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| Looks innocent...or is it? (Dun dun duuuun...) |
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Before you think about quickly passing judgment, just read—I mean really read—and think about it. Gambling has its legal restrictions and is considered illegal in a number of locations. But have you considered where gambling could be found in legal, more "innocent" or indirect forms?
Let's first ask ourselves, "what is gambling?"
Gambling is the act of betting your money (or something of value) in a game of chance (an event with an uncertain outcome) in hopes of winning a prize. When we think of gambling, we usually think of casinos and similar means of illegal activity involving money.
Now think about those carnival, festival, or state fair vendor booth games; you pay actual money to participate in their game for a chance to win a prize. Or those local arcade games where you pop in some quarters (or tokens that you pay real money for) for a chance to collect exchangeable tickets. Or betting on a horse in those horse races. Or online gambling/betting games or certain app games that utilize actual money. Even those $1-scratch-off cards and lottery tickets that can be purchased at a convenience store require a spending of money for a chance to gain riches.
Let's first ask ourselves, "what is gambling?"
Gambling is the act of betting your money (or something of value) in a game of chance (an event with an uncertain outcome) in hopes of winning a prize. When we think of gambling, we usually think of casinos and similar means of illegal activity involving money.
Now think about those carnival, festival, or state fair vendor booth games; you pay actual money to participate in their game for a chance to win a prize. Or those local arcade games where you pop in some quarters (or tokens that you pay real money for) for a chance to collect exchangeable tickets. Or betting on a horse in those horse races. Or online gambling/betting games or certain app games that utilize actual money. Even those $1-scratch-off cards and lottery tickets that can be purchased at a convenience store require a spending of money for a chance to gain riches.
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Are such means (the examples listed above) considered forms of "legal gambling"?
What, then, is considered not gambling? Where do we draw the line? Even if the end result is not a large sum of money, does the means of participation still resemble gambling?
What other games or events do you think possibly constitute as gambling?
To what extent do you think betting is considered "okay"? Or should any and all forms of gambling be made illegal?
Are such means (the examples listed above) considered forms of "legal gambling"?
What, then, is considered not gambling? Where do we draw the line? Even if the end result is not a large sum of money, does the means of participation still resemble gambling?
What other games or events do you think possibly constitute as gambling?
To what extent do you think betting is considered "okay"? Or should any and all forms of gambling be made illegal?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to endorse illegal activity or bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding gambling. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to endorse illegal activity or bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding gambling. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Cover image courtesy of Element5 Digital.
(Written on November 21, 2018.)
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This is a good question and no so simple as it would seem on the surface. If I spent $40 at the theater for a movie popcorn and drinks for my wife and I and spent 2 hours enjoying a time out, no one would blink an eye. What, however, would be the reaction if, however, we took the same $40 and spent an afternoon playing penny slots in a casino? Good, thought provoking post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting!
DeleteThose are some very thought-provoking points you've made. Is it considered taking a gamble if we "waste" money in other activities such as a movie or service in hopes that we'll gain something good from it? Or is it only gambling if it's a competitive risk against a person's challenge? Is it where we use our money or what we risk from it? So many interesting questions coming out of this!
The real issue with gambling is the potential for addiction. For many of us,"wasting" a few bucks on the lottery, casino, etc does not present a problem. For others, it could be a strong magnet pulling them in, with threats to their livlihood, families, etc. Each of us has a danger zone, a temptation or area of weakness. And we must do whatever is necessary to avoid such areas. This includes areas of gambling for the addictive gambler. Prayers for those who struggle with this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting!
DeleteYes, it's definitely important to utilize Spiritual discernment in such matters. Gambling has been known to ruin people financially as well, even those who do somehow win it "big". We cannot serve both God and mammon. And definitely yes, prayers for those who struggle with such addictions.
I agree about the potential of addiction! There are always seemingly innocent activities that can lure us down the wrong path and then we can't find our way back. Even if we are well grounded in our faith and prayer life, we can be tempted. What is it they say about sin? It will keep you longer than you meant to stay, make you stray farther than you meant to go, and cost you more than you can afford. Something like that...Anyway, if you go outside the will of God to do or have something, you will have to stay outside the will of God to keep it! And, if you were to win big, you might console yourself that you could do a lot of good with the $, but I've never heard a lottery winner interviewed that wasn't absolutely miserable and said that it ruined their life!C.Saltz
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