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 Idaho, lotteries are generally illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The Idaho State Lottery, established in 1989, is a state-run lottery that offers various games of chance to the public. Charitable organizations can also conduct lotteries if they comply with specific regulations set forth by the state. These regulations are designed to ensure that the games are fair and that the proceeds benefit the charitable cause. If an individual in Idaho encounters what appears to be an illegal lottery disguised as a sweepstakes, where participation requires payment, they should report it to the local Post Office or the Consumer Protection Division of the Idaho Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Office is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and can take action against illegal gambling operations.