Prizepot › Comping tips: entering UK competitions wisely
Comping tips: entering UK competitions wisely
"Comping" means entering competitions as a hobby. These tips are about doing it safely and sensibly, not about promising wins.
Be realistic
Free competitions can be fun, and some people do win. But there are no guarantees, and no technique makes a chance-based draw more likely to pick you. Treat entries as a hobby that costs you little time and no money, and you will not be disappointed.
Check each competition before entering
- Who is running it? Is the promoter named, with contact details?
- Are the terms visible? They should show how to enter, the closing date, the number and nature of prizes, and who is eligible (ASA, rule 8.17).
- Is it free or paid? If paid, is there a free route? See the free entry route.
- What are you giving? Check what the promoter will do with your email and other details. Entry should not need more than the promotion requires.
- How will the winner be chosen? For a prize draw, look for a random process or independent oversight; for a skill competition, look for a judging process.
Stay organised
- Keep a simple list: competition name, promoter, closing date, date entered, how you entered.
- Save screenshots of the terms in case they change later.
- Note when winners are announced so you do not miss a claim deadline.
- Consider a separate email address for competitions to keep your main inbox clean, and so you can spot unsolicited prize emails.
Protect your details
- Never give bank details, passwords or PINs to enter or claim.
- Be careful about sharing a phone number, home address or date of birth unless the terms explain why.
- Look for how the promoter will use your details and whether you can opt out of marketing.
Paid draws: set a limit
Some prize draws sell tickets. Paying for tickets is spending money for a small chance of winning, and the odds may be long. Set a monthly limit before you start, stick to it and stop if it stops being fun. If you notice you are spending more than planned, take a break. Free support and advice is available from organisations such as GamCare; check their website for current contact details. See prize draw vs competition vs lottery to understand what you are buying.
A simple routine
- Pick a few trusted sources for competitions, such as brands you already use and charities you support.
- Spend a set amount of time each week, then stop.
- Check each new entry against the checklist above.
- Record it, then forget about it until the results date.
Avoid these
- "Winners" who contact you out of the blue; see scam competitions.
- Any request to pay to receive a prize.
- Social posts that offer big prizes for sharing but have no terms; see social media giveaways.
- Entry methods you do not understand or that look designed to collect data.
Entering fairly
Follow the rules. Do not use multiple accounts to beat limits, and do not use bots. Promoters can cancel entries that break the terms, and fraudulent entry can have serious consequences.
If you win
Read claiming your prize and, for large wins, tax on prizes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I increase my chances of winning a prize draw?
In a draw decided by chance, entering more competitions gives more chances, but no technique improves the odds in any single draw. Always follow the entry limits in the terms.
Should I use a separate email for competitions?
Many people do, because it keeps your main inbox clear and makes unexpected prize messages easier to spot.
Is it safe to pay for entries?
Treat paid entries as spending. Set a limit before you begin and stop if it stops being fun.