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 skill question in a competition?
A skill question is a question you have to answer correctly before your entry counts in a prize competition. It matters because UK law treats a paid prize draw as a lottery — which needs a licence — unless winning depends on skill or there is a genuine free entry route. A real skill question helps make the competition a game of skill, keeping it lawful without a gambling licence.
Why competitions use skill questions
Under the Gambling Act 2005, a paid-to-enter game where prizes are allocated purely by chance is a lottery, which private companies generally cannot run. Adding a question that requires knowledge, judgement or research is one way to take a competition outside that definition, because winning then depends partly on skill. The law expects the question to be enough to put off a significant number of people from entering, or to stop a significant number who do enter from winning — not a token that everyone can answer.
When a skill question is too easy
In practice, many competition questions are simple multiple-choice items that almost anyone can get right, which has led to criticism that they do not provide real skill. Operators who rely on an easy question usually also offer a free entry route, such as a postal entry, to stay on the right side of the rules. As an entrant, the key point is that a competition should give you either a meaningful skill element or a genuine, equal-chance free route — and ideally be transparent about it.
Frequently asked questions
Why do competitions ask a question?
A genuine skill question can keep a paid competition outside lottery law, because winning then depends partly on skill rather than pure chance, so no gambling licence is required.
Does the question have to be hard?
The law expects it to be difficult enough to deter or eliminate a significant number of entrants. Many real questions are easy, which is why operators often add a free entry route as well.
What if I get the question wrong?
An incorrect answer usually means your entry does not go into the draw. Read the rules, as some sites let you re-enter and others do not.
Is a free entry route the same as a skill question?
No. They are two separate ways to stay lawful. A competition can use a skill question, a free entry route, or both. A genuine free route must have the same chance of winning as a paid entry.
Related guides: Are prize competitions legal in the UK? · Prize competition vs lottery · How to find the free entry route
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).