ST. CLOUD (AP) - A sweepstakes business is asking a Stearns County judge to order the return of property and cash that state agents seized in a recent raid.

The owners of Triple Crown Sweepstakes argue their business is not illegal and the state should either charge them or return their property. The state's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division raided the St. Cloud business last month and seized video machines. Cash and personal property of one of the owners was also taken.

Steve Ehlen says he's running a marketing and fundraising business which uses sweepstakes as a marketing tool. The state Department of Public Safety says the promotion is an illegal lottery.

Sweepstakes centers have also opened in other states and have attracted the attention of regulators.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)

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