VT and WA residents may omit return postage...why?

Factual Questions
1

So everytime I see a soda company or fats food joint offering a contest, they always tell you that no purchase in neccesary, and to send a self-addessed stamped envelope to an address. However, the fine print always sais that VT and WA residents may omit return postage.

Why is this so? I assume it is some kind of law or whatnot in these two states, but what was the reasoning behind them? When were they made? Did the state’s legislatures at that time really think the price of a stamp was too much? I mean, I guess technically the game piece is no longer free, but it still seems odd to me.

2

IANAL, but I believe this is to get around laws regarding contests. When they say “no purchase necessary” that is a legal requirement - otherwise the contest could be considered a “lottery” and would fall under a whole other set of laws.

Perhaps in those states listed, buying a stamp would be a “purchase” under those laws, and would invoke the “lottery” aspect.

Much like in Quebec, where a “skill test” has to be completed when you win a contest, so it isn’t a game of pure chance i.e. gambling.