Spin the wheel and scan-and-win campaigns in the UAE: how they work
A spin-the-wheel or scan-and-win game turns a purchase into a moment, and it gives you entries you can count. It is a promotion, so the permit and the terms matter as much as the design.
Short answer
A scan-and-win campaign puts a QR code on a pack, display or poster that leads shoppers to a game or entry form for a chance to win a prize.
The main formats
- Spin the wheel: the shopper scans a QR code and spins a digital wheel for an instant prize or a chance to win.
- Scan and win: a QR code on pack or on a display leads to a game or entry form.
- Receipt upload: the shopper uploads a till receipt to prove purchase and enter a draw or claim a reward.
How a campaign is built
A campaign microsite holds the game, the entry form, the terms and the prize logic. It needs to work on a phone first, load fast on mobile data and handle many players at once during a promotion. Entries are stored so you can check winners, avoid duplicates and report.
We build these in-house. A recent example is the Clorox Spin and Win microsite for shoppers at participating Carrefour UAE stores. See microsites and digital activations for examples.
Prizes and approvals
Prizes should be benefits, in-kind prizes or vouchers, and raffle tickets cannot be sold for cash. A promotion with prizes needs approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai before it goes live, and other emirates have their own requirements. Our guide to the promotion permit in Dubai explains what to prepare and how long to allow.
Tie it to a stand or a store
The game works best when something in the store tells shoppers to play: a display, a standee or a promoter. A promoter who explains the game in one sentence lifts participation a lot more than a poster alone. Plan the QR code size and placement so it scans in aisle lighting.
Data and consent
If the form collects names and phone numbers, say what you will do with them and ask for consent. Keep the data safe and use it only as you said. If you plan to follow up with promotional messages, read our guide to SMS rules in the UAE first.
What to report
Entries, unique players, prize redemptions, entries by store and time of day, and any drop-off points in the form. These show where to improve the next wave. Send us the brief for a game campaign.
Questions
What is a scan-and-win campaign?
A scan-and-win campaign puts a QR code on a pack, display or poster that leads shoppers to a game or entry form for a chance to win a prize.
Do prize games in the UAE need approval?
Promotions with prizes need approval before they start. In Dubai that comes from the Department of Economy and Tourism.
Can shoppers upload receipts to enter a promotion?
Yes. Receipt-upload campaigns let shoppers prove purchase online to enter a draw or claim a reward.
