SPORTS PICKERHow to Run a Sponsored Pick'em Contest: Prizes, Official Rules and No Purchase Necessary
A prize contest is a great way to bring people together around a season, and a few simple rules keep it fun and fair. Here is the checklist we recommend for every sponsored or corporate pool.
1. Free to enter, always
In many states, a contest with a prize, an element of chance and a required purchase is an illegal lottery. The fix is easy: never require a purchase, a drink, a donation or a fee to enter or to win. Make the pool open to anyone who signs up.
2. Write official rules
Official rules should cover who can enter (age and location), the start and end dates, how the winner is decided (the pool's scoring), the tiebreaker, the prize and its approximate value, how and when winners are notified, and how to claim the prize. Sports Picker includes a template on every pool's Commissioner page. Have a lawyer review it before a large promotion.
3. Choose prizes you can deliver
Gift certificates, bar tabs, merchandise and experiences all work. Avoid cash, and avoid anything that depends on a purchase. State the prize clearly up front, and plan for ties.
4. Make it easy to join
Use a join code or QR flyer, list the pool under "Near you" for local fans, or ask us about featuring it on the Featured pools page.
5. Handle winners the same way every week
Announce the weekly winner, contact them the same day, and give them a set time to claim the prize. Keep a simple record of who won what.
6. Remember who holds the money
Nobody, on Sports Picker. We keep score and run the game; we never take entry fees, hold a pot or pay out winnings. (This is general information, not legal advice.)
Planning a sponsored or corporate pool?
Tell us what you have in mind and we will help you set it up.
Talk to usRun your pool on Sports Picker
Free for every player. Picks, locks, scoring and the trash talk, all in one place.
Start your pool