WACONIA, Minn. (AP) — In these polarizing times, Minnesotans have found something they can agree on — the thrill of a meat raffle.Meat raffles have been popular in pockets of the U.S. for decades, offering a fun way to raise money for charities while handing out prizes ranging from ground beef and hot dogs to chicken breasts and steaks. But while inflation has surged and meat prices have soared, Minnesota’s $70 per-event prize limit hasn’t changed in nearly 40 years. The deeply divided Minnesota Legislature hasn’t been able to agree on much this year, but it’s almost a sure bet to respond by upping the cap to $200. That will allow charities to offer more and bigger grill packs, and thicker, fancier steaks, while funding local youth sports teams and other causes. And it will ensure that the state’s beloved if quirky tradition of gambling for meat products will remain viable.
“This is probably the best feel-good bill that we have going on in the Legislature right now,” said Republican Rep. Jim Nash, lead House author of the meat raffle legislation.
Andrea “Mama” Avaloz holds up the package of fajita meat, beef sticks and pork chops that she won in a meat raffle April 10, 2026, at American Legion Post 150 in Waconia, Minn. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
