Minnesota Moves to Lift Meat Raffle Prize Cap to $200

Overview

• The Minnesota House is poised to vote on a bipartisan update to charitable meat raffles, with lead author Rep. Jim Nash calling it a feel-good fix that is expected to advance to the Senate.
• The bill raises the per-prize limit to $200 from $70 to reflect decades of inflation and the higher cost of steaks, chicken, and other meat.
• It also increases the ticket price ceiling to $5 from $2 so organizers can bring in more per drawing.
• Draft language clarifies prizes, allowing meat and meat-market gift cards but barring awards that function like cash.
• Meat raffles are a long-running fundraiser for groups such as American Legion posts, a tradition that began during World War II in the United Kingdom.