Prize Draws

A promotional draw is a campaign organised to promote a product or brand, increase market share or boost sales, in which winners are determined by chance. In Turkey, draws with non-cash prizes require permission from the National Lottery Administration even if participation is free, and are governed by the Regulation on Lotteries and Draws with Non-Cash Prizes.

Social Media Giveaways

“Like, share, win” giveaways on social media are within this scope. Those wishing to run draws online or on social media must apply within the period set by the Regulation before the start date. The permit is obtained in the organiser’s name; in brand–content creator collaborations, the “organiser” and “operator” roles should be identified correctly. For details, see Legal Aspect of Draws on Social Media.

The Draw Process

1. Assessing the campaign idea: a draw, a contest or another promotion?
2. Setting participation terms, prizes and the timetable,
3. Applying for the permit before the campaign is announced,
4. Holding the draw before a notary and announcing results by the method stated in advance,
5. Delivering prizes, with taxes arising on prizes paid by the organiser.

Draws vs Contests

Contests in which the winner is determined not by chance but by objective criteria such as knowledge, skill or a jury’s assessment may not be subject to the permit regime for draws. Structuring the campaign correctly on this basis directly affects whether a permit is needed.

Personal Data

Processing participants’ and winners’ personal data and announcing winners must comply with the KVKK; participants must be informed in advance. If marketing messages will later be sent to participants, separate commercial electronic message consent must be obtained.