Promotional Contest - Poker Tournament

A Canadian company sought a written opinion in March 2005 on whether a proposed promotional contest could raise concerns under the Competition Act. The company proposed to run a poker tournament that would provide the content for a television series.

The contest provided two methods of entry: a skill-based selection method for the preliminary rounds and a random draw for participants to join the winners of the preliminary rounds in the final rounds. The contest did not require the participants to purchase any products. However, the participants were required to go to the tournament venue in Toronto, Ontario. The complete rules and regulations for the contest would be posted at the tournament site and on the company’s Web site.

The opinion provided by the Bureau on May 5, 2005, stated that the contest as proposed would not give the Commissioner grounds to commence an inquiry under section 74.06 of the Act. In the Bureau's view, the contest would adequately disclose the number and approximate value of prizes, the area or areas to which they would relate, and any important information relating to the chances of winning, such as the odds of winning.

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