There’s no secret trick to win sweepstakes. Winners are chosen at random. But serious sweepstakers do win more often than casual entrants, and it’s because of strategy, not luck. Here’s how to put the odds in your favor while staying legal and safe.
Table of Contents
12 tips to win more sweepstakes
- Enter consistently. Daily-entry sweepstakes reward people who enter every day they’re allowed to.
- Favor giveaways with many prizes. A promotion with 500 gift cards gives you more chances than one with a single grand prize.
- Look for small and local sweepstakes. Radio stations, local businesses and regional brands attract far fewer entries than national campaigns.
- Try harder entry methods. Mail-in entries, creative contests and giveaways that require a little effort, like a short essay or photo, get fewer entrants.
- Enter short-duration giveaways. Promotions that last a few days attract fewer entries than ones that run for months.
- Use every allowed entry method. Some sweepstakes give extra entries for following an account, referring friends or mailing in an entry. Only do what the rules allow.
- Read the rules carefully. Many people are disqualified for entering too often, using multiple email addresses or missing a requirement.
- Keep your information accurate. If a sponsor can’t verify you or reach you, they’ll pick another winner.
- Check your sweepstakes email and voicemail often. Some prizes must be claimed within days.
- Keep a tracking sheet. Note deadlines, entry frequency and where you entered.
- Join a community. Sweepstakes forums and newsletters share new giveaways and warn about scams.
- Be patient. Most regular sweepstakers report wins come in bursts with dry spells in between.
Things that won’t help (and can get you disqualified)
- Using fake names, multiple email addresses or bots to enter more than allowed
- Buying products expecting better odds (purchases can’t legally improve your chances)
- Paying anyone who claims they can “boost” your chances or guarantee a win
Watch out after you win
Once you start winning, you may get more scam attempts. Remember:
- Real sponsors don’t ask winners to pay fees, shipping or “taxes” up front.
- Taxes on prizes go to the government, not to the sponsor.
- Big prizes paid over many years depend on the sponsor’s finances. When choosing between a lump sum and installments, consider the sponsor’s track record. The 2025 Publishers Clearing House bankruptcy showed that “for life” payments aren’t guaranteed. See our PCH update.
FAQ
Is there a best time of day to enter?
Winners are random, so timing doesn’t change your odds, except that entering early ensures you don’t miss a short deadline.
Do mail-in entries win more?
Mail-in entries may have better odds simply because fewer people use them. Follow the rules exactly.
How long does it take to win something?
It varies widely. People who enter consistently for a few weeks or months often see small wins first.