Category: Contests

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

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

How the High Cost of Gas Affects Your Promotional Offers

High gas prices have driven a shift in consumer behavior and marketing tactics. Americans are driving less and changing vacation plans, leading companies to reallocate marketing budgets toward digital giveaways. Sweepstakes now increasingly focus on offering “free” gas money and food to attract cash-strapped consumers. The current combination of higher fuel costs, inflation, and restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed the national average for regular gasoline to

May 21, 2026

Sweepstakes Prizes are Considered Income by the IRS

In the eyes of the IRS, a sweepstakes prize is not a “gift,” it is income. Under the Internal Revenue Code, specifically Section 61, “all income from whatever source derived” is taxable unless a specific exception exists. Because sweepstakes winnings are considered “other income” (similar to a bonus or a second job), they are subject to the same federal and state income tax rates as your regular salary. Here is

May 21, 2026

What is a Potential Prize Winner?

In lawful and promotional contexts, a potential prize winner is someone whose entry has been selected in a contest or sweepstakes, but whose eligibility hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Unlike how many onlookers have speculated on message boards that it seems to be a scammy term, rest assured, it is not (unless being used by a scammer, of course!). Think of it as a “pre-verification” stage. If you get a

May 15, 2026

Best Practices for Running a Pet-Themed Promotion

When running a pet-themed promotion, you are tapping into a deeply emotional space. For many, pets are family members, and the stakes for health and safety are much higher than a standard giveaway. Here are the essential do’s and don’ts for a successful and ethical pet promotion: The Do’s: Focusing on Health and Safety DO prioritize safety standards. Ensure any physical prizes (toys, treats, or gear) meet rigorous safety certifications. Avoid

April 30, 2026

Everybody’s Using Social for Everything! But Are They Really?!?

There’s basically no such thing as doing any type of marketing without social platforms being part of the grand plan. Their reach is undeniable. While social platforms are an integral part of today’s marketing landscape, each one of them has their own restrictions and rules to abide by, and they’re not always easy to figure out. Platforms such as Instagram & Facebook (Meta) specifically state that they will not provide

April 22, 2026

Why Timelines Matter: The Quiet Force Behind a Successful Promotion

In the world of promotion marketing, most of the attention naturally gravitates toward the exciting elements, such as the creative/visuals, the prize, the social buzz, and that satisfying moment when a prize winner is confirmed. However, long before a promotion captures the public’s attention, something far less glamorous determines whether it will run smoothly or fall apart: the timeline. Timelines were never meant to steal the spotlight. In fact, they

April 14, 2026

Creative Mother’s Day Promotion Ideas

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate and say “thank you” to all the moms and motherly figures in your life than with a great gift! Here are a few sweepstakes and contest ideas to help generate engagement and excitement from your consumers: Mom’s Best Recipe Instagram Sweepstakes: We all have that special dish that no one makes like Mom does. Ask people

April 8, 2026