Legal Question in Business Law in California

Sweepstakes and Contests

What are the laws in CA relating to a company hosting a contest and having to disclose the rules of the contest? More specifically, I want to know where the rules of the contest must be disclosed? Do we need to put them on the back of the game piece, post them in the restaurant or hand them out with the actual game piece? Please respond as soon as possible and advise on where I can find this information.


Asked on 2/24/99, 6:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jed Somit Jed Somit, Attorney at Law

Re: Sweepstakes and Contests

Start by looking at California Business & Professions Code Sections 17539 and following.

There would also be general regulation prohibiting unfair or misleading business practices.

It is possible, if you use interstate media to promote the contest or it is large enough to

be deemed to affect interstate commerce, that the contest would be subject to federal regulation. You should

also check with the City and County, to see if they have any specific ordinances.

Jed Somit

Jed Somit, Attorney at Law

1440 Broadway - Suite 910


Read more
Answered on 3/03/99, 12:30 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in California