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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 Rhode Island, lotteries are generally considered illegal gambling unless they are state-run or conducted by certain exempt charitable organizations. The state operates the Rhode Island Lottery, which is the only authorized lottery in the state, offering various games such as instant win tickets and number-drawing games. Charitable organizations may also be permitted to run lotteries under specific circumstances and with the proper licenses. However, any lottery that requires a form of payment to participate and is not run by the state or an exempt charity is considered illegal. If an individual in Rhode Island encounters what they believe to be an illegal lottery disguised as a sweepstakes, they are advised to report it to the local Post Office or the consumer protection office within 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.

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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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Rhode-Island State Code

Rhode-Island State Code

Consumers

lotteries

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