Money Moral Dilemma: Should my brother share his lottery winnings?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

 My brother's girlfriend gave him a National Lottery scratchcard as a Christmas gift, and he won £500. She thinks he should give her some of the money as she gave him the card, but I think he should keep it as the card was a present. Should he share the money with her?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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jim1999

This is why scratchcards are often a stupid gift.  If the person wins, and you can't just be genuinely happy for them, you shouldn't have bought them in the first place.

If you expect to receive a portion of the winnings, then giving them the scratchcard was a mistake.  What you're really saying is "I've decided to start a syndicate that none of you wanted so I can avoid buying you an actual present."

Penguin_

I'd give them the £1, £2, £5 or £10 that they paid for the scratch card back.

CookieMonster

She should be given the elbow, not money.

tacpot12

I think that he should share his winnings with his girlfriend. He should consider it an investment in the relationship.

Mnoee

I can't imagine a time when I'd not want to share my good luck with my partner - it'd be for a weekend away, or new TV or other household thing - assuming neither had debts or anything like that. If the relationship was very new and they're not cohabiting, then I'd definitely reconsider the entire relationship as they clearly don't think the same way about money. 

NBLondon

One would assume that the norm would be to use some of the money to treat your girlfriend - not just hand back some cash.   If she expects or demands that - then Mnoee is right - this relationship may not last.  

Morrigan_2020

I have no idea why a disagreement between a boyfriend and girlfriend over a scratch card is anything at all to do with the boyfriend's sister. 

gothvixen

He is under no obligation to give her anything. If she gave him socks would she expect to wear them every now and then? If she thinks she's entitled to a share, she's wrong, and the only thing she deserves is the boot.

sassyblue

He should do what he wants. His winnings, his decision.

elizabethhull

We often put scratchcards in (adult) stockings at Xmas, not expecting anything exciting, but there's always the hope the recipient might be lucky via minimum expenditure from the giver. (Most so far is £9) What an extraordinary idea that they would share - it's a GIFT !!