How Does the PCH Sweepstakes Work?

Do you know how the PCH Sweepstakes works? Ever wonder what a Giveaway is? Anyone who aspires to win may want to understand the basics. Read on for answers to some of our fans’ most commonly-asked questions.

What is a Giveaway?

At PCH the key characteristics that define a giveaway are:

The starting and ending dates
The number and amount of prizes offered
The winner selection methodology
The eligibility requirements
The distribution of entries (such as geographic distribution, specific bulletins or groups, etc.)
The estimated odds of winning

Since PCH runs so many giveaways with so many chances to win, we assign a Giveaway Number to each giveaway to help us keep track of it. All PCH giveaways with prizes over $5,000.00 are registered in the states of New York and Florida, in accordance with the law.

What is an entry deadline?

The entry deadline is the date by which an entry must be received in order to be eligible to win the prize offered in the promotion.

How does an entry deadline differ from a giveaway ending date?

Every entry you submit has a new, unique prize number. The entry deadline is the date by which the prize number for an entry is due. Prize numbers are specific to the individual entrant and to the prize value being promoted. Most prize promotions last for 4-8 weeks and the corresponding prize numbers usually have an entry deadline within that same 4-8 week timeframe. Some of our giveaways last a year or more. The giveaway end date is the last day when any entry will be accepted for the giveaway before it closes for the final drawing.

How can a giveaway promote different prizes?

At the outset of a giveaway, we plan the amount of prizes and their value. Throughout the life of the giveaway, we may show different types of prizes that could be purchased by or funded by the dollar amount being offered. We keep track of what prizes were offered in each different promotion. When a winner is selected, we will offer the prize promoted to the winning entry, as set forth in the Official Rules.

What is the difference between a Prize Number and a Giveaway Number?

A prize number is a 12-digit number specific to an individual and a prize promotion. A giveaway number simply identifies the prize promotional pool into which entries will be submitted. Throughout the life of a giveaway, you may submit many entries, and each one of them will have a new, unique prize number. But, the giveaway will always have the same number. Even though it’s all done by the computer, imagine that each giveaway is a huge barrel. And every entry you submit gets thrown in the barrel for its chance to win in the drawing. The barrel will always have the same number, but each entry you throw in the barrel is numbered with a new and different prize number.

Did you know these facts about how the PCH Sweepstakes works? Are you hoping your next prize number will become a winner? Comment below to let us know if this information was helpful. Also, let us know if you have additional questions that we can answer in future blogs. As always, we love to hear feedback from our fans and loyal entrants!