Gambling

[FatBurger]

My opinion is that gambling as a form of entertainment is not wrong. If you can afford it, then have fun. The only time I've gambled was $20 at a blackjack table on a cruise I went on. It kept me entertained for a couple of hours, and I left when I was done, and had made $5. Obviously I wasn't too concerned about the money.

On the other hand, I don't think I would ever rely on it and try to make an income off of it. As someone else said, it's no different than day trading. But I've talked to too many ex-professional gamblers (I work with a couple) who have told me about losing everything in one bad weekend. I wouldn't want to risk my family's bank account on a casino table.

 

[FatBurger]

I get the impression you don't really care to hear this, but I'll give you a few quotes and then why I think going to a Las Vegas casino is wrong.

16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

I find it interesting that this parable is talking about how great it is to risk your money and earn more, rather than play it safe. Of course we don't know how the first two servants doubled their money, but thre aren't a lot of risk-free ways to double your money from the get-go.

 

[HeatherJay]

I find it interesting that this parable is talking about how great it is to risk your money and earn more, rather than play it safe. Of course we don't know how the first two servants doubled their money, but thre aren't a lot of risk-free ways to double your money from the get-go.

Excellent point.

BTW, Frog Wife, IBTL = In Before the Lock. This thread is bound to be closed or moved by the mods quite soon.

 

[Redguard]

I
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[Oblivious]

IBTL- please explain....I'm lost

It means In Before The Lock, meaning, posting before the thread gets locked.

 

[Mrs. Enigma]

My opinion is that gambling as a form of entertainment is not wrong. If you can afford it, then have fun. The only time I've gambled was $20 at a blackjack table on a cruise I went on. It kept me entertained for a couple of hours, and I left when I was done, and had made $5. Obviously I wasn't too concerned about the money.

On the other hand, I don't think I would ever rely on it and try to make an income off of it. As someone else said, it's no different than day trading. But I've talked to too many ex-professional gamblers (I work with a couple) who have told me about losing everything in one bad weekend. I wouldn't want to risk my family's bank account on a casino table.

I guess I agree with this post. I have never gambled, bought a lottry ticket, bought a raffle ticket, or anything. But I think it is no worse than buying candy, gum, video games, etc. It is fun for some people. As long as done responsibly, knowing you are probably gonna lose, it seems ok to me.

 

[FatBurger]

...bought a lottry ticket, bought a raffle ticket...

Lottery tickets are a good example too, forgot about those. I guess I never think of them, because I've never thought of it as being much fun

BTW, for the people saying that casinos are wholly selfish and never give anything back:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=70600004
Lots of casinos around the country give money back to schools and other community projects. Indian casinos give by far the most. Unemployment has been at 30% on Indian reservations, with a 50% poverty level. Indian gaming has made a huge difference, and both rates have been dropping significantly.

State lotteries give even more. In Oregon, video poker and now video slots are under the state lottery, and account for 78% of the revenue. All revenue now goes to schools, parks, and salmon restoration (with a small percent for "other").

Now, the non-Indian casinos don't have nearly the same policies of donation. There have been donations (some substantial), but nothing consistent or really a major portion of their revenue.

Nonetheless, that's not a reason for me to boycott someone. Let's take Wendy's. The biggiest contribution to charity I could find for them was $160,000 through a charity golf event, not exactly a lot. Oh, and Wendy's didn't actually donate it, they just helped raise the funds. Wendy's also uses MSG in their food, which fits the 'addicting and destructive" argument. They even (like pretty much every fast food chain) use red, which is known to stimulate appetite (can't find a good source, they're all new age sites).


So if you're boycotting casinos, are you boycotting fast food, too? Actually, pretty much any food or drink company purposefully tries to get people hooked on their product in some way or another. What about telco companies, they all have unethical business practices, and make every effort to keep you as a customer until the day you die.

 

[FrogWife]

So, to answer the OP's original question, the reason some Christians are so against gambling is because God has laid on their hearts that it is not right for them to do. This is their own personal standard, but not something that is clearly forbidden by the Bible (like murder or stealing, for example). You may be able to be a great witness to Christ at the hotel. God has a purpose for you being placed in that particular hotel at that particular time, and it may not be evident to you in this lifetime, but trust Him to use you in the circumstances.

Exactly!

 

[InTheFlame]

And so you think the fault lies with the casino?

Which fault, exactly? A person's gambling addiction? Nope, that's their fault. BUT I think businesses have a basic duty of care to their customers - or in Christian terms, to try to see that people don't hurt themselves because of something they're doing. For example - over here, pubs and bars aren't allowed to serve any more alcohol to people who are already 'intoxicated'. Why? Because they could hurt themselves badly... and their judgement is impaired. Now I'm not saying casinos should parent people... but I am saying that there are several tricks used to keep people gambling as long as possible, and ensure that they have as much cash at their disposal as possible... regardless of their state of mind. Upselling, 'mood' lighting, darkening of windows so that people don't notice time passing, etc. Yup, I realise they're a business and they're trying to make money. No worries. I don't have the same moral objection to poker machines (over here they're in practically every pub, club etc). Even most pubs, regardless of the fact that I don't drink and have seen firsthand the effects of alcoholism, I don't have an issue with.

In case I didn't make it clear - I'm not saying y'all should stop going to casinos because if you do, you're sinning. Simply put, I have a moral objection to casinos in particular, and won't support their behaviour with my money.

 

[Andry]

So what if I opened up a sandwich shop that was so delicious, people would eat them until they got so fat and died?

I'd use "mood" lighting, comfortable seats and tables, soothing music, etc.

Would you have a moral objection to my sandwich shop?

 

[FatBurger]

BUT I think businesses have a basic duty of care to their customers - or in Christian terms, to try to see that people don't hurt themselves because of something they're doing.

What about the TV ads where casino execs warn people against the dangers of gambling, and the support phone lines/groups that they set up and fund?

I've always thought they were probably just a front and they didn't put much real effort into them, but I've never done much research.

 

[InTheFlame]

What about the TV ads where casino execs warn people against the dangers of gambling, and the support phone lines/groups that they set up and fund?

Never seen one over here. Support lines... heck, if they stuck a phone which called the hotline directly next to a few tables, at the end of every row of pokies, that'd go a fair way toward removing my objections. I don't know about the US, but over here gambling help lines are primarily a charity-run thing... doubtless some are given donations from casinos, but I don't think an attempt to help mop up really excuses some of the efforts gone to in helping to cause the problem.

 

[luvmyhubby]

What about the TV ads where casino execs warn people against the dangers of gambling, and the support phone lines/groups that they set up and fund?

I've always thought they were probably just a front and they didn't put much real effort into them, but I've never done much research.

That's to protect them from getting sued by someone who wantst to blame his/her addiction on them.