Christian view on Poker

[Dionysius]

It seems that Christians are not immune to the poker fad of recent years. Which raises the question. I have no problem at all with house games, because playing in a house game is more of a social thing than a money thing. However, I'm a little more cautious about playing poker for money - whether it be on the internet or with people you don't know, etc. What are your views on this?

 

[morningstar2651]

Gambling: Catholic Encyclopedia

 

[12volt_man]

It's only a sin if you lose.

 

[fluffy_rainbow]

I play poker every Saturday night with my family. We have a $5 buy-in so you only lose $5. Where else can you have a great time on Saturday night for only $5?

 

[butterfoot]

I would have to say it depends on how you look at it. Me personally I don't see it as gambling. As a christian I play video poker at casinos every now and then but I see it as entertainment that I pay for. I won't spend any more on that than I would any entertainment.

 

[vanshan]

It's important to acknowledge that every cent is a gift given to us by God, and to squander it is unwise. We don't have to be legalistic about game playing, but let's be honest if you won some $$ and would not be happy to just toss you winnings on the floor and walk away (or better yet just give them away to someone else), then you are doing it in part for the money. It's gambling, which is poor stewardship of what God intrusts us with.

Basil

 

[Eph. 3:20]

I'll second Jesus' opinion of whether or not we can gamble.

Eph.

 

[GMRELIC]

I go to Vegas about twice a year, and Atlantic City about once a year. and have a certain amount of money I allow myself to gamble, I don't have a problem with it. I am not really into for the money, just the entertainment of it. Actually been going for about 20 years and have won very little. but have a great time everytime I go

 

[ssms27]

Hi,

This is part of a response to my sister who asked me why I gamble if I am a christian. It doesn't really answer the question in its entirety but it's my answer.

To Sister: I really don't consider playing cards with the family gambling. For me it's no different than going to an arcade and spending $20. I only play to spend time with the family; I don't even like playing very much but I like spending time with everyone so I play.

Gambling has to do with playing games of chance with the expectation of making money at the expense of others. I would not play for more than $20
because now it's not just about fun but it could become about winning. $20
dollars is not going to have a negative affect on the family, though it may
if this was a frequent thing and then I would not do it. Like I said, I
don't care about making money; I care about spending time with my family.

 

[applepowerpc]

I gamble M&M's. Blue's worth 10, Red's worth 5, Yellow's worth 2, Brown's worth 1. I learned .the object is to lose all your blue M&M's, so you get more Brown ones. And then you eat 'em

 

[TScott]

Gambling: Catholic Encyclopedia

Odd that they don't have an article under "bingo".

 

[TrueQ]

Lol, green M&Ms are obviously to valuable to waste then?