AITA for refusing to split a $500 raffle winnings with my gf?

A Reddit user found themselves in a disagreement with their girlfriend after winning $500 from a raffle during a vacation. Despite having bought the ticket with his own money, his girlfriend insisted on splitting the winnings 50/50 or using it for her own requests. The user, who typically covers most expenses in their relationship, refused and questioned her fairness, especially given her criticism of his spending habits. Read the full story below for all the details.

‘ AITA for refusing to split a $500 raffle winnings with my gf?’

My girlfriend (22F) and I (22M) of 1.5 years are on vacation with my family and we go to a cornhole tournament with my cousin. At the event there are a few raffle boards where you can buy a square for $10 a square and the winners can get various prizes. I bought 1 square on 3 different boards for $30 total, and I let my gf pick the spots were she would write down my name. Time goes on and somehow I end up winning the $500 board.

To give some background in our relationship I pay for 80% of the expenses in our relationship, ie. going out to dinner, activities ect. and she then pays for the other 20%. However, when she pays she uses her parents credit card and not her own money because her parents can afford to do so and she is a college student.

Then after I go up to collect my money my gf says “oh so were going to split that 50/50 right?” To which I respond “umm no I don’t think so”. She then continues on to ask me to buy her new shoes or new jeans with the money that I won, then finally she says that I should put the money in an account for an engagement ring. I again refuse to do any of those things and respond with telling her that I will pay for the drinks and food for the night, then take her out to dinner a different night.

I also have to add that almost every time that I “gamble”, ie. buy 50/50 raffle tickets, play slots, sports bet, ect. she responds with something along the lines of “you shouldn’t be wasting your money on that you should be saving up for a ring” It seemed kind of cliche to me that when I win money from “gambling” she wants 50% of it but when I lose money she says how I shouldn’t be wasting my money. AITA?

Check out how the community responded:

Click_To_Submit −  22yo, 1.5 years together and she’s pressing you hard about getting married? It doesn’t seem like you’re up for that. Maybe you need to have a deeper discussion about your relationship.. NTA.

mdthomas −  You paid for the chances for the raffle, you get the winnings. She’s fine with you spending your money on her, but doesn’t want you to spend it on fun things for yourself? That tells me that she thinks YOUR money is HER money.. NTA.

urgasmic −  I would split it with my boyfriend if he picked the winning numbers/placement. but i’d like to think if i were seeing someone for 1.5 years i would actually *like* them or would have just broken up by now.. NAH.

catskilkid −  NTA. There is no part of this story where she contributes 50% in her time, effort or funds. That being said…. Dude you two need to have a serious discussion about finances if you are considering proposing, this does not sound like a short term issue but a way of life.

AmbientApe −  I don’t think you really like your girlfriend. Are you sure you’re not just stringing her along out of habit? Soft YTA for the situation you describe: she was involved in picking the winning board, so some share of the money would have been generous… and if you’re not going to be generous to your girlfriend… well, see my opening line.

SomeoneYouDontKnow70 −  INFO – Is this a serious relationship, or do you consider this a casual fling? If this is just something casual, then consider ending it because you’ve already had a year and half to decide whether you want to take this to the next level, and you’re just wasting each others’ time at this point.

If you want this relationship to be serious, then consider splitting your winnings 50/50 as a good faith demonstration of your commitment to this relationship. Otherwise, be prepared to listen to the story of your stinginess for many years to come. This isn’t about $250 that she wants.

The hints are there, but you’re not taking them: She says that I should put the money in an account for an engagement ring.. you should be saving up for a ring. You shouldn’t feel like you have to take this to the next level, but you also shouldn’t continue wasting her time if you’re not willing to live up to her expectations.

Sweetcilantro −  nah. You won because she picked those spots. She didn’t put any money in so shouldnt EXPECT it, but you also only won money because she choose the spots. Should buy a nice treat for both of you with the money, like a nice outing you wouldn’t normally go one.

Derwin0 −  You played the game together and thus should share in the winnings. YTA and likely to be single soon. Honestly, half the post reads as wealth envy toward her and her family making you more of an AH.

ClimbaClimbaCameleon −  So your choices are to spend money on her, give her half the money, or save it for a ring for her? What are the choices where you benefit from the outcome of your gamble? I’m with you, paying for drinks for the night and a decent dinner date is more than enough consideration.. NTA.

Old_Fart_on_pogie −  NTA – but it would be graceful to split the winnings or take her out to a nice dinner. A year and a half dating, do you see a future with her or are you only still together because of familiarity?