Raffles

[abcaines]

Some acquaintances of mine are debating whether Christians or Christian ministries ought to participate in or hold raffle drawings. Some see it as a form of gambling, therefore, it ought to be avoided. Others feel that although it's not gambling in the sense of casinos, it should be avoided as it may present a stumbling block to others, particularly those who struggle with gambling addiction. Others yet, see little connection to gambling and value raffles as a very effective way to raise money for charitable causes.

Personally, I don't have a problem with conducting raffles but I can relate to those who aren't as confident that raffles are a good thing.

To the FFF: What is your take on the issue?

 

[DrHuk&Duck]

Legally, non-profits are allowed to hold raffles in most states, so you’ll need to double check your state statutes and local ordinances.

Biblically, I don’t see an issue. I view gambling as a win-lose situation. With a church raffle, I view it as a win-win situation because the church still benefits even if the member loses.

My two cents….

 

[abcaines]

Legally, non-profits are allowed to hold raffles in most states, so you’ll need to double check your state statutes and local ordinances.

Biblically, I don’t see an issue. I view gambling as a win-lose situation. With a church raffle, I view it as a win-win situation because the church still benefits even if the member loses.

My two cents….

Oregon is a real bear about raffles. I think that is part of what is driving the debate amongst the crowd I'm hanging with.

 

[DrHuk&Duck]

Oregon is a real bear about raffles. I think that is part of what is driving the debate amongst the crowd I'm hanging with.

I wouldn’t imagine that they’ll bust a church raffle, but I’m not familiar with Oregon statutes.

 

[sword]

Some acquaintances of mine are debating whether Christians or Christian ministries ought to participate in or hold raffle drawings. Some see it as a form of gambling, therefore, it ought to be avoided. Others feel that although it's not gambling in the sense of casinos, it should be avoided as it may present a stumbling block to others, particularly those who struggle with gambling addiction. Others yet, see little connection to gambling and value raffles as a very effective way to raise money for charitable causes.

Personally, I don't have a problem with conducting raffles but I can relate to those who aren't as confident that raffles are a good thing.

To the FFF: What is your take on the issue?

Running a casino would be a very effective way to raise money but it would still be gambling.

We used to participate in community raffles as a way of supporting but if you give the money hoping to win how is that not gambling. If you give the money and give your ticket away or tell them you don’t want the prize then it’s pure charity,

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Ransom]

Raffles are games of chance, but I'm not sure I would put them in the same camp as gambling per se.

They're well understood to be a fundraising thing. The church, charity or whatever gets your money whether you win or lose. You don't collect your winnings from the losers' stakes; typically the prize is donated. So it's winners all round: someone gets the prize, all the players gave to a good cause, the cause gets the money, and the prize donor gets some publicity.

Still, in my mind, it's just close enough to gambling that I wouldn't want to use a raffle as a church fundraiser. Same with, say, bingo. I do support some charities that hold raffles, though I don't participate in it myself. If it bothers you, just make an outright donation, no strings attached.

 

[Sherryh]

I love raffles never won anything lol

 

[ALAYMAN]

Raffles are games of chance, but I'm not sure I would put them in the same camp as gambling per se.....

Still, in my mind, it's just close enough to gambling that I wouldn't want to use a raffle as a church fundraiser.

What he said.

 

[subllibrm]

I usually buy the 50/50 tickets with no expectation of winning. The one time that I did win I declined the money. School sports are always short on funds and I didn't need it.

To muddy the waters further. Where would you place an event with door prizes? Let's say you pay $40 a head to attend the rubber chicken dinner with a keynote speaker. Multiple parties donate prizes for the drawing.

The church we attended when we were at the camp held a "Sportsman's Banquet" every year. The speakers were well known hunting/fishing guides or writers. These folks would share their personal testimonies and a short devotional. The pastor would close with the invitation. Then the drawing, followed by a whole bunch of guns and gear going home with the new owners. One of the more popular events in the area and sold out most every year. The funds went to the local Christian community center.

I never did attend because it always fell on a weekend when we were hosting a winter camp. Now I live three hours away.

 

[abcaines]

I believe some clarification and an update is in order...

First, I posted this thread because I wanted to hear some perspectives as I was trying to unravel this issue in my head. I have found most of what has been shared to be very helpful. Thanks to all.

The issue comes from my involvement with the Christian Motorcyclist Association, CMA. About two or three years ago, a new regional evangelist took over the West Region and began to strongly discourage raffles whereas his predecessor had not. This ruffled some feathers as raffles were a very popular way of raising funds for our Run For the Son campaign.



I thought it was because he was from Oregon where any raffle is legally considered gambling and thus subject to state regulation. However I have found that the CMA Handbook prohibits raffles. So, if I am part of an organization that doesn't want us conducting raffles, I will strive follow the rule whether I agree or not.

That said, my local chapter is planning an RFS fundraiser ride and I still hold a roll of contraband raffle tickets! We have amassed over $1000 dollars worth of prizes from sponsors and aren't sure how we are going to dole them out. I'm going to suggest we include a ticket with each registration and draw for door prizes after the ride. For our more valuable gifts, we hold a silent auction.

 

[Ekklesian]

I believe some clarification and an update is in order...

First, I posted this thread because I wanted to hear some perspectives as I was trying to unravel this issue in my head. I have found most of what has been shared to be very helpful. Thanks to all.

The issue comes from my involvement with the Christian Motorcyclist Association, CMA. About two or three years ago, a new regional evangelist took over the West Region and began to strongly discourage raffles whereas his predecessor had not. This ruffled some feathers as raffles were a very popular way of raising funds for our Run For the Son campaign.

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I thought it was because he was from Oregon where any raffle is legally considered gambling and thus subject to state regulation. However I have found that the CMA Handbook prohibits raffles. So, if I am part of an organization that doesn't want us conducting raffles, I will strive follow the rule whether I agree or not.

That said, my local chapter is planning an RFS fundraiser ride and I still hold a roll of contraband raffle tickets! We have amassed over $1000 dollars worth of prizes from sponsors and aren't sure how we are going to dole them out. I'm going to suggest we include a ticket with each registration and draw for door prizes after the ride. For our more valuable gifts, we hold a silent auction.

The CMA isn't a church, so I think you're good.