There have been recent media reports of several sizable sweepstakes wins across different sites and sweepstake casino platforms. But do people actually win sweepstakes, and what are the biggest prizes ever claimed?
We’ll explore the answers to these questions below, while asking how you can create a viable strategy that improves your chances of being a winner.
What is Sweeping?
Broadly speaking, ‘sweeping’ describes the act of playing sweepstakes, allowing you to enter contests or play games in a bid to win prizes at random. Approximately 55 million Americans participate in sweepstakes and contests every year, while the US market is expected to achieve a value of $6.9 billion by the end of 2025.
Legit sweepstakes and contests should always be free to enter with no obligation to buy. There are also different types of sweepstakes available, from sweepstake casino brands to free giveaway sites.
What are the Chances of Winning a Sweepstakes?
Generally, the answer to the question “Do people really win sweepstakes?” is ‘yes’. However, it’s more pertinent to assess your chances of winning a particular sweepstakes or contest, based on factors such as the number of entrants, the value of the prize, and the organizational structure used by operators.
According to one poll about the average size of sweepstakes wins, some 52% of regular sweepers claim to win over $1,250 per year. However, just 4% of the 585 respondents polled reported winning more than $1,250 during a typical 12-month period, which may reflect the average value of sweepstakes prizes in the US.
How to Enter a Giveaway or Sweepstakes Contest?
Before you can calculate what the chances of winning a sweepstakes are, you’ll first need to enter and confirm your participation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
1. Search the Available Sweepstakes: You should start by identifying the available sweepstakes, casinos, and mystery box style contests, and games. To help expedite this process, consider using an independent sweepstakes aggregator that details thousands of legitimate options within your jurisdiction.
2. Fill in the Entry Form: Next, fill in the relevant entry form, or complete the registration process at a sweepstakes casino. The key thing here is to enter your details as accurately and honestly as possible, as you may otherwise find yourself ineligible to receive a reward.
3. Create a New Email Specifically for Sweepstakes: To track their applications, professional sweepstakes winners often create a separate email for sweepstakes. This can make the registration process simpler and make it easier to find out if you’ve won.
4. Read the T&Cs: Remember, sweepstakes should be free to enter with absolutely no obligation to spend money. We’d also recommend that you read the casino’s or contest’s T&Cs in full, paying particular attention to the entry period or any prize expiration dates.
Professional Sweepstakes Winners
As the market for sweepstakes casinos and contests has grown, participants are increasingly inclined to enter as a professional sweepstakes player. Among the 4% who earn more than $12,500 per year from sweepstakes, some have managed to accumulate significant wealth and incredibly high-value prizes. Here’s a selection of the biggest sweepstakes winners!
Winner 1 – Diana “Di” Coke has Won More than $376k in Lifetime Prizes
Year: 1990 – Present Day
Value of Prize: $376,000 total, including $35k in cash and a brand new VW Beetle
Sweepstake Contest Name: Various – Enters 300+ contests each month
Type of Sweepstakes Contest: Free Giveaways
Diana “Di” Coke has been participating in sweepstakes since the early 1990s, while her 20-year career has seen her win prizes with a cumulative cash value of over $376,000. Her first prize was a ticket to the UK’s Glastonbury Festival, after she decided to participate in a mail-in ticket giveaway that she spotted in a magazine. She plays a high number of entries and adopts a volume-driven strategy to winning, entering an average of 300 contests each month.
Winner 2 – Don Cruz Won a HGTV Dream Home Worth $1.5 Million
Year: 2005
Value of Prize: $1.5 million+
Sweepstakes Contest Name: HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes
Type of Sweepstakes Contest: Free Contest
The HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes is one of the biggest giveaways globally, as 2005 winner Don Cruz can testify. Having signed up and entered for free, he subsequently won a lakefront property in Tyler, Texas, with an estimated real estate value of $1.5 million. He subsequently moved his family there from suburban Chicago, before selling the property and claiming its cash value three years later. Many successful sweepers are highly selective when choosing giveaways and prioritize maximising entries into a high-value draw.
Winner 3 – Natalie Bostelman Won the Lucrative PCH SuperPrize Draw
Year: 2008
Value of Prize: $1 million
Sweepstake Contest Name: PCH SuperPrize
Type of Sweepstakes Contest: Free Prize Draw
Entry to the PCH SuperPrize draw is a national sweepstakes restricted to United States residents, while the odds of winning a sweepstakes under this particular brand are akin to the Powerball Jackpot. However, this didn’t stop Natalie Bostelman from winning and becoming an instant millionaire in 2008, while Publishers Clearing House also made her a PCH grand prize winner ambassador. She subsequently travelled the world promoting the company’s free giveaways and sweepstakes contests.
Winner 4 – Michele B. Won $100,000 Through the McDonald’s Monopoly Sweepstakes
2008 was also a great year for Michele B., who wasn’t an avid sweepstakes enthusiast when she walked into the local McDonald’s branch in Beaumont, Texas. However, she randomly received a game code for the free McDonald’s Monopoly Sweepstakes, which ended up winning her a cash prize of $100,000. This underlines the chance element of sweepstakes and how you can win simply by being in the right place at the right time.
Winner 5 – Kyria Henry Won $128,000 Through the Life Improvement Sabbatical Contest
Year: 2010
Value of Prize: $128,000
Sweepstakes Contest Name: Ikea’s Life Improvement Sabbatical Contest
Type of Sweepstakes Contest: Free Writing Contest
This type of contest requires a formal written proposal or submission, which means that it can be strategically targeted by entrants with a specific focus or skill. In 2010, Kyria Henry entered the contest in a bid to expand her charitable organization, Paws4People, with her compelling essay securing a top prize of $128,000. She had launched the organization at the age of just 12 and used the money to provide further assistance for pets with physical and neurological problems.
How to Win a Sweepstakes Contest?
By now, we should have answered the question “Does anyone ever win sweepstakes?”. This can undoubtedly be a thrilling experience, but the most successful sweepers can remove any emotion and operate in a completely strategic manner. Below, you’ll find some tips on how to win a sweepstakes, depending on the type of contest you enter.
Enter Legitimate and Relevant Contests: Firstly, you’ll need to identify which sweepstakes are legitimate and accessible in your jurisdiction. Next, streamline your options further by targeting contests that may require a skill that you have, such as formal proposal writing. This affords you a far greater chance of being successful.
Read the Rules in Full: To determine legitimacy, you’ll also have to read each contest’s rules in full, to ensure they don’t charge entry fees or ask for sensitive financial data. Be sure to also verify the entry period and prize expiry dates (if applicable), and any further rules that will impact your eligibility.
Adopt a Volume-Based Strategy: Diana “Di” Coke’s success as a sweeper is based on volume, as she regularly enters more than 300 contests and sweepstakes per month. This not only increases her exposure and chances of winning prizes, but it also helps her leverage the fact that legitimate sweepstakes are free to enter. This strategy also lets you combine daily, weekly, and monthly contests.
Organize Your Entries: If you do adopt a volume-drive approach that’s also built on diversification, you must organize your entries. Keep a simple spreadsheet detailing each contest and your entry data, alongside the key rules and any information pertaining to limits and timeframes.
Engage Directly in Sweepstakes Communities: When entering sweepstakes you can actually win, you’ll often come across a large and engaged community. This will be home to dedicated sweepers who have a wealth of experience, and engaging with these individuals can unlock exceptional insights, tips, and advice. It may also help you to uncover new sweepstakes opportunities.
What are Sweepstakes Aggregators?
Now that you know how to win giveaways, the next step is to find the best sweepstakes and contests for you. The best and most efficient way to do this is by using sweepstakes aggregators, which unlock a huge number of potential contests that can be easily filtered and categorized.
The Top 5 Sweepstakes Aggregators?
We’ve spent some time researching the best sweepstakes sites and aggregators, so that you can gain a crucial head start when searching for free giveaways. Here’s a summary of our top five picks:
Aggregator
Favorite for
Number of Contests
Subscription Y/N
Contest Listing Frequency
Sweepstakes Fanatics
Variety of Prizes
1,000+
Y
Daily
Contest Girl
Brand Giveaways
1,580
Y
Daily
The Freebie Guy
Instant Win Games
800+
N
Daily
Sweepsheet
Mail-in Contests
1,000+
Y
Daily
The Giveaway Fairy
Sweepstakes Travel Prizes
200+
Y
Weekly
Is it Legit to Play Sweepstakes and Contests in the USA?
Sweepstakes casinos and giveaway sites are legal and legitimate in the US, so long as they adhere to certain rules and guidelines. For example, they should provide sweepstakes that don’t charge entry fees to players. Also, casinos should not mandate real money deposits or bets.
Although the rules may vary slightly from one state to another, there are some universal sweepstakes guidelines that operators should adhere to. These include:
Law 1 – Sweepstakes should be free to enter and guarantee randomized outcomes. However, contests can require you to demonstrate some form of skill or perform a specified action, meaning that winners can be selected according to more specific criteria.
Law 2 – Sweepstakes operators don’t require you to provide financial or personal banking information. Sites that do may be operating outside of US law or may be potentially fraudulent or sweepstakes scams.
Law 3 – Sweepstake prizes should also be awarded free of charge. This includes all potential add-ons, including shipping fees and handling charges. If these are charged, you may not be dealing with a reputable site, so check out the T&Cs as a matter of urgency.
Comparison of Giveaway vs Sweepstakes Sites
As we’ve touched on, there are some differences between giveaways and sweepstakes sites (including casinos). Below, you’ll find a concise summary of the core giveaway vs sweepstakes pros and cons, so that you can determine which type of site is best for you.
Giveaway Sites
Sweepstakes Sites
Giveaway sites often require entrants to complete a specific action, such as following a social media account
Sweepstake sites and casinos can be accessed simply by completing an entry form or opening an account
Giveaway prizes are typically small and nominal
Prizes can be much larger overall
Giveaways have fewer legal restrictions as they usually require an element of skill
Sweepstakes sites and casinos are heavily regulated and must adhere to a larger selection of laws
There may be more restrictions and entry requirements imposed
Sweepstakes sites are subject to the ‘No Purchase Necessary’ law
Winners can be determined according to predetermined criteria, based on the qualifying skill or action involved
Wins must be completely randomized and determined by chance
How to Sign Up for Online Sweepstakes and Contests
The process of registering with a sweepstakes platform and determining what is a sweepstakes entry, varies between different types of sites. However, we’ve prepared a step-by-step signup guide, using the Stake.us site as an example.
Step 1: Hit the ‘Register’ Button
Start by navigating your way to the Stake.us homepage and hit the ‘Register’ button in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
Step 2: Create an Account
Next, enter a verifiable email and unique username when creating your account. You can secure this with a password. Then, confirm your state and date of birth, while you can also provide your mobile number if you wish.
Step 3: Accept the Site’s Terms and Conditions
You can now read the site’s unique T&Cs. Scroll down to the bottom before clicking the box to accept these terms.
Step 4: Verify Your Details
You’ll now have to verify your age and identity. You can do this by attaching physical documentation, including a passport or driver’s license. Once approved, you can start browsing the available games and bonuses.
Conclusion
Sweepstakes and giveaway sites are not only highly rewarding, but they also deliver various types of prizes and gameplay. From free sweepstakes draws and contests to sweepstakes casino platforms, legitimate entities are free to enter and tend to boast highly engaged communities, too.
The statistics show that people who sweep regularly tend to win frequently over time, while some have even claimed life-changing prizes or made a career out of sweeping. Of course, you’ll have to check the legality and precise T&Cs before determining whether specific sweepstakes are worth it, but there are plenty of options available online.
Responsible Gambling
When making a non-obligated coin purchase at a sweepstakes site or social casino, you’re essentially gambling your hard-earned cash. Even sweepstakes giveaways which are free to enter, can lead to potential gambling addiction as you experience the thrill of taking part.
If you struggle to manage your time spent on sweepstakes sites or sweepstakes casinos, then using our own responsible gambling guide or the resources below, can help and mystery box sites, you may want to seek out independent advice and support. Here are some responsible gambling resources in the US:
There are different types of sweepstakes sites in the US, including aggregators like Sweepstakes Fanatics and Contest Girl. These are well-established, compliant, and trustworthy. In terms of legitimate sweepstakes casinos, Stake.us is one of the most popular and widely available sites.
Are sweepstakes games provably fair like casino games?
Sweepstakes casinos host the same type of games that you’ll find at real money casinos. This includes provably fair titles that use cryptographic hash functions to guarantee fairness, transparency, and random outcomes. However, you cannot wager for real money at sweepstakes casinos, with this being a key and decisive difference.
Must I be 18 to play on a Social Sweepstakes website?
Before you can plot how to win a giveaway or sweepstakes, you must ensure you’re of legal age to enter. The rules regarding age eligibility vary from state to state, but you’ll have to be aged 18 or older to play sweepstakes anywhere in the US. Some states may impose a minimum age limit of 21.
Can I play on sweepstakes sites for free?
Yes, one of the key legal requirements of playing at a sweepstakes site is that games and draws are free to enter. More specifically, there should be no obligation to make a real money payment or deposit. If you see this, you may be playing at a rogue site.
Do sweepstakes sites have daily cash contests?
Yes, many sweepstakes platforms and aggregator sites offer access to daily sweeps and contests with cash prizes. Your chances of winning a sweepstakes of this type will vary depending on the prize on offer and the number of people eligible to participate. Certainly, contests with huge cash prizes may be more popular and harder to win.
The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.
Lewis is a seasoned sports writer and betting expert at ReadWrite. He has been written about sports, remote betting and sportsbooks for more than 10 years, with his work featuring in publications such as The Boot Room, Yahoo Sports and 90min. He writes most extensively about soccer, basketball, American football and boxing, but retains an interest in a huge range of sports.
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