Trade Promotion Permits

Trade promotion permits in Australia


In Australia, whether or not you need a permit to run a trade promotion will vary depending on the prize pool you are offering and the state in which you are running the promotion.

Here is a break down of when you will and will not need a permit to run a trade promotion:

When does your trade promotion require a permit?

Game of Skill – Permit NOT required

A permit is not required for a game of skill promotion. A game of skill is where there is an application of judging involved in determining the winner. E.g. requiring an entrant to answer a judgeable question or post a photo, and assessing answers/photo on creative merit to determine the winner.

Game of Chance – Permit or NSW Authority MAY BE required

A trade promotion permit or authority is generally required when there is chance involved in determining the winner.

For a standard game of chance promotion (e.g. draw, instant win mechanic), permits may be required in SA, ACT, and NT, and an authority may be required in NSW, depending on where the promotion is conducted and the prize pool (as outlined below).

VIC/TAS/QLD/WA

No trade promotion permit is required to run a promotion in VIC, TAS, QLD or WA.

NSW

An authority is required to conduct a game of chance promotion in NSW if the prize pool is over $10,000.

A business can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year authority, which will cover all promotions with a prize pool over $10K. There is no maximum prize pool limit.

To run a promotion with a prize pool over $10K under an authority, the promotion terms and conditions must be submitted to NSW Fair Trading via the portal at least 10 days before the start date.

No permit is required to conduct a game of skill promotion in NSW.

ACT

A permit is required to conduct a game of chance promotion in ACT if the prize pool if over $3,000.

If the promotion is only open to employees of your business and there is no external advertising of the promotion then no permit is required in ACT.

If the promotion is a game of skill then no permit is required.

SA

If your game of chance promotion has a total prize pool nationally of over $5,000 OR it involves a printed scratch and win card (regardless of the prize pool) then a permit is required in SA.

If you run a game of skill promotion in SA, then no permit will be required.

NT

If you are running a game of chance promotion in NT you will require a permit if the prize pool is over $5,000 AND you are not obtaining a permit in any other States. If you are running a national promotion, you will usually require a permit in NSW and no permit will therefore be required in NT.

If you run a game of skill promotion in NT, then no permit will be required.

Trade Promotion Application Form - LINKS

The following specifies the websites where you may complete an online trade permit application, authority appreciation or approval in each State.

The NT application form may only be completed manually and returned via email.

State/Territory

Application Form Link

NSW

To apply for an authority - https://tponline.onegov.nsw.gov.au/tp-form

To run a promotion with a prize pool over $10K under an authority - https://tponline.onegov.nsw.gov.au/ntp-form

ACT

https://form.act.gov.au/smartforms/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=1093

SA

https://secure.cbs.sa.gov.au/TradePromotion/?redirect

NT

https://nt.gov.au/industry/gambling/gambling/lotteries-community-gambling/apply-to-run-a-trade-lottery

Send completed application via email to [email protected]

Permit and Authority Timings

The general timings for issuing permits/authority (from date of application) are listed below

NSW

3-5 working days to receive an authority

To run a promotion with a prize pool over $10K under an authority, the promotion terms and conditions must be submitted to NSW Fair Trading at least 10 days before the start date.

SA

5 working days (express/premium option) OR

14 working days (standard option)

ACT

5-7 working days

NT

5-10 working days

For a national campaign, permits will be issued within 5-7 working days (for express SA option); or up to 14 working days (for standard SA option). In addition, to run a promotion with a prize pool over $10K under an authority, the promotion terms and conditions must be submitted to NSW Fair Trading at least 10 days before the start date.

I have my permits, now what?

Permits must appear in any promotional advertising and in the competition full terms.

Trade Promotion Department Contacts

If you are after an update on the status of your permit application, please see contact details below. Make sure you have your application reference number from the application to quote. We recommend holding off on contacting any department until at least a couple days have passed or it may result in further delays in the issue of your permits.

NSW

Ph: 02 9895 0111 (option 1) ask for trade promotions lottery department

Email: [email protected]

SA

Ph: 131 882 – (1) (2) (1) (numbers to press, in order)

Email: [email protected]

ACT

Ph: (02) 6207 0263

Email: [email protected]

NT

Ph: (08) 8999 5511/ 08 8982 1700

Email: [email protected]

Guaranteed compliance for your next competition, sorted.

Plexus Promotion Wizard offers end-to-end legal support for competitions & promotions. Custom T&Cs and the right permits without any hassles, 90% faster and half the cost of traditional legal firms.

Subscribe

Get weekly legal transformation best practices, benchmarks and trend analysis.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience and improve our services. By using our website, we assume you're ok with this. View our privacy policy for details.

Get your free eBook!

Modernise your legal function with the Digital Transformation Guide for General Counsels.

Digital Transformation Guide