{"Status":true,"Message":"","Response":{"post":{"postuid":"bb27eff3-06ed-447b-bff0-df59a7c0baeb","tenantuid":"d8b744fc-2e70-4089-bb80-dd1d08f6c7b2","projectuid":"239698c5-f7eb-4574-8cc8-c6568f08b3a0","title":"Promotional giveaways and sweepstakes using SMS","slug":"article/promotional-giveaways-and-sweepstakes-using-sms","html":"\u003Ch2 id=\u0022guidelines_for_promotional_giveaways_and_sweepstakes_offered_via_sms\u0022\u003EGuidelines for promotional giveaways and sweepstakes offered via SMS\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBelow are the rules required to include promotional giveaways and sweepstakes via SMS.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022no_purchase_necessary_avoid_running_an_illegal_lottery\u0022\u003ENo Purchase Necessary (Avoid Running an Illegal Lottery)\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnder US law, a lottery requires three things: a \u003Cb\u003EPrize\u003C/b\u003E, \u003Cb\u003EChance\u003C/b\u003E (random selection), and \u003Cb\u003EConsideration\u003C/b\u003E (a cost or required purchase to enter). Because a sweepstakes uses Prize and Chance, you \u003Cb\u003Emust remove Consideration\u003C/b\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EYou cannot require a customer to buy a pet product or pay a fee to enter.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EYou must offer a \u003Cb\u003EFree Alternate Means of Entry (AMOE)\u003C/b\u003E\u2014like a free web form or mail-in entry\u2014that gives non-purchasers the exact same odds of winning.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022explicit_marketing_optin_tcpa_compliance\u0022\u003EExplicit Marketing Opt-In (TCPA Compliance)\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEntering a giveaway via text does \u003Cb\u003Enot\u003C/b\u003E automatically give you permission to send ongoing marketing texts unless disclosed properly.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOne-Time Entry:\u003C/b\u003E If texting a keyword only enters them into the giveaway and sends a single confirmation reply, standard consent applies.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESubscribing to Marketing:\u003C/b\u003E If you plan to send future promo texts, discount codes, or pet care tips, your promotional sign-up text or web page \u003Cb\u003Emust\u003C/b\u003E state: \u003Ci\u003E\u0022By entering, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing texts from [Brand Name]. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg \u0026amp; data rates may apply.\u0022\u003C/i\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022clear_official_rules\u0022\u003EClear Official Rules\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou must link to a full set of Official Rules in your initial entry confirmation or opt-in message. The rules must detail:\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESponsor details and eligibility criteria (e.g., US residents, 18\u002B).\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStart and end dates.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDescription and Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of the pet prize.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHow and when the winner will be drawn and notified.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022avoid_restricted_carrier_terms\u0022\u003EAvoid Restricted Carrier Terms\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECarriers (Verizon, AT\u0026amp;T, T-Mobile) actively filter messages containing hype-heavy trigger words like \u0022WINNER,\u0022 \u0022FREE,\u0022 or \u0022GIVEAWAY\u0022 if your sending campaign isn\u0027t pre-approved. Make sure your \u003Ca href=\u0022/article/ttkewgd9bj-10-dlc-registration\u0022\u003E10DLC campaign\u003C/a\u003E or Toll-Free number is properly registered with your SMS gateway before launching.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022sample_rules_templates_for_giveaway_or_sweepstakes\u0022\u003ESample rules templates for giveaway or sweepstakes\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022important\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003EImportant\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis template is provided as an example. Please consult with an attorney to review your rules and terms specific to your location.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Cp\u003E[BRAND NAME] SMS SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00221_eligibility\u0022\u003E1. Eligibility\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003E[Brand Name] [Sweepstakes Name]\u003C/b\u003E (the \u0022Sweepstakes\u0022) is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors of \u003Cb\u003E[Brand Name]\u003C/b\u003E (\u0022Sponsor\u0022), its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising agencies, and immediate family members are not eligible to enter.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00222_sweepstakes_period\u0022\u003E2. Sweepstakes Period\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Sweepstakes begins on \u003Cb\u003E[Start Date]\u003C/b\u003E at 12:00 AM [Time Zone] and ends on \u003Cb\u003E[End Date]\u003C/b\u003E at 11:59 PM [Time Zone] (the \u0022Sweepstakes Period\u0022). Sponsor\u0027s clock is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00223_how_to_enter\u0022\u003E3. How to Enter\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are two (2) ways to enter:\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMethod 1: SMS Entry.\u003C/b\u003E During the Sweepstakes Period, text the keyword \u003Cb\u003E[KEYWORD]\u003C/b\u003E to \u003Cb\u003E[SHORT CODE / PHONE NUMBER]\u003C/b\u003E using a wireless mobile device. You will receive an automated text confirmation containing a link to complete your entry form.\u003Ci\u003ESMS Disclosure:\u003C/i\u003E By entering via SMS, you consent to receive automated promotional and marketing text messages from \u003Cb\u003E[Brand Name]\u003C/b\u003E. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Standard message and data rates may apply. Text \u003Cb\u003ESTOP\u003C/b\u003E to cancel, \u003Cb\u003EHELP\u003C/b\u003E for help.\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESMS Disclosure:\u003C/i\u003E By entering via SMS, you consent to receive automated promotional and marketing text messages from \u003Cb\u003E[Brand Name]\u003C/b\u003E. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Standard message and data rates may apply. Text \u003Cb\u003ESTOP\u003C/b\u003E to cancel, \u003Cb\u003EHELP\u003C/b\u003E for help.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMethod 2: Free Alternate Means of Entry (AMOE / Mail-In or Web Form).\u003C/b\u003E To enter without texting or opting into marketing messages, visit \u003Cb\u003E[URL]\u003C/b\u003E and complete the online entry form with your full name, email address, phone number, and physical mailing address. All entries submitted via the online form offer the exact same odds of winning as SMS entries.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELimit:\u003C/b\u003E One (1) entry per person/mobile phone number regardless of method of entry.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00224_prize_and_approximate_retail_value_arv\u0022\u003E4. Prize and Approximate Retail Value (\u0022ARV\u0022)\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPrize:\u003C/b\u003E One (1) Winner will receive \u003Cb\u003E[Detailed Description of Prize, e.g., A 1-Year Supply of Premium Dog Treats and a Custom Pet Bed]\u003C/b\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETotal ARV:\u003C/b\u003E \u003Cb\u003E$[Dollar Amount, e.g., $500.00]\u003C/b\u003E.\nPrizes are non-transferable, and no substitution or cash equivalent will be made except at the Sponsor\u0027s sole discretion. All federal, state, and local taxes associated with prize acceptance are the sole responsibility of the Winner.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00225_winner_selection_and_odds\u0022\u003E5. Winner Selection and Odds\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn or about \u003Cb\u003E[Drawing Date, e.g., 2 business days after end date]\u003C/b\u003E, Sponsor will select one (1) potential winner in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received across both entry methods. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00226_winner_notification\u0022\u003E6. Winner Notification\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe potential winner will be notified via SMS message or email at the phone number/email address provided upon entry. If a potential winner does not respond within \u003Cb\u003E[e.g., 48 hours]\u003C/b\u003E of the first notification attempt, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00227_limitation_of_liability_andamp_release\u0022\u003E7. Limitation of Liability \u0026amp; Release\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy participating, entrants agree to release and hold harmless \u003Cb\u003E[Brand Name]\u003C/b\u003E, its affiliates, advertising platforms, wireless carriers, and their respective officers, directors, and employees from any and all liability, loss, or damage arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes or the acceptance, possession, or use of any prize.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00228_privacy\u0022\u003E8. Privacy\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInformation collected from entrants is subject to Sponsor\u2019s Privacy Policy located at \u003Cb\u003E[URL]\u003C/b\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u00229_winner_list_andamp_official_rules\u0022\u003E9. Winner List \u0026amp; Official Rules\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo request a copy of the Winner List or these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: \u003Cb\u003E[Business Address]\u003C/b\u003E within 30 days of the Sweepstakes end date.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESPONSOR:\u003C/b\u003E \u003Cb\u003E[Brand Name, Legal Business Name, Address]\u003C/b\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","publish_status":0,"post_type":"Article","authoruid":"3dde8c16-763a-4a2b-ae0b-1d8c50c62e3d","author":{"authoruid":"3dde8c16-763a-4a2b-ae0b-1d8c50c62e3d"},"featured_image_updating":false,"meta_description":"Learn key SMS giveaway rules: no purchase necessary, explicit opt-in, clear official rules, and tips to avoid carrier message blocking. Comply with US law.","display_toc":true,"has_workingcopy":false,"allow_indexing":true,"sort_order":12,"total_views":1,"date_published":"2026-09-15T14:27:00","date_updated":"2026-09-15T14:46:53.117","date_created":"2026-09-15T14:27:34.863"}}}