What is Publishers Clearing House and how does it work?

Publishers Clearing House (PCH) is a direct marketing company that markets merchandise and magazine subscriptions with sweepstakes and prize-based games. Founded in 1953, it gained widespread recognition for its prize patrols, which deliver large checks to the winners of their promotional sweepstakes contests. The way it works is that consumers can enter PCH's sweepstakes without making a purchase by responding to mailings or entering online. PCH generates revenue through the sale of merchandise and magazine subscriptions offered with the lure of potential sweepstakes wins, using winnings as an incentive to engage customers. Winning is determined by random drawing from all eligible entries received, and while the odds are slim given the massive number of participants, the chance to win substantial prizes keeps hopeful contestants engaged with the company's diverse offerings.