Best Online Sweepstakes and Contests in the US 2025

Viola D'Elia
Brett Curtis
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Best Sweepstakes Sites to Enter



How Do Online Sweepstakes Work?







Credit / Debit Cards

  • Familiar options widely accepted at all online sweepstakes sites, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
  • Instant deposits/purchases with no delays.
  • Requires a bank account or finance credit company.
  • Risk of exposing sensitive card information to rogue operators.

Apple Pay / Google Pay

  • Fast and convenient payments on your phone.
  • Encryption and biometric authentication for added security.
  • Allows you to purchase sweepstakes credits without disclosing card details.
  • Requires an Apple or Android smartphone with the latest software.

Cryptocurrency

  • High privacy and anonymity with no need to share personal or financial information.
  • Instant deposits and sweepstakes redemptions.
  • Requires a cryptocurrency wallet.
  • No bank account or payment card needed.

💡 Our Tip: These payment methods are also prevalent at US casino sites for playing online slots, table and card games, live dealer games, and more. 



FAQs

Why is it called ‘sweepstakes’?

It is called sweepstakes because of an old saying where a player sweeps, or takes all, of the stakes in a game, lottery-style draw, or contest. Otherwise known in this case as the winner winning the prize on offer.

How can I win on the best online sweepstakes platforms?

You can win on the best online sweepstakes platforms by entering contests with a high probability and high odds of winning. This is given as a percentage in games like random boxes and indicates how likely you are to win a particular prize.

Are online sweepstakes legitimate?

Yes, online sweepstakes are legitimate, provided you enter or play on a trustworthy site. You can participate freely in any of the 48 states in the US, bar Washington and Idaho.

Do online sweepstakes cost money to enter?

No, online sweepstakes do not cost money to enter, and many of them are free with no purchase necessary. You can spend money to obtain more credits to open boxes or play games, but it will not increase your chances of winning.

Is sweepstakes gambling?

Sweepstakes is not gambling as it does not require payment to enter or play. They are purely chance-based and prizes are awarded at random to participants, not dependent on depositing money, wagering, or skill.

References

Viola D'Elia

Senior Writer
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With a journalism background and having spent years creating content in the gambling niche, Viola’s work is all about helping readers make smarter, more confident decisions. She started out as a journalist, covering cultural events and foreign politics, before moving into the gambling niche. Prior to her role at Esports Insider, she worked at Time2Play Media and as a freelance writer, covering everything from casino reviews and sports analysis to betting predictions and esports insights. One of her proudest moments was predicting Argentina’s win at the 2022 World Cup. In her current role, she loves exploring the dynamic world of esports—especially games like League of Legends, FIFA, and CS:GO.