BOTB is a name many people will recognise, especially from online adverts and social media. While the chance to win high-value prizes may be appealing, some may wonder whether taking part is considered a form of gambling.
Understanding how competitions like this are categorised under UK law is beneficial, particularly for those thinking about entering. There are also regulations in place to protect participants, which can affect how these activities are run.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how BOTB works, whether it falls under gambling rules, and what to consider if you’re thinking about getting involved. Read on to learn more.
Getting to Know BOTB
BOTB stands for “Best Of The Best” and is based in Great Britain and typically offers the chance to win high-value prizes such as cars, motorbikes, or other luxury items.
If you’re interested in entering, you would choose your preferred potential prize and pay the entry fee. As part of the process, you’re usually asked to complete a task—this might involve picking a spot on an image or answering a question, depending on the format of the competition.
Winners are chosen based on how closely their entry matches the correct answer or result, which is outlined clearly in the competition rules. Results are generally published on BOTB’s website and sometimes shared on social media.
Each competition is explained in detail on the BOTB site, including the terms and conditions.
BOTB's Place in Gambling Law
In Great Britain, the Gambling Act 2005 defines what counts as gambling, including activities such as betting, gaming, and lotteries.
BOTB runs what are known as ‘prize competitions’. These involve an element of skill, judgment, or knowledge—unlike games of pure chance. For example, in BOTB’s case, entrants are typically asked to complete a task like selecting a spot on an image.
If the outcome of a competition is determined mainly by skill rather than chance, it isn’t considered gambling under UK law. However, if chance plays too large a role, the classification could change.
The UK Gambling Commission is responsible for deciding which activities require a licence. BOTB structures its competitions to meet the legal requirements for games of skill and states that its operations are designed to comply with relevant regulations.
What Are Your True Chances of Winning BOTB?
If you’re thinking about entering a BOTB competition, you might wonder what your chances of winning actually are. In most cases, it comes down to how many people take part in that specific draw.
As mentioned earlier, BOTB competitions are based on skill. You’re usually asked to complete a task—such as selecting the most accurate spot in an image—with the winner being the person whose entry is judged to be the closest by a panel of experts.
You typically won’t know your exact odds before entering, as the number of participants can change right up until the deadline. In general, the more entries there are, the lower the chance of winning with a single entry.
Some people choose to submit multiple entries in the hope of improving their chances. While each entry is judged individually, having more doesn’t guarantee a win.
If you decide to enter, you should set a clear budget and keep track of your spending. BOTB provides guidance on responsible participation, which you can find on their website.
Are BOTB's Prizes Taxable?
If you’re thinking about entering a BOTB competition, you might wonder whether the prizes are taxable. In the UK, prizes won through competitions like those run by BOTB are generally not treated as taxable income.
So, if you were to win a car or another high-value prize, you wouldn’t usually need to pay income tax when receiving it. Under current UK tax rules, individual winnings from competitions or lotteries aren’t taxed in the same way as earnings.
However, tax may become a consideration if you later decide to sell the prize. For example, selling a car you’ve won could mean reviewing whether Capital Gains Tax applies, depending on its value and your personal financial circumstances.
Is BOTB Worth It?
Whether BOTB feels worth it will depend on what you’re looking for. Some people enjoy entering for the chance to win a high-value prize, while others may simply find the process enjoyable.
That said, the chances of winning are generally low, as many people often enter the same competition. If you’re thinking of taking part, it’s worth considering the cost of entry. Paying for more entries might increase the number of chances you have, but it doesn’t guarantee a win.
You should look at your own budget and only spend what you’d be comfortable losing. For some, the enjoyment of entering is enough—but everyday priorities and essential spending should always come first.
BOTB makes its competition details clear and offers advice to help you set responsible limits. If you do choose to take part, using the available tools and guidance can help you manage your play.
In the end, it comes down to using the information provided and your own judgment to decide what works best for your circumstances.
**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.