Entry & participation
Find out how to get involved, from entering competitions to what happens if you get the answer wrong.
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Who can enter the competition?
Entry is open only to residents of Northern Ireland, Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland aged 18 or older. Relatives of suppliers are excluded.
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Is there a free entry option?
Yes. Send your name, address, phone number, email, and answer via first-class post to the specified address. Bulk entries not accepted; each must be submitted separately.
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Can I try again?
You can enter the competition as many times as you wish. Your entries may be restricted if we reach the maximum number of entries.
Whilst this isn’t gambling, we still urge you to keep this fun and not spend more than you can afford.
Eligibility & Regulations
Check if you’re eligible to enter and understand the rules that keep things fair for everyone.
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Who can enter the competition?
Entry is open only to residents of Northern Ireland, Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland aged 18 or older. Relatives of suppliers are excluded.
Competition Details & Prizes
Discover how winners are chosen, what prizes are up for grabs, and what you can do with them if you win.
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How is the winner decided?
Everyone who gets the answer to the question correct will be entered into a draw. The winner will then be chosen at random from all the correct entries.
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What are my chances of winning?
The maximum number of entries is stated on each competition so your chances of winning will vary from competition to competition.
As an example, if entries are capped at a maximum of 3000, this means that if you purchase 1 entry and get the answer correct, your chances of winning will be no worse than 1 in 3,000.
You can increase your chances of winning by purchasing more entries. For example, if you purchase 10 entries in the example above and you get the answer correct, your chances of winning will be no worse than 1 in 300.
We say “no worse than” because we expect a significant number of people to get the answer to the question wrong. We cannot predict how many this will be but say 500 people got the answer wrong and they each purchased 1 entry each. Your chances of winning with a single correct entry will now improve to 1 in 2,500.
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How long is the competition open for?
The opening and closing date of the competitions are stated on the website. If we have to change either of these dates for any reason, we will update the website accordingly.
We will only change the dates if we have to for reasons outside of our control.
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Why is the question so hard?
This is not a lottery or a free prize draw. It is a prize competition and the law says that to be in with a chance of winning, you must demonstrate your skill, knowledge or judgement.
The law says that the question should be sufficiently difficult that a significant number of people either get the answer wrong or are put off entering. However, this means that the odds of winning are actually increased for those who get the answer correct.
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What are the prizes?
The prizes are described fully on the website. You can find out more details by checking out our current Competitions.
We reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of an equal or higher value if the prize is unavailable for any reason.
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Can I sell the prize if I don't want it?
If you are the winner, the prize will be yours. You can do what ever you wish with it, including selling it.
Timing & Notifications
Learn when competitions open and close, and how you’ll be notified if you’re the lucky winner.
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How long is the competition open?
Opening and closing dates are listed on the website and may be updated if needed due to unforeseen circumstance.
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How will I know if I’ve won?
Winners are notified by phone or email within 7 days of closing. If you’re unreachable within 14 days, McKinney may choose another winner.
Data & Permissions
See how your personal information is handled and when your details might be shared.
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How do you use my personal data?
Data is used solely for administering the competition and awarding prizes. It isn’t shared unless necessary.
Details are available in the Privacy Policy. Winner details may be shared with the Advertising Standards Authority. If you opt out before the closing date, you’ll withdraw from the competition and won’t receive a refund.
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Do you share winners’ reactions?
Sharing is optional. With your permission, McKinney may publish your excitement on their website or social media. If not, they may still provide details to the Advertising Standards Authority if required
Other Questions
From refunds to missing emails, find answers to the most common extras people ask.
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I haven’t received confirmation what now?
If you haven’t received an email from us confirming your entry and whether you got the question right or wrong, please check your spam folder. If it is not in there, please get in touch using our contact form and we’ll be happy to help.
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Can I get a refund on my entry fee?
We do not offer refunds of entry fees if you get the answer to the question wrong, or if you are disqualified from the competition for any reason.
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Why don’t you accept hand-delivered entries?
We do not accept any hand delivered entries other than what is delivered from a Royal Mail Representative because this would give an unfair geographic advantage to some over others who do not live within the same radius of our premise. This is the safest and fairest way to manage the entries.
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My question isn’t answered here now what?
If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please get in touch using our contact form and we’ll be happy to help.