Every time I mention free entry routes, I get the same questions: "Do they actually work?" "Are the odds really the same?" "Is it worth the effort?"
Let's cut through the speculation and get into what we actually know.
How Free Entry Works
Most paid prize competitions in the UK offer a free entry method – typically postal entry. You write your details on a postcard or in a letter, bung a stamp on it, and post it off.
Why? Because legally, if they're running a prize draw (luck-based), they need to offer free entry or it becomes a lottery. And running an unlicensed lottery is illegal.
The Big Question: Same Odds?
Legally, free entries should have exactly the same odds as paid entries. The Gambling Commission is pretty clear on this – you can't disadvantage free entrants.
In practice? It's basically impossible to verify. Unless you're watching the draw live and can see every entry being included equally, you're taking the company's word for it.
That said, reputable companies have no real incentive to exclude free entries. The legal risk isn't worth it, and the volume of free entries is usually tiny compared to paid ones anyway.
The Real Costs of "Free"
Let's talk about what free entry actually costs:
- Stamps – First class is what, 85p now? Second class around 75p. This adds up
- Stationery – Postcards, envelopes, paper. Not much, but not zero
- Time – Writing out entries, walking to the postbox. Your time has value
If you're entering multiple competitions via post, you could easily spend £5-10 per week on stamps alone. At that point, you might as well buy tickets.
When Free Entry Makes Sense
Free entry is worth it when:
The Prize is High Value
For a house giveaway, I'll happily write a postcard. The potential return justifies the 85p and five minutes of effort.
You Can't Justify the Ticket Price
If tickets are £10+ each, free entry becomes much more attractive. Your "cost" of a stamp is 10% of a single ticket.
You're Entering Anyway
If you've already bought tickets but want more entries, free entry can supplement without spending more cash.
It's a Low-Ticket Competition
If total tickets are capped at 1,000, your free entry odds are actually decent. Worth a stamp.
When It's Not Worth It
Skip free entry when:
The Prize is Small
Posting a letter for a chance at a £50 Amazon voucher? The expected value is basically negative when you factor in stamp cost.
Tickets are Already Cheap
If tickets are £1-2, just buy one. Your time is worth more than the saving.
The Free Entry Process is Ridiculous
Some companies deliberately make free entry tedious – specific format requirements, notarised signatures, whatever. They're trying to discourage you. Don't bother.
Tips If You Do Use Free Entry
- Batch your entries – Do them all at once, one trip to the postbox
- Keep records – Note what you've entered and when
- Check the requirements – Some want postcards, some want sealed envelopes. Get it wrong and you're disqualified
- Time it right – Make sure your entry arrives before the deadline. Late entries don't count
The Honest Answer
Is free entry worth it? Sometimes.
For high-value prizes with reasonable free entry terms, absolutely. For smaller prizes or tedious processes, probably not.
Don't let anyone tell you free entry "never works" – that's nonsense. Winners have come through postal entries. But also don't fall into the trap of spending hours and pounds on stamps chasing mediocre prizes.
Be selective. Use free entry strategically for the competitions where it genuinely makes sense. And accept that for most everyday comps, buying a ticket is often the better use of your time.
