How Do Online Sweepstakes Work?
Online sweepstakes are prize promotions where winners are selected at random, and no purchase is required to enter. Tap to understand how entries, rules, and winners are managed in modern sweepstakes.
A sweepstake is a game of chance where users can win a prize without paying or making a purchase. To enter, participants typically complete a simple task like submitting their email, following a brand, or referring a friend. Unlike contests, winners are chosen randomly — not based on skill.
Brands use sweepstakes to grow their email list, build awareness, and reward their community. Because it's a chance-based promotion, you must clearly state your rules and avoid any pay-to-play mechanics to stay compliant with regulations.
Tools like Gleam make this easy. You can run a sweepstake with verified entries and random winner selection, helping you grow your audience while remaining legally compliant.
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What Happens After You Enter an Online Sweepstakes?
After entering a sweepstake, you may receive confirmation, follow-up emails, and eventually a winner announcement. Click to find out how entries are processed and what to expect after you enter.