From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

The head of the Minnesota Gambling Control Board said that a solicitation for funds on the national website of the Barack Obama presidential campaign may constitute a raffle, which is a violation of Minnesota gambling laws.

The Obama website, which is soliciting funds of up to $2,300, says anyone who makes a contribution to the Obama campaign of $5 or more between now and July 31 “could be one of 10 supporters chosen to meet Barack backstage” in Denver.

Barrett said he received a phone call from someone who had seen the website, and after reviewing it, decided to contact the Department of Public Safety.

The state Gambling Board website specifically states that one cannot conduct a raffle as a fundraiser for a political campaign. Only nonprofit charities may conduct raffles.

Wow. I guess Obama forgot that gambling is only OK when it’s done on behalf of the state.

Look on the bright side… Maybe this silliness and obvious inefficiency will make Obama think twice about some of his proposed big government intrusions.