Editorial note: this guide is general information about how bingo, 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.
What is a live draw in a competition?
A live draw is when a prize competition selects its winner on a real-time video stream — typically on Facebook or Instagram Live — so entrants can watch the result happen. The host usually runs a random number generator on camera, matches the number to the entry list, and announces the winner there and then. It is the transparency-first alternative to an automated “auto-draw” that runs without an audience.
How a live draw works
Entries close, every valid entry is assigned a ticket number, and at the advertised time the operator goes live. On stream, a random number generator — often a third-party tool shown on screen — produces the winning number, which is checked against the entry list and the winner is named. Many operators replay the moment, post the result afterwards, and contact the winner directly. Watching is never required to win: if your number comes up, you win whether or not you saw the stream.
What a good live draw looks like
A trustworthy live draw shows the whole sequence: the closed entry list, the generator producing the number on camera in one take, and the matching entry — with the recording left up afterwards. Be wary of streams where the crucial moment happens off-screen, results that never get posted, or “winners” with no visible entry. A live draw is a transparency promise, and the operators who make it should be happy for you to scrutinise the footage. The draw method should also be stated in the terms before you enter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to watch the live draw to win?
No. Winners are selected from the entry list whether or not they are watching, and the operator contacts the winner directly afterwards.
How is the winner picked in a live draw?
Usually a random number generator run on camera produces a winning ticket number, which is matched to the entry list and announced during the stream.
Are live draws fairer than auto-draws?
Both can be fair. A live draw shows the moment of selection publicly, while an auto-draw relies on certified software. What matters is a clear method stated in the terms and a verifiable result.
What should I look for in a live draw?
The closed entry list, the number generated on camera in one take, the matching entry shown, and the recording left available afterwards. Off-screen moments are a red flag.
Related guides: What is an auto-draw? · How winners are chosen · Competition entry lists
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