Can the cost of the raffle tickets from a nonprofit be deductible as a donation, gambling loss or not at all if I did not win?

I bought raffle tickets from a nonprofit organization for a chance to win an item. I did not win the item or anything. So can I deduct the money for the tickets as a...

1. Charitable Donation or

2. Gambling loss or

3. Can't claim anything.

Thanks for your answer

posted

Unfortunately, it's #3. If you itemize, you can only deduct gambling losses against winnings and you're not allowed to claim raffle or lottery tickets as a charitable deduction.