How to Prepare Entry Lists for a Fair Giveaway or Raffle
By Fred, Founder of ClickTheWheel
Updated: May 2026
Category: Giveaways
Reading time: 7–8 minutes
The spin is the exciting part, but the list is where fairness begins.
I have seen giveaways where the wheel looked fun, the host was energetic, and the prize was great — but the entry list had problems. A name appeared twice. Another name had an extra space. Someone’s username was copied with a symbol. A spreadsheet header accidentally became an entry.
It sounds small until the wheel lands on one of those messy entries.
Then the host has to pause, explain, delete, respin, and hope everyone understands.
That is why I always treat list preparation as part of the draw itself. It may not be the most joyful part, but it protects the joyful part.
When you prepare your list properly before using ClickTheWheel, the actual draw becomes smoother, cleaner, and easier for everyone to trust.
You can also start from the ClickTheWheel Templates Library if you are preparing a raffle, giveaway, classroom, or office wheel.
Table of Contents
- Why clean lists matter
- The simple version
- Step 1: Put one entry per line
- Step 2: Remove blanks and headers
- Step 3: Standardize names
- Step 4: Handle duplicates fairly
- Step 5: Confirm eligibility
- Step 6: Save the final version
- Common mistakes
- Entry list checklist
- FAQ
- Final thoughts
Why Clean Lists Matter
A random tool can only work with the list you give it.
If the list is messy, the result can feel messy too.
A clean list helps you:
- prevent accidental duplicates
- avoid invalid winners
- explain the draw clearly
- confirm the total entry count
- reduce live draw interruptions
- make the result easier to trust
The goal is not perfection. The goal is a list that follows your rules.
The Simple Version
Before spinning:
- Collect entries.
- Put one entry per line.
- Remove blank rows.
- Remove copied headers.
- Standardize spelling or usernames.
- Decide how duplicates work.
- Remove invalid entries.
- Save the final list.
- Paste into the wheel.
That preparation makes the draw easier.
Step 1: Put One Entry Per Line
A wheel works best when each entry is on its own line.
Example:
Ana
Ben
Carlo
Dana
Erika
Avoid this:
Ana, Ben, Carlo, Dana, Erika
If names are in one long line, they may not separate properly. Use a spreadsheet, text editor, or simple notes app to clean the list first.
Step 2: Remove Blanks and Headers
When copying from a spreadsheet, it is easy to accidentally include the header.
Example:
Name
Ana
Ben
Carlo
If “Name” is pasted into the wheel, it becomes an entry.
Also remove blank lines. Blank entries can create confusion if selected.
Step 3: Standardize Names
Try to use one format.
For example, choose one:
Ana Santos
@anasantos
ana@email.com
Do not mix formats unless necessary.
Mixed formats make it harder to detect duplicates.
Step 4: Handle Duplicates Fairly
Duplicates are not always wrong.
Some giveaways allow multiple entries. Some do not.
The important thing is to follow your published rules.
If each person gets one entry, dedupe the list.
Original:
Maria
Ben
Maria
Carlo
Ben
Dana
Cleaned:
Maria
Ben
Carlo
Dana
If multiple entries are allowed, keep duplicates, but explain why.
Example:
“Each completed action counts as one entry, so some names may appear more than once.”
Step 5: Confirm Eligibility
Before the draw, remove entries that do not qualify.
This may include:
- entries after the deadline
- incomplete entries
- wrong hashtag
- missing required action
- duplicate accounts if not allowed
- non-eligible locations
- disqualified participants
Do not wait until the wheel lands on an invalid name. That creates awkwardness.
Step 6: Save the Final Version
Once the list is clean, save it.
You can save:
- spreadsheet copy
- plain text file
- screenshot
- final pasted list
- timestamped version
This helps if someone asks later, “Was my name included?”
A final copy also protects you from accidentally editing the wrong version.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Copying spreadsheet headers
Always check the first line before pasting.
Mistake 2: Ignoring extra spaces
Extra spaces can make duplicates harder to spot.
Mistake 3: Mixing usernames and real names
Pick one consistent format whenever possible.
Mistake 4: Removing duplicates without rules
If multiple entries were promised, do not dedupe silently.
Mistake 5: Cleaning during the live draw
Clean before going live. Live editing creates doubt.
Entry List Checklist
- [ ] Entries are in one list.
- [ ] One entry appears per line.
- [ ] Blank lines are removed.
- [ ] Spreadsheet headers are removed.
- [ ] Name or username format is consistent.
- [ ] Duplicate rule is confirmed.
- [ ] Invalid entries are removed.
- [ ] Final count is checked.
- [ ] Final list is saved.
- [ ] List is ready to paste into ClickTheWheel.
When ClickTheWheel Helps
Once your list is ready, paste it into ClickTheWheel and check the entry count.
If you are preparing a giveaway, raffle, classroom selection, or office activity, the Templates Library can help you start faster.
FAQ
Should I remove duplicate names?
Yes, if your rules say one entry per person. No, if multiple entries are allowed and clearly explained.
What is the best format for entries?
One entry per line. Use consistent names, usernames, emails, or IDs.
Can I use spreadsheet data?
Yes. Copy the relevant column and paste it into the wheel. Remove headers first.
Should I save the final entry list?
Yes. It helps with proof and prevents confusion.
What if I find a mistake during the live draw?
Pause and explain the correction clearly. Avoid silent editing.
Final Thoughts
A clean entry list is not glamorous, but it is powerful.
It makes the draw smoother. It prevents awkward questions. It helps participants trust the result.
The wheel brings the excitement, but the list carries the fairness.
Prepare your list, save the final version, then run your draw on ClickTheWheel. For a quicker start, explore the ClickTheWheel Templates Library.