I asked that question in another forum SBI where I host my site and I was told;

"If you are running a competition that is not skill based. it could be classified as a lottery. Depending on where you are located there are regulations that you must comply with."

"How it is run, the worth of the prize and maybe even how the winner is selected may be important to ensure that it is within guidelines specified by your state."

Love to hear what others have to say.

Interesting points Barb.  I am no longer doing giveaways because I've had two of them go wrong!  The people who were supose to send out the prizes never did and now I'm stuck in the middle!  I've contacted them multiple times without a reply.  Very frustrating!  Thankfully the two winners are very understanding!

Tiny-it is all so confusing. Different states with different rules and if it is open to the US you have to comply with the most restrictive state. To me it just isn't worth the risk

Jamie-I have never had that happen but have heard so many horror stories! Sorry that you are going through that. NOT FUN!

wow, that is something I've never even given any thought to.  I haven't done any giveaways yet, but I am going to have to do some research before I do.  Thanks!

Barb,

That makes sense that you would have to follow guild lines to all states...any idea which states are the most restrictive?

I wonder what the restrictions are? I have heard that the entries must not discriminate...so you shouldn't have an entry for things like facebook follow for instance without an alternative so that it is open to those without facebook.

This is extremely interesting. I actually kind of hate giveaways on blogs, especially when I go visit a new blog (based on the title or posts here on BF) and I'm all excited to see it. When I get there, the last five posts are all giveaways and "follow me" memes.

I never follow those blogs. Ever. I want to read something fun, uplifting, stimulating, whatever. Not stroke the ego of random strangers. I will be glad to see giveaways and contests parred down a bit.

Gina, that's funny, as that is what many of my readers wanted too... I did a survey at the beginning of the summer.  It was fascinating to see what my readers actually wanted.  Now I hide the giveaways and product reviews within my niche (I think Barb wrote a post on how-to do that in one of her PR mondays).  My bounce rate has improved :)

Thank you this topic it interesting for me to know,

Have a nice day.

Nan

I've been pondering this as well. I haven't put any ads up on my blog yet because I'm feeling very picky about the way I want my ads to look. I don't want my blog to look like a Sunday paper full of ads.

Was concerned about how the give aways would look so I like the idea of hiding it on a separate page.

Thanks for the advice.