Entering sweepstakes can be an exciting hobby, but the lingo can sometimes be confusing, especially for beginners. Knowing the terms commonly used in contests will make it easier to navigate and understand each sweepstakes you enter. Uncover the essential sweepstakes terminology below to make sure you’re ready to enter with confidence.
Common Sweepstakes Terms
Sweepstakes
A type of contest where winners are chosen randomly from a pool of entries. Sweepstakes are purely based on luck, not skill or performance, and winners are selected by chance.
Contest
Unlike sweepstakes, contests often require participants to show skill, creativity, or talent. Winners are chosen based on specific criteria (like a photo or essay contest) rather than at random.
Giveaway
A term often used interchangeably with “sweepstakes.” In a giveaway, a company offers a prize to randomly selected entrants. Giveaways can take place on social media, websites, or in stores.
Instant Win
An “instant win” sweepstakes lets entrants know immediately if they’ve won. Often, participants will play a game, spin a wheel, or scratch a virtual ticket to reveal if they’ve won a prize on the spot.
Entry Types
One-Time Entry
A sweepstakes that only allows participants to enter once. Once you’ve entered, you cannot submit additional entries, so choose carefully and follow the rules to maximize your chance of winning.
Daily Entry
A sweepstakes where participants are allowed to enter once per day. Daily entries can increase your chances of winning if you remember to enter consistently.
Weekly Entry
A sweepstakes that allows entries once per week. These are usually less competitive than daily entries and offer entrants regular chances without the need for daily participation.
Unlimited Entry
This type of entry allows you to enter as many times as you want, which can improve your odds of winning. However, be mindful of any time or financial commitment required, as unlimited entries can sometimes be time-consuming.
Entry Methods
No Purchase Necessary
A common phrase in sweepstakes rules, meaning that participants do not have to buy anything to enter or win. In the U.S., most sweepstakes require a “no purchase necessary” option to comply with legal requirements.
Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE)
An entry method provided to participants who prefer not to make a purchase. For example, if a sweepstakes requires purchasing a product, an AMOE might allow entry by mailing a postcard or entering online.
Social Media Entry
A sweepstakes entry type that requires actions on social media platforms, such as liking a page, sharing a post, tagging friends, or following an account. Be sure to follow the entry steps exactly, as social media entries often have specific requirements.
Bonus Entry
A chance to earn extra entries by performing additional actions. For example, a sweepstakes might offer a bonus entry if you refer a friend, share the contest on social media, or sign up for a newsletter.
Refer-a-Friend
Some sweepstakes encourage you to refer friends for extra entries. Each friend you refer who enters may add another entry for you, boosting your odds of winning.
Prize Types
Grand Prize
The most significant or valuable prize offered in a sweepstakes. Grand prizes are usually advertised prominently and are typically awarded at the end of the sweepstakes period.
Runner-Up Prize
A secondary prize that is awarded to additional winners in a sweepstakes. Runner-up prizes are usually less valuable than the grand prize but still worth winning.
Cash Prize
A sweepstakes prize given in the form of cash. This could be awarded as a check, bank transfer, or prepaid gift card. Cash prizes are among the most popular and versatile rewards.
Gift Card
A prize awarded in the form of a gift card, which can be used at specific retailers or for specific products. Gift cards can be physical or digital and are a popular prize for brands.
Merchandise
Physical items, like electronics, clothing, or home goods, are common sweepstakes prizes. Merchandise prizes can range from small items like T-shirts to large items like televisions or appliances.
Trip Prize
A travel prize package that may include airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, and entertainment. These prizes are popular but often come with specific rules, like travel date restrictions.
Important Sweepstakes Terms
Eligibility Requirements
Rules that specify who can enter a sweepstakes. Eligibility requirements may include age, location, and sometimes specific status (e.g., students or residents of certain states or countries).
Odds of Winning
The probability of winning a prize in the sweepstakes, often expressed as “1 in X.” The odds are determined by the number of entrants and the number of prizes available.
Entry Period
The timeframe during which you can enter the sweepstakes. The entry period usually has a clear start and end date, and entries submitted outside this period are not eligible.
Deadline
The final date and time when entries are accepted. Be sure to enter before the deadline, as entries after this date are not eligible to win.
Drawing Date
The date when winners are selected. Some sweepstakes specify a drawing date in advance, while others may inform winners privately once the drawing takes place.
Verification
The process by which sweepstakes sponsors confirm that a winner is eligible and followed the rules. Verification can include providing proof of age, location, or identity.
Winner Notification
The method by which winners are informed they’ve won, such as by email, phone, or social media. Check sweepstakes rules to know how you’ll be contacted to avoid missing a prize notification.
Legal Terms
Official Rules
The detailed terms and conditions that govern a sweepstakes. Official rules include everything from eligibility requirements to prize details and are legally binding for both the participants and sponsor.
Liability Release
A waiver that sweepstakes winners may be required to sign, releasing the sponsor from responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses incurred related to the prize.
Affidavit of Eligibility
A legal document winners may be required to sign to confirm their eligibility. It can include confirming age, residency, or agreeing to specific terms before claiming a prize.
Publicity Release
A document winners might need to sign that grants the sponsor permission to use their name, likeness, or other personal details in promotional materials.
Void Where Prohibited
A phrase found in official rules indicating that the sweepstakes is not valid in certain states or regions where such contests are legally restricted.
Additional Terms
Sponsor
The company, organization, or brand responsible for hosting the sweepstakes, providing the prizes, and setting the rules. The sponsor typically promotes the sweepstakes to attract entries.
Entrant
Anyone who submits an entry to the sweepstakes. Entrants must follow all rules and requirements to be eligible to win.
Administrator
A third-party company or individual that runs and manages the sweepstakes on behalf of the sponsor. The administrator handles tasks like drawing winners, confirming eligibility, and notifying winners.
Spam
Sweepstakes entries can sometimes attract spam, especially through social media. Stay aware of fake accounts posing as sponsors and avoid sharing sensitive information in public spaces.
Scam
Unfortunately, some “sweepstakes” are scams designed to gather personal information or request payments from participants. Real sweepstakes do not require payment to claim a prize, so always be cautious and verify the legitimacy of any contest.
Sweepstakes Aggregator
Websites or apps that compile a list of active sweepstakes, often categorized by prize or entry frequency. Sweepstakes aggregators make it easier to find contests and often provide links directly to entry pages.