Texas Business and Commerce Code 621.003 – Definitions
(a) In this chapter:
(1) “Contest” means a promotional device in which:
(A) a person is offered, as an inducement to attend a sales presentation, a chance to win or receive a prize by complying with specified entry requirements;
(B) the winner or recipient of a prize is determined by random selection; and
(C) all offered prizes are awarded.
(2) “Contest period” means the duration of a contest from the beginning date to the ending date.
(3) “Drawing” means a contest in which the recipient of a prize is determined from all of the entries received.
(4) “Entry form” means a card, letter, entry blank, token, or similar device that identifies a contestant by:
(A) name;
(B) number, letter, or symbol; or
(C) both name and number, letter, or symbol.
(5) “Gift” means an item of value that is offered, transferred, or given to a person as an inducement to attend a sales presentation but that is not offered, transferred, or awarded through a contest. The term does not include a manufacturer’s rebate or discount available to the public.
(6) “Major prize” means a prize that has an actual unit cost to the offeror of at least $250.
(7) “Matched contest” means a contest in which:
(A) the winning numbers are preselected, printed on an entry form, and distributed to the public; and
(B) the numbers printed on the entry forms are subsequently matched with the list of winning numbers at a sales location to determine prize eligibility.
(8) “Minor prize” means a prize that:
(A) has an actual unit cost to the offeror of less than $250; and
(B) is transferred to a person who:
(i) attends a sales presentation; and
(ii) is not the winner of a major prize.
(9) “Odds of winning” means a ratio in which:
(A) the numerator equals the actual number of units of an identified prize to be given away during a contest period; and
(B) the denominator equals the number of entry forms distributed or reasonably anticipated to be distributed during the contest period.
(10) “Offeror” means a person who solicits another person to attend a sales presentation.
(11) “Person” includes an individual, a corporation, a firm, and an association.
(12) “Prize” means an item of value that is offered, awarded, or given to a person through a contest. The term does not include a manufacturer’s rebate or discount available to the public.
(13) “Sales presentation” means a transaction or occurrence in which a consumer is solicited to execute a contract that obligates the consumer to purchase goods or services as defined by Subchapter E, Chapter 17, including:
(A) a timeshare interest as defined by Section 221.002, Property Code; and
(B) a membership interest as defined by Section 222.003, Property Code.
(14) “Winning number” includes a letter or other identifying symbol.
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a)(1)(B), a determination made by random selection does not include the method used by an offeror to identify a person who will be notified of an offer to win a prize.
Terms Used In Texas Business and Commerce Code 621.003
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Property: means real and personal property. See Texas Government Code 311.005