When reading through the rules of a sweepstakes giveaway, you may find that automatic entries are not allowed. But what does this mean? Will you be disqualified for using automatic form-filling software like Roboform or your browser’s autofill feature? Read on to find out.
Automatic-entry software vs. auto-fill software - What is the difference?
Automatic sweepstakes entries are made by a software program or bot that fills out entry forms for you, without even requiring you to visit the sweepstakes site. In the case of daily entry sweepstakes, you may only have to visit the sweepstakes site once and the bot or software will submit your entries for you daily.
Given that drawing entrants to sweepstakes sites is important for companies because it gives them a chance to inform entrants about their offerings, automatic entries through a software tool or bot are usually prohibited.
However, auto-fill software programs like Roboform are different from automatic-entry software programs and bots. Using Roboform means you don’t have to type in as many details in your entry form, but you still need to visit the sweepstakes website. The same is true for the autofill feature on your internet browser and other software programs that work as alternatives to Roboform.
So what is allowed?
If the sweepstakes rules mention that automatic entries are not allowed, they usually mean that the first type of service, where a third-party software program is submitting entries on your behalf without you even having to visit the site, is not permitted. This typically means that software like Roboform is allowed. However, there is really no consensus among sponsors about what exactly counts as automatic entry software. So, before you enter sweepstakes giveaways, make sure to read the rules to know what is allowed and what isn’t.
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