To increase your chances of winning sweepstakes, you need to follow the rules set by the sponsor and ensure you are eligible to submit an entry. This includes checking if you are old enough to enter the sweepstakes. But how old do you really have to be to enter sweepstakes? Read on to know.
What is the age of majority?
Most sweepstakes only let people submit entries if they’ve reached the age of majority in their state. The age of majority is essentially the age at which a minor, or a child, is considered an adult legally. Being over the age of majority allows you to enter contracts, which is why most sweepstakes sponsors require this of entrants.
You’ll know if you are required to be over the age of majority when entering a particular sweepstake if you find something along these lines in the rules - “To enter, you are required to be a resident of the United States and over the age of majority.” By restricting sweepstakes to people above the age of majority, sponsors can ensure that only adults participate in the giveaway. Wondering why? One key reason is that minors cannot be bound by contract rules, so in order to protect the interests of the sponsor as well as all the entrants, it’s important that the participant is over the age of majority.
What is the age of majority in the U.S.?
In the U.S., the age of majority varies from state to state - it isn’t something that is dictated by federal law. This essentially means each state can decide its own age of majority. However, 18 years is the most common age of majority among American states. Some states, however, grant majority status once you graduate high school. Other states, like Alabama and Mississippi, have chosen 19 or 21 years as the age of majority. So, make sure to check whether you conform to the age of majority in the state you reside in before you enter sweepstakes.
