Linda Dulak
07-16-2009, 07:25 AM
On our local bird watching site, a member posted a response she got from the MD State Attorney General's office regarding the restriction on MD residents entering this contest because it charged an entry fee. There were a number of states whose residents were excluded from entry for this same reason. I'm attaching the response and encouraging other photographers to make complaints to their respective states.
"
Please be advised that we have been in touch with Audobon Magazine as
well as the State Lottery Commission. The State Lottery Commission
has advised that it does not believe that there are any prohibitions
under the laws it regulates to prevent the magazine from opening its
contest to Maryland citizens despite the fact that a fee is charged.
The type of contest described is also exempt from the Maryland laws
that this office regulates, as it is considered a game of skill. As
such, the Audobon Magazine would not be prevented from offering this
contest to Maryland citizens as a result of charging a fee.
In addition, we have been contacted by other persons about this same
issue and we have advised that each person should file a complaint
with our office that would allow us to formally notify the Society as
well, but to date, I don't believe we have received a formal
complaint. In the meantime, you should print this email and provide
this with your submission to notify the magazine that we do not
believe that their exclusion of Maryland is based on a correct
understanding of Maryland law. It is our hope that with this
information, they will accept your submission."
I posted this comment in the previous thread but felt it had scrolled too far down the list for most to see it.
Linda
</pre>
"
Please be advised that we have been in touch with Audobon Magazine as
well as the State Lottery Commission. The State Lottery Commission
has advised that it does not believe that there are any prohibitions
under the laws it regulates to prevent the magazine from opening its
contest to Maryland citizens despite the fact that a fee is charged.
The type of contest described is also exempt from the Maryland laws
that this office regulates, as it is considered a game of skill. As
such, the Audobon Magazine would not be prevented from offering this
contest to Maryland citizens as a result of charging a fee.
In addition, we have been contacted by other persons about this same
issue and we have advised that each person should file a complaint
with our office that would allow us to formally notify the Society as
well, but to date, I don't believe we have received a formal
complaint. In the meantime, you should print this email and provide
this with your submission to notify the magazine that we do not
believe that their exclusion of Maryland is based on a correct
understanding of Maryland law. It is our hope that with this
information, they will accept your submission."
I posted this comment in the previous thread but felt it had scrolled too far down the list for most to see it.
Linda
</pre>