Do gift cards and gift certificates qualify as a cash prize?

Do gift cards and gift certificates qualify as a cash prize?

Some gift cards, such as Visa Gift cards, have wide-scale acceptance and would be considered a cash prize under the Charitable Games Act, and thus subject to the $250.00 limitation.  Gift cards and gift certificates accepted only at a single place of business, or at a chain of businesses, have limited acceptance and are not considered a cash prize unless the holder has the option to redeem the card or certificate for cash at the business.

Note:  For further details regarding cash prizes, refer to the Charitable Games Regulations, Section 435.160.

Submit a question