Guides
Everything you need to know about UK prize competitions — how they work, how to stay safe, and how to compare operators with confidence.
How prize competitions work
A plain-English explainer of entries, qualifying questions, how operators make money, and what your odds actually look like.
Is a prize competition site legit?
A step-by-step checklist for evaluating any UK competition operator — from Companies House to draw history and red-flag language.
Are online raffles legal in the UK?
A high-level overview of how UK law distinguishes prize competitions from lotteries, what the rules mean for players, and where to find official guidance.
Best UK prize competition sites
We don't rank by "best" — we give you the framework: prize types, ticket prices, social proof and payout speed, so you can decide for yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most.
Are prize competitions the same as gambling?
No — under UK law, prize competitions are generally exempt from gambling regulation because they require an element of skill or knowledge to enter (e.g. answering a question). Lotteries, where the winner is drawn purely by chance without a skill element, are regulated gambling. Always read the terms of any competition you enter.
Do I have to pay tax on competition winnings?
In the UK, prizes won from competition draws are generally not subject to Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax for the winner. However, tax rules can be complex — if you win something substantial, it's worth checking with HMRC or a qualified accountant. RaffleCompare does not provide tax advice.
What is a free entry route and why does it matter?
A free entry route (FERE) allows you to enter a competition without paying. Legitimate UK competition operators include one because it helps ensure the competition isn't classified as a lottery (which would require a Gambling Commission licence). If a site doesn't clearly display its free entry route, that's a significant red flag.
How do I check if a UK competition company is real?
The most reliable check is Companies House (find.companieshouse.gov.uk). Look up the company name or number listed in the operator's terms and conditions. Verify it's active and that the registered address matches what the site shows. We also check this manually for every operator in our directory.
How does RaffleCompare make money?
We earn a commission via affiliate links. When you click through to an operator and sign up or purchase entries, we may receive a small commission. This doesn't change the price you pay. Our editorial checks and trust scores are independent of whether an operator has an affiliate relationship with us.
How often are trust checks updated?
We aim to re-check each operator's trust signals periodically. Each operator page shows a 'last checked' date so you can see how fresh the data is. If you spot something outdated, you can contact us and we'll review it.
Can I suggest a new operator for RaffleCompare?
Yes! Use the contact link in the footer to suggest an operator. We'll run our standard checks before adding it to the directory.
Ready to compare operators?
Browse our full directory with trust scores, free entry details and live competition counts.