In the United States, Contests and Giveaway promotions are regulated individually by each State and Federally by the FTC, the FCC, the United States Postal Service, and the United States Department of Justice. Each State including these organizations have come up with some rules relating to Contests and Giveaways.

Prize promotions in the U.S. are generally broken down into two categories: Skill Contests and Free Giveaways

Contests are skill-based promotions where winners are chosen on merit, while Giveaways are luck-based promotions where winners are chosen at random. The main laws that are required when running a Giveaway in any U.S. State are no purchase necessary laws. These laws state that you cannot require users to make a purchase or provide a consideration to enter a giveaway where winners are randomly drawn. However, you can generally incentivize purchases as part of a contest where winners are chosen on merit or skill. Other important U.S. laws and regulations that are required:

• Provide an alternate means of entry if you allow users to enter giveaway with a purchase. This does not apply for any contest based on skill.
• Announce the opening and closing dates for entries.
• Disclose when and how winners will be selected.
• Announce when prizes will be awarded.
• Contact all winning entrants.
• Follow through with all prizes.
• Only prizes with a value of over $600 would require the winner to report the fair market value of their prize during tax season. Prescription drugs are almost always exempt from state tax.

Contests and Giveaway Laws in Canada. Contests and Giveaways are primarily governed by the Federal Competition Act and Criminal Code. The misleading advertising provision in provincial consumer protection legislation also applies. In order to comply with Canadian Laws each Contest or Giveaway must:

• Ensure the contest rules set out the minimum disclosures required by the Competition Act.
• For free giveaways make sure to include a no-purchase entry option and a skill-testing question, if necessary. This does not apply for any contest based on skill.
• Register promotional contests that are open to residents of Quebec.
• Ensure the contest rules are readily available to contest participants. Ensure that, at a minimum, "Shortened Official Rules", including a link to the full official rules are included.
• Obtain appropriate consent for any subsequent marketing activities to the contestants. See Raffskie's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for more information relating to the rules and regulations of Contests and Giveaways.

Contest & Giveaway Laws In Your State

There are some states which also have certain exceptions, or slightly different laws especially when the prizes include alcohol, tobacco, firearms, gasoline or dairy. You can find the Contest and Giveaway laws in your State below:

Alabama Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Alabama must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Alabama, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Alaska Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Alaska must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Alaska, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Arizona Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Arizona must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Arizona, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Arkansas Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Arkansas must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Arkansas, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

California Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in California must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in California, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Colorado Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Colorado, no contest or giveaway is allowed to require people to make a purchase or provide a consideration in order to enter the promotion. This differs from the laws found in most U.S. states which allow purchase requirements in contests where winners are chosen on merit or skill. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Colorado must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Connecticut Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Connecticut must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Connecticut, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Delaware Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Delaware must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Delaware, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Florida Contest & Giveaway Laws

When running a giveaway where winners are randomly drawn in Florida, if the total value of your prizes is over $5,000, they must be bonded and registered 7 days before your giveaway begin. When your giveaway is over you have to file a winners list with the state and be able to provide it to anyone who requests it. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Florida must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Georgia Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Georgia must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Georgia, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Hawaii Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Hawaii must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Hawaii, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Idaho Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Idaho must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Idaho, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Illinois Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Illinois must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Illinois, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Indiana Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Indiana must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Indiana, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Iowa Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Iowa must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Iowa, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Kansas Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Kansas must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Kansas, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Kentucky Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Kentucky must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Kentucky, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Louisiana Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Louisiana must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Louisiana, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Maine Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Maine must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Maine, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Maryland Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Maryland, no contest or giveaway is allowed to require people to make a purchase or provide a consideration in order to enter the promotion. This differs from the laws found in most U.S. states which allow purchase requirements in contests where winners are chosen on merit or skill. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Maryland must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Massachusetts Contest & Giveaway Laws

All tobacco related giveaways are prohibited in Massachusetts. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Massachusetts must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Michigan Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Michigan, requiring promotion entrants to visit a store is classified as consideration, and is prohibited in a Giveaway where winners are randomly selected. All tobacco related Giveaways are also prohibited in Michigan. Other than these deviations, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Michigan must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Minnesota Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Minnesota must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Minnesota, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Mississippi Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Mississippi must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Mississippi, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Missouri Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Missouri must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Missouri, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Montana Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Montana must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Montana, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Nebraska Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Nebraska, no contest or giveaway is allowed to require people to make a purchase or provide a consideration in order to enter the promotion. This differs from the laws found in most U.S. states which allow purchase requirements in contests where winners are chosen on merit or skill. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Nebraska must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Nevada Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Nevada must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Nevada, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

New Hampshire Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in New Hampshire must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in New Hampshire, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

New Jersey Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in New Jersey must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in New Jersey, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

New Mexico Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in New Mexico must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in New Mexico, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

New York Contest & Giveaway Laws

When you run a Giveaway in New York, if the total value of the prize is over $5,000 you must bond and register them 30 days before your Giveaway begins. When your giveaway is over you also have to post a list of the winners. Other than these deviations, Contest & Giveaway Laws in New York must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

North Carolina Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in North Carolina must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in North Carolina, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

North Dakota Contest & Giveaway Laws

In North Dakota, no contest or giveaway is allowed to require people to make a purchase or provide a consideration in order to enter the promotion. This differs from the laws found in most U.S. states which allow purchase requirements in contests where winners are chosen on merit or skill. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in North Dakota must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Ohio Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Ohio must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Ohio, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Oklahoma Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Oklahoma must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Oklahoma, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Oregon Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Oregon must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Oregon, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Pennsylvania Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Pennsylvania must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Rhode Island Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Rhode Island, any promotion that is offered at a retail location and has a prize pool valued at over $500 must register the promotion with the state. This means that if you are asking users to visit your store to enter you must register the promotion, even if you are also offering an alternate method of entry. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Rhode Island must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

South Carolina Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in South Carolina must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in South Carolina, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

South Dakota Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in South Dakota must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in South Dakota, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Tennessee Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Tennessee, it is prohibited for giveaways to require winners to submit "in perpetuity" public releases. Other than this deviation, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Tennessee must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Texas Contest & Giveaway Laws

If you run a giveaway in Texas with prizes valued over $50,000 it is prohibited to automatically enter individuals into the promotion when they make a purchase. Other than these deviations, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Texas must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Utah Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Utah must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Utah, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Vermont Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Vermont, no contest or giveaway is allowed to require people to make a purchase or provide a consideration in order to enter the promotion. This differs from the laws found in most U.S. states which allow purchase requirements in contests where winners are chosen on merit or skill. You also cannot require people to pay for return postage if they request information about your Giveaway such as the official rules or a list of the winners. Other than these deviations, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Vermont must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Virginia Contest & Giveaway Laws

In Virginia, requiring entrants to visit a store is classified as consideration, and is prohibited in a Giveaway where winners are randomly selected. All tobacco related giveaways are also prohibited in Virginia. Other than these deviations, Contest & Giveaway Laws in Virginia must follow the same laws found across the U.S.

Washington Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Washington must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Washington, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

West Virginia Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in West Virginia must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in West Virginia, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Wisconsin Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Wisconsin must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Wisconsin, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

Wyoming Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in Wyoming must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in Wyoming, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

District of Columbia Contest & Giveaway Laws

Contest & Giveaway Laws in the District of Columbia must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and giveaway laws in the District of Columbia, and the U.S. contest and giveaway laws we outlined above.

NOTE: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.