Can I bet on a horse race for entertainment. i.e. I’m looking to take the family to the racetrack for entertainment to watch the horse racing. I was hoping to let them each (and myself) place a minimum bet ($2) in order to make following the race more interesting? I view it as money spent on entertainment, if we win something great, but I’m more interested in getting the excitement/fun out of the $2.
Thanks.
Answer:
According to the Ashkenaz custom, there is no problem in making the bet.
Sources:
There is a difference of opinion as to whether gambling is permitted or forbidden in Halacha.
The Shulchan Aruch rules that it is a form of stealing and is forbidden. Sefardim, who follow the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch, may therefore not gamble even occasionally, and this includes even buying a lottery ticket.
Buying a raffle ticket however, would seem to be permitted even according to this opinion. When one buys a lottery ticket, one is placing money simply to earn the chance of receiving more. Buying a raffle ticket is different, though; you are actually donating money to a worthy cause, with a side benefit being the possibility of winning a prize as well, and this may well be permitted.
The Rema, however, disagrees with the Shulchan Aruch, and permits gambling, even on a regular basis. One who has no regular source of income other than from his gambling, however, is considered to be not a member of a civil society, and is disqualified from serving as a witness in Halachah.
It is worth noting, however, that the Rema himself (in at least one place: see Orach Chaim 322) does not object to the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch who forbids gambling (see Mishnah Berurah, Shaar Ha-Tiyon 322:20).
Further, one should note the words of the Rambam, who writes that in this context that it is not fitting for a person to spend his days in practices other than the gaining of wisdom, necessary business affairs and other such matters of societal importance.
It is also worthy noting the severe language used by the Rivash, who refers to gambling as a “disgusting, repulsive and sordid practice that has caused many casualties.” The Talmud Yerushalmi also rules that we should make no effort to annul the vow of one who vowed never to gamble again!
However, in the case of going to the races as you are doing, which is far more a family outing than “gambling,” there appears to be no problem — certainly according to Ashkenaz custom — of placing a bet for the sake of the entertainment it involves.
