Online Comping UK
Win big prizes for pennies by using the free postal entry loophole—beat the odds and enter high-value competitions without paying ticket prices.
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Written by My Side Gig team
What Is Online Comping?
What if we told you there’s a way to enter competitions for big prizes—without paying the high entry fees? That’s exactly what the free postal route offers. And yes, it’s completely legal.
How Does It Work?
Many competition websites run what’s legally classified as a lottery—and UK gambling law requires them to offer a free entry route, usually by post.
Here’s how to do it:
Find a competition you like (cash prizes, tech, holidays—you name it).
Write your entry details on a postcard. This usually includes:
Full name
Address
Contact details
Correct answer to any skill-based question (some comps have these – they may only appear once you add the ticket to basket or log in).
Send it off with a Second Class stamp (or first) —costing you around £1 all in.
That’s it. You’ve just entered a competition that others might pay £1000s for—for the price of a stamp/postcard.
What Comps Should You Go For? 🎯
To maximise your chances, focus on:
✅ Low ticket numbers – the fewer tickets sold, the better your odds
✅ High-value prizes – £1 (postage cost) for a shot at £1,000+? Yes please
✅ Expensive paid entry prices – comps charging £20+ per ticket give you great value from the free entry route
💡 Example: One of our team recently sent a free entry for a £1,000 cash prize draw. Tickets were £20 each—and only 75 tickets were sold. That’s a 1 in 75 chance for roughly £1 in postage. (See photo!)
Top Tips for Success 📝
✅ Always include every detail they ask for
✅ Double-check for entry questions – these can be easy to miss until checkout
✅ Post in good time – don’t risk missing the deadline
✅ Stick with trustworthy competition providers – legally they must accept postal entries, but it’s best to focus on those who’ve regularly honoured yours
Final Word
You won’t win every time—but just like matched betting this is a numbers game. And the odds? They’re heavily stacked in your favour, especially when you target the right competitions.
More questions? Scroll down to see our full FAQ’, fair ticket price calculator and extra resources.
FAQ’s
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Yes! Thanks to a surge in competition websites, it’s easier than ever to find high-value prizes. And with the free postal route, you can enter for as little as £1.
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Yes, you must be 18 or older to legally enter these competitions.
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If a competition doesn’t offer a free entry route (usually by post), it’s classed as an illegal lottery under UK law. Reputable sites follow this rule strictly.
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2nd Class Stamp: 87p
1st Class Stamp: £1.35
Plus a postcard or envelope – so most entries cost around £1 total.
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Yes, many comps allow multiple postal entries. Just check the terms—each entry must be sent separately (with its own stamp and postcard). Be aware that if one entry is lost, others could be affected too.
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No. Competition winnings are classed as gambling income, which is tax-free in the UK. No need to set up a business or declare it.
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Absolutely. Take a comp offering a £20,000 car for £100 per entry with just 300 tickets. If all are sold, the site earns £30,000—yet you can enter for under £1 via post. That’s a potential 1-in-300 chance for pennies.
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Black pen
Postcards or envelopes
Stamps
Internet access
A spare email account (to avoid spam)
Must be over 18
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Use autofill when signing up online
Keep apps for your favourite comp sites
Always read T&Cs carefully
Write neatly – don't give them a reason to disqualify your entry
Send entries in good time
Use 1st Class for tight deadlines or big prizes
Track all your entries
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See it as a hobby. Don’t obsess over live draws or expect regular wins. Treat wins as a bonus, and understand you’ll lose some time and money along the way.
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Stick to comps with positive reviews (e.g. on TrustPilot). Legally, companies must accept postal entries—but in practice, entries may go missing or get rejected (e.g. due to errors, lost mail, or site oversight). If that happens, a polite follow-up message can help.
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Some sites offer free-to-play competitions or even phone-in entry options. These are often lower value or have more competition, but they’re still worth exploring.
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Always check the cash value vs resale value. Sometimes it’s better to take the prize and sell it privately for more than the offered cash.
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EV helps you work out the long-term value of your entries. For example, if a comp has a 1-in-100 chance of winning a £1,000 prize and costs you £1 to enter, the EV is £10 per £1 spent. This means for every £1 spent entering these comps you’d expect to make £10 going forward (a huge return on your investment!).
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Yes – and it can be addictive. Please gamble responsibly.
If you're struggling, visit GamCare, GambleAware, or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. -
Most will — but not all. Some competition companies are great at handling free postal entries, while others can be a bit more relaxed. It’s always worth checking before the draw takes place to make sure your entry has been received.
If a provider claims they “don’t receive” postal entries, it’s usually best to avoid them in future or reach out publicly on platforms they can’t easily ignore (like live streams, social media comments, or reviews).
That said, it’s not worth being aggressive — without these companies running draws, there’d be nothing to enter. A polite nudge usually goes a lot further. -
Absolutely! Sharing is one of the best parts of comping. It helps others discover new sites (just like you did when you first started), and it builds a stronger, more informed community. The more people involved, the more accountability these companies have — and the more tips, tricks, and wins you’ll all learn from. Comping is always better when done together — the community is the best way to learn and grow.
