Sweepstakes Rules: Carved In Stone

Promotional contests and sweepstakes are increasingly popular marketing methods. However, many prospective sweepstakes operators may not be aware of or fully understand the importance of the sweepstakes rules governing the applicable contests. Unlike other marketing means, sweepstakes promotions cannot be adjusted or terminated mid-campaign, based simply on the desires of the sponsor. The parameters of the sweepstakes promotion that are established in the rules prior to commencement of the sweepstakes (including contest length and prizes to be awarded) must be adhered to, even if the subject promotion is unsuccessful.

Sweepstakes rules are your contract with the contest entrants. This means that the rules of the game must be the same for people who enter on day one as they are for people who enter near the end of the contest term. As such, the rules must be set in stone when the sweepstakes period commences and they cannot be changed.