With NFL teams looking for ways to lure customers to stadiums, the Colts have opted to give gambling a try.
The Colts have announced that the team will host a 50/50 raffle at each of the 10 home games in 2014. Fifty percent of the “net” proceeds will go to a fan, and the rest of the net will go to support the efforts of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation. (Use of the term “net” suggests that the Colts will be retaining certain administrative or related costs; otherwise, the winner would get half of the “gross” proceeds.)
“The 50/50 Raffle will be an exciting new addition to Colts game days,” Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Irsay said in a statement released by the team. “Not only will this program offer a fun engagement opportunity for fans, but it will also provide a positive impact for our community by supporting numerous charitable organizations throughout our city and state.”
That’s fine, but it’s still gambling. While presumably in compliance with all applicable state and local laws, it’s gambling. And the NFL typically avoids gambling. (Except when it’s fantasy football, which isn’t legally gambling even though it’s, you know, gambling.)
Gambling or not, at least someone will win. Unlike that ridiculous “guess the weather” contest the team has hatched.
