harris
harris 
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October 20th, 2025 at 1:20:31 AM permalink
I was wondering if there is any religion that doesn't either discourage or forbid gambling?

From what I can see - Islam, the Bahai Faith, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism forbid gambling while Judaism, Hinduism, and most Christian sects simply discourage casino gambling. I cannot find much information about Zoroastrian teachings about gambling but I think it is either discouraged or prohibited. If anyone has insights from other religions or from specific sects/branches, I would be interested in hearing them.

From my own religious knowledge, I know that Judaism does not prohibit giving money to charitable lotteries because the participants will be happy even if they lose. Otherwise Judaism looks down on gambling, though interestingly we play the gambling game Dreidel on Hanukkah and it seems like we used to play a Blackjack-like game.
AutomaticMonkey
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October 20th, 2025 at 3:23:33 AM permalink
That was the first thing I thought of, playing dreidel. I remember being invited to Hanukkah parties when I was a kid and playing dreidel. Little brats wouldn't tell anyone what the letters on it meant so the shkotzim can't win! But the Catholics got even on bingo night- called out the numbers in Latin!

No, seriously... Roman Catholicism has no problem with betting (or drinking) unless it becomes a harmful act to yourself or anyone else. Makes few demands. I would assume the Church of England has the same position being betting is a perfectly respectable activity in the UK. Same for traditional Chinese religion and they probably invented gambling along with paper money. Evangelical Protestantism does object to it for reasons peculiar to its history in Great Britain and the US and... yeah I'm not going to go any further with that, that's going to upset someone. But that rubric encompasses only a small minority of Christians globally. I'm not aware of any mainstream sects that object to betting in itself, rather than the harms associated with it.
odiousgambit
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October 20th, 2025 at 3:42:21 AM permalink
It is hard to find much in the Bible against gambling, as I remember there is a bit of scolding in Proverbs and the depiction of the Roman soldiers gambling over Jesus's robe indirectly implies disapproval... and that is about it. This is a small problem for Protestants who harp on scriptural confirmation of every doctrine, but for religions where the long standing doctrine of the Church can trump lack of scripture, this is less of a problem

There is the same thing with alcohol, with a glaring failure of scriptural confirmation for the oft asserted Protestant doctrine of abstinence. Especially with Jesus turning water into wine
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
AZDuffman
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October 20th, 2025 at 3:47:38 AM permalink
Roman Catholics invented bingo. Growing up Catholic gambling was never prohibited. I worked the horse race wheel at the church bazar in 8th grade and played Big Six. Curiously they asked my dad why the hold was higher when we worked it.

I can’t remember if I heard the priests ever talk about going to Vegas or having fun with a wager. But clearly not banned. Moderation of course encouraged.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
avianrandy
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October 20th, 2025 at 5:38:33 AM permalink
As far as I know,their is no commandment thou shalt not gamble
But you can reference Matthew 25:14-30 and Hebrews 13:5 not going to expound further but trying to keep in the boundaries of this thread.
aceside
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October 20th, 2025 at 5:44:00 AM permalink
This post revealed a lot of your religious beliefs. In Mormon, gambling is strictly prohibited.
odiousgambit
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October 20th, 2025 at 6:01:08 AM permalink
Quote: avianrandy

As far as I know,their is no commandment thou shalt not gamble
But you can reference Matthew 25:14-30 and Hebrews 13:5 not going to expound further but trying to keep in the boundaries of this thread.
link to original post

I think I can say those two illustrate how it is hard to find scripture that condemns wagering outright. The Matthew parable could be said to be an endorsement of capitalism, with the most praised servant taking risks it would seem
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
billryan
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October 20th, 2025 at 7:23:36 AM permalink
In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
Wizard
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October 20th, 2025 at 7:32:50 AM permalink
I have studied the bible carefully about this and there is no verse that directly addresses gambling. Randomizing using lots was a method used often to settle a problem. Conservative protestants will invariably be against gambling but that seems to be out of church tradition as opposed to based in scripture.

Our own FrGamble would have said gambling in moderation and for entertainment purposes was not a sin.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
AZDuffman
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October 20th, 2025 at 8:30:40 AM permalink
Quote: billryan

In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
link to original post



Are you trying to say Jesus Christ couldn’t count cards??
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
Dieter
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RogerKint
October 20th, 2025 at 9:10:37 AM permalink
Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: billryan

In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
link to original post



Are you trying to say Jesus Christ couldn’t count cards??
link to original post



Next card knowledge is a stronger play.
May the cards fall in your favor.
billryan
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October 20th, 2025 at 9:12:59 AM permalink
Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: billryan

In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
link to original post



Are you trying to say Jesus Christ couldn’t count cards??
link to original post



Could he count them? Of course.
Would he count cards? I don't believe so.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
rxwine
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odiousgambit
October 20th, 2025 at 10:10:44 AM permalink
Quote: billryan

Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: billryan

In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
link to original post



Are you trying to say Jesus Christ couldn’t count cards??
link to original post



Could he count them? Of course.
Would he count cards? I don't believe so.
link to original post



“Give to Caesar’s Palace what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's"
Sanitized for Your Protection
AZDuffman
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October 20th, 2025 at 11:56:57 AM permalink
Quote: rxwine

Quote: billryan

Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: billryan

In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
link to original post



Are you trying to say Jesus Christ couldn’t count cards??
link to original post



Could he count them? Of course.
Would he count cards? I don't believe so.
link to original post



“Give to Caesar’s Palace what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's"
link to original post



Are you saying God would charge a resort fee??
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
camapl
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October 20th, 2025 at 12:16:12 PM permalink
Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: rxwine

Quote: billryan

Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: billryan

In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
link to original post



Are you trying to say Jesus Christ couldn’t count cards??
link to original post



Could he count them? Of course.
Would he count cards? I don't believe so.
link to original post



“Give to Caesar’s Palace what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's"
link to original post



Are you saying God would charge a resort fee??
link to original post



He does offer (ETA: advertise some of) the best amenities…
It’s a dog eat dog world out there… …or maybe it’s the other way around.
Nathan
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October 20th, 2025 at 12:29:10 PM permalink
People gambled right in front of Jesus during his crucifixion , the audacious audacity! 😱 😳 Imagine you're being executed and people are having fun gambling during your execution! 😱😳
In both The Hunger Games and in gambling, may the odds be ever in your favor. :D "Man Babes" #AxelFabulous "Olive oil is processed but it only has one ingredient, olive oil."-Even Bob, March 27/28th. :D The 2 year war is over! Woo-hoo! :D I sometimes speak in metaphors. ;) Remember this. ;) Crack the code. :D 8.9.13.25.14.1.13.5.9.19.14.1.20.8.1.14! :D "For about the 4096th time, let me offer a radical idea to those of you who don't like Nathan -- block her and don't visit Nathan's Corner. What is so complicated about it?" Wizard, August 21st. :D
billryan
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October 20th, 2025 at 12:46:28 PM permalink
Quote: Nathan

People gambled right in front of Jesus during his crucifixion , the audacious audacity! 😱 😳 Imagine you're being executed and people are having fun gambling during your execution! 😱😳
link to original post



Executions were big-time entertainment. Hangings in the South and West used to attract thousands of spectators. I imagne they did in other regions as well.
When legendary Israeli spy Eli Cohen was hanged in Damascus in 1965, almost 100,000 people turned out for it.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
AutomaticMonkey
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October 20th, 2025 at 12:46:38 PM permalink
Quote: rxwine

Quote: billryan

Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: billryan

In a Catholic HS, we were told that gambling isn't wrong unless it reaches the level where you are neglecting your responsibilities. A $5 bet on a horse is okay, unless losing it means your kids don't eat. I don't remember the exact phrase but taking advantage of people and unfair wagers could be sins, while a non-addicted person making a bet they can afford to lose is okay but it is a distraction from our mission- to spread the word of Christ to those who don't yet know him.
I don't think Jesus would have been one for long weekends in Vegas, but I think he'd have been in the office NCAA pool.
link to original post



Are you trying to say Jesus Christ couldn’t count cards??
link to original post



Could he count them? Of course.
Would he count cards? I don't believe so.
link to original post



“Give to Caesar’s Palace what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's"
link to original post



Now wait a minute, no need for blasphemy. Jesus would not go to Caesar's Palace.

He would walk right across the fountain to the Bellagio.
Dieter
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Dieter
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October 20th, 2025 at 1:01:17 PM permalink
Quote: Nathan

People gambled right in front of Jesus during his crucifixion , the audacious audacity! 😱 😳 Imagine you're being executed and people are having fun gambling during your execution! 😱😳
link to original post



Why not?
Was the usual and customary practice otherwise?
May the cards fall in your favor.
AutomaticMonkey
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October 20th, 2025 at 1:25:21 PM permalink
Has anyone been to the Guardian Angel Cathedral on the Strip? It's just north of the Encore.

Interesting place. The archbishop has a satellite residence there, so it is also a bishopric. As a Catholic schoolboy it caused great disappointment to learn that in that word the stress is on the second syllable, instead of the way we wanted to pronounce it.

There is also a small monastery there, with just a few brothers. Now that church is very busy on Sunday, getaway day for most visitors, and the people who come for Mass often have cheques from various casinos around town that they neglected to cash in, and those often end up in the collection basket. And the brothers at the monastery have the job of sorting those cheques and running them around town to be cashed in. They are known as the...
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