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 Louisiana (LA), lotteries are generally illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The state operates the official Louisiana Lottery, which includes various games of chance such as scratch-off tickets and drawings. Charitable organizations may also be allowed to conduct raffles or similar games under specific regulations that ensure they are not for-profit gambling activities. If an individual encounters what appears to be an illegal lottery—a game of chance requiring payment to participate—they are encouraged to report it to the local Post Office or the Louisiana Attorney General's consumer protection office. The Attorney General's office is tasked with enforcing consumer protection laws and can investigate and take action against illegal gambling operations masquerading as legitimate sweepstakes or lotteries.