Sweepstakes And Gift Card Update

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Consumer Affairs approved a new set of sweepstakes regulations that will significantly ease the ability of marketers to advance their promotions within the Commonwealth. Puerto Rican regulations previously restricted marketers' efforts to conduct sweepstakes that are otherwise legal in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The new regulations, which became effective November 27, 2009, also provide clarity as to certain sweepstakes issues, such as online publication of official rules and text messaging fees.

The significant changes to Puerto Rico's sweepstakes regulations include the following:

• Standard text messaging fees do not constitute consideration for the purpose of a lottery analysis.