What should be the Christian stance toward gambling?

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The Bible doesn’t come right out and condemn gambling, does it? And there are no Church documents that formal condemn gambling, are there? So I guess gambling is OK, then?

Feel free to tell me if you agree or disagree and why.

Riskily,
Mick
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Yes, I think it would be ok- to a point.

If you go overboard, like spending your savings, that could be a mortal sin.

But in moderation, yes I do think it is ok.
 
Since the Romans played dice for Jesus’ garments, perhaps it can be inferred that gambling is wrong. (I say this while playing online poker)
 
Valke2 said:
Since the Romans played dice for Jesus’ garments, perhaps it can be inferred that gambling is wrong. (I say this while playing online poker)
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I really don’t think that holds water.

If I am correct, I belive that was done in to fullfill an OT prophecy.

But I do see your reasoning.
 
I think the whole gambling issue is really a stewardship issue. If you llokat it as a part of your “entertainment budget” I really don’t think it is a problem, but if it cuts into your food, rent, utilities, etc, then it needs to be re-evaluated.
 
CWBetts said:
If you llokat it as a part of your “entertainment budget” I really don’t think it is a problem, but if it cuts into your food, rent, utilities, etc, then it needs to be re-evaluated.
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Yup. That’s pretty much what I was trying to get at.

You nailed it. 👍
 
In Judaism, it is equated to theft. Professional gamblers were forbidden to be used as witnesses.
 
SSTeacher said:
The Bible doesn’t come right out and condemn gambling, does it? And there are no Church documents that formal condemn gambling, are there? So I guess gambling is OK, then?

Feel free to tell me if you agree or disagree and why.

Riskily,
Mick
👍
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In moderation, I am sure it is fine,😉 such as buying a lottery ticket or 2, going to the race track once in awhile an placing a small bet or 2. But when a large part of your salary goes to the local convience store or you are spending unhealthly amount of time in casinos, race tracks and yes, even a church Bingo, there is a problem.

But like many things, these can lead a person away from Jesus, and towards their obsession (or sadly, in some cases, addiction).
 
Gambling is ok if it’s done in fairness.

I don’t like to gamble often, though, because it can be addictive. But I do like to gamble Cheetos chips when I play Poker :3
 
Is there any difference between buying a lottery ticket and playing Bingo at a Catholic church fair or taking a ‘chance’ on a crocheted coverlet? I’ve never considered gambling a sin, but then again, I’m not much of a gambler, so I’m not defending it either.

Anything - whether it’s gambling, sports, hunting, fishing or any other past time- can be addictive and cause you to neglect your duties as a spouse, parent, son/daughter, or any othe designation that you might have. I feel like this makes any sort of avocation a potential problem.
 
SSTeacher said:
The Bible doesn’t come right out and condemn gambling, does it? And there are no Church documents that formal condemn gambling, are there? So I guess gambling is OK, then?

Feel free to tell me if you agree or disagree and why.

Riskily,
Mick
👍
Click to expand...

Gambling is absolutely wrong​

 
Gambling is a game of chance. How it could be not right for Christians? I have some suggestions here:
  • It is a lazy way of making money (if money is the stake) because you don’t sweat for it. St. Paul says one must earn one’s living.
  • For any wager you win someone has to lose. In other word you get your due at the expense of somebody else. It’s like a consented stealing.
  • You leave it to chance (in winning) and therefore putting God aside as a decider in your life. (I’m not sure about this but it seems quite an attractive reasoning).
  • You may gamble away your life and your fortune away that may cause untold hardship for you, your family and loved ones.
  • You can be addicted to it.
  • People gamble because of greed. They could not obtain the things they want through honest work or because of lack of opportunity and so resort to gambling. We should be satisfied with God’s providence.
All the above seem to contradict the value of the Gospel and therefore I put gambling as wrong. I do buy a lottery here and there and every time I did, I felt terribly wrong. It is a practice I should not do.

p/s - gambling is Satan’s domain. He would like us to gamble our souls away. And that makes gambling a thing not of God.
 
And, gambling can encourage superstition. Gamblers are some fo the most superstitious peopel around FWIK
 
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