The difference between sweepstakes and raffle lies primarily in their entry methods and legal requirements. Sweepstakes are typically free to enter and winners are chosen randomly from all participants, often requiring no purchase. In contrast, a raffle usually involves the purchase of a ticket, with proceeds often going to a charitable cause, and winners are drawn from ticket holders. Understanding the difference between sweepstakes and raffle is essential for both participants and organizers to ensure compliance with regulations and to maximize engagement.