Ask Reggi Your Question Now
Can I offer contests that involve a single game or event in North Carolina? What are the requirements?
Requirements for Contests Involving a Single Game or Event in North Carolina
Yes, you can offer contests that involve a single game or event in North Carolina. However, there are certain requirements that must be followed.
According to NCGS 14-309.29(a), games at a game night event may not be played for cash or a cash prize. Prizes shall be awarded only through a raffle. Participants may exchange chips, markers, or tokens from the game night event for raffle tickets. For purposes of this subsection, the term “cash prize” includes gift cards that are issued by a financial institution or its operating subsidiary and that are usable at multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods or services.
Additionally, NCGS 14-309.28(1) limits the number of game night events conducted or sponsored by an exempt organization to four events per year. The event shall not exceed a period of five hours each per event. No more than one game night event shall be held in any quarter of a calendar year that begins January 1.
Furthermore, NCGS 14-309.36 requires game night vendors to obtain a permit from the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety before providing gaming tables or gaming equipment for use in a game night. The application for a game night vendor permit shall be on a form prescribed by the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety and shall be submitted to the Alcohol Law Enforcement Headquarters. A fee of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) shall be charged annually for each permit. The permit fees assessed under this section are payable to the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety and shall be collected and used by the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division to defray the costs of issuing game night vendor permits and ensuring compliance with this section.
Conclusion
In summary, you can offer contests that involve a single game or event in North Carolina, but the prizes must be awarded only through a raffle, and the number of events is limited to four per year. These requirements are outlined in NCGS 14-309.29(a) and NCGS 14-309.28(1). Additionally, game night vendors must obtain a permit from the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety before providing gaming tables or gaming equipment for use in a game night, as required by NCGS 14-309.36.
Jurisdiction
North Carolina