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.
How do you know competition winners are real?
You can tell winners are real by how openly an operator runs and proves its draws. Reputable sites stream draws live, publish named winners with photos or videos, use independent verification, and follow the advertising rules that require winner claims to be true. If a site does none of this, treat it with caution.
How genuine draws are verified
The strongest sign is a transparent draw. Many operators stream the draw live on social media so anyone can watch the winning number selected; others use a certified random number generator with the result published afterwards. Some bring in an independent promotional-verification firm to oversee the process, which adds a layer of accountability beyond the operator’s own word.
What to look for
Check for a winners page that names real people, ideally with dates, prizes and images or video, and cross-check it against the operator’s social media, where winners are often tagged. Under the ASA and CAP advertising codes, promoters must be able to prove that prizes were awarded and that winners were genuine. A long, consistent history of varied winners — not just one or two — is reassuring.
Red flags
Be wary if a site shows no winners at all, recycles the same stock photos, never streams or records a draw, or hides who runs the company. Reviews that all sound identical, or a sudden flood of five-star ratings, can also be a warning. Genuine operators are happy to show their winners because it is good for business; ones that go quiet about it are the ones to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
Are live-streamed draws genuine?
A live draw, where the winning entry is selected on camera in real time, is one of the most reassuring signs. It lets anyone watch the result being decided rather than taking the operator’s word for it.
What is independent verification?
Some operators hire a specialist promotional-verification company to oversee the draw and confirm it was fair. Their involvement adds accountability beyond the operator checking its own work.
Do operators have to publish winners?
Advertising rules require promoters to be able to prove prizes were genuinely awarded, and many publish winner details or make them available on request. A visible winners history is a good sign.
What if I cannot find any winners?
Treat that as a warning. A legitimate, long-running competition site will usually showcase winners across many draws. No winners, or only stock images, is a reason to be cautious.
Related guides: How winners are chosen · Are prize competitions a scam? · What is an auto-draw competition?
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).