sweepstakes n : a lottery in which the prize consists of the money paid by the participants [syn: sweepstake]

English

Noun

sweepstakes

1. Plural of sweepstake

In the United States consumer sales promotions known as sweepstakes or simply sweeps (both single and plural) have become associated with marketing promotions targeted toward both generating enthusiasm and providing incentive reactions among customers by enticing consumers to submit free entries into drawings of chance (and not skill) that are tied to product or service awareness wherein the featured prizes are given away by sponsoring companies. Prizes can vary in value from less than one dollar to more than one million U.S. dollars and can be in the form of cash, cars, homes, electronics, etc.

Sweepstakes frequently have eligibility limited by international, national, state, local, or other geographical factors.

Sweepstakes are often referred by marketing promoters as second-chance sweepstakes when utilized in conjunction with the awarding of unclaimed prizes during instant-win promotions.

Basics

• Lottery in the United States

References

External links

• U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Telemarketing and "Telephone Services: Prizes & Sweepstakes".

• U.S. Federal Trade Commission. "New Spin On Sweepstakes Scams."

• FTC Consumer Alert on International Lotteries

• Euler's Analysis of the Genoese Lottery

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