Online poker

[Jerok]

I’m curious as to the Catholic stance to online poker is. I know the CC says gambling isn’t intrinsically evil but is a sin if you lose more than you can afford to lose. Like there’s little difference in if you lose $100 to the casino instead of spending $100 on an online game.

My question is, is it immoral to pursue it as a job for now? I’m in college and play and make much more money than I would working at a job in town (and I need the money, lol) and the hours are completely flexible which helps with my classes. Is it a sin to make a living off gambling?

I’m worried it’s stealing from people… but if I were to work at McDonalds I’d be making people fat, working at wal-mart selling condoms to some people, etc. People choose to do it for fun, like subscribing to an online game, etc.

I appreciate your thoughts

 

[brittrossiter]

At present, in the United States, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 effectively prohibits playing online poker for money, because it prohibits the electronic transactions of money from U.S. financial institutions to nearly every online gambling site. UIGEA regulations took effect last December 1.

This would make it morally problematic for you to participate in online poker in the United States; in effect, it would be a sin against the Fourth Commandment because it would show a lack of charity towards others and disrupt the common good. The Catechism in Section 2239 states that “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.” Citizens must, in most case, “not refuse to give or to do what is objectively demanded of them by the common good.” (Gaudium et Spes, 74, 5).

Our first Pope was a bit more to the point: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 1 Pet. 2:13-15.

There is an exception to the above principle in the case of laws that are “contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel.” (Catechism, Sec. 2224). But I would venture a guess that online poker does not fall within that exception.

If you are outside the United States in a place where online poker for money is not a violation of civil law, then it appears to me that you can engage in online poker so long as you do not jeopardize your ability to feed yourself or your family, and so long as you refrain from shenanigans such as cheating. Catechism Section 2413 states that while games of chance are not inherently immoral in and of themselves, “[t]hey become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others.” It also states that “unfair wages” and “cheating” can, in many cases, constitute grave sin.

Hope this helps.

 

[Farley4334]

With the millions of US citizens that play poker online and the plethora of commercials that advertise sites for it, I was a little intrigued by the previous posters response. After doing a little research there is a Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, but there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on whether it makes internet poker illegal. And the fact that no one ever has been charged with anything in regards to it, though online poker is well known, tends to lead me to the opinion that any current laws are unclear at best. In fact some states, such as California, I read, don’t even consider poker as gambling, since it is a skill game, not a game of chance…

So in conclusion, I’d say until the US comes up with a clear cut decision, you are perfectly fine to play poker online for money. And if you’re good enough to make a living at it, good for you.

 

[BillP]

My question is, is it immoral to pursue it as a job for now?..

I’m worried it’s stealing from people.

Its only immoral if you cheat or have some sort of unfair advantage. Skill is not an unfair advantage.

 

[Jerok]

UIGEA doesn’t take affect until June 1 2010 as of another dealy. It prohibits deposits to unlawful gambling sites, and doesn’t specify poker as being unlawful. I’m not sure but I think it leaves it up to states to decide what is unlawful or not.

Many people interpret this as meaning poker - and the PPA (poker player’s alliance) is trying to show that it is a skill game and not a purely luck-based game and therefore not under the unlawful gambling criterion. Also, horse racing and lotteries are allowed, which I’ve always thought it awkward that these are accepted but poker not, but it’s obviously a government wanting money issue.

I’m interested in hearing more on this issue. I agree that if the US prohibits online poker I would have to stop playing unless it’s an unjust law, but I doubt it would be.

 

[Newbie2]

I’m curious as to the Catholic stance to online poker is. I know the CC says gambling isn’t intrinsically evil but is a sin if you lose more than you can afford to lose. Like there’s little difference in if you lose $100 to the casino instead of spending $100 on an online game.

My question is, is it immoral to pursue it as a job for now? I’m in college and play and make much more money than I would working at a job in town (and I need the money, lol) and the hours are completely flexible which helps with my classes. Is it a sin to make a living off gambling?

I’m worried it’s stealing from people… but if I were to work at McDonalds I’d be making people fat, working at wal-mart selling condoms to some people, etc. People choose to do it for fun, like subscribing to an online game, etc.

I appreciate your thoughts

It’s not a sin to make a living off gambling, as long as one is not cheating at it, but think about it…how many people can really make a living off gambling? Sooner or later, the odds are with the house.

If a person has people depending on them, i.e. family members for support, it is immoral to take such a risk with any money that they cannot afford to lose (i.e. as recreational spending).

I don’t know about the legality, but if it’s illegal, it’s immoral.

 

[Jerok]

It’s not a sin to make a living off gambling, as long as one is not cheating at it, but think about it…how many people can really make a living off gambling? Sooner or later, the odds are with the house.

Lol, that’s why it’s poker and not casino games. When you play against the player, it can be very +EV.

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut - it seems there’s noone who’s completely against it as long as it’s legal in the country, I am slightly surprised.

 

[Bishop93]

Its only immoral if you cheat or have some sort of unfair advantage. Skill is not an unfair advantage.

This^^.

I love poker personally but I wouldn’t put to much online because it’s extremely easy for for people to cheat via Skype,phone.