Money Moral Dilemma: Should I keep the money I won playing a charity lottery?

MSE_Kelvin

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

I play a number of charity lotteries, more to support them than anything else, and it's more exciting than donating by Direct Debit. I've won the odd £10 here and there, which I donate back to the charity in question, but last week I won £1,500. I know the lotteries are good fundraisers, so if I keep it I wouldn't be taking money from the charity, but it doesn't feel right. If I donate it back with Gift Aid, it'll raise even more funds. Yet I did win it fairly and it's a decent sum which I could use for a holiday or similar treat. Am I overthinking this?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.


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gran3

Yes, they allow for the prizes. If you want to donate a bit, but do something nice with the rest. Dont feel guilty.

superquark

There's nothing wrong with keeping it, but only you know how you feel about it.

My advice - keep a grand, donate £500 back.

Brian_badonde

If you feel guilty taking the winnings from the lottery surely it would make more sense to just do normal donations.

Groom

 If they lost money they wouldn't do it, but the money taken from those entering far outweighs the money given as prizes, so no reason to feel guilty. Really if you feel uncomfortable about taking prize money don't do the lottery, just set up a direct debit each month to the charity! 

2702

Don't feel guilty You are a very caring person so you probably will feel guilty. As previous comments why not make  a donation of whatever you feel comfortable with and enjoy the rest.

CapeTown

This is a no brainer. If everyone felt this way then the lotteries wouldn't happen. You have won something and in the process helped the charity.  Enjoy it 

Ed264

You say "it doesn't feel right", so you've answered your own question. I've always said that if I won a charity lottery (and I enter a few) then I wouldn't accept the winnings. So do the right thing - donate it back to the charity. Trust me, you will feel good for doing it.

Shirla69

Absolutely keep it, you won it fair and square. I do understand though, I signed up for one and won in my first month, it was only £100 but if I won it, it was meant to be. 

You’re a good person to give to charity in the first place so this is karma for being kind. 

Do something nice with it but enjoy it! 

scotterillo

I’d keep the money. But make sure you tell everyone about your winnings to hopefully attract new customers to the charity lottery. 

SpicyLentil

Whilst I get where you’re coming from, think about the inflated salary the CEO’s receive, working for a charity! At least you are giving by way of participating in the lottery. If you don’t need the money or feel that guilty, maybe keep it by and donate it to a shelter at Christmas to enable many homeless people to either enjoy a Christmas dinner or have a bed for the night