If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a giveaway page thinking, “Do I really need to watch this video, follow that account, and tag three friends just to get a bonus entry?” — you’re not alone. Bonus entries are everywhere, and depending on who you ask, they’re either a brilliant opportunity or a total waste of time. Here we have a guide for every sweepstakes lover who’s ever wondered if those extra clicks really matter.
So… what’s the truth?
Do bonus entries actually boost your odds of winning, or are they just clever marketing?
Today we’re breaking it down — simply, clearly and with all the fun that the world of sweepstakes deserves.
What Exactly Is a Bonus Entry?
A bonus entry is any optional task that earns you extra chances in a giveaway. The standard single entry gets you into the drawing — bonus entries help you stack the deck in your favor.
Common examples include:
- Following a brand on social media
- Sharing a post
- Watching a video
- Visiting a website
- Tagging friends
- Subscribing to an email list
These tasks generate engagement for the host, and in return, you get more entries in the pot.
The Real Math: Do Bonus Entries Increase Your Odds?
Here’s the factual answer (and yes — it’s a good one):
Yes, bonus entries genuinely increase your chances of winning — but only relative to how many total entries exist.
Think of it like raffle tickets. If 10,000 people enter and you only have that one free entry, your chances are tiny. But if you grab 10 bonus entries, you’ve increased your slice of the pie by 1000%.
It’s still a small slice, but hey — it’s bigger than before.
In simple terms:
- More entries = better odds
- But not guaranteed odds
- And the more popular the giveaway, the smaller the impact of each individual bonus entry
The bottom line:
Bonus entries don’t promise a win — but they absolutely improve your probability of being drawn.
Why Bonus Entries Are Worth Your Time
Even if the odds are big ones, bonus entries come with perks beyond just improving your chances:
They give you control
Instead of hoping luck strikes, you get to do something that helps your odds.
They’re quick and usually free
Most tasks take seconds and require no purchase at all.
They introduce you to brands, creators or products you may genuinely enjoy
A lot of sweepers discover new favorites this way.
Giveaways You Actually Want to Enter
(And why these prizes are worth getting bonus entries for!)
Below are examples of popular giveaway categories that get tons of attention — plus why they’re irresistible to so many sweepers.
Dream Car Giveaways
You want it because:
- Freedom — Nothing beats driving off in something dependable, shiny and paid for.
- Status — Let’s be honest: it feels really good to win a car.
Winning a car upgrades your life without degrading your bank account!
Cash or Gift Card Giveaways
You want it because:
- Universal value — Everyone knows exactly what to do with extra money.
- Flexibility — Bills, fun, emergencies — it fits every need.
Cold hard cash is the prize that never goes out of style — and bonus entries here feel extra rewarding.
Home Makeover or Appliance Giveaways
You want it because:
- Comfort — A better home means a better daily life.
- Savings — Big appliances are expensive; winning one feels like winning a week’s vacation.
Imagine a fresh, upgraded home without spending a dime — that’s the magic of home-themed giveaways.
Travel Giveaways
You want it because:
- Adventure — The world feels bigger and brighter when you explore it.
- Memories — Free travel = unforgettable stories.
Pack your bags (or just imagine it) — travel giveaways are pure wanderlust fuel.
Tech & Gadget Giveaways
You want it because:
- Excitement — New tech is fun, fast, and futuristic.
- Cost savings — Winning the newest gadget keeps your wallet happy.
From the hottest consoles to cutting-edge smart gear, gadget giveaways make life feel a little more high-tech.
Tips for Making Bonus Entries Work for You
To make the most of your time without turning sweepstakes into a full-time job, try these strategies:
- Pick giveaways you genuinely want to win.
You’ll be more motivated to complete bonus entries. - Focus on giveaways with fewer total participants.
Smaller contests = bigger personal odds. - Track your entries.
A simple notes app or spreadsheet prevents double entries or missed tasks. - Avoid giveaways requiring risky actions.
Never pay money to enter unless it’s from a reputable, legal sweepstakes organization. - Complete the highest-value tasks first.
Some bonus entries are worth more points — start there.
A Final Truth: Bonus Entries Work… When You Do
Sweeps are fun, exciting, and full of possibility — but it’s also a game of numbers. Bonus entries don’t guarantee a win, and they don’t magically beat the odds, but they do give you better odds than doing nothing.
Think of it like planting seeds:
More seeds = more chances for something to grow.
And that’s what keeps sweepers coming back — the thrill of maybe, the joy of hope and the possibility that the next “Congrats, you won!” email could have your name on it.
Ready to Try Your Luck?
Bonus entries aren’t just marketing fluff — they’re a way to tip the scales, even if only slightly, in your favor. So go ahead:
- Enter smart
- Enter often
- And most importantly…
- Have fun while you do it
After all, the world of sweepstakes is full of surprises — and your next bonus entry might just be the one that counts!
