Raffles: not frugal, but...

[SerenaNY]

Obviously frugality is a matter of interpretation, but where do people fall on the matter of raffles?

Case in point, the bf wants to enter the sfraffle.com dream home raffle (SF = San Francisco) -- not that he thinks he'll actually win, of course, but we're planning on moving out to the west coast so I think he sees it as a symbolic gesture. And it's basically a fundraiser for a local arts center, so it's got the aura of philanthropy.

But, I'm still going back and forth. I've been googling and apparently these raffles are pretty common...anyone else see them?

[lotsadebt]

Here in Ohio there is annually a YMCA fundraiser raffle for a dreamhouse. 300K at least house, all tricked out by local designers. I have entered once in 8 years. I know it's a great money maker for the YMCA which I do support. I would suggest finding out if it is a worthwhile charity, then consider it just a donation,

[peanut]

I agree. We have a library home lotto here. We don't participate simply because we don't believe in supporting lottos of any kind. But the money does go to a good cause in this case. But your chances of winning are very slim, so just consider it a donation.

[forHISglory]

I don't play raffles/lotteries etc. based on my individual beliefs, but also on the futile odds of winning. If you want to support a cause, write out a check. At least you can get a tax deduction!