This is an editorial guide for information only. fortunegames.com is not affiliated with, nor an agent of, BOTB (Best of the Best), Omaze, Raffle House or any other competition operator mentioned. Entry rules, prices, odds and contact methods are set by the relevant company and can change — always check the official site for the latest details.
Prize Draws vs Lotteries: What's the Difference?
Prize competitions, free prize draws and lotteries look similar from the outside but are legally distinct in the UK. The difference explains why competitions ask skill questions and offer free postal entry.
Lotteries
A lottery is a game where you pay to enter and prizes are awarded purely by chance. In the UK, lotteries must be licensed and can generally only be run by good causes, local authorities or the National Lottery — not for private profit.
Prize competitions
A competition requires genuine skill, knowledge or judgement to enter (such as BOTB's Spot the Ball). Because skill is involved, it isn't classed as a lottery and can be run commercially.
Free prize draws
A free prize draw awards prizes by chance but must offer a genuine free entry route (typically by post) alongside any paid option. That free route is what keeps it legal without a lottery licence — which is why companies like Omaze always provide one.
Why it matters to you
Knowing which model you're entering tells you how it's regulated and what protections apply. For real examples, see how property raffles work and whether online raffles are legit. For genuine lotteries, see the odds of winning the lottery.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a prize draw and a lottery?
A lottery requires payment to enter and is licensed as gambling; a prize competition needs skill, and a free prize draw must offer a no-purchase route.
Why do competitions ask a skill question?
To qualify legally as a competition rather than a lottery under UK law.
Why do they offer free postal entry?
A genuine free entry route lets a paid draw operate legally as a prize draw.
Related guides: whether online raffles are legit, how property raffles work and the odds of winning the lottery.