Is it wrong for a Christian to play poker?

S3mper · Apr 23, 2025

Atheist here.

The Bible doesn't say anything against gambling. As long as you gamble for the love of the game and not the greed then biblically it doesn't matter.

Even if it did it just repent. Just make sure to repent less than 78 times. (or possibly under 491 times)

10gerka · Apr 23, 2025

For a Christian to play poker and for that to cause him to distance himself further from divine doctrines would be wrong, but if not, it would be fine if he treated it as a recreation or even more as a job.

Poker_Mike · Apr 23, 2025

G0930 said:
there is a passage somewhere in the bible which says you shouldn't gamble.

I think it is in the Book of Bluffs.

And the passage actually says, "Though shalt not raise w K3o out of position."

But to each their own!

Poker Orifice · Apr 24, 2025

Flyer35 said:
The question in my mind is how is playing poker as an occupation any different from any other occupation? It's not. You study, you train, you practice, you earn, you pay taxes. It's identical to being a brain surgeon or a lawyer or an electrician.

Personally I think there's a big difference... especially when comparing it to the professions you've listed. Now if you had said 'stock broker' or something along those lines, I would've agreed with you (although I still feel it is different... just not as much).

Poker you study, you train so that you can exploit your fellow player in an effort to take as much as you can from them. In fact you want to maximize their losses and if you're not aiming to do this, you're doing it wrong.

And as far as the topic goes... I have my own beliefs and they certainly aren't along the lines of organized religion where I'm being told what is right or wrong and how I'm supposed to believe or not believe something. Man-made up b.s. imo.

ironduke11 · Apr 24, 2025

Flyer35 said:
The question in my mind is how is playing poker as an occupation any different from any other occupation? It's not. You study, you train, you practice, you earn, you pay taxes. It's identical to being a brain surgeon or a lawyer or an electrician.

Facts...there are alot of misconceptions based on tv and movies....i think its a strategy game and it should be seen as such.

Flyer35 · Apr 24, 2025

Poker Orifice said:
Personally I think there's a big difference... especially when comparing it to the professions you've listed. Now if you had said 'stock broker' or something along those lines, I would've agreed with you (although I still feel it is different... just not as much).

Poker you study, you train so that you can exploit your fellow player in an effort to take as much as you can from them. In fact you want to maximize their losses and if you're not aiming to do this, you're doing it wrong.

And as far as the topic goes... I have my own beliefs and they certainly aren't along the lines of organized religion where I'm being told what is right or wrong and how I'm supposed to believe or not believe something. Man-made up b.s. imo.

I see your points. But ... (you knew there was going to be a 'but ...'

) a brain surgeon (in countries without free national healthcare) charges an arm and a leg to the patient (assuming he doesn't have a platinum insurance plan). In some cases these costs bankrupt the patient and his family. Show me a brain surgeon who isn't trying to maximize his income. Unlike in poker, the patient did not choose to require brain surgery. In poker - everybody who plays chooses to do so.

andron205 · Apr 24, 2025

Those who make money play and tithe to the church.

NKGB13 · Apr 24, 2025

I've been questioning this as well. However I think that being a skill game where my efforts and honest being bring me more results I don't think its an issue, specially now, this is my second job. I'm really dedicating my efforts on studying, learning, working the game.
In short, I consider it just as if I was a soccer player. I get paid for my efforts in the game and the more I dedicate to it, more I earn.

Oxinthewater · Apr 25, 2025

I don't think merely playing is a sin in itself. As others have already said , it is not explicitly forbidden, but Jesus does warn against the love of money, and this is an important theme in the gospel.

I also believe the Parable of the Talents is instructive here ; if you are a Christian you accept that you're resources are God's resources that you are shepherding, and so it follows that you are do so responsibly.

Poker needn't clash with any of this, but it does have a higher potential to do so than some hobbies, so I think Christians need to take extra care here , especially around their intentions.

vriza · Apr 25, 2025

Playing poker is not a sin. So why not.

valanddon · Apr 25, 2025

I do not think religon should play a part in what you call intertainment.

maronza1 · Apr 25, 2025

888NOX888 said:
Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to me that God did not forbid anyone to live the way he likes and do what he likes.

God forbids sin

s0ftdumps · Apr 25, 2025

In Christianity, usury, historically understood as any interest charged on a loan, was initially viewed as a sin. So no charging interest lol

pep12343 · Apr 25, 2025

I consider that Christianity is a very flexible religion today, where playing poker can be a sin (I don't know). But it is accepted, as are many sins that are not taken into account in the daily lives of its faithful.

webstman · Apr 25, 2025

Hell no! 🙈 lossing aside, I think it depends how you playing poker. Playing it and enjoying. It, having fun trying to do your best building your strategy and make it to the final table from 1000 players there is nothing wrong with that competition. Playing only for the money and all the other wrong reasons than it becomes a different game.

c.heck · Apr 25, 2025

It's ok if they say hallelujah every time they get a strong hand.

gloria_marga · Apr 25, 2025

I am a Christian and I play poker. I don't see anything wrong with him. Gambling of all kinds has been around for a long time.

lcb08 · Apr 25, 2025

dienesantosc said:
What do you think about this topic?

I dont think it is

NKGB13 · Apr 25, 2025

valanddon said:
I do not think religon should play a part in what you call intertainment.

hmmm.. most sins are in entertainment. for instance, I`m married, if I go to a strip club entertain myself I'm in sin =P

hilary antonik filho · Apr 25, 2025

I'm a Christian, and because I play, I'm a sinner, I believe I don't

I Live Poker · Apr 25, 2025

Only you can know what resonates wrong within you.
It depends on the Christian, it depends on your relationship with the activity. Absolutely all worldly activities carry both sides, it depends on you.
There is a right way to do everything, and a wrong way. The easiest way is usually the wrong way.

Poker_Mike · Apr 25, 2025

c.heck said:
It's ok if they say hallelujah every time they get a strong hand.

I am not kidding....

In live poker there is this one woman - everytime she won a big hand she would raise both arms above her head and scream, "Thank you Jesus!".

Sometimes if it was a giant pot - she would stand up from her chair - raise her arms and scream it!

tw082 · Apr 25, 2025

Only if your preaching about it being a sin on sunday morning after playing all saturday night.

Ataman911 · Apr 25, 2025

I think it's perfectly normal if it's work and it brings in profit.

RALF_AK · Apr 25, 2025

...we have the power to make choices and with them we live the consequences of our actions... so it is possible to play poker and be a Christian at the same time, as long as the word is kept...

Is it wrong for a Christian to play poker?

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10gerka

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