Sweepstakes are a fun, low-pressure way to win great prizes—but just like any community, there’s a right way to play. Whether you’re entering your first giveaway or you’re already a regular on Pickem7 Sweeps, understanding the basic etiquette of sweepstakes can help you win more often and earn the respect of sponsors and fellow entrants alike.
Good manners aren’t just about being polite—they can also give you an edge. Here’s how to keep your sweepstakes game respectful, fair, and effective.
Play by the Rules—Always
Every sweepstakes comes with its own set of rules: how many times you can enter, what kind of content you can post, and who’s eligible to win. Skipping the fine print might seem harmless, but it can lead to disqualification—sometimes even after you’ve already won.
Want to make your time count? Read the official rules before entering, especially for contests that involve user-generated content or have specific eligibility requirements.
Don’t Cheat the System
We get it—winning is exciting. But creating multiple accounts, entering under fake names, or using bots or software to game the system doesn’t just break the rules—it ruins the fun for everyone else.
Plus, brands and platforms (like Pickem7) use tools to catch suspicious activity, which can result in bans or being blacklisted from future giveaways. It’s not worth the risk.
Stick to fair entries, and remember: the real satisfaction comes from knowing you won honestly.
Be Mindful When Tagging or Sharing
Many sweepstakes, especially on social media, ask you to tag friends or share posts. That’s part of how contests grow—but it’s important to tag and share thoughtfully.
Avoid tagging random accounts, spamming the same people over and over, or cluttering comment sections with meaningless posts. Tag friends who might actually be interested and keep it genuine. Not only is this better etiquette—it improves your odds in judged contests where sponsors are looking for engagement, not spam.
Respect the Sponsor’s Space
Sponsors run giveaways to connect with real people—not to field complaints or drama. If a contest is delayed, a winner isn’t announced right away, or you didn’t win, keep it classy.
Instead of posting accusations or negative comments, check the rules or reach out to the sponsor directly. Most are happy to help, and respectful communication keeps you on their good side for future contests.
Celebrate Others’ Wins
One of the best things about the sweepstakes community is the shared excitement. When someone else wins a prize you entered for, cheer them on. Congratulate them, even if you’re a little bummed.
Kindness and good sportsmanship make the whole experience more enjoyable—and you never know when it’ll be your turn.
Be Ready to Respond
When you do win (and you will!), reply promptly, follow the instructions, and express appreciation. Sponsors remember winners who are respectful and responsive—especially in recurring giveaways.
If a prize needs to be claimed within a certain time window, don’t delay. Double-check your email, social DMs, or wherever the sponsor said they’d notify winners.
Keep Track of Your Entries
One of the easiest ways to accidentally break the rules is by entering a contest more times than allowed. To avoid duplicates, keep a simple tracker—nothing fancy. A notebook, spreadsheet, or notes app works just fine.
This habit also helps you stay organized, know when to follow up, and spot patterns in your entries and wins.
Final Thought
Sweepstakes are more than just luck—they’re also about approach, attitude, and consistency. When you enter with respect, play fair, and treat each contest like a real opportunity (not just a numbers game), you set yourself up for long-term success.
At Pickem7 Sweeps, we’re here to celebrate winners—but we also love good sports and fair play. Stick to these simple etiquette tips and you’ll not only win more—you’ll enjoy every step of the process a whole lot more.
