Why postal entry exists
In the UK, any paid prize competition must offer a free way to enter. This is a legal requirement, not an optional extra. The most common method is postal entry, where you send a postcard or letter to the competition operator. Your free entry carries exactly the same chance of winning as a paid ticket. This rule exists to ensure paid competitions are not classified as lotteries under the Gambling Act 2005.
What you need to send
The exact requirements vary by platform, but most competition operators ask for the same basic information. You will typically need to include your full legal name, the email address registered on your account, and the exact name of the competition you want to enter. Some platforms also ask for your username or account number. Always check the specific instructions on the platform before posting anything.
Step-by-step postal entry process
- Create an account on the competition platform. This is essential because the operator needs to match your postcard to your profile.
- Find the postal entry instructions. These are usually on a dedicated Free Entry page or in the terms and conditions.
- Write a postcard or the back of a sealed envelope with the required details: your full name, registered email address, and the competition name.
- Post it to the address provided, using standard Royal Mail delivery.
- Allow processing time. Most operators process postal entries within 24 to 48 hours of receiving them.
- Check your email for a confirmation that your entry has been added to the draw.
Use a postcard, not a letter
A standard postcard is cheaper to send than a letter. Since you only need to write a few lines, a postcard is the simplest and most cost-effective option. Check current Royal Mail prices before posting, as stamp costs are updated periodically.
How many free entries can you get?
Most competition platforms allow one free postal entry per paid competition. This is standard across the industry. Your postal entry counts towards any maximum ticket limit set for that competition. If a competition allows a maximum of 10 tickets per person and you send a postal entry, you can then purchase up to 9 additional paid tickets.
Timing is important
Your postal entry must be received by the competition operator before the competition closes. This means you need to account for Royal Mail delivery times. If a competition is close to selling out or approaching its deadline, posting a card on the last day may not arrive in time. Plan ahead and send your postcard as early as possible after the competition goes live.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to create an account first. Without an account, the operator cannot match your entry.
- Writing the wrong competition name. Be precise. If the name does not match, your entry may not be processed.
- Using a different email address to the one on your account.
- Sending your postcard too late. Allow at least 3 to 5 working days for Royal Mail delivery.
- Sending multiple postcards for the same competition. Most platforms only accept one postal entry per competition.
Is it worth entering by post?
It depends on the ticket price. If a competition charges £5 per ticket, spending under £1 on a stamp and postcard is excellent value for a free entry. If tickets are only £1, the saving is minimal. For free-entry competitions where you can enter instantly online, there is no need to use the postal route at all. The postal entry is most valuable for higher-priced competitions where the cost difference is significant.
Equal chances
A free postal entry has exactly the same probability of winning as a paid ticket. The draw system does not distinguish between how entries were obtained. Your free entry sits in the same pool as every paid ticket.
How Odds Up handles postal entries
At Odds Up, postal entry instructions are published on our Free Entry page. You need a registered account, and your postcard must include your full name, registered email, and the competition name. We process postal entries within 24 to 48 hours and send an email confirmation once your entry is live. One postal entry is allowed per paid competition, and it counts towards the per-person ticket limit.