Laws and Rules for Sweepstakes in New Hampshire


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.




New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire says prizes or gifts must be delivered free of charge within 10 days of announcement.

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- New Hampshire Trade and Commerce Laws

  • In New Hampshire, 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 disclose the requirements for receiving the chance to participate.
  • No disclosure is necessary if all the participant has to do is mail an entry form, deposit an entry form at a retail establishment or call to enter by phone.
  • No disclosure is necessary if the participant is not required to listen to a sales pitch or pay any sum of money for any product or service or item of value.
  • If the sponsor tells a participant that he/she has won a prize, the sponsor must award the prize within 10 days without obligation or expense to the awardee.

Legal Review Criteria: Uncertain.


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.

Get advice, no strings attached. We this stuff.



Your message succesfully sent!
Opps! There is something wrong. Please try again