Their explicit mentioning of Australia makes me thing they're in Australia.

The Gold Coast and Queensland are in Australia, so you're 100% on the money. You see Surf Life Saving raffles for gorgeous homes and cars all the time. I imagine the laws in our country (I'm also in Australia, though not Australian) mean the advertised prizes have to be winnable.

> Here is Australia in the 1980's

I think it's safe to say he's in Australia.

> When you say 'footie'

No one says 'footie' in Australia. We say 'footy'.

there are also raffles for entire houses held in the vancouver bc area, for a children's hospital and a few other charities. the houses/property really do exist and there really is a winner each year. it's my understanding that these do see a fair bit of legal scrutiny and oversight to make sure everything is above board, tickets are like $100 or $300 a piece.

What kind of requirements? Would the type of scam in the article be legal in Australia?

'Footie' is often used in the UK to refer to foo^H^H^Hsoccer.

Go 'Pies!