CENTER LOVELL — The Maine State Police are investigating the essay contest that awarded the Center Lovell Inn to a Virgin Islands couple.

The Boston Globe reported Monday that some contest losers felt the odds were stacked against them. They contend Center Lovell Inn owner Janice Sage marketed the contest to “dreamers” but instead awarded the prize to a couple with hospitality business experience in the Virgin Islands.

They had been picked by a local panel of judges assembled by Sage, who won the restaurant and hostelry in a similar writing contest 22 years ago.

Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland said Monday an investigation was opened into whether the “Win an Inn” contest violated laws governing games of chance.

Sage didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

The entry fee was $125. Sage told the Globe she received fewer than the 7,500 entries she sought, but it was still enough to fund her retirement.

The Adamses said they’re closing their restaurant in St. John and expect to be open for business in Center Lovell by July 10.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.