If you’ve spent time online in the UK, you might have come across BOTB, either through advertising or recommendations. It may appear straightforward at first, but the format is not always immediately clear.
Some view it as based on chance, while others consider it to involve elements of skill. So where does BOTB fall—chance or skill? This article explores whether BOTB qualifies as a gambling activity or a skill-based competition.
What Is BOTB?
BOTB (Best Of The Best) is a UK-based company that offers prize competitions. Founded in 1999, it operates primarily through its online platform.
Players select a prize and pay to enter a competition. Entry prices vary by prize, typically starting from 95p and increasing depending on the value of the prize, with some costing up to £20.
Each competition involves a “Spot the Ball” challenge. You are shown a photo from a football match with the ball digitally removed. Your task is to use visual cues—such as the players’ gaze and body position—to estimate where the centre of the ball was.
Entries are judged by a panel of individuals with football experience. They assess the same image and reach a collective decision on where the centre of the ball is most likely to have been. The winning entry is the one that most closely matches this judged position.
BOTB shares details of the judging process on its website, including video footage of the panel’s discussion. A qualified lawyer is also present to oversee the process. Competitions are capped at 120 entries per prize, and there is no free entry route available.
Skill vs. Chance in BOTB
Understanding how skill and chance apply could be useful when evaluating competitions. In many games of chance, such as roulette or lotteries, outcomes are determined by random processes.
BOTB’s format introduces an element of individual judgement. You are required to make an informed estimate based on an altered football image. The judging panel selects a position they believe best matches the removed ball’s location.
You may find that your football knowledge or observational ability influences how close you get. However, outcomes are not based on fixed answers but on matching the panel’s chosen spot. This introduces some unpredictability, even though skill plays a role in each entry.
Is Playing BOTB Gambling?
Under UK law, gambling involves paying to enter an activity where the outcome is based largely on chance. These include activities such as betting or lotteries. These are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and require a licence.
BOTB operates differently. It offers paid-entry prize competitions based on judgement rather than random outcomes. Because the outcome depends on the panel’s skill-based decision, BOTB is treated as a prize competition under UK law and is not licensed as a gambling operator. This type of format does not fall under traditional gambling regulation.
Chances of Winning BOTB Explained
The number of entries per competition is capped at 120 per prize. However, the likelihood of winning isn’t fixed. It depends on how closely your chosen position matches the final judged location.
Unlike random draws, where each entry holds an identical statistical chance, outcomes in BOTB rely on accuracy. Some participants purchase more than one entry to submit multiple guesses. Even so, there are no published odds.
Each competition is unique, and results are based on judgement, not randomisation. The BOTB website shows past winners but does not publish odds or probabilities.
Tax Rules on Winning BOTB
If you win a prize through BOTB, this can raise questions around tax. In most cases, prizes from UK competitions are not classed as taxable income by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This includes both cash prizes and physical items such as cars.
If you choose to sell a prize later, tax may apply depending on the value. For example, personal possessions sold for under £6,000 are generally not subject to Capital Gains Tax. Higher-value items or special circumstances could differ, so checking HMRC guidance or seeking financial advice might be helpful.
If a prize affects your financial situation or benefits status, that may also be worth reviewing. However, most one-off prizes are not taxed in the UK.
BOTB vs The Lottery
BOTB and the National Lottery both require payment to enter, but how they operate is different.
The National Lottery involves selecting numbers for a draw. These numbers are chosen by Random Number Generators (RNGs). All entries have equal odds, and there is no influence over the outcome.
With BOTB, your outcome depends on how accurately your selected position matches that of a judging panel. This introduces a level of observational skill, which is not part of random draw formats.
Understanding how each option works can help you decide whether a skill-based or random format suits your preferences.
**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.