METHODOLOGY
HOW WE CALCULATE THE TRUST SCORE
Every prize draw provider on DrawFinder is scored using the same transparent, weighted system. No shortcuts, no paid placements, no exceptions. Here is exactly how it works.
THE 6-POINT SYSTEM
The Trust Score is calculated by evaluating each provider across six criteria. Every provider must pass all six checks before earning a score, which is expressed as a number out of 5. No shortcuts, no exceptions. This is the same system shown on our Compare page.
Entry Numbers
Every entrant receives a unique, verifiable ticket ID. If you can't check your entry, how do you know you're actually in the draw? We assess whether each provider issues unique entry numbers and whether entrants can independently look up their entries.
Scoring: Full marks for real-time entry verification portals where you can check your ticket number. Partial marks for email confirmations with entry numbers. Zero for providers that give no entry confirmation at all.
Winner Transparency
Are past winners publicly listed? Do they livestream the draw? Are there verified handover videos proving real people won real prizes? We look for concrete evidence, not just names on a webpage.
Scoring: Full marks for livestreamed draws with verified winner identities and handover footage. Partial marks for named winners without independent verification. Zero for no public winner history.
XP Level (Age)
How long has the provider been operating? Veteran status means years of draws, payouts, and community trust built over time. A provider running draws for five-plus years carries far more weight than one that launched last month.
Scoring: Full marks for providers with 5+ years of continuous operation. Partial marks for 1-5 years. Minimal marks for providers under 12 months old. Track record is everything.
Third-Party Govt-Approved Drawing Provider
Is the draw run through a third-party, government-approved electronic drawing system? This is the single biggest indicator of a legitimate operation. It means the provider cannot influence the outcome because the draw is conducted, certified, and recorded by an independent party.
Scoring: Full marks for providers using a government-approved third-party system (e.g. a state-licensed electronic drawing system). Significant deductions for providers who run their own draws internally with no independent oversight.
Verification Power
Can entrants independently verify their entries are registered? Full access means complete transparency. Anything less raises questions. We assess whether there is a self-service portal, how much information is visible, and whether total entry counts are disclosed.
Scoring: Full marks for full self-service verification with total entry counts published. Partial marks for limited verification (email only). Zero for no verification capability.
Trust Signals
Verified community reviews, charity partnerships, industry endorsements, and third-party audits. This is the extra layer that separates good from great. We check independent review platforms, social media engagement, charity affiliations, and any formal endorsements or certifications.
Scoring: Full marks for strong independent reviews (4+ stars across multiple platforms), verified charity partnerships, and industry recognition. Deductions for low review counts, negative sentiment, or no external validation.
SAFEDRAW BONUS (+0.5)
Providers that use a government-approved, independent electronic drawing system receive a SafeDraw bonus on top of their base score. This is the strongest single indicator of draw legitimacy because it means the provider cannot influence the outcome. The draw is conducted, certified, and recorded by a third party with no commercial interest in the result.
EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE
DrawFinder is fully independent and does not accept payment from any draw provider. There are no affiliate partnerships, no sponsored placements, and no commercial relationships that could influence Trust Scores. No provider can pay for a higher score. If a provider is found to have compromised any of the six criteria, their score is adjusted immediately.
TRUST SCORE FAQ
What is the DrawFinder Trust Score?+
How often are Trust Scores updated?+
Can providers pay to improve their Trust Score?+
Why is a third-party drawing provider so important?+
How does DrawFinder verify winner histories?+
What should I look for before entering a prize draw?+
SEE THE SCORES IN ACTION
Compare every major Australian prize draw provider using our Trust Score system.