Is Gambling a Sin?

IS GAMBLING WRONG?

      I recently heard a prominent and popular preacher on TV doing a question and answer session – giving answers to questions from members of his congregation.  The question at hand was, “What’s wrong with gambling?”

      The preacher’s answer was short and predictable. “It’s trying to get something for nothing,” he said.  This, of course, isn't true since most gambling I am familiar with requires an investment of money.  In anticipation of the next logical question he tried to explain why playing the stock market is not the same as gambling.  Then, as if realizing his answer was ringing a little hollow, he added,  “Besides, if you’re playing the stock market you won’t have a cocktail waitress trying to serve you drinks.” (This is a good ploy when you sense that your arguments are weak.  Use humor to distract and deflect attention away from your answer.)

      As I thought about his answer I couldn’t help but raise a few questions.  If the “sin” of gambling is trying to get something for nothing wouldn’t that make it wrong for homeless people to go to the rescue mission for a free meal and place to sleep?  Wouldn’t that make it wrong for needy people to accept Thanksgiving food baskets or Christmas toys from his church?  And what about Christmas gifts or any gift?  Isn’t that getting something for nothing?  If a rich man is handing out hundred dollar bills on a street corner, would it be a sin for me to try to get one?   And would I be sinning if I signed a slip of paper and dropped it in a box for a drawing for a TV at a new store opening?  And wonder of wonders, isn’t the Grace of God about getting something for nothing?  Oh, no!  What will we do now?