Mormons Say Lotteries Harm Poor, Old
The Mormon Church has come out in opposition to the legalization of government-sponsored lotteries, arguing that they take money from the needy and the old.
A church statement asserted that “the poor and the elderly become victims of the inducements that are held out to purchase lottery tickets on the remote chance of winning a substantial prize.”
Public lotteries are touted as a way to raise money for the state, the statement said, but, “all too often lotteries only add to the problems of the financially disadvantaged by taking money from them and giving nothing of value in return.”
The Mormon church historically has opposed all forms of gambling.
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