Running a sweepstakes, contest, or instant win promotion that's open to Maryland 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 MD. Federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, tax reporting) apply in every state — this page focuses on what's unique to Maryland.
Registration Requirements
Maryland does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Maryland does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Your promotion must comply with federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, postal lottery statutes) and MD's general consumer protection laws.
Key Statutes
The following Maryland statutes are relevant to sweepstakes and promotional compliance:
- Md. Code, Crim. Law § 12-101 et seq. (gambling)
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 13-301 et seq. (consumer protection)
Regulatory body: Maryland Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
Sweepstakes Rules in Maryland
Legal with standard NPN compliance. Maryland's consumer protection laws are actively enforced against deceptive promotion practices.
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: Raffles are permitted for qualified organizations under Maryland's charitable gaming provisions. Permits required from local jurisdictions.
Lotteries: State-run via Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Private lotteries are illegal.
Commercial raffles are illegal in Maryland
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
Maryland permits limited DTC wine shipments. Spirits DTC is restricted.
Key Takeaways for Maryland
Maryland 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 Maryland'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.
