How do I play the game?

What prizes can I win?

You can win £1000 each month in a WorldSpreads spreadbetting account for the best monthly performance, and £2000 in a WorldSpreads spreadbetting account for the largest portfolio at the end of the game.

What are the rules?

How does the short trade work?

As in real trading you will be selling first on the bid price and you will have to buy back within 28 days on the offer price. We will debit the cash equivalent of your initial short from your available funds and credit you account balance with the same after charges and/or stamp duty. Once you have closed this position we will re- credit this amount to your available funds, and debit your account balance the same after profit/loss and charges/stamp duty.

Why are the prices on the "My Account" page not updating?

This page contains static data and does not update the prices automatically. To obtain the latest 15 min delayed figures simply refresh the screen by pressing F5, or click on the "My Account" button on the menu.

When I try to trade it says "Chosen volume does not meet minimum requirements"?

When I try to trade it says "You cannot trade more than 3 times the Normal Market Size"?

What happens if a share is de-listed?

If a company whose shares you hold is de-listed from the Stock Market you will lose all those shares for good. It may sound harsh but that's what happens in real life.

What happens if a share is suspended?

The value of the share will be that as displayed by the London Stock Exchange. In most cases the value will be 0p until it either returns from suspension or the listing is cancelled or put into liquidation.

What happens if there is a company name change?

We will be alerted to any changes and we will automatically change this for you, but if we have missed one please let us know.

What happens if a company pays a dividend?

We will add the value of the dividend to your virtual account balance. If you are short a stock, that has paid a dividend, you will be required to pay back the value of that dividend, we will subtract it from your virtual funds automatically.

What happens when there is a stock split or consolidation?

You will receive the equivalent value of shares at the new price. Entitlements will be calculated by us.

What happens if my stock is taken over by another company?

The value of the shares held at the takeover price (cash equivalent) or the last traded price (whichever is the greater) will be credited to your account. We will be deemed to have closed the position for you.

How often are the league tables updated?

The values and positions in the tables are calculated every 30 minutes during the trading day. The time they were last updated is show on the page.

I have just shorted a stock, why haven't I paid any stamp duty ?

Stamp duty is only charged when a stock is bought. If you short, this is classed as a "sell" and you do not pay stamp duty. But you will be charged when you perform the closing transaction (the "buy back") as this is classed as a "buy". This is the same as in real life.