1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Contests & Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes 101 - Introduction to Contests and Sweepstakes

Want to learn how to enter sweepstakes and contests? If so, this is the place to start! Learn about how contests and sweepstakes work, what the rules mean, the differences between different types of sweepstakes, and much more!
Share Your Tips for Switching Sweepstakes Email Addresses
I had to change the email address I use to enter sweepstakes unexpectedly when my email provider went out of business overnight. About.com readers share their tips for making a smooth transition between email addresses, without wasting their sweepstakes entries.
How to Change Your Sweepstakes Email Address
Find out how to change the email address that you use for sweepstakes entries, while losing as few of your sweepstakes entries as possible.
Introduction to Contests and Sweepstakes
Learn the basics about contests and sweepstakes - what they are, what rules govern them, and why sponsors offer great prizes for free.
Sweepstakes Tips for Beginners
Tips and hints to walk you through the process of entering sweepstakes from beginning to end.
What Kinds of Sweepstakes Can I Enter?
Sweepstakes can be broken down by a number of different categories. Learn about the different types of sweepstakes to help you find the ones you most want to enter.
You CAN Win Sweepstakes
Have you been putting off entering sweepstakes because you don't think you can ever win? Find out what it takes to really win sweepstakes - it's easier than you expect!
Why Enter Sweepstakes - Top Reasons Why People Love Sweeping
If your odds of winning sweepstakes are so long, why should you bother entering? Learn about some of the top reasons why people love sweeping, aside from the prizes they can win.
Top Sweepstakes Myths
Throughout my years of entering sweepstakes, I've heard some of the same myths repeated over and over again. Here, I'll do my best to dispel some of the most common sweepstakes myths and misconceptions.
Do You Use Roboform to Enter Sweepstakes?
Do you use Roboform to enter sweepstakes? Whether Roboform is a must-have sweepstakes tool or a road to disqualification is a hotly-debated topic in the sweepstakes hobby. Weigh in on your opinion here!
Sweepstakes from a Sponsor's Perspective
Tommy Rollins, who was in charge of sweepstakes at Circuit City before the electronics retailer went out of business, answers questions about the sweepstakes hobby from the sponsors' perspective.
Tips on Giving Sweepstakes Prizes as Gifts
About.com readers share tips on using sweepstakes prizes as holiday gifts. Find out what works, what doesn't work, and whether it's worth giving away prizes as presents over the holidays.
How Do You Win the Nobel Peace Prize? How are Nobel Peace Prize Winners Chosen?
If you've ever wondered how the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize are chosen, About.com Contests explains the process
Top Ways to Find New Sweepstakes
Are you looking for new contests and sweepstakes to enter? Here are some ideas to help you find as many sweeps as you can enter.
How to Find Time to Enter Sweepstakes
Entering sweepstakes on a daily basis is the best way to win regularly. But how do you find time to enter sweepstakes when you have a busy schedule? Here are some tips to help you fit sweeping into your day.
All About Text Message Sweepstakes
Have you ever heard of text message sweepstakes? Find out what this hot new method of sweepstakes entry is, and what you should know before you enter.
How Many Sweepstakes Should I Enter Daily?
If you're new to sweepstakes entry and are wondering how many sweepstakes you need to enter daily to win, this article will help.
5 Reasons Not to Enter Sweepstakes
Entering as many sweepstakes as possible is the best way to win sweepstakes. But sometimes there are good reasons to pass some sweeps by. Here are five reasons not to enter sweepstakes.
Top 5 Ways to Find Free UPC Codes
Are you looking for free UPC Codes? Some sweepstakes require UPC codes to enter, but that doesn't mean that you have to buy anything in order to get a chance to win. Here are the top ways to get a free UPC Code and enter more sweepstakes.
Winners Roundup - Sweepstakes Wins from Real People
Do you ever wonder if anyone ever really wins sweepstakes, and who those lucky winners are? Every month, I ask my readers who has won prizes in the month before. Here, you can easily find their answers. Just click on the month you want to hear about the prizes, both big and small, that my readers have won. Let their luck motivate you to keep entering more sweepstakes!
Text Message Sweepstakes Horror Stories - Have You Had Problems with …
About.com Contests readers share problems they have had with text message sweepstakes. Learn what to watch out for when you enter text message sweeps.
What Makes You Give Up on Sweepstakes? Why Do You Stop Enteri…
I have a list of sweepstakes that I try to enter every day, but sometimes I need to go through and weed out the ones that aren't worth entering anymore. Do you do the same thing? What makes you give up on entering a particular sweepstakes?
Ed McMahon - Biography of Sweepstakes Celebrity Ed McMahon
Ed McMahon was famous for his association with sweepstakes. Read more about Ed McMahon's life, and frequent misconceptions about his work.
What Are Your Sweepstakes Resolutions?
Are you determined to win more in the New Year? Share your sweepstakes resolutions here!
When Do You Enter Sweepstakes?
Successful sweepers find time in their busy schedules to enter sweepstakes every day. When is your favorite time to enter sweepstakes? Share your opinion.
Do I Have to Use My Real Birth Date to Enter Sweepstakes?
Do you have to use your real birthday to enter sweepstakes? Or can you fudge the date to throw off identity thieves? Find out here.
Tips on Running Sweepstakes from Circuit City's Former Sweepstakes Administrator
Are you thinking of running sweepstakes for your company? Here are some tips from Tommy Rollins, the former sweepstakes administrator for electronics retailer Circuit City.
Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest
What is the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest all about? Find out here!
Top 2 Songs to Play While Entering Sweepstakes
Need help staying motivated to enter sweepstakes? These songs, with themes that center around winning and luck, could be just what you need to play while entering to keep your spirits up, your will strong, and your fingers entering those sweeps!
Using Gmail to Keep Up-to-Date with Sweepstakes News
Would you like an easy way to stay up-to-date on the latest contest and sweepstakes news? If you use Gmail as your email service, you're in luck. Here's an easy way to stay informed about sweepstakes news.
Great Gifts that You Can Win in Sweepstakes
Some prizes are popular with sweepstakes sponsors because so many people enjoy receiving them that the sponsors can be sure that they will be a good draw for their giveaways. Luckily, this also means that many people will also love to receive them as gifts. Here are ten popular sweepstakes prizes that are given away in such quantity that they are relatively easy to win, and which will also make …
All About Flash Sweepstakes
Flash sweepstakes have some great advantages for sponsors and sweepstakers alike. They are quick to load, offer the opportunity for beautiful graphics and games, and can increase the fun and interactivity of the sweepstakes website. But at the same time, flash sweepstakes can be problematical because they do not work on all systems and because they don't support time-saving tools like auto-fill o…
Do People Really Win Sweepstakes?
Do people really win sweepstakes? The answer is a resounding yes! Read winning stories from real people who have won amazing sweepstakes prizes.
Find Good Homes for Unwanted Wins
Over time, any dedicated sweeper is bound to accumulate a pile of unwanted wins. Here are some ideas for finding good homes for prizes that you don't want or can't use, ensuring that they don't go to waste.
How to Be a Considerate Sweeper
Learn how to follow good sweepstakes etiquette and encourage sponsors to hold more sweepstakes.
What Information Should I Use for Sweepstakes Entry Forms?
Many people have more than one email address, telephone number, or physical address listed in their name. Find out which information is best to use when filling out sweepstakes entry forms.
Mobile Sweepstakes Rules in the USA
See how sweepstakes laws vary across the United States.

Explore Contests & Sweepstakes

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Scrapbook Technique Gallery

Use these ideas to inspire your own uniquely beautiful pages. More >

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Contests & Sweepstakes
  4. Sweepstakes Basics

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.