Is This Competition Site Legit? A 10-Point Checklist
Ten checks to run on any UK prize competition site before you buy a ticket, from Companies House and the Voluntary Code to free entry, odds and draw methods.
Quick answer
A legitimate UK competition site will be a registered company, appear on the government's Voluntary Code signatory list, show a free entry route and the maximum number of tickets before you pay, explain how winners are drawn, and never cut prizes or move closing dates when sales are slow. If a site fails two or more of the checks below, don't enter.
1. It is a registered UK company
Look for a company number in the footer or terms, then search it on Companies House. Check when it was incorporated, who the directors are, and whether accounts are filed on time. See how to verify an operator on Companies House.
2. It is on the government's Voluntary Code list
Search for the operator's company or trading name on the DCMS signatory list on GOV.UK. A badge on the operator's own site is not proof. Read what the Voluntary Code requires.
3. The free entry route is clear before you pay
The free route, usually by post, should be shown clearly before purchase, not hidden deep in the terms. It must give the same chance of winning as a paid ticket. See our free postal entry guide.
4. You can see the maximum number of tickets
Without a ticket cap you cannot work out your odds. A legitimate site shows the maximum entries, or other clear information about your chance of winning. Put the numbers into our odds calculator.
5. It explains how winners are picked
The site should publish its draw method, such as a live draw using a random number generator or an audited automatic draw. Read how competition winners are picked.
6. The terms protect you if sales are slow
Read what happens if tickets don't sell. Signatories to the Voluntary Code have agreed not to cut the prize, change the end date or cancel a draw because of low sales. Terms that allow any of these are a warning sign.
7. There is evidence of real winners
Look for winner announcements, draw recordings and collection videos going back months. A long winners list with no names, faces or videos is weaker evidence.
8. The reviews look genuine
Check the operator on Trustpilot. Look at review volume over time, how the operator responds to complaints, and whether reviewers mention collecting prizes. See how we read Trustpilot reviews.
9. Payments are normal and controlled
Expect debit card, credit card within limits, and common wallets. Signatories cap credit card spending at £250 a month and offer spend limits. Avoid any site asking for bank transfer, gift cards or crypto.
10. You can contact them and complain
There should be a named email address, a postal address and a complaints process. Test it with a question before you spend money.
Red flags that should stop you
- No company number, or a company formed weeks ago with no filed accounts.
- "You've won, just pay a small fee to claim" messages on social media.
- No free entry route, or one that needs special delivery.
- Ticket caps that change after launch.
- Countdown timers that reset.
- Draw dates that keep moving.
For more warning signs, read how to spot fake competition sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if a competition site is real?
Search its company number on Companies House, check it appears on the DCMS Voluntary Code signatory list on GOV.UK, and look for draw recordings and real winners. If any of these are missing, be cautious.
Are all competition sites on Facebook scams?
No. Many real operators advertise on Facebook and stream their draws there. The scams usually come from pages that copy a real operator's name and ask you to pay a fee to claim a prize. Real operators never ask winners to pay.
Does a high Trustpilot score mean a site is safe?
It helps, but it is not proof on its own. Look at how many reviews there are, how long the operator has been collecting them, and whether people mention receiving prizes.
What should I do if a site fails these checks?
Don't enter. If you have already paid and think it is a scam, contact your card provider straight away and report it to Report Fraud, the national service that replaced Action Fraud.
Sources
Last updated November 2026.