Publishers Clearing House, a limited liability company founded in 1953, is a leading direct-to-consumer company offering a unique blend of curated multi-channel shopping and free-to-play, chance-to-win digital entertainment across a network of web and app-based entertainment properties.
Our continued success in today's new digital publishing environment is built on PCH's unique, free-to-play, chance-to-win propositions. Data and analytics have always been at the core of the PCH business strategy to optimize relevant engagement through personalized offers based on first-party relationships. We continue to evolve as a multi-channel media company that combines digital entertainment and direct-to-consumer marketing and commerce, creating an attractive destination for consumers, marketers, and retailers alike.
Through our PCH/Media division, consumer brands and advertising agencies can build direct-to-consumer relationships with efficient and accurate custom ad solutions that generate substantial numbers of qualified and responsive leads in a fun-filled, relevant, and brand-safe environment on pch.com and our related network of free-to-play, chance-to-win game and search sites.
PCH has come to be known as the sweepstakes company whose famous Prize Patrol surprises winners on their doorsteps with oversized checks in amounts anywhere from $1,000 to Multi-Millions while TV cameras are rolling. These memorable, real-life reactions of stunned winners have entertained audiences all across America.
The company has awarded over $614 Million in prizes and has evolved to greatly expand its offerings to include many ways to win online and through social media and mobile access.
Over 40% of PCH's profits go to trusts for the benefit of charities that support the arts, the environment, medical research and services and other worthy causes.
Our Brand History
Publishers Clearing House was founded in 1953 by Harold and LuEsther Mertz and their daughter, Joyce Mertz-Gilmore. From their garage, mailings were created offering consumers an unprecedented array of discounted magazine subscription offers. In 1967 the company launched a sweepstakes to draw attention to its magazine deals and a chance to win money has been a part of the PCH promotional mix ever since. The company's offerings broadened in 1985 to include a wide range of merchandise including housewares and home décor, As Seen on TV products, apparel and accessories, personal-care items, home entertainment, outdoor and gardening items, collectible figurines and more. In 1999 PCH launched pch.com, and in recent years, a family of online free-to-play, chance-to-win properties and mobile apps have been developed in support of the brand identity that “It's All About Winning” at Publishers Clearing House.