What's the difference between a Game of Chance and a Game of Skill Trade Promotion?

Game of Chance

When all competition entrants have an equal chance of winning, then the trade promotion is considered a game of chance. The winners are selected at random, usually as a result of a computer-generated selection, and skill plays no element in the winner determination. Most game of chance competitions are regulated separately by each Australian state and territory, and some will require permits from the corresponding state or territory authority to ensure the competitions conform to their requirements and to give the final green light to go ahead.

Game of chance competitions can take many forms: a classic prize draw, instant wins, and sweepstakes, with various entry mechanics whether that be via SMS, online or in app.

An excellent example of a game of chance competition was Sunrise’s Million Dollar Dig. Over the course of nine days, viewers were invited to text in their full name, address, state, and postcode to an Ansible owned SMS number which were then all put into a random draw to decide the winner who then went on to participate in a live Sunrise event. This competition required minimal effort from entrants and led to thousand of people entering for that chance to win!

Game of Skill

A game of skill trade promotion entails the competition winner being determined entirely by skill. The classic example of a game of skill is where the entrant must state in 25 words or less why they believe they should win the prize. A judging panel will then read through all entries and, based on specific criteria (e.g. the most creative answer), select a winner. Unlike game of chance competitions, game of skill competitions do not need a permit to be run.

Game of skill competitions could look like prize judging, surveys, quizzes, and social media contests- mainly which online, social or in app entry mechanics.

An example of a fun and engaging game of skill competition was Seven Network's Holey Moley Trick Shot. Over a month’s period, Seven asked Holy Moly fans to take either a photo or video of them doing their best backyard or mini golf course trick shot and then to upload them to a landing page via the Seven website. At the conclusion of the competition Ansible was engaged by Seven to conduct the prize judging to determine the most creative, difficult, and impressive trick shot’s that would ultimately be crowned the winners of the competition.