Paid For Competition FAQs
How to enter
Details of how to enter are specified on air. These will usually include SMS text and a postal route of entry.
How much does it cost to enter a prize draw by sending a rate SMS text?
The cost of the SMS entry will be shown and described in the programme. For each SMS entry you will also be charged one SMS at Standard Network Rate. This charge is determined by your mobile operator. Please contact your mobile operator directly for more details about this charge.
Do you offer a 3 for 2 mechanic on your competitions?
If a competition has a 3 for 2 offer this will be detailed in the programme-specific Terms & Conditions and you will also be notified within the receipt message that acknowledges your entry.
How does the 3 for 2 competition mechanic work?
Entrants are offered a third free entry every time they pay for 2 entries, up to the maximum paid entry limit for that competition. Details of the paid entry limit for that competition can be found on the programme-specific Terms & Conditions.
Entering a prize draw by other routes
To comply with the Gambling Act 2005, we also provide a method of entry that is not premium. We do this through postal entry, which can be either 1st or 2nd class. Postal entry details will be published at the same time as the premium rate entry route. Postal entries will close as directed on screen, which for the avoidance of doubt will always be 3 working days after the text entry closes.
How many times can I enter?
Each competition has its own rules of entry, and a cap on the number of paid SMS entries per entrant. This number will be published on the programme-specific T&Cs which are available to view on Channel4.com/Win
Why can’t I enter for free online?
We have simplified the entry criteria and, in line with other broadcasters, now use postal entry as our ‘free’ entry route. Under Gambling Act regulations, sending something by post is not considered to be a premium route of entry.
I have not received a reply to my SMS entry
Sometimes, your reply may be delayed due to mobile operator or service provider issues. If you entered before the closing date specified but you receive your reply SMS message after lines have closed, your entry will be included in the draw.
Can I enter from abroad?
Premium Rate SMS messages would not usually work from abroad, so you are unlikely to be able to take part in competitions unless you are in the UK.
Why are my text messages not sending?
If text messages are not leaving your handset, your entry will not be included in the draw to win. You should contact your service provider as you may have a premium rate block on your number. Alternatively, if you are on pay as you go, you may not have enough credit.
How are winners selected?
Winners are selected by a random computer algorithm that ensures absolute fairness for all valid entries and includes all routes of entry, both paid-for and the free route.
How will I know if I have won?
You will be contacted by phone, initially by our appointed third-party service provider, although Channel 4 will subsequently contact you as part of our verification checks. Thereafter, Channel 4 will pass your details to our prize fulfilment agency who will arrange delivery of the prize. We will never ask you for money, or for credit card details when we call. If you are asked for these you should hang up and contact us directly by contacting Channel 4’s Viewers Enquiry department, and we will be able to confirm if you are a winner or not. A list of winners is available to view on Channel4.com/Win.
Paid-for Competition FAQs
If you have entered in error, we are unable to refund your entry, so please ensure you check the competition information before you enter. If you still believe you are due a refund for another reason, please contact us through Channel4.com/contact
Updated 11 April 2023