Is Is Wrong To Gamble?

[Vinter]

I spend 45 DKK each week on lottery tickets. 45 DKK is not something that will put a dent in the budget. 500g of ground beef cost 35 DKK. So not alot.

When it comes to gambling I think it's very different what people think or it.

I think in my case it's okay. But when somoene spend their entire fortune and have to sell the house then it's very wrong.

What do you think?

 

[Albion]

I think most Christians see it the way you do. They might qualify what you wrote by drawing the line a little bit lower than squandering one's whole fortune, and they'd say it's not right if gambling becomes a compulsion rather than an amusement, but basically the same.

 

[bèlla]

I’m willing to invest resources in promising vehicles. Like the stock market, real estate, collectibles, etc. I consider the lottery and casinos as a form of entertainment. The possibility of winning exists but the margin is slim.

A small amount can seem meaningless. But I recall a comment from Thomas Stanley, the author of The Millionaire Next Door, about his parents. He said they smoked Marlboro cigarettes for 30 years. But if they had invested the money into Marlboro stock they would have retired as millionaires.

Most fortunes aren’t built overnight. They’re the result of diligent practices over time. The majority of gamblers are attracted to the thrill of the possibility of winning. They know the odds are against them. They’re not trying to make money. They’d take a different course if they wanted a better return.

~bella

 

[Vinter]

I’m willing to invest resources in promising vehicles. Like the stock market, real estate, collectibles, etc. I consider the lottery and casinos as a form of entertainment. The possibility of winning exists but the margin is slim.

A small amount can seem meaningless. But I recall a comment from Thomas Stanley, the author of The Millionaire Next Door, about his parents. He said they smoked Marlboro cigarettes for 30 years. But if they had invested the money into Marlboro stock they would have retired as millionaires.

Most fortunes aren’t built overnight. They’re the result of diligent practices over time. The majority of gamblers are attracted to the thrill of the possibility of winning. They know the odds are against them. They’re not trying to make money. They’d take a different course if they wanted a better return.

~bella

It's funny you mention that, because I don't get that thrill from gambling at all. The only way I ever get to own my dream house is if I win the lottery, not even if I save my money, will I be able to afford the house of my dreams. And honestly I don't have the brains for stocks. Like you say the margin is slim, but it's there and in this case the odds of getting my dream house is better than saving the 45 dkk each week in this case. Otherwise sound advice.

 

[bèlla]

It's funny you mention that, because I don't get that thrill from gambling at all. The only way I ever get to own my dream house is if I win the lottery, not even if I save my money, will I be able to afford the house of my dreams. And honestly I don't have the brains for stocks. Like you say the margin is slim, but it's there and in this case the odds of getting my dream house is better than saving the 45 dkk each week in this case. Otherwise sound advice.

How would you maintain it? If you need to win the lottery to acquire it have you considered the carrying costs in that number? Property taxes, larger expenses for utilities and upkeep, and so on. You'd be better off purchasing an investment property and using the rent to fund the costs and provide income.

~bella

 

[Lavaduder]

It's funny you mention that, because I don't get that thrill from gambling at all. The only way I ever get to own my dream house is if I win the lottery, not even if I save my money, will I be able to afford the house of my dreams. And honestly I don't have the brains for stocks. Like you say the margin is slim, but it's there and in this case the odds of getting my dream house is better than saving the 45 dkk each week in this case. Otherwise sound advice.

*FACEPALM* So let me get this straight. You don't get a thrill, but the idea of being able to buy your dreams is what keeps you going? I think you're hooked.

 

[Lavaduder]

I’m willing to invest resources in promising vehicles. Like the stock market, real estate, collectibles, etc. I consider the lottery and casinos as a form of entertainment. The possibility of winning exists but the margin is slim.

A small amount can seem meaningless. But I recall a comment from Thomas Stanley, the author of The Millionaire Next Door, about his parents. He said they smoked Marlboro cigarettes for 30 years. But if they had invested the money into Marlboro stock they would have retired as millionaires.

Most fortunes aren’t built overnight. They’re the result of diligent practices over time. The majority of gamblers are attracted to the thrill of the possibility of winning. They know the odds are against them. They’re not trying to make money. They’d take a different course if they wanted a better return.

~bella

Indeed gambling is incredibly foolish & vain.
Proverbs 13:11 - "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."
Proverbs 28:22 - "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."
Proverbs 16:33 - "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."

 

[Vinter]

*FACEPALM* So let me get this straight. You don't get a thrill, but the idea of being able to buy your dreams is what keeps you going? I think you're hooked.

I get what you are saying. But if I was hooked I would spend more and more money, wich I am not.
I spend 45 dkk wich is the same as 7.12$. each week and that's it.

Proverbs 16:33 That could be to my benifit. God knows my intentions. God knows why I want to move.

 

[bèlla]

Indeed gambling is incredibly foolish & vain.

That’s because they associate the expense with the one time purchase or outing rather than the cost for the year.

The OPs real expense is $371. Not $7.12. For that amount he could put the money towards a side hustle that could increase his income. It’s just a matter of mindset and seeing opportunities beyond the obvious,

How do I make enough money to purchase the home of my dreams versus how do I win it? The latter relies on chance for attainment and the former is diligence. That pays off in the long run.

~bella

 

[Vinter]

That’s because they associate the expense with the one time purchase or outing rather than the cost for the year.

The OPs real expense is $371. Not $7.12. For that amount he could put the money towards a side hustle that could increase his income. It’s just a matter of mindset and seeing opportunities beyond the obvious,

How do I make enough money to purchase the home of my dreams versus how do I win it? The latter relies on chance for attainment and the former is diligence. That pays off in the long run.

~bella

Even if I think annually rather than weekly. The money would be good for a rainy day, but won't make a difference otherwise. With that train of thought I shouldn't buy a club soda and settle for tap water and save that money too.

 

[bèlla]

Even if I think annually rather than weekly. The money would be good for a rainy day, but won't make a difference otherwise. With that train of thought I shouldn't buy a club soda and settle for tap water and save that money too.

You know your circumstances better than others. How much is the house?

~bella

 

[Vinter]

You know your circumstances better than others. How much is the house?

~bella

In your currency. A little under 1.5 million American Dollars. In my country, that's alot of money.
As I said it is a dream house. But one can dream. I would never be able to afford it with my income.
I do know if I get a house like this it will be through god.

However. I will be able to afford a house next year. A much cheaper one ofcourse, but at least I get to move away.

I live in a very bad neighborhood. I grew up here. It wasn't always like this. We used to be able to borrow sugar and laundry detergent from each other us neighbors that live in the apartments. Many moved away over the years, new jobs bigger families and needed something bigger than a 3 room apartment. Now it has become a dump, it even has a syringe canister in front of on the the buidlings, so the junkies can throw out their needles. When I was younger a police car was a sensation, because it was so rare. Now the police drive down the streets daily.

 

[bèlla]

In your currency. A little under 1.5 million American Dollars. In my country, that's alot of money.

I knew it was expensive. When you spend that kind of money on real estate you enter a different sphere. The requisite accoutrements are usually the problem. At that scale you need a housekeeper or service. One person couldn't manage it alone. The housekeeper would bring in help.

You need security. You'd have to invest in a really good system. You need a groundsman to handle the exterior. You need to furnish it to the standard a house of that stature would have.

Then there's associations. Your neighbor's activities are more expensive. You'll bond at the country club and similar venues. Then there's the car. You can save on that. And finally your attire.

When you get to that point it's a package. Wealth shows up in multiple places. If you're not bringing in enough you'll be bleeding cash. And of course you'll need a financial team to deal with taxes, investments, etc.

I used to work in wealth management. We dealt with high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals. I know what it costs.

~bella

 

[Vinter]

I knew it was expensive. When you spend that kind of money on real estate you enter a different sphere. The requisite accoutrements are usually the problem. At that scale you need a housekeeper or service. One person couldn't manage it alone. The housekeeper would bring in help.

You need security. You'd have to invest in a really good system. You need a groundsman to handle the exterior. You need to furnish it to the standard a house of that stature would have.

Then there's associations. Your neighbor's activities are more expensive. You'll bond at the country club and similar venues. Then there's the car. You can save on that. And finally your attire.

When you get to that point it's a package. Wealth shows up in multiple places. If you're not bringing in enough you'll be bleeding cash. And of course you'll need a financial team to deal with taxes, investments, etc.

I used to work in wealth management. We dealt with high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals. I know what it costs.

~bella

Thanks for the information.

There is no country club or golf resort. I'm not exactly a people person so I am only interested in houses that are a bit rural. I have checked out some of those Hollywood homes on TV and the gardens and the landscaping is something else. But this is more just land that needs a couple of flowers plantet before it actually needs a gardener.

 

[bèlla]

Thanks for the information.

There is no country club or golf resort. I'm not exactly a people person so I am only interested in houses that are a bit rural. I have checked out some of those Hollywood homes on TV and the gardens and the landscaping is something else. But this is more just land that needs a couple of flowers plantet before it actually needs a gardener.

The thing that strikes me as strange is your desire for the home instead of the tools to acquire it. When I don't see a desire to understand money but a want for expensive things I know they'll lose it. What you're failing to grasp is if you won the money you wouldn't know how to manage it. I don't care who you hire. Everyone must mind their money. Losses don't come from your advisor. They come from you.

You become conversant in wealth acquisition first. So if it comes you're ready. Then you won't be taken advantage of and you'll know who to go to.

~bella

 

[Vinter]

The thing that strikes me as strange is your desire for the home instead of the tools to acquire it. When I don't see a desire to understand money but a want for expensive things I know they'll lose it. What you're failing to grasp is if you won the money you wouldn't know how to manage it. I don't care who you hire. Everyone must mind their money. Losses don't come from your advisor. They come from you.

You become conversant in wealth acquisition first. So if it comes you're ready. Then you won't be taken advantage of and you'll know who to go to.

~bella

Well I actually am better at spending money, than making them. I need to crawl before I can walk. I get that, thanks.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

I spend 45 DKK each week on lottery tickets. 45 DKK is not something that will put a dent in the budget. 500g of ground beef cost 35 DKK. So not alot.

When it comes to gambling I think it's very different what people think or it.

I think in my case it's okay. But when somoene spend their entire fortune and have to sell the house then it's very wrong.

What do you think?

Gambling is not wrong, (some forms of investment can be considered more of a risk than gambling so ..) but being covetous or "chasing after fantasies" is self harming.

 

[aiki]

I spend 45 DKK each week on lottery tickets. 45 DKK is not something that will put a dent in the budget. 500g of ground beef cost 35 DKK. So not alot.

When it comes to gambling I think it's very different what people think or it.

I think in my case it's okay. But when somoene spend their entire fortune and have to sell the house then it's very wrong.

What do you think?

To what in you does gambling appeal? Contentment? That seems unlikely. Covetousness, maybe? Greed?

1 Timothy 6:8-10
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Whose money are you risking in a game of chance? As a Christian, aren't you a steward of the money God has enabled you to obtain? Isn't all that you possess ultimately His? Yes. How are you being a good steward of what God has given you by blowing it on gambling?

The Christian person is to be under Christ's Lordship, under his rule and control. In this circumstance, all that they are and possess is at the disposal of their Lord - especially since it all has ultimately been given to them by their Lord. The strength and intelligence to earn money, the capacity to obtain skills necessary to work gainfully, the provision of employment - all these are from the Lord who imparts them to those under his authority, in particular, to serve his eternal, spiritual purposes, not to be squandered in games of chance.

Colossians 3:1-2
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

Matthew 6:19-24
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

God's word tells us in great detail how to live as children of God, as Christians. Nowhere does Scripture ever hint that gambling is okay. In light of the verses above (and many others that warn us against being at all preoccupied with the accumulation of wealth), you should not be gambling with God's money over which He has made you a temporary steward.

Matthew 6:31-33
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 

[coffee4u]

I spend 45 DKK each week on lottery tickets. 45 DKK is not something that will put a dent in the budget. 500g of ground beef cost 35 DKK. So not alot.

When it comes to gambling I think it's very different what people think or it.

I think in my case it's okay. But when somoene spend their entire fortune and have to sell the house then it's very wrong.

What do you think?

I see gambling like alcohol. Low alcohol drinks was freely served in Bible times, Jesus turned water into wine and Timothy was told to 'take a little wine for his stomach issues'.
On the flip side are the verses warning about being drunk
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

So it is more about what a person does with the wine or gambling and if alcohol or gambling (or anything else) is part of their own personal weakness.
I don't think an occasional 'scratch it ticket' or whatever your country has is being sinful, yet we all know that gambling addiction can be as serous as alcohol addiction. They literally ruin families. If someone feels that gambling may be a weakness for them they would do well to stay away from even the mildest of forms the same way an alcoholic can never take even one small drink.

Moderation vs addiction. And of course addiction can be to anything. A person could be addicted to food or money or video games. One could say that Samson's addition was to women as they brought him down. So it is more about knowing your own weaknesses and avoiding them.

 

[timf]

If you would spend the same amount of money and time as you would for other entertainment such as $10 for a two hour movie, you do not have a problem.

If you lust after riches, you do have a problem

1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.