Giveaways, raffles and prize contests: guide and rules template

Version: 1.0 (draft) · Date: October 22, 2026 · Official URL: https://bunnydrop.io/en/legal/giveaways

Draft: pending legal review. A lawyer in Guatemala has not yet reviewed this guide, and it may change before launch. It is not legal advice. It summarizes public sources so you know what to check. For your specific case, ask a lawyer or your department's Gobernación Departamental. The Spanish version prevails.

When you build a giveaway, a prize wheel or any game where a prize depends on chance, you are the organizer and you are responsible for it. Brío reminds you of these points at the end of its message, but it does not block anything.

1. What to check in Guatemala

Authorization. The Gobernación Departamental authorizes raffles and prize games under the Regulation on Lotteries, Raffles and Games (Government Agreement of May 18, 1956, as amended).

• Commercial promotions. Guatemala's Gobernación asks for the request 8 business days in advance. You submit:

  • the mechanics;
  • the prize table, with invoices;
  • the business's documents.

  When the promotion ends, you submit the list of winners (source).

• Ticketed raffles. These are drawn before a notary appointed by the Ministry of Government, and a bond is paid (source).

• Unauthorized raffles. These can be an offense under the Criminal Code (Decree 17-73).

Taxes. Prizes from lotteries, raffles and draws held in Guatemala are capital income and pay 10% income tax (ISR) (Decree 10-2012, arts. 4, 84 and 92). The tax is usually withheld by an organizer that keeps full books; if nobody withholds it, the winner pays it. For raffles, the Gobernación also asks for 3% stamp tax. Check your case with your accountant or the SAT.

What customers must be told (Decree 006-2003, art. 24):

• the prizes, their value and how many there are;
• how and when the draw takes place;
• the deadline to claim a prize;
• how long the promotion lasts.

The results must be published, and misleading advertising is prohibited (art. 20).

No purchase necessary. A draw that requires paying is closer to a lottery (prize + chance + payment). The international standard is a free way to enter, and Brío will suggest it. Permits and taxes may still apply.

Participants' data. Ask only for what the giveaway needs and say what you will use it for. You need separate consent to send them marketing later. Never sell or share the list: doing so without written consent is a crime (Decree 57-2008, art. 64).

Facebook or Instagram. The rules must fully release Meta or Instagram and state that the promotion is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by them, or associated with them. Do not ask people to share the post or tag friends to enter.

2. Rules template

Use the Spanish template at bunnydrop.io/legal/sorteos. The rules must be published in Spanish for customers in Guatemala.

3. Checklist

• Checked whether you need the Gobernación's authorization?
• Rules state the prizes, their value, the draw date and method, and the claim deadline?
• People can enter without buying?
• Know who pays the income tax and stamp tax?
• Asking only for the data you need, and saying why?
• On Facebook or Instagram: included Meta's release of liability?