Approved Raffle Providers
How Much Do You Pay For A Stamp?
How much do you pay for a stamp in 2024 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 March 2024, a total of 75p. 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
On April 2nd 2024 the cost of a Royal Mail 2nd stamp will rise from 75p to 85p. 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.