sweepstakes and contests

[bobby]

this is just a curiosity Q. 

 is playing sweepstakes and contests considered gambling like playing 

  publishers clearing house

[DancesWithWife]

I looked up both on WOL.JW.ORG and found this concerning sweepstakes. From the June 15th, 1993, Question Box: 

 

Questions From Readers

Since Christians do not wager money, may they accept tickets or participate in drawings in which they may win prizes?

This is a question that has arisen from time to time, so it has already been addressed in our publications. In some languages, we have made available indexes of our literature, such as the Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985 (and a similar one covering 1986-1990). If a Christian has such indexes in his language, these can prove very useful in locating satisfying answers quickly.

 

The question asked above is an example. Looking in the Index for 1930-1985 under the heading “Questions From Readers,” one finds the subheading “‘drawings,’ may Christian accept ticket for?” The reader is referred to the section “Questions From Readers” in The Watchtower of February 15, 1973, page 127.a Many Witnesses have the bound volume (or individual issues) of The Watchtower for 1973, or it may be consulted in the library of many Kingdom Halls.

The discussion published in 1973 pointed out that Christians rightly avoid any sweepstakes or drawings that involve buying chances (such as raffle tickets) or putting up money for a chance to win some prize. Simply put, we avoid gambling, which certainly is an expression of greediness.—1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Ephesians 4:19; 5:3, 5.

 

A store or a business, though, may use drawings as a means of advertising. All a person has to do is submit his name or send in a form or a ticket, without buying anything. The drawing is part of the advertising scheme; it is designed to be an impartial method of deciding who will be given the prize or prizes. Certain Christians might feel that they could accept the prize in a drawing that did not involve gambling, just as they could accept free samples or other presents that a business or a store might use in its advertising program.

 

However, some Christians would shun anything of this sort, not wanting to stumble or confuse others and also seeking to keep far from any enticement to trust so-called Lady Luck. As Isaiah 65:11 shows, God’s servants do not link themselves with “the god of Good Luck” or “the god of Destiny.” They may also feel that they would not want to be part of any publicity that winners might be required to share in. Those who feel this way should certainly not be critical of a Christian or Christians whose conscience allows them to be involved in such drawings.—Compare Romans 14:1-4. - direct link Questions From Readers — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY (jw.org)

 

Is Gambling a Sin? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY (jw.org)

 

[Witness1970]

I was in a store once and was handed a piece of paper to fill out.  I filled it out and handed it back to the store employee. Only after I filled it out was I told that it was some sort of giveaway.

 

I heard about a Witness who won an "outdoor kitchen."  There was no purchase required to win.

 

I firmly believe that items requiring a purchase of a ticket (raffle or lottery) are definitely out for me.  Several people purchase tickets.  In order for one person to win, everyone else has to lose.  Wishing for others to lose so that you can win is not Christian.  (1 Corinthians 10:24) 24 Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

 

On the other hand, a giveaway that does not require a purchase is more of a gray area.  What if you are automatically registered for a giveaway if you simply make a purchase that you were going to make anyway?  Should you refuse to accept the prize?  

Edited November 6, 2023 by Witness1970

[Dages]

18 minutes ago, Witness1970 said:

I was in a store once and was handed a piece of paper to fill out.  I filled it out and handed it back to the store employee. Only after I filled it out was I told that it was some sort of giveaway.

 

I heard about a Witness who won an "outdoor kitchen."  There was no purchase required to win.

 

I firmly believe that items requiring a purchase of a ticket (raffle or lottery) are definitely out for me.  Several people purchase tickets.  In order for one person to win, everyone else has to lose.  Wishing for others to lose so that you can win is not Christian.  (1 Corinthians 10:24) 24 Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

 

On the other hand, a giveaway that does not require a purchase is more of a gray area.  What if you are automatically registered for a giveaway if you simply make a purchase that you were going to make anyway?  Should you refuse to accept the prize?  

What bible principles do you have in mind ?

[Witness1970]

4 minutes ago, Dages said:

What bible principles do you have in mind ?

Just the one I mentioned, 1 Corinthians 10:24, is enough for me to refuse to play the lottery or purchase raffle tickets.  However, I will not pass judgment on someone like the witness I mentioned who won an outdoor kitchen.