Sofa Sleuths FAQ – Your Questions Answered
Got questions about our cosy armchair treasure hunts? You're in the right place.
We've gathered the answers to the most common queries below — from free entry details and clue delivery to how winners are chosen and prizes paid.
If something's missing, just drop us an email: here — we're real people running this fun project and always happy to help!
Is Sofa Sleuths free to enter?
Yes — every pilot hunt is 100% free (no payment required). For future paid hunts, we offer a low-cost paid entry option (£2.50) with clue access, but a free entry route will always be available when we run free hunts. No purchase is necessary to take part.
How do I enter a hunt?
To enter a hunt just click on any one of the "Enter Hunt" buttons that are placed around our website. Then fill in the "pop up" form and click submit.
When do clues get sent?
Clues are delivered in stages. The 1st clue will be sent out via email exactly one hour after entries close. The 2nd clue will arrive 24 hours later, and the 3rd clue 24 hours after that. All clues arrive via email and are sent to every entrant at the same time.
How is the winner chosen?
The first person to correctly name the exact hidden location wins. Judging is based on accuracy and timestamp — fully skill-based, no random chance involved. A runner up will be chosen from all remaining correct entries using an RNG (random number generator)
What happens if nobody gets it right?
We craft every hunt to be solvable, and we aim to crown a winner each time. If no fully correct entry is received by closing time, the prize may roll over to the next hunt or be awarded to the closest correct answer at our discretion.
How and when do winners get paid?
Winners are announced publicly (anonymized) within 24–72 hours of closing. Prizes are paid via PayPal within the same timeframe. We share proof of payment (screenshots) to show everything is transparent and real. The winners will be notified by email.
Do I need to live in the UK to enter?
No — hunts are open to anyone aged 18+.
Are the hunts really skill-based (not gambling)?
Yes — success depends on your ability to decode cryptic clues using knowledge, research, and deduction. There is no element of chance. This makes them genuine skill competitions under UK law (no Gambling Commission licence required).
What if I need a hint or have a question during the hunt?
Join our Facebook group — we may post general hints there (no direct answers to avoid unfair advantage).
How do you protect my personal information?
We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third parties for marketing.
We share minimal data only when necessary:
With PayPal (for prize payments to winners only)
With Meta/Facebook (for group functionality if you join our private group – see Meta’s privacy policy)
Can I enter more than once?
Yes. You can enter as many times as you wish.
What happens after a hunt ends?
We announce the winner, share the solution/explanation in the group, on our website, pay the prize, and start planning the next mystery. Past winners and proof are posted on the Past Hunts page.
Ready to Start Sleuthing?
Ready to put your deduction skills to the test? Our cosy armchair treasure hunts are designed for fun from home — with cash prizes for the sharpest minds who crack the cryptic clues. No travel, just your wits!
See full details in our Rules page
Join fellow sleuths for hints, discussions, and community chat
Not quite ready to dive in?
Register below for email updates — be the first to hear about new hunts, prize details, and launch announcements.
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