Can I offer contests that involve cash prizes in Nevada? What are the requirements?

Offering Contests with Cash Prizes in Nevada

Yes, it is possible to offer contests with cash prizes in Nevada, but there are certain requirements that must be met.

Requirements for Offering Contests with Cash Prizes in Nevada

1. Qualified Organization: The contest must be operated by a qualified organization that is registered by the Chair to operate a charitable lottery pursuant to NRS 462.150 ^[1.4].
2. Limitations on Compensation: The qualified organization shall not compensate any person for the provision of prizes and supplies used in the operation of a charitable lottery or charitable game, except to pay the fair market value of the prizes and supplies necessary for the operation of the charitable lottery or charitable game ^[1.1].
3. Maximum Prize Value: The total value of all the prizes offered in charitable lotteries operated by the qualified organization during the same calendar year, including, without limitation, the value of all unclaimed cash prizes, does not exceed $500,000, except if the qualified organization is a qualified professional sports organization, in which case the total value of all the prizes offered in charitable lotteries operated by the qualified organization during the same calendar year does not exceed $2,000,000 ^[1.4].
4. Statewide Ticket Sales and Online Ticket Sales: Statewide ticket sales and online ticket sales are permitted upon approval by the Chair, but all lottery ticket sales must be limited to persons who are physically located within this State at the time of purchase ^[1.3].

Additional Information

• A qualified organization may operate a charitable game without obtaining a license pursuant to NRS 463.160 if the qualified organization is registered by the Chair to operate a charitable game pursuant to NRS 462.150, and the total value of all the prizes offered in charitable games operated by the qualified organization during the same calendar year does not exceed $500,000 ^[1.2].
• The Nevada Athletic Commission issues and revokes licenses to conduct, hold or give contests or exhibitions of unarmed combat in accordance with such terms and provisions as the Commission prescribes ^[2.1].
• All contestants, promoters, managers, seconds, trainers and ring officials must be licensed by the Commission. No person may participate, directly or indirectly, in any professional contest or exhibition of unarmed combat unless the person has first procured a license from the Commission ^[2.2].

Conclusion

In summary, to offer contests with cash prizes in Nevada, the contest must be operated by a qualified organization, compensation for prizes and supplies must be limited, and the total value of all the prizes offered must not exceed the maximum amount allowed by law. Additionally, if the contest involves ticket sales, the sales must be limited to persons who are physically located within the state at the time of purchase.

Source(s):

• [1.1] Limitations on compensation for prizes and supplies and compensation of persons for services; exceptions.
• [1.2] Operation of charitable game without license.
• [2.1] License for contest or exhibition; application for license; fee; limited, restricted or conditional license; bond; Athletic Commission’s Agency Account; additional deposit; exceptions.
• [2.2] Licenses for contestant, promoter, manager, trainer, ring official and others; temporary license; application for license; privileged statements; submission of fingerprints; withdrawal of application; uniform scale of fees; payment of costs of proceedings.
• [1.3] Operation of charitable lottery or charitable game prohibited under certain circumstances; statewide ticket sales; online ticket sales.
• [1.4] Conditions for operation of charitable lottery.

Jurisdiction

Nevada

• Gaming