New York Contest and Sweepstakes Laws

Yes, you can run a giveaway in New York, but a chance-based promotion with more than $5,000 in prizes must be filed with the state and backed by a trust account or bond first.

  • GBL § 369-e covers chance promotions for consumer products or services where the total announced prize value is over $5,000.
  • File a statement with the Secretary of State at least 30 days before launch, with a $100 non-refundable fee.
  • Set up a trust account or post a surety bond equal to the total prize value, and file proof with the statement.
  • Within 90 days of the end, file a list of winners of prizes worth over $25.

Beyond these points, the general US rules on free entry and clear official rules likely apply.

Gleam generates Terms & Conditions for every Competition. Tick A Purchase or Donation is Required to Complete This Action on any paid Action and Gleam adds a free entry alternative. On the Pro Plan and above, Restrict Entries by Location can limit entry to the US, but it works by country, not state. To leave out a state, add the State field on the Pre-Entry tab and name the excluded states in your terms.

This isn't legal advice. Check your promotion with a lawyer licensed in New York before you launch.

Sources:

What Does “No Purchase Necessary” Actually Mean?

It means you can't make people buy anything to enter a sweepstakes. If a purchase is part of entering, you need a free alternative method of entry (AMOE).

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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.