Editorial note: this guide is general information about how competitions, lotteries and gambling work in the UK. It is not advice, and it does not describe any specific promotion offered by Fortune Games. Rules, prices and regulations can change, so always check the operator’s current terms.
Are prize competitions a scam?
Most established UK prize competitions are not scams — they are legitimate businesses that sell entries and award real prizes. That said, the model can be poor value, and a minority of bad actors do exist, so it pays to know the difference between a genuine operator and one to avoid.
Legitimate versus dodgy operators
A genuine competition site is run by a registered company, sets out clear terms, names a closing date and ticket cap, offers a free entry route or a real skill question, runs the draw transparently, and publishes its winners. A site that hides who runs it, keeps moving the deadline, never shows a single winner, or pressures you to spend is a very different proposition.
Warning signs to watch for
Be cautious if you are asked to pay a fee or “tax” to release a prize you have supposedly won — legitimate operators never do this. Other red flags include unsolicited messages saying you have won a competition you never entered, no company details or address, no free entry route on a chance-based draw, and reviews that all read the same. Trust your instincts if something feels off.
How to protect yourself
Before entering, search the company name plus “reviews”, check Companies House, read the terms, and look for a real winners page and live or recorded draws. Pay by debit card or a method with buyer protection, keep your confirmation emails, and never hand over banking passwords or one-time codes. If you think you have been targeted by a scam, report it to Action Fraud.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a competition site is genuine?
Look it up on Companies House, read the full terms, confirm there is a free entry route or genuine skill element, and check for a winners page plus live or recorded draws. Independent reviews help too.
Is it a scam if I never win?
No. Long odds are normal in any competition or lottery — most entrants will not win the top prize. That is the nature of the model, not evidence of fraud.
Do legitimate sites charge to release a prize?
Never. Being asked to pay a fee, delivery charge or “tax” to claim winnings is one of the clearest signs of a scam. UK competition and lottery winnings are tax-free.
Who regulates prize competitions?
Skill-based competitions and free draws follow consumer law and the ASA/CAP advertising codes. Pure-chance paid draws are lotteries and fall under the Gambling Commission.
Related guides: Are competition winners real? · Do you pay to claim a prize? · How to spot a lottery scam
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money. Please play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free, confidential support is available 24/7 from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare. You can also visit BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) or self-exclude from UK-licensed online operators through GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk).