Maryland Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes are legal in Maryland if structured to eliminate either chance or consideration. Clear disclosures and compliance with consumer protection laws are mandatory.
In Maryland, contests and sweepstakes are allowed when they are structured to avoid meeting the legal definition of a lottery. A lottery in Maryland includes the elements of prize, chance, and consideration. Sweepstakes typically eliminate consideration by providing a Free Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), while contests eliminate chance by requiring skill-based participation.
Maryland law requires that all material terms of a promotion be clearly disclosed, including methods of entry, eligibility requirements, prize descriptions, and odds of winning. Businesses must ensure that entry into a sweepstakes is genuinely free and does not require any form of payment or purchase. Promotions must also comply with Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits deceptive or misleading advertising practices.
Charitable raffles and gaming are separately regulated in Maryland and generally require registration and oversight through the appropriate county-level gaming commissions. Private promotions targeting Maryland residents must ensure transparency, clear rules, and full compliance with both gambling statutes and consumer protection regulations. Sources:
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Massachusetts Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes are legal in Massachusetts if structured to eliminate either chance or consideration, with strict compliance to consumer protection standards.