For Sellers on Drip (Effective August 1, 2025)
Drip is updating its platform rules to comply with Stripe’s Prohibited & Restricted Business guidelines, which now include stricter enforcement against gambling-adjacent commerce. Below is a detailed FAQ to help sellers understand what’s changing, what’s still allowed, and how to continue selling safely.
Why is Drip enforcing new rules for game formats?
Stripe, the payment provider that powers most payouts on Drip, updated its enforcement guidelines in July 2025. Their revised policy prohibits any commerce that resembles games of chance, sweepstakes, or randomized prize mechanisms — especially when products are not guaranteed for every purchase.
If Drip doesn’t comply, Stripe can hold payments, ban seller accounts, or revoke platform-level access.
What exactly is no longer allowed?
You may not:
Sell “spots,” “ducks,” “entries,” or “slots” unless each one results in a physical item being shipped.
Run games (e.g., wheels, duck races) where only some participants receive a reward.
Use gambling-style language, such as “win,” “grand prize,” “jackpot,” or “try your luck.”
Roll games into future streams or reschedule outcomes.
Offer in-store pickup to bypass shipment tracking.
Can I still run duck races or wheel spins?
Yes — but only if every participant receives a tangible, shipped product.
For example:
✅ You sell 10 spots in a duck race. Each buyer receives a guaranteed card or pack. The race determines who gets which item — not whether they get anything.
❌ You sell 10 spots but only 1 winner gets a prize, and others get nothing or a thank-you note. This is non-compliant.
Are “mystery packs” or “prize pulls” allowed?
Only if every buyer receives a product of disclosed or meaningful value.
You must clearly state:
That every purchase includes a shipped item.
What types of items are in the mystery or prize pool.
That the buyer is not buying a chance to win — they are buying a guaranteed product.
What if I don’t sell all the spots?
Games must be completed during the stream where they were started. Sellers cannot:
Delay the results to another stream.
Reopen the game later.
Clone unfulfilled entries across multiple days.
If a game doesn't sell out, you should still fulfill all entries sold, or refund them — but do not continue or extend the game.
Can I describe game visuals or mechanics in my stream?
Yes, but with clear, neutral language. Avoid words that imply chance or risk.
Acceptable examples:
“We’ll use a wheel to assign the items.”
“This duck corresponds to your order.”
“Each pull reveals a random card from a guaranteed pack.”
Unacceptable examples:
“Spin to win!”
“Will you hit the jackpot?”
“Try your luck with this mystery.”
Do I still need to ship every item?
Yes — shipment with valid tracking is mandatory for every order. Drip and Stripe infer fulfillment from shipping data. If you skip shipping or use untracked methods:
You risk buyer disputes.
Stripe may flag your account for non-fulfillment.
Your payouts may be frozen or revoked.
Can I just give small “consolation prizes” to losing spots?
Only if the consolation item is shipped, disclosed, and holds tangible value. You cannot:
Leave losing entries unfulfilled.
Ship meaningless filler (e.g., blank cards or trash pulls).
Overstate the value of small items.
Transparency and fulfillment are non-negotiable.
What happens if I don’t follow these rules?
Violations will result in:
Stream takedown
Listing removal
Payment holds
Temporary or permanent account suspension
This isn’t about preference — it’s about compliance with Stripe’s terms, which Drip is contractually bound to uphold.
Where can I get help updating my formats?
Our Seller Success team is here to help you transition. We offer:
Stream and listing audits
Format reviews
Compliant template examples
Reach out via in-app chat or email: [email protected]
Can I still make streams fun?
Absolutely. You can still use animations, themes, and creative presentations — as long as:
Every purchase results in a real product
The visual format doesn’t determine whether something is shipped
All fulfillment happens within the stream
We support fun and community-driven experiences, but not at the cost of compliance or customer protection.