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.
What is the difference between a raffle and a prize competition?
The key difference is chance versus skill. A raffle is a lottery: winners are decided purely by luck, so it must be licensed or run as an exempt charity or society draw. A prize competition needs a genuine element of skill — or a free entry route — to stay outside gambling licensing. That single distinction shapes how each one is run and regulated.
A raffle is a lottery
If people pay to enter and the winner is chosen entirely at random, that is a lottery in UK law, whatever it is called. Raffles are lawful, but they must either hold a Gambling Commission licence or qualify as an exempt lottery — for example, a small society or charity raffle that follows the rules on ticket sales and how proceeds are used. Pure-chance commercial draws without that footing are not allowed.
A competition needs skill or free entry
A prize competition stays outside lottery licensing by including a genuine skill, knowledge or judgement element that a significant number of people would get wrong, or by offering a free entry route with the same chance of winning as a paid one. That is why so many sites ask a question before you enter, or advertise a postal alternative — it is what keeps the format legal as a competition rather than a lottery.
Why the distinction matters
The label changes who regulates it and how it must be run. Lotteries fall under the Gambling Commission; skill competitions and free draws follow consumer law and the ASA/CAP advertising codes. For entrants, the practical takeaway is the same either way: enter for fun, with money you can afford to lose, and use the free route if you would rather not pay.
Frequently asked questions
Are raffles legal in the UK?
Yes, when run correctly — either under a Gambling Commission licence or as an exempt charity or society lottery that follows the rules. Pure-chance paid draws without that basis are not permitted.
Why do competitions ask a skill question?
To keep the format outside lottery licensing. A genuine skill element, or a free entry route, is what legally distinguishes a prize competition from a lottery.
Is a raffle or a competition better to enter?
Neither is inherently better value — both rely on long odds. Judge each on its odds, prize, ticket price and the operator’s transparency.
Can a competition be decided purely by chance?
If it is paid-to-enter and purely random with no skill or free route, it is legally a lottery, not a competition, and would need a licence or exemption.
Related guides: Prize competition vs lottery · How do online raffles work? · Are prize competitions legal in the UK?
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).