Prize Competition Council Appoints Tom Banks as First Executive Director

The Prize Competition Council (PCC) has appointed Tom Banks as its first Executive Director. Banks will support operators in meeting the requirements of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators. He will also drive membership growth and represent the sector in engagements with government, regulators and the media.

It comes four months after the PCC was established in June. The trade association has expanded from eight founding members to 65 members. According to Lottery Daily, the PCC formed to provide a collective voice for the prize competition market as scrutiny of the sector continues.

The PCC’s launch followed 438 reports of suspected illegal lotteries in 2025 by the Gambling Commission, alongside 544 reports of society lotteries presenting themselves as free draws and prize competitions.

Banks’ Background in Public Affairs and Regulation

Banks brings more than 13 years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications and reputation management. He spent two years as a Communications and Campaign Manager for the Conservative Party under David Cameron. Banks then advised Kindred for four years as a consultant at Public First before joining the company in-house for a further four years. He remained with the business after its acquisition by FDJ United and became Head of External Relations.

“Millions of people across the UK enter prize draws and competitions each year. The Prize Competition Council has an important role in explaining how the market works, championing responsible operators and making sure the sector’s voice is heard when decisions affecting it are made,” Banks said. “My first priority will be listening to members and supporting their work under the DCMS Code. I also want us to make a confident case for the sector by showing the standards responsible operators uphold, explaining how prize competitions work and representing the people who choose to take part. That means engaging early and constructively with government, regulators and the media while continuing to raise standards across the market. I’m looking forward to working with George, the board and our members.”

The PCC’s Early Priorities Under New Leadership

George McGregor, elected as the Independent Chair of the PCC, stated that Banks’ experience working with public sector businesses stands him in good stead. McGregor said: “The PCC now represents 65 members, and supporting them with the requirements of the DCMS Code is our immediate priority. Tom brings experience of explaining complex regulatory issues to government, regulators and the media across the UK and Europe. He understands the scrutiny facing businesses that serve the public and the need to support what they say with evidence. That experience will help PCC represent our members and explain how responsible prize competition operators work. I’m very pleased to welcome him as Executive Director.”

This appointment occurs while the PCC remains in an embryonic phase. The focus on evidence-based representation and standards carries direct weight given the volume of regulatory reports the sector faces. Operators will see whether this leadership structure produces more coordinated responses to policy and enforcement developments.

Reporting: Lottery Daily

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