Wait! Is Cow Chip Bingo Really Illegal In Maine?

For those who do not know, "cow chip bingo" is similar to regular bingo, except the way the squares are chosen is done in a really unique way.  Instead of the squares being chosen at random by a machine, like the spinning metal cages filled with balls, the numbers are chosen by where a cow does its business.

The game is common in many rural areas, except Maine, it appears.

According to information we have found online, it is illegal to run a cow chip bingo game in the State of Maine.  Actually, it looks like it is illegal to run any kind of game of chance involving an animal.

According to a posting on a Maine Legislature website, under the laws governing unlawful uses for animals, it says the law restricts the:

Use any live animal as a premium, fund-raising device, prize or award or use any live animal in a raffle, contest, game or promotion except as authorized by law or rule;

That seems to indicate that games like cow chip bingo are not allowed.

Additionally, an October 1988 article in the Central Maine Morning Sentinel relates a story of how members of the Animal Welfare Board put a stop to a cow chip bingo game that was intended to raise money for new playground equipment at the Cornville Elementary School.  Talk about being a fun sponge!  In the end, to keep with the concept of the fundraiser, without breaking the law, a couple of Skowhegan Police Department officers were enlisted to stand in for the cow.  They even dressed up in cow outfits.

We have been unable to find any plain language website that says whether or not the game is legal.  So, is it still illegal in Maine?  Or, has the rule changed?