Sweepstakes Official Rules Template

How to Use This Template

This template is provided by Codexx Nepal Pvt. Ltd. ("Afterparty") as a starting point for operators that run raffles or sweepstakes with the Afterparty service. It is not legal advice. Sweepstakes law varies significantly between countries and between U.S. states, and changes often. Before using these rules, the operator must:

• have the rules reviewed and adapted by its own counsel for every jurisdiction where the promotion is offered;
• replace every bracketed placeholder and delete options that do not apply;
• confirm whether registration, bonding or filing is required (for example, New York and Florida require registration and bonding for games of chance when the total prize value exceeds USD 5,000, and Rhode Island requires registration for some retail promotions), and complete it before the promotion starts;
• confirm that the promotion is not an illegal lottery in each eligible jurisdiction: a promotion with a prize and chance must remove consideration, which is why the free alternative method of entry must be genuinely free, equally available and equally effective;
• if the promotion is part of a promotional-currency or dual-currency sweepstakes model, have counsel confirm its current legal status state by state, because a growing number of U.S. states have enacted or proposed laws that specifically restrict or prohibit that model, and keep the excluded regions in Afterparty up to date as the law changes;
• set the brand's jurisdiction allow-list, block-list and sweepstakes excluded regions in Afterparty to match the eligibility section;
• publish the final rules on its own website and enter that address in the Official rules URL field of the brand profile (Afterparty back office, Brands, Regulation section), so that the player widgets link to the rules; and
• enable the alternative method of entry for the brand and make sure mail-in and other free entries are entered with equal dignity, in the same draw and before the snapshot of entries is frozen;
• keep records of every entry, every free-entry request and the published draw verification for at least the period required by the strictest applicable law; and
• disclose the odds, the approximate retail value of each prize and the total prize value, which many jurisdictions require in the rules and in advertising.

The operator is the sponsor of the promotion. Afterparty provides technology only: it does not sponsor, administer, fund or fulfil any promotion or prize.

Official Rules — [Promotion Name]

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.

1. Sponsor

The promotion (the "Sweepstakes") is sponsored by [Sponsor legal name], [Sponsor address] (the "Sponsor"). The Sponsor is solely responsible for the Sweepstakes and for awarding all prizes. Technology for entries and draws is provided to the Sponsor by Codexx Nepal Pvt. Ltd. ("Technology Provider"), which is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of the Sweepstakes.

2. Eligibility

The Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of [eligible countries, states or provinces] who are at least [18 / 21] years old, or the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence if higher, at the time of entry, and who hold an account in good standing with [Brand name] that is not self-excluded or otherwise restricted. The Sweepstakes is void in [excluded states, provinces and countries, to be confirmed by counsel] and wherever prohibited or restricted by law. Employees, officers and directors of the Sponsor and the Technology Provider, their immediate family members and members of their households are not eligible.

3. Promotion Period

The Sweepstakes begins at [start date and time, time zone] and ends at [end date and time, time zone] (the "Promotion Period"). The Sponsor's systems are the official timekeeper.

4. How to Enter

Method 1, through gameplay: eligible players receive [number] entry for each [qualifying activity, for example each mission completed or each eligible play] during the Promotion Period, as shown in the rewards area of [Brand name].

Method 2, alternative method of entry (free): to receive [the same number of entries as Method 1 / number] entries without purchase, [mail a handwritten request on a 3 x 5 inch card including your full name, address, email address, date of birth and [Brand name] username to [Sponsor mailing address], postmarked by [date] and received by [date]] [or describe the online free-entry method]. Limit [number] request per outer envelope. Entries received through the alternative method are entered with the same chances of winning as entries through Method 1.

5. Entry Limits and Conduct

Limit [number] entries per person and per account [per day / for the Promotion Period], regardless of method. Entries generated by script, macro, multiple accounts or other automated or fraudulent means are void. The Sponsor may disqualify anyone it finds tampering with the entry process or acting in breach of these rules or the Sponsor's terms.

6. Drawing and Odds

On or about [draw date], [number] winner(s) will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received. The draw uses a provably fair method: a seed commitment is published before the draw, and after the draw the inputs and result can be independently verified at [link to the draw verification page]. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. [For each entry, the odds equal one divided by the total number of eligible entries.]

7. Prizes

Total ARV of all prizes: [USD amount]. [If prizes are awarded in a promotional currency, describe its redemption terms and the cash or prize value it can be redeemed for.] Prizes are not transferable, and no substitution or cash equivalent is allowed except at the Sponsor's discretion, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be awarded.

8. Winner Notification and Verification

Potential winners will be notified by [email / in-app message] within [number] days after the draw. A potential winner may be required to verify identity, age and eligibility, and to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility, a liability release and, where lawful, a publicity release, together with any tax form required (for example, IRS Form W-9 for U.S. winners), within [number] days of notification. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, does not respond in time, is found ineligible, or does not comply with these rules, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected from the remaining eligible entries.

9. Prize Fulfilment

All prizes are provided and delivered by the Sponsor through [the Sponsor's wallet / shipment / other method] within [number] days after verification. The Technology Provider does not hold, pay or deliver prizes. Winners are responsible for all taxes and any costs not expressly included in the prize. The Sponsor will issue tax reporting documents where required by law.

10. General Conditions

The Sponsor may cancel, suspend or modify the Sweepstakes if fraud, technical failure or any other cause beyond its reasonable control impairs its integrity, subject to any approval required by law; in that case, the Sponsor may award prizes from eligible entries received before the event. The Sponsor's decisions on all matters relating to the Sweepstakes are final.

11. Release and Limitation of Liability

By entering, participants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, the Technology Provider and their respective affiliates, officers, employees and agents from any liability for injury, loss or damage arising from participation in the Sweepstakes or the acceptance or use of any prize, to the extent permitted by law.

12. Privacy

Personal information collected in connection with the Sweepstakes is controlled by the Sponsor and used in accordance with the Sponsor's privacy policy at [Sponsor privacy policy URL]. The Technology Provider processes that information only on the Sponsor's behalf.

13. Disputes and Governing Law

These rules are governed by the laws of [the Sponsor's chosen jurisdiction]. [Insert dispute resolution terms, such as courts or arbitration, approved by counsel.]

14. Winners List

For the names of winners, send a request with a self-addressed stamped envelope to [Sponsor mailing address] within [number] days after the draw date, or visit [winners page URL] [subject to applicable privacy law].