1. Why a free entry route exists
Under the Gambling Act 2005, a paid-entry prize competition can only stay outside the lottery rules if there's a genuine, free alternative entry route. That's why every legitimate UK competition site has a postal entry option - and why a free entry has exactly the same odds of winning as a paid one. Background on the legal framework is in our UK prize competition legality guide.
2. What you need
- A plain postcard or piece of paper (no envelope tricks - operators usually require a postcard).
- A first or second-class stamp.
- The correct postal entry address from the operator's Terms & Conditions.
- The skill-question answer if the competition uses one.
3. What to write on the postcard
Always check the specific operator's terms, but as a rule include all of the following:
- Your full name.
- Your full UK postal address.
- Your email address (so they can notify you if you win).
- Your date of birth (you must be 18+).
- The exact name of the competition you want to enter.
- The answer to the skill question.
One postcard counts as one free entry. Most operators allow a reasonable number of free entries per person per competition - check the T&Cs for the cap.
4. Where to send it
The postal entry address is always published in the competition's terms. For Ultimate Draws, the address is in our Terms & Conditions. Use the exact wording - the postal address is sometimes different from the company's office address.
5. Give it time to arrive
Free postal entries are only valid if they arrive before the draw closes. Royal Mail's stated delivery times are a guideline, not a guarantee - post your entry at least 5 working days before the draw closing time to be safe, and ideally a full week earlier if you're using second class.
6. How free entries are drawn
Postal entries are added to the same draw as paid entries. A certified random number generator picks one winning entry number from the combined pool, so the odds for a free postcard are mathematically identical to a paid ticket. There is no separate "free entry" pile - and there's no advantage to entering paid.
7. Do you have to pay tax if you win via free entry?
No. The tax treatment of the prize is exactly the same whether you entered free or paid: tax-free for UK residents. Full breakdown in our UK prize tax guide.
8. Sensible tips
- Keep proof of postage if you can - especially for high-value draws.
- Write clearly. Illegible postcards get rejected.
- One postcard per envelope. Bundling multiple entries into one envelope is usually disallowed.
- Don't include money - free entries are free.