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 North Dakota, lotteries are generally illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The state operates its own lottery, which is the only kind of state-run gambling allowed under North Dakota law. Charitable gaming is also permitted, but organizations must meet specific criteria and are regulated by the North Dakota Attorney General's office. If an individual encounters what appears to be an illegal lottery—a game that requires payment to participate and distributes prizes by chance—they should report it to the consumer protection division of the North Dakota Attorney General's office or the local Post Office. These agencies can investigate and take action against illegal gambling operations.