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Can I offer contests that involve merchandise prizes in Connecticut? What are the requirements?

Based on the information provided in the context documents, you can offer contests that involve merchandise prizes in Connecticut. However, there are certain requirements that must be met.

Requirements for Offering Contests with Merchandise Prizes in Connecticut

According to Connecticut General Statutes, Section 7-185-9b and 7 RCSA 186k-3, all prizes given at any bazaar or raffle shall be merchandise, tangible personal property, or a ticket, coupon, or gift certificate, which shall not be refundable or transferable, entitling the winner to merchandise, tangible personal property, services, transportation on a common carrier by land, water, or air and to any tour facilities provided in connection therewith, or to participation in a lottery conducted under chapter 226 of the general statutes. Cash prizes, except those authorized pursuant to section 7-185a of the statutes, or prizes consisting of alcoholic liquor shall not be given nor shall any prize be redeemed or redeemable for cash, except tickets for a lottery conducted under chapter 226 of the general statutes. For the purposes of this section, coins whose trading value exceeds their face value and coins not commonly in circulation shall not be deemed a cash prize. Additionally, any prizes to be awarded for the playing of such games shall be merchandise or goods. Coupons or certificates for goods may be issued by the sponsoring organization only. Such coupons or certificates shall contain a notation that such coupons or certificates may not be redeemed for cash money and that redemption of any such coupon or certificate for cash money by any person or organization shall, pursuant to the provisions of section 7-186d of the general statutes, constitute a class A misdemeanor. No person may be awarded a coupon or gift certificate which is redeemable at any business or mercantile establishment where such person is employed or affiliated. Any person or organization who redeems coupons or certificates evidencing a right to receive goods or merchandise issued by a games of chance sponsoring organization for cash or consideration, other than goods or merchandise, shall, pursuant to the provisions of section 7-186d of the general statutes, be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Therefore, if you are offering a contest with merchandise prizes in Connecticut, the prizes must be merchandise, tangible personal property, or a ticket, coupon, or gift certificate that is not refundable or transferable. Additionally, the prizes cannot be cash or alcoholic liquor, and they cannot be redeemed or redeemable for cash, except for tickets for a lottery conducted under chapter 226 of the general statutes. Coupons or certificates for goods may be issued by the sponsoring organization only. Such coupons or certificates shall contain a notation that such coupons or certificates may not be redeemed for cash money and that redemption of any such coupon or certificate for cash money by any person or organization shall, pursuant to the provisions of section 7-186d of the general statutes, constitute a class A misdemeanor. No person may be awarded a coupon or gift certificate which is redeemable at any business or mercantile establishment where such person is employed or affiliated. Any person or organization who redeems coupons or certificates evidencing a right to receive goods or merchandise issued by a games of chance sponsoring organization for cash or consideration, other than goods or merchandise, shall, pursuant to the provisions of section 7-186d of the general statutes, be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

It is important to note that this information is based solely on the context documents provided. If you have any further questions or concerns, it is recommended that you consult with a legal professional.

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Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Connecticut