Are Facebook Raffle Draws Allowed and Legal?
In the past couple of months of home quarantining, I have noticed the proliferation of contests and giveaways being held on social media, specifically on Facebook. One of these contests is a raffle draw where participants pay to buy a number for a chance to win a prize. Once all the numbers are sold, the one who administers the raffle draw then picks a winner or winners.
From what I have noticed, Facebook raffles are now one of the best ways to generate income. But is holding a raffle draw allowed by Facebook or is it legal to do this?
According to Facebook’s guidelines on contests and giveaways, one can administer promotions only on Pages, Groups, Events, or within apps on Facebook. You are NOT allowed to hold them on your personal Profile Timeline.
Also, the host is responsible for the lawful operation of that promotion, including:
- The official rules;
- Offer terms and eligibility requirements (ex: age and residency restrictions); and
- Compliance with applicable rules and regulations governing the promotion and all prizes offered (ex: registration and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals).
Required Content Promotions on Facebook must include the following:
- A complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant; and
- Acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.
Is Facebook strict about these rules and regulations? Have you held a contest on your personal timeline before?
Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Please seek legal help from an experienced attorney if you intend to hold a Facebook giveaway.