by Rev. D. M. Boyd
“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8: 36-37.
National lotteries are not new. “All through the history of the modern world lotteries have been used as a source of income by governments. They have proved a reliable and convenient means of replenishing depleted treasuries, but more often than not they have resulted in impoverishing and demoralising the people, particularly those with low incomes. In the latter half of the eighteenth century the powerful and growing anti-lottery element in Britain published pamphlets describing in heart-rending detail the havoc brought to individuals and their families by the lottery craze. In spite of these strictures, however, lotteries survived a further half century. Intensified agitation against their harmful influences revived in 1819, and this crusade was supported by Wilberforce and other influential men, but so powerful were the vested interests that it took seven years to secure their suppression. In October 1826 the last state lottery was drawn and immediately afterwards an Act of Parliament came into force making all forms of lotteries unconstitutional and illegal. The lottery, however, was not completely dead. It lay dormant for a hundred and thirty years and then, in 1956, it came to life again with the Premium Bond and the ERNIE draw.” (Gambling Yesterday and Today: A Complete History, J Philip Jones, 1973.)
On 14th November, 1994, tickets for the national lottery went on sale and the nation took another step down the path of further debasing of the tone of public life. The nation is encouraged by our Government to feed the covetous spirit in the heart of man and to take up gambling.
National Gambling
There have been other forms of gambling introduced this century, but this form of gambling is for the nation. If the Lord Jesus Christ tells us: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” then we may legitimately say: “What shall it profit if he shall gain the winning ticket in the national lottery and lose his own soul?”
Lost revenue
We may ask the question, Why should a Government, which prides itself in prudent financial policy, encourage the nation to gamble? The main reason brought forward is that it is another method to raise revenue for “good causes”. But there are other considerations. Gaming is the 12th largest industry in the European Union. Because other nations have national lotteries, there is the fear that money will go out of this country into other ones. The national lottery is therefore an attempt to keep this money here. Further, by taxing gaming the Government will increase its own revenue.
But surely, truly “good causes” commend themselves for direct giving or even for taxes. Also, if the Government is afraid of money going out of the country, then let school children be taught the evils of gambling. If we can teach them healthy living by avoiding smoking, drinking and promiscuity, then we can also teach them to stop supporting raffles.
Greed versus benevolence
Already charities are worried about the adverse effect the national lottery will have on their givings. The national spirit in support of charitable causes will be damaged as the lifestyle of covetousness is promoted. Instead of straightforward giving, it will be replaced by the covetous spirit: “I won’t give something unless I have the prospect of something in return.”
Harnessing greed
The covetous spirit of man is being harnessed. In order to obtain money for good causes, the Government is encouraging gambling. But the end does not justify the means. Greed has been given a benevolent face and gambling is being encouraged. It is true that Premium Bonds did so also, but this national lottery will enter into the national consciousness.
National consciousness
This will take place in various ways. It will be on our streets. Whereas other forms of gambling had restraints around them, such as licensed betting offices, the outlets of sale will be in post offices, department stores, service stations, grocers and supermarkets. There will be national advertising to make sure it is a success. The outlets are to be doubled to 40,000 as soon as possible. It will be on television. The prize draw is expected to be the most popular programme on television. As the nation gathers around the television, the covetous spirit will be reinforced. The donations to “good causes” will keep it before the minds of the public, and these donations may even become a bone of contention.
Encouraging gambling: a green light
With this nod in the direction of gambling, it will become more difficult to maintain the current restrictions upon other forms of gambling. Already there are attempts to change the restrictions upon licensed betting offices. In addition, last month the Scottish Office issued a consultation paper on extending the opening hour of licensed bingo clubs and casinos to include Sabbath afternoon. The gaming industry has been given a green light.
The vulnerable
The nation has been compromised. A terribly bad example has been given, and especially to the vulnerable. Although the rich engage in gambling to a terrible extent, so do the poor — and they can least afford it. The poor are just as covetous as the rich — sometimes more so — and more vulnerable. When large prizes are put before their eyes and the vain, slim hope of winning, they are the most tempted and the most vulnerable. The winners will be feted on television, and maybe five or ten years down the road, we will have a television documentary on the baneful effects of the national lottery on the poor.
Some Quotes on the National Lottery
“I suppose as a nation we are collectively daft enough to fall for it all and the money will pour into the lottery. It could have poured into more deserving causes I suppose. But then that’s life.” (Inverness Courier 11.11.94)
“The official Episcopal Church in Scotland position is that they do not have an official position on the issue. ‘We don’t have anything particularly against gambling,’ said a church spokeswoman. ‘I mean, we have tombolas, raffles and so on’. Even more relaxed about the whole thing was Fr Alistair Doyle, of St Ninian’s RC Church, Inverness. ‘As a church, we are not against people who want to use their surplus for a flutter.’ Nairn’s only functioning National Lottery outlet, R S McColl’s, found its ordinary takings were down by about £600 for the week — because it was mobbed by would-be millionaires. Regular customers were either put off by the queues, or spending their cash on the Great Draw.” (Highland News, 26 November, 1994.)