Games that provide excitement and a chance to win prizes have always been popular among people because there is a dose of adrenaline caused by anticipation, as well as the desire to compete for valuable prizes. Therefore, sweepstakes have become one of the many global companies’ main tools for attracting new players, while also retaining existing ones, particularly among companies from the iGaming industry.
Games of chance, such as betting on sports events, playing the lotto, or gambling on slot machines, are especially popular for the surprise factor, in which, despite the player’s skills, luck plays a significant role. The rest of the text will reveal whether the knowledge of whether or not they were born under a lucky star is what attracts many players to the sweepstake or is something else. We will look at the psychological impact of surprise, the mechanics of sweepstakes, and the numerous benefits that sweepstakes provide for companies and players.
The Allure of Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes have always been a favorite among people all over the world, as they offer entertainment and the opportunity to win valuable prizes, mostly by random selection, and participation in them can come as an additional benefit for participants. To participate in the game, players are generally required to buy products or services that they need or are allowed to use their knowledge and creativity, which further adds to their appeal.
Prize games pleasure participating and waiting for the results, without potential negative financial consequences, creating a dynamic and pleasant environment for players. Casinos such as Zula Casino, which is one of the leading sweepstake casinos, offer the Zula Casino Welcoming Package, making sure that all players enjoy their gaming experience while being on the run for the main prize.
The Psychology of Surprise
Why do we like surprises? It is simple. Surprise is one of the basic emotions in the human body, caused by an unforeseen stimulus, and it can be pleasant or unpleasant. When the surprise is positive and the result is pleasant, then intensive activation of certain parts of the human brain is triggered, as well as the release of dopamine, which awakens other feelings such as satisfaction, happiness, relief, and pride, but also hope and curiosity. It is precisely the possibility of experiencing these feelings that keeps players engaged and leads them to play sweepstakes again and again, even though they may not have had the chance to win a valuable prize until now.
Understanding Sweepstakes Basics
Entry Methods
Participating in the sweepstakes is generally quite simple, and all players need to do is either fill out a few simple online forms, complete a few tasks, or link to certain content on social networks. The rules are not the same for all sweepstakes, but it is generally practiced to ensure easy access to the game for everyone, so usually, the criteria for participation are minimal.
Prizes
Unlike the minimum conditions for participation in games, prizes in sweepstakes range from minimal in the form of less-worth items such as t-shirts and caps, to large prizes such as luxury trips, cars or often the most attractive, large sums of money. It is precisely the variety of prizes that plays a role in the number of participants in prize games and therefore contributes to greater excitement and positive nervousness among players.
Drawing Processes
Drawing processes are one of the key parts that make the company’s sweepstakes popular because it is precisely on them that users’ trust is based, and their future decision to participate again. Therefore, all certified companies encourage transparency and honesty, and to draw winners, they use generators that give all participants an equal chance to win.
Engagement Tactics
Suspense
Suspense tactics are one of the most pronounced in this type of game, precisely because people are constantly under “pressure” and in anticipation. There are an infinite number of ways in which companies can increase the suspension, such as counting down the time until the draw, announcing the winner in shorter intervals, etc. which will result in a larger number of players.
Anticipation
For the game to attract as many players as possible, game creators must know how to increase anticipation. They can do this with the help of teasers that hint at potential rewards, or cliffhangers that will constantly leave players with incomplete information, making them always come back for more.
Successful Examples
Companies today often build their competitiveness on the market precisely with tempting sweepstakes, and the strongest ones like Coca-Cola seem to have mastered the art of the game. For years, they have been the leader in terms of the number of participants, not only because of the variety of games and prizes but also because of the number of prizes awarded, which further motivates people to participate in the competition and win one of the always useful prizes.
Company Benefits
Sweepstakes are not designed to only profit players, but also to increase brand awareness and improve player or customer loyalty. This type of game creates buzz and excitement among players, especially if it is a well-designed prize game, about which word will spread quickly. This will very quickly contribute to the increased visibility of the brand, reaching an audience outside the existing base of customers or users, and the very credibility of the games and good prizes will improve the loyalty of current customers.
Lastly, sweepstakes are designed to excite people and keep them constantly engaged, and understanding the psychology behind surprise presents numerous opportunities for the iGaming industry. They also have numerous benefits, not only for players but also for companies, because brand awareness is raised and the loyalty of current customers is maintained. Therefore, we have no choice but to confirm that sweepstakes are indeed a win-win combination for both players and brands.