WhirLocal Contest & Sweepstakes Policy

Effective Date: 2-20-2025

We are excited to offer contests and sweepstakes (“Promotions”) that engage and reward our community. To ensure fairness, compliance, and transparency, all participants, independent publishers, and local business Sponsors must adhere to the following rules and conditions.

1. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all contests, sweepstakes, and giveaways conducted on WhirLocal.io, including Promotions run directly by WhirLocal Media Group, LLC (“WhirLocal”), independent publishers, and local business Sponsors (“Sponsors”).

2. Eligibility

  • Participants must be legal residents of the U.S. and at least 18 years old at the time of entry.
  • Promotions are void where prohibited by law.
  • Employees, contractors, and immediate family members of WhirLocal, independent publishers, and Sponsors are not eligible to participate.

3. Entry Guidelines

  • No purchase necessary. A purchase does not increase the chances of winning.
  • One entry per person, per Promotion, unless otherwise specified.
  • Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE): If an entry requires a purchase, a free method of entry must be available to comply with U.S. laws.
  • Entries must be submitted through official entry forms provided by WhirLocal or the Sponsor.

4. Winner Selection & Notification

  • Winners are randomly selected, unless a skill-based contest is specified.
  • Winners will be notified within 14 days of selection via email or telephone.
  • If a winner fails to respond within the specified timeframe, an alternate winner may be selected.

5. Prizes & Fulfillment

  • Prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable unless otherwise specified.
  • Sponsors are responsible for prize fulfillment and timely delivery.
  • Winners are responsible for all taxes and reporting obligations associated with the prize.
  • If a prize becomes unavailable, WhirLocal or the Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
  • If a winner fails to claim their prize within 30 days, it is forfeited.

6. Sponsor Responsibilities

  • Sponsors must ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
  • Sponsors are fully responsible for drafting official rules, administering promotions, and delivering prizes.
  • Sponsors running giveaways with a total prize value exceeding $5,000 must carry liability insurance to cover prize fulfillment risks.
  • WhirLocal is not liable for a Sponsor’s failure to fulfill prizes or comply with legal obligations.

7. Fraud Prevention & Entry Verification

  • WhirLocal reserves the right to verify eligibility before awarding a prize.
  • Use of bots, multiple identities, or fraudulent methods to enter is strictly prohibited.
  • Sponsors must implement fraud prevention measures, such as CAPTCHA verification.

8. Publicity & Winner Announcement

  • By entering, participants consent to WhirLocal and Sponsors using their name, likeness, and submitted content for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
  • If a winner refuses to grant publicity rights, an alternate winner may be selected.

9. Social Media & Third-Party Platform Disclaimer

  • Promotions run on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Google) are not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by these platforms.
  • Participants release these platforms from any liability related to the Promotion.
  • Sponsors are responsible for ensuring compliance with third-party platform rules.

10. AI & Automated Winner Selection

  • Some Promotions may use randomized AI algorithms for winner selection.
  • WhirLocal ensures no bias, discrimination, or unfair advantage in AI-generated selections.
  • In the case of AI-related disputes, WhirLocal reserves the right to re-run the selection process or select an alternate winner.

11. Data Privacy & International Compliance

  • Participants consent to data collection, processing, and storage in the United States.
  • International participants must comply with their local data protection laws.
  • For GDPR/CCPA compliance, participants may request data access, modification, or deletion as outlined in WhirLocal’s Privacy Policy.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, WhirLocal, its independent publishers, and Sponsors shall not be liable for:

  • Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in Promotion details.
  • Technical failures, internet outages, or server errors affecting entries.
  • Sponsor failures to fulfill prizes, comply with legal requirements, or honor Promotion terms.
  • Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from participation.
  • Maximum Liability Cap: WhirLocal or Sponsor’s total liability shall not exceed $100 USD or the amount paid by a participant for entry, whichever is less.
  • Any legal claims against WhirLocal must be filed within six (3) months of the Promotion’s end date, or they will be permanently barred.

13. Force Majeure (Protection Against Uncontrollable Events)

  • WhirLocal shall not be held liable for delays, cancellations, or disruptions due to:
    • Cybersecurity incidents (hacking, data breaches, platform failures).
    • Government actions or regulatory changes.
    • Supply chain or economic disruptions preventing prize fulfillment.
    • Acts of God (natural disasters, pandemics).

14. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

  • Any disputes arising from a Promotion shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration in Polk County, Oregon.
  • Participants waive their right to a jury trial or class-action lawsuit.

15. Terms of Service & Policy Integration

  • This Contest & Sweepstakes Policy is subject to WhirLocal’s Terms of Service.
  • If any conflict exists between this policy and WhirLocal’s Terms, the Terms of Service shall govern.

Contact Information

For questions regarding this policy, contact us at:

WhirLocal Media Group, LLC
400 Glen Creek Rd NW, Unit 5382
Salem, OR 97304
[email protected]
877-796-5484

By participating in any Promotion on WhirLocal, participants agree to these rules and the legal protections outlined above.

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