What makes a prize draw fair
A fair prize draw starts with the right entries, a secure method of selection and a clear record of what happened. WinnerSelect is designed to support those principles with a controlled draw process and permanent draw records.
The principles of a fair draw
A well-run prize draw should:
- Use a fully independent winner selection tool
- Include all eligible entries
- Give eligible entries the appropriate chance of winning
- Confirm the final entry pool before the draw
- Use a secure random selection process
- Record the result when the draw takes place
- Keep enough information to show how the draw was conducted
These are simple principles, but they matter.
Start with the correct entry pool
Random selection is only meaningful if the correct entries are included. WinnerSelect requires the final entry pool to be confirmed before the draw takes place. For uploaded entry lists, WinnerSelect also creates a SHA-256 fingerprint of the confirmed pool, giving the draw a permanent reference to the entries used.
Secure random winner selection
WinnerSelect runs winner selection server-side using a cryptographically secure random number generator. Depending on the draw type, the selection is made from:
- An uploaded ticket list
- An uploaded telephone number list
- An eligible number range
One or more winners can be selected in the same draw.
Paid and free entries
Where a prize draw has both paid and free entry routes, eligible entries from both routes should have the same chance of winning each available prize. The DCMS Voluntary Code specifically states that paid and free entries should have an equal chance where the Code applies. WinnerSelect allows operators to combine eligible entries into one confirmed pool before winner selection takes place.
A permanent record of the draw
Every completed draw creates a timestamped record showing key information about the selection. Depending on the draw type, this can include:
- Draw name
- Selection method
- Eligible pool size
- Winning entry or entries
- Completion time
- Pool fingerprint where applicable
This provides a clear record of how the winner was selected and the pool the draw was run against.
The DCMS Voluntary Code
The UK Government’s Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators sets out standards covering player protection, transparency and accountability. For winner selection, the Code says prizes should be awarded fairly and allows computer selection where the process produces verifiably random and auditable results. It also says operators should provide details of the mechanism used for their draws. The Code applies to relevant Great Britain prize draws where chance determines the outcome and both paid and free entry routes are offered. It does not cover operators running only skill-based competitions.
Read the DCMS Voluntary Code on GOV.UK (link last checked 3 September 2026).
How WinnerSelect supports good draw practice
WinnerSelect brings the core parts of winner selection into one process:
- Confirm the entries
- Establish the final eligible pool before the draw begins.
- Select securely
- Run winner selection using a secure server-side RNG.
- Record the result
- Create a timestamped record automatically when the draw is completed.
- Keep the evidence
- Retain the key details of the draw so the result and selection process can be referred to later.
Run your next draw with confidence
WinnerSelect gives you a simple, consistent way to select winners and keep a permanent record of every completed draw.