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joakie
Registered: Nov 2005
Posts: 7
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Is Gambling Ethical?
There is nothing inherently wrong with gambling. People may have problems with gambling but that is not because it is unethical, it's because they can't control their own behavior.
Ethics are really just moral judgments made by the rulemakers in society, mostly organized religion and government. It seems the only way these such institutions can cover for their own unethical behaviors is to focus attention on others. It's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black.
If one enjoys gambling and can keep it within acceptable financial limits, it is fun and a perfectly reasonable activity.
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10-28-08 11:18 PM |
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Craiger
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Jul 2006
Posts: 4521
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My thoughts.
Gambling is one of the issues that surround alot of Christians if this is where this discussion is going. So lets ask the question: Is gambling sin? Yes and no, depending on who you ask. Lets take this from a biblical prospective being that this is where this thread is eventually going. The reason many Christians believe that it is sin to gamble is because after Christ died on the cross "they were casting lots for his garments" which means they were rolling dice. Thus, since gambling includes dice, it leads many to think that gambling is sin. Not so in my opinion. The act of casting lots over a dead mans clothes was the sin, not the throwing of lots itself. Obviously, this casting of lots had been going on before and was never mentioned by Jesus himself. HOWEVER, Jesus did mention that indulgence or self indulgence IS sin. In other words, don't over do it, weather it's drinking, smoking, shopping, whatever the case for the person might be.
As for gambling, I consider it entertainment. I don't indulge, I have other hobbies. I golf, I travel, I'm in a bowling league and other activities. I don't live my life in front of a computer screen wondering where my next bet is. I think that should be for all of us, to become more rounded with other stuff other than betting. I also never bet more than I can afford, most of the time I have a set bankroll for a season and will bet with that. I have been fortunate to come out ahead long term becasue of patience and self control.
Hope this helps
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10-29-08 01:33 AM |
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tdbabe
StatFox Hall of Famer
Registered: Oct 2003
Posts: 7262
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jowen
You said:
"i feel guilty about it because of my conscience. I believe we are all born with the ability to tell right from wrong when it comes to core issues."
You seem to be a nice person jowen, so if I disagree, it's not to slight you in any way.
First of all, I really don't think anyone is born with the ability to tell right from wrong, this is learned behavior. Basically we are all products of our up-bringing, our surroundings, the teachings of the people that raise us and the company we keep. If a child does not have a strong base from which to grow, there is no direction to follow. Prisons are filled with people who never stood a chance from the "get go".
Now, as far as your conscience is concerned.....I have no idea where the guilt feeling is coming from. If you truly feel betting is bad, then don't do it. If you are losing money you should not be betting, then I can understand having a guilty conscience....stop.
But if you are questionning the legality of making wagers ONLINE, and you wonder why this is illegal......I would simply say it is against the law for the online sportsbooks to TAKE BETS from U.S. citizens, and our U.S. banks (which offer the credit cards) are supposed to try to stop this activity and report suspicious activity with off-shore bookmakers. This was proposed and passed by moral majority type politicians under the guise that gambling is bad for U.S. citizens. Oh really? Then why do we have casinos, racetracks, lottos, and the like all over our great land? Nevada is the only state that permits pro-sports wagering......???? Yeah, I question that too. Did you know that money is laundered in Las Vegas?....yup, so scrap that excuse by the Feds. Off-shore wagering will go by the wayside as soon as we legalize online wagering in the U.S. that is regulated by us.....and that day will come as soon as common sense prevails and the realization takes hold about all the MONEY that will be filling our coffers instead of some off-shore entity. It's all about the money.....
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10-29-08 02:09 AM |
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