Is it illegal to run your own lottery?

Question

Like a lot of people who are retired, I'm always looking for ways to make extra money to feed my alcohol addiction.

The odds on most lotteries are astronomical, so I'm thinking about running my own lottery based on the last three numbers of Friday's close of the Dow Jones.

Bingo is legal where I live and we also have the "state" lottery. Would there be a legal problem if I ran a local lottery?

My odds and payoff would be A LOT better than the state lottery.

My idea comes from:

http://gurujeff.com/?p=132

Thank you in advance for your answers.

Answer 1

it's allegal too take others money without a permit because there are a lot of sick people  that would scam people.

Answer 2

Yes, what you're describing is illegal.  It's commonly called the Numbers game or the Numbers racket.  

Here's a link to a wiki article on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_gam...

Answer 3

In most places it is considered gambling and is illegal. Not for profit organizations can obtain permits from the state to run a lottery.

Answer 4

Yes, it is illegal.  You would need to get a gaming license in order to run a legal lottery.  Even 50/50 draws need to be licensed, otherwise you can be charged.

Answer 5

I don't see why not

Answer 6

Yes.

Answer 7

gambling

Answer 8

short answer, the odds are against the legality of such a venture

Answer 9

please do not abuse alcohol, check with your states gaming commisiion on starting a lottery

Answer 10

yea thats considered gambling