Washington § 19.170.040 - Disclosures — Prizes awarded — Rain checks.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 19.170.040 — Disclosures — Prizes awarded — Rain checks., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19.170.040. Disclosures — Prizes awarded — Rain checks.

(1) Before a demonstration, seminar, or sales presentation begins, the promoter shall inform the person of the prize, if any, the person will receive.
(2) A prize or a voucher, certificate, or other evidence of obligation given instead of a prize shall be given to a person at the time the person is informed of the prize, if any, the person will receive.
(3) A copy of the offer shall be returned to the person receiving the prize at the time the prize is awarded.
(4) It is a violation of this chapter for a promoter or sponsor to include a prize in an offer when the promoter or sponsor knows or has reason to know that the prize will not be available in a sufficient quantity based upon the reasonably anticipated response to the offer.
(5)(a) If the prize is not available for immediate delivery to the recipient, the recipient shall be given, at the promoter or sponsor's option, a rain check for the prize, the verifiable retail value of the prize in cash, or a substitute item of equal or greater verifiable retail value.
(b) If the rain check cannot be honored within thirty days, the promoter or sponsor shall mail to the person a valid check or money order for the verifiable retail value of the prize described in this chapter.
(6) A sponsor shall fulfill the rain check within thirty days if the person named as being responsible fails to honor it.
(7) The offer shall contain the following clear and conspicuous statement of recipients' rights printed in type at least as large as the typeface used in the standard text of the offer:
"If you receive a rain check in lieu of the prize, you are entitled by law to receive the prize, an item of equal or greater value, or the cash equivalent of the offered prize within thirty days of the date on which you claimed the prize."
(8) It is a violation of this chapter to misrepresent the quality, type, value, or availability of a prize.
[ 1991 c 227 s 4.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 19.170.040

What does Revised Code of Washington § 19.170.040 cover?

Section 19.170.040 ("Disclosures — Prizes awarded — Rain checks.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 19.170.040?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 19.170.040" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 19.170.040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.