South Carolina Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes are legal in South Carolina if they eliminate either chance or consideration. Full compliance with state gambling and consumer protection laws is necessary.
In South Carolina, contests and sweepstakes are allowed when structured to avoid the legal definition of an illegal lottery. A lottery in South Carolina consists of three elements: prize, chance, and consideration. Sweepstakes eliminate consideration by offering a Free Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), and contests remove chance by relying on skill-based competitions to determine winners.
Sponsors must clearly disclose all material terms of the promotion, including eligibility requirements, entry methods, odds of winning, and prize descriptions. Sweepstakes promotions must offer a genuine free entry option and cannot require a purchase or payment. Businesses must also comply with the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, which prohibits deceptive or unfair promotional practices.
Charitable gaming activities, such as raffles, are separately regulated and generally require licensing through the South Carolina Secretary of State. Private business promotions targeting South Carolina residents must maintain transparency, fairness, and compliance with the state’s gambling and consumer protection laws. Sources:
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South Dakota Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Contests and sweepstakes are legal in South Dakota if they are structured to eliminate either chance or consideration. Promotions must comply with gambling and consumer protection regulations.