Is the Daily Pool gambling?

No. There is no betting, no odds you can buy into, and no risk of losing money in the gambling sense. You contribute a small daily amount you have already decided is insignificant to you, and one member from your region receives the pool each day.

Why it isn't gambling

Gambling risks money you value in hopes of winning more. The Daily Pool asks for an amount you've deemed insignificant, and on the days you don't receive, your contribution helps someone in your community who does.

Design that prevents addictive behavior

Contributions are fixed and small. There is no way to "bet more" to increase odds. The 24-hour cycle and regional pool structure make the mechanic predictable and community-oriented, not thrill-driven.