168.—(1) Subject to [F1paragraphs (2) and (2A)], it shall be unlawful to conduct in or through any newspaper, or in connection with any trade or business or the sale of any article to the public—
(a)any competition in which prizes are offered for forecasts of the result either—
(i)of a future event; or
(ii)of a past event the result of which is not yet ascertained, or not yet generally known;
(b)any other competition in which success does not depend to a substantial degree on the exercise of skill.
(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) with respect to the conducting of competitions in connection with a trade or business shall apply in relation to totalisator or pool betting operations carried on by a person whose only trade or business is the carrying on of such operations.
[F2(2A) An arrangement is not a competition for the purposes of this Article unless persons are required to pay to participate in the arrangement; and Schedule 15A makes provision about when an arrangement is or is not to be treated for those purposes as requiring persons to pay to participate.]
(3) Any person who contravenes this Article shall, without prejudice to any liability to be proceeded against under Article 132, be guilty of an offence.
F1Words in art. 168(1) substituted (27.4.2022) by Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 14), ss. 12(2), 17(2)