Minnesota’s polarized politicians agree on meat raffle

(SeaPRwire) –   Amid today’s divisive climate, Minnesotans have found a shared passion: the excitement of a meat raffle.

For decades, meat raffles have been popular in certain corners of the U.S., offering a fun way to raise funds for charities while giving out prizes ranging from ground beef and hot dogs to chicken breasts and steaks. But as inflation has spiked and meat prices have skyrocketed, Minnesota’s $70 per-event prize limit has stayed the same for nearly 40 years.

Minnesota’s deeply split Legislature hasn’t agreed on much this year, but it’s almost certain to raise the cap to $200 in response. This will let charities offer more and larger grill packs, plus thicker, fancier steaks, while funding local youth sports teams and other causes. It will also ensure the state’s beloved—though quirky—tradition of gambling for meat stays alive and viable.

“This is probably the best feel-good bill we’re working on in the Legislature right now,” said Republican Rep. Jim Nash, the lead House author of the meat raffle legislation.

Even with the lower prize limit, Andrea “Mama” Avaloz won with a $2 bet. Game organizers spun a wheel and landed on her number 5, making her a winner at American Legion Post 150 in Waconia—a lakeside town about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Minneapolis.

“So I have a little fajita meat—we’re set to go!” Avaloz said as she picked up her plastic-wrapped prize. “Beef sticks! Love them!”

Moments later, she realized there was a surprise hidden under her beef and sausages.

“Oh my God, I have pork chops!” she exclaimed. “I picked a good one! I’m so excited!”

Meat raffles started during World War II in the U.K. as a response to wartime rationing. They spread to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, then eventually made their way to Minnesota, Wisconsin, western New York, and a few other states.

Nash, who represents Waconia, said he expects a House vote on expanding the prize cap next week, with Senate approval soon after.

“It’s an opportunity for bipartisanship,” he said. “It’s a chance to do good things.”

Service organizations that run meat raffles and other charitable gambling in Minnesota put their proceeds back into local communities. Bars and restaurants that host these events benefit from bigger crowds buying more burgers and beer.

Joe Gifford, commander of Post 150 (founded in 1920), said those sales mean more money to support Legion baseball and softball teams, and to maintain veterans’ monuments.

“Every dollar we raise here, after paying our bills, goes right back into all those services for the community, veterans, and active-duty military,” Gifford said. “The meat raffle is part of that—it’s one of the ways we draw crowds on Fridays.”

In Minneapolis, meat raffles are held every Friday night at the 1029 Bar, a spot often visited by police officers. Behind the bar hangs a squad car door riddled with bullet holes.

Roberta Rodriguez, site manager for the Northeast Minneapolis Lions Club, runs the charitable gambling operation at the bar—like Post 150, it also includes other games such as bingo and pull-tabs.

“We have a lot of regular customers who come every week,” Rodriguez said. “They get to know each other, and tease one another when someone wins too much.”

Ashley Burris had never heard of meat raffles until she moved to Minnesota from Virginia. Now she seeks out bars that offer them.

“It’s kinda my vibe,” she said during a break in the action.

Burris said she hadn’t heard of the legislation—or the idea that prizes might be too small. She was more focused on the fun.

“It never crossed my mind—though you can never have too much rib-eye,” she said.