If you’re running a skills-based contest, then your contest doesn’t need to be registered, with one exception: Arizona contests. However, before you decide not to register your contest, make sure that you understand the differences between a sweepstakes versus contest.

Here is what you need to know about contest registration.

Sweepstakes vs Contest: What’s the Difference?

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a huge difference between a sweepstakes and contest, legally. A sweepstakes is a game of chance without consideration which means that every entrant has an equal chance of winning and the winners are selected at random.

A contest, also called a skills-based contest, involves judging (consideration) contest entries and selecting winners from the “best” submissions. Entrants are ranked for the quality of their submissions so every participant doesn’t have an equal chance of winning.

Sweepstakes Registration Is Required in Some States

Now that you know the difference between a contest and sweepstakes, if your promotion actually qualifies as a sweepstakes rather than a contest, you may still be required to register your sweepstakes, namely in three states: New York, Rhode Island, and Florida.

Check out the article below for more on sweepstakes registration:

Read more: Does Every Sweepstakes Need to Be Registered?

Register Your Arizona Contest

The only exception to the exemption on registration for contests, is if you’re running a contest in Arizona. You must register your Arizona contest if the contest rules require that entrants make a purchase or pay an entry fee in order to enter.

Arizona requires you to complete a registration form with the details of your contest and submit it to the Arizona Attorney General. You are also required to submit a sworn statement under oath regarding the value of the contest prizes. Finally, you must submit a list of the winners including names and addresses within 10 days of awarding the prizes for your contest.

As Sweepstakes and Contest Administrators we can help create Official Rules for your promotion.

Know the Difference

The most important step to ensuring that your contest is legally compliant is to make sure that your promotion meets the criteria to be considered as a contest rather than a sweepstakes. If you need help with registering your contest, Sweeppea contest management will take care of the filing requirements on your behalf.

Need help with sweepstakes or contest management? Call 305-505-5393 or email us with your questions.

The post Do Contests Need to Be Registered? appeared first on Sweeppea Blog.

Photo contests are a great way for you to drive traffic, increase engagement, and generate leads. However, photo contests rules require attention to detail to create because you have to make sure that your campaign doesn’t break the rules of the social media platforms. 

Here is what you should make sure to include in your photo contest rules for best results.

Contest Eligibility

You must specify who is eligible to enter your photo contest. Make sure to place an age limit on the contest so that minors can’t enter your contest. If your contest is for an alcohol brand, you should set the minimum age at 21 years of age.

You will receive entrants from all over the world so make sure to specify in your official rules the states and countries where entrants must live in order to enter.

Contest Winner Selection

Since this is a photo contest, and not a sweepstakes, that means that there will be an element of consideration (skill). Make sure that you explain in your contest rules exactly how photo submissions will be judged and how winners will be selected. For example, you may choose to judge photos based on originality, creativity, clarity, and the quality of the photo.

Judging Criteria Example for a photo contest:
a. Quality and Detail of Photo – 40%
b. Creativity of Paint Project – 40%
c. Quality of 200 Word Written Submission – 20%

You must also specify the restrictions on eligible submissions with regard to copyright and intellectual property concerns. Specify the types of content that are prohibited as well (e.g. no nudity, no sexual or violent content).

Good Example: Behr Mini Makeovers Photo Contest Official Rules

Facebook Requirements for a Photo Contest

Facebook has its own rules for how contests should be run on its platform. Make sure to clearly indicate in your official rules for your photo contest that your contest is not sponsored by or associated with Facebook. You must also have a link to the official photo contest rules that is visible and legible on your Facebook page.

Deeper Dive: Facebook Contest Rules and Ideas

Pinterest Photo Contest Rules

Pinterest is another popular platform that brands often use for photo contests because it’s filled with user submissions and has a majority female audience that brands can tap into. However, Pinterest has some unique rules when it comes to contests that you should make sure to mention in your contest rules:

• Entries are limited to one per person.
• Your contest is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Pinterest.
• Pinning an image or commenting more than other entrants doesn’t increase your chances.

Instagram Photo Contest Rules

As with all social platforms, Instagram also requires that you mention in your contest rules that your contest is neither sponsored nor endorsed by Instagram. You must also mention that by participating in your contests, users agree to abide by Instagram’s terms of service.

Deeper Dive: What Are Instagram Contest Rules & Best Practices?

Final Thoughts

As you plan your contest, carefully review social media platform rules for contests to ensure that you have covered everything you need to include in your contest rules. You should also make sure that you have complied with all federal, state and local laws that are applicable to your contest.

Need help with sweepstakes or contest management? Call 305-505-5393 or email us with your questions.

The post What Should Be Included in Your Photo Contest Rules? appeared first on Sweeppea Blog.