We’ve tried to answer the most common winner questions to help
make you more comfortable with the process.
Who is Probability LLC?
Probability LLC (“Probability”) is a promotions agency that designs, builds, and administers various regional, nationwide and global promotions, including sweepstakes, contests, and games.
We have over 20 years of experience working in the industry and strive to ensure our clients and you (the participants) have a seamless experience. You can learn more about us and our team here: About Us.
Is this a scam?
No, if you have received an email from the domain probabilitywinners.com or probabilityworks.com, we are reaching out to either award you a prize or verify certain information before we can award that prize (you'll see Probability listed as Administrator in the Official Rules). If you receive an email claiming to be from us, but it does not come from one of the above domains, please report it to info@probabilityworks.com.
All promotions administered by Probability comply with all applicable local, state, federal, and international promotions laws and regulations of the eligible regions.
I don't remember entering the promotion...
You may have automatically entered a promotion without realizing by using the Sponsor’s services, completing a survey or similar. In any case, our prize notifications will always include either a hyperlink to the Official Rules, or a PDF copy of them, so you may reference the promotion's method of entry, as well as the start date, end date, and drawing date(s) for clarification.
Why do I need to complete an Affidavit of Eligibility?
An Affidavit of Eligibility is required to confirm your identity and that you meet the eligibility requirements to claim the prize. It also serves as confirmation you read the Official Rules, and agree to the terms and conditions of the promotion (and prize).
Why do I need to complete a W-9?
If your prize is valued at $600 or more, legally, we must report your winnings to the IRS.
The W-9 Form allows us to prepare the 1099-MISC tax form you will receive for reference when filing your taxes.
What is probabilitywinners.com?
This is the page we use when we need to gather more information from “potential winners” to verify them as “official winners”. If you have received a communication from an email address other than one of our official domains (probabilitywinners.com or probabilityworks.com) please contact us right away.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Why am I a potential winner?
You are referred to as a “potential winner” because our team needs to confirm that you, as a potential winner, comply with the promotion’s eligibility requirements as outlined in the Official Rules. Once verified, you will then be an “official winner” and be formally awarded your prize.
Do I have to pay to claim my prize?
No, you do not have to pay to claim a prize. You may be required to complete paperwork such as an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release and Indemnification, and Publicity Release Form, Grant of Rights, and/or a W-9 tax form depending on the value of the prize. For prizes valued over $600, you may be responsible for applicable taxes, but we will never ask you for credit/debit card information, or payment of any kind to receive your prize.
Who won the promotion?
If you are looking for a list of the winners from any one of our programs, please view the Official Rules of the promotion where you will find how to request a winners list.
How many people entered?
Unfortunately, this information is proprietary to the Sponsor. They may or may not choose to make the information public via a press release/winner announcement.
When will I receive my prize?
Each promotion has different fulfillment timing based on the prize itself. Please refer to the timing listed in the Official Rules or any communication you’ve had with our team regarding the prize won.
Paperwork & Privacy
Why do I need to sign the paperwork?
Based on your prize you may have received some or all of the documentation below:
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Affidavit of Eligibility, Release and Indemnification, and Publicity Release Form:
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This is necessary to confirm a potential winner’s information is accurate and that they meet the complete eligibility requirements in order to claim a prize. It also includes liability language and official confirmation that you as the winner agree and abide by the official rules of the promotion.
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W-9 Tax Form
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For tax purposes, when the value of an awarded prize is $600 or greater we are legally obligated to issue a 1099-MISC tax form to the winner at the end of the year. A W-9 tax form must first be completed in order for us to issue this 1099-MISC tax form.
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Grant of Rights
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This document may be requested to confirm that should the Sponsor want to feature your work and/or promote you as the winner, your entry and likeness (as applicable) can be used.
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Why do you need my SSN?
Typically when we request a SSN it is because the awarded prize is valued at $600 or more and we are legally obligated to issue a 1099-MISC tax form to the winner at the end of the year.
A W-9 tax form must first be completed in order for us to do so and this paperwork requires an SSN.
Will my information be shared?
Your information will not be shared. A data retention period is defined for each sweepstake/contest, based on legal requirements. Once that period has expired, all data will be completely destroyed.
Taxes
How much money will I owe in taxes if I accept the prize?
Only prizes valued over $600 will include a potential tax payment. We are not in a position to estimate that amount as it will ultimately depend on the value of the prize and your tax bracket. For more specific information we would recommend you consult your tax advisor.
When will I receive my 1099?
Tax documents are sent at the end of the year after the prize was fulfilled/booked (as applicable).
