Topic(s): Moral Issues

Todd Clippard

There are many reasons why Christians should oppose gambling in any form, including the lottery, bingo, and raffles. The following gives sufficient evidence that all gambling should be opposed.

Gambling is sinful, even though it may be LEGAL.

The following activities are legal: abortion; assisted suicide; sale of tobacco / alcohol; use of marijuana in California; prostitution in Nevada. But being legal does not make them right.

Also, raffles are illegal in many states, including Alabama (where I live - Birmingham News, 9-24-99, 1A). Schools and churches that promote raffles and "buying chances" break God’s law and the laws of the state. When schools encourage children to "sell chances," they make them accessories to crime!

In truth, there is no difference between a raffle and a lottery. Schools and churches that sponsor and encourage raffles out to be ashamed!

Gambling is sinful, even if it is for a "GOOD CAUSE."

If education is a good cause, (and it is), then increase property or sales taxes.

In Romans 3:8, some accused Paul of teaching, "Let us do evil, that good may come." Paul labeled the report as slanderous. It is never right to do wrong!
If a single mother needed money for food, clothing, and shelter for herself and her children, would that justify her committing fornication by prostituting her body? Why not?

Gambling should be opposed because it adversely affects our SOCIETY:

It is additive: There are 4 million compulsive gamblers in the US (1997). Teens twice as likely to become addicts as adults; 20% teens nationwide are problem gamblers (National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report, June 1999).

It contributes to crime. The following crime statistics are for Hancock Co, MS in the six months after gambling was legalized compared to the six months before: Stolen vehicles- up 188% Assaults- up 185% Theft- up 218% Burglaries- up 100% Child molestation- up 353% Suicide- up 900%

Bankruptcies are 18% higher in counties with gambling than in those without.

It contributes to suicide- in Nevada, the suicide rate of visitors is 155% above the national average; the suicide rate of residents is 60% above the national average.

It takes money from those who can least afford it: In Georgia, in areas where the average household income is less than $20,000, lottery ticket purchases average $250 per person annually, while households with incomes of over $40,000 spent only $97 per person.

Some folks say, "You can’t show me in the Bible where gambling is condemned." We beg to differ! Gambling is sinful because it violates the principles set forth in the following scriptures:

Matthew 7:12 the golden rule
God’s laws prohibiting covetousness Colossians 3:5
Galatians 5:19-21 prohibition of the works of the flesh. How many works of the flesh are associated with gambling? Gambling falls under the condemnation of and such like" (v 21).
Romans 12:17 provide things honest in the sight of all men
Galatians 6:10 let us do good unto all men
Luke 12:42; 1 Corinthians 4:2 principles of good stewardship
1 Peter 2:21-22 the perfect example of Jesus Christ

Every God-approved means of obtaining money: 1) working- 1 Tim 5:18; Eph 4:28; 2) sale of goods- Acts 2:45; 4:36-5:4; 3) inheritance- Luke 15:11-12; 4) free will gift- Acts 2:45

GAMBLING HAS MANY DEFENDERS, BUT NO DEFENSE!


HERE IS SOME MORE INFO THAT MAY BE USEFUL

Gambling is sinful because it adversely affects our THINKING:

About GOD
Deuteronomy 8:18
Matthew 6:25-34

About our FELLOW MAN
Luke 10:25-37 the good Samaritan
Philippians 2:3

About OURSELVES – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

Investing in the Stock Market is not gambling:

All risk is not the equivalent of gambling:
Farming is a risk, but not gambling
Starting a business is a risk, but not gambling
Working in a coal mine is a risk, but not gambling:

What’s the difference?
Investing is buying part ownership in a company that is large enough to "go public." Investors can expect a return on their investment.
Investors provide money for people to succeed, including the creation of wealth and jobs. Gambling requires thousands, even millions, of people to lose in order for one (or very few) to win.