Your safest path in planning your next promotion is consulting with a sweepstakes administrator. In the meantime, please feel free to review a sampling of the laws by state below.
Contests and sweepstakes in Alabama are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state unless the promotion involves alcoholic beverages.
For alcoholic beverage based sweepstakes and contests in Alabama, the state alcohol control board must pre approve the promotion as submitted on a prescribed form including official rules and advertising materials.
Contests and sweepstakes in Alabama are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state unless the promotion involves alcoholic beverages.
For alcoholic beverage based sweepstakes and contests in Alabama, the state alcohol control board must pre approve the promotion as submitted on a prescribed form including official rules and advertising materials.
Sweepstakes in Connecticut are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state.
Skill based contests requiring an entry fee for participation, should be looked at on a case by case basis. Otherwise, contests are subject to general promotion law.
Sweepstakes and other chance promotions with a prize pool valued at over $5,000 must be registered and bonded. Bond waivers are available for sponsors who have conducted registered promotions in the state for five consecutive years without incident. Filing a certified winners list upon completion of the promotion is required. In addition to the above, contests and sweepstakes in Florida are subject to general promotion law.
Contests and sweepstakes in Indiana are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state unless the promotion involves alcoholic beverages.
For alcoholic beverage based sweepstakes and contests in Indiana, the state alcohol control board must pre approve the promotion as submitted on a prescribed form including official rules and advertising materials.
Contests and sweepstakes in Maine are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state unless the promotion is marketed to minors.
For sweepstakes and contests marked to minors in Maine, sponsors may not collect health related or personal information from anyone under the age of 18 without first obtaining verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Contests and sweepstakes in Michigan are subject to general promotion law. A store visit (without a purchase or attendance at a sales presentation being required) may be viewed as consideration deeming a chance promotion an illegal lottery. Tobacco related promotions are prohibited in Michigan.
Sweepstakes and other chance promotions with a prize pool valued at over $5,000 must be registered and bonded. Filing a certified winners list upon completion of the promotion is required.
In addition to the above, contests and sweepstakes in New York are subject to general promotion law.
Sweepstakes in North Dakota are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state.
For skill based contests, a purchase cannot be required in conjunction with entry into the contest.
Contests and sweepstakes in Ohio are subject to general promotion law. A store visit (without a purchase or attendance at a sales presentation being required) may be viewed as consideration deeming a chance promotion an illegal lottery.
Sweepstakes and other chance promotions with a prize pool valued at over $500 must be registered with the state if there is a retail outlet in the state. Bonding is not required. In addition to the above, contests and sweepstakes in Rhode Island are subject to general promotion law.
Sponsors cannot require a winner to sign a publicity release in the state of Tennessee. Otherwise, contests and sweepstakes in Tennessee are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state.
Contests and sweepstakes in Vermont are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state unless the promotion involves alcoholic beverages.
For alcoholic beverage based sweepstakes and contests in Vermont, the state alcohol control board must pre approve the promotion as submitted on a prescribed form including official rules and advertising materials.
Contests and sweepstakes in Virginia are subject to general promotion law and have no additional legal requirements specific to the state unless the promotion is related to Tobacco. Tobacco related promotions are prohibited in Virginia.
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