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 Oklahoma, lotteries are generally illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The state operates the Oklahoma Lottery, which is authorized to sell lottery tickets and conduct games. Charitable organizations may also conduct raffles and bingo games under specific regulations. However, any promotional device that requires payment to participate and awards prizes by chance could be considered an illegal lottery if not operated by the state or an exempt charity. Individuals who encounter what they believe to be an illegal lottery disguised as a sweepstakes should report it to their local Post Office or the Oklahoma Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit. The Attorney General's office is responsible for enforcing laws related to consumer protection, including those pertaining to illegal lotteries and fraudulent sweepstakes.