What does refreshing the app actually refresh?
There are two separate steps: collecting information from an operator, and showing the stored information in an app. Reloading a screen can retrieve the latest stored record without triggering a fresh visit to the operator’s website. An app that opens quickly is not necessarily showing a ticket count checked seconds ago.
The Comp App collects published information from the sites it tracks throughout the day. Update timing varies by operator and competition, and collection can fail. We do not promise a universal refresh interval or a live connection to each operator’s checkout. Check the operator’s current page and terms before deciding whether to enter.
Make sure you are comparing the same number
| Figure | What to check |
|---|---|
| Tickets sold | Does the label mean sold, allocated, available or remaining? Check how free entries are included. |
| Percentage sold | Check both the sold count and the total ticket allocation. A percentage alone leaves out the denominator. |
| Zero or a blank | Zero is a numerical claim. A blank, unavailable value or failed update does not establish that no tickets have been sold. |
| Time remaining | Is it time until entries close, the draw starts or a different promotion ends? Check the stated date, time and time zone. |
| A similar prize title | Operators can repeat draws. Compare the actual competition URL and deadline, not just the prize name. |
Why can a gap become more noticeable near closing?
More entries can be recorded between two checks. If the count changes quickly, even a recent snapshot can fall behind. Faster collection can reduce that gap; it cannot make a periodically collected figure identical to every visitor’s view at every moment.
A countdown may continue moving because the app already knows a deadline while the ticket count remains unchanged until another successful update. That difference is not evidence that no more entries have been sold. A large mismatch should be investigated, rather than automatically explained away as normal delay.
Read the operator’s actual entry conditions alongside the timer. ASA/CAP’s closing-date guidance explains why the stated conditions matter. Our closing-date guide distinguishes the entry deadline from the draw time.
A useful way to check and report a mismatch
- Open the operator link from the competition details and confirm it is the same draw, with the same deadline.
- Record the ticket label, count, total and percentage shown on both pages. Note the date, time and time zone of the comparison.
- Refresh the operator page and app once. If they still disagree, keep redacted screenshots and the exact URLs.
- Send the details to Comp App support. Include your app version if available, but no passwords, payment details or identity documents.
Does a low sales count tell me my final chance of winning?
No. More valid entries can join before closing, and the selection rules matter. Percentage sold measures part of a ticket allocation; it is not a probability that your entry wins. Missing or incorrect information is not a reason to assume better chances or buy more entries.
Our ticket-sales and odds guide explains the distinction. ASA/CAP guidance on chances of winning is another reason to avoid presenting a snapshot as an assurance about the outcome. You can wait for clarification or choose not to enter.
Sources and further reading
Source links checked on 11 September 2026. Read the original for its full scope and current wording.
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