Definition: A bot is a software program that can run a pre-designated task automatically. For example, a bot might be used to emulate a live human being in an instant messenger chat, or it might be used in online auctions to enter bids during the last seconds of the auction.
In terms of sweepstakes, bots can be used to fill out online entry forms to enter sweepstakes without the entrant needed to fill out the form by hand. Many sweepstakes rules contain a line that says something like, "No automatic entry services, scripts, macros, or bots." This would mean that you cannot use a software program that enters for you.
Technically, this line would also refer to programs like Roboform or the auto-fill functions of many browsers, but in most cases, these are not the programs that sponsors are really trying to stop. See Can I Be Disqualified for Using Roboform for more information.
Pronunciation: Bot is pronounced like the second half of the word "robot."
Also Known As: macro, script, automatic entry service
Examples:
Entries using bots, scripts, macros, or other automatic services are prohibited.
