What is the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, and how does it work?

The Publishers Clearing House (PCH) Sweepstakes is a direct marketing company that offers merchandise and magazine subscriptions with sweepstakes and prize-based games. PCH is known for its Prize Patrol, which surprises winners at their homes with oversized checks. The sweepstakes operation involves a variety of prizes, including million-dollar drawings and instant-win scratch cards. Participants can enter the sweepstakes through mail-in forms or more commonly now online via the company's website. No purchase is necessary to enter or win, as mandated by U.S. law, thus ensuring that buying products does not improve one's chances of winning. Winners are selected randomly, and the drawing process is subject to rigorous compliance to ensure fairness and legality.