Mail-in sweepstakes are a classic and easy way to receive prizes without spending a cent. If you've ever wanted to dive into sweepstakes but weren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place.
I've been at this for years, so I can walk you through the ins and outs of mail-in sweepstakes. I’ll go over what they are, why they're a great way to enter contests, how to get involved, and some tips for participating in mail-in sweepstakes. Plus, I’ll share how to find legit sweepstakes and steer clear of scams.
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Mail-in sweepstakes are essentially contests where you send in your entry via snail mail. It’s a straightforward process: fill out an entry form, drop it in the mail, and hope for the best. Some sweepstakes are exclusively mail-in, and many now offer online entry options too.
The main criteria for a sweepstakes to be called a sweepstakes is that no purchase is necessary. They’re mainly used as marketing tools for companies promoting themselves or a new product, and the model of these competitions have even made their way into the online gaming world.
Sweepstakes have been around for centuries. In fact, the term was used in the 1700s to describe a “prize won in a winner-takes-all race or contest” – so, it’s certainly not a new concept.
However, they really became popular in the 20th century when marketers began using them in print ads. From picture puzzle contests in the 1920s to more modern giveaways, mail-in sweepstakes have a long and interesting history and they are still incredibly popular even if you don’t hear about them very often.
There are a few different typses of mail-in sweepstakes, but the general idea is the same across the board. They might ask you to send a postcard, fill out an index card, or use a specific type of envelope.
Some require handwritten entries, while others are okay with printed labels. Always make sure you read the rules carefully to ensure your entry meets all the requirements.
If you’re ready to start entering mail-in sweepstakes, here’s a simple guide to get you started. It’s honestly so simple that you really shouldn’t need in-depth instructions but there are some minor details that you might miss out on that could disqualify you, so I’ll just give you an overview.
First, always read the rules carefully. The entry method might require you to send a postcard, an index card, or even a specific type of envelope. Following these instructions exactly is crucial to ensure your entry is accepted. If you send your entry using a postcard but they asked for an index card, you’re automatically out of the running.
These are just some little bits of knowledge I’ve picked up along the way through trial and error. So, I’m happy to share them with you..
Don’t try to get creative with your entry. It sounds silly but I’ve seen people try this before – but, decorations or extra text won’t help your chances and might even disqualify you. Stick to the rules, and make sure you only send one entry per envelope unless otherwise specified.
Think you’re ready to get started? Now, all that’s left is finding some mail-in sweepstakes to enter. These are some of the best places to look:
Consider subscribing to a mail-in sweepstakes newsletter like Sweeping America, which sends out weekly listings. Best Publications is another one of my favorites, but it focuses only on mail-in contests.
Online, you’ll find some great websites with sweepstakes opportunities. I find that they are more up-to-date than newsletters because any company can add their name to a mail in sweepstakes list.
In the online gaming market, sweepstakes casinos are a new trend that’s catching on. They essentially operate using the three main rules of mail-in sweepstakes competitions:
| Sweepstakes Rule | How Sweepstakes Casinos Meet the Rule |
|---|---|
| No Purchase Necessary | Players receive virtual currencies (Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins) for free via daily login, promotions, or mail-in entries. There is no need for players spend any money to play on these sites. |
| Alternative means of Entry | In the same way that sweepstakes allow you to write in to enter, Sweeps Coins at sweepstakes casinos can be obtained by writing in through snail mail, providing a free entry option. |
| Random Winner Selection | All games are based on chance, ensuring winners are selected randomly (e.g., slots, blackjack, poker). |
Sweepstakes casinos give players the opportunity to play casino-style games like slots, blackjack and roulette online without having to spend any money. In this way, they’re similar to social casinos; but the difference is that sweepstakes casinos use two virtual currencies – one of which can be redeemed for prizes.
The two currencies are normally called Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes Coins (SC). Some give them flashier names, though. So, if you go from reading a Chumba Casino review where they are called GC and SC and then begin reading about Stake.us where Sweepstakes Coins are called Stake Cash it might get a little confusing.
Gold Coins are used to play casino games in the ‘fun’ lobby. They can’t be redeemed for prizes, and this is the main difference between them and Sweepstakes Coins which can be redeemed after fulfilling certain playthrough and eligibility criteria.
Getting GC and SC is very easy and, just like mail-in sweepstakes, they don’t require you to spend any money. By claiming a site’s welcome bonus, taking part in social media competitions, logging in daily or referring your friends, it’s possible to build both of your coin balances.
Sweepstakes casinos also provide free Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins immediately upon sign-up. For example, if you were to read a Pulsz review, you would find that they provide 2.3 SC immediately to all new players.
There is also the option for players to purchase Gold Coin bundles. These come with mostly Gold Coins, but a few Sweepstakes Coins are thrown in as a bonus. Reading a High 5 Casino review, you’d find an overview of their packages; they start at $2 for 20 GC with 2 Sweepstakes Coins bundled with them as a bonus.
Redeeming SC at sweepstakes casinos is straightforward and simple. All you really need to know is that there are generally three options for redemption: gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, a real money prize via bank transfer, e-wallet or cryptocurrency and merchandise such as t-shirts or hats. However, before you can redeem your Sweepstakes Coins, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
Before you can redeem your SC, you have to accrue a certain number of SC. At most sites, it ranges from 50 to 100 Sweepstakes Coins.
Another restriction that is placed on redemption dictates that you have to play through your SC a number of times. For example, if you want to redeem 10 SC, you have to play through 10 SC on games at the sweepstakes casino before they are made eligible for redemption. These playthrough requirements vary from 1x to 3x depending on where you’re playing; for example, they are 3x at Stake.us, but if you read a Fortune Coins review, you would see that they are much lower at 1x.
You only have to do this the first time you want to redeem your Sweepstakes Coins. The operator will ask that you send them copies of your ID and a utility bill to prove that you are who you say you are and you live where you say you live. It only takes a couple of hours, but in some cases, it may be a few days before you have your account verified.
There are dozens of great sweepstakes casinos out there on the market, and it can be difficult to know where to start. So, I’ve put together a little list of my top places to play.
WOW Vegas is the site I would recommend most to players who are just starting out at sweepstakes casinos. It’s not as flashy as many of the other sites out there, and I think it’s best for someone who needs some easing into things.
Still, it’s got hundreds of fun casino-style slots on offer and a fun daily login bonus offer – so, you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. It’s just a great place to start, and offers players a welcome bonus of 250,000 WOW Coins and 5 Sweepstakes Coins.
This is a fun sweepstakes casino site that kicks things up a notch. You have hundreds of slots available from top studios like Playson and Betsoft, along with table games as well. So, if you want a more varied experience, you should head here.
The site’s welcome bonus consists of 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins, and there are so many different ways to claim extra coins. The site is decorated with loads of bonus modules, with lots of mini games that offer you the chance to get lots of perks. As well as taking advantage of the numerous promotions on the site, McLuck also offers the players to mail in a postcard and claim more SC for free. Additionally, McLuck offers dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, so you can enjoy your favorite casino-style games from anywhere on the go.
Stake.us is one of the most impressive sweepstakes casinos on the market, because it has virtually everything you could possibly want – slots, table games, live dealer games and poker. The site provides a full-service gaming experience, and it’s the best place for players who want to try a little bit of everything.
The welcome bonus consists of 260,000 Gold Coins as well as 55 Stake Cash and a 5% rakeback on your losses, and there are tons more opportunities for players to get extra GC and SC via all sorts of bonus modules and daily games. You can also send in a mail-in request to receive more Stake Cash for free!
Mail-in sweepstakes are a bit of a throwback, but they’re still one of my favorite ways to test my luck. Since they’re a simple and effective way to receive prizes without spending a penny, I’d recommend giving them a try if you’re looking for something a little bit different to the loads of online and social media giveaways that have become so popular in the past few years.
By following the tips I’ve shared, I’m sure you’ll be equipped to make the most of your mail-in sweepstakes entries. Whether you’re sticking with traditional mail-ins or exploring the new world of sweepstakes casinos, make sure you play smart and stay informed.
Mail-in sweepstakes are contests where you can receive prizes by mailing in an entry form. You don’t have to spend any money to enter, aside from how much it costs to mail in the entry. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what exactly sweepstakes are and how you can take part.
To identify a genuine sweepstakes email, watch out for red flags like requests for payment or promises of better odds if you pay. I’d also recommend looking for sender identification, because if you can’t find this it’s a major red flag. Get more tips for staying safe while entering sweepstakes here.
There are a few specific criteria that a contest has to meet in order for it to be considered a compliant sweepstakes. These include clear rules stating that no purchase is necessary, a method of entry that doesn’t require a purchase and the random selection of a prize. Keep reading and I’ll help you find out how to identify legit sweepstakes.
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