Running a sweepstakes, contest, or instant win promotion that's open to South Carolina 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 SC. Federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, tax reporting) apply in every state — this page focuses on what's unique to South Carolina.
Registration Requirements
South Carolina does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. South Carolina does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Your promotion must comply with federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, postal lottery statutes) and SC's general consumer protection laws.
Key Statutes
The following South Carolina statutes are relevant to sweepstakes and promotional compliance:
- S.C. Code § 16-19-10 et seq. (gambling)
- S.C. Code § 39-5-10 et seq. (unfair trade practices)
Regulatory body: South Carolina Attorney General, Department of Consumer Affairs
Sweepstakes Rules in South Carolina
Legal with standard NPN compliance. South Carolina has banned sweepstakes gaming devices/internet cafes — legitimate marketing sweepstakes are unaffected.
Contest Rules
Skill-based contests are permitted without additional state requirements.
Instant Win Rules
Instant win games are legal as marketing promotions. Ensure mechanics don't resemble banned sweepstakes gaming devices.
Raffle & Lottery Rules
Raffles: Raffles are restricted to qualified nonprofit organizations.
Lotteries: State-run via South Carolina Education Lottery. Private lotteries are illegal.
Commercial raffles are illegal in South Carolina
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
South Carolina permits DTC wine shipments with a wine shipper's permit. Spirits DTC is restricted.
Key Takeaways for South Carolina
South Carolina 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 South Carolina'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.
