Hi everyone, We live close to Lousiana, and there is three big buses that leave this little town every friday, for the gambling in Lousiana, on the Indian reservation. I was asked to go, and I said I didn"t want to take my gardian angel in to such a place. And I was laughed at. You would be surprized how many old people go. Don"t get me wrong, if that is what they want to do, its there business. I just can"t do it. I can"t say for sure if the bible really talks about this or not. What do you all think?

-- Irene texas (tkorsborn@cs.com), April 03, 2002

Answers

EVERYDAY,, after all ,,life is a gamble,, and those poor Indians,, need the money,, so go for it,, live alittle, and have fun

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 03, 2002.

I think it is a big waste of money! Some of those people just waste tremendous amounts of money with little hope of winning anything. The casinos will always make out in the long run. As an industry it's goal is to take advantage of the poorest segment of society which to me makes it Unbiblical. I also do not buy lottery tickets either. I have in the past played bingo, when they have it for things like hams and turkeys but not for money, and I am not sure it is right to even do that. I have not played for several years though. I also don't like raffle tickets for the same reason.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), April 03, 2002.

It is a real shame that the Indian Reservations have been reduced to having to do this for money... too bad they can't grow crops or have some other productive industry on the reservations.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), April 03, 2002.

I think that you should consider if God wants you to take the money he has blessed you with and spend it like that. I question every purchase, and pray about it too, Would God want me to buy this thing with my blessing..... Just my thoughts.

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), April 03, 2002.

I believe that all I am is the steward of God's resources that he allows me to use. Faithful in small things?? Personally I can't even buy a lottery ticket, let alone gamble. I do not believe that there is actually a scripture that says "Thou shalt not gamble" or anything even close. Sounds to me like you are being guided not to, or it wouldn't even be a thought for you. I try not to make what other people do be a guide for what I do, or spend time judging them for what they do. I have a hard enough time just keeping my own life straight.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), April 03, 2002.

Well, if you buy a church raffle ticket (whether for money or prizes, technically you are also gambling, but I don't see too many people getting heartburn over it because it is for charity:-)

As to the Indian gaming, they choose to make money that way, and it is legal for them and not for others. From what I understand, everyone on the reservation is guaranteed a free college education by law, so other than that gambling is an easier (expense, relatively unskilled labor force, etc.) way to make money, there is no excuse as to why they couldn't make money in, say, high tech.

Where we used to live, many of the non-profits shared a bingo hall, and, for example, you paid $250 a year to be in the high school band, or your parents worked so many hours in the bingo hall to work it off.

Religious arguments aside, lotteries and gambling are a tax on the stupid. (Hate to be so blunt, but there it is). This is not to say that I have not bought a lottery ticket or two, I have. But gambling on a regular basis? No thanks!

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), April 03, 2002.

then PRAY,, realhard, ,right before you go in,, the god will answer your prays,, and you can show the "heathen" their evil ways by taking their money. That way,, your doing "gods work" and you can take the winnings, and give it to teh church,, maby even the one on the reservation to spread the word. See, god does work in mysterious ways

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 03, 2002.

My opinion is that this is one of those "grey" areas like playing cards, watching movies, etc. and no one can answer that question but you. I think it all depends on how God speaks to your heart. If you have been convicted in your heart that gambling is wrong, then if you chose to gamble, it would be a sin for you to do so. If on the other hand, you have searched and honestly believe there is nothing wrong with it and, you are not doing it to excess, then for you it is not a sin. It is a personal choice and one that, whether someone else does or does not, is not up to us to judge, but to pray for others.

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), April 03, 2002.

I don't think that praying to win works!!!... Using something like gambling as an excuse to "donate" money to God, does not seem right to me. A gift to God should be given from the heart and somehow your extra gambling winnings just doesn't seem like it would truly be from the heart to me. I am sure that many non-Christians hold the same view point. But I don't think that too many Christians do...

Personally I only pray for strength from God to deal with whatever trials and troubles I will face that day. I would never pray to win money, or a sports event or anythihg like that...

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), April 03, 2002.

My 2 cents - I agree with the others that we are only steward's of what God has blessed us with. It isn't wise to gamble with money - we wouldn't want to gamble with any of our other blessings would we? If people can so easily risk money on gambling, I suggest they send money to help those that don't have enough money to risk it!

-- heather (h.m.metheny@att.net), April 03, 2002.

There is gambling and there is gambling. Gambling with money you need is wrong because if you lose you are depriving yourself or your loved ones with the necessities of life. On the other hand, if you take it out of the entertainment budget and gamble to be entertained, what harm could there be? About 2 years ago I decided to see what all the hype was about so I took a Mom's night out (I do this every couple of months). I took $20, figuring I would probably loose it, and after about an hour I did. It was sort of like spending time in a pinball arcade. I had a good time and sort of intended to go back sometime, but I never did. If I had spent it at the movies for a ticket and a large popcorn it would have been fine, and so was spending it on the ENTERTAINMENT of gambling. I never could understand people who expect to better themselves by gambling, and people who put themselves at risk for it are abusing the gifts that God gave us. Perhaps it is like alcohol? I have never seen a passage critisizing wine, but I have seen several passages critisizing drunkenness. Also, food is good but gluttony is frowned apon.

-- Terri (hooperterri@prodigy.net), April 03, 2002.

I don't think its wrong, nessasarily, I do think its somewhat foolish. I don't see anything wrong with, say, buying a raffle for charity-I see it as giving to that charity. This year I bought some raffle tickets for a couple of charitable causes. Our town holds bingo games-I see nothing wrong with that-its a kind of social event here_we're in the boonies folks-theres not much to do! And the procedes support the volenteer fire department and the Catholic mission and the community theatre-all good causes. I don't go, myself, (I'd rather stay home and read or quilt or something) but I see nothing wrong with that.

However, having said that, I do agree with Gts-tax on the stupid-(you did put it pretty bluntly!) and I do feel that lotteries takes advantage of the plight of poor people buy offering them hope-I have never bought a lottery ticket, I think its a bad idea, and a waste of money. Also, I think gambling at a casino is a not a wise use of your time or money-but then, I don't think watching Nascar races is a wise use of time or money and theres a whole lot of people that disagree with me there.

Mostly, Irene-I believe if it makes you uncomfortable-for what ever reason, you shouldn't do it. I'd be uncomfortable riding on a bus, going away from my home with people I don't know very well, sitting in a crowded (probably) room full of loud strangers probably smoking, (cigaret smoke gives me a headache)watching my hard earned money go bye-bye. Not my idea of a fun time. My guardian angel agrees.

-- Kelly (homearts2002@yahoo.com), April 03, 2002.

I know different faiths have different views of this. Mine does not believe in gambling--lotteries, raffles, etc., are the same. We just don't do it. You should not do it if it feels wrong to you. We each have to live with our own conscience.

-- mary (mlg@mlg.com), April 03, 2002.

Okay, here is my 2 cents worth. I am American Indian and live on a Reservation that has a Casino. It does employ alot of "poor" Indians but it also employs alot of non-Indians. As far as getting a free college education from casino revenues, that just isn't so. We apply for State and Federal grants like everyone else. Some reservations do give their enrolled members a "per capita" either monthly or every 3 months but not our tribe. The $$ that our casino generates goes back into our health care, education and housing. It has built our new clinic and employs a full time doctor. It has built our new Admin building where we now have our own Tribal Court, Fish and Wildlife Commission and Police Department. It built our own Tribal School and Headstart buildings. This "poor" old Indian had to go to school like everyone else to get her nursing degree and has to work a 40 hr. a week job. I have been insulted by non-Indians by asking how much $ I get. (Excuse me but my wages are my business. NO! I mean the money you get from the Casino!)They get mad at me when I tell them I don't get a cent, like I'm hiding something from them. Oh well! Such is life. I just finished a Master Gardeners class (10 hours-no certificaton). Next week we are voting for board members for our Gardening Project. I'm not sure of all the details but we are getting Vista workers to come in and help and a program for youth similar to the conservation corps that have been around. Sounds like a BIG community gardening project! As for gambling, I think it is wrong. I have seen first hand what bringing in a Casino did to our Indian community. Sure it helped with what I said above but it also brought in alot of crime, increase in drug and alcohol abuse, child neglect and abuse. I have known people to take their paychecks and gamble it all in one visit! I have talked with a co-worker whose elderly mother lost her home due to gambling. Our church is close to closing its doors due to poor attendence and no tithes. The priest said we'd be in good shape if the members would attend church and tithe as much as they go to the casino! Sorry for rambling on but questions were asked and I felt I had to say something.

-- Jean in No. WI (jat@ncis.net), April 03, 2002.

Yes it is in the bible under the thou shall nots. Its the one that says thou shall not be STUPID. If you really like to gamble, send me 100 dollars and gamble on will I really put your name in the pot for the drawing on the million dollars I give away every week.

-- David in North Al. (bluewaterfarm@mindspring.com), April 03, 2002.

This quite a personal matter. If you don't feel comfortable then you shouldn't do it. Surely going and spending hardearned grocery money, taking food out your children's mouths, would qualify as sinful. I have been a Christian for 30 years and I have bought a few ( and I do mean few)lottery tickets over the years, but I don't really feel I wasted money, because it does go to improving our state parks. I have always prayed, Lord if I win something I know you have allowed it and I will be held accountable to spend it wisely-helping other people ect. Really farming out here in Colorado is a gamble every day, I know only the Lord can keep us going.

-- Marilyn in CO (www.tomeatbeef@aol.com), April 03, 2002.

Jean, I'm truly sorry if I have offended you. My understanding was that as American Indians, it was not casino money that paid for college educations, it was federal grant money that was fairly easy to get (as in, if you had so much of a percentage of American Indian ancestry, and could prove it, it was yours), or is that incorrect? I was told this by some other American Indians, by the way. Thanks for the info on where the casino money actually does go.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), April 04, 2002.

Good post Jean, and thanks for the information. I am glad about the gardening program.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), April 04, 2002.

that USED to be true GT, ,isnt anymore, and hasnt in 40 years or so. American Indians have to apply for grants just like everyone else. And not all casinos "pay" their tribal members a salary. Most of the money goes to community work, as Jean mentioned. I dont understand why Irene is asking this anyways,, seems she has already made up her mind about it, and what other people think shouldnt matter. When I go gambling, I use extra money,, call in entertainment money or whatever,, I dont neglet to pay bills or put food on the table, and those that do that,, should seek help FAST. Its not much diferant than going to a bible meeting/evangelist,, just entertainment. Jean,, let me knwo when you get the garden project going,,Id like to help (got my MG, this year)

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 04, 2002.

This is a great thread and ,thank you Jean for clarifying the facts! I've been to casinos three times in my life and I hated it. They're dark exept for the glaring lights blinking and the noise is awful. IMHO, the cigarette smoke is enough to gag a maggot. And, I watched people mesmerized by the machines gulping up their money! At the last one last summer, I was in there ten minutes and asked my DH if we could get out of there as I felt like I was in the bowels of Hell!

I don't gamble! My common sense tells me that I'd rather have my money in my hand then take a chance on losing it for nothing.

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), April 04, 2002.

Ardie,, you need ot go to a diffeant one, ones around here, no smoking in the building,, brightly lit,, a place to sit and eat (for free), TV, or music, better than Kareokee night

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 04, 2002.

What is your reason for going? To make some quick cash or to spend some time with friends? Who says you have to gamble when you go. Grab a meal and enjoy the ride down and back. It also seems to me you have a captive group of people to minister to.

13:7 Proverbs There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

23: Proverbs Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

7:19 Ezekiel They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

-- Gary (gws@columbus.rr.com), April 04, 2002.

Irene, I haven't read the above posts cause I don't have time now, so someone else may have already said this. The most important thing to think about is how does this affect your witness. Would seeing you gamble cause someone else to stumble. You won't go to hell because you gamble, smoke, do drugs, etc. but you might go through a little here on earth if you're not careful. Also, It seems to be a foolish thing to do. It might get you more money but then again it might take away what you have.

-- Cindy (S.E.IN) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), April 05, 2002.

I personally will not gamble even the price of a stamp to send in the sweepstakes entry form. It is not the amount gambled, but the principle involved. I do not believe that God is honoured by this. The temptation to gain riches quick and easy can snare people faster than they can blink. "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (1 Timothy 6:9).

I do not agree with church raffles, or any type of church-related fundraising. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). God's work, done God's way, will never lack God's supply.

As to the "gray" areas so many people talk about: I make a rule to ask myself two questions: Will this give glory and praise to God? and, Will it offend my fellow believers? If the answer is 'yes' to the first and 'no' to the second, I go ahead with it. (The affect on one's personal testimony is covered under the first question.)

-- Cathy N. (eastern Ontario) (homekeeper86@sympatico.ca), April 05, 2002.

well I was leary about responding to this because so many times you get a knee-jerk reaction from folks, but (my own personal belief) I do not believe in gambling, in ANY form....the soldiers cast lots for Jesus's robes at the cross of calvary...also, as with everything else I do I try and ask myself...Does this glorify God??

-- Tracy (tconklin@ncci.net), April 08, 2002.