What Makes Sweepstakes different from gambling?
The courts, from coast to coast, have settled the argument of what is considered gambling by ruling that gambling consists of three elements, prize, consideration, and chance. If any one of these three elements are missing, then it is simply not gambling. Sweepstakes differ from gambling, primarily becasue no consideration is necessary to participate. However, there are many other factors involved as well. All sweepstakes have a finite number of entries, which also means there is a beginning and an end to all sweepstakes promotions. Due to this, in a sweepstakes your odds of winning can be obtained upfront. The subequent request, or purchase of additional sweepstakes entries will not increase your chances of winning, nor will it increase the value of the prize. Sweepstakes are governed by strict rules on both the state and federal level – it is precisley these rules that further distinguish a sweepstakes promotions from gambiling.
