BOTB – Spot The Ball And Your Chances
Ever seen someone win a brand-new car by clicking on a photo of a football match?
That’s exactly what happens in BOTB’s Spot the Ball competitions. But how does it really work, and what are your chances of winning?
This blog breaks down everything from how BOTB operates, to what goes on behind the scenes when winners are chosen.
If you’re new to skilled prize competitions, you might find this a simple and useful guide. Whether you’re curious about the judging process, entry costs, or whether it’s fair, you’ll find clear and up-to-date answers here. Let’s take a closer look.
Overview Of BOTB’s Popularity
BOTB, short for Best of the Best, has been running skill-based competitions in the UK since 1999. Originally seen at airports and shopping centres, it now operates fully online.
The main competition is called the Dream Car draw, where you select the car you want and take part in a Spot the Ball challenge. You’re not guessing randomly—you use visual clues in a football photo to mark where you think the centre of the ball was before it was removed.
BOTB has attracted thousands of players. As of 2025, it has awarded over £95 million worth of prizes, including luxury cars, high-end watches, holidays, and cash alternatives.
Ticket prices range from around 40p up to several pounds, depending on the potential prize. The car selection often features over 150 models at a time. Prizes change frequently, so it may be worth checking the website if you’re considering entering.
Playing Spot The Ball Step By Step
Entering is straightforward. Head to the BOTB website and register an account. You must be at least 18 and live in an eligible country. Choose a competition type—for example, Dream Car or Midweek Lifestyle. Then select the prize you want to play for.
After choosing your potential prize, pick how many tickets to buy. Each ticket gives you a chance to mark one position on the photo. Prices can vary by prize, but most tickets cost between £0.40 and £5. You then place your marker where you believe the centre of the football should be.
Once you’re happy with your selections, proceed to checkout. BOTB accepts standard UK payment methods. Your entries are locked in once payment is confirmed. You cannot view or edit guesses afterwards. Each competition has a closing time, so be sure to check the deadline before playing.
Odds: What Should You Expect?
BOTB Spot the Ball competitions are based on skill, not chance. However, the outcome still depends on how closely your selection matches a judged “correct” spot.
For Dream Car competitions, typical ticket entries range between 100,000 and 200,000. This means with one ticket, you might face odds of roughly 1 in 100,000–200,000, though actual figures vary.
There is no guaranteed strategy. Buying more tickets allows for more guesses, but does not ensure a win. Some players choose to cluster their guesses in a small area to try and improve their chances. Others spread them out. The best choice depends on your personal approach.
Different competition types on BOTB, such as Instant Win or Lifestyle, may involve a different entry volume. These are often based on multiple-choice questions or simpler formats. All current odds, ticket costs, and possible prize details should be shown before checkout.
Winner Selection Insights
After a competition closes, a judging panel of experienced professionals—usually ex-footballers and referees—reviews the same football photo used during the competition. Each judge independently marks where they believe the ball was before it was digitally removed.
These individual selections are then reviewed together to calculate a central winning coordinate. The player whose guess is nearest to this spot wins the main prize. This process is recorded and published by BOTB to ensure fairness and transparency. In the rare event of a tie, BOTB uses a tie-break system, which should be outlined in their terms and conditions.
There are also smaller possible prizes. Runners-up often receive BOTB Credit, which can be used toward future entries. All outcomes are confirmed publicly and winners are contacted directly by the BOTB team.
Is Cheating Possible?
BOTB uses several security checks to prevent cheating. Once you submit your guess, it is locked in and cannot be edited. You also cannot see any other player’s choices. Judges are independent and do not have access to entry data during the judging process.
BOTB also monitors entries for any suspicious activity, such as automated bots or duplicate accounts. If an entry is flagged for irregular behaviour, it may be disqualified in line with the site’s terms. They also use digital tools to verify that each entry is submitted fairly.
Is BOTB Rigged?
It’s understandable to question whether a competition offering high-value prizes is fair. BOTB states that all its competitions are skill-based and comply with UK law. Unlike random draws or gambling-based games, Spot the Ball competitions are designed to reward judgement and reasoning.
The judging process is filmed and available to watch online. This helps provide transparency. Judges do not see each other’s guesses when placing their markers. All decisions are overseen by an independent auditing firm, which further supports integrity.
While outcomes vary and many entrants won’t win, BOTB does publish the names and results of past winners. These are shown on their website and social media channels.
How Prizes Reach Winners
If you win a competition, BOTB should contact you directly. High-value prizes, such as cars, may be delivered in person or arranged for collection. Winners may also have the option to take a cash alternative, which is paid in £s to a verified UK bank account.
Other types of prizes, like watches, holidays, or electronics, are usually delivered by secure post or electronically. Before receiving any prize, you will be asked to verify your identity and confirm your eligibility under BOTB’s rules.
Winners should receive clear instructions on how to claim their prizes. All details are outlined in the terms and conditions of each competition. It may be worth reviewing those before entering to understand exactly how the process works.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.