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The Free Entry Route Explained
You’ll have seen "no purchase necessary" on big prize draws and wondered what the catch is. There isn’t one — it’s a legal requirement, and here’s why it exists.
Why it’s there
A paid draw where prizes are allocated by chance would be a lottery — which needs a licence. Offering a genuine free way to enter, treated equally to paid entries, is what makes it a legal "free draw" instead. So the free route isn’t generosity; it’s what keeps the whole model lawful.
How it usually works
Most operators offer free entry by post — typically a postcard with your details — often limited to one entry per claim. Some also provide a free online form. The key legal point: prize allocation must not distinguish between free and paid entries.
Do free entries really have the same chance?
Yes. Per entry, a free postal entry has exactly the same chance of winning as a paid one — that equality is the legal basis of the draw. The 2026 prize draw code goes further, requiring the free route to be no less convenient than paying. See whether prize competitions are legal and prize draw vs lottery.
Frequently asked questions
What is a free entry route?
A genuine free way to enter a paid prize draw — often by post — which is what keeps the draw legal and not a lottery.
Do free entries have the same chance of winning?
Yes — the law requires that prize allocation treats free and paid entries equally.
Why do competitions offer free postal entry?
Because without a genuine free route, a paid draw would be an illegal unlicensed lottery.
Related guides: whether prize competitions are legal, prize draw vs lottery and tips for entering competitions.