Some bowling alleys must throw $3,000 into the gutter thanks to a crackdown on 50/50 raffles in the Garden State.
The New Jersey Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs cited 59 New Jersey bowling alleys for breaking the law by allowing 50/50 raffles during bowling leagues.
The 50/50 raffles are often the perfect game to increase the bowling league prize pots. But, it's illegal, according to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (they basically control all the raffles and bingo in New Jersey).
Raffles like a 50/50 are on the mark in the garden State only if held by veteran organizations, religious congregations, educational and fraternal organizations, senior citizen associations, volunteer fire companies, volunteer first aid rescue squads and other service clubs and/or charities.
Basically under state law the proceeds of a raffle must go charity. Bowling leagues strikeout when it comes to charity, according to officials.
“The bowling alleys cited do not meet the requirements for holding raffles,” said N.J. Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman.
The LGCCC investigated 73 bowling alleys around the Garden State during a four-month period ending in January. They found that most of the alleys were violating gaming laws by selling or allowing the sale of 50/50 raffles.
Among the alleys slapped with a fine are alleys in Cherry Hill, Egg Harbor, Hammonton and other local lanes.
Each alley received violation notices, according to state. They alleys can either pay the fine and comply or contest the violations.
