While there are plenty of guides on how to run a successful promotion online, what you really want to know is if your promotion is going to be legally compliant.

I'm always being approached by my clients who are seeking advice on the basic guidelines for running their promotions.

To address your concerns, we have created a simple and practical guide to how marketers should be running their promotions and what you should be considering legally.

Be prepared

Properly run, trade promotions are an incredibly powerful marketing tool, giving promoters the opportunity to creatively engage with their customers (and attract new ones). Get it wrong, and the reverse may occur.

It’s great news that permits are no longer required in Victoria, but don’t be tempted to ignore compliance requirements. In Victoria, failure to comply can attract fines of $8,800 or more, and the gaming authorities in other states have similar, if not harsher, penalties.

Whether you are running a Facebook content or website promotion, here are few tips to follow.

1: Deciding whether you're running a game of skill or chance

The rule of thumb is that if there’s any element of chance in determining the winner, then it will be a game of chance, regardless of whether entrants have to exercise skill at some point.

2: Include proper T&Cs

Always detail:

·      Full details regarding who can enter

·      Full details regarding how to enter

·      Start/end dates and times

·      Full description and value of all prizes

·      How winners will be chosen (barrel draw/random electronic selection)

·      Draw date, time and location

·      How and when winners will be notified and where results will be published

·      Details of any additional purpose that personal information collected from entrants will be used

3: Permits

Each state and territory has its own gaming laws, but not all of them require permits to be issued.

There are many variables that need to be considered before running your next promotion, that's why we've created an informative simple infographic that will save you time, and it gives you peace of mind.

Download it for free here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Kelly, founder of KHQApproved.com.au, a division of Kelly Hazell Quill Lawyers.