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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 Pennsylvania (PA), lotteries are generally considered illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The state operates the Pennsylvania Lottery, which is the only authorized lottery in the state, offering games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Charitable organizations, religious institutions, and non-profit clubs may also conduct lotteries and raffles under specific conditions set forth by the state's Small Games of Chance Act, provided they have the necessary licenses. These games are intended to support charitable causes. If an individual in PA encounters what appears to be an illegal lottery—a game requiring payment to participate and offering prizes based on chance—they should report it to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection or the local Post Office. The Attorney General's office is tasked with enforcing consumer protection laws and can take action against illegal gambling operations.

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How Does Lottery Law Impact Your Winnings?

while the money won in lotteries can certainly open many of those doors, winning big also brings a new set of challenges. Today, we’ll take a look at lottery law and what you need to know if your numbers ever come up.

Consumers

lotteries

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

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Pennsylvania State Code

Pennsylvania State Code

Consumers

lotteries

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