Can I offer contests that involve a single game or event in Louisiana? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can offer contests that involve a single game or event in Louisiana. However, the requirements for offering such contests depend on whether it is a sweepstakes promotion or a promotional contest.

Sweepstakes promotions

If you want to offer a sweepstakes promotion in Louisiana, the winner must be revealed through posting on a printed list, through the use of scratch-off tickets or cards, through the use of pull-tab tickets or cards, or by contacting the winner in writing or through telephone communication ^[1.1]. The Louisiana Department of Justice, office of attorney general, regulates sweepstakes promotions ^[1.1]. Additionally, a computer or computer system that is used as part of a sweepstakes promotion shall be used only to allow a person to enter their name and contact information for the purpose of entering into the sweepstakes promotion and to display certain information ^[1.2].

Promotional contests

If you want to offer a promotional contest in Louisiana, you must provide written or verbal disclosure to the consumer at the time they are notified of the prize or gift. The disclosure must contain a full description of the exact prize or gift, all terms and conditions attached to the prize or gift, and a statement that the consumer is given, invited, required, or requested to submit to a sales presentation or promotional program ^[1.3]. Additionally, no commission, salary, compensation, reward, or recompense can be paid or given directly or indirectly to any person holding, operating, or conducting any licensed game or games of chance. However, any person, association, or corporation licensed to hold, operate, or conduct any games of chance may compensate, for services rendered, any fifteen employees, including a bingo caller, who assist in the holding, operating, or conducting of such games ^[2.3].

In summary, you can offer contests that involve a single game or event in Louisiana, but you must provide written or verbal disclosure to the consumer at the time they are notified of the prize or gift, and no commission, salary, compensation, reward, or recompense can be paid or given directly or indirectly to any person holding, operating, or conducting any licensed game or games of chance. If it is a sweepstakes promotion, the winner must be revealed through certain means, and if it is a promotional contest, the disclosure must contain certain information.

Source(s):

• [1.1] Sweepstakes promotions
• [1.2] Electronic display of sweepstakes winners
• [1.3] Promotional contests; prerequisites for lawful promotion
• [2.3] Personnel to hold games; commissions or salaries; equipment and supplies; expenses

Jurisdiction

Louisiana

• Gaming