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Can I offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Maine? What are the requirements?
Offering Contests that Involve Both Skill and Chance in Maine
Yes, you can offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Maine, but you must comply with the Rules Relating to Games of Chance 16-633 Chapter 32 [2.1]. According to §1(6), a game promotion that involves chance can be conducted in connection with the promotion of products or services, where a person may enter to win or become eligible to receive a prize with or without payment of something of value, and where the determination of a winner is based upon chance.
However, there are certain requirements that you must follow to offer such contests. For instance, the operator must comply with the advertising standards outlined in §3(1)(K), which prohibit false, misleading, and deceptive advertising, guarantees of success, riches, or games of chance winnings, and depictions of persons under the age of 18 engaged in games of chance. The operator must also make available to players a copy of the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17, chapter 62, the rules adopted pursuant to that chapter, and the rules of play in the room or area where a licensed or registered game of chance is being conducted.
Additionally, the operator must comply with the requirements for license and registration applications outlined in §2. An applicant for a license, or as applicable, a registration to conduct or operate a game of chance shall apply on forms specified by the Unit. In addition to any information required by statute, application forms must be received by hand delivery or regular mail at least 10 business days prior to the first date desired to operate and no earlier than 90 days prior to the first date desired to operate.
Moreover, the following limits apply to games of chance in Maine [2.1]:
- The maximum bet for a licensed game of chance is $5.
- If the registrant operates games of chance for less than 3 total days in a calendar year and contributes 100% of the gross revenue from those games of chance to charity, the amount wagered must be limited to:
- A $1 daily entry fee; or
- Fifty cents per game.
Therefore, to offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Maine, you must comply with the Rules Relating to Games of Chance 16-633 Chapter 32, including the advertising standards, requirements for license and registration applications, and the limits on the amount wagered.
Source(s):
Jurisdiction
Maine