You’ve found the perfect sweepstakes, followed the steps, and hit “submit”—but then, nothing. No win. No follow-up. Sometimes, the issue isn’t bad luck—it’s a simple entry mistake that disqualified you without you even realizing it.
Even seasoned sweepers slip up from time to time. To give yourself the best shot at winning, avoid these common sweepstakes entry mistakes and learn how to do it right every time.
Why Entry Mistakes Matter
Sweepstakes sponsors have rules in place to keep contests fair. If you break one—even by accident—your entry could be tossed out without warning. And unfortunately, most sweepstakes don’t notify you if you’ve been disqualified.
That’s why it’s important to understand the most common errors and how to prevent them before you click “submit.”
1. Not Reading the Official Rules
This is the #1 reason people get disqualified. Every sweepstakes has a set of official rules that outline:
Who’s eligible
Entry deadlines
Entry methods and limits
Prize details and how winners are chosen
How to avoid it: Always skim the rules before entering. Pay close attention to entry frequency (daily, one-time, etc.), age/location requirements, and any additional steps required to validate your entry.
2. Entering More Than Allowed
If a sweepstakes allows one entry per person, and you enter five times from different emails or IPs, that’s a fast track to disqualification.
How to avoid it: Stick to the entry limit. If it’s daily, use reminders to enter once per day—but don’t create multiple identities. Sponsors often use tech to detect duplicate or suspicious entries.
3. Using Fake or Incomplete Information
You might think using a nickname or skipping your zip code won’t matter, but most sweepstakes require full, accurate info for eligibility.
How to avoid it: Always enter your real name, email, address, and phone number—especially if the prize is physical or requires verification. If you’re worried about spam, use a dedicated sweepstakes email account.
4. Not Confirming Your Email Subscription
Some giveaways require you to subscribe to a newsletter—and confirm it via email—to complete your entry.
How to avoid it: After entering, check your inbox (and spam folder!) for a confirmation email. If you don’t click it, your entry may not count.
5. Skipping Required Actions on Social Media
In Instagram or Facebook sweepstakes, sponsors might ask you to:
Like the post
Follow their page
Tag a friend
Share to your story
If you skip one of those steps, your entry may be invalid.
How to avoid it: Carefully read the caption and double-check your actions before moving on. Bonus: Screenshot your completed entry for proof, just in case.
6. Missing Entry Deadlines
Sweepstakes have strict start and end times—and late entries usually get deleted.
How to avoid it: Set calendar reminders for contests you care about, especially if they’re daily or have a short window. Don’t wait until the last minute to enter.
7. Tagging the Same Friends Repeatedly
In tag-to-win contests, spamming the same two friends over and over can annoy them—and get your comments flagged or hidden.
How to avoid it: Rotate who you tag, and ask for permission if you’re not sure. Better yet, join sweepstakes groups where people agree to tag each other.
8. Forgetting to Check Spam or Promotions Folders
You might win—and never know—because the prize notification got buried in your inbox.
How to avoid it: Check your spam/junk folder regularly. For Gmail users, check the "Promotions" tab too. Add common sweepstakes sender addresses to your safe senders list.
9. Failing to Respond in Time
Some sweepstakes require you to respond within 24–72 hours of winning, especially on social media.
How to avoid it: Turn on post notifications for brands you follow, check DMs daily, and respond immediately if you’re contacted. Always include your full name and requested info promptly.
10. Ignoring Residency or Age Restrictions
Some contests are only open to residents of specific states or require entrants to be 18+ or 21+.
How to avoid it: Look for eligibility rules near the bottom of the entry form or in the official rules. If you’re not eligible, don’t enter—you’ll just be wasting time (and potentially disqualifying other entries).
11. Overlooking AMOE (Alternate Means of Entry)
Some promotions offer a free mail-in option or form submission for entry instead of requiring a purchase. Skipping this option could mean missing out on entries you’re entitled to.
How to avoid it: Read the fine print and take advantage of free, legal ways to enter every sweepstakes.
12. Not Tracking Your Entries
Entering dozens of contests but not remembering which ones you’ve already done? It can lead to unintentional duplicate entries or missed follow-ups.
How to avoid it: Use a spreadsheet, app, or notebook to track which contests you’ve entered, especially those with daily or multi-step entries.
Quick Reference Table: Mistakes & Fixes
Final Thoughts: Enter Smart, Win More
Winning sweepstakes isn’t just about luck—it’s also about following instructions carefully and avoiding easy mistakes. By slowing down, reading the rules, and staying organized, you’ll give yourself a much better shot at success.
Every valid entry counts. So make yours count every time.