We help you create a fully functional competition business in the UK
We don’t just help you create a fully working website, we also:
- Advise on branding, look and feel of your competition site
- Help pick a winning niche
- Create a powerful, fast and responsive system
- Give advise on how to stay legal
- Create features like instant wins, site credit, sales tactics
- Advise on the type of giveaways to do, including help with pricing, ticket min and max
- Provide a full support package
How to Start a Raffle Business
Get in touch here for more info about how to make a competition/raffle website today.
Are you looking to start a competition or raffle website, or maybe you have a business already and want to expand it. A competition website allows you to sell tickets online and give away prizes. This blog post talks about how you can start a successful competition website.
- Start selling tickets and making money in a few days
- Set up competitions and run the website yourself
- We create a stunning, unique website just for you
- Sell tickets for any kind of competition, including free giveaways, cash, cars, holidays, and anything else
- Instant win functionality is available
- User wallets, sign up bonuses, instant wins goes to wallets
- All our sites follow the law and regulations
Some of our successful competition/raffle website builds
When creating competition websites we always take the clients needs on board, we create websites specifically form them and give full tutorials on how to use the site. We also offer full support.
The Vintage Watch Draw
From £0 to £40k+ month in sales within 3 months. Using Instagram and Facebook marketing
Bonnie Competitions
From £0 to £60k+ a month in sales after 6 months. Using Facebook communities and marketing
We can create a fully functioning competition website with all the features you need, get in touch today.
Raffle and competition websites are becoming more popular each year. There are all kinds available with various pricing, from winning millions to luxury houses to custom camper vans. Many of these raffle websites have a fairly high ticket price compared to the lottery. One of the biggest new players in the online raffle/competition industry is Omaze, which offers players a chance to win a luxury house somewhere in the UK or Europe. Ticket prices start from £10, but you can even subscribe every month.
We can help you create your own competition/raffle website, where you can sell tickets, generate ticket numbers, give away prizes, and have the system automatically send emails to winners, giveaway instant wins, website credit and more.
Get in touch today to start your own successful competition site like we have done for many others.
How to start a raffle website
Quick links
- Step-by-step guide to the creation of a competition website
- Step 3: Promoting Your Competition and Selling Tickets
- Why is a raffle or competition website a good business model?
- What are the legal requirements for running a competition site?
- Using WordPress to make a competition or raffle website
- Create a raffle website or competition website
Looking to create your own competition website?
We specialise in creating high-quality competition websites and can guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch today for a fast, no-obligation quote!
We specialise in making competition websites so get in touch today for a quote!
Here at Developer Rocket we make websites for Raffle and competition businesses all around the UK. We can get your business up and running or improve what you currently have. Get in touch here.
Do I need a gambling license to run a competition website?
No you don’t according to the official gambling commision website you do not need a gambling license. You can run a competition website as long as they are being ran in a way that meets the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005 (opens in new tab). Please read the official requirements here.
Step-by-step guide to the creation of a competition website
Step 1: Know Your Goals and Understand What’s Involved
Before diving into the creation of a competition website, it’s essential to define your goals and understand the process from start to finish. This step forms the foundation of your website’s success. Here’s what you need to consider:
Define Your Goals
Ask yourself:
- What is the purpose of your competition website?
Are you looking to generate leads, grow your email list, increase brand awareness, or sell products? Knowing your primary objective will guide every decision you make. - Who is your target audience?
Consider who you want to attract to your site. Are they tech-savvy young adults, busy parents, or niche hobbyists? Tailoring your website to their preferences will enhance its appeal. - What type of competitions will you run?
Will you focus on giveaways, skill-based contests, raffles, or quizzes? Different competition formats require different features and legal considerations. - What do you want participants to do?
Define the actions participants must take to enter. For example, they might need to sign up, share your competition on social media, or make a purchase to qualify.
Understand the Requirements of your competition site
Running a competition website involves more than simply putting up a page and waiting for participants to join. You need to consider:
- Legal and Compliance Issues
Check the legal requirements in your region. In some areas, lotteries and raffles may require a license, while others have strict rules about promoting competitions. Ensure you’re aware of data protection laws (like GDPR in Europe) if you’re collecting personal information. - Costs and Budget
Factor in website development costs, hosting, marketing, and prize acquisition. If you’re offering high-value prizes, ensure the potential return on investment is worth it. - Technical Features
What functionality does your website need? Some common requirements include:
- Entry forms
- Payment gateways (if participants need to buy tickets or make a purchase to enter)
- Countdown timers
- Automated winner selection
- Social sharing integrations
- Prizes and Incentives
The prize is the main attraction for your audience. Choose something desirable and relevant to your target demographic. Whether it’s cash, tech bundles, or experience packages, your prize needs to excite your audience and encourage participation. - Marketing and Promotion
Plan how you’ll drive traffic to your website. Social media, email campaigns, influencer collaborations, and paid ads can all play a role in promoting your competition.
By setting clear goals and understanding what’s involved, you’ll be better prepared to build a competition website that achieves your objectives and engages your audience. With this foundation in place, you’re ready to move on to planning the structure and design of your site.
Step 2: Competition Website Payment Gateways
Once you’ve established your goals, the next step is to create your competition website and integrate a secure payment gateway. Here’s a guide to ensure your website is functional, user-friendly, and capable of handling transactions seamlessly.
Building Your Competition Website
Creating a professional and engaging website is essential for attracting participants and managing your competition effectively.
- Choose a Platform
- User-Friendly Options: Platforms like Shopify or WordPress with plugins such as WooCommerce are ideal for beginners. They offer pre-built templates and customization tools.
- Custom Development: If you need advanced features or a unique design, consider hiring a web developer for a custom-built solution.
- Design with Purpose
- Keep It Simple: A clean, easy-to-navigate design ensures users can quickly find information about the competition, prizes, and how to enter.
- Highlight the Prize: Use eye-catching images and bold headlines to showcase the prize. Make it the focal point of your homepage.
- Add Trust Signals: Include testimonials, past winners (if applicable), and a secure site seal to build credibility.
- Essential Features
- Entry Form: Create a simple, mobile-friendly form where users can enter their details or purchase entries.
- Countdown Timer: Add urgency by displaying the time remaining until the competition closes.
- FAQs Section: Answer common questions about the competition, rules, and prizes.
- Terms and Conditions: Clearly outline the rules of participation to avoid disputes.
- Mobile Optimization
Ensure your website is responsive and looks great on mobile devices. Many participants will access your site from their phones.
Setting Up a Payment Gateway for your competition website
Since running a competition website often involves elements that are regulated as gambling, standard payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe typically cannot be used. Instead, you’ll need a specialized payment gateway that supports competition or prize-based transactions and complies with the associated legal requirements.
1. Choose a Suitable Payment Gateway
Look for payment providers experienced in handling competition, raffle, or prize-draw websites. Examples include:
- Cashflows
- Trust Payments
- Nochex
These gateways are accustomed to working within the regulatory frameworks surrounding competitions and lotteries.
2. Understand the Compliance Requirements
Before integrating a gateway, ensure you meet all necessary regulations in your region:
- Licensing: If your competition qualifies as a lottery, raffle, or gambling activity, you may need a license.
- KYC (Know Your Customer): Many specialized gateways will require documentation to verify your business and the nature of your competition.
- Terms and Conditions: Clearly state the rules for your competition, including entry costs, eligibility, and prize details.
3. Integration with Your Website
Most specialized gateways provide tools or APIs to integrate their payment systems into your website.
- If you’re using a platform like WordPress or Shopify, you may need a plugin or custom development to support these payment providers.
- Work with your payment gateway’s technical support team to ensure a smooth setup.
4. Offer Multiple Secure Payment Options
Although your options are limited compared to standard payment gateways, many specialized providers still support common payment methods such as:
- Debit and credit cards
- Bank transfers
- Digital wallets (where allowed)
5. Transaction Fees and Processing Times
Specialized payment gateways may have higher transaction fees due to the increased risk associated with gambling-related activities. Factor these costs into your competition entry pricing to ensure profitability.
6. Security and Data Protection
Protect participants’ payment information by implementing the following:
- SSL Encryption: Ensure your site is secure with HTTPS.
- PCI Compliance: Your payment gateway should adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
7. Automated Confirmation and Ticketing
Once a payment is processed, your website should:
- Automatically confirm the entry via email.
- Issue a receipt or ticket number as proof of entry.
8. Test Thoroughly
Before going live, rigorously test the payment system to confirm:
- Payments are processed correctly.
- Notifications and receipts are issued without errors.
- Refund policies, if applicable, are clear and functional.
Using a specialized payment gateway ensures your competition website operates legally, builds trust with participants, and processes transactions securely.
Testing Before Launch
Before you go live, test every aspect of your website, including:
- The entry process
- Payment functionality
- Mobile responsiveness
- Email notifications
By focusing on these critical elements, you’ll create a polished, professional competition website that not only attracts participants but also ensures a smooth and secure experience for everyone involved.
Are you looking to launch your own competition website? We are currently selling a pre-built competition which you can buy for £249. This comes with everything you need to start your own competition website. This will save you thousands in development costs, so click here to buy it, make sure you read all the description! You can also buy it here on Gumroad
Legal Requirements for Competition Websites in the UK
If you are planning to start a raffle or competition business in the UK, understanding the legal side of the industry is essential. Many new competition website owners mistakenly believe they can simply launch a website and begin selling tickets, but UK competition businesses must follow strict rules to avoid being classed as an illegal lottery.
The good news is that prize competition websites can operate legally in the UK when structured correctly.
Prize Competitions vs Lotteries
In the UK, there is an important difference between a lottery, a free draw, and a prize competition.
A traditional lottery usually:
- Requires payment to enter
- Relies entirely on chance
- Requires a licence from the UK Gambling Commission
Most online competition websites avoid being classified as lotteries by using one of the following legal exemptions:
Skill-Based Prize Competitions
A prize competition includes an element of skill, knowledge, or judgement which prevents a significant proportion of people from entering or winning.
Examples include:
- Trivia questions
- Puzzle solving
- Spot-the-ball competitions
- Timed skill games
However, simple questions with obvious answers may not be sufficient on their own, which is why many competition businesses also include a free entry route.
Free Postal Entry Route
Many successful UK competition websites offer a free postal entry option alongside paid online entries. This helps the business operate under prize competition and free draw exemptions rather than being treated as a regulated lottery.
A compliant free entry route should:
- Be clearly displayed on the website
- Offer equal opportunity to win
- Not disadvantage postal entrants
- Be included in the Terms & Conditions
This is one of the most important areas to get right when launching a competition business.
Gambling Act 2005
Most UK competition websites operate under rules outlined within the UK Gambling Commission and the Gambling Act 2005.
Understanding these regulations is crucial because failing to structure your competitions correctly could result in:
- Payment gateway restrictions
- Advertising account bans
- Legal complaints
- Regulatory action
You can read the official guidance here:
UK Gambling Commission Prize Competition Guidance
Payment Gateway Restrictions
Not all payment providers are comfortable working with competition websites. Some platforms may restrict accounts if your competitions appear too similar to gambling or lotteries.
Competition businesses commonly use:
- Stripe
- PayPal
- Klarna
- Alternative high-risk payment providers
To reduce the risk of payment issues, your website should clearly display:
- Terms & Conditions
- Free entry details
- Competition rules
- Draw process information
- Skill question details (if applicable)
A professionally structured website can significantly improve payment provider approval rates.
Terms and Conditions
Every competition website should have professionally written Terms & Conditions covering:
- Eligibility requirements
- Minimum age
- Competition closing dates
- Draw procedures
- Refund policies
- Free entry instructions
- Prize descriptions
- Winner selection process
This not only helps with compliance but also builds trust with customers.
GDPR and Data Protection
Competition websites collect personal data including:
- Names
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Billing details
Because of this, UK competition websites must comply with GDPR regulations and provide:
- A Privacy Policy
- Cookie consent
- Secure payment handling
- Data protection processes
Advertising Competition Websites
Advertising platforms such as Facebook and Google may review competition websites carefully before approving ads.
To improve approval chances:
- Avoid misleading claims
- Clearly explain how winners are selected
- Include free entry information
- Display transparent Terms & Conditions
- Avoid language that suggests guaranteed winnings
Many successful competition businesses combine:
- Facebook Ads
- SEO
- Email marketing
- Organic social media
- Influencer campaigns
to grow their audience consistently.
Why Compliance Matters
Launching a competition website correctly from the start can save significant problems later. Many websites fail because they overlook compliance, payment processing, or legal structure.
A properly built competition platform should combine:
- Strong legal foundations
- Transparent competition processes
- Secure payments
- Mobile-friendly design
- Marketing systems
- Scalable infrastructure
This creates a trustworthy business that is easier to advertise, scale, and grow long term.
Step 4: Tracking the Results of Your Competition
Once your competition is live and tickets are selling, it’s essential to track and measure your results to understand the performance and effectiveness of your campaign. This step allows you to identify what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can improve future competitions.
1. Monitor Key Metrics
Track the following metrics to gauge the success of your competition:
- Ticket Sales: How many tickets have been sold? Compare this to your initial targets.
- Website Traffic: Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor visits to your competition website. Pay attention to:
- Total number of visitors
- Bounce rate (visitors who leave without interacting)
- Average session duration
- Conversion rate (percentage of visitors who buy tickets or enter)
- Social Media Engagement: Measure likes, shares, comments, and clicks on your promotional posts to see how your content is resonating with your audience.
- Referral Sources: Identify where your traffic is coming from, such as social media, email campaigns, ads, or organic search.
- Ad Performance: If you’re running paid ads, analyze impressions, clicks, click-through rates (CTR), and return on investment (ROI).
2. Track Email Campaigns
If you’re using email marketing, monitor metrics like:
- Open rates: How many people are opening your emails?
- Click-through rates: Are recipients clicking on your competition link?
- Unsubscribes: If many people are unsubscribing, it may indicate issues with your content or frequency.
3. Set Up Conversion Tracking
Ensure you’re tracking every step of the user journey, from visiting your site to completing a ticket purchase.
- Use tools like Google Tag Manager to set up conversion tracking on your website.
- If you’re running Facebook or Instagram ads, use their pixel tracking tools to measure conversions directly from social media.
4. Gather Participant Feedback
Collect feedback from participants to understand their experience:
- Send a follow-up survey after the competition asking about their experience with the website, payment process, and overall engagement.
- Use this information to improve user experience and build loyalty for future competitions.
5. Monitor Trust Signals
Building trust with your audience is crucial for repeat success. Keep an eye on:
- Positive reviews or testimonials
- Increased social media followers or engagement
- Word-of-mouth referrals
6. Assess ROI (Return on Investment)
Calculate your ROI to determine if the competition was financially successful:
- Revenue Generated: Total ticket sales and any additional income.
- Expenses: Include costs for web development, payment gateway fees, advertising, prizes, and marketing.
- ROI Formula: ROI=(Revenue−Expenses)Expenses×100ROI = \frac{(Revenue – Expenses)}{Expenses} \times 100
7. Adjust Your Strategy for Future Competitions
Use the data you’ve gathered to refine your approach for future campaigns:
- Identify the most effective promotional channels and allocate more budget to them.
- Adjust your messaging or offers to better align with your audience’s preferences.
- Optimize your website based on user feedback and analytics data.
8. Celebrate and Share the Results
Once the competition ends, build trust and excitement for future events by sharing the results:
- Announce the winner on your website and social media channels.
- Share behind-the-scenes content, such as the prize delivery or winner’s reaction.
- Thank participants and encourage them to follow your page for updates on upcoming competitions.
Tracking results is not just about measuring success; it’s about learning and improving to make each competition more impactful than the last. Would you like help setting up specific tracking tools or creating post-competition reports?
Step 5: Review and Plan for the Future
Once your competition ends, take time to reflect and prepare for the next one.
1. Analyze Results
- Compare ticket sales to your goals.
- Review key metrics like revenue, website traffic, and engagement.
- Identify the most effective marketing channels.
2. Gather Insights
- Understand your audience by analyzing demographics and behavior.
- Note which strategies performed well and which need improvement.
3. Highlight Success
- Share the winner’s story and thank participants on social media.
- Showcase interesting stats to build excitement for future competitions.
4. Plan Ahead
Use the lessons learned to refine your approach, enhance marketing, and improve user experience for your next competition.
Keep building on each campaign’s success, and you’ll grow a loyal audience ready for the next big prize.
How much does a raffle or competition website cost to develop?
At Developer Rocket, we aim to keep our prices as fair as possible, we price our services based on how long it takes us. In the past, we have charged between £1899 and £3000 for a fully ready competition website. If you have your designs, branding and content ready, it can help reduce this price because it’s less work for us!
Get in touch below for a quote from us, this form goes straight to our inbox so we’ll reply when we can, thanks!
Create a raffle website or competition website
Creating a raffle or competition website can be a rewarding way to engage your audience, raise funds, or increase brand awareness. By following these steps and leveraging the right tools and strategies, you can create a successful event that captures the attention of your target audience and drives results for your organisation or business.
If you are looking for help in developing your competition or raffle website, get in touch with us at Developer Rocket today!