Suit Over ‘Sweepstakes Centers’ Ban Dismissed

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - A federal judge dismissed a suit claiming that Alameda County violates the rights of businesses by banning all "sweepstakes centers."

Net Connection and Web Access, which offer computer rentals and copy and fax services, brought the suit after the county issued an abatement order prohibiting them from engaging in "any and all sweepstakes use."

The businesses operate no-purchase-necessary sweepstakes to promote their products and services, and customers can use computer terminals to play the sweepstakes games or learn the results of their entries.

They claimed that the county's order violated businesses' constitutional rights to equal protection, procedural and substantive due process and free speech.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston refused to dismiss the case in June 2013, finding that the suit raised issues that might merit a trial.

Neither side could be reached to confirm whether Tuesday's stipulated dismissal of the case was due to a settlement.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit