Category: Consultation

Sweepstakes Void in Florida, New York, and Rhode Island?

One question we hear frequently: Why are so many sweepstakes void in Florida, New York, and sometimes Rhode Island? The answer is simple: The states of Florida, New York, and Rhode Island require sweepstakes registration and Florida and New York also require bonding. Many Sponsors of sweepstakes either don’t want to deal with that requirement, don’t want to spend the extra money, or they have run out of time to

July 20, 2026

Promotion Laws by State

In the United States, promotion laws vary by state but are universally bound by the federal FTC Guidelines. To legally run a sweepstakes, you must provide a free alternate method of entry (AMOE), so you do not have an illegal lottery. State laws enforce different rules based on the size of the prize and whether they involve retail entry. Before you run a promotion in the United States, you might

July 20, 2026

How to Register a Sweepstakes or Obtain a Sweepstakes Waiver in Florida

Does the approximate retail value (ARV) of your sweepstakes prize structure exceed $5,000? And, is your sweepstakes open to residents of the State of Florida? If you’ve answered yes to both questions, then this blog is for you. Game promotions offering prizes totaling more than $5,000 must file with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) seven days prior to commencement of the game promotion. Even game promotions

July 17, 2026

How to Register a Sweepstakes in Rhode Island

When preparing to conduct a Sweepstakes, it is important to be aware of the regulations and laws that are unique to the states where your promotion will be running. One great example of this is the registration requirements that several states enforce. If you read our blogs or have worked with us in the past you may already have some knowledge of which States require registration… but if you don’t,

July 13, 2026

How to Register a Sweepstakes in New York

As you have read in previous blog posts, sometimes you have to register your sweepstakes with certain states if the approximate retail value “ARV” of all prizes offered is over a certain amount. The states of New York and Florida require registration and bonding when the total ARV exceeds $5,000; and the state of Rhode Island requires registration only if the ARV is over $500. You do not have

July 13, 2026

How Do I Know if a Sweepstakes is Legitimate?

To determine if a sweepstakes is legitimate, you have to look past the flashy “Win Big!” graphics and examine the underlying infrastructure. Real promotions are governed by strict legal frameworks, while scams rely on psychological pressure and your desire for a shortcut. Here is a checklist to help you verify a sweepstakes in seconds: 1. The “Golden Rule” of Sweeping If you have to pay, you didn’t win. This is

July 13, 2026

Sweepstakes Risk Assessment for Businesses & Consumers Alike

Running a sweepstakes carries significant risks for both the businesses hosting them and the consumers entering them. These risks have become more complex due to stricter regulatory enforcement and the rise of AI-driven fraud. Here is a breakdown of what makes a sweepstakes “risky” from both perspectives. 1. For Businesses: The “Legal Minefield” If a business makes a mistake in the structure or marketing of a sweepstakes, they can face

July 13, 2026

Back to School Promotion Planning

There are a lot of shoppers and eyes online in July, August and September. Perfect timing for running online promotions geared toward back-to-school. And now is the perfect time to start planning! Simple Back to School sweepstakes with great prizes is always popular as there is low or no barrier to entry, yet the reward can be high. A social sweepstakes may work for a campus event. User-generated content contests

June 30, 2026

Regulated Industries and Sweepstakes

Some regulated industries require special disclosures and/or have special legal requirements for running sweepstakes. These regulated industries include alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, dairy, banking, pharmaceuticals, and cause-related marketing. It is absolutely essential to know the laws of these industries, or partner with a promotional marketing firm who works with legal counsel who is familiar with these laws, before undertaking a contest or sweepstakes. Navigating sweepstakes in these sectors requires careful

June 23, 2026

Determining the Odds of Winning

Preparing an Odds Statement is a legal requirement designed to provide transparency and prevent “deceptive advertising.” Because you cannot predict exactly how many people will enter your sweepstakes, the wording of this statement depends on the type of promotion you are running. Here is how to prepare a compliant odds statement. 1. The Standard “Variable” Odds Statement This is the most common format for general random-draw sweepstakes. Since the total

June 8, 2026