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

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

Requirements for Offering Contests in Vermont

According to VTCR 06-031-003 § 109.01, it is considered an unfair and deceptive trade act and practice in commerce for any person to solicit any other person to engage in any kind of a game of skill, contest, sweepstakes, giveaway or other promotion which:

• is deceptive or misleading as to chances of winning, the number of winners, the value of the prizes, or the availability of the prize;
• requires any kind of entry fee, service charge, purchase or similar consideration in order to enter or to continue to remain eligible; or,
• uses publications, literature, written or verbal promotion that is false, deceptive or misleading.

Therefore, when offering contests in Vermont, it is important to ensure that the contest is not deceptive or misleading, does not require any kind of entry fee or purchase to enter or remain eligible, and does not use false or misleading promotions.

Prize Payment and Claiming of Prizes

According to VTCR 01-130-001 § 20, all prizes of five-hundred dollars ($ 500.00) or more will be in the form of a check or electronic deposit issued by the Commission or an authorized Claim Center upon completion of a Lottery prize claim form. The claimant(s) shall present the winning ticket, a completed, signed claim form, fill out their name and address on the back of the ticket, and show a pre-approved form of identification. Commission or Claim Center personnel shall examine the ticket and confirm that it has not been altered and the person(s) claiming the ticket is the same person(s) whose name and address is on the back of the ticket. The ticket shall be validated through the Lottery sales and validation equipment as well as pass any and all security verifications as deemed necessary by the Commission. Only then will the claimant(s) be paid.

Conditions of Licensing

According to VTCR 01-130-001 § 6, as a condition of the License, the Sales Agent agrees to validate and pay winning tickets up to and including $ 100 and winning online tickets up to and including four-hundred, ninety-nine dollars ($ 499.00). Validation of winning tickets must be performed using lottery ticket sales and validation equipment. Claim forms must be filed for winning instant tickets over $ 100 and winning online tickets over four-hundred, ninety-nine dollars ($ 499.00).

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can offer contests that involve merchandise prizes in Vermont, but you must ensure that the contest is not deceptive or misleading, does not require any kind of entry fee or purchase to enter or remain eligible, and does not use false or misleading promotions. Additionally, prize payment and claiming of prizes must be done in accordance with VTCR 01-130-001 § 20, and validation and payment of winning tickets must be done in accordance with VTCR 01-130-001 § 6.

Jurisdiction

Vermont

• Gaming