The Scoop on PromotionsProject Support Team Blog

July 12th, 2010

Why are so many Sweepstakes void in Quebec?

The government of Quebec has a number of laws in place that are intended to protect the citizens of Quebec, but in–turn impose a significant burden of resources and money to Sponsors.

In order to allow residents of Quebec to participate in a Sweepstakes, Sponsor must do some or all of the following things:

1) Pay a fee of 3-10% of the total prize value.
2) Register the Official Rules and all advertisements used to promote the Sweepstakes with the Quebec government at least 30 days ahead of the Sweepstakes’ launch.
3) Agree to allow the government of Quebec to mediate any lawsuits arising from the promotion.
4) Follow strict guidelines about the contents of the Official Rules. As an example, Canadian residents must answer a mathematical question to be deemed a prize winner.
5) Allow the Quebec government to determine if the sweepstakes may be changed or canceled once it has started.
6) File a written report after the promotion has concluded, attesting that the prizes have been awarded.

So in conclusion….It is not because Sponsors don’t want to offer these promotions to residents of Quebec. But rather many Sponsors cannot follow the stringent rules established by the government of Quebec.