Holiday Sweepstakes Void Where Prohibited: What That Means
See what void where prohibited excludes, why free entry matters, and how to check eligibility fast.
"Void where prohibited" means a holiday drawing does not operate in any state, locality, or country where offering it would violate the law. If you live in an excluded place, you cannot enter or win. A sweepstakes awards prizes by chance rather than skill.
Holiday drawings that pick winners at random are usually sweepstakes, not contests.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 06, 2026.
What the phrase does
The phrase is blanket rules language. It lets a sponsor exclude restricted places without listing every possible law, according to Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP in its Sweepstakes Law Basics guide. Check the eligibility and void-jurisdictions section for the actual list.
That section names the states or countries where entry is barred.
Why entry must be free
A promotion with prize, chance, and consideration is generally treated as an unlawful private lottery. Sponsors remove consideration by offering a free way to enter. That is why legitimate drawings do not require a purchase, entry fee, or proof of purchase.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services explains that Florida law treats requiring payment as making a game promotion unlawful in its game promotions guidance.
Why some states are excluded
Some states require advance filing, fees, or a bond for larger chance promotions. National sponsors sometimes exclude a state rather than complete that process. In New York, for example, certain chance promotions tied to consumer products or services with prizes over $5,000 must file prize, odds, rules, timing, and geography details at least 30 days ahead plus a $100 fee, as described in FindLaw's text of New York General Business Law section 369-e.
Rhode Island has a separate filing rule for retail promotions over $500 in total announced value.
What to check before you enter
Read the written rules before entering. They act as the sponsor-entrant contract and normally state dates, eligibility, entry method, odds, prizes, winner selection, and void places.
- Confirm your state is eligible and not listed as void
- Use only the stated free entry method
- Note start and end dates, age limits, and prize details
- Do not pay a fee, tax, shipping charge, or purchase to claim a prize you supposedly won