Raffle compensation for participants

[JockNerd]

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Does anyone know US laws regarding using raffles to compensate participants? I've like to offer some compensation for participation, but if I'm trying to get 1000 people that'll require a huge portion of most of the grants I apply for to give people even ten bucks. I'd much rather enter people in for 5 $100 prizes or something.

I also see lots of studies that give gift cards instead of money. Are the laws for that different?

Thanks! I'm not an American and really have no idea how the lottery system works down here. 🙂

 

[futureapppsy2]

This is perfectly legit--no laws to worry about, unless there's some weird law in FL that I don't know about. I've done this type of compensation for one project and am planning on using it for another one--it works well. This type of compensayytion seems popular among grad students, too, especially here,where they don't typically provide thesis/dissertation funding.

 

[Ollie123]

Not sure, but its definitely done all the time so its either legal in all cases, or there is some way to arrange it. Maybe contact the IRB? They would probably have details.

I've only seen gift cards used with certain populations. Mostly with addicts when there is the perfectly legit concern they would spend it on drugs...so gift cards are given instead. Avoids a host of potentially questionable ethical and legal issues.

 

[Wildcat06]

Just check your local laws. I did a raffle for a fundraiser in college and I had to get a permit. That might have been specific to our town, but yeah, I'm sure the IRB would know if that's the case.

 

[irish80122]

I did a raffle for my undergraduate honors thesis and had no problem. Some will do a gift card instead of cash because it is easier to get reimbursed. Cash often has to go through HR or some other group so they can collect tax and do the other things they do. I have always thought the pre-paid Visa debit cards were great for this reason...almost as good as cash but less headaches!

 

[psychanxiety]

This is perfectly legit- you just need to get it all IRB approved. I'd also talk to other people in your area to find out the going raffle/gift card rate for research participation. My lab gives gift cards to addicts (the cards also require a photo ID to use) and I knew someone in undergrad who gave gift cards. I think she negotiated a discount because she bought in bulk and it was for non-profit research.