I may be going to trial in January in New Braunfels on a gambling case against Lowell Lasley, the primary proprietor of Charity Sweepstakes machines/locations. It is my understanding that Mr. Lasley has visited with several prosecutors in efforts to get his gambling business endorsed by a prosecutor. I also understand that he has been told no by many prosecutors. Is there anyone out there who has met with Mr. Lasley, heard his pitch for why his business is not a casino, and rejected him?

I can see that many people were curious enought to look at my post, so I thought I would provide an update for those who do know Mr. Lasley or have dealt with Charity Sweepstakes cases. We agreed to a conviction of his "charitable organization" for the non-gambling offense of Deceptive Business Practices, specifically running a Deceptive Sales Contest (P.C. 32.42). Some of the elements including deceiving customers, failing to adequately inform customers of the chances of winning prizes, the amounts of cash prizes, use of paraphernalia. He agreed to forfeit to the state 78 devices and over $11,000, plus he paid a $1000 fine and reimbursed the storage facility for the costs of storing the machines for 1 year.