Gambling and the Bible

I have always been told that gambling is bad, that God hates gambling, and that gambling leads to poverty. I have listened to preachers (ones I highly respect) do gymnastics from behind the pulpit in an attempt to show that gambling is a sin. After all of this I remain unconvinced. I will admit that gambling can lead to poverty and that excess gambling is certainly sinful. Of course eating too much is also sin, so let's be careful where we go with the excess argument.

If I am to be honest, and I am, I must admit that I like to play a friendly game of poker from time to time. I also play fantasy football (I am not convinced that belongs under the label of gambling). As far as I can recall, that is the extent of my gambling exploits. Of course I haven't played poker in long time. So what is this post?

This is an invitation to convince me. I want to be convinced that gambling is a sin, but there are some parameters.

• If your argument references the effect of gambling too much on society I probably already agree with it. That does not make moderate gambling sinful.
• If you argument is scriptural it is more likely to be considered.
• If you argument is based on what you like or don't like I will remain unconvinced.
• Last, if your argument is a story about someone you know or simply a story you heard somewhere it will likely be disregarded.
• In the end the best arguments are Biblical and logical.