Do you count the lottery as part of your charity plan?Prev TopicNext Topic

• SmoothJuice

  

  United States
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  Jan 6, 2009, 10:24 pm

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  I usually donate $30 a year to charity(Health related charities).  Wouldn't the lottery be part of a charity since it's going towards education?
• Stew12

  

  CT
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  May 21, 2008
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  Jan 6, 2009, 11:49 pm

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  I think since the main lure of the lottery is to win money for yourself (charity is a bi-product) it does not classify the same.
• KY Floyd

  

  NY
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  Jan 7, 2009, 4:58 am

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  The IRS certainly doesn't think so. If you feel better knowing that half of what you spend goes to a good cause that's fine. If you expect anyone else to  think any differently  about your lottery spending than they would if you bet the same money at a casino I expect you'll be disappointed.
• MillionsWanted

  

  Norway
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  December 10, 2004
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  Jan 7, 2009, 5:02 am

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  With regards to the lottery wins, I am the charity here.

  Of course I may give something to other charities as well if I hit the jackpot.
• justxploring

  

  Wandering Aimlessly
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  Jan 7, 2009, 5:24 am

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  I think it's more of a voluntary tax than a charity.  Charity is usually something you give without expectations.  I mean, if you give $10 to a food bank, what do you expect to receive in return? But everyone who buys a lottery ticket is hoping to benefit from the purchase.
• myturn

  Bondi Junction
  Australia
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  December 24, 2007
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  Jan 8, 2009, 10:39 pm

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  As lotteries do raise revenue for public education and other public projects it can be considered a charity. In the UK, 28% of revenue raised by lottery sales goes to "Good Causes".
• diamondpalace

  

  United States
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  April 12, 2008
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  Jan 8, 2009, 11:58 pm

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  Winning jackpot first, charity last, in between all the spending spree and traveling. :D