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 Utah, lotteries are strictly prohibited by both state constitution and state statutes. The Utah Constitution states that no lottery shall be authorized by the state, nor shall the sale of lottery tickets be allowed. This prohibition extends to all forms of government-run and private lotteries. However, certain charitable organizations may be exempt from this ban if they comply with specific requirements set forth by the state. These organizations must be registered with the state and must ensure that their activities do not qualify as a lottery, which typically involves a combination of a prize, chance, and consideration (payment). If an individual in Utah encounters what they believe to be an illegal lottery disguised as a sweepstakes, they are encouraged to report it to the local Post Office or the Consumer Protection Division of the Utah Attorney General's Office for investigation and potential enforcement action.