Can I offer contests that involve entry fees in South Carolina? What are the requirements?

Based on the documents provided, it is not legal to offer contests that involve entry fees in South Carolina unless they fall under specific authorized categories.

According to SCCL 33-57-100, lotteries or raffles of any type whatsoever are unlawful unless they are authorized by specific chapters and articles. The only authorized raffles are those conducted by nonprofit organizations for charitable purposes, and they are subject to specific restrictions outlined in SCCL 33-57-130 and SCCL 33-57-140.

There is no mention of contests that involve entry fees being authorized in South Carolina. Therefore, it is not legal to offer such contests unless they fall under the authorized categories mentioned above.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, financial institutions may offer savings promotion contests in which a chance of winning designated prizes is obtained by a depositor when the depositor deposits a specified amount of money or makes a specified number of deposits into the depositor’s qualifying account, or participates in one or more savings products or programs. These contests are governed by specific rules outlined in SCCL 34-45-20.

In summary, offering contests that involve entry fees in South Carolina is not legal unless they are authorized by specific chapters and articles and fall under the restrictions outlined in the documents provided. Financial institutions may offer savings promotion contests under specific rules outlined in SCCL 34-45-20.

References:

• SCCL 33-57-100
• SCCL 33-57-130
• SCCL 33-57-140
• SCCL 34-45-20

Jurisdiction

South Carolina

• Gaming