Sweepstake and Contest Laws

Do you know the laws and rules that regulate sweepstakes and contests in the U.S.?
See below for insight into the various laws that apply by state.

Laws and Rules for Sweepstakes in Nevada


First, it helps to understand the difference between a sweepstakes, contest and lottery. In a sweepstakes, winners are chosen randomly from all participants. In a contest, the winners’ entries are usually judged and are based on a skill or criteria. In a lottery, winners are chosen at random, but in order to enter, the participant must pay. A payment is called a consideration. Only states can hold lotteries, so all private lotteries are illegal.


To avoid being classified as an illegal lottery in any state, your promotion can only have 2 of these 3 elements: prize, chance and consideration. Keep in mind, consideration can mean anything of value, including a fee or even a significant effort (i.e., time spent shooting/submitting a photo, etc.)


Here are possible combinations:
  • Prize + consideration + chance = illegal lottery or gambling
  • Prize + consideration = legal contest (in most jurisdictions)
  • Prize + chance = legal sweepstakes

All sweepstakes in the United States must meet the following regulations:
  1. No purchase necessary. You can enter the sweepstakes without buying a product or service.
  2. Winners are required to pay taxes on prizes they win.

Sweepstakes are regulated nationally and by state by the following organizations:
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  • United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • United States Department of Justice (DOJ)

State Specific Sweepstakes & Contest Laws

Besides federal considerations, every state has its own specifics laws regarding sweepstakes and contests.




Nevada (NV)

Nevada is another state where a 'Sellers of Travel' registration is needed if the prize includes travel.

Contests: are allowed as long as the sponsor awards the prize based on skill and not chance.

Sweepstakes: are allowed as long as the sponsor awards the prize based on chance. 

Prize Promotion Laws- Nevada Deceptive Trade Practice Laws

  • If a sponsor is offering a prize via a sales campaign and the sponsor tells a consumer that he/she has won a prize, the sponsor must give the prize to the consumer without obligation and within 30 days of making the presentation.
  • Prize disclosures can be given verbally but if the prize disclosures are in writing, there are specific requirements for placement and font size.
  • In Nevada, if a sponsor is offering a prize via a sales campaign and the sponsor tells a consumer that he/she has a chance to win a prize, the sponsor must deliver a written disclosure statement and refrain from certain prohibited practices.
  • Disclosures and prohibitions do not apply if the consumer enters to participate in the promotion via mail, phone or retail store and if the consumer is not required to listen to a sales pitch.

Prize Promotion Laws- Nevada Deceptive Trade Practice Laws- Telemarketing

  • If a sponsor is offering a prize via a telemarketing sales campaign, the sponsor must provide prize disclosure and information statements as part of the call.
  • Disclosure and information statements must be filed with the state.
  • In Nevada, Sweepstakes or chance-based promotions offered via telephone solicitations require additional disclosures and must adhere to certain prohibitions.

Nevada Cannabis or Marijuana Sweepstakes or Contest Laws

  • Cannabis or any product containing cannabis, such as food or drinks are not allowed as prizes.
  • Purchases of any related products can’t be required for entry.
  • Make sure that your sweepstakes is only open to entrants age 21 or older with proof of age.
  • Any ads must have a disclaimer about the state’s legal age for marijuana products, if any.
  • Similar to the tobacco and vaping industries, brands cannot use any type of marketing that can be construed as trying to appeal to children (characters, mascots, games, etc.)
  • Don’t advertise your brand or giveaway in public (or private) places where children may be present, including billboards, buses/vehicles, television, and radio.
  • Don’t use Facebook, Google, or any other advertising or marketing channel that specifically prohibits promotions involving illegal drugs to promote your giveaway.
  • Do not allow mail-in entries as this could be considered as interstate commerce.

Legal Review Criteria: Dominant Factor Doctrine when assessing whether or not chance determines the outcome of a promotion.

Note: the information above is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Sweepstakes and Contest promotional laws change and the above may not reflect the must current laws.

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