A matter of conscience?

[todbou]

Ok Mike, I admit that this is not a very deep theological question, but I am curious as to what the Bible says on this issue:

Is it a sin to play poker? even if it is for fun? and if it is not sinful per se, is bluffing your hand lying or is it mere gamesmanship?

[Mike Miller]

I can't find anything in the Bible that says playing cards is a sin. I can't even find anything that says gambling is a sin. Now, before people start e-mailing me, let me expound further. I do see where gambling can be a serious issue for three reasons: 1)Stewardship. While it's fine to spend money on entertainment, any kind of financial expenditures need to be in keeping with good financial (and time) stewardship. 2)Slavery. Addiction to gambling is a form of spiritual bondage. People who have a problem with any kind of addiction should avoid the addictive behavior/substance at all costs. 3)Support. Gambling at a casino is problematic since casinos are in the business of taking money from people. And they especially love compulsive gamblers. Casinos don't make money by giving money away, and I personally don't want to support their enterprise. The same is true for the lottery. I see the lottery as a tax on the poor, and I don't want to support that kind of state-sponsored abuse. I'm also not convinced the money is used wisely.

So when can gambling not be sinful? Let me give an example. Someone close to me is retired and likes to spend his afternoons at his country club playing gin in the men's locker room. They play for such low stakes that on a particularly good or bad day he might win or lose $15. In the long run, he probably comes out even. He and his friends have plenty of money, so he's not gambling high stakes, and he's not being a bad steward since he has good days and bad ones. It's cheap entertainment for him and his friends. So, in answer to the title of your post, is it a matter of conscience? I say that unless some biblical principle is being violated, then yes, it's a matter of conscience.

Now, as for bluffing, I also think that's gamesmanship and harmless since it's all part of the game--unless you are taking advantage of someone who doesn't know the game and you are doing it for financial gain. However, in many sports, deception is part of the game. Football has play fakes, baseball has base-running ploys, basketball has fake moves, and so on. Even games like chess can employ deceptive strategies. No malice is involved. Fooling your opponent is part of the game, as is learning not to be fooled.

Thanks for the question. I hope no one thinks I'm encouraging gambling. I'm really not. I just don't want to be a legalist where harmless fun is involved.

[gene]

Mike I think where some folks get the idea that gambling in it's self is a "sin" is because of this passage:
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Since that was done as a degrading act toward the Lord it confuses people into thinking that "casting lots" or gambling in general must be a sin.
I do agree that if one is not mindful of proper stewardship the fruits of his labours and becomes wasteful of that which he and family are dependent on those fruits for their well being.

Gene