Sweepstakes: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word combines 'sweep' meaning to collect and 'stakes' which comes from betting or putting something at risk.
• It dates back to the 19th century, where it referred to winning everything available, like a big competition.

Legal Aspects

• Sweepstakes are often regulated to protect consumers, and there are rules about how they must be conducted.
• In many countries, companies are required to provide a free way to enter, without needing to buy a product.

Popular Culture

• Television shows often feature sweepstakes as part of their contests to engage viewers and boost ratings.
• Social media platforms have started using sweepstakes as a marketing strategy to increase user engagement and followers.

Psychology

• The excitement of potential winning taps into the human desire for uncertainty, making participants more engaged.
• Research shows that the more a prize is perceived to be valuable, the more likely individuals are to enter the contest.

Historical Usage

• Sweepstakes have roots in ancient Rome, where lotteries were used to distribute prizes at public events.
• In the U.S., the first modern sweepstakes was held in 1866 by a newspaper to attract subscribers.

At rank #28,612, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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