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Can I offer contests that involve in-game promotions in Virginia? What are the requirements?
Based on the documents provided, it is required to obtain a license from the Director before using any “instant ticket” game or contest for the purpose of promoting or furthering the sale of any product in Virginia [1.1]. However, it is not clear whether this applies to in-game promotions.
Regarding contests involving in-game promotions, there is no specific regulation in the documents provided. However, organizations intending to operate and conduct bingo, electronic gaming, instant bingo, seal cards, pull-tabs, or network bingo in Virginia must complete a department-prescribed application to request issuance or renewal of an annual permit to conduct charitable gaming [2.4]. The permit application process includes a background investigation of the organization and interested persons to ensure public safety and welfare [2.4].
Additionally, approval of game themes and sounds is required before being available for play on an electronic gaming device in Virginia [2.1]. Game sets must also meet certain requirements, such as consisting of a maximum of 25,000 electronic pull-tabs and being assigned a unique serial number [2.3].
Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a legal expert to determine the specific requirements for offering contests that involve in-game promotions in Virginia.
In summary, there is no specific regulation regarding contests involving in-game promotions in Virginia. However, organizations must obtain a permit to conduct charitable gaming, and a background investigation is required as part of the permit application process [2.4]. Approval of game themes and sounds is also required [2.1], and game sets must meet certain requirements [2.3].
Source(s):
- [1.1] License required for “instant ticket” games or contests
- [2.1] Approval of distributed pull-tab systems, validation systems, point-of-sale stations, and redemption terminals; approval of game themes and sounds
- [2.3] Game set requirements
- [2.4] Charitable gaming permit application process for raffles, bingo, paper pull-tabs, network bingo, paper instant bingo, and paper seal cards
Jurisdiction
Virginia