We’ve all heard them – those rumours, whispers, and downright lies about prize draws. Whether it’s your neighbour telling you that no one actually wins, or your mate claiming that you’re wasting your time entering, there’s a whole lot of misinformation floating around. But, as someone who’s been knee-deep in the world of competitions for a while now, I’m here to put the record straight.
So, let’s pop the kettle on, grab a biscuit (or two), and settle in as I debunk some of the most common myths about prize draws. By the end of this, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how prize draws really work – and hopefully be more excited about entering a few yourself!
Table of Contents
Myth 1: No one actually wins these things. It’s all a scam.
Let’s start with the big one, shall we? The idea that “no one really wins” prize draws is probably the most persistent myth out there. And I get it – when you’ve entered loads and haven’t had a win, it’s easy to feel like it’s all a bit of a con. But here’s the thing: people absolutely do win.
Prize draws are regulated in the UK, and reputable companies are required to follow strict rules to ensure fairness. Sure, the odds might not always be in your favour (depending on how many people enter), but that doesn’t mean the prizes aren’t handed out. If you’ve ever doubted it, just check out some comping forums or Facebook groups. There are plenty of people sharing stories of their wins – from small prizes like gift cards to massive holidays.
So, yes, you can win. And no, it’s not a scam if you’re entering legitimate competitions. Just make sure you’re entering ones that are well-promoted by trusted companies, and your time spent comping could absolutely pay off.
Myth 2: The more you enter, the better your chances.
Right, let’s clear this one up straight away. While it’s true that entering more competitions gives you more opportunities to win, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re more likely to win each individual competition. I mean, you wouldn’t expect to win the lottery just because you entered it every week, would you?
Prize draws are often completely random – especially if they use random generators to pick winners. So, while entering 100 competitions gives you 100 chances to win, your odds for each draw remain the same.
That said, entering regularly and consistently is key to increasing your overall chances of winning something. It’s all about persistence! Those who enter regularly will naturally end up winning more simply because they’ve got their name in more hats. But don’t expect entering a hundred competitions in one week to suddenly guarantee you a big win. It’s all a numbers game.
Myth 3: You have to spend money to win.
Oh no, no, no. This one needs to be nipped in the bud right now! You do not have to spend money to win a prize draw. By law, every competition in the UK must have a free entry route. It’s often a little-known fact, but you can always enter paid competitions by post, and it won’t cost you more than a stamp.
Yes, there are plenty of prize draws that charge for entry – especially when it comes to text-to-win or phone-in competitions – but they’re also required to offer a free postal entry option. So, even if you see a competition that says “Text to enter for £2,” have a look at the terms and conditions. You’ll usually find an address where you can send your entry for free.
Having said that, sometimes it’s cheaper to enter online than it is to send a postal entry, with stamps being a minimum of £0.85p now and a postcard or envelope adding a few pence to that. When you factor in your time, it’s not really worth using the free postal route for prize draws with entry fees under £1, in my opinion.
So, there you go – you don’t need to shell out to be in with a chance to win. It might take a bit of extra effort, but for competitions with entry fees over £1, the free route is always there if you want to save your pennies.
Myth 4: You’re more likely to win if you enter at the last minute.
This is one of those myths that’s probably grown from wishful thinking. There’s a belief that entering a competition right before it closes somehow gives you better odds of winning. But I hate to break it to you – it doesn’t work that way.
In most prize draws, the winner is picked at random, so it doesn’t matter whether you enter on the first day or the last. There’s no secret strategy to “timing” your entry. The only time this might make a difference is in first-come, first-served competitions, where the first X number of entrants win – but those are pretty rare.
The key takeaway here is to enter whenever it suits you. Don’t wait around hoping to be the lucky last – just get your entry in when you can, and you’ll be in the running just like everyone else.
Myth 5: Only certain types of people win.
Ah, the old “lucky people always win” myth. Let me tell you something – luck doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can win a prize draw, whether you’ve won a hundred competitions before or you’re just starting out. It’s all random!
Some people believe that competition organisers only pick winners from certain regions or demographics, but that’s simply not true. Legitimate prize draws use fair selection processes – often through random number generators – to ensure that everyone who enters has an equal chance of winning.
Yes, you might notice some people winning regularly, but that’s more to do with persistence and entering lots of competitions than anything else. If you stick at it, you’ll be just as likely to win as anyone else.
Myth 6: You’ll be bombarded with spam if you enter.
This one’s a bit of a mixed bag. Yes, when you enter a competition, you’re often signing up to receive emails from the promoter – but that doesn’t mean you’ll be spammed left, right, and centre. Most companies just send newsletters or offers related to their products or services, and you can usually unsubscribe if you’re not interested.
That said, if you’re worried about cluttering your inbox, I always recommend setting up a separate email address just for competitions. That way, you can keep your main inbox clear and only check your comping email when you want to.
Legitimate companies should never sell your data without your permission, so as long as you’re sticking to trusted sites, you don’t need to worry about being bombarded with spam.
Myth 7: It’s a waste of time entering competitions.
If I had a pound for every time someone told me this, I’d have probably won more than I have from entering competitions! Look, I get it – not everyone wins straight away, and it can feel like you’re throwing your name into a hat that’s already overflowing. But here’s the thing: comping is a hobby, and like any hobby, it takes a bit of time and effort.
Some people think comping is an instant win game, but in reality, it’s about persistence. The more you enter, the more you increase your chances of winning something. And honestly, it doesn’t take that much time – a few minutes here and there can add up, and when that win comes through, it feels all the more rewarding.
For many compers, it’s not just about the prizes (though they’re a fab bonus); it’s about the excitement, the thrill of the chase, and the little adrenaline rush when you hit “submit.” So, no, it’s not a waste of time if you enjoy it!
Myth 8: You can only win small prizes.
Another big myth! While there are plenty of competitions offering smaller prizes (like gift cards, beauty products, or books), there are also loads of prize draws with much bigger prizes up for grabs. Holidays, cars, home makeovers, cash – the list goes on. It’s not all about the little wins.
Now, the odds of winning a big prize are obviously smaller because more people tend to enter those competitions. But don’t let that put you off. Big wins do happen! In fact, I know a few compers who’ve bagged holidays worth thousands or even a brand-new car. So, keep dreaming big – it might just happen!
Wrapping it up
And there you have it – eight common myths about prize draws, well and truly debunked. Whether you’ve been comping for years or you’re just dipping your toes in, it’s important to know what’s true and what’s simply a bit of comping folklore.
The main takeaway? People do win, and with the right approach, you can be one of them. Keep your eyes peeled for legitimate comps, enter consistently, and remember that it’s all a bit of fun at the end of the day. And who knows? Your next win could be just around the corner!