2. Merriam-Webster, - to play a game for money or property American Heritage® Dictionary - To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest. - To play a game of chance for stakes. - To take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or a benefit. World Book Encyclopedia: "Gamblers usually bet money or something else of value as a stake on the outcome they predict. When the outcome is settled, the winner collects the loser's stakes." Merriam-Webster, - to play a game for money or property American Heritage® Dictionary - To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest. - To play a game of chance for stakes. - To take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or a benefit. World Book Encyclopedia: "Gamblers usually bet money or something else of value as a stake on the outcome they predict. When the outcome is settled, the winner collects the loser's stakes."

3. 1.The Uncertain Event – It is arbitrarily determined. 2.The Stake – Wager or bet that is deliberately chanced. 3.A Winner and Loser – one loses a possession wagered 1.The Uncertain Event – It is arbitrarily determined. 2.The Stake – Wager or bet that is deliberately chanced. 3.A Winner and Loser – one loses a possession wagered

4.  The amount of money or the value of the thing risked does not alter the Biblical principles violated.  For one to consistently object to another’s gambling, he must totally abstain.

5. “Gambling, for the compulsive gambler is defined as follows: Any betting or wagering, for self or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or ‘skill’ constitutes gambling.” - (Gambler’s Anon. Web page)

6.  Casino gambling: slot machines, roulette wheels, dice and card games, numbers games, etc., played for stakes.  Betting on horses, dogs.  Lotteries.  Bingo, raffles - Charity or “church-sponsored”  Bazaar and fair booths - where you pay to try to win a prize, etc.  Amateur gambling - including poker games for money, Betting on the outcome of athletic events.. office pools, matching quarters for cokes or coffee, playing marbles for keeps.

7.  The casting of lots - was not gambling, but a means of making a decision. - Acts 1:26.  Taking a risk – To cross a street - The farmer is not seeking to gain at the loss of another.  Buying and selling stock - an investment, not gambling.  Buying insurance - A honest business transaction – protecting self and family.  Prizes - When one registers to win a prize that is given away for advertisement, etc.  Competition for a prize – Not a wagered possession but won by skill and fair competition

8. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - June 21, 2009 8

9.  Over $500,000,000,000 (500 billion) a year in United States (More than combined expenses of Medicare & Medicaid).  According to the 2006 Gross Annual Wager Report, Americans lost nearly $91 billion on all forms of gambling combined.  The National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC) noted that Americans spend more on gambling than on recorded music, theme parks, video games, spectator sports and movie tickets combined.

10.  “Lotteries are the most-played form of legalized gambling in the U.S.” In 1997 Americans wagered $35.8 billion on lotteries. ($135 for every man woman & child in nation).  1963 Lotteries were banned in every state. Now 43 states & D.C. have lotteries. The seven remaining states that do not have lotteries are: AL, AK, HI, MS, NV, UT and WY

11. " 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV

12. " 9 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. 10 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 Timothy 6:9-10 KJV The driving force of the gambling industry

13. " 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." Luke 12:42-43 KJV

14. " 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11 KJV

15.  For one to win at gambling, others must lose –  Gambling is predicated on the losses, pain, and suffering of others - Gambling preys on the desperation of the poor  A Christian is NOT to take advantage of another – Prov. 14:31; 22:16; Hos. 12:7; Zec. 17:10; Phili 2:4; Mat. 7:12; 22:39; Gal. 5:13,14

16.  A Mississippi State University study found that the poorest citizens in casino areas spend a far greater percentage of their income and frequent the casinos more often than other income groups.  Those with incomes less than $10,000 spend about 10% of their income on gambling. Between $10,000-$20,000 spend nearly 4% - More than $40,000 spend only 1%.  Gamblers in casino counties who earn less than $20,000 per year visit casinos far more frequently than those who earn more than $40,000 annually

17.  Gambling is the attempt to obtain the resources of others without providing equal value in return  Four means of scriptural gain:  By honest work – Pro. 13:11  By fair exchange – Eph 4:28  By investment – Mt 25:14-30  By gift – Acts 20:35  Gambling is consensual theft

18.  The existence of Gamblers Anonymous implies that gambling can be addictive! – 1 Cor. 6:12; 2 Tim 3:3; 2 Pet. 1:6  GA has grown rapidly – “the Number of Gamblers Anonymous Chapters Has Grown Rapidly. In 1960, there were 16 chapters in the U.S. This number grew to 130 in 1970, and by 1988, 600 chapters existed.”

19. ADDICTION: “estimates list approximately 2.5 million people as pathological gamblers, another 3 million as problem gamblers, and another 15 million people as at risk to become problem or pathological gamblers.” Gambling Impact Study Commission, Final Report. Last Update: Jan. 28, 2001

20. " 1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1 KJV

21. " 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Matthew 18:6 KJV

22. " 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:13-14 KJV

23. Family Problems Child abuse Spousal abuse Divorce Family Problems Child abuse Spousal abuse Divorce General Crime Organized crime –in Gambling Areas General Crime Organized crime –in Gambling Areas Suicide General population - 1.1% Members of Gamblers Anon. - 13% General population - 1.1% Members of Gamblers Anon. - 13% Associated with works of the flesh – Gal. 5:19-21 Don McClain 23 W. 65th St church of Christ - June 21, 2009

24. “The tragedy of gambling addiction reaches far beyond the more than 15 million Americans who are problem or pathological gamblers. Employers, work associates, friends, and taxpayers often pay a steep price as well. However, it is family members who bear the brunt of the pain and misery that accompanies this addiction. In addition to material deprivations, family members frequently experience the trauma of divorce, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence.” Ronald A. Reno Gambling's Impact on Families http://www.family.org/cforum/research/papers/A0013772.ht ml

25.  Calls to the Gulf Coast Women’s Center crisis line doubled within the first three years of the casinos, to an average of 800 a month.  In Biloxi, the number of domestic violence incidents reported to authorities rose from 167 in 1992 to 715 in 1996, a 328% increase.

26.  Six hundred fifty additional divorces were granted in Harrison County the year after casinos arrived.  Longtime Gulf Coast chancery court Judge William L. Stewart said gambling is now a factor in at least a third of the divorce cases he oversees.

27.  The National Gambling Impact Study Commission reported: "Children of compulsive gamblers are often prone to suffer abuse, as well as neglect, as a result of parental problem or pathological gambling."  In Indiana, - 72 children were found abandoned on casino premises during a 14-month period.

28.  In Louisiana and South Carolina, children died after being locked in hot cars for hours while their caretakers gambled.  An Illinois mother was sentenced to prison for suffocating her infant daughter in order to collect insurance money to continue gambling.

29.  Gambling establishments are host to other corrupting vices, including prostitution and drunkenness - Christians are to avoid such environments - 1 Thes 5:21,22; 1 Cor 15:33,34  Supports an immoral, predatory and exploitative industry - Instead of partaking we are to expose – Eph. 5:7,11

30.  Has all three elements, 1. The Uncertain Event. 2. The Stake. 3. A Winner And Loser.  Are we training our children that gambling is a legitimate means of raising money by selling raffle tickets to raise money for social events and organizations?

31. 1. The Uncertain Event. It is arbitrarily determined. 2. The Stake. Wager or bet that is deliberately chanced. 3. A Winner And Loser – one loses a possession wagered while the winner takes it from him! But Look at the good we can do! Should We Do Evil That Good May Come? Rom. 3:8

32.  Gambling is not harmless entertainment.  It is a greed-driven, predatory vice, scientifically designed to squeeze the maximum amounts of money possible from every single patron.  It is by its very nature an enterprise wholly dependent on victims - James C. Dobson, Ph.D. 1999 Focus on the Family.

33.  The spread of legalized gambling is exacting colossal social and economic costs.  Gambling expansion brings with it increased crime, divorce and family disruption, and it creates a multitude of new addicts.  Gambling also exploits the poor and youth.  Legalized gambling is harmful public policy that should be vigorously opposed at all levels.