If you’re planning to run a charity raffle or prize draw in the UK, it’s important to understand the legal framework around them. Many people are surprised to learn that raffles fall under gambling legislation - meaning there are strict rules to follow to stay compliant with the UK Gambling Commission. Whether you're fundraising for a small local cause or a national charity, this guide outlines the key options available to run a legally compliant prize draw. The Three Legal Routes for Prize Draws in the UK 1. Prize Competition (Skill-Based) Instead of relying purely on chance, the winner is chosen based on skill, judgment or knowledge. A common example is asking entrants to answer a question or solve a puzzle. If structured correctly, this does not require a licence. Platforms like Raffall operate under this model, offering prize competitions where users often pay to enter and answer a qualifying question. 2. Prize Draw with free entry route This model allows people to enter without paying, and it can legally include an optional donation or purchase route. Crucially, the free entry route must be clearly available and treated equally to any paid route. Omaze, for example, runs luxury house prize draws with a free postal entry option, making them compliant with this route. No licence is needed as long as the free route is clearly promoted and accessible. 3. Licensed Society Lottery This is the classic “paid entry” raffle. If participants pay for a chance to win and the draw is based on chance, you’ll need a lottery licence. Small Society Lottery (via your local council) — suitable for draws under £20,000 per draw or £250,000 per year. Large Society Lottery (via the Gambling Commission) — for higher-value or national campaigns. To apply: You’ll need to register your society (usually a charity), appoint a promoter, follow advertising and ticketing regulations, and submit financial returns. Compliance: What to Watch Out For No licence = strict rules: If you're avoiding a lottery licence, your prize draw must either be skill-based or offer a genuine free entry route. Be clear with entrants: Entry terms, eligibility, how winners are chosen — all must be transparent. Keep it fair: Paid and free entrants should have an equal chance of winning. Platforms That Handle Compliance Navigating compliance can be complex, especially for smaller charities or first-time fundraisers. A number of platforms help simplify the process: Raffall – Handles prize competitions, offering a streamlined model for paid-entry skill-based draws. Omaze – Runs high-profile draws with a free entry option to remain compliant. GiveWheel – Offers free in-built compliance handling for both prize competitions and free prize draws, helping you stay on the right side of regulations without needing a licence. Why Use GiveWheel for Charity Raffles? For fundraisers focused on charitable impact, GiveWheel includes features specifically designed to support transparency, efficiency, and multi-charity giving: Raffle compliance handling: in-built prize competition and free entry tools Automatic prize draw winner generation Automatic distribution of funds to registered charities Unlimited charity splits — donations can be divided between multiple charities No platform fees for raffle organisers Low transaction fees (1.2%) — significantly lower than many alternatives This makes GiveWheel particularly well-suited for fundraising raffles linked to personal challenges, corporate giving, or community campaigns — especially when supporting multiple charities. It’s never been easier to run an engaging, legal, and impactful prize draw — as long as you understand the legal distinctions. Whether you opt for a licensed raffle, a skill-based competition, or a free-entry prize draw, staying compliant protects your cause and your participants. When in doubt, consult the Gambling Commission’s guidance — or consider using a platform that simplifies the process and supports maximum charitable impact. Create a Raffle Page on GiveWheel