You have probably seen the appealing Omaze adverts, with luxury homes or cars and a note that part of the proceeds supports charity. If you are in the UK and wondering whether anyone has actually won using the no-purchase-entry option, you are not alone.
Many people want to know how the free entry route works, what it involves, and whether it has any effect on the outcome. It is mentioned less often than buying entries, which is why it can feel unclear.
This guide explains how to use the free entry method, who can use it, and what to expect once you are in the draw. Everything here is based on the official UK rules and Omaze’s published terms.
How Does Omaze Free Entry Work?
Every Omaze UK prize draw must offer a free way to enter. This exists to ensure that no one is required to pay for a chance to take part.
To use it, go to the official Omaze UK website and open the draw you are interested in. The free entry details are set out in the terms for that specific prize. Typically, you will be asked to send a handwritten postcard or envelope with your full name, address, email and phone number to the postal address shown for that draw. The information has to be accurate and legible, and the item needs to arrive by the deadline.
Once received, a valid free entry is added to the same pool as paid entries. It is processed in the same way and included in the same random draw. There is usually a limit on how many free entries you can submit per person for each competition, and entries that arrive late or do not meet the rules are not counted. The prize and the charity element are unchanged, whichever method you use.
If you are weighing up whether the free route genuinely stands a chance, it helps to look at how wins are recorded and announced.
Have There Been Confirmed Winners Using Free Entry?
Omaze UK confirms that free entries are included in each draw and that people have won using this method. Winners are chosen at random from all valid entries and, when announced, are not usually identified by how they entered. In other words, the public winner stories you see on websites or social media rarely specify whether the person used a paid or free route.
Independent oversight has assessed the way these draws run. As of 2024, there is nothing in the process that would prevent a free entry from winning, and this is reflected in the terms and the legal framework they follow. There is no official public list that labels a specific winner as a free-entry winner, but the structure of the draws allows for it and treats every valid entry equally.
If that sounds reassuring, the next step is simply understanding how to post a compliant entry.
Step-By-Step Guide To Enter Omaze For Free
Although the name suggests a sequence of actions, the process is straightforward once you know where to look. Everything you need is contained on each draw page.
Start by opening the current prize draw on the Omaze UK site and reading the free entry instructions in the terms. They set out exactly what to write, where to send it, how many free entries are permitted and when the entry window closes. Most draws ask for a handwritten postcard or envelope listing your full contact details, and they specify the postal address to use for that draw.
Send your entry with enough time for it to arrive before the deadline. Omaze does not send confirmations for postal submissions, so there is no email receipt to expect. If your entry meets the rules and arrives on time, it joins the main pool and is eligible when the winner is drawn. Results and winner announcements are published after verification.
How To Submit A Valid Free Entry
As outlined above, a valid free entry relies on matching the rules for the specific draw. That means using the exact postal address listed on the draw page, providing the required details by hand, and staying within the stated entry limit.
A few practical points help avoid problems. Make sure your handwriting is clear and consistent with any details you would enter online, use the correct postage, and allow for delivery times so it arrives before the closing date. The address can change between draws, so always check the current page rather than reusing details from a previous competition. If you have any doubt about format or limits, the terms for that draw will answer it.
Are Free Entry Wins Treated Differently From Paid Entries?
No. Once an entry passes the checks and is accepted, it sits in the same pool as every other valid entry. There is no marker that separates postal entries from paid ones, and the draw does not prioritise one method over the other.
Winners are chosen at random from the full pool. The prize, the verification process and the announcement are the same regardless of how the winning entry was submitted. This approach is set out in the terms for each competition and underpins the fairness requirements that apply in the UK.
How Winners Are Selected And Verified By Omaze
After entries close, all eligible entries for that draw are gathered into a single pool. An automated system selects the winner at random, and the process is usually observed by an independent party to confirm that it aligns with the rules.
Omaze then contacts the selected entrant using the details provided. Before any prize is awarded, the person needs to pass standard checks, such as proof of identity, age and address, and any other eligibility criteria listed for that draw. If these checks cannot be completed, or if the person cannot be reached, another entry is drawn and verified using the same steps. Only after verification is the winner confirmed publicly and the prize arranged.
Curious about timing and what happens after the draw closes? Here is how long it usually takes to hear back.
How Long Does It Take To Hear If You Won With A Free Entry?
The timeline is the same for free and paid entries. Each draw page sets out when the draw will take place and how winners will be notified. After the closing date, it can take from a few days to a couple of weeks for the selection, verification and notification to be completed.
If you win, Omaze gets in touch directly using the contact details you provided. If you do not hear from them, it generally means your entry was not selected. Once the winner has been verified, their name is usually posted on the Omaze UK site in line with the published rules.
FAQs About Omaze Free Entry
Are There Limits On Free Entries?
Yes. Each draw sets a maximum number of free entries per person. The limit is listed in the terms on the prize page and applies alongside any limits for paid entries. Staying within this cap helps ensure a fair approach for everyone taking part.
What Proof Do You Need To Claim A Prize?
Winners need to confirm identity and eligibility before a prize can be awarded. Typical checks include photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of address, like a recent utility bill or bank statement. These checks confirm that the person who entered is the person claiming the prize and that they meet the stated criteria.
Can Overseas Residents Enter For Free?
For draws run by Omaze UK, entry is generally limited to UK residents. The terms for each competition make it clear if there are any exceptions. If entries from outside the permitted area are not accepted, that applies to free entries as well.
Overall, the free entry route exists to give everyone a no-cost way to take part, and as long as the rules are followed, a free entry is treated exactly like a paid one.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.