Virginia Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
Virginia Code 18.2-325 defines illegal gambling as placing or receiving a bet of money or something of value for a chance to win a prize when the outcome depends on chance. The section doesn't define "lottery" and has no exemption for promotional giveaways. The protection is structural: if entrants pay nothing, there's no bet.
The same section also defines a "skill game", but that means a coin- or token-operated device that can pay cash or credits. A photo or essay contest isn't what it targets. Charitable gaming, such as nonprofit raffles, sits under its own permit system (Va. Code 18.2-340.18 gives the supervising department jurisdiction over it), so a business shouldn't borrow a charity's raffle format.
For a Virginia-eligible giveaway:
- Keep entry free, or add a free alternative method of entry (AMOE) to any paid Action.
- State the rules, prize and winner selection in your Terms & Conditions.
- Don't make a purchase a condition of winning.
You'll find the rest of the states in our Contest & Sweepstakes Laws by State in the U.S. guide.
This isn't legal advice. Ask a Virginia attorney if entry involves any payment.
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What Is the Main Difference Between a Contest, Sweepstakes, and Lottery?
A contest picks winners on skill, a sweepstakes picks them by chance with free entry, and a lottery combines a prize, chance and payment.