Charity = Lottery?

Dictionary’s Definition for Charity: An organization that collects money and other voluntary contributions of help for people in need.

Dictionary’s Definition for Lottery: A large-scale gambling game, usually organized to raise money for a public cause, in which numbered tickets are sold and a draw is held to select the winning numbers.

My Definition for a Charity Show: A large-scale fund-raising event, usually organized to raise money for a public cause, in which viewers call to donate and a draw is held to select the winning callers.

I am not sure if anyone is aware of the similarity, but obviously the public is pulling their hair out because of an organisation squandering charity funds. However, they are not even the least concerned where the money placed for bets end up.

Let me try to set your mind thinking.

We urge charity organisations to be transparent with their budget allocation and spending, so that the public knows what they are doing and can be assured that the money is put into good use. Why don’t we urge gambling organisations to do the same, since they are also supposed to “raise money for a public cause” as quoted from the dictionary?

You might think that since gambling is not recommended by the government, and it is a destructive yet a necessary activity in any society, revealing where the money goes will be detrimental to the public’s mental health as it leads them to expect a larger jackpot pool. Furthermore, they are not obliged to do so as they are in fact a non-charity organisation, even though they provide sponsorship for educational television shows and counseling services.

So, where does the money go? You might think that the money is all in the jackpot pool. I can safely say that this jackpot pool represents only a small fraction of the total amount of money collected as bets. As I mentioned, some money will go towards sponsoring educational shows and counseling services. As for the rest, I presume it will flow back to the source of the organisation. It is not a small amount of money. We gamble billions of dollars every year, and I am sure not every single cent is spent on jackpot pools and sponsorships. Just imagine what the needy will get if the gambling organisation gives their earnings to charity!

It is also remarkable to note that charity shows offer condos as their top prizes, thus giving the public a choice to choose if they want to donate because they want a shot at winning the condo or they really wish to help those in need. A safe strategy indeed, but look where the money went! Does it really matter how one raises the funds? Does a charity organisation have to be free from the seven sins?

I shall not elaborate further, and let you draw your own conclusions.