18.2-325.1 - Lawful games, contests, etc.; methods of entry; requirements. - Virginia Statutes

§ 18.2-325.1. Lawful games, contests, etc.; methods of entry; requirements.

Pursuant to subdivision 1 b of § 18.2-325, any lawful game, contest, lottery,scheme, or promotional offering (the contest) may be conducted provided thefollowing requirements are met:

1. There is available a method of free entry to all participants wishing toenter the contest without purchase;

2. There is equal opportunity to play and equal odds of winning for allparticipants regardless of whether a participant entered with a validpurchase or through a free alternative method of entry;

3. There are written disclosures about the contest including:

a. The terms and conditions that a participant must meet to enter andpossibly receive a prize or other thing of value;

b. The manner in which to request free entry into the contest;

c. The identity of the contest sponsor;

d. The end date of the contest period;

e. A statement that the making of a purchase will not increase the odds ofwinning;

f. The odds of obtaining a winning configuration or game piece, which shallbe expressed as a numerical ratio, if applicable, or as dependent on a numberof entries, if applicable;

g. A statement of whether any winner of a prize or other thing of value mustcomplete an approved claim form in order to receive the prize or other thingof value; and

h. A statement of whether proof of identity is required for a winner toredeem the prize or other thing of value;

4. The disclosures required by this section shall be included in "theofficial rules" of the contest, and may be in the form of independentsignage; printed on the product or container; shown in a multimedia displayon the product dispenser; or otherwise available by mail, on the Internet, orby toll-free telephone call;

5. Any advertising copy shall include the following:

a. The name of the operator and the contest;

b. A statement that no purchase is required to enter or play the contest;

c. The start and end dates for entering the contest, which shall beconsistent with the official rules;

d. A statement of eligibility to participate in the contest; and

e. A disclosure of where the contest is void.

6. In the case of a device with a multimedia display, the official rulesshall be available for display without cost; and

7. No consideration or anything of value is required in order to play orenter into the contest, except for the product purchased, if any.

(2010, c. 877.)