We call on the Government to increase regulation of giveaway and car competition websites, which we believe are effectively promoting gambling. A quick online search shows just how many companies are profiting from this market.

Many of these websites claim to be skill-based competitions but rely on significant monetary stakes, with outcomes which appear to be mostly based on chance. Some offer a “free entry” option which avoid gambling laws, but this often requires posting a letter, which can be more expensive and inconvenient than simply paying the entry fee. We think this enables these firms to target young people with flashy adverts while encouraging gambling-like behaviour.