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Category: Contests

How the High Cost of Gas Affects Your Promotional Offers

High gas prices have driven a shift in consumer behavior and marketing tactics. Americans are driving less and changing vacation plans, leading companies to reallocate marketing budgets toward digital giveaways. Sweepstakes now increasingly focus on offering “free” gas money and food to attract cash-strapped consumers. The current combination of higher fuel costs, inflation, and restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed the national average for regular gasoline to

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May 21, 2026

Sweepstakes Prizes are Considered Income by the IRS

In the eyes of the IRS, a sweepstakes prize is not a “gift,” it is income. Under the Internal Revenue Code, specifically Section 61, “all income from whatever source derived” is taxable unless a specific exception exists. Because sweepstakes winnings are considered “other income” (similar to a bonus or a second job), they are subject to the same federal and state income tax rates as your regular salary. Here is

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May 21, 2026

What is a Potential Prize Winner?

In lawful and promotional contexts, a potential prize winner is someone whose entry has been selected in a contest or sweepstakes, but whose eligibility hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Unlike how many onlookers have speculated on message boards that it seems to be a scammy term, rest assured, it is not (unless being used by a scammer, of course!). Think of it as a “pre-verification” stage. If you get a

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May 15, 2026

Why You Should Run a Memorial Day Sweepstakes

Memorial Day is, primarily, a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It is a day of reflection and gratitude. Simultaneously, Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer. It’s a time when families take advantage of the long weekend for quick getaways, backyard barbecues, and quality time together. For brands, this creates a unique dual-natured

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May 15, 2026

Father’s Day Sweepstakes & Contest Ideas That Drive Engagement

Once the joy and excitement of Mother’s Day has come and gone, everyone is reminded that Father’s Day is not too far behind! And while dads might not always make a big fuss, we all know how meaningful it is to be recognized and appreciated – especially when it comes from the people and brands they love. Father’s Day promotions don’t need to be complicated. The best ones are simple,

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May 11, 2026

Best Practices for Running a Pet-Themed Promotion

When running a pet-themed promotion, you are tapping into a deeply emotional space. For many, pets are family members, and the stakes for health and safety are much higher than a standard giveaway. Here are the essential do’s and don’ts for a successful and ethical pet promotion: The Do’s: Focusing on Health and Safety DO prioritize safety standards. Ensure any physical prizes (toys, treats, or gear) meet rigorous safety certifications. Avoid

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April 30, 2026

Everybody’s Using Social for Everything! But Are They Really?!?

There’s basically no such thing as doing any type of marketing without social platforms being part of the grand plan. Their reach is undeniable. While social platforms are an integral part of today’s marketing landscape, each one of them has their own restrictions and rules to abide by, and they’re not always easy to figure out. Platforms such as Instagram & Facebook (Meta) specifically state that they will not provide

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April 22, 2026

Why Timelines Matter: The Quiet Force Behind a Successful Promotion

In the world of promotion marketing, most of the attention naturally gravitates toward the exciting elements, such as the creative/visuals, the prize, the social buzz, and that satisfying moment when a prize winner is confirmed. However, long before a promotion captures the public’s attention, something far less glamorous determines whether it will run smoothly or fall apart: the timeline. Timelines were never meant to steal the spotlight. In fact, they

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April 14, 2026

Creative Mother’s Day Promotion Ideas

  Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate and say “thank you” to all the moms and motherly figures in your life than with a great gift! Here are a few sweepstakes and contest ideas to help generate engagement and excitement from your consumers: Mom’s Best Recipe Instagram Sweepstakes: We all have that special dish that no one makes like Mom does. Ask people

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April 8, 2026

Good Criteria for Judging a Contest

Fae Savignano, Senior Vice President and expert on all things promotional, weighs in on what good criteria are for judging a contest in her blog post for the month.

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May 5, 2025
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Recent Posts

Determining the Odds of Winning

Federal & State Lottery Laws Explained

10 Hot Summer Prize Ideas

How the High Cost of Gas Affects Your Promotional Offers

Sweepstakes Prizes are Considered Income by the IRS

How to Avoid Deceptive Advertising

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  • Archives

How the High Cost of Gas Affects Your Promotional Offers

High gas prices have driven a shift in consumer behavior and marketing tactics. Americans are driving less and changing vacation

Read More

Sweepstakes Prizes are Considered Income by the IRS

In the eyes of the IRS, a sweepstakes prize is not a “gift,” it is income. Under the Internal Revenue

Read More

What is a Potential Prize Winner?

In lawful and promotional contexts, a potential prize winner is someone whose entry has been selected in a contest or

Read More

Why You Should Run a Memorial Day Sweepstakes

Memorial Day is, primarily, a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in

Read More

Father’s Day Sweepstakes & Contest Ideas That Drive Engagement

Once the joy and excitement of Mother’s Day has come and gone, everyone is reminded that Father’s Day is not

Read More

Best Practices for Running a Pet-Themed Promotion

When running a pet-themed promotion, you are tapping into a deeply emotional space. For many, pets are family members, and

Read More

Everybody’s Using Social for Everything! But Are They Really?!?

There’s basically no such thing as doing any type of marketing without social platforms being part of the grand plan.

Read More

Why Timelines Matter: The Quiet Force Behind a Successful Promotion

In the world of promotion marketing, most of the attention naturally gravitates toward the exciting elements, such as the creative/visuals,

Read More

Creative Mother’s Day Promotion Ideas

  Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate and say “thank you” to all

Read More

Good Criteria for Judging a Contest

Fae Savignano, Senior Vice President and expert on all things promotional, weighs in on what good criteria are for judging a contest in her blog post for the month.

Read More
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