Contest for Home - Is it legal???

I've been trying to sell my home for over 4 months, but, with the market right now, I have not had any offers.

I was thinking last night about a movie I saw a few years ago, The SpitFire Grill. In the movie, the characters have a contest to sell the property. They have people send in an essay, along with an "entry fee" to buy the property, maybe a couple hundred dollars. At the end of the movie, the characters have collected enough money, select a "winner" and turn the property over to the winner.

I was thinking this might be a good way to sell my home, but, I'm curious if it would be considered legal or not. I realize that people might consider it a scam in todays world, where there are so many out there, but.... I'm wondering what you think.

I think I would add a clause that indicates that if the contest does not result in enough money, all entry funds would be returned, and the contest cancelled.

Any thoughts?

I live in Ohio.

FYI - I would set this up as an essay type contest, not as a raffle.

I have been notified by the State Attorney General's office that this type of contest would be considered a game or scheme of chance and would be illegal in the State of Ohio, unless run by a charitable organization.

Thanks to all who read, but, I guess I'm bumming.

You can ask for a permit.