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Religion And Casinos
This website will focus on the views of different religions on gambling. There is proof of gambling activities in scriptures of different religions. Read through the article to see the opinion of different religions on casino gambling activities.
Christianity:
Do Christians consider Gambling as a sin? In Christian circles there have been a lot of debates regarding this issue. The Christians are unable to state whether gambling itself is wrong or over indulgence in gambling is wrong. Many Christian philosophers have strongly commented that there is nothing wrong about gambling. Anyhow there are bingo and lotteries in local churches. These are popular fund raisers. Thus these types of gambling are for good cause. A Christian philosopher by name Blaise Pascal raised an argument in support of gambling. Today it is known as Pascal’s Wager. But in general some Christians argue that gambling is against the commandment by Jesus which states that “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Thus there are mixed opinions about gambling in Christianity.
Islam:
Sheik Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a famous Muslim scholar, in his book “The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam” writes that Islam permits a variety of casino gambling games and sports but doesn’t permit any form of gambling. Islam does not permit its followers to get relaxation out of gambling or acquire wealth through gambling. Since gambling makes a person depend on luck it takes him away from truthful labor and productive efforts. Apart from this an individual who gambles loses esteem for the laws of causation which has been established and commanded by Allah for people to use. But in a broader perspective it could be seen that Islam is against the addictive portion of gambling.
Judaism:
Gambling is not cited in Torah or in any Jewish scriptures. But it is clearly stated that a professional gambler could not be trusted as a witness in court. But many rabbis allow occasional gambling. Mainly during festivals like Purim, Chanukah gambling is permitted. Thus it could be clearly observed that Judaism was not totally against gambling. There are instances stating that Rabbis were also involved in some form of gambling. This shows that gambling is not a sin in Judaism.
Hinduism:
Hinduism does not approve gambling as a lawful activity. But Hindu scriptures suggest that there had been gambling activities carried out in Hindu culture. Mahabharata is a famous epic in Hinduism. In this epic there have been instances of gambling activities. It is stated in this epic that gambling in the form of dice games has been a source of entertainment for Kings. There are also other Hindu scriptures which indicate that gambling activities were carried out in Hindu empires. But on the whole it could be observed that gambling for fun is not immoral activity as per Hindu religious norms. But addiction for gambling is considered as a sin.
Overall it really does depend on you, but it seems that religious people, from all religions, are against gambling. I’m not religious and I gamble. It is fun and I do believe in freedom of choice and religion. So whatever you believe in, it really is your choice. If you are religious but would like to gamble, then why don’t you gamble for free? It doesn’t cost any money so it can’t be regarded as a sin.