=ridewiththewind;3133750]
While I could care less about the raffles, the reality is that unless being run by a certified (through the originating state treasurer) non-profit, raffles are considered a game of chance and therefore gambling, and unlicensed gambling is illegal.
Then why bother with this post,,,if you don't care about the raffles. Many people do, raffles give people a chance to own an item that they otherwise may not be able to afford, whats wrong with that? I understand it's considered a game of chance, for profit, or whatever, but I see no difference between them and the $50 sets of 9 ball or 1 pocket , or even the endless Texas holdem games that go on nightly at many poolrooms nationwide. Are these licensed?
What is making the situation for the raffles worse is that the items being raffled, more often than not, are a money making venture for those holding the raffle. You can not make a profit from a raffle.
Well there is some law that says that I guess, but I've seen a helluva lotta raffles where thousands of $5 tickets were sold for a $500 shotgun. Raffles here sold generally at or below fair market value for the item. So what if someone flipped a cue and made 15 or 20 percent profit. They could do that on a straight sale just as well. Is that wrong also?
The true spirit of the raffle is gone anyways....as they were originally intended as a way to raise cash for a charity or non-profit, and not as a means to sell in an alternative fashion all while booking a profit.
Things change, people do what they have to to make ends meet, some people have few other options than to try and profit off of things they own.
The big difference here is that there are a limited number of spots pre-determined, where-as true raffles have the potential to sell an unlimited amount of tickets, therefore at an unlimited amount of money. I understand the potential for scamming, as well as the need for regulation for them. Had these sales on AZB been called something different from day one, like "SPOT SALES" or something there would have never been a problem.
IF it does not effect people, why do they butt in, Raffles hurt no-one.
I, personally, tend to shy away from illegal activities.
don't we all,,,,,,,,,