The Surprising Truth Behind Winning Holiday Contests and Promotions in The Bahamas

“That's rigged. They probably already know who will win. It’s always the same people, and they’re probably family members. I’m not even going to bother entering because I won’t win anyway.”

It’s a sentiment many of us have heard or even thought ourselves, especially around the time of holiday contests and promotions. Whether it’s a raffle for a TV, a gift card, or a holiday trip, skepticism often runs high when it comes to local competitions in The Bahamas. Yet, this level of distrust can make winning these contests easier than you might think. While it’s common to hear complaints that contests are fixed, the reality is that Bahamians may be overlooking just how accessible and fair these opportunities truly are.

Over the years, I’ve spent time working in Marketing and Communications, and one of the most frequent comments I hear about holiday promotions is a distrust in the process. People are quick to assume that only the family and friends of the organizers win, that the winners have already been chosen behind closed doors. The belief that "the game is rigged" discourages many from entering at all, which ironically gives those who do participate a much higher chance of winning.

But here’s the truth: holiday contests and promotions in The Bahamas often have far fewer entries than people realize, especially given our relatively small market. Most businesses run these promotions to drive brand awareness or attract customers during the busy holiday season, but they also understand that this doesn’t always translate into an overwhelming number of participants.

In fact, marketers can attest that, especially during the holidays, many contests and raffles attract a fraction of the entries expected. This creates better odds for those who choose to participate.

Another reason why contests are not as “rigged” as people believe is the structure and integrity built into the system. Marketing teams working on these holiday promotions are often under pressure to meet deadlines and wrap up their campaigns before the holiday break. With internal and external protocols in place to avoid any unethical behavior, the last thing a marketer wants is to jeopardize their reputation or job by manipulating a contest. Furthermore, it’s important to note that family members and close friends of the team are usually disqualified from winning. Most contests are transparent, often drawn live or through digital platforms that record the process, ensuring fairness and adding an additional layer of transparency.

Despite this, rumors continue to circulate. Some people claim that raffle bins are rigged with fake entries, or that the winners are always predetermined. I can tell you firsthand: these claims are simply not true. For a contest to be manipulated in such a way, it would require an enormous effort—someone would need to create a large number of fake entries, and every member of the organizing team would have to be complicit. This would involve considerable risk to the reputation of the company, which, after years of building its brand and trust in the community, is something no business would jeopardize for the sake of giving away a television or a holiday voucher. Companies understand that their long-term success depends on consumer trust, and they would never sacrifice that for a short-term win.

While winning is never guaranteed, entering contests is undoubtedly worth the effort. With the convenience of online submissions, social media interactions, and digital raffle platforms, entering is often a quick and easy task that can lead to unexpected rewards.

For marketers, it's crucial to understand that the goal of holiday contests is not just to give away prizes, but to drive brand engagement and build customer loyalty. To maximize participation, it’s important to make the entry process as easy and appealing as possible. The best contests keep the steps simple and straightforward. The fewer obstacles to entry, the more likely people will participate. Asking entrants to follow your brand on social media, tag a few friends, or like a post is often the simplest and most effective way to encourage engagement. Long forms, voting processes, or requiring participants to create elaborate content (like photos or videos) can deter people from entering, unless the prize is truly extraordinary.

Additionally, marketers must ensure that they follow through on their promises. Award prizes promptly and always announce the winners publicly. Transparency in the selection process is key to maintaining trust and excitement around future promotions. Contest terms and conditions should be clearly communicated, and the process of winner selection should always be transparent to avoid any misconceptions.

So, the next time you hear someone say that holiday contests are "rigged," remember that the odds of winning might actually be better than you think. If you’re not entering, you’re missing out on a chance to win great prizes during the festive season. For businesses, keeping things simple, transparent, and fair will not only ensure a successful contest but also help foster goodwill and customer loyalty long after the holidays are over. After all, a little bit of trust goes a long way when it comes to marketing during the most wonderful time of the year.