Ten Myths vs. The Truth about Gambling

Myth #1: The Bible has nothing to say against gambling.
• Gambling is a covetous form of stealing, Ex. 20:15, 17.
• Gambling promotes violence, Prov. 1:10-19; 15:27; 21:25-26.
• Gambling is contrary to biblical stewardship, 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-9:7; Jn. 13:29; Eph. 4:28; Mt. 22:21.
• Gambling appeals to “fate,” and “chance,” Isa. 65:11 (NIV).
• Gambling violates the biblical work ethic, 2 Thess. 3:10-12.
• Gambling violates the law of love, Mt. 22:34-40.
• Gambling exploits the poor, Amos 5:6-7; 10-15.
• Gambling creates a stumbling block, Rom. 14:21.

Myth #2: Gambling is harmless family entertainment.
• Gambling is a vice, like alcohol, drug, and prostitution.
• Gambling has no place for a believer, 1 Cor. 6:19.

Myth #3: Gambling is a sound method to raise revenue.
• Gambling money, used as revenue, exploits citizens.
• Gambling supplies no more than 3% of state budget needs.

Myth #4: Gambling is a painless source of new revenue.
• Gambling is regressive; the poor are hardest hit.
• Gambling increases poverty, crime, loss of income and emotional, physical trauma on citizens.

Myth #5: Gambling is a stable source of new revenue.
• Gambling revenues decline after initial euphoria.
• Gambling industry officials admit revenues are not stable.

Myth #6: Gambling will stimulate business growth.
• Gambling revenue is reallocated business resources.
• Gambling eliminates many small businesses.

Myth #7: Gambling will support educational needs.
• Gambling provides 1% to 3% of state education needs.
• Gambling funds less than 12 days per year in most states.

Myth #8: Gambling is part of our national heritage.
• Gambling was outlawed by the states because of corruption.
• Gambling is a bad decision; don’t repeat it.

Myth #9: Gambling will be controlled by the state.
• Gambling has brought corruption to states that have it.
• Gambling seeks to make states dependent.

Myth #10: Gambling does not contribute to addictions.
• Gambling is addictive and increases wherever legalized.
• Gambling when legalized by states, gains acceptance.

Source: Faith & Family, 901 Commerce Street, Suite 550, Nashville, TN
37203. (615) 244-2495 www.faithandfamily.com, 2004
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