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 Virginia, lotteries are generally considered illegal gambling unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The Virginia State Lottery is a legal state-run lottery, and non-profit organizations may also conduct raffles and bingo games under specific conditions set by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. However, any game or sweepstakes that requires a payment to enter and determines winners by chance can be considered an illegal lottery. If an individual in Virginia encounters what they believe to be an illegal lottery disguised as a sweepstakes, they are encouraged to report it to the Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection section or the local Post Office. The Attorney General's office is tasked with enforcing consumer protection laws and can investigate and take action against illegal gambling operations.