Gambling is a large part of many cultures – not only as a game but as an obsession. The idea of gambling is deeply intertwined with risk and riches, and it has become a popular theme in books, movies, and television shows. Entertainment mediums utilize gambling and casinos to convey a sense of maturity, excitement,. Many people reason that as long as the money belongs to the gambler and he does not become addicted, there is nothing wrong with gambling. In fact, the New Catholic Encyclopedia says that gambling 'is not considered sinful except when the indulgence in it is inconsistent with duty.' However, no Scriptural passages are cited to support that. Gambling, whether it involves games of chance (e.g. Card games), wagers or betting, or even lotteries, is not intrinsically evil (Catechism, no. However, a person may only engage in these activities with a strict adherence to virtue. My Baptist friend says that gambling is a sin. Yet, I know many good Catholics who visit places like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and play slot machines and the like, or schools that have casino nights as fund raisers. What should I say to my friend? Although the Roman Catholic Church does not view gambling as morally unacceptable in and of itself, games of chance 'become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement (CCC, 2413).'.
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Catholic Catechism On Gambling
Although the Roman Catholic Church does not view gambling as morally unacceptable in and of itself, games of chance 'become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement (CCC, 2413).' Unfortunately, those expanded gambling bills would, if they pass, have terrible social implications and would harm our New Hampshire way of life.
The following facts have been provided by the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling: Image humoristique poker.
Studies have shown that people who can least afford to engage in gambling (e.g., lower income) actually are the people who most frequently visit casinos and spend their money gambling. In fact, some recent studies have shown that college students and children of parents who engage in gambling are particularly vulnerable to gambling addictions and are more likely than their peers to smoke, binge drink, steal, and use illegal drugs.
States that have permitted video gaming and casinos have seen significant increases in the rates of crime (particularly larceny, embezzlement, insurance fraud, assault, and bad checks), bankruptcy, rapes, domestic abuse, divorce, and suicide. Video gaming casinos would therefore adversely affect families and damage the quality of life in New Hampshire.
Home » Community » » » Gambling
Catholic Catechism On Gambling
Although the Roman Catholic Church does not view gambling as morally unacceptable in and of itself, games of chance 'become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement (CCC, 2413).' Unfortunately, those expanded gambling bills would, if they pass, have terrible social implications and would harm our New Hampshire way of life.
The following facts have been provided by the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling: Image humoristique poker.
Studies have shown that people who can least afford to engage in gambling (e.g., lower income) actually are the people who most frequently visit casinos and spend their money gambling. In fact, some recent studies have shown that college students and children of parents who engage in gambling are particularly vulnerable to gambling addictions and are more likely than their peers to smoke, binge drink, steal, and use illegal drugs.
States that have permitted video gaming and casinos have seen significant increases in the rates of crime (particularly larceny, embezzlement, insurance fraud, assault, and bad checks), bankruptcy, rapes, domestic abuse, divorce, and suicide. Video gaming casinos would therefore adversely affect families and damage the quality of life in New Hampshire.
There is a considerable difference between video gaming and participating in the state lottery or bingo games. Video gaming and casinos are especially dangerous because the owners often encourage people to play recklessly by providing them with free alcohol and/or meals and loaning them money. In addition, because video machines require no skill and are played rapidly, repetitively, and in isolation, and because they are designed in such a way as to captivate people, they are the most addictive form of gambling.
Catholic Church And Gambling
Expanded gambling will not solve New Hampshire's budget problems. The House Ways and Means gambling subcommittee has come to the conclusion that depending upon whether Massachusetts permits casinos (which will adversely affect the income for NH), the state could bring in about $100 million per year. This figure does not, however, include the negative impact that video gaming would have on the NH lottery and the hospitality industry in NH nor does it include the impact on law enforcement.
Catholic On Gambling
No state has solved its financial crisis with expanded gambling. In fact, nearby New Jersey and Connecticut (which permit casinos and video gaming) have some of the highest tax rates in the east.