Definition & Meaning of "sweepstakes"in English

What is a "sweepstakes"?

A sweepstakes is a type of contest or lottery where participants can win prizes, often without having to make a purchase. Entries are usually made by submitting a form or by completing a specific action, such as signing up online or entering a code from a product. The winners are chosen at random, and the prizes can range from small items to large sums of money or expensive goods. Sweepstakes are popular as a promotional tool for businesses to attract customers or increase brand awareness, and they are typically regulated by local laws to ensure fairness and transparency.