How a fair random draw works
A fair draw fixes the pool of eligible entries at the moment the entry window closes, picks one entry at random, and records the result so it cannot be changed afterwards. At PrizePop this step is always performed manually by a person, never automatically.
Step by step
The entry window closes at the published UTC time. Only confirmed entries count — an unconfirmed double opt-in is not in the pool. The number of eligible entries is recorded. One entry is selected using a cryptographically secure random pick. The draw, its date, the winning entry and the eligible count are stored together.
Why the draw is manual
Emails at PrizePop are automated — confirmations, reminders and drop announcements go out on their own. The draw is deliberately excluded from that automation. A person opens the admin area after the window has closed and triggers the draw, so there is always a responsible human decision behind the result.
What the winner receives
Only the winner is emailed. The message goes to the address used for the entry and names the drop, the prize and the draw date. PrizePop does not send "you did not win" emails.
Frequently asked questions
- Can late entries still get in?
- No. The pool is fixed at the published closing time, down to the second, in UTC.
- Does an unconfirmed entry count?
- No. Without the confirmation click the entry stays out of the draw, which is why we send reminders before the window closes.
- Is the draw livestreamed?
- No. The result is recorded with its date and eligible count, and participants can see the draw information for the drops they entered.