Gambling

[NewToLife]

What do we as Christians think of gambling? Do we think that it is inherently wrong, perhaps characterising it as attempting to get something for nothing at the expense of another. On the other hand perhaps we think that it is not wrong in itself but can become a form of idolatry if indulged in obsessively?

What do we make of bingo clubs attended by the elderly as a social outing or indeed of a lottery at a church fund raiser? What is the essential difference, if there is one, between these and the activities of a 'professional' gambler?

I'm curious to see what people think on this issue and indeed on what various denominations teach in this area.

 

[hindsey]

I think you need to be a good steward with your money. I think that being greedy for gain is wrong. And, I think that time could be spent better. Also, gambling is usually associated with other immoral things (drunkenness comes to mind), and would probably be best avoided.

 

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings,

I agree with Hindsey. God should always be our source of everything in our lives. I personally don't have a problem with -some- gambling, if it is for entertainment and one's obligations are already fulfiled. But the problem with that any almost every activity in this world, it can be addictive or become a habit which are both very bad. So I would adhere to Paul's injunction:

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

 

[I'ddie4him]

I used to buy instant lotto tickets all the time. I stopped years ago cause I felt that it was wrong. I think it depends on what you do with the money tho. If you win something and use it for good, Say the offering plate at church, It might be ok. Maybe even donating to a charity. Depends on your concience I guess.

 

[lands21]

I play poker quite a bit, but with little money. I have a budget for 25.00 a month, and I never go over that budget. I do not think there is anything wrong with that.

If I spent that on movies, no one would have a issue.

 

[Arikereba]

My main problem with gambling is the issue of social injustice--there are people out there gambling who can't afford to do so, who are gambling because they're desperate for money, and I think that gambling as an industry often preys on people with deceptive advertising and mechanisms that deliberately encourage addiction.* That's not an industry I want to support with my money.

But that only applies to gambling as an industry--I don't have a problem with social bingo clubs, church raffles, poker games between friends...

*They did a study on rats, where the rat would press a lever to get a little treat, but it was set up as a kind of gambling. One set of rats got a treat when they pressed the lever X times, where X stayed the same. One set of rats got a treat when they pressed the lever after X minutes, where X stayed the same. One set of rats got a treat when they presset the lever after a random number of minutes. And the last set of rats got a treat if they pressed the lever a random number of times. And this last group of rats would press that lever until they died. That's addiction. And as far as I can tell, people are the same way. Play Diablo II sometime, you'll see.

 

[homewardbound]

...if it is for entertainment and one's obligations are already fulfiled. But the problem with that any almost every activity in this world, it can be addictive or become a habit which are both very bad.

Right on....my thoughts exactly.

Also, be aware that you lose a certain amount of credibility with non-Christians if you parttake in certain "vices" such as gambling, alcohol consumption, smoking, etc.

 

[lands21]

Right on....my thoughts exactly.

Also, be aware that you lose a certain amount of credibility with non-Christians if you parttake in certain "vices" such as gambling, alcohol consumption, smoking, etc.

Would those not be judgemental christians then? And why would I worry about my credibility with them?

 

[BarbB]

I don't gamble anymore, but it's because I like it too much. My Christian friends, though, gamble about once a month at the slots - doesn't seem to harm them!

 

[abbygirlforever]

Play Diablo II sometime, you'll see.

Lol, how about it! I swear I spend more money in that game gambling for better armor than anything else! Then again, in DII there isn't much else to spend the money on. And I think I win out more often in the game than real life, though I still dump more money into gambling than it's worth, but easier than finding it myself.

 

[Svt4Him]

My issue with it is it plays on poor people. My brother in law loves to gamble, and his line of reasoning is it's a form of entertainment. But I know of few forms of entertainment that ruin peoples lives.

But again, I've never had a huge desire to gamble, so I have really no idea. I'll try and get John McAurthurs blirb on it and see what you think.

 

[m4dskillz]

I'd say gambling becomes wrong if it serves as an addiction. I pay poker often with my friends, and it's a ton of fun. I put in 10 bucks for an evening of fun, it's just entertainment to me, with the added bonuses of hanging out with my friends AND the chance to win some money. However, some people worry about scraping together enough money to gamble with, in hopes that they'll hit the jackpot or something. It's not a reliable source of income, and many people end up in poverty because they go overboard with the gambling.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Gambling

As a Christian, I do admit that I have played lottery and been part of the football and basketball pool. I do this for fun rather than greed. My motive have to be determined why I am playing (gambling). I like to have fun so I do put in a few bucks in football or basketball pools and lottery once in awhile.

Gambling is a tricky word because many of us put our funds in stocks for investment and that is considered alittle bit gambling. The key is "how you are using God's money?"

Its not just the Baptists have a problem with gambling. There are many denominations similar to Baptist's beliefs have a problem with gambling.

The Bible does not specifically forbid gambling, but there are several biblical principles that should make MOST Christians hesitate to participate:

1. God presents work as the normal way to get the money we need
(Eph 4:28; II Thess. 3:12; Prov. 31). When a person cannot work, the second choice is prayer (Phil. 4:6, 19).

2. All my income belongs to God, not me (Psa. 24:1), and I am not free to use it as I wish. I am a steward, who should use it for God's purposes. Christians are called on to meet the needs of their family (I Tim. 5:8), and share with others, particularly Christians who have needs (2 Cor 8-9; Gal. 6:6-10; 3 John). Ask: Does God want me to use His money to buy a lottery ticket?

3 God uses money to accomplish important purposes in my life:
a. Meet basic needs (Matt. 6:11; I Tim. 6:8).
b. Build character (Phil 4:10-13)
c. Give direction, by providing or withholding resources.
d. Helping others through me.
e. Show His power by providing miraculously.

Ask: Does gambling accomplish these results? Am I looking to God or to the lottery for my needs?

4 Greed and covetousness are sin
(Ex. 20:18; I Tim. 6:9; Heb 13:5), and these are motives in most gambling.

5 Proverbs warns of disaster for people who want to get rich quickly
(28:20,22).

6 Wealth that comes easily goes just as easily
(Prov. 13:11).

7 Wealth gained the wrong way breaks up families
(Prov. 15:27).

8 Gambling can be addictive, and even if you don't fall prey to it as a compulsive habit, your example may cause others to be enslaved by it (I Cor. 8:9, 13).

 

[homewardbound]

Would those not be judgemental christians then? And why would I worry about my credibility with them?

I'm speaking of instances where you have the opportunity to share the gospel with a non-believer. It's hard to imagine someone being an effective witness while they're tossing back a few beers. Likewise, I can't imagine sharing God's word while rolling the dice at a casino.

 

[nwingate]

These are issues of the heart. Since it is never mentioned in the Bible we have to look at why people are gambling. Are they trying to get rich because they have some need that can never be filled or are they doing it for fun?

If its for fun I have no problem with it... if they are doing it for money then I have a problem with it.

All in all though, I have enough trouble just keeping 10 rules without adding more.

Nathan