national-lottery.co.uk or by contacting the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 50 50 (Calls cost no more than calls to 01 and 02 numbers. If your phone tariff offers inclusive calls to landlines, calls to 03 numbers will be included on the same basis). Point of Sale (player-facing material distributed by Camelot UK Lotteries Limited (“Camelot”) for display at retailers) shall indicate how players can find out the number of prizes yet to be claimed for an individual game in a visible way.

  In all cases, once a Scratchcard game is removed from sale, Camelot shall instruct retailers to remove any advertising material which refers to prizes. Camelot shall take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that retailers comply with such instructions.

  To continue providing players with the best possible choice of games and to maximise the returns to Good Causes, we have made some changes to the way we administer the Code of Practice for Top Prize Management.

  The following changes have been approved by the Gambling Commission:

  • 1. The number of top prizes at launch has been removed from the front of ticket on some of the Category C Scratchcards – this means that we will not communicate inaccurate information to players. The number of top prizes changes whenever a prize has been claimed and information is updated on the National Lottery website daily.
  • 2. We have introduced the option to reorder Category C games – this means that we may replenish Scratchcard stock to ensure that we are able to continue providing popular games to players with even more prizes available to be won.
  • 3. The Code was reviewed and the wording simplified – this is to ensure that Players understand what the Code means for them and the various steps we take to make exciting top prizes available for all our games.
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• Categories of Scratchcards

  Scratchcards shall be allocated into three categories (A, B and C) dependent on the value of the Top Prize, or prizes that may be won. If Camelot plans to launch a Scratchcard game that does not fit within any of these categories, then it shall, propose a revision to the Code which is subject to Commission approval prior to the launch of that game.

  Categories of Scratchcards

  Category	A	B	C
  Definition	Games which offer cash Top prizes, or Regular Payment Prizes with a combined total value of less than £121,000. A Regular Payment Prize refers to a cash prize where payment is spread over a period of no more than 12 months, as specified in the relevant Game Specific Rules. The prize may be paid in fixed equal weekly or monthly cash instalments. Players choose games in this category based on price, colour/visuals, and standout, with Top Prize a later consideration.	Games which offer cash Top Prizes and/or Non-Cash Prizes with a combined total value of less than £121,000. A Non-Cash Prize refers to any prize that includes an element that is not payable in cash, which does not negatively impact the image or reputation of The National Lottery. Players choose games in this category based on the chance to win either the Non-Cash Prize or the cash Top Prize.	Games which offer cash Top Prizes, Non-Cash Prizes, Regular Payment Prizes and/or Annuity Prizes with a combined value of £121,000 or more. A Regular Payment Prize refers to a cash prize where payment is spread over a period of no more than 12 months, as specified in the relevant Game Specific Rules. The prize may be paid in fixed equal weekly or monthly cash instalments. An Annuity Prize refers to a cash prize where payment is spread over fixed equal annual cash payments for the period specified in the relevant Game Specific Rules. Players choose games in this category based on prizes and expect that they can win one of the Top Prizes.
  Terms	Scratchcards in this category may remain on sale whether or not a Top Prize remains to be claimed. Each game in this category shall have no fewer than 5 Top Prizes.	Scratchcards in this category can remain on sale whilst there is at least one of either the top cash prize or non-cash prize (whichever is higher in value) is available to be won. Once the last Non-Cash Prize or cash Top Prize (whichever is the last remaining) has been validated, Camelot will, within 24 hours, prevent further activations of the game being made. After this date retailers shall be permitted to sell Scratchcards that have already been activated. Unactivated packs shall be removed from retailers at the next game collection.	Once the last Top Prize has been validated, Camelot shall, within 24 hours, prevent further activations from taking place. After this date retailers shall be permitted to sell Scratchcards that have already been activated. Unactivated packs shall be removed from retailers at the next game collection.
  Communication	For any game falling under Category A, advertising can refer to the Top Prize available in the game, provided that a Top Prize can still be won. If the last cash Top Prize and/or Regular Payment prize is validated whilst Top Prize POS is still in-store, or Top Prize advertising is still on air, Camelot must ensure that the messages are changed accordingly. In the case of digital advertising, this shall be done within 24 hours. In the case of printed advertising at retailers, Camelot shall communicate to retailers to remove the items within 10 working days and take reasonable steps to ensure retailers comply with the instruction. Camelot shall also take the following steps to inform players and retailers: The National Lottery Line shall communicate the message to all relevant callers. www.national-lottery.co.uk shall be updated within 1 working day.	For any game falling under Category B, advertising can refer to the Non-Cash Prize or cash Top Prize available in the game, provided that a Non-Cash Prize or Cash Top Prize can still be won. If the last Non-Cash Prize or cash Top Prize is validated whilst POS is still in-store, or advertising is still on air, Camelot must ensure that the messages are changed accordingly. In the case of digital advertising, this shall be done within 24 hours. In the case of printed advertising at retailers, Camelot shall communicate to retailers to remove the items within 10 working days and take reasonable steps to ensure retailers comply with the instruction. Camelot shall also take the following steps to inform players and retailers: The National Lottery Line shall communicate the message to all relevant callers. www.national-lottery.co.uk shall be updated within 1 working day. E-media digital screens shall be updated within 48 hours. Please note: In the event of a last Top Prize validation occurring on the last working day of the week, e-media digital screens will be updated on the 2nd working day of the following week. Terminal message with screensaver shall be sent to retailers within 48 hours. Camelot will use best endeavours to communicate a terminal message within 24 hours, unless there is a high-priority communication already in place. Follow-up Terminal message with screensaver shall be sent to retailers reminding them to sell through activated stock. Summary in Bi-monthly Jackpot Magazine. Retailer Planogram when they receive new stock. Contact Centre staff informed within 24 hours. Sales Team shall be informed and shall update retailers and multiple head office accounts directly. An A4 poster will be sent to all retailers that do not have a media screen within 10 working days of validation. Camelot shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the poster is displayed by these retailers.	For any game falling under Category C, advertising can refer to the Top Prize available in the game, provided that a Top Prize can still be won. If the last Non-Cash Prize, cash Top Prize, Regular Payment or Annuity Prize is validated whilst POS is still in-store, or advertising is still on air, Camelot must ensure that the messages are changed accordingly. In the case of digital advertising, this shall be done within 24 hours. In the case of printed advertising at retailers, Camelot shall communicate to retailers to remove the items within 10 working days and take reasonable steps to ensure retailers comply with the instruction. Camelot shall also take the following steps to inform players and retailers: The National Lottery Line shall communicate the message to all relevant callers. www.national-lottery.co.uk shall be updated within 1 working day. E-media digital screens shall be updated within 48 hours. Please note: In the event of a last Top Prize validation occurring on the last working day of the week, e-media digital screens will be updated on the 2nd working day of the following week. Terminal message with screensaver shall be sent to retailers within 48 hours. Camelot will use best endeavours to communicate a terminal message within 24 hours, unless there is a high-priority communication already in place. Follow-up Terminal message with screensaver shall be sent to retailers reminding them to sell through activated stock. Summary in Bi-monthly Jackpot Magazine. Retailer Planogram when they receive new stock. Contact Centre staff informed within 24 hours. Sales Team shall be informed and shall update retailers and multiple head office accounts directly. An A4 poster will be sent to all retailers that do not have a media screen within 10 working days of validation. Camelot shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the poster is displayed by these retailers.

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