Police: “Win an Inn” Essay Contest Didn't Violate Law

Maine state police and the attorney general's office say an innkeeper has not violated state law in an essay contest in which her 210-year-old country inn was the prize.

The investigation focused on whether the "Win an Inn" contest violated a law governing games of chance. Sgt. Michael Johnston said Tuesday this was a game of skill, not one of chance. He while Maine licenses games of chance, it has no laws overseeing essay contests.

Some contest losers felt the odds were stacked against them. The Center Lovell Contest Fair Practices Commission said inn owner Janice Sage marketed the contest as open to all regardless of background, but awarded the prize to a couple with hospitality business experience in the Virgin Islands.

Sage became owner of the inn the same way - by winning an essay contest 22 years ago. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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