Christian Conservatives say Obama is breaking Internet gambling laws

[The Buzz]

Christian Conservative groups are criticizing presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama for what they contend is an Internet gambling scheme to raise campaign funds.

Obama's campaign sent out an e-mail to supporters yesterday, asking for contributions of $5 or more. The campaign would randomly select 10 people who made donations a chance to fly out to Denver to watch the acceptance speech.

"The three elements of gambling are there," Chad Hills, the analyst for gambling research and policy, told WND. "I think not only does it cross the line on a state level, but on a federal level it also crosses the line."

Sounds like a good old fashioned raffle to Buzzy, not sure that it matters that people are giving online.

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?f...w&pageId=69036

[matted]

This whole thing actually pissed me off a bit as it seems less than genuine. If it is a legitimate contest, then randomly select your winners - don't mislead folks to make a quick buck.

I got the email, and it clearly says if you donate $5 or more, you are entered for a chance to win a trip to Denver (not other criteria).

If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the ten supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them.

Make a donation now and you could have a front row seat to history.

Then, when this complaint came out, this is what is in the news article:

"Obama spokesman Nick Kimball says the campaign isn't conducting a drawing. Instead, the campaign will consider individual stories and other factors in selecting a group to meet Obama."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080708/...b_solicitation