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

Based on the information provided in the context documents, it appears that contests involving merchandise prizes are not explicitly addressed in Mississippi law. However, there are regulations regarding the value of prizes that may be awarded in a single session of bingo, as well as rules regarding the use of net proceeds from charitable bingo games.

Requirements for Contests Involving Merchandise Prizes

Since there are no specific regulations regarding contests involving merchandise prizes, it is recommended that you consult with a legal professional to ensure that your contest complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements for Bingo Games

If you plan to offer merchandise prizes as part of a bingo game, the following regulations apply:

  • The value of all non-cash prizes must be equal to the fair market value or normal and reasonable selling price of such prize [1.1].
  • The total amount of prizes which may be awarded in any one session by a bingo location shall not exceed Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) in cash or other items of value offered as a prize or Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) if only one (1) session is held in any one week [1.1].
  • All net proceeds derived from a bingo game authorized by the Charitable Bingo Law shall be expended only for the purposes for which the charitable organization is created [1.1].
  • The use of bingo proceeds for any other purpose to include start-up costs, attorney fees, appellate costs or any other cost not routinely incurred by the charitable organization must be preapproved by the Commission in writing [1.1].
  • The total amount of prizes which may be awarded in any one day under a charitable limited license shall not exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) [1.1].

Conclusion

Based on the information provided in the context documents, there are no specific regulations regarding contests involving merchandise prizes in Mississippi. However, if you plan to offer merchandise prizes as part of a bingo game, there are regulations regarding the value of prizes that may be awarded in a single session of bingo, as well as rules regarding the use of net proceeds from charitable bingo games. It is recommended that you consult with a legal professional to ensure that your contest complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Mississippi