21 ACTIVE SWEEPSTAKES · 15 ACTIVE RAFFLES · 24 FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES · 8 NONPROFIT FUNDRAISERS · 17 RAFFLE ORGANIZATIONS · ALL INFO FROM PUBLIC SOURCES · 21 ACTIVE SWEEPSTAKES · 15 ACTIVE RAFFLES · 24 FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES · 8 NONPROFIT FUNDRAISERS · 17 RAFFLE ORGANIZATIONS · ALL INFO FROM PUBLIC SOURCES ·
◆ Know Before You Enter

Sweepstakes Information Hub

Rules, regulations, and everything you need to know — for entrants and sponsors alike.

Important Legal Disclaimer

All information on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Sweepstakes laws vary by state and are subject to change. The Sweepstakes Connection is not a law firm and does not provide legal counsel. If you are running a sweepstakes, consult a qualified attorney. All content is sourced from publicly available legal resources, government publications, and official rules documents.

A sweepstakes is a promotional contest in which prizes are awarded by random drawing from among entries. Unlike a lottery, a legal sweepstakes must not require a purchase or payment to enter — this is the foundational legal requirement in the United States.

The three elements that define an illegal lottery are: (1) Prize, (2) Chance, and (3) Consideration (payment/purchase). A legal sweepstakes removes the "consideration" element by providing a free alternative method of entry (AMOE).

Sweepstakes differ from contests (which are skill-based) and lotteries (which are government-run and require purchase). Understanding this distinction is critical for both sponsors and participants.
Reminder

All information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Sweepstakes laws are complex and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified attorney before running a sweepstakes.