8 Best Free Online Sweepstakes Sites

Online sweepstakes enable consumers to enter free draws and competitions, with the chance of winning real-world prizes. Sweepstakes prizes can include cash, cars, home renovations, vacations, and electronics.

Read on to explore the best sweepstakes sites for 2025. We rank the top providers with the best user experience and the largest range of sweepstakes events. Learn how sweepstakes contests work and what best practices to follow.

Reviewing the top sweepstakes sites: Our analysis

The list of current sweepstakes sites above will now be reviewed in full. Read on to choose the most suitable sweepstakes platform.

1. JemLit – Open affordable mystery boxes and win watches, electronics, and luxury fashion

The first option to consider is JemLit, one of the best lootbox websites with almost 1.4 million registered users. JemLit users purchase boxes in their preferred categories, such as electronics, gaming, luxury fashion, or watches. The box’s contents are then revealed and shipped to the user’s home address. JemLit offers global deliveries often at no extra charge. 

Alternatively, JemLit offers a “trade-in” option. The mystery prize can be converted to JemLit credits, meaning additional boxes can be opened. One of the most popular mystery boxes, “Electronics”, costs just $12.92. Potential prizes include Samsung Galaxy and  Apple smartphones, premium TVs, tablets, smartwatches, and AirPods Pros.

Those preferring fashion-related prizes will like the “Passion For Fashion” mystery box. Top prizes include Saint Laurent and Prada bags, Gucci jackets, and other clothing items from Versace and Off-White. JemLit is also popular with avid gamers. Gaming mystery boxes can include the latest consoles from PlayStation and Xbox, plus gaming laptops and NVIDIA GPUs. 

Importantly, JemLit ensures a fair mystery box process. Winning prizes are determined by a “provably fair” system, ensuring legitimate, transparent, and fair outcomes. JemLit also benefits from great reviews in the public domain. However, JemLit is only available on browser-based devices, meaning no mobile app for iOS or Android.

2. Sweepstakes Fanatics – Join 50,000+ email subscribers to discover the best free online sweepstakes

Founded in 2012, Sweepstakes Fanatics is one of the best sweepstakes sites in the US. Over 50,000 people receive the site’s free weekly newsletters, ensuring they’re notified of the top sweepstakes events. That said, Sweepstakes Fanatics doesn’t require registration or an email subscription, so you can view upcoming events manually. 

All sweepstakes are independently verified by the site’s administrator “Todd”. This ensures sweepstakes prizes are offered by legitimate brands.  We also like Sweepstakes Fanatics for its user-friendly filters. Users can discover sweepstakes events by category, like cash, vacations, gift cards, toys, and camping. 

Other filters include the event’s end date (e.g. within three days) or the number of entries permitted per user. Recent events posted on Sweepstakes Fanatics include a vintage 1978 guitar from Fender, a trip for two to an MLB game, and a $25 Amazon gift card. Clicking an event reveals the entry and eligibility requirements, and links to the sweepstakes page.  

3. Contestgirl – One of the top free sweepstakes websites for entering daily events 

Contestgirl is a popular sweepstakes site offering the perfect balance between quality and quantity. New sweepstakes draws are posted daily, making it a great choice for active participants. Sweepstakes events are initially categorized by the country of residence – Contestgirl supports the US and Canada. 

Next, users can further filter sweepstakes events by the entry limit. Options include single, daily, weekly, and monthly. Alternatively, users can find suitable sweepstakes events by the prize type, such as electronics, cash, or fashion. Some of the most recently posted prizes for US consumers include a portable pizza oven, $2,500 cash, and a $200 gift card. 

Canadians also have access to a wide selection of prize draws, including bookshelf speakers, a Logitech gaming wheel, and a Mtea Quest 3S virtual reality headset. There’s no requirement to register an account but doing so entitles you to a weekly newsletter. Contestgirl frequently posts sweepstakes prizes won by registered members. 

4. The Freebie Guy – All-in-one platform for entering contests and sweepstakes online  

The next option to explore is The Freebie Guy. It’s an all-in-one platform covering sweepstakes events, competitions, and freebies. The latter includes free products and services, plus special offers from food and beverage stores. Do note that all promotions are aimed at US consumers. In the sweepstakes department, The Freebie Guy covers daily and social media giveaways. /

Not to mention instant win games. One of the most popular events is being offered by Cheeze-It, with winners receiving a one-year supply of crackers. There’s also a $5,000 cash giveaway sponsored by 7-11. Participants can also win cleaning products, event tickets, and free bread for a year.

The Freebie Guy provides full guidance on how to enter the respective sweepstakes event. This includes direct links to the sponsor and a breakdown of the terms and conditions. A major drawback is user experience. While even the best sweepstakes sites rely on ad revenue, this greatly impacts the experience when navigating The Freebie Guy platform. 

5. Mega Bonanza – Get 7,500 gold coins and 2.5 sweeps coins without making a deposit   

Mega Bonanza is one of the best online sweepstakes casinos. It offers a generous welcome package to first-time players. No deposit is required – just open an account to claim 7,500 gold coins (GC) and 2.5 sweeps coins (SC). GC is used for free-to-play games, while SC is the platform’s redeemable currency. 

This means SC balances can be redeemed for real-world prizes when the minimum withdrawal requirement is met.  Mega Bonanza supports more than 1,200 casino games, including blackjack, roulette, and slots. The latter covers popular Megaways titles like Legend of Cleopatra, Wolf Power, and Elvis Frog. 

Mega Bonanza is also one of the best sweepstakes casinos for live dealer tables. Games are provided by reputable and licensed developers like Playson, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play. Mega Bonanza is available on desktop and mobile browsers. It claims to also offer a native mobile app but the download link wasn’t working when we tested it. 

6. Sweepstakes Advantage – Access over 1,000 sweepstakes competitions due to expire within 14 days    

Sweepstakes Advantage is one of the best sweepstakes sites for active users. It’s an online directory for sweepstakes giveaways, meaning it aggregates events directly from the sponsor. The result is that users have access to new sweepstakes every day, making it a solid choice for high-volume participants. 

Currently, Sweepstakes Advantage lists over 1,000 events that will expire within 14 days. This means participants don’t need to wait several months for the announced winner. However, we did find the user experience slightly subpar at Sweepstakes Advantage. Existing sweepstakes events are listed in text format, making it difficult to find suitable prizes. 

In addition, there are hundreds of category filters, further hindering the user experience. Nonetheless, we like that Sweepstakes Advantage also offers an in-house forum. This is a great way to find or discuss sweepstakes events with like-minded people. Sweepstakes Advantage has been operational since 1997, so is a trusted provider in this space. 

7. Swagbucks – One of the best options for earning cash rewards with a $3 minimum redemption    

Unlike traditional sweepstakes sites, Swagbucks ensures users earn prizes from the get-go. After registering an account, Swagbucks users generate points for completing tasks. Those points can later be redeemed for cash, payable via a PayPal transfer. The easiest way to accumulate points is by taking surveys. 

The number of surveys available to you will depend on your demographics. This is because survey companies often specify certain characteristics, such as age, income, nationality, or gender. Surveys generally take 5-10 minutes to complete, also longer ones often pay the largest amount of points. 

Swagbucks users can also earn points playing games. Existing titles include Monopoly Go!, Merge Kingdoms Tower Defense, and Domino Dreams. Points are also earned when watching videos, often related to product ads. The best thing about Swagbucks is the minimum redemption amount. Users can withdraw via PayPal from just $3.                                                                                                                       

8. Sweepstakes Today – A great option for finding cash and gift card giveaways    

Last on this list of legitimate online sweepstakes is Sweepstakes Today. This is another online directory that imports sweepstakes and giveaways from third parties. A wide range of product categories are available, although cash and gift cards are the most popular. A recently posted giveaway includes a $1,500 gift card for Airbnb. 

The same event also offers a $1,500 Visa gift card and $450 with Nature’s Bakery. Another popular sweepstakes event is offering two tickets to the NCAA Final Four in Texas. The winner also receives a $2,000 check to cover travel expenses. Other prize categories on Sweepstakes Today include cars and boats, vacations, home furnishings, health and beauty, and food. 

The prize details, rules, and eligibility requirements are clearly detailed when clicking an event. We like that Sweepstakes Today frequently publishes a winners list, ensuring transparency on the listed giveaways. However, access is only available after opening an account. Registered users can also access the Sweepstakes Today forum. 

What are sweepstakes? An overview

Sweepstakes are online giveaways, enabling participants to win real prizes. Winners are usually determined via an online draw, ensuring fairness. Sweepstakes are typically backed by brands as a form of marketing. This directly links to the required sweepstakes task. For example, some sweepstakes require participants to share a social media post.

Considering many sweepstakes attract thousands of participants, this is a great return for the sweepstakes sponsor. Other social media tasks could include following the brand or liking a specific post. In other cases, sweepstakes events require a name and email address. This means participants will likely receive marketing materials unless they opt out. 

Nonetheless, the best competition websites offer a legitimate way to win products. From cash and vacations to cars, iPhones, and gift cards, all that’s required to enter is some time. This makes sweepstakes finally risk-free, considering no upfront purchases are needed. The main drawback is that sweepstakes are almost always oversubscribed, so the odds of winning are low. 

A detailed explanation of how online sweepstakes work

This section offers a detailed explanation of how free sweepstakes sites work. Read on to determine whether sweepstakes events are worth trying. 

Companies offer free prizes as a form of marketing

The first question to explore is why sweepstakes allow people to win free prizes without risking any money. The simple answer is online marketing. Companies have many ways to increase their online exposure, but sweepstakes are one of the most effective. 

This is because sweepstakes can reach a huge audience, as they’re often oversubscribed with people wanting freebies. The only cost for the company is the prize for the sweepstakes winner. 

• For instance, suppose the sweepstakes prize is offered by a food and beverage company. 
• The winning prize is a $500 gift card for the respective store. 
• Users must share the company’s giveaway post on Facebook to enter. 
• This giveaway could attract 4,000 entries, meaning 4,000 unique shares. 

Achieving a similar result on social media would cost significantly more than a $500 gift card. Therefore, sweepstakes equally benefit from participants entering and the sponsor. 

Completing the entry requirement

All sweepstakes events will have an entry requirement. This is often a basic task, ensuring no upfront purchases. We mentioned social media, which is one of the most frequently required tasks. In addition to sharing posts, this could include following the page on Facebook and/or X. 

That said, some sweepstakes sponsors collect names and email addresses as the entry requirement. This helps them build a database for future marketing strategies. While it’s fine to use a separate email account for sweepstakes events, it’s important to use your real name. 

This is often stated within the terms and conditions, so using a fake name could mean you’re not eligible to receive a winning prize. The best sweepstakes sites sometimes require users to play games, complete surveys, or watch videos. 

Either way, it’s also important to assess the eligibility terms. Most sweepstakes are country-specific. Some demographic requirements too, such as being within a certain income bracket or age range. The terms will also state the sweepstakes start and end dates. 

Choosing a sweepstakes winner 

Almost all sweepstakes events choose winners randomly. This ensures a fair and unbiased process. Entries are typically collected into a database and assigned a number. A random number generator (RNG) or provably fair system will then choose a number within the stated range. For instance, if there are 1,000 entries, the number range will be 1 to 1,000. 

The only exception is with competition-based events. Winners are chosen based on the requested task, like writing a poem or producing a video. Nonetheless, sweepstakes prizes will be shipped once the winner has been determined. Winners should never be asked to cover shipping fees or other expenses. In fact, these sweepstakes could be a scam. 

What prizes do online sweepstakes draws offer?

Here are some examples of what can be won when entering legit sweepstakes and contests:

• Travel: The travel industry is highly competitive, making sweepstakes a cost-effective way to increase market share. Sweepstakes prizes can include weekend breaks, all-inclusive vacations, and spa treatments. Some offer a cash-value prize, allowing winners to choose their dream vacation. 
• Cash: The best sweepstakes to enter in 2025 offer cash prizes. This can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the sponsor. Cash payments are typically sent via check, ensuring only the winner receives the prize. The drawback with cash sweepstakes is that they’re the most subscribed, making them harder to win. 
• Gift Cards: A great alternative to cash sweepstakes is gift cards. These are offered directly by the sponsor so could include a wide selection of industries. For instance, online retailers like Amazon and eBay or takeaway brands like McDonalds, Burger King, or KFC. Gift cards can usually be sold online for cash, albeit at a lower valuation. 
• Electronics: Sweepstakes events often include electronics too. Popular prizes include laptops, smartphones, cameras, and TVs. These sweepstakes can be backed by the brand itself (e.g. Apple) or a third-party store (e.g. Best Buy).  
• Home and Garden: Another popular sweepstakes category is home and garden. Top prizes include home renovations and kitchen installations. Individual products often include washing machines, dishwashers, sofas, and outdoor furniture. Gift cards are sometimes offered, too, allowing winners to choose their preferred products.  

The above sweepstakes prizes are just some examples. Ultimately, sweepstakes events can cover any product or service. That’s why the best sweepstakes sites aggregate events from third parties, ensuring active participants never miss an opportunity. 

Are free sweepstakes websites legit?

Almost all sweepstakes websites are free to use. After all, participants should never be asked for money when choosing to enter to win sweepstakes. This goes against the sweepstakes concept. Being asked for a fee at any stage could mean the sweepstakes event could be a scam. 

For instance, being asked to transfer the delivery charges before any products are shipped. However, there are also websites in the sweepstakes niche that legitimately require payment. 

This includes the best mystery box websites like JemLit, which charges an upfront fee to see what prizes are inside. Similarly, sweepstakes casinos allow players to wager gold and sweep coins. While gold coins are for fun-to-play games, sweeps coins must be purchased, allowing users to win real-world payouts. 

Are sweepstakes worth entering?

Sweepstakes events can be worth entering. Participants have the opportunity to win prizes without spending any money. However, what participants do need to spend is time. Sure, it often takes minutes to enter a sweepstakes draw online. 

But, entering multiple events per day can quickly add up in the time department. Even sweepstakes with low-value prizes attract thousands of entrants. As such, the odds of winning a prize are slim. They become even slimmer as the winning prize increases in value, especially when cash or luxury vacations are involved. 

In our view, it’s fine to spend a few minutes every day entering sweepstakes. It could be worth focusing on events with lower competition, meaning lower-value prizes. Moreover, it’s a good idea to focus on sweepstakes with an approaching expiry date. This ensures you don’t need to wait long for the winner to be announced. 

Tips on discovering legit sweepstakes websites

The sweepstakes niche has become overpopulated in recent years. Knowing how to find legitimate platforms is crucial. Not only to ensure you’re viewing credible sweepstakes events but also for the user experience. 

Consider the factors discussed below when researching the best sweepstakes sites. 

Reputation and quality controls 

Assessing the platform’s reputation is a must. Search the sweepstakes site’s name to see how existing users view it. Platforms with low ratings should be avoided. Additionally, most sweepstakes sites are online directories, meaning they import events from other platforms. 

While this ensures users have lots of free sweepstakes to enter, it can also mean a lack of quality control. This could also mean the site is inadvertently showing scam sweepstakes events. As such, it’s best to use sites that pre-vet giveaways for their users. 

Target market 

Most online giveaways are aimed exclusively at residents from a specific country. For instance, Canadians can rarely enter online sweepstakes aimed at US residents, and vice versa. 

Therefore, be sure to check which country the sweepstakes website is aimed at before proceeding.  

User experience 

The best sweepstakes websites offer a great user experience. There’s often no requirement to open an account, meaning you can browse giveaway events seamlessly. The user experience should work well for desktop and mobile devices, so this is worth checking. 

However, we also found that most sweepstakes websites rely solely on ad revenue. This will directly impact the user experience depending on how ad-heavy the platform is. Some have ads on a single sidebar, while others have them throughout the contest website. 

Available filters 

Some sweepstakes sites list thousands of giveaway events available. This is great for active users, but it can make it cumbersome to find suitable sweepstakes. As such, look for platforms offering a range of user-friendly filters. 

For example, you might want to focus on specific prize niches, such as travel, electronics, cash, or gift cards. Alternatively, you might prefer single-entry giveaways or sweepstakes ending today. The more filters available,e the better. 

Direct links to the sweepstakes sponsor 

Another important factor when exploring legit sweepstakes websites is that links are provided directly to the event. For example, if the giveaway requires a Facebook or X share, ensure you’re directed to the respective company page. 

This ensures you’re entering legitimate giveaways. Sweepstakes sites are often just middlemen, so there’s no reason why they’d need any personal information. Consider sensitive data requests as a major red flag, especially if they involve social security numbers or IDs. 

A step-by-step guide on how to enter sweepstakes online

We’ll now explain how to win prizes online using JemLit for this beginner-friendly tutorial. JemLit is a legitimate mystery box provider with prizes including smartphones, gaming consoles, luxury watches, and more. 

Step 1: Create a JemLit account

Visit the JemLit website to get the process started. Click the “Sign Up” button and enter an email address.

Choose a strong password and click: “Sign Up” to confirm the account.

Step 2: Explore mystery boxes

After opening an account, you can start browsing suitable mystery boxes. Search for a product or brand to find relevant boxes, such as Rolex, Apple, or MacBooks.

Clicking the filter buttons is another option, such as gamers, tech, or watches. Each mystery box has a purchase price and a list of potential items.

JemLit also displays the odds for each potential prize. The odds will, of course, become more unfavorable as the prize value increases.

Step 3: Make a deposit

Now deposit some funds. This will enable you to purchase mystery boxes online. The minimum deposit requirement at JemLit is $6.

That said, note that mystery box prices start from $7.75. Several payment methods are accepted, including Google/Apple Pay and debit/credit cards.

Step 4: Open mystery boxes

You can now open the mystery box to see what you’ve won. JemLit will then ask for the shipping address. You should receive the prize within a few days, but longer time frames are sometimes required.

JemLit also enables users to swap the prize for credits. Those credits can only be used on JemLit to open additional mystery boxes. Nonetheless, it’s worth considering if you’re not happy with the winning item.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Idiot’s Guide to Sweepstakes Casinos (iGaming Business)
2. Sweepstakes Law Basics (Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP)
3. Protect Yourself from Grant and Sweepstakes Scams: What You Need to Know (Central Pacific Bank)