DOWNSIDE OF GAMBLING by Dave Brown

Christians recognize that gambling is wrong. In is motivated by covetousness, which is condemned in Col. 3:5 (covet: to desire inordinately, without due regard to the rights of others; eager to possess that to which one has no right -- Vine). Where allowed by law, it is legalized stealing (taking possession of something that belongs to another). The fact that there is a greed-motivated agreement between the parties does not change reality. An agreement of two individuals to engage in a dual to the death makes the outcome no less murder; and an agreement to steal does not change God's view of this. Finally, it shows a disregard for others, and no true Christian wants to benefit at the expense of others (Mat. 22: 39).

Unfortunately, it is apparent that most of our governmental officials will continue to increase the opportunity for legalized gambling. Greedy for the tax income which increases their power, they merely reinforce society's flight from God rather than basing their decisions upon Godly principles. To them it is a no-lose situation: after all, no one is forcing anyone to participate, are they?

Lest we be influenced to believe that this is a relatively unimportant issue, consider the following economic problems which will increase from further legalization of this vice:

1. Those who can least afford it will be very heavily involved. (If you do not believe this, visit one of the dog tracks and see for yourself who is involved and what goes on there.) Thus, the money which they desperately need to feed their families is feeding the slot machines.

2. The removal of this money from the economy results in fewer useful goods and services (food, shelter, and clothing) being produced, costing honorable jobs in these areas.

3. A few jobs are produced in the gaming industry, but these produce only a plague to society.

4. A large number of individuals get hooked on the adrenalin produced (win or lose) and become compulsive gamblers, placing a further drain on governmental resources and destroying their families in the process. According to a recent study, women seem to be particularly vulnerable to the poker machines, which will probably be the next step in Alabama's legalization.

5. The worst possible thing that can happen is to win. Winning small only reinforces your desire to win big. Winning big ruins the life of the winner as often as anything else. After all, what legitimate satisfaction could anyone take in gaining from the loss of others?

Even if these problems did not exist, Christians would still not participate because of the commands of God given above.

While we might not be able to change the direction of our society, we should take a definitive stand for the truth. The next time someone offers to sell you a lottery ticket, just reply: "I would prefer not to win something at the expense of others." If, in fact, you do not want to win, you will have no problems with the temptation to waste the possessions which God has entrusted to you by gambling them away.

(See the article within the topic that explains the difference between taking a risk and gambling.)