Responsible Play & 18+

1. Why we're 18+ only

Although UK prize competitions are not legally classed as gambling when run lawfully (see below), the operators we list typically require entrants to be 18 or older, and we treat the Service the same way. Some categories — particularly paid-entry car, cash, and luxury-watch draws — involve a level of spend and emotional engagement that is not appropriate for under-18s. By using the Service you confirm you are aged 18 or over.

2. Prize competitions vs gambling — the UK distinction

Under the Gambling Act 2005, a draw that is decided purely by chance and requires payment to enter is a lottery and is generally illegal unless run by a licensed operator (e.g. the National Lottery, society lotteries). UK prize-competition operators structure their products to fall outside the definition of a lottery by including one of:

• A genuine skill or judgement element — typically a question that a reasonable proportion of entrants would not get right without prior knowledge, research, or thought.
• A free-entry route — a no-purchase-necessary way to enter the same draw (usually a free postal entry), giving entrants equal odds with paying entrants.

This is what allows lawful "prize competitions" to be distinct from gambling in UK law. It does not mean they are risk-free: people can and do spend more than they intended.

3. How to find the free-entry route

Almost every UK prize-competition operator we list publishes a free-entry mechanism in their terms and conditions (often called "FEPE" — free postal entry). It is usually:

• A postal address you write to with your name, date of birth, email, and the specific competition you want to enter.
• Subject to the same closing date as paid entries.
• Drawn from the same pool, giving identical odds per entry to a paid ticket.

We strongly encourage you to read each operator's terms carefully before entering — both to find the free route and to understand cap, draw, and prize-alternative arrangements. Competition Showroom is not responsible for operator T&Cs.

4. Signs that play might be becoming a problem

Prize competitions are designed to be fun. If you notice any of the following, it's worth pausing and talking to someone:

• Spending more on tickets than you can comfortably afford.
• Chasing losses by buying more tickets after a draw you didn't win.
• Hiding your spending from family or friends.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or low when you're not entering competitions.
• Borrowing money or using credit to buy tickets.

5. Where to get help

The organisations below are independent of Competition Showroom and offer free, confidential support to anyone affected by gambling or related compulsive behaviours, including problem spending on prize competitions:

• BeGambleAware — independent UK charity offering information, advice, and a national gambling helpline (0808 8020 133, 24/7, free from UK landlines and mobiles).
• GAMSTOP — free national self-exclusion scheme that lets you block yourself from licensed gambling websites in the UK for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
• GamCare — runs the National Gambling Helpline and offers free 1-to-1 counselling, group support, and online forums.
• Gambling Therapy — international online support service, available in multiple languages.

6. What we do on our side

• The Service is restricted to 18+ users; this is stated in our Terms & Conditions.
• Where an operator publishes a free-entry route, we surface it.
• We do not run advertising aimed at minors or vulnerable groups.
• The Value Ratio we publish is designed to give you an honest read on how a competition compares — so you can make an informed decision rather than an impulsive one.
• We are editorially independent from the operators we list. See our methodology.

7. Getting in touch

If you have concerns about our content, an operator we list, or your own use of the Service, please email support@competitionshowroom.com. For legal or data-protection matters, email legal@competitionshowroom.com.