featured image for a blog about the price of a stamp in relation to free prize draw entry

How Much Do You Pay For A Stamp?

How much do you pay for a stamp in 2025 and why is the cost of a stamp relevant to online raffles?

As a reminder, online raffle tickets can be purchased at a specific price, or you can enter for free with 99% of the online raffle providers. Entering for free usually consists of sending a postcard to a designated address, including the required information set out by the online raffle provider. This is usually name, address and the correct answer to the question for the online raffle you are entering.

To send your postcard entry you will need to buy a stamp. The stamp can either be 1st or 2nd class but it is the entrants responsibility to make their postcard arrives before the relevant end date.

So, a 2nd class stamp (the cheapest) currently costs, in 2025, a total of 85p. This then would be the best way to enter as it will save you money compared to purchasing a ticket. However, what if the cost of a ticket is less than the cost of a second class stamp? Suddenly, entering for free is costing more and you are placed at a huge advantage to those entering via the paid route.

A Huge Disadvantage

All online raffle providers should be aware that tickets should not cost less than entering for free. This simply places those entering for free at a huge disadvantage. It makes the free entry process essentially void and entrants are forced to pay the price of a ticket. Furthermore, let’s not forget that the only reason the online raffle businesses can operate, is by ensuring that they provide a free entry process. Not providing this places them under the category of an ‘illegal lottery’, the term used by the UK Gambling Commission. 

Conclusion

As explained above, the cost of a ticket must not be cheaper than the cost of a 2nd class stamp. Therefore, every time the cost of stamp goes up, the minimum cost of a ticket must also rise to either match the cost of a stamp or exceed it.

To conclude, if you know how much a 2nd class stamp costs, then simply make sure the cost of purchasing a ticket is not lower than this. If the cost is lower, then you are being placed at a huge disadvantage when entering for free. The online raffle provider will be misleading you and we suggest you don’t enter the raffle.

If you would like a further information about the free entry route then you may find our dedicated page ‘Free Entry Rules‘ helpful.

Stamp Costs, Free Entry Routes & Online Prize Draw Ticket Pricing FAQ's

In 2026, a UK 2nd class stamp costs 87p. This is currently the cheapest way to submit a free postal entry for most UK online prize draws.

The cost of a 2nd class stamp is important because it directly affects the minimum lawful ticket price an online prize draw provider should charge.

Under UK prize draw and online prize draw rules, operators must provide a free entry route, usually by postcard.

If the cost of a paid ticket is cheaper than the cost of entering by post (e.g. 87p), then the free entry route becomes pointless and unfair.

This creates a compliance risk and may mean the prize draw is operating as an illegal lottery.

Most UK online prize draw providers allow free entry by:

  • Sending a postcard to a designated address

  • Including your name and address

  • Providing the correct answer to the competition question

  • Ensuring the postcard arrives before the closing date

The entrant is responsible for postage and delivery timing.

No, it shouldn’t.

If a ticket costs less than 87p (the cost of a 2nd class stamp in 2026), then:

  • Free entrants are financially disadvantaged

  • The free entry route is no longer equal

  • The operator risks being classified as running an illegal lottery

Online prize draw businesses must ensure ticket prices match or exceed the cost of free postal entry.

If entering for free costs more than purchasing a ticket:

  • The competition may be misleading participants

  • The free entry route may not be considered genuine

  • The raffle may fall outside UK prize draw rules

  • You, as the entrant, are placed at a financial disadvantage

If this happens, it’s sensible to reconsider entering.

A free entry route is what separates a legal prize competition from an illegal lottery under UK law.

Without a valid free entry method:

  • The competition may require a gambling licence

  • It could be in breach of UK gambling legislation

  • The business may face regulatory action

Providing a compliant free entry process is essential for lawful operation.

Yes.

Whenever Royal Mail increases the price of a 2nd class stamp, online prize draw providers must review their pricing.

If the stamp price rises, the minimum ticket price must also rise to ensure:

  • The free entry route remains fair

  • The competition stays compliant

  • Entrants are not misled

Ignoring stamp price increases can create immediate compliance issues.

You can protect yourself by:

  • Checking the ticket price against the current 2nd class stamp cost

  • Reviewing the competition’s free entry rules

  • Ensuring clear terms and conditions are provided

  • Avoiding competitions where ticket prices are lower than postal entry

If the pricing structure seems unfair, it may indicate non-compliance.