Sweepstake FAQs and Help

Print all information neatly and legibly. Include all requested information in the order specified, exactly as shown, including capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviations. This usually includes your name, address, zip code (NAZ), phone number, age, and sometimes a qualifier. Use plain white unlined index cards or paper unless specified otherwise. Typically, envelopes aren’t opened until entries are picked as potential winners, so there is no need to decorate your 3×5 card.

Unless specified, you can use any size, color, or design of the envelope. Many sweepstakes require #10 envelopes (4.125 x 9.5 inches). If specified, use plain white #10 envelopes. Otherwise, feel free to use colored or designed #10 envelopes. Unless specified otherwise, you can hand address, type, or use labels on the envelope.

A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) is an envelope you address to yourself and include postage on. Fold it and place it in another envelope to send for official rules or game pieces. Always use a #10 envelope for SASEs, even if your state does not require return postage (like WA and VT).

Mail your entry exactly as the rules specify. Follow the exact format for addressing, including capitalization and punctuation. While minor details like periods in “P.O. Box” may not matter, pay attention to specified formats like capital letters and hand-addressed envelopes.

Postcards should be at least 3.5×5 inches; the post office won’t deliver smaller ones. If no specific size is required, use standard postcards from the US Post Office, which measure 3.5×5.5 inches. Larger postcards may require extra postage. Do not mail a postcard in an envelope unless specified. A return address is optional, and you can use return address labels or stamps. Write your NAZ and other information opposite to the front to prevent the Post Office from returning the postcard.

Every entry has the same odds of winning, but there are ways to improve your chances. Please look at our Hints and Tips section for ideas on how to give your entries an edge. Persistence and patience are key. Enter regularly rather than sporadically, and remember that sweepstaking is a hobby. Stick to a budget and pace yourself.

For larger prizes, you’ll need to sign and notarize an affidavit and return it within a specified time. Follow all instructions carefully. Some prizes may arrive without prior notice. Be patient, as it can take months for grand prizes to be delivered. Once you return the affidavit, the sponsor will send your prize.

Not usually, no. The majority of sweeps casinos exist solely for players in the United States of America, though some are accessible in parts of Canada. It’s extremely uncommon for a sweepstakes gaming site to accept players from outside of these two countries.

Yes. Sweeps casinos are only available to players in the US and Canada. However, not all sites accept players from every state or province. It’s important to check the Ts&Cs to confirm which locations are excluded before joining. Players from Washington and Michigan aren’t usually permitted, but some sites block players from as many as 13 different states.

As many as you like! It depends what you’re looking to gain from your sweepstakes gaming experience. By joining multiple casinos, you can take advantage of welcome bonuses and increase your access to a wider range of games and features. However, using several sites reduces your chances of reaching the highest levels of a VIP program.

You shouldn’t use a Virtual Private Network to visit sweepstakes casinos. While it’s technically possible to access some sites in this way, we don’t recommend it. Some casinos explicitly prohibit the use of a VPN in their Terms and Conditions, meaning you could face penalties. These may include forfeiture of winnings and account closure.

Although it’s increasingly common, there still aren’t that many sites that accept VIP and loyalty transfers. McLuck, FortuneWheelz and NoLimitCoins are three notable examples of sites that allow you to convert your existing status.

No. You’ll never have to use real money in order to play at sweepstakes casinos and gaming sites. All players receive a no-purchase welcome bonus, as well as daily login rewards and other sources of free coins. You may purchase coin bundles if you wish to top up your balance. However, that is never a requirement.

Sweepstakes sites allow you to play casino games for free using virtual currencies. There will always be at least two tokens. One facilitates games purely for the fun of it, while the other – also free – may be redeemed for real money prizes. The latter tokens, which are usually called Sweeps Coins, can only be obtained via promotional activities.

It depends on your chosen sweepstakes casino. Most sites allow you to buy coins using major credit and debit card providers, including Visa and Mastercard. Coin redemptions are usually processed through Trustly and electronic gift cards. Some sites permit purchases and redemptions via cryptocurrency, as well as digital wallets like PayPal, Neteller and Apple Pay.

Washing is a way to capitalize on promotions offered by sweepstakes casinos. Washers identify discounted coin bundles that also provide Sweeps Coins as a bonus, before playing the SC through on carefully selected, low volatility games. Get it right and it’s possible to make long-term profits from this completely fair and legal technique.

Verification requirements vary by sweeps casino, but you normally have to confirm your identity and home address at minimum. This requires a photo ID, such as a passport, and a utility bill (or similar document bearing your residential address). You may also be asked to verify payment details by submitting a bank statement or pictures of your card.

This is an extremely gray area and we recommend seeking the advice of a professional. However, according to the IRS, sweepstakes winnings are taxable at the federal level. The entire value of sweepstakes prizes – Sweeps Coin redemptions, in this case – should be reported as income. Local state taxes may also apply.

We strongly recommended speaking to an expert about taxation matters. The IRS treats Sweeps Coins as sweepstakes winnings, so the entire value of the prize must be declared as income, with no deductions for losses. However, since the purchase primarily includes valueless coins, there’s an argument to be made for their cost to be dedicated.

Most sweeps casinos allow you to redeem via bank transfer. This may be carried out directly, or through a secure third-party processor like Trustly. Many sites also permit gift card redemption, which is one of the fastest ways to withdraw your earnings. Some casinos offer cryptocurrency, e-wallet and card redemptions, too.

It depends on the casino and the games you play. Some sites offer slots with high RTP rates of over 97%, increasing your chances of long-term success. High volatility titles like Sugar Rush 1000 offer maximum potential payouts of 25,000x your stake. A skilled blackjack player can also make a theoretical long-term profit. Washing techniques can yield 5% to 10%.

By offering sweepstakes with major prizes such as new cars, vacations, jet skis, money, PCs, entertainment systems, and cash prizes, companies aim to attract your attention and encourage you to buy their products. How can they afford it? Sweepstakes are part of the marketing and advertising budget. Even if the grand prize is $100,000, it’s only a fraction of what some companies pay for a 30-second TV commercial during prime time. Unlike playing a lottery, the prizes in legitimate sweepstakes are guaranteed to be awarded. Sponsors typically hire sweepstakes judging agencies to manage the promotion and ensure all prizes are awarded fairly, giving everyone the same chance to win.

You can find legitimate sweepstakes in various places: grocery and department store displays, local newspapers, Sunday newspaper inserts, the internet, local radio stations, and more. Some sweepstakes newsletters compile all the legitimate sweepstakes and provide the necessary information to enter them.

Each sweepstakes has its own set of official rules. You’ll need the entry information (what the sponsors require), which is usually your name and address hand-printed on a 3×5 piece of paper or index card, the address to mail it to, and the deadline date for the entry. There may be certain restrictions, such as age or residency, or they may allow only one entry per person. All of this information is found in the official rules.

No special supplies are necessary. Typical supplies include plain white #10 envelopes, 3×5 index cards or plain paper, and postage. As you enter more sweepstakes, you might want to use colored envelopes or decorate them, but this is unnecessary. Most winners stated that they had won using plain envelopes and paper. Some sweepstakes even require plain white envelopes to ensure everyone has an equal chance.