The Rhode Island Sweepstakes Law, General Laws 11-50-1, requires any retail establishment running a promotion where prizes are awarded by chance and the total announced prize value exceeds $500 to file with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Rhode Island Sweepstakes Law Filing Requirements
The filing must include the number of game pieces, winning pieces, odds, minimum prize values, rules, duration, and geographic area, along with a $150 filing fee. The $500 threshold is far lower than New York’s or Florida’s, which surprises many marketers planning multi-state promotions.
Who Gets Caught by the Statute
Failure to file is a misdemeanor. The statute is aimed at promotions connected with retail outlets, so a social giveaway tied to in-store or retail sales that is open to Rhode Island entrants can trigger it. Brands with retail operations should either register or exclude Rhode Island when total prizes top $500. Checking this statute belongs on the launch checklist for any retail-linked social promotion.
Source: Rhode Island General Assembly: Rhode Island General Laws 11-50-1
Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit.
