A RAFFLE to sell a £1m house near Crediton was put on hold this week after the Gambling Commission stepped in to investigate.

The commission is looking into the legality of ‘House Competitions’ generally, and as part of that process have contacted owners Brian and Wendy Wilshaw.

The commission is in discussion with the couple to see if their attempt to raffle Oldborough Retreat, in Morchard Bishop, goes against the Gambling Act 2005.

The commission’s deputy chief executive, Tom Kavanagh, said: “Homeowners considering such schemes as an alternative to selling their house risk committing a criminal offence if they cross the boundary and stray into offering an illegal lottery.

“We already have questions over the legality of a small number of existing schemes and are in contact with the organisers.”

The house was due to be raffled yesterday and a winner for the five bedroom family home which includes an 11-acre estate, fishing lake and holiday cottages should have been selected.

In a statement Mr and Mrs Wilshaw said: “The Gambling Commission have asked for more information on the competition question, despite the fact that we approached them for guidance before the start of the competition.”

The question was ''What is the cost of an adult full season coarse fishing licence for 2008/09?''

Mr and Mrs Wilshaw said: “We have been asked to demonstrate how the question prevented a significant number of people from participating in the competition, which is the main legal test to decide whether or not the competition is authentic rather than a simple lottery or game of chance.”

Schemes that do not meet such a test of skill are classed as lotteries and cannot be operated for private gain The couple added: “We are also devastated that, by changing the rules after the process began, the Commission may decide that our dream of handing the keys to a lucky winner may not be realised.”