Moorhead American Legion backs bill to raise prize limits on meat raffles

MOORHEAD (KFGO/KVRR) – The Moorhead American Legion is backing a bill that would raise prize limits for meat raffles. The bill would increase the limit to $200, the limit has been capped at $70 for nearly 40 years.

Those in favor of the bill say that it would allow for better prizes and increase participation and revenue. Inflation and supply chain issues have hurt the quality of prizes.

“You got to 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 got to help us.”

The Moorhead legion holds meat raffles every two weeks that benefit various charities including youth baseball leagues, the Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota and other organizations. State legislators say the bill will be voted on in the House next week before moving to the Senate for approval.