Running a sweepstakes, contest, or instant win promotion that's open to Utah 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 UT. Federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, tax reporting) apply in every state — this page focuses on what's unique to Utah.
Registration Requirements
Utah does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Utah does not require sweepstakes registration or bonding. Your promotion must comply with federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, postal lottery statutes) and UT's general consumer protection laws.
Key Statutes
The following Utah statutes are relevant to sweepstakes and promotional compliance:
- Utah Code § 76-10-1101 et seq. (gambling)
- Utah Code § 13-11-1 et seq. (consumer sales practices)
Regulatory body: Utah Attorney General, Division of Consumer Protection
Sweepstakes Rules in Utah
Legal with standard NPN compliance. Utah prohibits all gambling and has no state lottery — gambling statutes are interpreted very broadly. Ensure sweepstakes are clearly structured to eliminate consideration.
Contest Rules
Skill-based contests are permitted. Utah has no legal gambling, so the distinction between skill and chance is particularly important.
Instant Win Rules
Instant win games are legal with standard free entry requirements. Given Utah's anti-gambling stance, ensure mechanics are clearly promotional, not gaming-related.
Raffle & Lottery Rules
Raffles: Utah has very restrictive raffle laws. Only very limited charitable gaming is permitted.
Lotteries: Utah does not operate a state lottery and prohibits all gambling. Private lotteries are illegal.
Commercial raffles are illegal in Utah
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
Utah has very restrictive alcohol laws (DABC control state). DTC alcohol shipments are prohibited. Alcohol prizes to Utah residents are highly problematic — consult counsel.
Special Restrictions & Notes
- Utah has no legal gambling and no state lottery — gambling statutes are interpreted very broadly.
- Utah has very restrictive alcohol laws — DTC alcohol shipments are prohibited.
Key Takeaways for Utah
Utah 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 Utah'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.
