As stated previously, the consumer has the same chances of winning the sweepstakes no matter which box is selected. Charity Sweepstakes Charitable organizations have also turned to direct mail sweepstakes promotions. One director of a charitable organization stated that sweepstakes appeals for his organization offered potential donors an extra incentive to give and brought in new money to the organization. Another spokesperson for a charitable group claimed that the sweepstakes appeal was successful in building its donor lists. The prospective donor returns the certificates to be entered in the sweepstakes with or without a contribution.
Donors are in no better position to win the sweepstakes than non-donors.
As fun as it may sound to win a major prize in a sweepstakes promotion, there is another aspect of winning not often considered at the outset. According to the Internal Revenue Service, a sweepstakes winner is required to pay taxes on the fair market value of the prize won. The fair market value is the price the prize item would sell for on the open market. In some promotions, taxes may be withheld by the promoter. However, it is ultimately the winner's responsibility to see that the taxes are paid.