A chain of Italian restaurants on the West Coast (Il Fornato) sent me a postcard and, if you go eat there six times over the next six months and get the card officially “stamped” six times, you can then enter that card to win a trip for two to Italy.
First of all, it is a nice restaurant chain (a bit pricey though) and I don’t mean to get on their case. Also, I think the chances of winning are slight and have no intention of going through the effort. However, I thought it was illegal to make people pay to enter a sweepstakes like this? Even Coke offers “free bottle caps by mail” if you want to win one of their prizes so no one can claim they had to buy Coke to win a prize.
This card specifically states that you must purchase an item from the menu of the month to get it stamped.
I thought by forcing people to pay for an entry to win a sweepstakes prize, you are essentially making this a lottery and thus it is illegal to do.
Is there an exception to this rule?
Hmmm, strange. By any chance are you guaranteed anything if you get it stamped 6 times? For example “Get 6 stamps and get a free appetizer and get entered in a raffle for a trip to Italy”
If you’ve ever seen someone go through a red light then you’re aware that laws are broken every day.
There may be some loophole that’s written in fine print (e.g. Free stamps if brought in between 8am and 9am on Thursdays). If they’re really sleazy, that fine print may only be printed on the “official contest rules” posted in the men’s room (or other obscure place).
On one occasion, I commented about a similar incident to management. Their response (effectively) was, “Show me the law. Until someone does, we consider this legal”
Write a letter to your Attorney General (with a copy to the chain, itself). I’ll bet they stop.
Generally, you can’t require a purchase to win a prize. That makes it a lottery and thus illegal in most states (at the very least, the state gaming board or equivalent would have to approve).
It’s allowed mainly because no one has brought it to the attention of the proper authorities.
Why yes. Based on their web page where they describe the “Passaporto”, if you have it stamped , you’ll receive a free gift (reading other web sites, it may be an apron, a wine charm, etc.) If you sample all six regions you get a ceramic plate, and one completed Passaporto holder will win a trip for two to Italy.
Thanks Markxxx, that was a great link.
And one of the items on their list was “no purchase necessary”.
That seems to be missing from this contest.
Again, I have no axe to grind or personal grudge against Il Fornaio and actually like the place, but was just wondering about this marketing ploy and the legality of it.