Why has gambling been considered a sin and is regulated?

Question

Says one pastor, "...gambling is sin, when evaluated in light of God's Word. The church of Jesus Christ must condemn gambling."

Is it because anything fun has traditionally been considered a sin?

Answer 1

I'm speculating here, but gambling has had the same things associated with since the dawn of time: drinking, prostitutes, crime, basically excess. So it probably isn't the act of wagering, but the lifestyle associated with it that has made it a sin.

Answer 2

Although the Bible does not discuss gambling in detail, we can discern from Bible principles that God views gambling as a sin.—Ephesians 5:17. Gambling is driven by greed, which God hates. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Ephesians 5:3, 5) Gamblers hope to gain money through the losses of others, but the Bible condemns coveting other people’s possessions.—Exodus 20:17; Romans 7:7; 13:9, 10. Gambling, even for small amounts, can arouse a destructive love of money.—1 Timothy 6:9, 10. Gamblers often rely on superstitions or luck. However, God views such beliefs as a form of idolatry, which is incompatible with his worship.—Isaiah 65:11. Rather than promote a desire to get something for nothing, the Bible encourages hard work. (Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ephesians 4:28) Those who follow the Bible’s advice can “eat food they themselves earn.”—2 Thessalonians 3:10, 12. Gambling can arouse an unhealthy competitive spirit, which is disapproved in the Bible.—Galatians 5:26.

Answer 3

The term gambling has had many different meanings depending on the cultural and historical context in which it is used. Currently, in Western societies, it has an economic definition, referring to "wagering money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods". Typically the outcome of the wager is evident within a short period of time.

The term gaming[1] in this context typically refers to instances in which the activity has been specifically permitted by law. The two words are not mutually exclusive; i.e.: a “gaming” company offers (legal) “gambling” activities to the public.

Because many religious authorities generally disapprove of gambling to some extent, and because gambling can have adverse social consequences, most legal jurisdictions limit gambling to some extent. Some Islamic nations prohibit gambling; most other countries regulate it.

The Psychological aspects: Though many participate in gambling as a form of recreation or even as a means to gain an income, gambling, like any behavior which involves variation in brain chemistry, can become a psychologically addictive and harmful behavior in some people. Reinforcement schedules may also make gamblers persist in gambling even after repeated losses.

This is one of the reason why gambling is referred to as sin.

Answer 4

It's the same as playing the lottery, I suppose it comes down to getting money you didn't really work for. I'm not sure about the religious problem with this, however I can tell you from a social point of view gambling addiction causes a lot of heartache for families. I know of 2 ppl who have a gambling problem. I don't really understand it, but I suppose it's like a rush to win something and then you probably want more and more.

Answer 5

What the pastor says is BS. Why do most churches host and organize Bingo games if they say gambling is sin??? Maybe it's less of a sin when the church benefits from it???
Gambling is addictive for lots of people. They lose their family savings, resort to stealing and robery, even to murder to be able to satisfy this bad habit.
Casino owners, states and mobsters benefit from gambling. Who do you think pays for all the lights and all the rest you see in Vegas? Gamblers do...

Answer 6

To me i dont think gambling is a sin because all u are doing is betting money, although u have to have responsability to know when to stop.

Answer 7

No....

It's because gambling is being a bad steward with God's money. I call it God's money because everything we have belongs to Him anyway.

Answer 8

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ & because the religious don't have a corner on it!!