From Draw Day to Your Hands
Winning is exciting. But the part that makes it real is actually receiving your prize. QuizStakes has built a prize delivery system designed to be fast, transparent, and hassle-free. Here's exactly how it works, step by step.
Step 1: The Drawing
Every prize on QuizStakes has a scheduled draw date listed on its prize card. On that date, our system performs a certified random draw from all valid ticket entries for that prize. The draw is time-stamped and logged. We use a cryptographically secure random number generator - not a human picking names - so every ticket has an equal chance proportional to entries.
Step 2: Winner Notification
Within 24 hours of the draw, the winner receives:
- An email to the address on their QuizStakes account
- An SMS notification to their registered phone number (if SMS is enabled)
- An in-app notification the next time they log in
The notification includes the prize name, draw date, and instructions for claiming. Winners have 7 days to respond to the claim notification. If no response is received within 7 days, an alternate winner is drawn from the remaining entries.
Step 3: Identity Verification
To comply with sweepstakes law and prevent fraud, QuizStakes verifies winner identity before delivering prizes over $50 in value. This process involves:
- Confirming your full legal name matches account registration
- Verifying your US mailing address (for physical prizes)
- For prizes over $250: submitting a photo ID scan through our secure verification portal
This typically takes 1-2 business days. Our compliance team reviews every submission manually.
Step 4: Prize Delivery
Digital gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.) are delivered electronically to your verified email address within 1-3 business days of completed verification. You'll receive a unique redemption code that can be used immediately on the retailer's website or app.
Physical prizes (electronics, merchandise, experience packages) are shipped via FedEx or UPS with tracking to your verified US address. Typical delivery window is 5-10 business days after verification is complete.
Cash equivalents (PayPal transfers, check issuance) are processed within 5-7 business days and may require additional tax documentation for prizes over $600 (required by IRS regulations).
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Prize delivery issues are rare but do happen. Here's what to do:
- Email not received: Check your spam/junk folder first. Gift card emails sometimes trigger spam filters. If it's not there after 5 business days, contact support@quizstakes.com with your account email and prize name.
- Verification documents rejected: Our team will send you specific feedback on what's needed. Common issues: blurry ID photos, name mismatches (use your legal name as it appears on your ID when registering).
- Physical prize not arrived: Use the tracking number provided in your notification email. If tracking shows delivered but you haven't received it, contact us within 10 days of the tracked delivery date.
Tax Considerations
Prizes over $600 in fair market value are reportable income in the United States. QuizStakes will issue a 1099-MISC form by January 31 of the following tax year for any qualifying prizes. We strongly recommend consulting a tax professional if you win a significant prize.
Our Commitment
QuizStakes has delivered over $200,000 in prizes since launch with a 99.1% successful delivery rate. Our goal is for every winner to feel the excitement of winning - and to actually receive what they won. If you ever have a concern about your prize, our support team responds within one business day.