MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The state attorney general is challenging a furniture store sales promotion tied to the University of Memphis' success in the NCAA basketball playoffs, according to a Memphis newspaper report.
  
Ashley Furniture HomeStore outlets conducted the promotion in Memphis in December offering refunds to customers if the Memphis Tigers win the NCAA tournament.
  
But Attorney General Robert Cooper has issued an opinion that such a sales promotion amounts to illegal gambling.
  
The opinion was requested by Republican state Rep. Brian Kelsey of Germantown. It is an advisory opinion and does not carry the force of law.
  
Chad Spencer, co-owner of several Ashley stores, says he still plans to refund money to customers if the Tigers win.
  
Memphis plays Michigan State in the South Region semifinals Friday, March 28, 2008, in Houston.
 
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