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

Based on the documents provided, contests that involve merchandise prizes are not specifically addressed. However, Montana law does allow for raffles and bingo games with certain restrictions and requirements ^{[1.1][5.1][1.2][5.2]}. Nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, public school districts, and nonpublic schools are allowed to conduct raffles ^[5.1][5.2]. The value of a prize awarded for an individual ticket for a raffle conducted by a person or an organization may not exceed $5,000 ^[1.1]. The sale of raffle tickets authorized by Montana law is restricted to events and participants within the geographic confines of the state ^[1.1]. Bingo games are also allowed with certain restrictions. The price for an individual bingo card may not exceed $1, and a prize may not exceed the value of $800 for each individual bingo game ^[1.2].

It is important to note that any contests or games of chance must comply with Montana statutes and regulations, including ARM 23.16.2602, as well as all other applicable state and federal statutes and regulations ^[5.1].

Additionally, Montana law allows for contests involving hunting and fishing, but there are restrictions on the species that can be involved ^[6.1].

In summary, while contests that involve merchandise prizes are not specifically addressed in Montana law, raffles, bingo games, and contests involving hunting and fishing are allowed with certain restrictions and requirements. It is important to comply with all applicable statutes and regulations.

Source(s):

• [1.1] Raffle prizes – investigations – rulemaking
• [5.1] AUTHORITY TO OFFER 50/50 RAFFLES, 50/50 RAFFLE PROCESSING SYSTEM RESTRICTIONS
• [1.2] Card prices and prizes – exception
• [6.1] PROHIBITED CONTESTS
• [5.2] RAFFLE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, AUTHORIZED RANDOM SELECTION PROCESSES, AND RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Jurisdiction

Montana

• Gaming