BOTB (Best of the Best) is widely recognised for running competitions where cars and other potential prizes are awarded, yet questions often arise about how these competitions fit within UK law.
If you choose to take part, you may notice that discussion often centres on whether BOTB falls within the definition of gambling, how entries are judged, and why that distinction matters for participants.
This blog post outlines how BOTB competitions generally operate, how legal principles in the UK are applied, and how prizes and outcomes are viewed. It also refers to practical considerations for anyone thinking about entering, including reminders about responsible participation.
Read on to learn more.
What Is BOTB and How Does It Work?
BOTB, short for Best of the Best, runs prize competitions that are open to eligible UK residents. If you choose to enter, you pay an entry fee for an opportunity to win prizes such as cars, cash alternatives, or other items, depending on the specific competition.
Entries are usually submitted online and involve answering a question that requires judgement. A commonly used format features a photograph from a football match with the ball removed. Entrants are asked to decide where an object was positioned within the image.
After entries close, submissions are reviewed and a winner is selected. The method used to decide this outcome is set out in the competition rules, alongside details of any additional prizes that might be offered.
The rules also explain eligibility criteria, prize descriptions, and how results are announced. Becoming familiar with this information early helps clarify the nature of the competition if you decide to take part.
Is Entering BOTB Considered Gambling in the UK?
Whether entering BOTB is treated as gambling under UK law depends on how the competition is arranged and how outcomes are determined.
UK legislation focuses on paid-entry activities where prizes are awarded. Activities decided mainly by chance fall into categories such as lotteries or games of chance, which are regulated under the Gambling Act 2005.
Prize competitions are viewed differently if they require genuine skill, knowledge, or judgement. BOTB presents its competitions on this basis, meaning entrants are expected to make reasoned decisions rather than selecting options at random.
Later sections describe how regulators assess this distinction in more detail. For anyone considering entry, it remains important not to assume that all competitions are treated in the same way. Reviewing the current rules for the specific competition you are considering is essential.
Are BOTB Prizes Regulated by UK Gambling Laws?
How prizes are regulated follows from how the competition itself is classified. If an activity were to fall under gambling legislation, additional regulatory requirements would apply to the operator.
Where a competition is treated as a prize competition instead, different rules apply. This does not mean there is no oversight. Consumer protection law, advertising standards, and general trading regulations still apply to how competitions are run and promoted.
As an entrant, you should see clear terms and conditions. These explain what the prize includes, whether a cash alternative is offered, and how prizes are delivered. They also set out eligibility rules, including age and residency requirements.
Reading these terms carefully before entering helps reduce misunderstandings later, particularly in relation to prize substitutions or conditions linked to accepting a prize.
How Do Skill and Chance Affect BOTB Entries?
Earlier sections noted that BOTB competitions involve judgement. This point can be explained in more detail.
If you choose to enter, you are asked to analyse an image and decide where to place your marker. This draws on observation, reasoning, and spatial awareness rather than random selection.
After entries are submitted, a judging panel reviews them. The panel agrees on a reference point that they believe best represents the correct position in the image. Each entry is then measured against that agreed point.
Because this reference point is determined by people rather than an objective measurement taken at the time, there is an element of uncertainty. Even a carefully considered entry might not align with the judges’ conclusion.
Understanding this interaction helps set realistic expectations. Thought and care may influence an entry, but outcomes are not guaranteed. For this reason, participation is best viewed as a form of entertainment rather than a way to generate income.
How to Stay Within the Law When Participating in BOTB
To take part in BOTB competitions, you must be aged 18 or over. Proof of age might be requested, particularly prior to a prize being awarded.
If you are considering entry, reading the terms and conditions for each competition is essential. These explain entry limits, judging processes, tie-break arrangements, and the procedure used if a winner cannot be contacted.
You should only use your own personal details and payment methods. Providing incorrect information or using multiple accounts may result in disqualification.
From a personal perspective, it is sensible to decide in advance how much you are prepared to spend if you choose to play and to stay within that amount. Avoid pursuing outcomes or entering more often than originally planned.
By understanding how BOTB works, how UK law approaches different competition formats, and by approaching entry thoughtfully, you are better placed to make informed decisions about whether and how to take part responsibly.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.