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Can I offer contests that involve chance-based games in Virginia? What are the requirements?

Yes, it is possible to offer contests that involve chance-based games in Virginia, but a license is required to do so [1.1]. The license must be obtained from the Director before using any “instant ticket” game or contest for the purpose of promoting or furthering the sale of any product [1.1]. To validate the ticket or play, the retailer or agency must follow the procedures set out in Chapter 5 of Title 11 of the Virginia Administrative Code, which includes ensuring that the ticket is not mutilated, altered, or tampered with in any manner, and that it passes all other confidential security checks of the agency [2.3].

Permissible wagers for contests involving chance-based games are limited to sporting events, and a permit holder may accept wagers on those sporting events, leagues, and bet types approved by the director and published on an Authorized Sports Events, Leagues and Bets List [4.1].

It is important to note that the prize structure for each lottery game must be approved in advance by the board and may be adjusted in accordance with policy adopted by the board [2.1]. The director shall select, operate, and contract for the operation of lottery games that meet the general criteria set forth in this chapter and in applicable game rules [2.2].

Fantasy contests conducted under this chapter are not considered illegal gambling [3.1].

A permit holder may not permit wagers to be placed by minors and shall maintain a system approved by the director through which it verifies that wagers are not made by minors [4.3].

In summary, to offer contests that involve chance-based games in Virginia, a license must be obtained from the Director, and the procedures set out in Chapter 5 of Title 11 of the Virginia Administrative Code must be followed to validate the ticket or play. Additionally, permissible wagers are limited to sporting events approved by the director and published on an Authorized Sports Events, Leagues and Bets List. The prize structure for each lottery game must be approved in advance by the board and may be adjusted in accordance with policy adopted by the board. Fantasy contests conducted under this chapter are not considered illegal gambling. Finally, a permit holder may not permit wagers to be placed by minors and shall maintain a system approved by the director through which it verifies that wagers are not made by minors.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Virginia