Free Postal Entry: How to Enter UK Prize Draws for Free
You don't have to pay to enter most UK prize draws. By law, compliant free prize draws must offer a genuine no-purchase entry route — almost always a free postal entry — and it carries exactly the same chance of winning as a paid ticket.
Why free entry exists
A draw that offers a real, equally weighted free route is not classed as a lottery, so it can run without a gambling licence. That free route is a legal requirement for these operators, not a favour — which is why every reputable site has one. (See prize draw vs raffle vs lottery.)
How to find the free route
It's set out in the operator's terms and conditions, usually under a heading like "Free Entry" or "No Purchase Necessary". It will tell you the postal address and exactly what to include.
How to submit a valid postal entry
Requirements vary by operator, but a valid free entry usually needs:
- Your full name, address, email and phone number.
- The specific draw you're entering (and sometimes the answer to the skill question).
- Entry on an unenclosed postcard or sheet of paper, sent to the stated address.
- One entry per envelope, posted to arrive before the closing date.
Always copy the operator's exact instructions — entries that miss a detail can be rejected.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending it too late to arrive before the draw closes.
- Putting multiple entries in one envelope (usually not allowed).
- Leaving out required details or the skill answer.
The odds are the same
A free postal entry is weighted identically to a paid ticket — operators cannot legally disadvantage free entrants.
Ready to enter? Browse active UK draws or start with the best UK raffle sites. Draws are 18+; please play responsibly.