One question I am frequently asked is, “What are my odds of winning?” My response always is, “It doesn’t matter as it only takes WON to WIN.” However, that is not 100% true because depending on the contest or sweepstakes you enter, your odds of winning could be very good or very remote. Many factors can affect your odds of winning.
NOTE: The statistics in the image are the average Mega Millions lottery odds and the National Weather Service.
1.) There are many different types of entry methods:
- in-person,
- call-in,
- mail-in,
- text messaging
- and online.
2.) Within those entry methods, there are many different ways to enter.
- In-person could be a drop box or a business card draw.
- Online could be a straightforward entry form, a post contest, a video contest, or an advergame.
3.) Some even span various types of methods.
- Get a code word on the radio and text it in, or enter it online.
- Play an advergame online, and share it on Facebook and/or Twitter to get extra entries.
4.) Spanning all the entry methods and entry types, there is regionality:
- locals,
- regionals,
- nationals
- and worldwide.
The smaller your local area (Buffalo, NY vs. New York, NY), the better your odds.
5.) There is also a timeframe. Potentially there will be more entries submitted the longer the contest is accepting entries.
6.) There is a number of entries. Can you enter once? Weekly? Daily? It is easier to win one-time-only entry sweepstakes than it is one everyone can enter daily.
7. & 8.) Finally, there are sweepstakes eligibility and interest. Who is the contest open to, and what is the prize? Can you win it? Do you want to win it?
All of the above aspects will affect your odds of winning.
Unless the promotion is a seeded contest like Tim Horton’s Roll Up to Win or MacDonald’s Monopoly, you generally will not find the exact odds of winning in the rules. That said, you can use common sense and your own judgment to assess the odds of any given sweepstakes.
What are your odds of winning? Zero if you don’t enter. So, get organized, get consistent, and start winning!!
Hello Carolyn, met you a few times at Convention; but then, you meet thousands of people I’m sure. I’ve been sweeping for 24 years and have had hundreds of wins. I have cut down as I get burnt out doing them on-line. But, just to share, that I had my biggest win ever on an on-line sweeps last year; right before the lockdown. I had entered this Super Bowl on line sweeps. Really kind of willy nilly. I did not even pay attention to the amount of the prizes. So, to my disbelief, I was notified that I was one of five winners of $100,000 …… I was beside myself. Calling everyone to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. My friends, my daughter, the sweepstake Newsletter, and the judging agency. I finally decided that the bird had indeed doo dooed on my head. I filled out the on-line paper work and in about 6 weeks, received the check. I will be forever grateful for this hobby, that has given me such joy, fun, and friends over 25 yrs. I have won 7 trips to Hawaii, for myself and family, several to Las Vegas, San Francisco, St. Lucia in the Caribbean, and several cruises; including the Budweiser Cruise on which I took my daughter and we had so much fun—neither of us drink by the way. I’ve won a boat, but never a car or TV. Many tickets to ball games, the Rose parade and game. Tickets to Ice shows, theme parks and stage shows. And also many wonderful items for my kids along the way…..I’ve left so many items out, as cannot even remember. But, this is just to tell you that what I just read on your post was so true. Just enter consistantly and the prizes will come.
By the way, one of my Sweepstake friends is a great gal I met in Las Vegas at the Convention when seated at the Banquet with a whole group from Canada. We later were room mate’s on the sweepstake Convention Cruise…..
I truly love my hobby, and in my Senior years, it has helped to keep me involved in life and fills my day. I am never ever bored…….Blessings, just to let you know…..