Gambling

[joementum]

Hi, I am new here, and wanted to say Hi to everyone.

Some friends and I were discussing whether or not gambling is a sin. I would appreciate anyone's opinion on the subject, and please explain in depth while you feel this way.

I personally believe gambling is not a sin unless under certain circumstances. For example, anything in excess or gambling the last few dollars you have instead of paying bills or taking care of your family is wrong. I also think gambling on certain subjects that already are sinful is wrong as well.

But I am not firm to my opinion and would like different perspectives on the subject.

 

[billwald]

Generally agree.

 

[cross-eyed]

Sin is anything that seperates you from God. Gambling would be sinful if it gets between you and fellowship with God. I personally have spent something like 5 bucks each of the 4 or five times I've gone to a casino (I consider it spending the money because I don't expect to win and I consider it the price of a night of entertainment with my friends, like going to a movie or whatever). I'll play cash games of poker occasionally with either friends or people I'm trying to get to know better. And for me, with the few dollars I put into gambling, and the lighthearted attitude I have towards it (the wise use of it, anyways), I don't think gambling seperates me from God.

The key here: remember whose money you're really playing with (God's), be wise about it, keep a lighthearted attitude, and don't do it with the hopes of winning.

 

[m4dskillz]

It's definitely not a thing to turn into an obsession, but in moderation its a great way to have fun. I play poker with friends all the time and even after a long string of losses its still fun. But if you get to the point where you're throwing money away, gambling is becoming more than "fun" to ya.

 

[Thibeault]

I agree, i also gamble the odd time. Whether it is with my friends playing poker once a month or going to the casino and spending the odd dolar on slots. I dont htink it is a sin if it is just casual and you and your friends are just looking for a litlle fun. However, if you excessively gamble and you have a huge habit of it thats another story in my opinion. If you gamble every freaking dolar u have just to see if you can break even again then i think that you have a problem and are sinning. Like if i lose $10 playing slots i dont go to the bank machine and get $10 just to see if i can break even and/or win more money. When i lose up to like $10 i just leave or stop playing. Like lusting, gambling is only a sin if you cant control it.