What is the difference?
The Gambling Commission explains the distinction between free draws and prize competitions. Some draws have both paid and free-entry routes. A question on an entry form does not, by itself, establish that a promotion meets the legal test for a skill competition.
These are general explanations of the framework in Great Britain. Northern Ireland and other territories can have different rules; check the operator’s location restrictions. Our guides do not decide the legal status of an individual promotion.
| Description | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Prize draw | How valid entries are included and how a winner is selected by chance. |
| Skill competition | The skill, knowledge or judgement involved and how entries are assessed. |
| Instant win | How prizes are allocated, what remains available and how each entry route works. |
Which details matter before entering?
Start with who runs the promotion, the prize actually offered, the entry cost and any free route. Then check the entry deadline, draw time, age and location restrictions, entry limits and how a winner is contacted.
A picture of a car does not tell you its condition, delivery arrangements or whether there is a cash alternative. A holiday headline does not tell you the travel dates or what you would need to pay yourself. Resolve those gaps before making a choice.
Where does The Comp App fit?
The Comp App brings published competition information together so adults can browse categories, compare details and save favourites. It is an information service: the independent operator takes entries, handles payment, runs the draw and fulfils the prize.
Coverage is limited to the sites we track. Information can change between collection and your visit, so check the current operator page. A listing does not certify an operator, and downloading a free app does not make paid entries free.
Our guide to choosing a competition tracker separates discovery, saved favourites and records of entries you have actually made.
A calmer way to start
You can look around without entering anything. Decide in advance whether you want to spend at all and keep that choice separate from a prize image or countdown. A missed draw is not a financial loss, and previous entries do not make a future win due.
Use our entry checklist to organise your questions. If participation stops feeling manageable, go straight to safer participation and support.
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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