Post is the preferred free entry route (officially)

mjm3346

While looking for something else I found this on the gambling Commission website and the postal entry route is certainly favoured over a web entry one.

The test to be applied where there is a choice of entry is that set out in paragraph 4.3. Hence, to qualify as a method which does not involve payment, it is not sufficient that the alternative route costs nothing for those who use it. It also has to be such that, for instance, individuals wishing to participate have a choice whether to use the alternative route and it is no less convenient than the paid route. As an example, many people do not have ready access to the internet at home. Although, for many of those that do, use of it costs nothing in the sense that they pay a single amount for access and nothing for subsequent use, others cannot access it, at least quickly. A competition which offers an alternative ‘free’ entry route via the web may not offer substantial proportions of those who wish to enter a genuine choice or at the very least that alternative may not be as convenient for them as the paid route. This is particularly the case where the need for immediate responses is emphasised to enable the participants to win the prizes on offer or the competitions are run only for relatively short periods. Reflecting all this, the Commission has developed the following principles, which we intend to use as a guide when considering whether web entry is a sufficient alternative route for those who seek to use it:


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potential participants who do not have home web access need sufficient time to gain web access elsewhere. The Commission considers three working days around the date of the particular draw as a reasonable length of time to obtain such access

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participation by web access should be available at all times while the scheme is being actively promoted and until the closing date/time for entries. Therefore, a quiz taking place during a television programme should permit web entries while the programme is being aired if entries by other means are permitted at that time as well

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the availability of free entry via the web should be made widely known, for example as the general policy for schemes organised by the operator concerned

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where any doubts exist as to whether the web entry arrangements in any particular case fully satisfy the Act’s requirements, other routes, for example by post that has been specifically sanctioned by Parliament, should be offered in addition.

6 Gambling Commission – Prize competitions and free draws December 2009

BlueBella

Depressed now thanks!

stellar

I don't think this is saying that postal entries will be given preference over web entries, aren't they just stipulating that postal entries should also be an option where web and other entries are not deemed enough.

mjm3346

stellar wrote: »

I don't think this is saying that postal entries will be given preference over web entries, aren't they just stipulating that postal entries should also be an option where web and other entries are not deemed enough.

No, it's not saying postal entries have a better chance of winning, they are just the free entry route sanctioned by Parliament and a company only needs to offer that entry route.

compsalex

stellar wrote: »

I don't think this is saying that postal entries will be given preference over web entries, aren't they just stipulating that postal entries should also be an option where web and other entries are not deemed enough.

This is how I read it