State Lawmakers Seek to Raise Prize Limit for Meat Raffles in Minnesota

Currently, the maximum prize value is $70, and it's been that way for nearly 40 years.

MOORHEAD, MN (KVRR) – The meat raffle is a time-honored institution, an easy way to raise money for charitable causes and hand out some fine culinary prizes.

But while the price of those prizes has skyrocketed due to inflation and supply chain issues, in the state of Minnesota, the price limit is still capped at 70 dollars – and it’s been that way for almost 40 years.

A new bill making its way through the Minnesota legislature would raise that limit to 200, which would vastly increase the quantity of meat organizations can give away, upping participation and revenue.

“You gotta look at raising some money, giving away some bigger prizes,” said Dennis Beckerleg, longtime gaming director of the American Legion in Moorhead. “But, to be able to do that, the government’s gotta help us.”

That would be huge for places like the Legion, who need all the money they can get from their meat raffles that occur every two weeks.

State legislators have gone on record saying that the bill will be voted on in the House next week before moving to the Senate for approval.

It is widely expected to pass with major bipartisan support.