A collection of chronologically issued answers to some of the questions submitted by individual believers and institutions

3/16/2017

Horse Racing, Betting and Raffles - June 20, 1972

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." 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated June 20, 1972 to a National Spiritual Assembly,: Extracts Concerning Gambling, Lotteries and Raffles, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice; compilations: Lights of Guidance)