If you plan to run a sweepstakes, you may have noticed that many brands that run promotions in Canada exclude Quebec residents from entering due to sweepstakes rules Quebec. Nearly a third of Canada citizens live in Quebec so there is a powerful incentive to include them. However, Quebec sweepstakes rules can make things more complicated.
Here is what you should know about sweepstakes rules for Quebec, Canada.
RACJ Quebec
Quebec’s sweepstakes are required to follow the sweepstakes laws set forth by the Regie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ). These laws are designed to protect consumers from scams and ensure that sweepstakes sponsors deliver prizes as promised. However, these consumer protections laws are expensive for brands to follow and the penalties are steep if they run afoul of the laws.
If you’re still willing to go forth with your promotion, you must do the following in order to run a sweepstakes in Quebec:
Registration
The sponsors of the promotion must register their official rules for the promotion and all advertisements with the RACJ prior to the launch of the promotion. The registration process requires a payment of duty. The payment of the duty varies based on the value of your prize, namely:
- If the aggregate prize value is over $100 but less than $1,000 CAD, 10% of the prize value must be paid and the promotion must be registered 5 days prior to the launch.
- If the prize is valued at $1,000.01 to $4,999.99 CAD, 10% of the prize value must be paid and the promotion must be registered within 30 days prior to the launch.
- If the value of any single prize in the promotion is greater than $5,000 CAD or if the aggregate prize value is $20,000 CAD or more, the promotion must be both registered and bonded with a fee of 10% of the prize value and the registration submitted 30 days prior to the start of the promotion.
The sweepstakes rules Quebec must also be publicly published at least 10 days prior to the start of the promotion.
Official Sweepstakes Rules for Quebec
- French Translation. Sweepstakes rules must be translated into French in order to comply with Quebec’s Charter of the French language.
- Changes. The sweepstakes rules must also mention that the government of Quebec is permitted to make changes or cancel the giveaway as necessary once it is underway.
- Winner Test. Your sweepstakes rules should mention that the prize won’t be awarded until the winner correctly answers a skill-testing question. Typically, brands use a four-step math question.
- Winner Report. The sponsors of the sweepstakes must make a written report within 60 days of the end of the promotion to attest that they have delivered or tried to deliver the prizes to each winner with the inclusion of the winner’s name and address for prizes worth $100 CAD or more.
- Dispute Disclaimer. Sponsors are required to disclose that the government of Quebec may mediate any lawsuits arising from the sweepstakes promotion.
Because these laws are significantly different than other Canadian province sweepstakes laws, as well as those of the United States, many brands typically void their promotions in Quebec. However, if you still want to proceed with running a sweepstakes in Quebec, we can help you ensure that your sweepstakes rules for Quebec comply with the law.
Need help with sweepstakes or contest management? Call 305–505–5393 or email us with your questions.
