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)