What Is wrong With Gambling?

By Ben F. Vick, Jr

Many people in the world, in this country, and even in the church would say, "Nothing." I grant that there are some reasons against gambling which, in my judgment, are not valid. However, there are some excellent reasons for not gambling.

Gambling is big business. Millions of dollars are spent and made worldwide in the realm of gambling. We are inundated with advertisements - on the radio, television, internet, and phones. One cannot watch a ball game without seeing commercials before, during, and following games. The National Football League once opposed gambling's being connected to their sport. But not so any longer. The NFL saw casinos, online gambling sites, and millions of foolish people were playing fantasy football and making a great deal of money; so, they wanted in on the action. They tossed out their principles and have partnered with Caesars Entertainment, Draft Kings, and Fan Duel. These are "the official betting partners" of the NFL.

Once, past commissioners of the NFL spoke out against gambling. Pete Rozelle suspended Paul Homing and Alex Karras in 1963 because they placed bets on NFL games. Rozelle said that if New Orleans got casinos, he would use his influence to keep the Super Bowl from being played there. The present commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell, was once asked what threatens the integrity of pro football He said, "Gambling would be No. I on my list." That was 2012. Sports commentators give the odds on a horse's winning a race or the outcome of a ballgame. The media push lottery tickets. One can buy tickets at any service station and other places

So what is wrong with gambling? Everybody does it, we are told. Of course, that is not a good reason for gambling. One's chances of winning are even less if everybody is gambling. The only winners would be the gambling establishments and state governments, which reap some benefits.

The root problem of gambling for most people is covetousness. Most people who gamble put money down with the desire to gain larger rewards. Nobody gambles to lose, but all who gamble lose. Paul told the young preacher Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:6-10). Jesus warned, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth"(Luke 12:15).