Savings contests are not gambling

A savings promotion or prize-linked savings contest conducted by a financial institution pursuant to section 412:4-113 is not gambling and shall not constitute a lottery unless the chance to win a prize requires consideration. Consideration shall not include: (1) The deposit of a specified minimum amount of money into a savings promotion or prize-linked savings account that results in an entry in a savings promotion or prize-linked savings contest; (2) The interest earned, if any, on the consumer's savings promotion or prize-linked savings account; or (3) Any fee or amount to administer or maintain the savings promotion or prize-linked savings account. [L 2019, c 253, §3] COMMENTARY ON §712-1232 Act 253, Session Laws 2019, established this section to exempt from Hawaii's gambling laws any savings promotion or prize-linked savings contest conducted by a financial depository institution pursuant to §412:4-113. The legislature found that Hawaii's prohibition against gambling prevents financial institutions in the State from offering incentives in the form of prizes that can be won by customers depositing funds in savings accounts or participating in other savings promotions. The legislature further found that authorizing savings promotions or prize-linked savings contests would encourage customers to build personal savings. Senate Standing Committee Report No. 1940.