Thinking about entering BOTB competitions, but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. BOTB, or Best of the Best, is well-known for its car competitions, yet how it all works can seem a bit confusing at first glance.
If you’ve been wondering about the rules, how the competitions run, or what’s involved in taking part, you’re in the right place. From how entries are made to what happens if your spot comes closest to the judges’ decision, this guide covers what you need to know before you decide.
Please remember to play responsibly. If it stops being enjoyable or becomes difficult to manage, support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.
What Types Of BOTB Competitions Are There?
BOTB runs several prize competitions, best known for car giveaways but with other formats appearing from time to time.
The main competition is the Dream Car draw, where you choose from a list of brand-new cars. There is also the Midweek Car competition, which follows the same general idea but is run separately and often features lower ticket prices and a different line-up of vehicles. In both, entries involve a skill-based challenge that uses a sporting photograph.
From time to time, there are special prizes, such as cash, tech or travel. These are clearly shown on the site with their own entry details. Whichever format you choose, you will see the entry process, costs and terms before you join, so you know exactly how that particular competition works.
Once you have a sense of which competition suits you, the next step is understanding how to enter smoothly.
How To Enter BOTB Competitions
Everything takes place online through the official BOTB website. After browsing the live competitions, you pick the one that interests you and select your preferred prize where relevant. Each choice displays its ticket price upfront so you can weigh up the options.
When you proceed, you complete the skill challenge used for that competition. In the car draws, it is the familiar sporting photo challenge mentioned earlier. You can add as many tickets as you like within the stated limits, then review your entries and pay using one of the accepted methods. Before checkout, you will see the closing date and total cost in plain view.
Once payment is confirmed, your entries are recorded and a confirmation is sent to your account and by email. Results follow after judging has taken place, and BOTB’s terms explain how your information is handled and how winners are chosen.
Before jumping in, it helps to know who can take part and what the rules say.
What Are The Entry Rules And Eligibility?
Entrants must be at least 18 years old. Competitions are open to residents of the UK and other allowed countries listed in the official terms, and entries are blocked where participation is not permitted.
Personal details provided at entry must be accurate, as winners are asked to verify their identity and address before any prize is awarded. Employees of BOTB and their immediate family members are not allowed to enter.
There are limits on the number of tickets per competition, which can vary by draw, and payment needs to clear before the stated deadline for entries to count. All of this is set out in the competition rules, which are updated from time to time.
With the basics covered, the natural question is how a winner is picked from all those entries.
How Are Winners Chosen?
BOTB competitions are decided by a skill-based judging process. Entrants view a sporting image where the ball has been removed and place their marker where they believe the centre of the ball should be.
After entries close, a panel of independent judges, typically including former players and referees, reviews the same image. Each judge marks the position they consider correct. These positions are then averaged to produce one final co-ordinate. The entry closest to that final point wins the main prize. If two or more entries are exactly as close as each other, a random draw between those tied entries is used to decide the winner.
Judging sessions are filmed and published so you can see how the conclusion was reached, including the panel’s reasoning and the final placement. Once a provisional winner is identified, BOTB verifies their details before awarding any prize.
Knowing how the decision is made also helps when considering the value of a ticket.
How Much Does It Cost To Enter?
Ticket prices vary according to the competition and the prize. In the Dream Car draw, each car has its own ticket price, generally scaling with the vehicle’s value. As a guide, single tickets often range from around £0.90 to just under £5, with smaller models at the lower end and high-performance cars costing more. The Midweek Car competition usually starts lower, often under £1 per ticket. Cash or lifestyle competitions, when available, have their own clearly stated pricing.
You see the exact cost before you decide to take part, and you are only charged when you confirm and pay at checkout. There are no hidden fees, and you control how many tickets you buy within the allowed limits.
If a prize does come your way, here is what the handover looks like.
Prize Claiming And Verification Process
If your entry is confirmed as the winning one, BOTB contacts you directly using the details on your account, typically by phone and email. Before any prize is released, you are asked to verify your identity and address. This usually involves a photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, along with a recent document showing your address, for example a utility bill or bank statement.
Once checks confirm you meet the age and residency requirements and your details match your entry, the prize process moves ahead. For cars, BOTB guides you through registration and delivery arrangements. For cash and lifestyle prizes, payment or redemption details are provided after verification. In some cases, additional documents may be requested for security.
Everything about claiming and verification is outlined in the official terms, which you can review at any time.
How Can I Track My Entries And Competition Status?
After entering, your online account keeps everything in one place. The My Account area shows your current and past entries, including the competition name, closing dates and a record of your markers for the sporting image challenge. You can also see which competitions are awaiting results and browse previous judging videos and winner announcements to understand past outcomes.
If anything looks out of place or you have a question, the customer service team can help through the online help centre or by email. You can also opt in to email updates so you are notified when results are published.
If you choose to take part, do so within your means. Support is available from GamCare and GambleAware if you ever want independent advice.
**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.