Gambling: causes, effects, and social implications

Gambling

He that hastens to be rich hath an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come upon him," (Proverbs 28:22). Gambling is not specifically prohibited in the New Testament, but clearly the practice violates the spirit of Christianity. The Bible does include several passages warning against greed and the accumulation of wealth. Gambling can also lead to other sins, such as stealing. Betting can become a habitual practice that can be as problematic as any addiction, and often more expensive. While some enclaves of gambling will continue to exist, our society should undoubtedly prevent gambling from becoming as common as to be legalized. Already, legalized gambling exists in the form of state lotteries and race tracks. Recently, many localities have opted to install slot machines in public places, which will only lead to more gambling. If gambling becomes acceptable, we risk becoming a morally degenerate society with an "anything goes" form of moral relativism. The practice of gambling leads to a slew of social, psychological, and spiritual problems, from poverty to depression. Gambling also eases its way too easily into politics, contributing to the already widespread corruption and degeneracy that exists. In fact, gambling leads to widespread corruption, and undermines the moral foundations of family, community, and culture and should therefore be opposed by Christians.

Communities that invite gambling into their midst are asking for numerous troubles, including political corruption, law enforcement corruption, familial corruption, and personal corruption. For example, if a gambling industry pressures the local politicians to install slot machines in shopping malls, the industry will also expect preferential treatment. In exchange for the powerful gambling lobby, the politicians will continue to support the gaming industry and each will rub the others' back. Such special interests should have no place in politics to begin with, let alone for something as potentially nefarious as gambling is. Furthermore, because politicians work closely with law enforcement on a local level, endemic political corruption can translate quickly into law enforcement corruption. Police officers who look the other way when a gambling-related offence occurs are equally as likely to accept bribes from organized crime organizations. As a matter of fact, organized crime and gambling have a long history and a solid relationship. Christians should oppose legalized gambling because it promotes such widespread corruption in our legal and political systems and thus prevents justice and social equity. Furthermore, because gambling is often coupled with other crimes like prostitution and theft, law enforcement might overlook serious crimes.

Other problems that are associated with gambling include alcoholism. Most casinos or gambling facilities include readily available or cheap drinks. Gamers are encouraged to drink as much as they'd like. The House knows that the more a person imbibes, the more likely they are to place stupid bets. The more a person drinks, the more likely they are to spend their family's life savings or their child's college fund. Also, the more the person loses money, the more likely they are to become emotionally distraught and potentially violent, especially when under the influence of alcohol and drugs. As organized crime and gambling go hand-in-hand, so too do organized crime and drugs, which is why gambling and drugs are closely related sociological deviant phenomenon, phenomenon that all Christians should firmly oppose.

Gambling creates widespread familial and personal problems as well as sociological ones. For example, people who gamble sometimes spend their life savings or their spouse's hard-earned income. Throwing money away on betting can completely tear apart families. When the spouse expresses disapproval, the gambler will retort with a slew of excuses or justifications. Arguments and outright fights might ensue, and all too often children are involved in the cross-fire. Gambling can be a major marital issue that can lead to divorce and even spousal or child abuse.

Gambling is also a symptom of and cause of personal psychological problems. Many people gamble because they are depressed or when they are depressed. Gambling offers a psychological "rush" much like a drug does. When the gambler loses all of his or her money, the high wears off fast and a serious low sinks in. When the low sinks in, the person may be prone to any number of crazy actions, ranging from picking fights in a bar to stealing money from one's employer. As the gambler loses -- and inevitably he or she does lose -- the already existing depression or anxiety problems will get worse. Instead of turning to spiritual healing, to God, or to the Church, the person may instead turn to drugs, alcohol, or more gambling. Gambling can become an addiction as serious as any other, and can be just as tough to quit as any drug.