Make it fun BUT, Legal!

[mrcheapsbiz]

Offer up an awesome game and a nice 100% free prize.
One my main website I have held Scavanger hunts and offered up A dinner and a movie prize pk. Basically, You would hide something in your listing, ( a code, image, Riddle, word, trivia, ect. Anounce it And allow visitors to go happily hunting. First person to find the whatever you hid will be awarded EXAMPLE: $25.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO A RESTAURANT IN THEIR DESIRED AREA AND A NEWER RELEASED DVDAccompanied by, Micro popcorn, Drink mixer, Movie styled candy bomb for free. You will not Charge shipping or have any hidden fees. It must be given 100% free of charge. This allows people to search your website for the hidden item at the same time, They will be cruising your website and viewing what you have to offer as well.
I am not sure it is okay to do on this site, Anyone know?

[TiasTreasures]

If my memory isn't failing, eBid had a contest like this a while back.

And while I'm not a lawyer, I think it would be legal. I believe a contest is OK provided the winner has to do something (like look through listings) and all participants have an equal chance.

[madelaine]

I think you will find that the law on competitions varies from state to state? (she says from the great knowledge of noticing that some US magazines run competitions you can't enter if you live in certain states).

[TiasTreasures]

Maybe more trouble than it's worth (at least in the U.S.). First it has to be a "game of skill" to be legal in all states. Check this out:
http://www.ennsandarcher.com/s_basics.html

So searching through listings may or may not be considered a "game of skill". If it isn't:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/question541.htm

I think I'll pass, although it's an appealing idea.

[deltadelta48]

I think you will find that the law on competitions varies from state to state? (she says from the great knowledge of noticing that some US magazines run competitions you can't enter if you live in certain states).

Yup, that is "state's rights" in action. Make things very confusing sometimes. Gambling is illegal is many states and many of these offers are seen as gambling.