Ohio Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Ohio Revised Code 2915.01 draws the line. A "scheme of chance" is one where a participant gives valuable consideration for a chance to win a prize, and that kind of scheme is gambling unless a state chapter authorises it. A "sweepstakes" in the same section is a game, contest or promotion where consideration isn't required to enter and the winner is picked by chance. Free-entry giveaways fit the second definition.
The section doesn't define a "contest of skill", so there's no skill exemption to lean on in the text. Treat a skill contest the way you'd treat a sweepstakes: no entry fee, and no purchase needed to take part.
To stay on the sweepstakes side in Ohio:
- Make every Action free, or pair any paid Action with a free alternative method of entry (AMOE).
- Write the rules into your Terms & Conditions, including dates, prize and how winners are picked.
- Don't require a purchase, donation or deposit at any step.
Our Contest & Sweepstakes Laws by State in the U.S. guide covers the other states.
This isn't legal advice. Ask an Ohio attorney before running a promotion with paid entry or a large prize.
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