Minnesota Gambling Control Board questioning Obama's web offer

The Minnesota Gambling Control Board is asking the state Department of Public Safety to look into an offer made on the website of Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama. The following quote by Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe on the candidate's website sparked the interest of the gambling authority: "If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the 10 supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them." But the Minnesota Gambling Control Board wants to know if the offer could constitute an illegal raffle - only nonprofit charities may conduct raffles in Minnesota. Obama spokesman Nick Kimball says the campaign isn't conducting a drawing, but rather the campaign will consider individual stories and other factors in selecting a group to meet Barack Obama.

Published on 07/08/2008