Sweepstakes Must Offer Free Entry

Every lawful promotional sweepstakes in the United States must allow eligible participants to enter without buying anything or paying a fee. Requiring payment combines a prize, chance, and consideration, which can turn the promotion into an illegal lottery unless the law specifically authorizes it. Companies that link entries to purchases must therefore provide a free alternate method of entry, such as an online form, mail-in entry, or free code request. The free route must offer equivalent entries, access to the same prizes, and equal treatment during winner selection.

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