Gambling for World War One Charities

For much of the 20th century, gambling - even for a good cause - was not supported by law. This came under strain during the First World War, when those at home felt a compelling need to do whatever they could for those at the front, and those that had been severely injured. But even in May 1918, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner publicly drew attention to

 "the fact that to advertise, hold or promote a lottery, tombola, sweepstake, raffle...etc is an offence against the law." (Holloway Press, 31.05.1918). 

In the same breath as expressing sympathy for war charities, the fundraisers were being told in no uncertain terms that if they broke this law, action would be taken against them. Apparently a surge in this type of fundraising was the catalyst for this pronouncement. In the August of that same year, a bill went to the commons to legalise lotteries for war charities - and only for those registered under the War Charities Act of 1916 -  but this was defeated by a majority of just 4 votes. In the lead up to the vote, Lord Lansdowne had pressed for the cause, stating that:


"They had to recognise that lotteries were taking place all over the country..."

Of course they were! When have we humans never wanted to have a bit of a flutter... He followed the statement up with an interesting anecdote:

"The Red Cross received 3000 pearls and one pig - which his majesty had presented. What were they to do with this historic animal? They thought that a considerable sum might be earned by raffling the pig...to get money for charitable purposes which they were not able to get in any other way."  (Dundee Courier, 30.07.1918)

Of course the Archbishop of Canterbury was eye rollingly against the whole thing, calling it "palpably mischievous". 

Who knows what happened to the royal swine...but it can't have been raffled off as it wouldn't have been legal. The argument went on and on for decades...and people with good charitable intentions continued to be harassed for their trouble.




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