USASweepstakes AMOE Requirements - Receiving Free Sweeps Coins With Envelopes and Letters by Post
According to American sweepstakes laws, all sweepstakes sites must offer an Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE) that allows everyone to participate for free (no purchase necessary rule). This allows you to earn sweepstakes coins for free by sending a request by mail.
Mail-in Request Guides for All Sweepstakes Casinos — A-Z
Click on the brand you are interested in to learn everything you need to know about making a sweepstakes mail-in request for that brand to earn free sweepstakes coins with AMOE.
No Purchase Necessary Rule Creates AMOE Requirement for Sweepstakes Casinos
"No purchase necessary" means you're not required to buy anything to participate and play.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), sweepstakes promotions that require a purchase are illegal in the United States and constitute an illegal lottery.
To avoid incrimination, the “no purchase necessary” rule is applied where companies can allow people to participate for free under the sweepstakes model(1). The rule forms part of federal laws enforced by several agencies, including the FTC, FCC (Federal Communications Commission), and the United States Postal Service (USPS)(2). Allowing people to participate through free AMOE removes the element of consideration, which makes games of chance under the sweepstakes model legal.
For sweepstakes casinos, the no purchase necessary rule is integral to legally distinguishing sweepstakes operations from real-money online casinos. This is why all US sweepstakes casinos have AMOE available for players to request free coins and participate in games of chance with a chance to win more coins.
AMOE Compliance for Sweepstakes Casino Operators
- Sweepstakes casinos must provide a free method of entry alongside any purchase-based entry options.
- Legitimate sweepstakes casinos should prominently state "No Purchase Necessary" in their advertising and official rules.
- AMOE instructions should be easily accessible on websites and apps.
- Purchases should not be a redemption requirement as it defeats the purpose of no purchase necessary.
General AMOE Process in Sweepstakes Casinos
In sweepstakes casinos, AMOE entries are submitted via handwritten physical mail (a self-addressed stamped envelope). In most cases, each entry must be collected from a PO Box and manually processed by the operator, including:
- Opening the envelope;
- Read the contents;
- Verify details and legitimacy;
- Ensure compliance with the operator’s sweepstakes rules;
- Credit coins to applicants’ account.
The sweepstakes rules may vary depending on the brand, but in general, the following is required:
- Handwritten.
- Blue or black ink.
- Self-addressed stamped #10 Envelope.
- Standard 4” x 6” unfolded postcard (or piece of paper of equivalent size).
- Unique sweepstakes mail-in request code acquired from the sweepstakes site.
- Follow brand-specific instructions.
- Mail by USPS
FAQ Sweepstakes AMOE Requirements
AMOE stands for Alternative Method of Entry and must be offered by sweepstakes casino sites. It allows players to participate for free (no purchase necessary) without any considerable effort and have a chance to win.
US laws require the facilitation of AMOE for sweepstakes so that everyone can participate without risking real money(8).
Yes, I’ve yet to find a site accepting digital or machine-written sweepstakes requests. Normally, you need to use a blue pen and write the request card and envelope in legible handwriting according to the specific rules of the sweepstakes casino.
Sources and Resources
- “What is Sweepstakes?” from A Consumer’s Guide to Sweepstakes and Lotteries by USPS, accessed on November 29, 2024, <https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pub-546_consumers-guide-to-sweepstakes-lotteries_508.pdf>
- US agencies that enforce the “No Purchase Necessary Rule,” accessed on November 29, 2024, <https://nationalsweepstakescompany.com/blog/no-purchase-necessary-rule/>