Learn when you may be required to obtain a surety bond and registration for your Sweepstakes and how to do so.

Some states require a surety bond for your Sweepstakes prizes and a registration of the Sweepstakes with their gaming agency. If the total value of all prizes is greater than $5,000, a surety bond and registration is required to include residents of these states in the drawing:

• New York: required for all Sweepstakes
• Florida: only required if the sponsor (your organization) is not a 501(c) organization

When You Don't Need Registration and Bonding

If the total value of all prizes is less than $5,000, you will not be required to register or bond it in any state. You may also choose to exclude New York (and/or Florida) residents from your Sweepstakes if you want to avoid the registration and bonding process. Our approvals team will reach out to you after you publish your Sweepstakes to confirm the rules.

When to Register and Bond Your Sweepstakes

Your Sweepstakes must be completely set up before acquiring the bond. Once the bond is obtained, you can't make any changes to your Sweepstakes.

Registration and Bonding Costs

The cost of registering a charity Sweepstakes in each state is $100 (plus any express shipping fees), and the price of a surety bond is 2% of the value of the prize(s) (plus any express shipping fees). Therefore, if you need to register and bond in New York and Florida, you will need to acquire two separate bonds.

Registration and Bonding Process

RallyUp will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the registration and bonding process. It may seem daunting, but it is a relatively straightforward process.

1. Acquire the bond.

We will introduce you to our partner, who can help you acquire the bond. They have a simple form for you to fill out and can usually get the bond completed the same day. They can overnight the bond to you and send an invoice for all charges.

2. Sign and notarize the bond

Once you receive the bond in the mail, you will need to have it signed and notarized before sending it off to the state to register your Sweepstakes.

3. Fill out the state registration form.

A registration form for each state must be filled out and mailed in with a check for $100.

4. Send all information to the state.

Send the following information to the state to register your drawing:

• Printed copy of official rules – (RallyUp will provide a PDF copy for you)
• Notarized surety bond
• Signed registration form
• Check for $100

We recommend sending this packet with a return receipt or some way to track that it was received. Once you have proof that the state received the package, contact us, and we will be able to approve your Sweepstakes so it can go live.