You've seen it in tiny print on every soda cap and chip bag: No purchase necessary. It's not just legal filler. It means you can enter for free, even when the promotion makes it look like you have to buy something.
Why it's there
In the US, a giveaway that requires you to pay to enter starts looking like an illegal lottery. So sponsors have to offer a free way in, and your odds have to be the same either way.
How to find the free way in
Look in the official rules for a section called something like "How to enter" or "Alternate method of entry" (people call it AMOE). Usually it's one of these:
- An online form where you request a free code or game play.
- A mail-in entry. Write your name and address on a card and mail it in. Follow the size and wording rules exactly.
- A free code by request from the sponsor's website.
Is it worth it?
Sometimes. A mail-in entry costs a stamp, so for a small prize it might not be worth it. But for a big promotion where the free method is an online form, it's a free shot at the same prizes everyone buying the product is chasing.
SweepQueue flags whether a free entry method is available for each sweepstakes, so you can skip the ones that really want your money.