Indiana Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Yes, you can run a giveaway in Indiana if entering is free. The part of Indiana law that catches businesses out is raffles. Indiana regulates raffles as charity gaming through the Indiana Gaming Commission, and only qualified tax-exempt organisations with a licence can conduct them. According to the Commission's Charity Gaming Basics guide, being exempt under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code isn't enough on its own, and the qualifying categories are set out in Indiana Code 4-32.3-2.
So a business can't sell raffle tickets, and calling a paid draw a "giveaway" doesn't change what it is. A free-entry promotion sits outside that regime.
To keep your campaign a giveaway:
- Don't charge for entries or make a purchase the only route in.
- If an Action needs a purchase, turn on A Purchase or Donation is Required to Complete This Action so a free entry alternative shows in your Terms.
- Keep your Terms & Conditions accurate on dates, eligibility and how winners are picked.
If you're a nonprofit that wants to run a raffle, apply to the Gaming Commission first. A Gleam campaign doesn't give you a charity gaming licence.
This isn't legal advice. Ask an Indiana attorney about anything beyond a free-entry giveaway.
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Mississippi Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Probably, if entry is free. We haven't found a sweepstakes rule specific to Mississippi, so the general US rules apply.