Rafflers Certified Draws
Do I Need to Answer A Question to Enter?
The question of ‘Do I need to answer a question to enter an online raffle?’ is a common one! It is a slightly grey area but the information provided below should answer this question.
As mentioned in our previous blog, Do Raffle providers need a license?, we explained that no license is required due to the fact The Gambling Commission do not class Online raffles (Prize Competitions) as gambling. This is because online raffles require a ‘skill based question’ that must be answered correctly as part of the entry process.
You will find that the majority of online raffles ( or prize competitions) will require you to answer a question, usually with multiple choice answers, as part of the entry process.
As stated by the Gambling Act 2005:-
“A prize competition is where the outcome is determined by the participants skill, judgement or knowledge. ”
What kind of question will I need to answer?
Online Raffles are defined by the Gambling Commission as ‘Prize Competitions’. They state that an element of skill must be part of the entry process. This is usually in the form of a multiple choice question. This question should be difficult enough so that a ‘significant’ amount of people will get the question wrong. However, it is extremely difficult for raffle providers to judge what is classed as ‘difficult’. After all, what is difficult to them maybe easy to someone else!
Another option, as stated by the Gambling Commission, is that by adding a route to enter for free will allow the question to be fairly easy. In fact, you’ll find that all raffle providers approved by us will include a free entry route as this is an integral part of our vetting process.
To clarify, when entering an online raffle you will be asked a question the majority of the time. If the answer is easy you will find that a free entry method is available. If the answer is particularly difficult then a free entry route is not needed. However, due to the complicated nature of choosing a ‘difficult’ question, the majority of online raffle providers will include a free entry route.
Entering Online Raffles & Skill Questions – FAQs
Most online prize draws require entrants to answer a skill-based question as part of the entry process. This question helps ensure the prize draw qualifies as a legal prize competition in the UK rather than gambling. The requirement comes from guidance under the Gambling Act 2005 and the UK Gambling Commission.
A skill based question ensures that the prize draw is not based purely on chance. According to the UK Gambling Commission, a prize draw must involve skill, judgement, or knowledge to avoid being classed as gambling.
By including a question during entry, online prize draw providers can legally operate prize draws without requiring a gambling licence.
Most online prize draw providers use simple multiple-choice questions. These questions are usually related to general knowledge and are designed to introduce a small element of skill into the entry process.
For example, you may be asked to choose the correct answer from several options before completing your ticket purchase.
The UK Gambling Commission states that the question should be difficult enough that a significant proportion of people could get it wrong.
However, in practice it can be difficult for operators to judge exactly how hard a question should be. Because of this uncertainty, many providers take additional steps to remain compliant.
Yes. If the skill question is considered too easy, the draw must normally offer a free entry route. This ensures the draw does not operate like a paid lottery and remains legally compliant under the Gambling Act 2005.
Many legitimate online prize draw websites include a free postal entry option. This allows participants to enter the prize draw without purchasing a ticket.
Providing a free entry route is a common compliance practice used by reputable operators to ensure their prize draws remain within UK law.
Because judging the difficulty of a question can be subjective, many operators include both a skill question and a free entry route. This approach helps ensure the prize draw clearly qualifies as a legal prize draw rather than an illegal lottery.