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Can I offer contests that involve merchandise prizes in New Mexico? What are the requirements?
Based on the documents provided, it is possible to offer contests that involve merchandise prizes in New Mexico. However, there are certain requirements that must be met.
Requirements for Contests with Merchandise Prizes in New Mexico
According to [1.1], the New Mexico State Fair Commission delegates to the general manager the authority to set regulations concerning drawings and prizes held or given away by an exhibitor or concessionaire. These regulations include, but are not limited to, the following: give-away offers, free registrations, and prohibition of raffles.
Additionally, [2.1] states that the licensee shall clearly and audibly disclose full information before each game concerning the number of prizes to be awarded, whether the prizes are awarded in cash, check, or merchandise, and the cash value and the method by which such prizes may be awarded, including the cost of playing. Prizes or prize money offered shall be communicated to all players 30 minutes prior to the start of a game and cannot be altered thereafter.
Furthermore, [3.1] outlines the requirements for raffle tickets. All tickets sold in any raffle shall have the state license number, the word “raffle” and the date, time, and place of drawing printed on each ticket. All tickets shall be consecutively numbered. All major cash or merchandise prizes conspicuously printed on the ticket. The cost of each ticket shall be printed on the front of each ticket. With the exception of a split raffle, the expiration date by which a prize must be claimed shall be printed on each ticket. If the ticket holder is required to be present at the drawing to be eligible for the prize, a statement setting forth this condition shall be conspicuously printed on each ticket and on all promotional material concerning the raffle. When a prize exceeds $75,000 the licensee shall submit a valid copy of a raffle ticket to the board prior to selling any tickets.
Finally, [2.2] states that the value of a door prize shall not exceed $1,000.
Conclusion
In summary, it is possible to offer contests that involve merchandise prizes in New Mexico. However, the licensee must comply with the regulations set forth by the New Mexico State Fair Commission, including disclosing full information about the prizes, following the requirements for raffle tickets, and ensuring that the value of door prizes does not exceed $1,000.
Source(s):
- [1.1] DRAWINGS AND PRIZES
- [2.1] DISCLOSURE OF PRIZES DURING GAMES OF CHANCE
- [3.1] RAFFLE TICKETS
- [2.2] DOOR PRIZES
Jurisdiction
New Mexico