1. A race (esp. a horse race) in which the winner’s prize is the sum of the stakes contributed by the various competitors.
2. A contest, often for promotional purposes, that awards prizes based on the random selection of entries. • State and federal laws prohibit conducting a sweepstakes as a scheme to obtain money or property through the mail by false representations. 39 USCA § 3005. [Cases: Gaming 62. C.J.S. Commerce § 139.]