Entering Sweeps For Others- Is it Fair?

Entering Sweeps For Others – Is it Fair?

Hmm… This is a question that can be viewed in two different ways. Is entering a sweepstakes or contest for someone else fair?

My own personal take on this subject is that yes, it is fair – if you are entering the contest in the hopes that the person will win, and you do not expect to receive the prize. If you are entering the contest in someone else’s name, just to increase your own chances of winning – well, that is a whole different story.

Scenario #1

Jane finds a sweepstakes with a prize of a years supply of beef jerky. Jane’s Mom loves beef jerky. Jane enters the contest, but instead of filling in her own information, she inputs her Mother’s information.

Is this ok?

I say it is! Since Jane is entering in her Mom’s name – one may say it is not, but since Jane expects her Mom to keep the prize, should she win – I think it is a nice gesture.

….Maybe Jane’s Mom would share the prize with her – even still, that is ok in my books!

Scenario #2

Jane comes across an instant win contest, that is giving away a lot of prizes. You must set up an account to enter. Jane really wants to win. She creates an account for herself, her husband, her 3 year old son, her 2 month old daughter, and even an account for her dog Max.

Jane feels smart, she has now gained 5 chances to win – as opposed to the one chance that everyone is permitted.

Is this ok?

This is not ok by me!

I have actually seen someone do this before – I couldn’t believe they were admitting to creating an account for the dog, but there it was, and the dog had won a prize!

Creating multiple accounts to increase your own chances of winning is not fair to other contestors.

Scenario #3

Jane is a resident of Canada. Her Aunt Mary lives in the United States. Jane enters every contest she can find, but if the contest is only open to residents of the United States, she uses her Aunt Mary’s information to enter.

Jane allows her Aunt to keep certain prizes, but if it is a big prize, or something she really desires to have – her Aunt mails the prize to her in Canada, once it arrives.

Is this Ok?

No! If Jane enters the contest on behalf of her Aunt, then her Aunt should keep the prize, no matter what it is. How would you feel if you came in second and lost to someone who you knew wasn’t really supposed to enter in the first place? *Not very good*

Scenario #4

Jane enters a contest on behalf of her 3 year old son. On the entry form there is an option to check a box if you are the legal guardian of a minor who wishes to enter the contest. She fills in the form accordingly, and only uses the boy’s name to enter the contest.

Is this OK?

Yes! Giving a small boy his own chance to win is cute. He will feel proud that he won, and when the prize arrives (especially if it is a cool toy), he will be so proud and excited.

Kids absorb a lot of information – my own 3 year old is quite aware of what a contest is, and that prizes can come in the mail. I’m sure she would love to win a prize, and I’m also sure that she will enter contests when she grows up!

So there you have it. There are many instances when entering a sweepstakes in someone else’s name is OK, and there are many instances when it is NOT. As a rule of thumb – I say, if you are entering a sweepstakes in someone else’s name, you should not expect to enjoy the prize.

If I come across a contest that is offering a golf trip, I enter my husband’s details – he is an avid golfer. Me? Not so much. I wouldn’t want to join him on a trip like this!

Entering contests more times than you are permitted is against the rules. You run the risk of being disqualified if you enter more than you are supposed to, and really C’mon – why cheat just because you can get away with it?!

If everyone keeps it fair, everybody wins! Eventually

Good luck!

About the Author, amyt0915

Amy is a devoted wife, and a Proud Mommy of a 2 year old girl. She enjoys entertaining in her home, playing with her little girl, shopping, and most of all she loves to win contests! During the final, swollen ankles, big as a whale month of her pregnancy, She discovered how people were winning prizes from the internet. She signed up for a few- and a few weeks later, won a $250 Visa gift card. This was the very beginning of her love affair with contests. She has since won over $5000 in cash, gift cards and merchandise.