The "gaming" industry in the had gross revenues of almost $85-billion in 2005 in the United States alone. Of course, one's imagination can run wild as to what that figure would look like if every segment of the gambling world reported all income. The "bookie" who is taking wagers on this week's ballgames does not report the money he takes from his clients who call in looking to make an easy "buck."
Simply stated, the gambling universe is HUGE business. Savvy and often seedy businessmen and women are all too eager to break into an industry that capitalizes on the greed and materialistic outlook of a warped nation. Anyone who thinks gambling is a viable source of income is woefully deceived, and sadly mistaken. Simply put, the "house" ALWAYS wins. How else can we account for the palatial casinos and hotels in the aptly dubbed "Sin City?"
Countless families and individuals have been ruined by the deceptive world of gaming. Gambling addiction has been on the rise since gaming has expanded from the casino floor. Among other methods, you can now play poker online, play the lottery by holding a slip of paper, and wager thousands on a football game with a single phone call.
Personally speaking, the most disturbing and outright annoying development over the past five years is gambling's transition from shady and risky to national past time. As a regular viewer of ESPN, I have been amazed at the amount of airtime their national poker tournaments have been receiving. These out-of-shape, middle-aged men have garnered a following larger than most athletes and rock stars! Teenagers know these guys by name and model their own poker-playing "skills" thereafter. Yes, poker has become sport.
Let's be frank here -- gambling is like diving into an empty swimming pool. The chances that you will hit bottom are about the same. We are a nation deceived. Las Vegas' official slogan may be, "What Happens Here Stays Here," but I submit to you there is only one way in which that is true -- that is, in regard to your money. If you go to Vegas, 'tis true......your money will stay behind when you leave. Everything else (regret, shame, anger, compulsion, lies) you most certainly take with you!
People who can afford to gamble do not need money, and those who need money cannot afford to gamble. Listen to the word of God...
My friend, gambling is most certainly a "worthless pursuit." To the extent that we engage therein, we will be impoverished. If you are involved with gambling on any level, may I exhort you to cease from this un-Godly practice at once. I realize there can be a certain level of compulsion with some people, but I wholly reject the notion that gambling is a "disease." After all, if gambling is a disease, as some contend, can you deduct your losses as a medical expense? Renounce this sinful activity and seek the forgiveness of a loving God who is anxious to forgive, as well as the forgiveness of anyone else who may have been affected.
For those who have never tried gambling, may I encourage you to stay as far away from the practice as you possibly can.
Simply stated, the gambling universe is HUGE business. Savvy and often seedy businessmen and women are all too eager to break into an industry that capitalizes on the greed and materialistic outlook of a warped nation. Anyone who thinks gambling is a viable source of income is woefully deceived, and sadly mistaken. Simply put, the "house" ALWAYS wins. How else can we account for the palatial casinos and hotels in the aptly dubbed "Sin City?"
Countless families and individuals have been ruined by the deceptive world of gaming. Gambling addiction has been on the rise since gaming has expanded from the casino floor. Among other methods, you can now play poker online, play the lottery by holding a slip of paper, and wager thousands on a football game with a single phone call.
Personally speaking, the most disturbing and outright annoying development over the past five years is gambling's transition from shady and risky to national past time. As a regular viewer of ESPN, I have been amazed at the amount of airtime their national poker tournaments have been receiving. These out-of-shape, middle-aged men have garnered a following larger than most athletes and rock stars! Teenagers know these guys by name and model their own poker-playing "skills" thereafter. Yes, poker has become sport.
Let's be frank here -- gambling is like diving into an empty swimming pool. The chances that you will hit bottom are about the same. We are a nation deceived. Las Vegas' official slogan may be, "What Happens Here Stays Here," but I submit to you there is only one way in which that is true -- that is, in regard to your money. If you go to Vegas, 'tis true......your money will stay behind when you leave. Everything else (regret, shame, anger, compulsion, lies) you most certainly take with you!
People who can afford to gamble do not need money, and those who need money cannot afford to gamble. Listen to the word of God...
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished
Proverbs 28:19-20, ESV
My friend, gambling is most certainly a "worthless pursuit." To the extent that we engage therein, we will be impoverished. If you are involved with gambling on any level, may I exhort you to cease from this un-Godly practice at once. I realize there can be a certain level of compulsion with some people, but I wholly reject the notion that gambling is a "disease." After all, if gambling is a disease, as some contend, can you deduct your losses as a medical expense? Renounce this sinful activity and seek the forgiveness of a loving God who is anxious to forgive, as well as the forgiveness of anyone else who may have been affected.
For those who have never tried gambling, may I encourage you to stay as far away from the practice as you possibly can.
r2
