Your Guide to Understanding Single Entry Sweepstakes in 2025

Single entry sweepstakes give you the chance to win a wide variety of valuable prizes with minimal effort. In the U.S. alone, over $17 billion in sweepstakes prizes are awarded each year, and single entry contests make up a significant portion of that total.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what single entry sweepstakes and contests are, how they differ from other types, how you can enter them, what kinds of prizes you could win, and tips to help boost your chances of success.

Online Sweepstakes with Single Entry Explained

Single-entry sweepstakes and contests are straightforward; each participant is allowed only one entry, or in some cases, only one entry per household. In contrast, some sweepstakes permit multiple entries, either with a limit (e.g., five per person) or with no limit at all.

With single-entry promotions, entering more than once, even by using different email addresses, is a violation of the terms and conditions. Doing so can result in disqualification and forfeiture of any prizes won.

Single entry sweepstakes giveaways can offer a wide range of prizes—from small items worth a few dollars to major rewards worth thousands or even millions. Here are some common types of grand prizes:

Multiple Entry vs Daily Entry vs Single Entry Sweepstakes

In addition to single-entry contests and sweepstakes, there are other types that allow multiple entries. Multiple-entry sweepstakes enable participants to enter more than once, often with a set limit, such as up to 5 times per day or a maximum of 20 total entries, while some allow participants unlimited entries.

There are also daily-entry sweepstakes, which allow you to submit one entry per day over a set promotional period. Below, we take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each type:

Pros and Cons of Single Entry

The main advantage of online sweepstakes with a single entry is their simplicity; just one entry, and you’re done. They require minimal time or effort and ensure a level playing field, as everyone has the same chance of winning. However, for dedicated and professional sweepstakes players, this can be a drawback since there’s no opportunity to boost their odds through multiple entries.

Pros and Cons of Multiple Entry

Unlike single-entry contests and sweepstakes, multiple-entry contests give you the opportunity to improve your odds of winning a sweepstakes contest. The more time and effort you’re willing to invest, the better your chances of winning. However, this can be time-consuming, and the more entries you submit, the greater the risk of making an error or accidentally violating the terms and conditions.

Pros and Cons of Daily Entry

Daily entry sweepstakes are a hybrid of single- and multiple-entry types. You can enter once per day, boosting your odds without being overwhelmed. They’re quick to enter but require consistency and can be easy to forget.

How to Enter Single Entry Contests and Sweepstakes Online

The process of entering a contest at dedicated sweepstakes sites or directly through an organization will differ depending on the site and contest. However, generally the processes are fairly similar. Here’s how to typically enter a single entry contest or sweepstakes.

1. Find legitimate sweepstakes – use trusted companies and trusted sweepstakes sites to find and enter contests.
2.  Read the rules – Check you are eligible to enter the contest and confirm the number of entries you can make.
3. Check the entry date – Make sure the contest is still open for entries and if the one time entry sweepstakes is ending soon be sure to complete the steps quickly before it closes.
4. Complete the entry form – Most sweepstakes will require and entry form of some sort. Fill in the form and check all your details are correct.
5. Complete any other specific instructions – Some may ask you to like a post, tag a friend, or answer a question, complete any extra steps carefully.
6. Submit your entry – Submit your entry and note how and when winners will be notified.

Tips for Participating in Online Sweepstakes With a Single Entry

Unlike sweepstake casinos where certain games involve skill, there isn’t anything you can do to improve your chances after you’ve entered a one time entry sweepstakes , it’s all up to lady luck. However, we have some top tips on what to do before entry to give yourself the best chance of winning.

Important Terms & Conditions

As previously mentioned, checking and following the rules of a contest set out in its terms and conditions is essential. These can sometimes be quite long and boring to read through, but it is imperative to understand them fully. To help you with this, we’ve included some key terms and conditions below:

The Bottom Line

Single entry sweepstakes are perfect for those who don’t have the time to enter contests regularly, as well as for dedicated sweepstakers looking to enter a wide variety of one-time contests.

They’re usually simple and straightforward to enter, yet still offer the chance to win amazing prizes. You can find these sweepstakes on an organization’s website, through social media, or, most conveniently, on dedicated sweepstakes platforms that host their own contests and gather legitimate offers from multiple sources.

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