It's a raffle, but one can get up to a 6 min "head start" in entering the raffle. The head start is designed to reward VIP customers and locals (who can check in to a store). A 6 min head start (maximum) has the best chance of winning.
You are already platinum VIP, which is why you received the 5 min head start. By checking into just 1 (of up to 3 stores you select in your area), you will receive 1 additional minute head start which will increase your odds of winning the raffle, and makes it more difficult for out of town people to win. One only needs to check in at 1 of the stores to receive the additional 1 min head start.
All Footlockers, Champs and Footactions are slowly adopting this new raffle system, which will replace physical ticket raffles. The new system is designed to streamline the raffle process and it prevents local employees from selecting the winners, which should improve your odds significantly.