The Difference in Praying in Church vs. a Casino

.....in a casino you really mean it.

This is a common attempt at humor by those who are in the process of recovering from the grips of compulsive gambling. This particular addictive behavior I have seen first hand and the devastation that it can inflict. I have done some extensive research on the subject and IMO, this is the most UNDERRATED addiction.

Thirty years ago, gambling was a rare phenomenon found only in the desert of Nevada or on the Jersey shore. Today, 47 states and D.C now have legalized gambling. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) estimates there are now 12 million compulsive in the U.S. More Americans are gambling than ever before, and they are gambling more money.

Here are some interesting facts backed by governmental and independent studies:

• The average compulsive gambler has debts in excess of $80,000
• Those in the lowest income bracket lost 3 times as those in the wealthiest
• 70% of New York’s lottery tickets are sold to the poor
• 18% of California’s adults purchase 71% of the lottery tickets
• Gambling increases when economic times are uncertain (Does this sound eerily like the present?)
• Illegal gambling rates are 3 times as high in states that have legal gaming as opposed to those states that have none
• The number of compulsive gamblers increases between 100 and 550 percent when legal gambling is brought into an area

And these facts pale in comparison to other social costs that surface because of family neglect, embezzlement, theft, and involvement with organized crime. Some of the consequences include marital disharmony, divorce, child abuse, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. One study in The Journal of Social Issues found that as gambling increases, there is an increase in “(a) proportion of divorce and separation; (b) disagreement about money matters with one’s spouse; (c) lack of understanding between marital partners; and (d) more reported problems among children of gamblers.”

Gambling breeds greed. Yet under the disguise of state funding and easy tax collection, promises of increased education funding, we find ourselves in a society that finds its government promoting it. The fact is only 40 cents of every dollar raised through gambling such as lotteries make it to the state budget. Conversely, 99 cents of every dollar collected through direct taxation goes to the state. In addition, gambling siphons off money from the economy. In 1990, $286 Billion was wagered versus $213 billion spent on elementary and secondary schools the same year. I could go on and on with facts in this regard but you get the point.

A Biblical Perspective

First, the Bible emphasizes a number of truths that conflict with gambling. The Bible, for example emphasizes the sovereignty of God (Matthew 10:29-30). Gambling however is based on chance. The Bible admonishes people to work creatively and for the benefit of others (Eph 4:28), while gambling fosters a something-for-nothing attitude. The Bible condemns materialism (Matthew 6:24-25) while gambling promotes it.

Secondly, gambling destroys the work ethic. In Colossians 3:23-24 we are told in “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Yet gambling appears to mock capitalism’s core values: disciplined work habits, thrift, prudence, adherence to routine, and the relationship between effort and reward. Gambling replaces those values with greed and selfishness. Rather than depending on hard work, they depend on luck and chance.

Thirdly, gambling destroys families. As people get caught up in the get-rich-quick frenzy, then begin to neglect their families. 1 Timothy 5:8 states that one who refuses to care for his family is worse that an unbeliever. Parents must provide for their children (2 Cor. 12:14) and eat the bread of their labors (2 Thess 3:12). Gambling causes people to neglect that God-mandated responsibility.

For those who may not know, gambling causes the same chemical reaction that one may see when adrenalin is infused into the body. That is where the rush comes from. Endorphins are released in the brain when one is in the process of wagering. The thoughts of the “big win” are what drive these reactions to occur. Just like man has used some of God’s creation to manipulate the mind through drugs, we have also discovered that the human body is capable of manipulating itself to its own demise.

We need, as bearers of this great truth, to be aware of the mindset of this new society that has been creeping into our world. The younger generation’s minds are being conformed and transformed to have the outlook that it doesn’t take the effort of those who have gone before. We are living in a day when effort does not equal reward, but rather life should be handed out in ready-to-order, drive-thru installments.

A side note about Gamblers Anonymous. Although I applaud their efforts in these areas, I have to take to task one aspect of their program (and similar programs). I sincerely appreciate the fact that seeking a “higher power” is one emphasis of recovery. However, the thinking that once a gambler always a gambler certainly seems to limit that power. I am forever thankful that there is no limit to the power of Jesus Christ or a limit on the delivering power that He holds.