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 Washington State, lotteries are generally considered illegal unless they are conducted by the state or certain exempt charitable organizations. The state operates its own lottery, and the proceeds from lottery sales are used to benefit public purposes such as education. Charitable organizations may also be allowed to conduct raffles or similar games of chance under specific regulations. If an individual encounters what appears to be an illegal lottery—a game where participants must pay to enter and winners are selected by chance—they should report it to the appropriate authorities. This can include the local Post Office if the solicitation is received through the mail, or the Washington State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, which handles complaints about deceptive or unfair business practices.