If you've seen BOTB featured online, you might be unsure whether it’s classed as gambling or a competition. Some describe it as a game of skill, while others compare it to gambling-style play. It can be unclear, especially if you're new to prize-based platforms.
This article looks into how BOTB works and outlines why there’s debate around its classification. If you're considering taking part, the sections below provide a straightforward breakdown of how the platform operates.
BOTB Explained: How Does It Work?
BOTB stands for “Best of the Best”. Since 1999, it has offered paid entry competitions in the UK. Prizes include vehicles, cash, and lifestyle goods. You take part by selecting a spot on a photo—usually an image from a football match where the ball is digitally removed. You try to choose the location where you believe the centre of the ball was.
You pay per entry, with ticket prices starting at a few pounds. The amount may vary depending on the specific prize or how many tickets you buy. Once your spot is selected, you’re asked to complete a short process before finalising your entry.
When the competition ends, a judging panel assesses the image. They determine the most accurate position for the ball based on their expertise. The winning entry is the one placed nearest to the panel’s agreed location. Winners are then published on BOTB’s site. Each competition features different prizes and entry conditions, so it could be worth reviewing the rules in full before entering.
How Gambling Laws View BOTB
The Gambling Act 2005 defines whether a product falls under gambling law in Great Britain. A key distinction is whether success in a game is determined by skill or chance. Games that are mostly based on chance require a gambling licence. Games that are classed as competitions of skill do not.
BOTB is set up as a prize competition. The outcome depends on how close your guess is to the panel’s chosen position on the image. This requires observation and decision-making, which brings it under the category of skill-based competition.
However, it is important to note that under UK law, competitions that charge for entry must offer a free method of entry if there is any element of chance involved. This is to ensure the activity does not fall under the definition of an unlawful lottery. BOTB does not currently offer a free entry route that meets these criteria. As such, it may not meet the full requirements for exemption from gambling laws.
Understanding Winning Odds on BOTB
Your chance of winning a BOTB competition depends on how close your chosen point is to the position selected by the judging panel. If many people enter, the number of possible outcomes increases. If, for example, 100,000 entries are submitted and you have one, your odds are 1 in 100,000.
The number of entrants is not disclosed for every competition. This means your actual odds are not always visible. Buying more tickets can increase your entries, but it also increases your total cost. The result is determined by the judging panel’s decision rather than any random draw.
Do BOTB Winners Pay Tax?
In the UK, prizes from competitions like BOTB are not subject to Income Tax. If you win a car or cash prize, the value is not classed as income. BOTB includes delivery and VAT where applicable.
If you later choose to sell a prize, such as a car, you may need to consider Capital Gains Tax. This usually only applies to rare or high-value items that exceed the annual exemption threshold. Most standard vehicles fall below this limit. You could check with HMRC or a financial adviser if you're unsure.
If you receive a prize that increases your personal savings, this may affect eligibility for means-tested benefits. Changes in financial circumstances can impact how certain benefits are calculated.
What Sets BOTB Apart From Gambling Sites?
BOTB operates differently from online gambling websites. Its outcome is based on a judging process rather than random number generation or game algorithms. This makes it separate from products such as slots, bingo, or betting.
UK gambling sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to provide regulated games of chance. BOTB positions itself under prize competition rules, which require that success depends on genuine skill. This influences how the platform is regulated and how outcomes are determined.
Prizes from gambling sites usually involve monetary winnings or bonuses, while BOTB offers physical prizes or cash alternatives. These differences could be useful to consider when comparing platforms.
BOTB Strategy: What’s The Best Way To Play?
Taking part in BOTB involves selecting the point where you think the centre of a missing ball should be in a photograph. While this is based on visual assessment, there remains an element of chance. The final outcome is determined by the judging panel, whose decision reflects their own interpretation of the image rather than a fixed or factual answer.
Some participants consider the direction of players’ eyes or body positions to guide their choice. Others review past judging decisions for insight. However, there is no ‘best’ method to apply, as each panel’s decision can vary. The outcome cannot be predicted or guaranteed in advance.
You can choose to enter multiple times, with each entry priced individually- however this can result in larger spending with no guarantee of a win. Planning your spend in advance could help manage participation responsibly. As the result depends on subjective judgement, there is no way to ensure a win.
**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.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.