A win-a-house draw sells tickets for a property and picks a winner at a set time. The ASA has specific guidance on them. Here’s what it says in plain English.
Cash alternatives must be reasonable
The ASA says prizes “must be awarded as described in the ad, or a reasonable equivalent”, and that an alternative should be “of the same nature and value as the prize advertised”. In one case, a £7,000 cash substitute for a house was not considered a reasonable equivalent. (ASA: “Win a House” promotions.)
The free route must be easy to find
Paid draws may be unlawful lotteries without a free entry route, so one is likely needed. Under the code it “must be explained clearly and prominently”. A free postal route buried at the bottom of a page was not prominent enough.
Closing dates
A closing date is likely to be a significant condition and “must not be changed unless unavoidable circumstances outside of the control of the advertiser” make it necessary. Mentioning a possible change in the terms does not avoid this rule. See can a competition extend its closing date?
Questions to ask before you buy
- What happens if the target number of tickets isn’t reached?
- Is the cash alternative a stated sum, and how does it compare with the value of the house?
- Where is the free entry route, and does it give the same chance?
- Can the date move?
How Hoardsy runs its competitions
- Closing dates are never extended for slow sales.
- There’s no minimum number of sales: every end-draw prize and top instant prize is awarded, sold out or not.
- Every competition page shows its prizes and your chance per ticket before you enter.
- Every competition can be entered free by post, with the same chances as a paid ticket. See free postal entry.
Keep reading
- All Hoardsy guides
- What the ASA has ruled on UK competition sites
- Instant win vs end draw
- How a provably fair draw works
Last checked 12 October 2026.
Hoardsy
See the competitions
Choose a draw or an instant game. Every prize and its chance is on the page before you enter.
18+, Great Britain only. Free postal entry on every competition.
