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9/30/2022

Winner Management by Realtime Media | Deliver Winner Communications with Ease

You’ve strategically designed your promotion, selected the prize pool and named the winners. So much thought goes into ensuring each of those elements reflects your brand and meets your marketing goals — but what comes next?

Your engagement with participants doesn’t end when entries close. Instead, the need for transparency and clear communication increases as you begin the prize fulfillment process for winners.

That begins with notifying winners and collecting any additional information needed to fulfill their prize. While we recommend collecting strategic information during the registration process, winners may need to provide their mailing address, prize preference or size information before the prize can be distributed. Depending on the prize, the winner may even need to complete and sign an affidavit, a legal document confirming eligibility, before the fulfillment process can begin.

It can be time-consuming and cumbersome to manually send the forms to each winner, especially if the promotion was conducted on social media, and to keep track of if and when they’ve been returned.

That’s why this function is a key component of Realtime Media’s new Winner Management Tool — a breakthrough portal that streamlines all aspects of winner communication and fulfillment. This tool provides an easy, custom and secure way to connect with winners and collect data through social media, email, and SMS in just two steps:

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Create and Customize Redemption Forms — Get the information you need to fulfill prizes with easy-to-launch forms backed by our industry-leading technology. Our forms are completely customizable, allowing you to dictate the fields, brand imagery, and overall look and feel.

Build and Schedule Emails for Your Campaign —Compose and schedule email blasts to winners and users with ease. Event-based triggers make it easy to build and send communications for claim notification, completion, shipping notification, and scheduled e-blasts to winners.

With this tool, there’s no need for lengthy spreadsheets, offline status tracking or direct messages on social media that go back and forth to collect winner information. You can simply distribute the link to your redemption page — which verifies the user’s email, social handle or unique code — to securely collect all prizing information, which is then automatically uploaded into one easy-to-view dashboard.

The dashboard displays the status of every winner throughout the fulfillment process, with custom emails automatically sent to collect information, distribute paperwork and share tracking updates.

For many clients, the key benefit is immediate visibility into every step of the winner communication and prize fulfillment process. As part of Realtime Media’s full-service administration solutions, our experienced team can still handle all of the details and logistics surrounding all aspects of winner management.

Our exciting new technology ensures that each client can deliver the white-glove experience that each winner deserves, leaving a lasting impression of your brand.

We’d love to walk you through this breakthrough tool in a quick 30-minute demo. It will change the way you handle your digital promotions and manage your winners. Learn more about the benefits of Realtime Media’s Winner Management tool and see how it can impact your team today.

Contests and sweepstakes are powerful tools for audience engagement and achieving marketing goals.

In the U.S., both federal and state laws govern these promotions, with some states imposing unique requirements that can significantly impact how promotions are structured. This guide provides an overview of states that align with general federal guidelines versus those with specific, additional regulations.

Looking for Specific State Laws?

Our expert legal team can guide you to ensure that your promotion is fully compliant with state and federal laws.

Key Regulations Every Nationwide Promotion Must Follow

Understanding the foundational regulations is the first step to a legally compliant sweepstakes or contest:
  • Sweepstakes
    Based on chance, sweepstakes must comply with strict legal guidelines to avoid being classified as illegal lotteries.
  • Contests
    These are skill-based and have distinct legal criteria focused on clear, fair judging standards
Visit our blog, Sweepstakes vs. Contests: Key Differences Every Marketer Should Know, to find out more about the differences between Sweepstakes and Contests.
In your sweepstakes official rules, it’s also essential to include “no purchase necessary language” and offer an alternative method of entry (AMOE), where needed.
Additionally, here is an overview of the key legal considerations essential for a successful and compliant promotion: Navigating the Key Legal Requirements for Sweepstakes.
Contact us today to leverage our expertise in legal promotion administration.

Your Guide to State-Specific Sweepstakes and Contest Laws

State-Specific Promotion Law

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Alabama
Colorado
Hawaii
Kansas
Massachusetts
Montana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Virginia
Alaska
Connecticut
Idaho
Kentucky
Michigan
Nebraska
New York
Oregon
Tennessee
Washington
Arizona
Delaware
Illinois
Louisiana
Minnesota
Nevada
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Texas
West Virginia
Arkansas
Florida
Indiana
Maine
Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Rhode Island
Utah
Wisconsin
California
Georgia
Iowa
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
Ohio
South Carolina
Vermont
Wyoming

Alabama

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Alaska

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Arizona

additional requirements
Additional registration requirements for certain Contests. Otherwise, contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Arkansas

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

California

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Colorado

additional requirements
In Colorado, contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria. Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Connecticut

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Delaware

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Florida

additional requirements
For sweepstakes offering total prize values that exceed $5,000, the sweepstakes final rules must be bonded and registered 7 days prior to the start of the sweepstakes. In some instances, the Sponsor may have the right to a waiver in lieu of obtaining a bond. In addition, sponsors are required to file a final winners list with the state.

Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Georgia

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Hawaii

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Idaho

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Illinois

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Indiana

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Iowa

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Kansas

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Kentucky

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Louisiana

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Maine

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Maryland

additional requirements
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria. Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Massachusetts

additional requirements
Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco-related promotions. Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Michigan

additional requirements
Asking entrants to visit a store is technically classified as consideration and is prohibited for sweepstakes.Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco-related promotions.

Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Minnesota

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Mississippi

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Missouri

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Montana

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Nebraska

additional requirements
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria.Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Nevada

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

New Hampshire

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

New Jersey

additional requirements
Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco alcohol-related promotions. Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

New Mexico

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

New York

additional requirements
For sweepstakes offering total prize values that exceed $5,000, the sweepstakes final rules must be bonded and registered (technically 30 days) prior to the start of the sweepstakes. In addition, sponsors are required to provide a final winners list.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

North Carolina

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

North Dakota

additional requirements
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria.
Outside of this contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Ohio

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Oklahoma

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Oregon

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Pennsylvania

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Rhode Island

additional requirements
Sweepstakes in which a retail establishment offers a prize in order to promote its retail business, where the total value of the prize offered is more than $500, must be registered. No bond is required.Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

South Carolina

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

South Dakota

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Tennessee

additional requirements
Prohibits requiring any sweepstakes winner to submit a publicity release.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Texas

additional requirements
A sponsor may not automatically enter a consumer into a promotion when making a purchase without a clear, free, alternate method of entry.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Utah

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Vermont

additional requirements
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. In addition, sponsors cannot require consumers to pay for return postage if they request information about your promotion, such as a list of winners. Outside of this contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States

Virginia

additional requirements
Asking entrants to visit a store is classified as consideration and is prohibited for sweepstakes. Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco-related promotions.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Washington

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

West Virginia

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Wisconsin

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.

Wyoming

general federal guidelines
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Select a state to view specific laws for that area.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
general federal guidelines

In this guide, we highlight key states with notable regulatory distinctions.

Some states have different exceptions or laws regarding contest and sweepstakes regulations. The states that have the most prominent exceptions are below:
states with additional requirements
Arizona Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Additional registration requirements for certain Contests. Otherwise, contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Colorado Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
In Colorado, contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria. Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Florida Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
For sweepstakes offering total prize values that exceed $5,000, the sweepstakes final rules must be bonded and registered 7 days prior to the start of the sweepstakes. In some instances, the Sponsor may have the right to a waiver in lieu of obtaining a bond. In addition, sponsors are required to file a final winners list with the state. 


Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Maryland Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria. Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Massachusetts Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco-related promotions. Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Michigan Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Asking entrants to visit a store is technically classified as consideration and is prohibited for sweepstakes.
Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco-related promotions. 


Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Nebraska Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
New Jersey Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco alcohol-related promotions. Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
New York Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
For sweepstakes offering total prize values that exceed $5,000, the sweepstakes final rules must be bonded and registered (technically 30 days) prior to the start of the sweepstakes. In addition, sponsors are required to provide a final winners list.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
North Dakota Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. Most states allow purchase requirements within contests where winners are chosen based on skill or criteria.
Outside of this contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Rhode Island Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Sweepstakes in which a retail establishment offers a prize in order to promote its retail business,
where the total value of the prize offered is more than $500, must be registered. No bond is required.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Tennessee Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Prohibits requiring any sweepstakes winner to submit a publicity release.

Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Texas Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
A sponsor may not automatically enter a consumer into a promotion when making a purchase without a clear, free, alternate method of entry.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Vermont Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Contests and sweepstakes are prohibited from requiring entrants to make a purchase or forms of consideration to enter a promotion. In addition, sponsors cannot require consumers to pay for return postage if they request information about your promotion, such as a list of winners. Outside of this contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States
Virginia Contest & Sweepstakes Laws 
Asking entrants to visit a store is classified as consideration and is prohibited for sweepstakes. Specialized trade practices apply for tobacco-related promotions.
Outside of this, contests and sweepstakes are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
states with no additional requirements
Alabama Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Alaska Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Arkansas Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
California Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Connecticut Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Delaware Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
District of Columbia Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Georgia Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Hawaii Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Idaho Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Illinois Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Indiana Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Iowa Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Kansas Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Kentucky Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Louisiana Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Maine Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Minnesota Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Missouri Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Montana Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Nevada Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
New Hampshire Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
New Mexico Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
North Carolina Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Ohio Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Oklahoma Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Oregon Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Pennsylvania Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
South Carolina Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
South Dakota Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Utah Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Washington Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
West Virginia Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Wisconsin Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.
Wyoming Contest & Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes for this state are required to follow the same laws found throughout the United States.