Money Moral Dilemma: Should I give some of my lottery winnings to the person who gave me the ticket?

Missy15

I am sure your relative will be thrilled to know you had a win, and wouldn't be expecting a share of your good luck.
However, I am sure they would be delighted to receive a little gift, perhaps a small  favourite bottle of perfume/ aftershave, or possibly a bottle of  champagne to toast your win, obviously it depends on how substantial a win you had as to what you choose, but definitely buy a gift of some kind, along with a lovely thank you card, saying how you will spend/ save your winnings. 

fabulous_at_any_age

The ticket was given you as a gift therefore if it wins the winnings is yours. That is the point of giving a lottery ticket. If you want to share it that's up to you but its not an obligation. Its yours to do as you wish.

iclayt

You could give them a token amount, donate to their favourite charity, or treat them to a meal out maybe. They don't have to know exactly how much you won. Yes, it's the risk they have taken as the gifter, but "it costs nothing to share joy" as my nan would always say. 

Marcon

MSE_Kelvin said:

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

A relative always puts a lottery ticket in family and friends' birthday cards. In my most recent card, I won a decent sum of money on the ticket - should I keep it, or tell them about it and offer to deal them in on the winnings?

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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Why not read the answers when a similar question was asked two years ago:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6434147/money-moral-dilemma-should-i-tell-my-relative-about-my-lottery-win-from-a-ticket-she-got-me/p1

2702

you do not have to.But would be nice if you did. I would not tell them the amount you won. You know their financial situation so I would judge how much to give them on that. Congratulations and enjoy yourself.

Shell1989

You can’t give a gift then take it back, once the ticket goes in your card / hand, it’s yours and you’re under no legal obligation to share it. Equally, depending on how much you won, if you told the relative who bought it for you, would it spread around the entire family? And would they all be knocking on your door for hand outs? Are you happy to give them all a share, or risk losing your relationships with people (money makes most people nasty). I wouldn’t say a thing, but if your relative has financial need then offer to do something nice for them like pay off their debt / mortgage. Tell them it’s your way of saying thank you for their gift, but DO NOT tell them how much you won. That way, your gesture is just generosity, not some obligatory act. 

EliBo123

There's so many factors to consider as to whether to say anything or not, though... (and I may be mistaken)... after a significant win, don't you have to prove you bought the ticket with a receipt? Or bank statement etc? That may make the decision for you. Enjoy your winnings. I hope everyone is happy for you ^_^

19lottie82

The answer to the dilemma, is no you don’t have to and shouldn’t feel a moral obligation to.
BUT if you want to, then go for it (and if you don’t, then don’t) 

Southendormargate

Your ticket. Your winnings.

Dax777

Maybe the relative wrote down the lottery numbers and already knows the OP has won.