Gambling - Lottery, Raffles, Bingo

"Let us throw dice to see who gets it." —John 19:24

In the last ten years, gambling has been promoted to the point that there is more gambling going on in the USA now than in any other nation in the history of the human race. The gambling that the government formerly ruled to be illegal is now promoted by the same government. We are a nation obsessed with gambling.

GAMBLING AND GOD

Gambling is not God's will because:

1. Gambling often becomes compulsive. This takes away our freedom.
2. Even if your gambling is minimal, it is an occasion of sin, a temptation to many others (see 1 Cor 8:13; Rm 14:21).
3. Gambling bears bad fruit (see Mt 7:20). Look at the lives, homes, marriages, and families of gamblers.
4. Gambling encourages escaping from reality and fantasizing. This perpetuates rather than deals with problems.
5. Gambling can be an unknowing dabbling in the occult. When we win or lose, it's not because of bad luck or good fortune. All things are caused.

GAMBLING AND THE TRINITY

Some Christians pray to God that they may win the lottery, a bingo, or a raffle. What kind of father provides for his children by having them gamble? When Christians connect gambling with God, they distort His fatherhood. If we say that gambling has nothing to do with God, then we deny Jesus' lordship over all things in our lives. Millions of Christians have sensed the Holy Spirit telling them not to gamble. I have never found a Christian who has maintained that the Holy Spirit told him to gamble.

GAMBLING AND SALVATION

People gamble because they're empty. Gambling distracts us from our emptiness. It distracts us from Jesus Who alone can fill our empty lives. When people totally commit their lives to Jesus, they will see no need to gamble. Right now give your life to Jesus by praying:

"Lord Jesus, I believe You died for me and that You are alive and listening to me now. I repent of my sins and ask Your forgiveness. From this moment on, I decide to live for You and no longer for myself, to do Your will and not mine. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Show me the way to the Father. Now fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Who will teach me how to live for You and how to tell the world You are my Savior and Lord. I love You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

At the foot of Jesus' cross, some gambled (Jn 19:24), and others gave their lives to Jesus. If by faith in Jesus you have prayed the above prayer, you are among those who have given their lives to Jesus. This is the most important decision of your life. Write and tell us the good news.

 

Nihil obstat: Rev. Robert J. Buschmiller, August 29, 1991
Imprimatur: †Most Rev. James H. Garland, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 5, 1991

The Nihil obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil obstat and Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.