Lights of Guidance/Gambling

Lights of Guidance edited by Helen Hornby
Gambling

1201. The Sale or Purchasing of Lottery Tickets

"In reviewing your Minutes for 15 March 1967, we note Item 25-8 in which the Treasurer suggests a lottery as a means of disposing of a Persian carpet which has been given to you by one of the believers. We do not feel this is an appropriate way in which to raise funds….

"As far as individuals are concerned, we have carefully studied the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi on this point and it is apparent that such subsidiary matters are not recorded in the Holy Texts. The Universal House of Justice is not prepared to decide at this time whether the purchase of lottery tickets should be permitted or prohibited."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, July 4, 1967: Extracts Concerning Gambling, Lotteries and Raffles, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice)

1202. Horse Racing, Betting and Raffles

"Although we have not found any text which forbids the owning of race horses, horse racing as a means of winning the prize money and betting at race courses, we quote the translation of a Tablet of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá on horse racing:

'Betting on horse racing is a pernicious disease. It hath been seen in Europe what distress this hath caused. Thousands have become afflicted and distraught. The friends of God must engage in work which is lawful and attracteth blessings, so that God's aid and bounty may always surround them.' (Translated from the Persian)

"We do not feel … that it is appropriate for funds for the Faith to be raised through raffles."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, June 20, 1972: Ibid.)

1203. Betting on Football Games, Bingo and the Like

"Although we may have written to you previously commenting on the question as to whether lotteries and betting, such as betting on football games, bingo, etc., are included under the prohibition of gambling, we repeat that this is a matter that is to be considered in detail by the Universal House of Justice. In the meantime, your National Assembly should not make an issue of these matters and should leave it to the consciences of the individual friends who are to decide for themselves in each case."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, September 27, 1972: Ibid.)

1204. Bingo and Other Games of Chance for the Fund

"As to participation in Bingo games by a Local Spiritual Assembly with the intention of contributing to the Fund, we do not feel it is appropriate for funds for the Faith to be raised through games of chance or raffles."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, January 29, 1973: Ibid.)