Am I being an unreasonable tight git?

[FundMyDayOut]

DH's Mum has won tickets to a day out on Saturday, big event, lots of betting etc.

We have been asked by his sister to 'throw in some money' with her so that she can place a few bets. I have told DH that I think his sister has a bloody cheek which he isn't too happy about.

Now I don't begrudge his mum a day out, she works full time, lives alone. But, here is my problem - she has no debts, cries poverty at every chance she has, I can't remember the last time she could 'afford' to get the 20 minute long train journey to us to see her granddaughter, yet she has enough money to go to the bingo twice per week, and compulsively buy shite off the internet (which DH is often asked to pick up after she has bought it)

I really don't think we should be, in these circumstances, putting money in her back pocket to go and waste on betting. We aren't exactly rolling in it ourselves and are currently trying to cut back on spending wherever we can.

Be honest, tell me if IABU. DH has already decided he will give her money by the way.

Personally I think betting is a waste of money. If the OP was begrudging giving some money toward her having a nice meal then my answer would have been different.

I've been to big race meets, and they are used to 'betting tourists' who only want to put a pound or two on. You can still have fun without betting, but if you want the betting element, £20 would allow you quite a few little bets.
I would say to SIL, sorry, we can't; it wouldn't be fair to DC, as we have said they can't have xyz because we're short this month..

How about just throwing in £5 - if they say anything then just tell them that it's all you can afford as you are broke!

If its the National can you wear a big green hat with an orange dress and purple boots so we can spot you in the crowd

I would understand if the whole trip was say a birthday present for your MIL, because the betting is an important part of that event and it'd be unfair to make her go without being able to participate in the betting.

BUT she WON the tickets. Nobody is forcing her to go. If she doesn't want to be there if she can't gamble, she could just let somebody else go. Or sell the tickets if she's that broke.