People use "lottery," "raffle," "giveaway," and "sweepstakes" interchangeably online. Regulators do not. The label changes which laws apply and whether a promotion can run nationwide.
Sweepstakes: prize + chance, no required purchase
A classic sweepstakes removes consideration by offering a free entry path. Paid convenience entries are allowed when AMOE exists and odds are not unfairly diluted.
Lottery: prize + chance + consideration
State-licensed lotteries (Powerball, Mega Millions, etc.) charge for tickets as the price of admission. Private lotteries are generally illegal unless a state explicitly licenses them.
Contest: prize + skill
Photo contests, essay competitions, and sales SPIFFs judged on metrics are often contests. Judging criteria must be objective and published.
Why Gaviom is structured as sweepstakes
We run random drawings with published odds, AMOE, and live verification. That is the right model for national consumer prizes like our MSC cruise or Cozumel dive trip. Companies looking for employee programs should see Gaviom for Business.