Responsible Giveaway Guidelines
A giveaway wheel can make a selection visible, but the organizer—not the animation—is responsible for lawful rules, a verified entry list, privacy, platform compliance, and a consistent winner process. Use this checklist before any raffle, contest, livestream, or event draw.
Last updated: July 30, 2026
Publish clear giveaway rules
State who can enter, start and end times, eligible locations and ages, entry methods, free-entry requirements, prize description, winner selection method, notification deadline, redraw conditions, taxes, privacy terms, and any sponsor or platform disclaimer.
Build and preserve a verified entry list
Export entries from the authorized source, close entry at the announced time, document duplicate-removal rules, exclude ineligible entries consistently, and preserve the original source file. Use a stable participant ID when a public username or full name is unnecessary.
Minimize participant data
Do not display email addresses, phone numbers, shipping addresses, or private account details on a projected or streamed wheel. Use aliases or entry IDs and collect delivery information privately only after winner verification.
Disclose the Wheel of Names settings
Standard mode should contain one active position per eligible entry. If weights, bonus entries, elimination, multiple winners, or other probability-changing rules are allowed, announce and document them before the spin. Keep Smart Fair Rotation off for an independent giveaway draw.
Run and record the draw
- Record or display the final eligible count.
- Confirm the active mode and winner count.
- Spin according to the published rule without editing mid-draw.
- Save the result, timestamp, and available draw receipt.
- Keep the source list and any recording for the stated retention period.
Verify before awarding a prize
Confirm identity, eligibility, original entry, age or location requirements, and acceptance within the announced period. Contact the winner through the method specified in the rules. Never ask a legitimate winner to pay a fee merely to receive a prize.
Use a written redraw rule
Redraw only for reasons announced in advance, such as an ineligible entry, failed verification, or no response by the deadline. Record why the first result was rejected and run the replacement draw using the same verified population rules.
Check law and platform policies
Giveaway, raffle, lottery, sweepstakes, tax, privacy, and advertising rules vary. Social platforms also impose their own promotion terms. Obtain qualified advice when needed; Wheel Names does not determine whether a promotion is lawful.
Consumer reference: FTC consumer guidance about prize claims.
