Sweepstakes: Free Money, Free Albums? – Advertising, marketing and branding

The marketing industry continues to attract interest in various brands, products and services by offering unique and attractive sweepstakes promotions. Companies organize contests to reach all kinds of consumers, including music lovers. Consider the new Dire Straits Sweepstakes. The band is giving away multiple vinyl copies of his soon to be released digitally remastered “Money for Nothing” album. While such promotional activities are likely to attract new consumers, the success of any competition depends on being designed and administered in compliance with applicable sweepstakes laws. It is important to consult an experienced sweepstakes attorney to ensure that your promotion is legal.

Dire Straits Contest and Applicable Prize Law

The Contest Sponsor, AVTech Americas Inc. (owner and publisher of analogplanet.com and stereophile.com) (“Sponsor”), has created these Official Rules for the Sweepstakes Promotion. As with any successful set of contest rules, the rules must be drafted in accordance with applicable sweepstakes laws. This requires meticulous attention to the last detail. Contest rules must contain (among other terms):

1. Sweepstakes Alternate Entry Means (“AMOE”), i.e., a statement that no purchase is required to enter and that such purchase does not increase the consumer’s odds of winning a prize.




2. Start date and end date.




3. Eligibility requirements such as minimum age and prohibited states.When




4. The odds of winning a prize.

Are Money for Nothing sweepstakes legal?

According to analogplanet.com, Dire Straits’ first Greatest Hits collection, Money for Nothing, has been newly remastered by Bob Ludwig. The collection will be available in digital and his two vinyl formats in early 2023. To generate interest and attention to the remastered release date, promotional sponsors have published official rules for vinyl sweepstakes. As mentioned above, AMOE must be present. Therefore, the Money for Nothing Rule states in advance, in capital letters:

Other provisions include: 2) Timing: The Sweepstakes will begin on January 20, 2023 at 12:00:01 AM EST and will end on February 3, 2023 at 11:59:00 PM EST. 3) HOW TO ENTER (Individuals can enter the sweepstakes by visiting analogplanet.com or stereophile.com and clicking on the post titled “The Dire Straits”.
useless money 4) Only one entry per participant is allowed. 5) the draw (including the number of draws and the number of winners); 6) prize description; and 7) other terms and conditions.

Contest details must comply with applicable sweepstakes laws

Sponsoring sweepstakes promotions is clearly an effective marketing tool. As we have seen, such tools are used in various industries such as music, restaurants, and even promotion of social media applications. However, remember that there are many issues to consider when setting up your contest. Most important of all, sweepstakes contest rules must be carefully drafted to ensure that the rules comply with applicable law. As such, businesses should seek advice before conducting contest promotions to avoid potential regulatory and legal issues.

Related blog post:

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Take your marketing to the next level with sweepstakes and contests!

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide on the subject. You should seek professional advice for your particular situation.