Are there state laws governing sweepstakes?
Yes. Each state has a different set of laws governing promotions, but most notably, Florida, New York, and Rhode Island require sweepstakes offering prizes over a certain value to be registered. Companies offering a sweepstakes that awards prizes totaling more than $5,000 must register and bond the sweepstakes in Florida and New York. In Florida, the sweepstakes must be registered seven (7) days before the sweepstakes begins; in New York it must be registered thirty (30) days in advance. Both states require the company to provide a list of winners to the state and to anyone who requests it. Rhode Island requires retail outlets offering a sweepstakes with prizes valuing more than $500 to register the promotion with the state. The state does not require companies to bond the sweepstakes.
