What do you think about gambling?

Question

I know most Christians say it is a sin but is it really a sin? I personally would not gamble or attend Casinos because I think it is stupid. I don't want to throw away my money. I think the real SINNERS are the people that own Casinos. These crooks support peoples terrible habbits and have no concern about it. What do you think?

Answer 1

I think for myself personally , there enough places to spend money , in a responsible way and We worked hard enough to get the necessity's , that gambling is a disease of greed . In this world few people get anything for nothing and those that do, are never content or happy once they've gotten it. Personal Opinion.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if "most" Christians would even say it's a sin. I'm a Christian, and I don't think gambling in and of itself is a sin. Just like, drinking, for example. However, I think EXCESSIVE gambling / drinking is a sin. And obviously the definition of "excessive" is different for every person. If I lose $20-40 spending 3 hours at a casino, I just consider that my entertainment expense. No different than dropping that kind of money on a movie and popcorn, or a sporting event, etc. (Yes, I can spend 3 hours and 'only' lose $20-40, cuz I happen to be cheap but that's a different thing altogether).

I think the problem with the gambling is when people think they'll one day hit the big one and never have to work again (ok maybe not exactly that, but you get the idea). So the PURPOSE of the gambling makes a difference too.

Re: the owners of the casinos. Sometimes it's the government. Are you saying the gover.....hmm wait, no argument there. :-)

Edit: I don't think the Bible says anything specific about gambling, but it does say people should work and earn their living. That's open to interpretation. Some fundamentalists would probably say investing in stocks is gambling. Which I suppose it may be if all you do is go for the high-high-risk stocks hoping to, again, hit the big one, but in general, no, it's an investment.

Answer 3

So Native Americans who own Casinos are sinners because your morality terms them so? How about the religious people that destroyed their cultures and societies in the first place.. are they sinners too?

I don't use casinos or gamble - not even bingo which many churches have or the lottery. However, if done responsibly, like anything else in moderation, I see no problem with it.

Anything can become an addiction and an obsession, not just what is in your world view considered sinful.

Answer 4

Well, I won't get best answer for this one, I know. I like to play lottery games and have been pretty successful. I don't overplay, but sometimes I get a feeling about the minor games and win. I have never been to a casino. I have played slots on a cruise ship and came out with a lot more than I came in with. I don't think it is a sin. I know church-goers who play all week long and can't bring themselves to play on Sunday. Ha ha. I think most people who play are risk-takers and sometimes that risk pays off, it has for me, to the tune of 500, 900, and nearly 5 thousand dollars. I also had a boyfriend who grew up with a father who lived at the dog tracks and kept them starved most of them time. He told me that one time there was nothing to eat in the house but some old ground beef that smelled really gamey, but cooked it and ate it anyway because he was so hungry. I think gambling in moderation is okay, like once in a while, but when it turns into an obssession, it's very wrong.

Answer 5

I am convinced nothing good comes of gambling, but as a bible believing Christian I find nothing specific to condemn a person who throws a few bucks at a game. It seems to me the sin would be in excessive gambling, drinking, eating, or just about any thing you can think of, if done in excess. I agree with you about the profiteers, with the exception of of the casinos on reservations. Believe me, that was not the Original Americans idea of what they wanted to do with the land that they so respected. It was one of the few avenues left open to them by American laws. Only a few really profit, and are known by the people as "Apples", red on the outside, white on the inside.

Answer 6

Unless the casino owners are pointing a gun to someones head and saying "play or die", then they are not supporting any ones habits. Is it a sin? it depends on how you read your Bible. I know of a lot of churches and schools that hold raffle's, and they seem to think that's OK.
I live in a state that thinks the lottery is a crime along with any type of gambling, but yet these same people hold raffle's.I don't get it ,either way I lose a dollar.

Answer 7

"Most" Christians do not say it is a sin, there are some who do and most who don't. Try reviewing poll data.

Gambling is a lot like playing video games at the arcade, except generally the game is shorter and you don't get the benefit of developing hand-eye coordination.

Gambling is a waste of money and wasting the gift God gives you is sinful, but, as Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastics there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy the fruits of their labor so if you gamble occasionally for fun it is not a problem.

It is wasting what God gives you that is sinful, not enjoying yourself.

Answer 8

Why is everything that is even remotely amusing, fun or pleasurable considered a sin? Who exactly am I hurting if I go to Las Vegas and risk a few bucks? Of course if I start to gamble away the household money that's another story, but enough already with the sackcloth and ashes.

Answer 9

We are told by the bible to be a good manager of our money. When you just go out and throw it away, it is sinful. Since all that you have comes from God, you are gambling with God's money...not a smart way to go.

Answer 10

Well, I used to work for Off Track Betting, and my sweetie works in a combination raceway/casino gaming establishment. That's how we pay the rent, you know? I have no problem with people gambling for fun, like on the Derby or something, or even on lotto. It's when you're living for the next race, the next lottery drawing, the next hand of poker, that it's a bad thing.