Three Ireland to change competition rules after complaints

One person had won competitions for concerts and events in the 3Arena in June, September, and twice in November, while another person had won gig tickets in both October and November.

Three Ireland said it would change the terms and conditions of competitions on its 'Three+' app after complaints about the same people winning multiple times in a short period.

In association with some of its partners, the phone company regularly offers prizes to its customers via its app, with the likes of tickets to events in the 3Olympia Theatre and the 3Arena, hotel stays, and vouchers regularly up for grabs.

However, those who used the app spotted an unusual pattern which ran in recent months when the list of winners was published.

One person had won competitions for concerts and events in the 3Arena in June, September, and twice in November, while another person had won gig tickets in both October and November.

There were further instances of repeat winners, leading to complaints from customers.

The issue was raised on the Three Ireland community forum in December and in an initial response, a Three spokesperson had said the company had "conducted a full review of the process and remains fully confident", in it.

However, Three has now confirmed there will be a change to the terms and conditions from February.

It will read, "Entrants must not have won a prize for a Three+ competition in the last six months."

The spokesperson explained: "This will ensure a participant who wins a Three+ competition will be excluded from winning a new competition for the following six months and increases the chances of those who have not won Three+ competitions of winning."

The company stressed all Three employees are excluded from winning Three+ competitions.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission confirmed to the Irish Examiner it had received one complaint in 2023 about Three Ireland which mentioned the Three+ competitions.

Three Ireland have been contacted for comment.