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 Massachusetts, lotteries are generally illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The state operates the official Massachusetts Lottery, which offers various games of chance to the public. Charitable organizations may also conduct gaming events, including raffles and bingos, under specific conditions set by the state's Attorney General's Office, provided they comply with the requirements of the Massachusetts Charitable Gaming laws (M.G.L. c. 271, § 7A). These laws stipulate that the organization must be non-profit and use the proceeds for educational, charitable, religious, or other philanthropic purposes. If an individual in Massachusetts encounters what appears to be an illegal lottery disguised as a sweepstakes, they are encouraged to report it to their local Post Office or the Consumer Protection Division of the state Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Office is tasked with enforcing consumer protection laws and can take action against illegal gambling operations.