How Publishers Clearing House Makes $1 Billion A Year

Publishers Clearing House became a household name thanks to its signature TV commercials featuring regular Americans receiving massive sweepstakes checks for millions of dollars from the company's Prize Patrol. Founded in 1953, the company blazed a trail in the direct mail business, and after more than 60 years of existence, the company still commands millions of devotees.
As Business Insider reported in April, the company brought in $1 billion in revenue in 2017, thanks to merchandise sales and magazine subscriptions. But it hasn't always been smooth sailing for the company. We took a look at the history of Publishers Clearing House, and how it remains a billion-dollar company despite decades of lawsuits alleging deceptive practices.
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[@MattGrossChannel]

I won $1,000 from PCH in 2018, and the following week I landed a bit part in Todrick Hall's visual album "Forbidden". 2018 was my best year so far.

[@quiksilver712]

Did Roderick pay you lol

[@EvanLikesCake]

I wanted to try for their $1000 dollars a day for life thing. Ended up getting bunches of emails saying I have to click whatever to claim my number, which just took me through loops of advertising. They’re tricky people.

[@patrickbooth8766]

They’re operating a ponzi scheme based business model.

[@sarahchee9762]

Yes they l quick order stuff from.

[@CalvinHodgson]

They have boxes automatically checked that you needed to uncheck or else be subscribed to their emails when going through their pages.

[@CalvinHodgson]

@@patrickbooth8766 Do you even know what a Ponzi scheme is? This is the furthest thing from it. Nobody is investing money for any type of return.

[@dtdavis8271]

PCH drove me absolutely NUTS with the never-ending emails. I dropped them like a hot potato.

[@randall1959]

While they say that no purchase is necessary they also say that ordering won't help you win but even THAT is a lie. As soon as you order you get an email with extra chances to win so they can't say that ordering doesn't help you. I wish the FTC would investigate this.

[@karenstauffer5754]

One year I spent $40 on stamps just sending their darn entries. You'd send one, then get another saying if you didn't send in THIS one, your previous entry would be no good. I got really tired of it and quit. Never bought anything, either.

[@justjenn23]

I'm 41... I remember my mom playing. I have played a few times throughout the years when I had the chance. But now I play to win. I am so very in it to win it!!!!

[@geofractal]

I tried to play for my older mother. The endless tricks they make the elderly go through is nothing except shameful. These people are not your friend. Playing online is worse.

[@CHSMorrisseau]

Used to work there. I was on a special team that called “High Activity Customers” personally to inform them that buying more does NOT mean a better chance of winning the sweepstakes. Some just liked the stuff and others truly believed that buying more items would increase their odds. It can be confusing, especially for older people.

[@madvidz9819]

C H S Morrisseau how does buying not help ones outcome , when you buy junk from them you get a sweeps entry ticket to mail that comes with the item, that otherwise you wouldn’t get? Because sometimes I get the mail in pamphlets and sometimes they don’t send me any .

[@Backwardsman95]

No purchase necessary to win. You can send in a postcard

[@specialkaran]

Do you remember Ed McMahon ever being affiliated with the company?

[@ckblackwoodmusic]

Translation: BLATANT SCAM How that company hasn't been made illegal boggles my mind to the nth degree.

[@theguyfromwalgreens]

I use to beg my mom to play this all the time as a kid. I remember some of the bigger BS letters that she would get in the mail claiming she’s “One of 1,000” finalist eligible to win the prize. I would do my damnedest to get her to play, but she never did. You get older and appreciate the family that doesn’t allow you to fall for ever bs trap they throw at you.

[@trenaharvey8687]

I. Love. When. The. People. Smile. It. Bring. Joy. To. My. 💓

[@randall1959]

What they don't tell you is that although purchasing something doesn't necessarily help you win, there's no way of knowing what they do with the electronic entries of those who don't purchase something. The "non purchasing entries" could be swept away and no one would be any the wiser. I remember them being sued by the government before the days of the internet when thousands of entries were discovered in a dumpster all with the "no purchase" envelopes that were supplied for those who just wanted to enter the sweepstakes. We also don't really know for sure whether those entries are in some way connected to the computer that generates the winning numbers. You can't tell me that this company is monitored in any meaningful way by any government agency. PCH preys upon desperation to the point that it's almost on a level with televangelists. They prey upon senior citizens because only senior citizens and those who are disabled have the time to sit through the literally hundreds of commercials daily in their "sweepstakes" contests.

[@rubbingisracing6951]

Your never gonna win anyways its all fake staged

[@javierb7404]

I won $500 4 years ago. Its not a scam

[@pm0913]

Roberto Barajas that’s it?

[@david-ns3er]

I won 50 cents it was a scam 😢

[@javierb7404]

@2uflame I wish lmao. I just got the $500 and dipped

[@lopezfan24]

Promise Mitchell better than getting nothing.

[@dakentaijutsu2010]

@@pm0913 don't say that like it's nothing, winning that is better than not winning a thing at all, so don't try to put someone down!

[@Faithhopelovegraceliving]

I’ve been playing this game for more then decades and I feel like my time come when I get to my late 90s if I make it there.. 😂😂😂

[@davidg3113]

Lol

[@MichaelJayValueInvesting]

At 1 in 6,200,000,000 you are more likely to win the Powerball while being struck by lightning. Well, not quite, but you get the idea...

[@gsam3]

Michael Jay - Value Investing that would be shit😂😂

[@68camarorsss33]

Michael Jay - Value Investing Why do people say “you’re more likely to get struck by lightning then winning the lottery” I can go outside right now and get struck by lightning in 5 minuets

[@Benny432hz]

68CamaroRS/SS 🌩️😂

[@phatcrayonz]

Michael Jay - Value Investing I won it. So I don’t agree. I am living comfortably with my 10,000 a week

[@captainvoluntaryistthestat3207]

Everyone has multiple chances to enter, that's why the odds are so high.

[@_MintArcade]

Just like Facebook it's free to use, But still many are willing to give up their information thinking that it's really free

[@VashtiPerry]

MintArcade yes but i like PCH because they give me better ads than Facebook

[@TheMarioMen1]

MintArcade what's all the gloom around "giving up information" all they'll do is send you more specific ads

[@rottensheep8597]

heck if i won i could just buy new information

[@60wwediva]

myspace was the last free mainstream social media site before the digital age kicked in and facebook overturned it.

[@RangerDanger074x4]

My Grandma has entered in this for the past 30 some years

[@victormims3017]

I'm definitely in it to win it

[@viktoriaironpride4977]

Since you didn't say, I'm assuming that she hasn't won anything (of real value, that is). How much unneeded junk has she bought from them thinking it would help her chances?

[@matthew9677]

I think this company will slowly fade into the void with online shopping and a techy generation used to avoid scams

[@maryjoyweltlich5164]

VIP fan for 25 years. Free and fun to play. Never giving up on the PCH Prize Patrol 😉.

[@georgie6902]

HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU DONATE?

[@delorismoyar9318]

I love this history and makes me recall the TV commercial s from the 70s...

[@marywilliams3530]

I remember my grandma Williams and Mrs Bear getting the envelopes in the mail that is honestly what got me started on playing everyday . I'm in to win it

[@jessicaaudate]

I remember those commercials!

[@God8King1]

Please just give me my 14 thousand a week for life check already.

[@avigail7105]

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PCH GOES OUT OF BUSINESS? LIFETIME PAYMENTS STOP?

[@superduperboyx]

I think they mean the lifetime of the WINNER, not PCH. What do you think though? If an 80 year old gets $1000 a day for "life." He/She prob has 5-10 more years of life.. Maybe because of different sweepstakes they have, they give the prize accordingly to the data they have. , if it's a "for life" prize, they give it to an older person, if it's a younger person, give them the 1 mill??

[@mikethemechanic7395]

As a kid in the 80s. I signed up for some magazines to improve my chances of wining big bucks. I used to love aircraft. I signed up for JET magazine for 5 years. Little did I realize it was a black lifestyle magazine. Lol. We laughed every month I got my JET magazine as a 8 year old.

[@willn8664]

So if you don't win, it's a scam. Got to love the logic of idiots.

[@VashtiPerry]

The Hollanesian right

[@sheritownsend5131]

So if you think that you won

[@sheritownsend5131]

Who's the person in charge of the sweepstakesalerts they keep sending me thingst that i won

[@sheritownsend5131]

Sherri Townsend

[@maybewise]

It's akin to a scam because it doesn't advertise that you're required to purchase things first, and also doesn't advertise the odds of you winning. Only difference is I guess people sometimes win, but you're a million times more likely to just lose money. So you can feel scammed.

[@silviavocalmusicacearamos7470]

Me encanta la trayectoria de PCH!! Lindas acciones!!

[@deborahkurylo720]

I have played many of your games, because they are challenging. Once in awhile I'll find something that I've looked for and find it on your sales list. But I know that I haven't necessarily won anything. I'm simply glad I found what I wanted! 😀

[@OnePermutation]

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are ALWAYS 1 in 292 million. There was no "highest powerball jackpot of all time" that changed the odds of winning. The odds are constant. The only thing that changes are the number of people buying tickets. As the jackpot gets bigger, more people buy tickets. This doesn't change the odds of winning. It just increases the odds of having to split your winnings with other winners.

[@EyeonthePrize247]

Title is kinda deceiving as you never really addressed their revenue stream that much.

[@tinawisdom3265]

My Grandmother entered my mom enters so do I I remember the beautiful song that us to come on tv they are transparent I agree they have been upfront you can win if you send it in and you dont have to spend anything it's free I think PCH is great it's a family tradition for me now my daughter enter too...PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE A HOUSE WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE!!! :)

[@nicdanandco.7164]

I just opened a PCH letter, and there were three pieces of actual papers you needed to submit, and like twenty advertisements.

[@webguy943]

notice how all the winners are elderly. they know when they pay 5000 a week, it won't be that long since elderly won't live long.

[@pablop5401]

It's all down to luck. Elderly people probably play more because they have more time. I doubt it's a plot to give money so that people will die soon because they have contests where you designate someone to receive it after your dead.

[@JoshA0669]

That gets passed on to family or whoever the person decided. So your statement is false.

[@MsJoshisfat]

You're wrong there was a 23 year old who won 5k a week for life.

[@papakrusty282]

You go right ahead and shed those tears

[@LesterDiaz]

That’s because the attractiveness of “easy money” is too much to pass. Most people would prefer getting $10k instead of learning how to make $10k on their own

[@pluandfroshareunderratedch7068]

It's called logic. use it ; )

[@EdwardOrnelas]

exactly, It's really the consumers fault. PCH just saw the opportunity and went for it

[@josephholdman1037]

Trust me that don't work either in this day and age you won't go anyware!

[@rampage241]

3:58 might as well be a casino

[@thattracyperson]

Those are the odds for an individual entry. People who really go for it end up with thousands of entries for the superprize contests by the time they draw numbers and our odds as individuals are greater than that of a single entry.

[@deannaarmijo3652]

I really enjoyed PCH I'm hoping one day a miracle happen thank you for sharing this video and giving dreams to those who believe I believe in miracles thank you for sharing this video

[@estebangarcia399]

Did you win

[@Feed-My-Mind-Not-My-Ego]

God is real and He does bless his children.

[@matthewvalencia8638]

@@Feed-My-Mind-Not-My-Ego that doesn’t mean God is gonna give you money God gives you what you need not what you desire

[@silviavocalmusicacearamos7470]

Wow PCH tiene una larga e interesante trayectoria!!!!!

[@TheChoralist]

I hate when ppl start bitching about the odds of winning like duh who cares. The point is someone has to win ! And if u enter it should be You

[@frankmartinez563]

I have been playing pch since 1993 so I am not going to give up hope because I'm going to get it when it comes .

[@Davesayer1013]

Congratulations you are selected.

[@lindagray1091]

What A Glorious Day That Would Be

[@Vector_Ze]

For a few months I've been playing on their website. And, while it's true that they clearly state no purchase necessary, after a couple months they've gotten pretty rude about my lack of purchases. To the point (in view of the astronomically tiny chances of winning), I may just quit and add their address to my kill filters. AND, their website is agonizingly SLOW!!!

[@Jimfromearthoo7]

One $ a year for life!😂

[@ethanvance220]

Almost 1 million subs!!!!

[@joannamita7023]

Exactly!🌹

[@dolliewatkinsmclemore3194]

Been a loyal fan since 2008,I'm init to winit

[@davidfaas58777]

Just watched a Clip from BusinessInsider And I have been entering the #PublishersClearingHouse #Sweepstakes Since around 1991 time & & in later Years at Various other ways of Entering I am wishing that I #Winbig for that #SuperPrize I am always #InitToWinIt even today Sunday January 20th 2019 #PCHOpeningDoors #PCHPrizePatrol #PCH Dave Minnesota

[@drussell710]

I want one a prize with pch, but when it come to claiming it they denied payment because I didn't get the form in on time.

[@signman9328]

I received a $10.00 check from them once. It was, indeed, real, but I'm still waiting for a check from them with about 5 or 6 more 0's after the 1. :D The odds against are astronomical, but I'm not paying for a ticket every time I play either!

[@sunny753]

Been playing for 20yrs never wont a dime, but they kept asking me to buy items.

[@susangarcia7875]

I used to purchase magazines in the 90s

[@daoriginalr.h.s.t.3020]

I've been playing PCH since 2014. I have won stuff like $40 Amazon gift cards, $50 target gift card, $40 dollars and $100 dollars but I have not won a big amount from PCH yet. I'm not going to quit playing but I want to win big from PCH before I turn 50 because time can be my worst enemy and I do need some big money so I can accomplish my dreams and goals, plus I'm a type two diabetic.

[@Kim-dz8lh]

How long have u been playing for before u won all that?? N which diamond are u??

[@aBc-123-XyZ]

I've actually won $500.00 from them.👀✌

[@pwhales264]

Eugene Cooper Jr , when?

[@aBc-123-XyZ]

P WHALES About 2 years ago. 1st you get email notice,then your name is posted on Token Leaderboard and a month later you get the check by mail. Also won a few $10.00 checks.

[@aBc-123-XyZ]

I do order car and financial magazines at great low prices. 👀✌

[@canyadigit6274]

Eugene Cooper Jr cool.

[@VashtiPerry]

Eugene Cooper Jr congratulations

[@Mustangrocket98]

That is so cool

[@chryslercapriati7454]

I lived in California since 2016. I moved 3 times in different places renting and still playing in PCH but never won anything. I am now in a different state for more than a year, still buying and playing in PCH and never won anything.

[@dinomancini8367]

All their products are overpriced and usually made of cheap material. They even say since you are a loyal customer they'll send you free, "thank you," gifts. Well, they aren't free! They charged me $15 for shipping and handling! They over charge for that too! It may say 5 payments of $1.99, but you end up paying $6-10 more on shipping. I bought my mom two angel night lights one time. They ended up being $21 total. My local Dollar Tree store had the same exact ones for $1 each! They say no purchase is necessary, but that is a lie. I'd like to know just how much each winner has spent on their stuff before they won.

[@Davesayer1013]

​@dinomancini8367 are you in it to win you've been selected congratulations 🎊

[@Davesayer1013]

Are you in it to win it?😊

[@marymorrow5710]

Loving it it's very first one 1967

[@lonniehelms6872]

Are all of my entries turned in

[@patriciabeeftink1394]

I've won 2 gift cards, 2 ten dollar checks, and magazine subscriptions from PCH. And NO, I don't buy something every time I get a mailing, or when I enter online. People don't bother to read the directions that clearly state, NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or that a purchase won't increase your chances of winning. And if you enter, your odds are 50/50, either you'll win, or you won't. If you DON'T enter, then your odds are 100% you won't win. People say your odds are better at getting struck by lightening. Well, people DO get struck by lightening, somebody eventually DOES WIN the huge lottery jackpots, and people DO WIN Publishers Clearing House. What one thing do all the WINNERS have in common??? They ALL ENTERED.

[@SimbiAni]

Speaking facts right here!! No investment needed, no money, only a bit of your time, ~anything can happen! Just don't rely on it & over-depend on the possibility, in fact it's even better to just enter once in a while & forget about it! Because becoming obsessive will only lead to heartbreak.. & don't forget to also uncheck mail "reminders" (both physical & digital) as those are just full of hyperbole meant to inspire people not to give up on entering regularly.

[@quiksilver712]

Those are lame prizes though

[@mikestang679]

Once you get on their email list, it's impossible to get off, I've tried I just now ignore their solicitations, total scam and a waste of your time and energy.....

[@justjenn23]

God bless you PCH!!!

[@nzmanhdee6246]

The ten million sounded like ol Donald.

[@things4yougaming723]

I’ve never met anybody who won that lol

[@michaelmosier5881]

Ever. Met anyone who. Played

[@christialwalker2581]

I justknow that it meant for me to win,once in alifetime that everyone always dream of..."I want my balloons😌

[@joy2come119]

I don't understand when they say keep playing to win. So do you have to actually play the games to be entered into the sweepstakes or can you just enter the sweepstakes after watching ads? That's what i do but if you have to pay games that's even more time on the app

[@traceygilmore875]

Aww congratulations sir what a good surprise he thought he could handle that he had to just go ahead and cry

[@MsJoshisfat]

Anyone else using the app while watching this video?

[@silviavocalmusicacearamos7470]

Wow es histórica!!!

[@jprevatt]

Is that Shepard Smith reporting? Sounds like it.

[@judyhauskins2826]

I have played with PCH since they begin I would drop off due to financial moments but I have now played for over 2 years I got our children Christmas due to the virus thanks PCH

[@JohnnySmoove]

You have to be legit in your 80's to even win anything. Never have i seen someone in their 30s winning

[@Jesus-kt5dc]

*BECAUSE IT PROBABLY WORKS LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY, THEY WANT OLD PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY'RE CLOSE TO THEIR DEATH THEREFORE PAYOUT ISN'T AS LONG.*

[@goldielove3418]

But they have though look 👀 it up

[@Semi-AvgKay]

Did you miss the woman in her 30s winning the "Forever" prize around the 2:35 mark? I get what you mean, but face it, older people probably have more time to enter.

[@Semi-AvgKay]

@@Jesus-kt5dc Not exactly true. 1) If they die the money will most likely be paid to their estate. 2) If it's a "Forever" prize the winner may have assigned it to a grandchild or great grandchild. So PCH will still end up paying out a lot more.

[@Nova_Avalon]

in 2016 a 21 year old guy won the 5 thousand a week for life from PCH. He was their youngest ever to win that much money.

[@t.thomas6967]

Let the free market regulate

[@jimmieevans7175]

Good ones

[@carolmaroney6277]

how do i play the games? How do i get to the games?

[@methatlovescats3602]

That older folks need it alot sooner

[@Duelistjoseph01]

I’m trying to win. If I do, I’ll get everything I ever wanted. A lawyer, money for a publishing contract, and a house.

[@nemesiacastro6625]

How do you enter PCH?

[@trenaharvey8687]

Love. Y'all. Job

[@belenvelez7028]

Wow I was subscribing like $600 of magazines. Until now I never win even a single cross-eyed penny.

[@viktoriaironpride4977]

Surprise, surprise!

[@katnipkitt]

I'm waiting!!!!!

[@jadwigasawicka8663]

Love you PCH!

[@HaileysYaYa28]

My data has already been mined by FB 2 years ago. Face it- everyone’s data is out there. I don’t care. I’ve been playing for 40 years and will continue to do so.

[@Mike-ec2md]

To bad they never pick my family

[@TheDano1947]

No purchase necessary, but they still make you jump through hoops to enter.

[@jasonduthridge6837]

I think it's really cool that I would take

[@junito1008]

How can I play for Free !? 🤔

[@Janetdavenporttdk10]

go online to pch.com

[@user-mk8ev1cy7n]

Nah, i prefer to get my own money, so i invested in Universa and going to grab some cash really soon

[@roachtoasties]

Ed McMahon never did come knocking at my door.

[@HillaryMarek]

roachtoasties he did. You weren't home. Just some guy who kept yelling "Ed's not here Man" then Ed was like "No I'm Ed McMahon" and the guy says "Right well um Ed's not here Mick Man" this went on for awhile.

[@specialkaran]

He never knocked on anyone’s door in the history of our world. It’s been changed. He now worked for a different company and never handed out big cheque’s.

[@richardzacharias2197]

Been in it to win it for 33 years now no win I talked to 4 other players and they have 24 31 45 and 50 years in now good luck to all you beginners you have years to play good luck to everyone

[@titiatoy]

I love PCH!

[@chodkowski01]

People buy more thinking it improves their chances. I never bought any magazines so they removed me from their mailing list.

[@traceygilmore875]

Congratulations to the winners I'm in it to win it what a blessing

[@DDELE7]

So Powerball and Mega Milions have better odds than getting a super prize from PCH?!! Wow!!!

[@lulaconway1473]

For four days I have not been able to open and receive the PCH SWEEPSTAKE: "WIN $7,000.00 A WEEK FOR LIFE!" This is the ONLY ONE I can not click open! Please restore it back. Thank you,

[@andrewwilliams2160]

Upset

[@jessicaaudate]

What about the people who get the big checks?

[@viktoriaironpride4977]

Paid actors--and not very good ones, at that.

[@lisaboo619]

Plus u can tell half of em don't even play especially if their working or don't even know who the hell pch are

[@marvinlipke8906]

HI I MARVIN LIPKE CLAIM THIS PCH GWY ON APRIL 26 2019 AND ITS UPGRADE

[@juermawien760]

How do you know you win?

[@judithbowman2728]

I love them all .

[@padmakumarps4249]

VERY GOOD

[@victormims3017]

I'm definitely in it to win it