The Issue is NOT:

1. If it is fun or not.
2. The possibility of winning.
3. The legalization by the civil authorities.
4. Will it provide for revenue?
5. Who is doing it.
6. What your opinion is about it.
7. A personal like or dislike.
8. If the money is used for some good cause.
9. If it saves me from paying more taxes.

THE ISSUE IS:

1. Does the Bible authorize it?
2. Is it Scriptural?
3. Are there precepts that either condemn or authorize gambling?

Closing Observation:

The Bible does not mention the word “Gamble.” There are many principles that must be applied.

1. The principle does not vary with the amount.
   • Matching pennies or marbles for keeps
   • Blackjack for $1,000s or a $1.00 Lottery ticket
   • The principles are the same.
2. There are three proper ways for property to change ownership.The Bible principles teach us that gambling is – “The placing at risk what is not yours in a greedy, lazy (unwilling to work) attempt to obtain material things from others with evil fruit and loss of self-control as the result.”
   • Labor agreement
   • Fair exchange
   • Gift
3. The Scriptures teach us that gambling is: The placing at risk what is not yours in a greedy, lazy (unwilling to work) attempt to obtain material things from others with evil fruit and loss of self-control as the result.