Guides to Sweepstakes and Giveaways

The explanations, rather than the listings. How a sweepstakes is actually run, how the common fakes work and what they are after, what the official rules are telling you, and what happens after a win. Read the one on fakes first if you read only one: the four checks in it work on any giveaway anywhere, including the ones listed here.

13 pages in this section

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How to read these listings

The cards are starting points, not endorsements. Check the sponsor page for the rules, free-entry route and prize details before entering.

Named sponsor: A real giveaway names the company responsible for running it. If the entry page hides the sponsor or only uses a famous brand name with no company behind it, treat it as unsafe.
Official rules: The rules should state the prize, approximate retail value, entry period, eligibility, winner selection method and how odds are determined. Missing rules are the strongest reason to walk away.
Free entry: A US sweepstakes must be free to enter. No purchase necessary is a legal requirement, not a courtesy. Any fee to enter or claim a prize disqualifies the listing.