Legalised Lotteries
SIR,—To one who is puzzled by the arguments against gambling on ethical grounds the letter of Mr. G. A. Sutherland is of interest. No doubt an undeveloped social sense is responsible for my failure to under- stand why it is immoral to receive reward without giving in return. Whilst all my own experience has convinced me that it is extremely unlikely, I fail to see why it sjruld be considered anti-social. As this discussion refers specifically to lotteries, I will refrain from raising the question of inheritance, and will merely point out that in a lottery all the participants are quite willing, nay, even expect, to lose the relatively small stake they put up. If Land, say, eleven friends agree to pool a shilling each and draw lots as to who takes the kitty (because each for his own reason requires twelve shillings but has not got it), what social harm is done ? No one is deprived of something against his will. I am not and neither, I take it, is Mr. Sutherland, concerned with the folly or otherwise of this type of speculation, but I would welcome a clear statement as to why participation in a lottery indicates a lack of social conscience.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully,
5 Colville Grove, Timperley, Altrincham. ARTHUR BURNS.
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