Is gambling a sin?
 

If so, why?

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

You're taking a bit of a gamble here yourself by starting this thread.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

My take is that "gambling" is NOT a sin - but that "gaming" can be a real social problem and can be sinful.

When you think about it, just about everything we do in life involves some sort of risk. Thus most of life is really a gamble. Driving to work on the interstate is a gamble. Flying to another city in an airplane is a gamble.

If you read the fine print on your 401(k) plan you will see that it "involves risk..." I've known people who say investing in the stock market is a sin because it's "gambling."

In the Christian best-seller "In His Steps" by Charles Monroe Sheldon, one of the things that is "given up" by folks in the mythical town is trading in stocks because they decided that was a "sin." This is the book where the famous "WWJD" saying came from.

For myself, I have settled on something of the official government terminology here. Since by not gambling at all, what I'm really saying is "do nothing at all..." I have decided to try and summon up the courage needed to peek out from under the covers from time-to-time and even to venture out of doors on occasion. Of course, what really prompts me to do this is the fear that by staying in bed all day I am gambling with being struck by a meteor. "Better to be a moving target," I say.

"Gaming" is the term our society has chosen to use to describe that recreational pursuit of giving your money to strangers in exchange for an atmosphere of bright lights and loud noises. While perhaps not an out-and-out sin in and of itself, gaming is usually conducted in less than "family friendly" environments and the mark is often plied with alcohol to get him to more easily turn out his pockets.

I once put a quarter into a slot machine in a Nevada gas station that was marked "25¢." I pulled the lever and nothing happened. This was my first and only experience with a slot machine. I felt like I had been ripped off since nothing happened.

As I thought about it though, and looked at other machines; I realized that these were "dollar slots" and needed 4 quarters or a dollar bill. The "25¢" markings merely indicated where to insert the quarters. The flashing lights were so mesmerizing that I was beguiled out of my quarter. I was so embarrassed that I didn't return to the machine, but instead turned up my coat collar, paid the attendant for my gasoline and hurried out of the place.

I don't think this was a "sin" on my part, just stupid. But I must have found mercy because later I discovered a quarter on the ground in a parking lot.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

1Timothy 6:17-19

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Gambling would certainly come under "uncertain riches"! Taking a chance or a gamble! Paul is giving
Timothy a charge! Must be important!

Falla39

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Only if you win and don't tithe on the winnings....since the Devils had that money long enough

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Mega Millions Lottery jackpot is $40 million. I have to fill up at the local Road Ranger Gas Station this evening.

Is it gambling to request a $1.00 quick pick lottery ticket?

Is it gambling to pick my own numbers?

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I think if you have the money to gamble with it's not a sin. But if your family is struggling to survive and you're gambling your last dollars, the neglect and irresponsibility is a sin.

If gambling in and of itself is a sin, don't invest in the stock market. lol

Of course, never put your "trust" in uncertain riches, as stated above. I think that means that you're not to trust in your money to provide your every need... you need the Lord for your spiritual needs. Also it may mean, don't waste your rent money thinking that you'll hit the lotto this afternoon with that last $1 bill.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

With respect to you this is a stretch. If you are right then getting a raise on your job would also be uncertain riches. But the verses are talking about total trust in God.

I DO NOT think gambling is a sin, but is it being a good steward? Not all the time. I think where it can go wrong is when a person takes from their bills, grocery money, etc. I do gamble from time to time. Here is what I do. We occasionally go to Laughlin--mini Las Vegas and play. But this is only maybe 3times a year. We also save up for the trip. But if a person thinks it IS wrong then they should stay away.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

In the town I grew up there were a few little restaurants that had poker machines. A friend of mine and I would go over there during lunch and after we would order we would play on the poker machines while we waited - always made enough money to pay for my lunch - don't think I was sinning - just getting a free lunch :)

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I've always heard that gambling was a sin because it was a waste of money, and not being a good steward. But aren't a lot of things a waste of money?

I can plop $5 down for a fast food meal at McD's, which is pretty much a waste of money ;) and that's okay, but spending $1 on a lottery ticket is not okay? I've never understood that.

The subject of gambling came up with my kids tonight, and they wanted to know why it was wrong to gamble. Sheesh, *I* don't know!

I know that it can be addicting for some people, but a lot of things can be addicting.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Ok, gambling is highly addictive. Sure, the first time you play that slot machine it might feel stupid but as soon as you hit and win you are hooked.

I have done my share of gambling and I loved playing poker but I have decided to severely limit my time doing these things. Because of the strong pull I don't even like talking about it because I start thinking about it and then I feel my pulse getting faster and I imagine the thrill of raking in the cash.

If you go on a cruise and decide to play a little or maybe you are in Lake Tahoe for a wedding :thumbsup and decide to play for the fun of it then maybe you can do it without much damage.

I live between Tunica and Vicksburg Mississippi and I actually have a brand new casino 10 minutes from my house. So the temptation is there.

My advice. Stay away.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Just driving down the road to get that tank of gas is a gamble.

As to the issue of the $1.00 ticket? Why don't you send me every dollar that you would have spent on the lottery and when I retire in another 20 years I'll let you know how I made out. http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ons/icon10.gif

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Life is a gamble.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Say on Sister.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

While I don't advocate gambling I would disagree with your usage of scripture here.

First of all the scripture you are quoting is "trusting in" uncertain riches, which is the focus of the verse. One could game having entertainment value only (remember I don't advocate gambling) and not trust, expect, or place their reliance in gambling as get rich scheme.

Secondly, the verse talks about "riches" anyone with any common sense knows that those who are going to get rich is the casino. Yes, there are a few who hit it big, but the odds are so far against you that it to even think you are going to walk away a mega millionaire is just foolishness

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I honestly want to know why gambling has been taught as a sin. I have NO desire to gamble, I just want to know the reasoning behind it.

Anyone?

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I think a person would be hard stretched to say "gambling" in and of itself is a sin...the act of putting a quarter and pulling a lever, or setting some chips on a table and trying to hit 21 with some cards.

To make the game of chance a sin would make insurance, the stock/futures market, or any other "investment" a sin also. Saying that I would disagree with the post that said flying in an airplane or driving a car is a gamble. Not true...read Psalms 91.

However, going to 2 Corinthians 6 starting around verse 14 we are ask, "what fellowship does righteousness have with darkness?" The obvious answer is NONE and we are exhorted to come out from among them.

I live about 5 hours from Vegas and have visited there many times in my youth. It is called "Sin City" for a reason. Anywhere you find gambling you are also going to find sex, drugs, and all sorts of an ungodly lifestyle. So I guess my question would be, "Why would a born again believer want to go to an environment that is so influenced by demonic spirits?"

We are to abstain from even the appearance of evil and if you are frequenting casino's you are not abstaining from the appearance of because of the other things that go on there. You know every bar in America will have either coke or pepsi in it, yet we don't go to bars to get a soda because of the "appearance" and because of the "environment."

We should come out from among them and be separate.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I agree that being in an environment such as that would not be a good thing for a believer. But what about buying a lottery ticket?

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

If I were a cynic I'd say that it has to do with the fact that some who teach against gambling want that money for themselves via the offering basket. But I'm not all that cynical so I won't say that.

There's really not any scripture that specifically says "Thou shalt not roll the dice or play poker..." I think it's primarily the atmosphere where gaming takes place that causes the most problem. Also, there's a question of stewardship. If someone isn't paying their bills or providing for their family because of their gaming habit then they need to get some help and deliverance.

Someone who kicks in a dollar or so into the office Final Four Pool probably isn't falling into grave sin and error. I sometimes participate in some small stakes things like that more for the social cohesion I find than any expectation of gain. I've probably lost more money under my couch cushions than I've lost "gambling."

I think if you're doing the other things right and being as careful a steward as you can be then gaming probably wouldn't even a factor in your life if not for the state sponsored games. On these matters I confess that I have mixed feelings.

Thomas Jefferson said, "Lotteries are a great thing... they only tax the willing!" And there's a lot of truth to that. However, there have been many instances where people have fallen into serious problems with their use and abuse of the state lotteries. I have a problem with the idea that my government is sponsoring the ruin of people who are either gullible or just have really poor math skills.

That may not provide the slam dunk answer you might be seeking, but for me it isn't a real clear cut issue. There is a potential for serious harm and simultaneously there exists somethings that aren't anything but silly little games.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Here's a test. For every dollar that someone spends on a lottery ticket - have them put another dollar into a well established and stable mutual fund. After 20 years let's see which dollars have accumulated the greater wealth.

Under most circumstances the only reason for buying a lottery ticket must be out of curiosity. For a dollar it's probably one of the cheaper ways to satisfy your curiosity. If you find that curiosity isn't the real motivation and that you feel compelled to keep buying - then the question isn't about the lottery ticket - it's about something deeper in your heart.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Then maybe this falls under the category of expediency. And if your liberty causes a brother to stumble then you should refrain from that liberty.

1Co 6:1 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.


1Co 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Yes.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I have heard most use the scripture about the soldiers gambling for Jesus garment.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

.

Of course it's a sin, however tithes and a good offering will go a long way toward purifying it.

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Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Sounds like the indulgences of the RCC.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Only when you lose! :ursofunny

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Uncertain riches to me would fall into the catagory of even the stock
market in some cases. Anyone played the stock market lately! Is it not
uncertain!

Primarily what I was thinking about, was many of the pyramid schemes
and the like. I know those who are always "gambling" on the latest net-
working pyramid scheme. The last one I knew about started with a busi-
ness man in a fairly large UPC church and he was supposely and may have
been, connected with the top men in the scheme. It was a sure thing! I
believe many had confidence in those who introduced this scheme, so they
invested. I would have hated to have been the one who introduced it.

To make a long story shorter, it resulted in many good men and women
in the "Church" losing thousands and thousands of dollars. Some had much
of the building of their new church facility depending on these "uncertain"
riches scheme. Many others, pastors and church people alike invested
their hard-earned money into this "sure" opportunity of a lifetime. Some
possibly thought it was possibly a "God-thing" to help His people.

You probably didn't hear about it because I'm pretty sure it was an em-
barrassment to many preachers and church people. The thing fell through
(as they usually do) and somebody reaped a harvest of money that could
possibly have gone to the missions field or for the furtherance of the needs
of their own churches.

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/042104.asp

Nuff said!

Falla39

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

O-29.......I repeat........O-29

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I would agree with you in this post/explanation.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I personally know of a Pastor who had his leadership take a vow that they would not gamble or go near a casino. What eventually came out is that he was going and this was apparently so that he wouldn't get caught by those he placed around him.

I am sure the is an isolated situation :)

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

The only 'sin' is when I stop on 20 with two face cards and the house gets 21..... of course.

Or when my first roll of the dice is 4..... and my second is 7! Argh!

Or when I get *Double Diamond* / *Double Diamond* / *Double Diamond* ........ and only bet one credit by accident!

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I would again say that "gaming" in and of it self is not wrong. I can't find any scriptures that would lead to it. A lottery is just foolishness as an investment.

You even notice that millionaires don't win lotteries? It's always Billy Bob who is unemployed or barely getting by. Why? Because those with money do things that make money...lotteries are for the poverty minded.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

At least we know that you are unfamiliar with the subject :ursofunny

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

There is a huge difference in gambling and investing in the stock market. When you buy a mutual fund you are buying a part of the economy and the companies which drive the economy. You are basically financing or buying interest in your fellow man for diversification. Yes there could be volatility but over the long term there is no better investment than our fellow man.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

......or so I hear.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

Or when my flush gets beat by the full house. Yep. That is when it is no fun anymore.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I have seen MANY people (in the church) get suckered into various pyramid schemes and multilevel marketing 'businesses'. It grieves me on many levels to see people so easily influenced by a slick sounding personality to buy into anything he or she says. Also, the trust among church members that is abused in order to propagate these schemes is bothersome also.
Dennis Lee used to go around hitting small farming towns throughout the Midwest, using religion as a selling tool, in order to get people to invest in his Free Energy machines which were always just a few months from being released to society. Start talking about The Lord, and suddenly people reasoning skills go out the window and they will 'buy' whatever is attached to it.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

You are exactly right, RandyWayne!:nod

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

I agree, I don't think playing the lottery is the smartest thing around, and I don't do it or have a desire to do it. I just don't understand why it's preached against as sin, when we waste money in so many other ways.

Re: Is gambling a sin?
 

We were just talking at work today about the lottery. One guy said "you can't win unless you play" to which the other immediately added "Oh yes you can, you can win a dollar!".