Hi.  I have just created a website to sell our house in France via an
essay writing contest.  I have done a web search and it seems as
though this is perfectly legal as long as it is a contest of skill
(which it is).  I live in California.

The web address is here: http://www.french-house-contest.com

Before I go live with this contest, I want to make sure that it is
indeed fully legal.  Is it?  If not, what do I need to change?

Also, if I make any money this way, will I have to pay taxes on it? Thanks!