Legitimacy Score

How we evaluate sweepstakes and what the scores mean

What Is the Legitimacy Score?

The Legitimacy Score is a number from 0 to 100 assigned to every sweepstakes on The Luck Foundry. It represents our automated assessment of how likely a sweepstakes is to be a real, legitimate opportunity based on observable signals.

The score is NOT a guarantee. It is an informational tool designed to help you prioritize your time and avoid obvious scams. Think of it like a credit score for sweepstakes: higher is better, but no single number tells the whole story.

How Is It Calculated?

Our algorithm evaluates eight categories of signals:

1
Entry URL Domain Analysis
Is the entry hosted on a known brand domain (Nike, Target, HGTV) or a recognized sweepstakes platform (Gleam.io, Rafflecopter)? Known domains score higher. Free blog hosting or URL shorteners score lower.
2
Official Rules
Legitimate sweepstakes are legally required to publish official rules. We check whether rules are present and whether they are hosted separately from the entry page (a common pattern for real sweepstakes).
3
Sponsor Identification
Does the sweepstakes have a named, identifiable sponsor? Sweepstakes from recognized brands score higher than those with vague or missing sponsor information.
4
Prize Value Reasonableness
Prizes within normal ranges ($100 to $100,000) score higher. Extremely high prizes (over $500,000) from unknown sponsors are flagged as potentially misleading.
5
Source Trust
We track where each sweepstakes was found. Sweepstakes sourced from established, curated directories receive a trust bonus.
6
HTTPS Security
Entry pages using HTTPS encryption score higher than unencrypted HTTP pages.
7
Deadline and Entry Type
Sweepstakes with specific end dates and standard entry types (daily, single, unlimited) receive small bonuses. Vague or missing deadlines are a minor red flag.
8
Suspicious Pattern Detection
We scan for red flags like URL shorteners, cryptocurrency references, "guaranteed win" language, and other patterns commonly associated with scams.
9
Professional Administration Analysis Strongest Signal
We fetch and analyze the official rules page looking for three things:
  • Professional administrator named -- firms like Marden-Kane, Don Jagoda Associates, HelloWorld/ePrize, Ventura Associates, Brandmovers, PrizeLogic, and others. These companies administer the majority of legitimate US sweepstakes. Finding their name in the rules is one of the strongest possible legitimacy signals.
  • Legal compliance language -- phrases like "void where prohibited," "no purchase necessary," "open to legal residents," "odds of winning depend on number of entries," and "alternate method of entry." Professional sweepstakes include these because they are legally required.
  • State registration -- New York and Florida require sweepstakes with prizes over $5,000 to register with the state. A registration number in the rules means the sponsor filed legal paperwork and paid fees, which scammers do not do.

What the Scores Mean

90-100
Highest Confidence
Major brand sponsor, verified platform, official rules present. Multiple strong legitimacy signals.
80-89
High Confidence
Identifiable sponsor, secure entry page, sourced from trusted directory. Strong signals with minor gaps.
70-79
Moderate Confidence
Appears legitimate but may be missing some signals (no official rules link, generic sponsor name). Worth entering with normal caution.
60-69
Some Caution
Limited legitimacy signals. May be a real sweepstakes but proceed with caution. Review the official rules yourself before entering.
Below 60
Low Confidence
Multiple red flags detected. We recommend extra scrutiny. Never provide financial information, SSN, or payment to enter a sweepstakes.

Important Disclaimer

The Legitimacy Score is an informational tool only. It is generated by an automated algorithm based on publicly observable signals. It is not a guarantee, endorsement, certification, or verification of any sweepstakes listed on The Luck Foundry.

The Luck Foundry does not sponsor, operate, administer, or endorse any sweepstakes listed on this platform. All sweepstakes are operated by third-party sponsors. The Luck Foundry is an aggregator that collects publicly available sweepstakes information for informational purposes.

No algorithm is perfect. A high Legitimacy Score does not guarantee that a sweepstakes is legitimate, and a low score does not necessarily mean a sweepstakes is fraudulent. Scammers can create sophisticated, professional-looking sweepstakes that may score well on automated checks.

Always exercise your own judgment. Before entering any sweepstakes, review the official rules, verify the sponsor, and confirm that no purchase, payment, or sensitive financial information is required for entry. Legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to enter or claim a prize.

The Luck Foundry assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or harm resulting from participation in any sweepstakes listed on this platform. By using The Luck Foundry, you acknowledge that you enter sweepstakes at your own risk and that the Legitimacy Score is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.

If you believe a listing is fraudulent, please report it using the report button on the sweepstakes detail page. We review all reports and remove confirmed scams promptly.

How to Protect Yourself