Searching create my own sweepstakes usually means you want random winner selection, not a skill contest. US law is permissive but precise: get prize, chance, and no consideration wrong and you may create an illegal lottery.
The three-legged stool (US sweepstakes law)
Every lawful sweepstakes needs:
- Prize with disclosed value
- Chance (random draw)
- No consideration, or a free AMOE with equal dignity when paid entries exist
Full primer: how online sweepstakes work in the US.
Documents you need before launch
Official Rules, privacy disclosures, entry landing page, AMOE instructions, winner verification process, and prize fulfillment SOP. Creators who skip written rules invite chargebacks, platform bans, and state AG inquiries.
Template mindset: Gaviom Official Rules show the depth serious operators publish.
When to use Gaviom vs building alone
Build alone if you have legal counsel, fulfillment ops, and audit-ready draw tooling. Use Gaviom when you want creators or brands to launch faster with certified draws, capped pools, and player-facing transparency.
Common mistakes when you create my own sweepstakes
- Purchase required implicitly (checkout-only entry with hidden AMOE)
- Different odds for free vs paid entries
- No void jurisdictions listed
- Winner pays upfront "taxes" via gift cards
- Drawing winners from incomplete entry logs
Deep dive: legal restrictions for sweepstakes in the US.
Launch a sweepstakes with Gaviom
Creators and companies — compliant infrastructure, live draws, reserved prizes.
Enter lawfully on Gaviom
US residents 18+. Read the Official Rules, use free entry by mail, and browse active sweepstakes with published odds on capped pools. Gaviom donates 5% of net profits to charity — see Impact.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to create my own sweepstakes?
Not if structured as a lawful US prize promotion with no required purchase and documented free entry.
Do I need a lawyer?
High-ARV or multi-state promotions benefit from counsel. Platforms like Gaviom embed compliance workflows for creators and brands.