Ad description
A competition on Facebook to win a Scottish title stated "COMPETITION TIME!!! Fancy yourself as a Laird or Lady or know someone who deserves a title? TO WIN a 'Become a Laird or Lady' Gift Tin LIKE our Facebook Page and SHARE this post now to be in with a chance! COMPETITION CLOSES MONDAY 20TH JAN AT NOON".
Issue
The complainant challenged whether the competition had been administered fairly, because they did not believe the winner was selected randomly.
Response
Present Minded said the winner was chosen at random on a spreadsheet application using the random function formula which is used to generate random numbers. They explained that a random number was generated next to each entrant and the winner was the entrant with the highest number that was generated randomly by the spreadsheet. Present Minded provided us with a screenshot of the spreadsheet, which showed the entrants to the competition alongside their randomly generated numbers. The winner with the highest number was highlighted. Present Minded said they believed the competition was carried out fairly.
Assessment
Not upheld
We understood that the complainant believed the competition had not been administered fairly, because they believed the winner had not been selected at random. However, Present Minded had provided us with screenshot of a spreadsheet dated 21 January 2014, which showed that a random function formula had generated a number next to each entrant and the entrant with the highest number had been selected as the winner of the competition. Because a winner had been selected at random by a computer process we therefore concluded the competition had been administered fairly.
We investigated the ad under CAP Code (Edition 12) rules 8.2 8.2 Promoters must conduct their promotions equitably, promptly and efficiently and be seen to deal fairly and honourably with participants and potential participants. Promoters must avoid causing unnecessary disappointment. & 8.24 8.24 Promoters of prize draws must ensure that prizes are awarded in accordance with the laws of chance and, unless winners are selected by a computer process that produces verifiably random results, by an independent person, or under the supervision of an independent person. (Sales promotions), but did not find a breach.
Action
No further action necessary.
