(Outline notes taken from a sermon on the same topic)

I. Gambling Defined

1. Legal – “Gaming or playing for money; or betting on the result of a game; the playing of a game of chance or skill for stakes.”
2. Dictionary – “To play or game for money or other stake; to hazard; wager. Connected with gambling is the strong element of uncertainty, the large chance of losing.”
3. Popular View – “Getting something for nothing without rendering service or exchange of goods and is essentially stealing and a form of robbery.”
4. Psychiatrists – “A compulsion. Habitual gambling is a mark of a disturbed personality, an undesirable character trait.”
5. Summary – Gambling involves three parts:

• Chance is a major element. Some skill may be needed.
• A prize or payoff in cash or merchandise.
• To be eligible for the prize something must be placed at risk.