Rhode Island Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Yes, you can run a giveaway in Rhode Island. If a retail business runs a chance promotion with more than $500 in prizes, it must file with the Secretary of State first.
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-50-1 covers chance promotions by a retail establishment where total announced prizes exceed $500.
- The filing covers the odds, prize values, rules, period and area, with a $150 fee.
- Not filing is a misdemeanour.
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 Rhode Island before you launch.
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Can You Sell Raffle Tickets Online?
In most places, no, not as a business. Online raffle sales are regulated as gambling and usually limited to licensed or approved charities.