BEN F. VICK, JR.
Many people in the world, in this country, and even in the church would say, "Nothing." I grant that there are some reasons against gambling which, in my judgment, are not valid. However, there are some excellent reasons for not gambling.
Gambling is big business. Billions of dollars are spent and made worldwide in the realm of gambling. We are inundated with advertisements – on the radio, television, internet, and phones. One cannot watch a ball game without seeing commercials before, during, and following games. The National Football League once opposed gambling's being connected to their sport. But not so any longer. The NFL saw casinos, online gambling sites, and millions of foolish people were playing fantasy football and making a great deal of money; so, they wanted in on the action. They tossed out their principles and have partnered with Caesars Entertainment, Draft Kings, and Fan Duel. These are "the official betting partners" of the NFL.
Once, past commissioners of the NFL spoke out against gambling. Pete Rozelle suspended Paul Horning and Alex Karras in 1963 because they placed bets on NFL games. Rozelle said that if New Orleans got casinos, he would use his influence to keep the Super Bowl from being played there. The present commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, was once asked what threatens the integrity of pro football. He said, "Gambling would be No.1 on my list." That was 2012. Sports commentators give the odds on a horse's winning a race or the outcome of a ballgame. The media push lottery tickets. One can buy tickets at any service station and other places.
So, what is wrong with gambling? Everybody does it, we are told. Of course, that is not a good reason for gambling. One's chances of winning are even less if everybody is gambling. The only winners would be the gambling establishments and state governments, which reap some benefits.
The root problem of gambling for most people is covetousness. Most people who gamble put money down with the desire to gain larger rewards. Nobody gambles to lose, but all who gamble lose. Paul told the young preacher Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Tim. 6:6-10.) Jesus warned, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15.)
Gambling is addictive. Years ago, when I was officiating a middle school basketball game, my officiating partner was on his phone before the game talking to his bookie to place bets. Between quarters he was on his phone talking to his bookie. At halftime, he was talking to his bookie. After the game, he was checking with his bookie. I read of a man several years ago at a casino in Las Vegas who won the World Series of Poker. He was asked what he planned to do with his winnings. Without hesitation, he said, “Gamble it and lose it.” There was a man who had no shame in his addiction to gambling.
Do you want to see how addiction to gambling can ruin a person’s life? Look at the life of Art Schlichter, former quarterback at Ohio State and the Indianapolis Colts. His gambling habit started in high school and has continued throughout his life. Dana Benbow wrote of Schlichter: “After a run of prison sentences that spanned two decades – brought on by a gambling addiction that led to financial fraud, theft and shattered an NFL dream – former Indianapolis Colt quarterback Art Schlichter has been released from prison.” (The Indianapolis Star, September 2, 2021.) Shortly before he was scheduled to be released, even within the prison walls, he was getting women outside the prison to place bets for him. He was also betting with other inmates. He has spent time in almost 50 prisons or jails through the years. Franklin (Ohio) County Court of Common Pleas Judge Chris Brown said in August of 2020 that Schlichter had not earned his freedom and would need to serve his remaining sentence, which concluded in 2021. Judge Brown said, "He is past the point of rehabilitation." Further, he said, "I have no faith he is going to get out and conduct (himself appropriately)." (Ibid.)
There are three classes of gamblers: (1) Those who play to win. (2) Those who play to recoup their losses. (3) Those who play to pay their debts. All end up being losers. The only way to avoid becoming addicted to gambling is never to place the first bet. This includes buying lottery or raffle tickets or playing the slot machines at a casino. You will not have a problem if you never start down that road.
Gambling corrupts society. Wayne Jackson wrote, "Gambling has never contributed to the betterment of humankind. It has been responsible for much evil. It will never make one a better person or influential for righteousness. It corrupts, wastes, and addicts. Gambling does not even make reasonable common sense. Christians will totally avoid the practice. Moreover, they will expose it as a godless work of darkness.” (Eph. 5:1.) Jackson also stated, "Gambling has been a blight upon this nation. It feeds the monster of organized crime. Nevada is almost completely enslaved to 'gambler-gangster' forces, according to congressional investigators." (The South Florida Avenue News, Vol 43, No. 46, November 18, 1992.) It has corrupted many a politician whom the gambling establishments have influenced.
Gambling affects the gambler's family. The gambling addict takes money away from the family. It takes food off the table, clothes from the children, and bills go unpaid. Family members cannot trust their gambling-loved ones with money. Besides the money taken from the family, Gambling also takes one's time from the family. It affects one's mental health, which cannot be good in the home or society. The psychological effects of gambling start slow at first and eventually build up to disastrous levels. At first, gamblers will be entranced by the idea that 'winning is fun,’ but the house will win most of the time. Gamblers are often emotionally stressed; their behavior becomes more erratic as they become short-tempered. Research has shown that gamblers feel guilt and regret spending money at casinos. The psychological effects of gambling will fully show after the gambler lashes out at their love ones. A gambler's mental health will deteriorate over time and might pose a danger to those around him.