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Can I offer contests that involve chance-based games in Nebraska? What are the requirements?
Offering Contests that Involve Chance-based Games in Nebraska
Based on the documents provided, offering contests that involve chance-based games in Nebraska is generally only permitted by authorized gaming operators within licensed racetrack enclosures as provided in the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act [1.1]. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, a qualifying nonprofit organization may conduct a lottery or raffle in which the winners are to be determined by a race utilizing inanimate, buoyant objects floated along a river, canal, or other waterway [1.6]. Additionally, licensed organizations may conduct promotional games and award promotional game prizes at a bingo occasion, provided that certain conditions are met [NEAC 316-35-212].
It is important to note that any lottery supplies used must conform to all requirements of the Nebraska County and City Lottery Act and the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant to the act [1.3]. Furthermore, a raffle is defined as a gambling scheme in which participants pay or agree to pay something of value for an opportunity to win, and winners are to be determined by a random drawing of tickets or by a specific method [1.4].
If you are a licensed organization conducting a raffle or lottery, you must comply with the requirements set forth in the Nebraska Lottery and Raffle Act [1.2]. For example, each licensed organization conducting a lottery or raffle shall have its name and identification number clearly printed on each lottery or raffle ticket or stub used in such lottery or raffle. No such ticket or stub shall be sold unless such name and identification number is so printed thereon. In addition, all lottery or raffle tickets or stubs shall bear a number, which numbers shall be in sequence and clearly printed on the ticket or stub. Each ticket or stub shall have an equal chance of being chosen in the drawing. Each ticket or stub shall be constructed of the same material, shall have the same surface, and shall be substantially the same shape, size, form, and weight [1.2].
If you are a licensed organization conducting a raffle, you must also comply with the definition of a raffle as set forth in the Nebraska Lottery and Raffle Act [1.5]. Additionally, you may obtain a special permit to conduct one raffle and one lottery from the department [1.7].
In summary, offering contests that involve chance-based games in Nebraska is generally only permitted by authorized gaming operators within licensed racetrack enclosures. However, there are some exceptions for qualifying nonprofit organizations and licensed organizations conducting promotional games at a bingo occasion. If you are a licensed organization conducting a raffle or lottery, you must comply with the requirements set forth in the Nebraska Lottery and Raffle Act and obtain a special permit from the department. It is important to comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to lottery supplies and raffles.
Source(s):
- [1.1] Games of chance; permitted; restrictions.
- [1.2] Lottery or raffle ticket or stub; requirements.
- [1.3] Lottery supplies; requirements.
- [1.4] Raffle, defined.
- [1.5] Raffle, defined.
- [1.6] Nonprofit organization; conduct lottery or raffle with winners determined by racing objects; conditions.
- [1.7] Special permit to conduct raffle and lottery; fee.
Jurisdiction
Nebraska