Gambling and Religion. Beliefs or Choices?

[synchronym]

I am a Christian, so I believe that the price of our freedom has already been paid on the cross of Calvary, so we can only be good to each other and try to follow the commandments of Jesus Christ. Now if games cause you some kind of problem, it's good to see if the problem is in the game or in you....Playing is very good and I really enjoy it, as long as it's done responsibly.

Christian are not that strict with regards to gambling, I’m not sure though if there’s a verse saying that gambling is really that bad but in a Christian country where I’m living, many are exposed in gambling despite if being a religious country. I do have belief and as long as I don’t do anything bad and I gamble responsibly, I still gamble and at the end of the day my faith doesn’t depend on my gambling activities.

I agree with you because there are many Christians who are addicted to gambling and gamble. However, gambling does not target any religion, people of almost every religion become addicted to gambling, mainly because they discuss how much harm they will suffer from gambling.  It is not that a Christian cannot gamble with individuals.

[rahmad2nd]

Honestly, I don't know how gamblers experience internal struggles regarding religion and its prohibitions, especially gambling. I will tell you a little about me, when I was a teenager, it cannot be denied that the internal conflicts within me were a never-ending turmoil. I am not a man who obeys religious rules. However, that doesn't mean I don't know the general prohibitions in particular. for example, drinking, gambling and so on. In Asia, religious symbols are something that is very sacred to its adherents. That is also why several Asian countries currently prohibit the existence of casinos, both physical and online casinos. if you or I were raised from a background of believing in a strong religious belief, very strong dogmas and doctrines were cultivated from an early age. So, it would be very natural if the stigma of gambling is still looked down upon by some people throughout the world. Regardless of whether it is related to belief or not, this stamp has been deeply embedded in social society.

I have a belief, and internal conflict was also a struggle for me at that time. especially, when I still lack insight.  For me personally, now it depends on how we view gambling. If someone thinks gambling is something wrong, then it will be difficult for them to be given an understanding regarding gambling. On the other hand, if gambling is considered a normal thing. As a result, someone could play carelessly without having any rules. based on my long experience, I don't want to debate it or refer to what you say is "choice". For me, gambling can be seen from various points of view. I love betting, especially sports. but not infrequently I play other casino games, yeah depending on my mood. In matters related to religion, I view gambling as part of modern entertainment which contains risks. simply put, if done wisely. We don't need to link rules and hobbies in this sophisticated era like today. In principle, religion or belief is personal. Likewise with gambling, if used wisely. for me, there is nothing wrong. whatever people think, it is their right, it's as simple as that.

[Mrbluntzy]

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 not faced any conflict with my religious belief / gambling interest. In my religion, gambling doesn't stop  you stop you from participating in all their event. Gambling is not an abomination whereby if you are a gambler the religion will forbid you, no. Some people only believe that it's not right to gamble because it can lead to addiction and destruction.

[maydna]

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 not faced any conflict with my religious belief / gambling interest. In my religion, gambling doesn't stop  you stop you from participating in all their event. Gambling is not an abomination whereby if you are a gambler the religion will forbid you, no. Some people only believe that it's not right to gamble because it can lead to addiction and destruction.

People who often playing gambling will not thinks that gambling is a sin although they know that playing gambling is prohibit. They will not stop playing gambling because of their religion and they will not have any conflicts when they playing gambling. They thinks that playing gambling is like the other entertainment that gives relaxation but they don't thinks what they will do if they are losing streak. They can't says anything after their losses but they also not realizes and only keeps playing gambling because they wants to recover their lose. That will triggers many losses because they will also lose their minds and will not thinks about gambling is prohibit to them.

[bitzizzix]

Gambling is a bad habit that has a serious impact on family and personal life, gambling can harm yourself, your family and others. And anything that can harm yourself or others can be said to be a sin, and gambling has that potential and is the most reasonable thing to say because gambling is the same as wasting money.
And whatever the reason, I say gambling is haram or a sin. And often gambling is just a waste of time which causes us to play excessively until we lose track of time, causing us to neglect our obligations and also distance ourselves from religion and God.
I like gambling even though I am not an active gambler, and that is my business with God, and the most important thing is that I do not neglect my obligations, and do not harm other people. And I also don't harm myself because I gamble with money that I can afford to lose in very small amounts that I think will not harm me and my finances.

[dothebeats]

I am from a religion that says gambling is bad, but does not expressly prohibit it. Therefore, we can still express our freewill when it comes to these activities. I chose to gamble because I know for a fact that I will not be someone who's going to be addicted to it knowing that i use it to kill time and not to get some money off it. If I were bound by the teachings of religion, I would certainly not gamble. Then again, it is only discouraged but not prohibited so I'd do it without any hesitations.

[Zigabel]

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 not faced any conflict with my religious belief / gambling interest. In my religion, gambling doesn't stop  you stop you from participating in all their event. Gambling is not an abomination whereby if you are a gambler the religion will forbid you, no. Some people only believe that it's not right to gamble because it can lead to addiction and destruction.

I'm of almost similar religious believe/background, i actually don't get to face conflict of any kind as it concerns gambling, I'm of a believe system that doesn't supports gambling because they believe it could harm the gambler but they don't get to expressly condemn it in its totality neither do they get to place restrictions around the gamblers because they feel he's into an unhealthy habit or the likes of it. the fact that it could be addictive and eventually lead to you been bankrupt and in some cases cause the addict some form of disorder makes my religion rely gets to warn against it.

as a matter of fact except the gamblers isn't in control of their habits, they don't eventually get to affect others terribly with their habit but for the ones who cannot control their habit and be able to put everything under control such that it doesn't get to affect their most immediate relations or the society at  large is the point where it eventually becomes a problem to every one.

[Blitzboy]

Honestly, I don't know how gamblers experience internal struggles regarding religion and its prohibitions, especially gambling. I will tell you a little about me, when I was a teenager, it cannot be denied that the internal conflicts within me were a never-ending turmoil. I am not a man who obeys religious rules. However, that doesn't mean I don't know the general prohibitions in particular. for example, drinking, gambling and so on. In Asia, religious symbols are something that is very sacred to its adherents. That is also why several Asian countries currently prohibit the existence of casinos, both physical and online casinos. if you or I were raised from a background of believing in a strong religious belief, very strong dogmas and doctrines were cultivated from an early age. So, it would be very natural if the stigma of gambling is still looked down upon by some people throughout the world. Regardless of whether it is related to belief or not, this stamp has been deeply embedded in social society.

I have a belief, and internal conflict was also a struggle for me at that time. especially, when I still lack insight.  For me personally, now it depends on how we view gambling. If someone thinks gambling is something wrong, then it will be difficult for them to be given an understanding regarding gambling. On the other hand, if gambling is considered a normal thing. As a result, someone could play carelessly without having any rules. based on my long experience, I don't want to debate it or refer to what you say is "choice". For me, gambling can be seen from various points of view. I love betting, especially sports. but not infrequently I play other casino games, yeah depending on my mood. In matters related to religion, I view gambling as part of modern entertainment which contains risks. simply put, if done wisely. We don't need to link rules and hobbies in this sophisticated era like today. In principle, religion or belief is personal. Likewise with gambling, if used wisely. for me, there is nothing wrong. whatever people think, it is their right, it's as simple as that.

Its amazing how our upbringing and beliefs affect gambling. Of course, internal fights can be difficult, especially when personal wants conflict with social conventions. I'll discuss gambling and religion now. The situation is difficult. Gambling can be sinful or innocent fun. No solution fits all.

Everyone's unique. Some people can gamble sensibly and enjoy it without lasting damage. Some less so. Being honest and recognizing your limits is key. The key is finding your equilibrium. Believers may set stringent limitations or shun specific sorts of gaming. Managing your budget and avoiding gambling may be enough if you're not. Your life, your choices. Dont allow others tell you what's correct.

[topbitcoin]

I am from a religion that says gambling is bad, but does not expressly prohibit it. Therefore, we can still express our freewill when it comes to these activities. I chose to gamble because I know for a fact that I will not be someone who's going to be addicted to it knowing that i use it to kill time and not to get some money off it. If I were bound by the teachings of religion, I would certainly not gamble. Then again, it is only discouraged but not prohibited so I'd do it without any hesitations.

The reason religion forbids it is because there are disadvantages that a person might receive when he does gambling, such as addiction that can destroy a person's future because of gambling addiction, well if you can control yourself properly and there is nothing that harms financially, mentally, environmentally from your gambling activities of course I think it will not be a problem, especially like your religion that does not prohibit so hard about gambling problems, you can play more calmly compared to adherents of other religions who prohibit gambling hard for their followers.

Maybe this will be a dilemma because it is based on two choices, especially if you are used to gambling and cannot leave it, between belief and choice it is indeed very heavy, but however this will return to yourself, people who still believe in their religion which prohibits gambling but still do gambling I think they also cannot be claimed to be bad people or traitors, but someone is not ready at the level of belief, and that can be changed over time.

[Wakate]

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?

There are so many many religion that condemn gambling and that does not mean that gambling wisely is bad. It is good we understand why we are gambling and the kind of strategy we are using. Making money is the ultimate and that is one of the reasons why many gamblers keep playing all types if games to make money not because they like to follow that part but because they needed money and take care of their bills. There are still gamblers that see gambling as an alternative to making money. We can always make money from gambling but one just have to be careful so addict does not come around that would make sure to take gambling for something else within could still lead to addiction.

[ChiBitCTy]

No this has never been an issues for me as an agnostic atheist.  While I do believe that some religions do have a great purpose of teaching people how to live their lives in a moral manner, I think they are all fake, or likely fake and I think it's insane to let a book of words by someone who refuses to show themselves, that's completely made up on "faith" is a bit insane.  Why should any religion prohibit one from gambling.  What's it to them?

I find it silly, like much of religion.

[danherbias07]

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 not faced any conflict with my religious belief / gambling interest. In my religion, gambling doesn't stop  you stop you from participating in all their event. Gambling is not an abomination whereby if you are a gambler the religion will forbid you, no. Some people only believe that it's not right to gamble because it can lead to addiction and destruction.

Which most of the time is true.
It can lead to destruction. And I think that is why it is forbidden in many religious beliefs. Still, for others, it's believed to give hope to those who want to double their money in a faster way or maybe more.
It will depend on whether one person has a traditional belief or a religious belief that it is forbidden will follow that rule or not. Why? Because I have seen many religious people who gamble outside even though they are always present in Sunday mass.
I think that is why OP added the "choices" there. Because a person still has a choice and no one is stopping him. Believing in one religion is an individual discipline if you will carry out the words that are said there or be that man who thinks it is still up to you.

[livingfree]

I am from a religion that says gambling is bad, but does not expressly prohibit it. Therefore, we can still express our freewill when it comes to these activities. I chose to gamble because I know for a fact that I will not be someone who's going to be addicted to it knowing that i use it to kill time and not to get some money off it.

I think everyone is on the same page.

We have our religion and beliefs but at the same time, they're not strict with such so it's only a few that really follows the laws of their beliefs.

But then, we're all having free will and we know what we should do and as long we don't get addicted, all of us agrees that it's totally fine even if you are part of any religion.

If I were bound by the teachings of religion, I would certainly not gamble. Then again, it is only discouraged but not prohibited so I'd do it without any hesitations.

Me either, so it's still about how firm our belief will be but at the end of the day, we might just do the same of stopping.

[n0ne]

It all depends on the person. A very small percentage of the population used to be so religious. Not many get into gambling, even if they do, they will be like, We need to start to wager after a prayer. They are like completely controlled gamblers, because if they don't win, they just quit because God isn't willing. I'm not sure of it, but religious books say we shouldn't show interest in gambling directly, but indirectly. Whether one needs to follow or not is up to the person's belief in the religion.

[taufik123]

Just going to tell you the facts about Gambling and how religion views gambling in general.
The two are indeed contradictory, as every religion prohibits gambling because some negative effects can occur that will harm oneself and others.
We agree that in fact the statement prohibiting every religion on gambling has been explained.

But when this is a choice, gambling will still be done even though our lives are quite close to religion.
Gambling is a personal choice for everyone and several influences such as environment, economy and understanding of religion.

Personally, I see gambling as just as entertainment as any other game that provides fun when playing.
But this will be different when someone who is doing gambling only for the purpose of big profits reaches a level of addiction that will have negative repercussions on their personal life.  Therefore, religion forbids and also does not do anything excessively.

You or anyone else wants to gamble or not, it is a choice that will be your own responsibility.

"Gambling isn't about how well you play the game, it's about how well you handle your money."
– VP Pappy (Poker player)

[GigaBit]

I am a Christian, so I believe that the price of our freedom has already been paid on the cross of Calvary, so we can only be good to each other and try to follow the commandments of Jesus Christ. Now if games cause you some kind of problem, it's good to see if the problem is in the game or in you....Playing is very good and I really enjoy it, as long as it's done responsibly.

Christian are not that strict with regards to gambling, I’m not sure though if there’s a verse saying that gambling is really that bad but in a Christian country where I’m living, many are exposed in gambling despite if being a religious country. I do have belief and as long as I don’t do anything bad and I gamble responsibly, I still gamble and at the end of the day my faith doesn’t depend on my gambling activities.

I agree with you because there are many Christians who are addicted to gambling and gamble. However, gambling does not target any religion, people of almost every religion become addicted to gambling, mainly because they discuss how much harm they will suffer from gambling.  It is not that a Christian cannot gamble with individuals.

Gambling is religiously forbidden mainly because of the idea that people may be harmed. There is no religion that supports gambling. But those sacred rules and regulations are often ignored.  A gambler also believes that if he is addicted to gambling he will suffer but he will still bet. Some take it as entertainment center and others to earn money. These acts are now commonplace among people of almost all religions, regardless of religious beliefs. Even those who talk about religion cannot be said not to gamble. I think it is the religion's responsibility to regulate gambling only by showing the good and the bad. No religion can lead anyone to the right path if the gambler is not alert to himself.

[piebeyb]

It all depends on the person. A very small percentage of the population used to be so religious. Not many get into gambling, even if they do, they will be like, We need to start to wager after a prayer. They are like completely controlled gamblers, because if they don't win, they just quit because God isn't willing. I'm not sure of it, but religious books say we shouldn't show interest in gambling directly, but indirectly. Whether one needs to follow or not is up to the person's belief in the religion.

I think why religion forbids it is because playing gambling does not bring benefits to a person's life because it can make them forget themselves, there is no need to be hypocritical about that, we all know that sometimes every time we gamble we often forget ourselves, there are even gamblers who go beyond the limit and become addicted. until you end up going bankrupt, losing money or even your family, especially because of gambling, people resort to domestic violence or other unethical activities, actually religion forbids that just because you won't be able to control yourself.

But if you are able to control it, you can gamble in a relaxed manner without having to hunt for anything in it, for example just to have fun or make it just for entertainment, it all comes back to ourselves and how we use our mindset correctly, if we are not able to managing emotions and controlling yourself, it's best not to gamble and obey the commands of your religion because that also helps to keep you away from everything that will destroy you in the end, but if you can still control it, everything will definitely be fine, talking about sin is everyone's right and their respective beliefs.

[Gozie51]

Whether one needs to follow or not is up to the person's belief in the religion.

I don't think it is about whether the person belief or not because it is already there in the holy books not to seek to double money by gambling but it is by operation of the conscience to follow what is written. The people who have not fallen out of what is written will still keep to their habit of not gambling but those who have fallen out will still keep gambling until they find their own conviction not to. So the choice to gamble or not depends on where you are in the faith of what was written and many gamblers understand this but they decide to continue for their own reason. Such reason could be for finance majorly because many depend on gambling for survival in the midst of no job especially people from high unemployment countries.

Therefore, some people have fallen out of faith despite believing against gambling but yet they do gamble because they believe to make profit or "additional " profit to sustain with what they have and this is why you see some fathers who are secret gamblers because they don't want people to know that they gamble either because of their position in the community or how people have regarded them in the area as someone who doesn't gamble and a discipline father and a good husband 

[SatoPrincess]

There is no religion that supports gambling. But those sacred rules and regulations are often ignored.  A gambler also believes that if he is addicted to gambling he will suffer but he will still bet. Some take it as entertainment center and others to earn money. These acts are now commonplace among people of almost all religions, regardless of religious beliefs. Even those who talk about religion cannot be said not to gamble. I think it is the religion's responsibility to regulate gambling only by showing the good and the bad. No religion can lead anyone to the right path if the gambler is not alert to himself.

I can’t say for other religions but mine doesn’t explicitly prohibit gambling. It only warns people of the dangers of the love of money. Many interpret that to mean that gambling is a sin because to them gamblers are people who are greedy and constantly chasing wealth at the expense of themselves. Those that see gambling as a form of entertainment do not share that view. So this is mainly a case of interpretation and context.

Why should any religion prohibit one from gambling.  What's it to them?

Mammon perhaps.

[sotelorene]

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?

Most people who believe that gambling is morally wrong are the Christians because they know what will be the result if someone turn an addict and some time people misbehave whenever they lost money in gamble, and so people usually transfer agression so all these can lead to Sin that's why they see it as something that is not good and sometimes if someone is not careful the devil can manipulate and start using the person cause problem.