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

Offering Contests with Entry Fees in Wisconsin

Based on the information provided in the context documents, it appears that contests involving entry fees are not explicitly addressed in Wisconsin law. However, certain types of contests may be subject to regulation under Wisconsin law.

Raffles

Raffles are regulated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 563 [2.1]([2.1]). According to WIST 563.908, a raffle may not be conducted in Wisconsin unless any winner in the raffle is determined by a drawing with all tickets or calendars having an equal opportunity to win. Additionally, a qualified organization under WIST 563.907 may not conduct a raffle unless it first receives a license under WIST 563.92. However, a qualified organization under WIST 563.907 that has not received a license under WIST 563.92 may conduct a raffle under certain conditions, including that the raffle tickets are offered for sale only to members of the qualified organization, the prize is a cash award equal to one-half of the ticket proceeds rounded up to the nearest whole dollar, the prize does not exceed $500, and the qualified organization complies with the requirements of WIST 563.935 and all other applicable requirements of this subchapter.

Bingo

Bingo is also regulated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 563 [1.4]([1.7]). An application for a license to conduct bingo for certain organizations shall be accompanied by a $5 license fee and a sworn statement by the owner or operator of the organization that all of the following rules shall apply to bingo conducted by the organization: (a) Only residents, guests of residents, and employees of the community-based residential facility or adult family home, or members, patrons, guests of members, and patrons and employees of the senior citizen community center, may play bingo. (b) Bingo may be played only as a recreational or social activity. (c) No admission fee may be charged to play bingo. (d) The total fee charged to a player for all bingo cards used by the player at a bingo occasion will not exceed $2 and the aggregate value of prizes awarded at the bingo occasion will equal the total amount of fees that are collected from all of the players at the bingo occasion. (e) Progressive jackpot bingo may not be played.

It is recommended that you consult with a legal professional for further guidance on offering contests with entry fees in Wisconsin, as the laws and regulations surrounding such contests may be complex and subject to change [2.1]([2.1]).

Note that the information provided is not exhaustive and may not be applicable to all situations.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Wisconsin