Running a sweepstakes, contest, or instant win promotion that's open to Pennsylvania 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 PA. Federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, tax reporting) apply in every state — this page focuses on what's unique to Pennsylvania.
Registration Requirements
Pennsylvania does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Pennsylvania does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Your promotion must comply with federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, postal lottery statutes) and PA's general consumer protection laws.
Key Statutes
The following Pennsylvania statutes are relevant to sweepstakes and promotional compliance:
- 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5512 et seq. (lotteries)
- 73 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 201-1 et seq. (unfair trade practices and consumer protection)
Regulatory body: Pennsylvania Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection
Sweepstakes Rules in Pennsylvania
Legal with standard NPN compliance. Pennsylvania's Consumer Protection Law applies to deceptive sweepstakes practices. The state has actively pursued enforcement against deceptive prize notification schemes.
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 (small games of chance) are permitted for licensed qualified organizations.
Lotteries: State-run via Pennsylvania Lottery. Private lotteries are illegal.
Commercial raffles are illegal in Pennsylvania
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
Pennsylvania is a state-controlled liquor state (PLCB). DTC wine is permitted with a limited winery license or direct wine shipper license. Spirits must be sold through state stores.
Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania'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.
