Responsible Play

Competitions should be fun, not a financial strategy. Please read this before entering.

The basics

• 18+ only. Almost every paid prize draw in the UK requires you to be 18 or over.
• Nobody is guaranteed to win. Even short-odds competitions are still odds. Treat every ticket as money spent, not invested.
• Set a budget. Decide what you can afford to lose each month and stop when you reach it. Many platforms offer spending limits in your account settings — use them.

Prize draws, skill competitions, and lotteries

Most UK prize competitions include a skill question or a free postal entry route, which keeps them outside gambling regulation. The National Lottery and similar games are regulated gambling. Either way, the practical advice is the same: only spend what you'd happily lose.

Free entry routes

Many paid competitions are legally required to offer a free postal entry route with an equal chance of winning. Check the competition's terms and conditions — it's usually listed under "free entry" or "postal entry".

If it stops being fun

If you're spending more than you planned, chasing losses, or hiding entries from people close to you, please take a break and talk to someone. Free, confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org or by calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24/7).