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Christians: Do you think playing Poker is a sin?

I was watching on ESPN the world poker series, the winner was a Christian from Asian background. He was praying during the final stages of the game to God to show His will to him. Even his family were praising God every time he wins. He said in an interview that he will take the 8 million dollars he won and he will start mission work for kids in Asia. Now, I am bewildered. I thought Poker is gambling and gambling is sin in Christianity. Could you explain this to me?

Public Comments

1. only if you were gambling. Jesus himself wrecked his temple because they were full of thief's and gambler's. I should not have said wrecked, but made it look nice.
2. Gambling is never spoken against in scripture. I would agree with you that gambling is unwise, but since there is no scripture against it, we would be wise not to 'go beyond what is written', otherwise we are in danger of falling into the trap of legalism. Don't get me wrong --- I agree with you that it's strange and even unseemly to be loudly professing your Christianity and doing something that I believe is unwise simultaneously. But again, scripture is totally mum when it comes to gambling, so I would say that we best be too. Edit to add: Note how in the book of Acts, they cast lots to decide which disciple would replace Judas. I know this isn't quite the same as playing for money, but their actions were far weightier in consequence.
3. if poker is wrong i dont wanna be right.... Praaaise the LOOORDA
4. You won't mind if I answer, although I'm not technically a Christian? Ok! Playing Poker is not necessarily a game of gambling.....it's not like a random draw to see who will win. There is technique involved in the game. It's a game of skill and the ability to know or understand the people at the table with you. Tournament poker can be quite an intense experience. It becomes more of a sporting event than a gambling game. There are elements to the game that involve mental, physical, skill and sometimes "spiritual" elements. There is no crime in playing honest poker. Buying a lottery ticket at 7/11 is more of a gamble really.
5. Gambling itself is not a sin. Putting gambling before Christ is a sin. Addiction to gambling is a sin. There is a distinct difference. It is just like having alcohol is not a sin but having alcohol to excess is a sin. It is not the act but what motivates the act.
6. If you enjoy it than yes, it's a sin dear. That's the concept.
7. Gambling is not mentioned as a sin in the Bible, but I think it is a sin if you become addicted. My sect won't accept tithes on gambling winnings.
8. as a Muslim this the teaching of quran about gambling O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan’s handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper. Satan’s plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain? Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and beware (of evil): if ye do turn back, know ye that it is Our Messenger.s duty to proclaim (the message) in the clearest manner.