charitable gambling

Organized legal playing of games of chance to raise money for educational, religious, or public service uses. The games are usually conducted by churches, service clubs, civic associations, and similar organizations and include such activities as bingo, raffles, card games, and casino games. In many areas, especially those in rural or economically depressed towns, gambling has become a major source of funding for many human services programs. Many contend that this type of fundraising is the only way these service programs can survive, whereas others argue that gambling undermines society, moral values, and the very programs it helps to fund.