Unlike a sweepstakes, a lottery is a promotional device by which items of value (prizes) are awarded to members of the public by chance—but some form of payment is required to participate. Lotteries are illegal, except when conducted by states and certain exempt charitable organizations. If you believe you have received a solicitation characterized as a sweepstakes that is in fact an illegal lottery, you should contact your local Post Office or state Attorney General’s consumer protection office.
In Alaska, lotteries are generally considered illegal gambling and are prohibited unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The state does not have a state-run lottery, but it does allow for charitable gaming, which can include activities such as raffles and bingo, under strict regulations provided by the Alaska Department of Revenue's Tax Division. If an individual in Alaska encounters what they believe to be an illegal lottery—characterized by the requirement of payment to participate, chance determining the outcome, and a prize being awarded—they should report it to the consumer protection unit within the Alaska Attorney General's Office or the local Post Office. These agencies can investigate and take action against illegal gambling operations masquerading as legitimate sweepstakes.