Differences between Contests and Sweepstakes

Many people are confused about the difference between contests and sweepstakes, and often use the term ‘contest’ and ‘sweepstakes’ interchangeably. In fact, there exist many differences between the two.

The basic difference is that contests are games of skill, while sweepstakes are games of chance. In contests, skill is needed, and people can increase the chances to win by becoming more skillful or by practicing. In sweepstakes, winners are determined only by luck. You won’t have ways to improve chances of winning.

As for the odds, the chance of winning a sweepstake is much smaller than winning a contest. Sweepstakes are free and simple, and they are games of chance, so sometimes the odds can be less than 1 in 100,000,000. However, in contests, skills are need so there will be less entries, and the winning odds also will be much bigger.

With regard to entry fees, sweepstakes are completely free without a purchase of any kind because they are only games of chance. Unlike sweepstakes, contests can charge entry fees or use your delivered product to help promoting their products.
Besides, People can improve themselves in contests. Anything that allows you to display your special skill can become the subject of a contest, such as essay writing, photography, etc. Whether you win or not, the feedback from the visitors can help you improve, so that you can do better next time.