…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
It’s that time of year again – the Grand National, one of horse racing’s biggest events, is fast approaching.
Many offices around the UK are likely to run sweepstakes for the event, but betting experts have warned that these sweepstakes could be illegal for remote workers.
Betting Expert’s Warning:
Richard Bradley, a gambling regulation expert at Poppleston Allen, has cautioned companies to be cautious when running sweepstakes for the Grand National.
He highlights that while formal gambling activities are heavily regulated by the Gambling Commission, there is an exception that allows the general public to participate in work lotteries for major events such as the Grand National.
Rules for Work Lotteries: The rules for work lotteries are quite clear: physical tickets must be sold, and all players must work in the same office. Contests that run across different office locations of the same company are not allowed.
With more people working remotely from home due to COVID-19, extra care needs to be taken when running a sweepstake for events such as the Grand National.
Potential Legal Issues:
If these rules are not followed, organisers and players could be involved in illegal gambling.
Companies must follow a set of rules when it comes to sweepstakes to avoid falling foul of the Gambling Commission.
Rules for Sweepstakes: The rules for sweepstakes include ensuring that all players pay the same amount for a ticket, that teams are decided by chance, no one can make a profit, and all stakes must be returned as prizes.
An organiser can deduct administration costs for running the contest.
The sweepstake can only be advertised at the work premises, and there must be a winner – the prize cannot be rolled over.
Conclusion: With the Grand National approaching, many offices may want to run sweepstakes for the event.
However, with the increase in remote working, it is essential to follow the rules set out for work lotteries and sweepstakes to avoid potential legal issues.
While sweepstakes can be an enjoyable way to add excitement to major events, it is crucial to follow the regulations and ensure that everyone involved is aware of the rules.