The world of online competitions is booming! Whether you’re looking to win a holiday, a gadget, or just a bit of extra cash, there’s a competition for everyone. From free-to-enter draws to paid options with better odds, the opportunities are endless—and so are the potential prizes.
And who better to tell us all about it than Emily Bennett? Emily runs the site onlinecompetition.co.uk and has been entering competitions for over a decade. With wins ranging from holidays to tech gadgets, she’s a seasoned pro in the world of “comping.” Emily’s passion for competitions is infectious, and she’s here to share her insights, tips, and favourite places to find those hidden gem competitions.
Hi, I’m Emily, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably a bit addicted to entering online competitions! I’ve been doing it for over ten years now, and what started out as a fun hobby quickly turned into something a bit more serious. I’m always on the hunt for the best prize draws, and trust me, there are plenty out there!
The beauty of online competitions is that they’re everywhere. Whether you want something free to enter, or you’re happy to throw in a few quid for better odds, there’s something for everyone. Sites like Loquax, MSE Forums, and Competitions Database have been my go-tos for years, and they’ve helped me find some real gems. I’m talking dream holidays, brand-new gadgets, and sometimes just quirky little prizes that are fun to win.
Where to find competitions
So, where do you actually find all these fantastic competitions? Well, if you’re like me, you’ll have your favourite go-to sites that you check religiously, but there’s always room for exploring new avenues. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to hunt for prizes.
Loquax
Loquax has been around for ages and is a brilliant resource for seasoned compers and newbies alike. It’s got all sorts—free competitions, paid ones, instant wins—you name it. One of the things I love about Loquax is that it’s regularly updated, so you’re never left scrolling through expired competitions. Plus, there are so many categories that you can easily find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a holiday in the sun or a snazzy bit of tech.
Top tip: Always check the “closing soon” section. It’s a great way to sneak in some last-minute entries where competition might be lower. You’ve got nothing to lose, and sometimes people forget to enter these ones!
MSE Forums
Now, if you prefer more of a community feel, MSE (MoneySavingExpert) Forums is a gem. The folks on there are brilliant—they’ll share tips, reminders, and even help you spot those pesky scams. What’s great is that people are super active, so you’ll often find competitions posted that you might have missed elsewhere. I’ve picked up some absolute belters from MSE that weren’t widely advertised.
Top tip: Engage with the community! Don’t just lurk in the forums—chat with people, share competitions you find, and make a bit of a game plan together. Plus, it’s always good fun to swap stories of wins and near-misses with other compers.
Competitions Database
If you like things straightforward, Competitions Database is your friend. It’s easy to use, regularly updated, and covers a huge variety of competitions. Whether you’re after a quick entry or a comp that requires a bit more effort (like those creative ones I love!), you’ll find it here. What’s fab about Competitions Database is the filtering system. You can sort by category, prize type, and even how the winner is chosen—so if you prefer draws based on skill or creativity, you’re in the right place.
Top tip: Set up a daily or weekly habit of checking your favourite categories. It’s much easier than trying to enter loads in one go, and it’ll help you keep on top of deadlines.
Other options
Of course, there are plenty of other places to find competitions as well.
- Social media is a big one. Instagram giveaways are all over the place, and loads of companies run competitions on their social channels to boost engagement. I’ve won a few bits and bobs on Instagram, and while they can be a bit more random, they’re still worth entering. Just make sure you’re following legit accounts and don’t get sucked into dodgy-looking ones that ask for too much personal info!
- Email newsletters are another great way to stay in the loop. Some brands offer exclusive comps to their subscribers, so it’s worth signing up. Just make sure you’re happy to have your inbox filled with promotional emails, though—you can always unsubscribe if it gets too much.
- Dedicated competition websites like Prize Finder or the new kid on the block, prize-draw.com, are brilliant for finding loads of competitions all in one place. Prize-draw.com, in particular, stands out because of its live draws and capped entries, so you’re getting decent odds every time. Plus, everything is super transparent, which I love.
How to avoid low-quality or scammy competitions
Now, we’ve all been there—you see a competition offering an unbelievable prize, but something just doesn’t feel right. Trust your gut! Here are a few ways to filter out the duds from the genuine comps:
- Look for legit sites: Stick to well-known competition hubs like Loquax, Competitions Database, and prize-draw.com. If you’re entering via social media, make sure the account is verified or reputable.
- Check the terms and conditions: A proper competition will always have clear T&Cs. Make sure you know the rules before you enter—especially if they ask for a payment. If the T&Cs are vague or missing, steer clear!
- Avoid competitions that ask for too much personal info: You shouldn’t need to hand over your life story to enter a comp. Be wary of sites asking for things like your address or payment details before you’ve even won.
- Be cautious with paid competitions: There’s nothing wrong with entering a paid competition, but make sure the odds and the prize are worth the fee. If a site is charging a tenner for an entry but doesn’t clearly state how many people can enter, it’s a bit of a red flag.
- Read reviews and trust ratings: If you’re unsure, do a quick Google search to see what other compers are saying. Sites like Trustpilot can help you spot the trustworthy competition platforms.
Free vs. paid competitions: what’s worth your time?
One of the biggest questions I get asked is, “Should I stick to free competitions, or are paid ones worth a shot?” The truth is, both have their perks, and it really depends on what you’re after and how much you’re willing to spend. Let’s break it down.
Free competitions: pros and cons
The beauty of free competitions is pretty obvious—they don’t cost you a penny! You can enter as many as you like without worrying about your bank balance taking a hit. Whether it’s a quick online entry form or a social media giveaway, free comps are a brilliant way to dip your toe into the comping world without any financial risk.
But (and there’s always a but, isn’t there?), the downside of free competitions is that they tend to attract huge numbers of entries. I mean, who doesn’t love the chance of winning something for nothing? That means your odds of winning can sometimes be a bit on the slim side. The bigger the prize, the more people you’re likely to be up against. It’s not impossible to win, of course—I’ve bagged plenty of fab prizes from free comps over the years—but you’ve got to be patient and consistent with your entries.
Top tip: If you’re sticking to free comps, try focusing on the ones with a bit more effort involved, like photo or slogan competitions. These tend to attract fewer entries since not everyone wants to put in the time, so your odds are automatically a bit better.
Paid competitions: better odds, but choose wisely
Now, let’s talk about paid competitions. These can be a bit more of a gamble (literally!), but they do have some definite perks. The main one? Better odds. Because not everyone is willing to shell out for an entry fee, paid comps tend to have fewer entrants, which means your chances of winning are generally higher. Plus, the prizes are often bigger and better—think brand new cars, luxury holidays, or a nice bit of cash (although look at the odds for these expensive orizes as they tend to be poor).
That said, it’s important to be selective. Not all paid competitions are created equal, and some can charge eye-watering fees for a prize that isn’t really worth it. You don’t want to be paying over the odds for something you could buy yourself for less! I always make sure to check how many entries are allowed and do a quick bit of maths to see if it’s worth the investment.
Top tip: Look for competitions that cap the number of entries. Sites like prize-draw.com do this really well—they limit the number of tickets sold, which means you know exactly what your odds are. It’s a much fairer way of running things and can make your entry fee feel like more of a good bet.
When is it worth paying for an entry?
So, when should you consider paying to enter a competition? For me, it’s all about balance. If the prize is something I’ve been eyeing up for ages (hello, luxury holiday!) and the entry fee isn’t too steep, I’ll happily give it a go. But I always stick to a budget—there’s no point in going overboard and entering loads of paid comps if it’s going to leave a dent in your finances.
Here’s my rule of thumb:
- Consider the prize: Is it something you genuinely want or need? If not, maybe give it a miss.
- Check the odds: Look for comps with capped entries or limited tickets to improve your chances.
- Set a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend each month on paid comps and stick to it. Comping should be fun, not stressful!
Paid competitions can be a brilliant way to boost your chances of winning something amazing, but as with anything, moderation is key. I always mix and match between free and paid comps, and that’s worked pretty well for me so far!
What to look out for when entering competitions
We’ve all been there—you spot a competition with an absolutely massive prize and your heart skips a beat. But before you dive in and start imagining yourself on that luxury holiday or driving off in a brand-new car, it’s important to take a step back and make sure everything’s above board. There are plenty of great competitions out there, but there are also some dodgy ones you need to avoid. So, here’s what to look out for when entering competitions, from red flags to the legit practices you should expect.
Red flags to avoid
1. Competitions that seem too good to be true
We’ve all heard the saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” This definitely applies to competitions. If a competition is offering a prize that seems wildly out of proportion with the entry requirements—like winning a luxury car or a £50,000 cash prize with just your email address—it’s time to question things. Proper competitions will have clear rules, often limiting who can enter or how many times you can enter, and the big prizes usually come with some form of effort or payment involved.
Top tip: Look for reasonable entry restrictions. If anyone in the world can enter with no effort, that’s usually a sign something’s off.
2. Unreasonably high entry fees or hidden costs
Be cautious of competitions that charge steep entry fees. While some paid competitions are totally legitimate (and worth it for the right prize), an unreasonably high entry fee can be a red flag. Similarly, if you get through the entry form and suddenly find hidden charges cropping up, like shipping costs for a prize you haven’t won yet, it’s time to back away. Legitimate competitions will always be upfront about any costs involved.
Top tip: Make sure the entry fee is clearly stated up front, and avoid any competitions that start tacking on extra charges halfway through the process.
3. Scams posing as real competitions
Unfortunately, scams are everywhere these days, and the world of online competitions is no exception. These scams often masquerade as genuine comps, but their real goal is to get hold of your personal information or payment details. A big clue that something’s a scam is if you win a competition you don’t even remember entering, or if they start asking for suspicious amounts of personal info before you can claim your prize.
Top tip: If you receive a winning notification and you can’t remember entering that competition, treat it with suspicion. Legitimate competitions will only ask for basic info to confirm your win—avoid any that want sensitive details like bank info upfront.
Legitimate practices to look for
Now, onto the good stuff! There are plenty of genuine competitions out there, and if you know what to look for, you can enter with confidence. Here are the signs of a legitimate competition:
1. SSL certificates and secure payment methods
If you’re entering competitions online, always check for an SSL certificate (that’s the little padlock symbol in the address bar). This ensures the site is secure and your information is protected. Legitimate competition sites will also use secure payment methods if there’s an entry fee involved—things like PayPal or major credit cards are always good signs.
Top tip: If a competition site doesn’t have that padlock symbol or is asking you to pay through a sketchy third-party system, steer clear!
2. Clear terms and conditions
Every competition should come with a set of terms and conditions (T&Cs) that are easy to find and understand. These should spell out all the important details—who can enter (e.g., UK residents only), how many entries are allowed, how the winner will be selected, and any other restrictions. T&Cs protect both you and the competition organiser, so if a competition doesn’t have them or they’re buried somewhere hard to find, that’s a red flag.
Top tip: Always take a minute to read the T&Cs before you enter. It might sound boring, but it’ll save you a headache later on, especially if there are specific restrictions or rules about claiming the prize.
3. Transparency in terms of draw date, odds, and winner contact
The best competition sites are super transparent. They’ll tell you when the draw is happening, what your odds are (especially if entries are capped), and how they’ll get in touch if you win. Prize-draw.com, for example, does this brilliantly with their capped entries and live draws—everything’s above board and clear as day. If a competition site is vague about when the winner will be announced or how they’ll be notified, that’s a bad sign.
Top tip: Look for sites that announce their winners publicly or via live draws. Not only does this make the process more exciting, but it’s also a sign that everything is fair and legit.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to spot the good comps from the bad and keep your entries safe and secure. Remember, comping should be fun, so trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s probably best to move on to the next one!
A quick dive into the legal side of competitions
Now, I know the word “legal” might make you want to zone out, but when it comes to entering competitions, knowing the basics of the law can really help you stay on the safe side. The good news is that the UK has some solid rules in place to protect competition entrants, so as long as you know what to look out for, you can enter with confidence. Let’s take a quick dive into the legal stuff (don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple!).
Free entry routes: a legal must
In the UK, any competition that charges an entry fee must also offer a free route of entry to keep things fair (well, unless they have a lottery licence or they’re doing it purely for charity). So, whether it’s a postal entry or an online form, there should always be a way for you to enter without handing over any cash. If a paid competition doesn’t have a free entry option, it might not be playing by the rules.
Top tip: Always check the terms and conditions for details on the free entry route. It’s usually listed alongside the paid option, but if you can’t find it, it’s worth querying before entering.
Transparency and fairness: it’s the law
Another biggie in UK competition law is transparency. Organisers are legally required to be clear about how the competition works, how winners are chosen, and when the draw will take place. You should be able to find all this information easily in the terms and conditions or on the competition’s main page. If things seem vague, or if you can’t find any mention of how winners will be picked, it’s time to raise an eyebrow.
Transparency is especially important when it comes to paid competitions—after all, if you’re handing over money, you want to know exactly what your odds are and how the whole process is managed.
Top tip: Look for competitions that offer a clear explanation of how and when the draw will take place. Sites like prize-draw.com do this really well, using live draws and capped entries to make sure everything’s above board.
How live draws ensure fairness and compliance
Live draws have become super popular, and with good reason—they’re one of the best ways to ensure a competition is fair. When the draw is happening in real time and broadcast for all to see, it leaves little room for doubt or foul play. Live draws are also a great way to build trust between organisers and entrants, as you can see everything unfold right in front of you.
Not only does this add a bit of excitement, but it’s also a great way to prove that the competition is being run fairly and legally. The UK has strict rules about how winners are selected, especially for paid competitions, and live draws are a fantastic way to meet those standards.
Top tip: Whenever possible, choose competitions that offer live draws or public announcements of the winners. It adds that extra layer of trust and keeps everything transparent.
Why checking for a UK-based address and business registration is crucial
This is a biggie—always check that the competition organiser is UK-based and has a proper business registration. UK laws protect you as an entrant, but those protections don’t always extend to competitions run from overseas. If a site doesn’t have a UK address or a registered business number, you might find it tricky to track them down if something goes wrong.
Legitimate competition sites will usually display their business registration details at the bottom of the page or in their terms and conditions. If you’re ever in doubt, a quick check on Companies House (the official UK business register) will tell you if they’re legit.
Top tip: If a competition organiser isn’t registered in the UK, think twice before entering. It’s always safer to stick with UK-based companies where the law is on your side.
So, while the legal side of competitions might not be the most thrilling topic, it’s definitely important. Stick to the rules, and you’ll be entering safe and sound, with the law behind you all the way.
Top tips to maximise your chances
Right, let’s talk strategy! Entering competitions is loads of fun, but if you want to boost your chances of actually winning, there are a few tricks of the trade to keep in mind. Here are my top tips to help you get that winning feeling more often.
Enter regularly: consistency is key
One of the most important things to remember is that the more you enter, the better your odds. It sounds obvious, but comping is really a numbers game. If you’re only entering the odd competition here and there, your chances of winning are pretty slim. But if you’re entering regularly, you’re increasing your chances with every entry. It doesn’t have to take over your life—just a few entries a day can make a big difference over time.
Top tip: Set aside a bit of time each day to enter a few competitions. Even 10 minutes in the morning can get you a couple of entries closer to a win!
Follow reliable sources
There are tons of places online to find competitions, but sticking with reliable sources can save you a lot of time and hassle. Websites like Loquax and MSE Forums are well-known and trusted by the comping community. They’re updated regularly, and you’ll find a mix of free and paid competitions across all sorts of categories. These sites also have great communities where you can swap tips, hear about others’ wins, and maybe even find a few hidden gems that aren’t widely advertised.
Top tip: Bookmark your favourite comping websites and check them daily. It’s a quick and easy way to stay on top of new competitions as they’re posted.
Set reminders: track those competition end dates
With so many competitions to enter, it’s easy to lose track of when they close. Setting up reminders is a simple way to make sure you’re not missing out on any deadlines. A quick trick is to use your phone’s calendar or a reminder app to note down competition end dates. That way, you’ll get a nudge when it’s time to recheck the draw date or see if you’ve won.
Top tip: I like to set my reminders a day or two before the competition closes to make sure I’ve got time for any last-minute entries if needed.
Enter early for better odds
Here’s a sneaky little tip—sometimes, entering competitions early can give you better odds. A lot of people wait until the last minute to enter, so if you get your entry in early, you might be up against fewer competitors. This is especially true for smaller or less advertised competitions. Of course, some comps don’t fill up until just before the deadline, but it’s still worth trying to enter as soon as possible, just in case.
Top tip: Keep an eye on comps with capped entries (like those on prize-draw.com). Getting in early could mean fewer people to compete with, improving your chances.
Always check eligibility
Nothing’s worse than entering a competition and realising later that you weren’t actually eligible to win. Whether it’s country restrictions, age limits, or other eligibility rules, always double-check before you enter. This is especially important for bigger competitions where the rules might be stricter. You don’t want to get your hopes up only to find out you’re not even in the running!
Top tip: Take a quick glance at the terms and conditions before entering to make sure you meet all the requirements. It only takes a second and can save you from wasting an entry.
So, there you have it! With a bit of consistency, organisation, and savvy entry strategies, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your chances of winning. Comping is all about playing the long game, but trust me, the thrill of getting that winning email makes it all worth it!