Contests that don't have a sweepstakes component are generally simpler from a legal perspective -- many states regulate contests in which prizes are awarded at

Contests that don't have a sweepstakes component are generally simpler from a legal perspective -- many states regulate contests in which prizes are awarded at random. Contest losers sometimes sue on grounds that the contest sponsor supposedly changed rules after the fact. (Such suits are often brought for breach of a "unilateral contract" (see generally http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract#Bilateral_v._unilateral_contracts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract#Bilateral_v._unilatera...). With that in mind, it's usually better for contest rules to be as detailed as practicable, especially as to how winners will be selected. (This isn't legal advice, we don't have an attorney-client relationship, etc., etc.)