Work sweepstakes: Gambling awareness in the workplace

Workplace sweepstakes – often seen around major sporting events such as the Grand National, World Cup, or Wimbledon – are a familiar and much-loved feature in many UK workplaces. They’re usually light-hearted, boosting morale, encouraging connection, and sparking a bit of friendly competition.

However, it’s important for both employers and employees to be mindful of the legal and ethical boundaries around workplace gambling and to promote gambling awareness as part of a responsible work culture.

What is a workplace sweepstake?

A sweepstake is a form of gambling where participants contribute a stake (usually money) for a chance to win a prize, often based on the outcome of an event (e.g., a horse race or football tournament). Each participant is randomly assigned a competitor or outcome, and the winner takes the prize pot.

It might feel informal, but sweepstakes are still classed as a form of gambling under UK law. That’s why it’s worth taking a moment to ensure everything is set up properly, not just to stay compliant, but also to keep things fair and protect your team’s wellbeing.

Legal considerations

When set up properly, workplace sweepstakes can be a fun and legal way to bring a team together. They’re classed as an exempt lottery under the Gambling Act 2005.

However, if a few key conditions aren’t followed, organisers could accidentally find themselves on the wrong side of gambling laws. A little care upfront goes a long way in keeping things safe, fair, and above board.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, certain types of gambling are regulated by the Gambling Commission. Workplace sweepstakes, though, are generally permitted without a licence, provided they meet specific conditions:

• The sweepstake must be limited to people who work at the same premises.
• No profit can be made by the organiser, all money collected must go towards prizes or reasonable costs.
• Tickets or entries can only be sold to colleagues, not the public.
• There can be no rollover of prizes to future sweepstakes.

You can find out more about this on the Gambling Commission website.

Promoting gambling awareness

While sweepstakes can be a fun part of workplace culture, they also highlight the need for gambling awareness. With growing concerns around gambling-related harm, a little thoughtfulness can go a long way in ensuring everyone feels safe, included, and supported.

Employers have a duty of care to their employees and should be mindful that:

• Not all employees may wish to take part, whether due to personal beliefs, financial concerns, or past gambling issues.
• Peer pressure to participate can create discomfort or a sense of exclusion.
• Regular or high-stakes gambling can contribute to problematic behaviours.

Best practice for employers

To promote a safe and inclusive approach, employers might consider the following:

• Keep it low stakes: Limit entry fees to a nominal amount to ensure it remains light-hearted.
• Emphasise optional participation: Make clear that involvement is voluntary, and ensure non-participants are not excluded from related social activity.
• Provide information: Share resources from organisations as part of a wider wellbeing initiative like GamCare and BeGambleAware.
• Monitor frequency: Avoid sweepstakes becoming a frequent or normalised feature of work life.
• Equal opportunity: Ensure all employees (including remote or part-time staff) have a fair opportunity to take part if they wish.

A balanced approach

It’s all about balance. When run legally and with care, sweepstakes can be a great way to boost team spirit and bring a bit of fun into the workplace. But employers also have an important role to play, ensuring participation is always voluntary, promoting gambling awareness, and weaving these activities into a wider culture of wellbeing and inclusion.

That way, everyone can enjoy them, knowing they’re safe and supportive for all.

We can help

Wondering if your team can run a sweepstake, or dealing with the drama if it backfires? You’re not alone. Every day, SafeHR helps hundreds of businesses navigate the nitty-gritty: from quirky team traditions to unexpected HR headaches. No question too small, no issue too awkward.