Running a sweepstakes, contest, or instant win promotion that's open to Hawaii residents? This guide covers every state-specific requirement you need to know — registration obligations, bonding, raffle restrictions, alcohol prize rules, and the key statutes that govern promotions in HI. Federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, tax reporting) apply in every state — this page focuses on what's unique to Hawaii.
Registration Requirements
Hawaii does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Hawaii does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Your promotion must comply with federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, postal lottery statutes) and HI's general consumer protection laws.
Key Statutes
The following Hawaii statutes are relevant to sweepstakes and promotional compliance:
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 712-1220 et seq. (gambling offenses)
Regulatory body: Hawaii Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection
Sweepstakes Rules in Hawaii
Legal with standard NPN compliance. Hawaii has no legal gambling of any kind (no casinos, no state lottery), making its gambling statutes particularly broad. Ensure your sweepstakes clearly eliminates consideration.
Contest Rules
Skill-based contests are permitted without additional state requirements.
Instant Win Rules
Instant win games are legal with standard free entry requirements.
Raffle & Lottery Rules
Raffles: Charitable raffles are permitted with restrictions. Commercial raffles are illegal.
Lotteries: Hawaii does not operate a state lottery and prohibits all forms of gambling. Private lotteries are illegal.
Commercial raffles are illegal in Hawaii
Raffles — where participants pay for a ticket and winners are drawn at random — are restricted to qualified nonprofit organizations. Brands cannot run commercial raffles. If your promotion involves purchasing a ticket for a chance to win, restructure it as a sweepstakes (free entry required) or a contest (skill-based judging).
Alcohol Prize Rules
Hawaii prohibits DTC alcohol shipments. Alcohol prize fulfillment requires in-state licensed retailer involvement.
Special Restrictions & Notes
- Hawaii has no legal gambling — gambling statutes are interpreted broadly. Ensure sweepstakes structure clearly separates from gambling.
Key Takeaways for Hawaii
Hawaii Compliance Checklist
- Comply with all federal requirements (FTC, NPN, postal lottery statutes)
- Draft complete official rules with all required disclosures
- Ensure AMOE provides equal odds of winning
- Collect W-9 for prizes valued at $2,000+
- Include 'void where prohibited' clause in official rules
- Check Hawaii's consumer protection laws for disclosure requirements
Related Resources
For the complete legal framework that applies to all U.S. sweepstakes, see our pillar guides:
- The Complete Guide to Sweepstakes Laws — federal requirements, state registration, official rules, and tax reporting
- How to Run a Sweepstakes — step-by-step guide from planning to winner selection
- Interactive Sweepstakes Law Map — see requirements for all 50 states at a glance
- State Registration & Bonding Requirements — deep dive on NY, FL, and RI registration
- Sweepstakes vs Contest vs Lottery — the legal distinctions that determine compliance requirements
Revup
Revup tracks state-by-state compliance requirements and flags registration obligations based on your prize value and eligible states.
