How to Tell if a Sweepstakes Is Legitimate

One of the more common questions about sweepstakes is how they differ from lotteries. The answer is simple. You need to pay to enter a lottery. Entry into sweepstakes is free and, by law cannot require you to make a purchase to win. These laws are called the “anti-lottery laws” and were implemented by the FCC and FTC to address sweepstakes fraud. 

Remember Ed McMahon and Publisher’s Clearinghouse? He’s gone, but the sweepstakes is still around. The fine print on their offer used to say, “No purchase necessary to enter.” The anti-lottery laws made them change it to “No purchase necessary to enter or win.” Language is important. Here are some other tips for checking the legitimacy of a sweepstakes.

1. Check for a Privacy Policy on the Website

Online sweepstakes casinos have become wildly popular in recent years, so we’re going to focus on those. The first step in checking for their legitimacy is to look for a privacy policy on their website. This is a statement telling the user exactly how their information is going to be used. Sites that don’t have a privacy policy could be phishing for personal information. 

2. Are the Rules Clearly Explained? 

Focusing on what you can win without clearly understanding how to play is a common mistake made by online gamblers. Legitimate sweepstakes casinos clearly outline the rules of the game, and they shouldn’t be difficult to find. If they’re hidden, find them and go through them thoroughly to make sure there are no hidden clauses or deceptive language.

3. Check the Offer Against Local and State Laws

Suggesting that you’ve won simply because you’ve entered is a violation of the laws governing sweepstakes. Charging an entry fee makes it a lottery, not a sweepstake. These seem simple, but illegitimate online casinos can disguise their sweepstakes with items like “free tokens” that require a reload to keep playing. Read the laws. Make sure the site is compliant. 

4. Does the Site Ask For Banking Information? 

Sweepstakes are free. They don’t require an entry fee, so there’s no reason for a sweepstakes casino to have your bank account information. The same holds true for social security numbers and credit card numbers. These websites are supposed to be for fun only. There’s no cash-in or cash prizes. Winnings are typically merchandise, free services, or gift certificates. 

5. Is There a Company Sponsoring the Sweepstakes? 

Publisher’s Clearinghouse doesn’t require a purchase to enter their sweepstakes, but their aim is to sell magazines. They make them available on every entry form, so it’s clear who the sponsor is. With a sweepstakes casino, check to see who is backing them up. An example of this is Foxwoods Online. You can play online for free and win amenities at Foxwoods hotels. 

6. Is the Sweepstakes Listed on the Sponsor’s Main Website?

Just because the sweepstakes claims they have a sponsor doesn’t mean it's true. Go to the sponsor’s main website and check if they have a link to the sweepstakes site. If not, you may have uncovered a scam. You can double-check by calling or emailing the sponsor and asking if they know anything about it. Or you could just move on to something else. 

7. Trust Your Instincts

That “bad feeling” you’re getting is a warning sign you should pay attention to. Trust your instincts. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. There are plenty of sweepstakes out there that you can enter without misgivings. Try one of those instead. Sweepstakes casinos are great for practising your gambling skills without risk. That should be enjoyed.

8. Special Offers Aren’t Always Special

This is our final point. Sweepstakes are marketing tools. You’ll be approached with offers that look “special” but are sales campaigns to get you to buy products or services. Chances are, that’s not why you’re there. Don’t feel obligated to buy into them to take advantage of discounted pricing or “free” gifts. If you didn’t need it before, you don’t need it now.