Sweepstakes & Game Promotion Bond
Running a sweepstakes, contest or game promotion with big prizes? In Florida and New York, once total announced prizes go over $5,000, you must file the promotion in advance and secure the prizes with a surety bond or another allowed form of security. Tell us your state and total prize value, and we will come back with a quote.
Prefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
- Who requires it: Florida (FDACS, Fla. Stat. 849.094) and New York (Department of State, GBL 369-e) when total announced prizes exceed $5,000.
- Amount: equal to your total announced prizes.
- File early: Florida at least 7 days before the start; New York at least 30 days before.
- Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
What is a sweepstakes (game promotion) bond?
A sweepstakes bond, also called a game promotion bond, is a surety bond that guarantees the prizes you advertise will be awarded as announced. You, the operator, are the principal, the state regulator receives the filing, and the surety backs the bond. You are responsible for repaying the surety for any valid claim.
Florida and New York let you meet the requirement with a trust account instead of a bond. A bond usually ties up less cash than funding the full prize amount.
Florida game promotion bond
| Item | Florida requirement |
|---|---|
| When it applies | Total announced prizes over $5,000 |
| Filing | Rules and prize list filed with FDACS at least 7 days before the start |
| Security | Trust account equal to total prizes, or a surety bond equal to total prizes, filed at least 7 days before the start |
| Possible waiver | FDACS may waive it for operators with 5 consecutive years of Florida promotions and no civil, criminal or administrative action for violations |
Plan the bond before your 7-day filing window closes, and ask FDACS whether you qualify for the waiver before you buy a bond.
Other Florida bonds: see Florida surety bonds.
Sources: Fla. Stat. 849.094 and FDACS game promotions page (rules as of Sep 30, 2026).
New York games of chance bond
| Item | New York requirement |
|---|---|
| When it applies | Total announced prizes over $5,000 |
| Filing | Register with the Department of State at least 30 days before the start |
| Filing fee | $100, non-refundable (GBL 369-e) |
| Security | Trust account or a bond equal to the total prizes (the DOS page also lists a certificate of deposit) |
The 30-day lead time is the biggest planning difference from Florida. Schedule registration and your bond well before launch. Other New York bonds: see New York surety bonds.
Sources: NY GBL 369-e and NY Department of State registration page (rules as of Sep 30, 2026).
Florida vs. New York at a glance
| Florida | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Prize threshold | Over $5,000 | Over $5,000 |
| Lead time | 7 days | 30 days |
| Regulator | FDACS | NY Department of State |
| Bond equals | Total prizes (or trust account) | Total prizes (or trust account) |
| Waiver | Possible after 5 clean years | None stated in the sources |
Rules can change. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before you launch.
How it works
- Enter your state and total prize value in the form.
- We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers and come back with options.
- Choose a bond and complete the application.
- Pay when your bond is issued.
- File the bond with your registration, then run your promotion.
The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount per year; the carrier sets the final price. The bond amount follows your total prize value, and your credit and promotion history also matter. Any figure before underwriting is an estimate.
Who needs one
- Brands and retailers running sweepstakes or giveaways
- Contest and instant-win promoters
- Agencies running promotions for clients
Whether your promotion counts as a game of chance, sweepstakes or contest depends on its structure. Check with the regulator or your attorney if you are unsure. See also lottery bonds and all specialty bonds.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a sweepstakes bond?
The bond amount equals your total announced prizes. The premium is a percentage of that amount, and we can only estimate it until underwriting is complete.
Is a bond required for every sweepstakes?
In Florida and New York, the requirement applies when total announced prizes exceed $5,000. Other states have their own rules.
Do I need a bond in Florida, or can I use a trust account?
Florida allows a trust account equal to total prizes or a surety bond instead. FDACS may waive the requirement for operators with 5 consecutive years of Florida promotions and no violations.
How early do I have to file?
Florida: at least 7 days before the start. New York: at least 30 days before the start.
Is there a filing fee?
New York charges a $100 non-refundable filing fee under GBL 369-e. Check FDACS for Florida fees.
Can I use a certificate of deposit in New York?
The Department of State page lists a certificate of deposit or a games of chance surety bond for the total prize amount. The statute refers to a trust account or a bond. Confirm with the Department of State which option applies to you.
What if one surety will not write my promotion?
We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers, so if one does not write it, we can take it to another. The carrier decides.
When do I pay?
Only when your bond is issued.
Get my sweepstakes bond quote
We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one can't write your bond, we can take it to another.
Get my sweepstakes bond quotePrefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
Sources (rules as of Sep 30, 2026)
- Fla. Stat. 849.094 (game promotions)
- FDACS, Game Promotions / Sweepstakes
- NY General Business Law 369-e
- NY Department of State, Games of Chance Registration
Rules as of Sep 30, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the agency before you file. General information, not legal advice.