Is it Wrong for a Christian to Gamble on Pool Games?

This paper does not intend to broach the subject of gambling in general - it is mainly meant to discuss the more specific activity of gambling on pool games. Wherever the word "gambling" is used here, it will be in reference only to pool gambling.

Pool and gambling have always been closely associated.  As a matter of fact, the game derived its name from the practice of forming money "pools" for gambling purposes. If it were not for this practice, the game would probably have become more widely known by its formal name of pocket billiards.

Newly converted, Christian pool players are almost always faced with making a decision concerning the subject of gambling. Those who have been actively involved in gambling must decide if it is appropriate for them to continue to do so. Those how have not must decide what their relationship to their non-Christian, gambling friends will be.

Let's look at some of the arguments for and against gambling.

For:

The Bible does not condemn gambling as a sin. In fact, it does not even mention the word gambling.

Gambling is simply a risk-taking, and is no different than investing in the stock market or playing in tournaments.

All of life is a gamble; every day, you are gambling as soon as you step out your own front door.

Against:

Gambling demonstrates a love for money. Money is simply a too, but it is too often treated as a god. The Bible says that no man can serve two masters - he cannot serve God and money at the same time (Luke 16:13).

Gambling is born out of greed. The Bible tells us, "Do not covet" (Exodus 20:17). To desire the possessions of others (in this care, money) is coveting. And coveting many times leads to the making of games (handicapping) in which your opponents think they have a chance to win, but in reality they have none. This practice has long been called "hustling." But in more recent days, players themselves simply refer to it as "stealing" because essentially, that is what it is. And the Bible says, "do not steal" (Exodus 20:15).

Gamblers are proud people, and self-pride is a sin (Proverbs 21:4).

Often, gambling is the product of a desire to satisfy sadistic lust. Many people love to inflict pain, or see pain inflicted, on others. In pool, these people could be compared to those who love to watch dog fights, cock fights, or bull fights, with the only real difference being that the "blood" drawn from the vanquished is in the form of money. This is an evil attitude (James 4:1-2).

At the very least, gambling by the Christian is wrong because of the example it sets. It will severely damage the Christian's testimony, because non-believers will be quick to discredit them once they see them gambling. Also, gambling by one Christian could cause other Christians to stumble. The Bible ends all arguments about whether or not it is a sin for a Christian to gamble by giving the comparison of eating meat that has been sacrificed to idols (I Corinthians 8:1-13).

IS IT WRONG FOR CHRISTIANS TO GAMBLE?  YOU DECIDE.

Author remains anonymous

P.S. - What is important is what was said, not who said it.