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 Nevada, lotteries are generally illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The Nevada Constitution specifically prohibits all lotteries except those that are operated by the state or have been specifically authorized by the state legislature. This means that private lotteries, or any promotional device that requires payment for a chance to win a prize, are not allowed. However, the state does run its own games, such as the Nevada Megabucks, and charitable organizations can conduct lotteries if they comply with specific regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. If an individual in Nevada encounters what they believe to be an illegal lottery disguised as a sweepstakes, they should report it to their local Post Office or the consumer protection office of the state Attorney General.