This document provides an overview of sweepstakes and contest law, defining key terms and outlining regulations at the state and federal level. It discusses why sweepstakes are highly regulated due to problems in the 1990s, and regulatory bodies that oversee sweepstakes. State laws vary but generally prohibit private lotteries and regulate elements of chance, consideration, and prize. Federal laws also aim to prevent deceptive practices in sweepstakes mailings and advertising.