Gambling and Religion. Beliefs or Choices?

[GreatArkansas]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

[Natsuu]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

For me it's just that a moral standard that I need not to violate. I view gambling not as gambling but as risk taking opportunity. It only becomes gambling to me in a negative point of view when I become fully degenerate, not follow my rules, and just foolishly act upon my impulses and emotion. It's a signal for me that I am doing the wrong thing.

But when I follow my rules, that I remain in control of my actions and decisions. I even feel like God is guiding me to take the risk. (Don't get me wrong). It think it's bad when you constantly put yourself in that position, not take accountability, and blame your beliefs and other people from your own actions.

[Upgrade00]

However, people still gamble for various reasons.

We can assume that the people who still gamble are not from the religion that prohibits it or if they are they are not very religious. In reality too, almost every religion is averse to gambling, Islam is the only one I know that expressly prohibits any form of riba which will include gambling and also investing in Bitcoin, but Christianity is not welcoming of gambling either or any other religion for that matter.

I do not expect anyone to openly here discuss how they participate in something that is expressly prohibited by their religion.

[Oasisman]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

The reason was simple, religious people believed gambling is owned by devils. I don't know where you can find in the bible that states gambling is a sin, I'm not a religious man either lol. I've actually seen people who are somehow involved into a religion that prohibits gambling, but they handle it like it's nothing as long as their fellow people from the religious community doesn't see him or know it then it's all good like it's not of a big deal.
Most of the cases like this, are people who are not serious with their religious belief, it's just that the family are too fond with their religion so one should get along, that's the religious culture here in PH.
But in my POV, there's nothing evil about gambling as long as you don't become irresponsible financially. Also, if one is really SERIOUS about their religious belief, then they should not gamble in the first place, otherwise he is just fooling himself into believing the teachings of his religion. 

[Oshosondy]

However, people still gamble for various reasons.

We can assume that the people who still gamble are not from the religion that prohibits it or if they are they are not very religious. In reality too, almost every religion is averse to gambling, Islam is the only one I know that expressly prohibits any form of riba which will include gambling and also investing in Bitcoin, but Christianity is not welcoming of gambling either or any other religion for that matter.

Gambling is forbidden in Quran. That is why you will see Muslim countries that are strict against gambling. But in Christianity, gambling is not forbidden in Bible. Although you can see Christian religious leaders forbidden it as they count it as a love for money which is the root of evil.

The reason was simple, religious people believed gambling is owned by devils. I don't know where you can find in the bible that states gambling is a sin

No where in the Bible that says gambling is a sin.

[mrust_mobile]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

Everyone has their own view on religion nowadays. So one gambler may identify himself as a religious person and the other one may say he is a sinner. That makes sense too. There are multiple iterations of christianity. The christianity that people believe in Russia is very different than the one in America for example. Same goes for islam.

It is probably best ti leave religion aside when you are gambling because you need to focus on your bet while you are gambling and thinking about religion will make you lose your focus. If you lose your focus, you’ll make mistakes and mistakes will lead to money loss.

[Hewlet]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.


How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

a typical religious person sees gambling as a bad habit that every faithful should desist from and it's always deficult to see a strict religious person openly going all into gambling to the knowledge of her member. On the pulpits, it's been preached against and gamblers are generally seen as individuals that aren't serious with thier financial like and that are contradicting the general belief system of the religious sect.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?

As a person that's of a religious background where gambling is clearly spelt out in my religious book as a scheme that has the potential of sending you to eternal damnation, I must be sincere that it was a tough decision to go into gambling but that knowledge in itself was just enough to guide me to gamble responsibly without being too fucosed into it. I don't think that religious folks discouraging people from going into gambling has done more harm that good because it has prevented younger under age children from indulging in gambling at an early age when they aren't matured enough to making informed decisions.

But I guess the society has gotten to a stage where we've got to face the reality that gambling has come to stay as a part of the society and can't be looked a as condemnable act. Responsible gambling is what needs to be talked about and not an outright attack on gambling entirely if not we end up we end up having aggressive gamblers that only feels that the religious setting is just bent on stepping them from making some fortune outa there gambling.

[Crypt0Gore]

However, people still gamble for various reasons.

We can assume that the people who still gamble are not from the religion that prohibits it or if they are they are not very religious. In reality too, almost every religion is averse to gambling, Islam is the only one I know that expressly prohibits any form of riba which will include gambling and also investing in Bitcoin, but Christianity is not welcoming of gambling either or any other religion for that matter.

Gambling is forbidden in Quran. That is why you will see Muslim countries that are strict against gambling. But in Christianity, gambling is not forbidden in Bible. Although you can see Christian religious leaders forbidden it as they count it as a love for money which is the root of evil.

The reason was simple, religious people believed gambling is owned by devils. I don't know where you can find in the bible that states gambling is a sin

No where in the Bible that says gambling is a sin.

Many will say the same, but I guess it is because they aren't into Bible reading that deep, I understand but it is not true that there is no where in the Bible that says that gambling is a sin.

The first Timothy 6:9, 10 says the following..

Gambling even with the smallest amount can arouse a destructive love for money.

Isiah 65:11 says the following....

Gamblers often rely on superstitions or luck. However, God views such beliefs as a form of idolatry, which is incompatible with his worship.

When something isn't compatible with your God's worship that makes it a sin, some part sounds like protection of the people from destruction too but all saying the same thing.

Here is another, from the book of Galatians 5:26, it says

Gambling can arouse an unhealthy competitive spirit, which is disapproved in the Bible.

So now are we going to keep saying that there is nowhere in the Bible that says gambling is a sin?

[alani123]

Many people, especially Muslim, will limit their choices because of religion. In my view this is something highly respectable of them as they tend to take the fundamental texts of the religion they are adherents to more seriously and not just lightly like 99.9% of christians would do.

So really it's important to understand the difference between an individual choice and someone being taught to follow some principles. While yes in theory a Muslim man could gamble, oftentimes it's also not accepted by the society he might be living in. This can range from societal pressure to even sometimes punishments. So if a religion is serious against something, then it's more than a choice. It's a societal standard.

[Oshosondy]

However, people still gamble for various reasons.

We can assume that the people who still gamble are not from the religion that prohibits it or if they are they are not very religious. In reality too, almost every religion is averse to gambling, Islam is the only one I know that expressly prohibits any form of riba which will include gambling and also investing in Bitcoin, but Christianity is not welcoming of gambling either or any other religion for that matter.

Gambling is forbidden in Quran. That is why you will see Muslim countries that are strict against gambling. But in Christianity, gambling is not forbidden in Bible. Although you can see Christian religious leaders forbidden it as they count it as a love for money which is the root of evil.

The reason was simple, religious people believed gambling is owned by devils. I don't know where you can find in the bible that states gambling is a sin

No where in the Bible that says gambling is a sin.

Many will say the same, but I guess it is because they aren't into Bible reading that deep, I understand but it is not true that there is no where in the Bible that says that gambling is a sin.

The first Timothy 6:9, 10 says the following..

Gambling even with the smallest amount can arouse a destructive love for money.

Isiah 65:11 says the following....

Gamblers often rely on superstitions or luck. However, God views such beliefs as a form of idolatry, which is incompatible with his worship.

When something isn't compatible with your God's worship that makes it a sin, some part sounds like protection of the people from destruction too but all saying the same thing.

Here is another, from the book of Galatians 5:26, it says

Gambling can arouse an unhealthy competitive spirit, which is disapproved in the Bible.

So now are we going to keep saying that there is nowhere in the Bible that says gambling is a sin?

What you post is manipulative. You changed what is not called gambling into gambling while also two among it does not refer to gambling at all.

First Timothy 6:9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Isiah 65:11
“But as for you who forsake the LORDand forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, 12 I will destine you for the sword, and all of you will fall in the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen.

Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.


There is no where that talks about gambling in the Bible. Do not turn Bible into something that will make some people not to believe in anything you say.

[bitbollo]

certain actions cannot be accepted, even if some religions would allow it...
gambling itself is not part of these actions. by nature it's something fun and intrinsic of human nature.
if gambling instead becomes a problem of addiction, neglecting the family, one's work, leading a wrong life is certain to become an action to be condemned.

[naira]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling?

of course, this happens every time I access a casino, regardless of which one is wrong or right, I fully admit that based on the beliefs held, gambling is a wrong activity and has a bad impact on life because it not only damages mentally but in terms of material, it considered destructive. I fully realize, acknowledge and accept it all.

How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

Returning to our nature as humans, we have reason and passion, where decisions are often contradictory when making decisions. Sometimes I follow reason that tells me not to gamble, and sometimes I follow my passion to fulfill my ambitions. And all of that makes us sinful humans (from a religious perspective).

Do I feel satisfied when I am able to control my desire not to gamble? Of course it feels like there is peace present. We all know that mood controlling desires come and go without us being able to fully control them. Sometimes putting everything aside and just wanting to gamble on this day all the time. This condition is as if our actions do not feel guilty, the important thing is that today I want to entertain myself by betting.

[Assface16678]

Well, in my religion or in the religion I'm in, gambling is considered a sin, but of course the person will be the one to decide whether to follow it or not. Maybe in some religions, beliefs are more powerful, so doing stuff that is considered a sin is really avoided, but for me, I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I mean, yeah, maybe in the sayings of the religions, gambling is a sin and can cause many bad things, but for me, as long as I can control myself and I'm not affecting any people that surround me, I'm committing a sin, but at least I'm not making any more sins or grave sins. So if you know for yourself that you can contain yourself and most likely you may be able to do the worst thing because of gambling, then consider stopping, following your beliefs, and repenting.

[tsaroz]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

My religion of birth doesn't necessarily restrict anything and even if it did, I would have done what I liked because it's me who is responsible for what I do. There are laws and rules that govern the human activities in modern times. Religion were used as the early form of rules to guide people's life and maintain high level of security in the society. The restriction most religion place on gambling and alcohol is to minimize it's social effect. But if the people indulging in gambling and alcohol are responsible on their own, there should not be an issue.
In 21st century adhering to centuries old rules are no way logical. Rules as well as religion should evolve with time otherwise they becomes obsolete and cease to exist.

[pinggoki]

Never had a conflict whatsoever, I'm not a religious person so I'm not all for it or fanatic about what my "religion" says is taboo or wrong to do, that's not for them to decide with how I liive or die. Once you get used to not following everything that your religion says to a T, you would finally be able to live a life of freedom and happiness, use your scriptures to guide you on a moral path not as the driving force in your life, that should come within you so if you're gambling and you feel that at the back of your head someone's telling you to not do that and that it's a sin or something, remember that there are priests out there that made a vow of chastity that are raping and molesting children, my point is if the servants of the religion that you're in can commit such grave sins, who are you to be pure for that religion?

[Outhue]

certain actions cannot be accepted, even if some religions would allow it...
gambling itself is not part of these actions. by nature it's something fun and intrinsic of human nature.
if gambling instead becomes a problem of addiction, neglecting the family, one's work, leading a wrong life is certain to become an action to be condemned.

Gambling is not always fun, many people are gambling even though they don't like the games, they just want to win money, I don't call this fun.

If games that I like are not available in gambling there is no point for me to become a gambler, I love slots even though they have wrecked a lot of gamblers and that is why I like using little amount of money.

Assuming slots just ended everywhere on online casinos I will probably walk away, this is something many people can't do, they will look into another game, even though they don't like the game but money is involved, they will get used to it as time goes on.

Choices will always be made in the end, but it is true that gambling is a sin from the religion side of things, to me it just shows that many people will choose money over religion any time any day, we gotta live, even if the sinful way is how money is made.

Lord have mercy on our souls, and some stupid people still believe that we are getting all these for free? That Christ never sacrificed himself for us all? Idiots, nothing is truly free in this life.

[angrybirdy]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

I have never experienced any conflict when it comes to my gambling, connected to my religion because gambling is not prohibited in our country, but we still give advice and caution because many people end up with gambling addiction once we neglect our actions. I have acquaintances who are strictly prohibited from gambling and I am also aware of what religion that is, so I wonder why my acquaintances can gamble, even though it is strictly prohibited for them, that's when we can see how important it is or how much Is a person committed when it comes to religion?

[passwordnow]

There are some religions that have strict views on gambling, some considering it morally wrong. However, people still gamble for various reasons.

Not some but the majority of them are very strict with their belief about gambling. And most of them tell that gambling should be restricted, prohibited and will considered as a sin if you commit it. There's no difference of drinking alcohol and becoming addicted to it and the same with doing illegal drugs, they treat it the same as a sin and they're morally wrong.

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?

I didn't have. I have a belief and I follow the rules and I think that when someone is too religious, he's going to follow every rule of their religion to the point that even at home, you have no way out but to follow it. So, it's nothing new when you see a religious guy and being a gambler at the same time. We even see people pray for their bets to win and that's not surprising when we see someone do that.

How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

Probably it all roots with the effect of it and that is being greedy. When someone is too greedy, he can do crazy things that he can't ever imagine. But you get the point of these religions but no offense, they don't want their members to gamble because they want their money to be spent well. And you see them ask them every time or at all times talking about them being generous and freely donate to organizations they want to. I have no problem with that but sometimes, there's a conflict if it's about money issues.

[Hatchy]

Have you ever faced any conflicts between your religious beliefs versus gambling? How it happen and how did you handle it?
How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

This has been discussed several times here on the forum and a lot of people have shared diverse opinions about this same issue. Religion and beliefs when it comes to gambling remains a choice that one has to take on his own. My own opinion can not influence someone else's about gambling even though we are of same religious group. Every religion preaches against gambling and thus are we not supposed to all abandon our gambling habits and focus on our religion. Millions of people who involves in gambling are of major known religions I won't mention. That why it's strictly by choice if one wants  to gamble owing to his religion.

[GreatArkansas]

(....)

How do different religions view gambling? What could be the reasons behind it?

Probably it all roots with the effect of it and that is being greedy. When someone is too greedy, he can do crazy things that he can't ever imagine. But you get the point of these religions but no offense, they don't want their members to gamble because they want their money to be spent well. And you see them ask them every time or at all times talking about them being generous and freely donate to organizations they want to. I have no problem with that but sometimes, there's a conflict if it's about money issues.

Make sense, as greed can be very easily adapted to gambling, that's why there are some religions that hate gambling. Their first step is to avoid gambling, which for me has a good advantage as their people will also benefit from it. Especially since gambling involves money and as we all know, money is the root of evil  it could add up.