Hawaii Contest and Sweepstakes Laws

In Hawaii, contests and sweepstakes are permitted as long as they are carefully structured to avoid being classified as illegal gambling. An illegal lottery in Hawaii requires prize, chance, and consideration. To avoid liability, sweepstakes eliminate the consideration element by offering a Free Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), while contests are designed around skill to eliminate the element of chance.

Hawaii has stringent laws prohibiting gambling, and there are no legalized forms of commercial gambling within the state. As a result, businesses operating sweepstakes must take extra care to ensure free entry is clearly offered, and that contests are genuinely skill-based if no purchase is required. Promotional games associated with tobacco or alcohol are also subject to additional restrictions.

To comply with Hawaii’s consumer protection laws, sponsors must clearly disclose the full rules, eligibility, methods of entry, odds of winning, and prize information. Deceptive advertising practices are strictly prohibited. Businesses are encouraged to consult legal counsel when structuring complex promotions targeting Hawaii residents. Sources:

• Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 712 – Offenses Against Public Health and Morals
• Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Consumer Protection Division
• Hawaii Unfair and Deceptive Practices Act