Is it wrong for a Christian to play poker?

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I am a Christian and I believe that playing poker is not a sin. However, if you are addicted to gambling, you should avoid it because it is bad for you, just like any other addiction.
I have never found any passage in the Bible that can be applied to consider playing poker a sin. There is one that says not to spend money on things that are not bread... However, if I take this literally, I should not travel to the beach, for example. Or watch a movie at the mall.
 
No it is not. Why would it be? Have you ever had a side bet or a competition against friends?
 
Poker_Mike said:
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!
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Haha... Well, I was kidding
 
Flyer35 said:
Show me a brain surgeon who isn't trying to maximize his income.
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In the capitalistic cesspool called USA maybe ^^
 
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I think the mistake is always how you play. If you play compulsively and it harms your financial life, it is a mistake! However, if you play for fun or as a profession, poker will always be a good choice, whether you are a Christian or not. Poker, despite being a gambling game, is also a sport.
 
I don't think it is a problem, if you play normally and in a healthy way, civilised and enjoying the game.
 
Although some people may view poker as a game of chance, I see it as a game of strategy. I think that if this doesn't affect your personality, of course, a Christian can play poker.
 
Whether you play with chips or real money, I don't think playing poker is a sin. It's a game that anyone can play. Gambling can be dangerous if you're not careful, but I don't think it has anything to do with religion.
 
dienesantosc said:
What do you think about this topic?
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Treating poker playing as entertainment, a fun activity, and if one treats other players with respect and dignity, there should be no reason not to play.
 
Probably yes! Because at some point he's going to lose his mind and sin badly 😝🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣
 
As far as I know, it's generally acceptable for Christians to play poker, but for Muslims, gambling is prohibited by their religion.
 
we are not gambling. We don't take money from our fellow players, nor do we risk our
family's money that was meant for their support.
god already promised you eternal life when you believe.
You are already saved, regardless. Be your best self and let God judge the others.
 
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jaymfc said:
we are not gambling. We don't take money from our fellow players, nor do we risk our
family's money that was meant for their support.
god already promised you eternal life when you believe.
You are already saved, regardless. Be your best self and let God judge the others.
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I agree with you. I can only add that there's a big difference between religion and being a Christian. There are tons of religions, and many are man-made doctrines, imposing things that aren't biblical. I believe in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and rose again, appearing later to his disciples. And everyone who believes in him will be saved.
Returning to the topic of poker, the problem is, as Jaym says: if you take the money meant to support you and your family and spend it on poker, that's where your problems will begin; and you could even end up stealing, and, saddest of all, committing suicide. On the other hand, if you make big profits in poker and your heart is set on money instead of helping your family, friends, and anyone else who needs it, you'll also be lost. Don't put poker or money as a priority in your heart. I'll conclude by citing the two greatest things a human being should do.
1st Love God above all things
2nd Love your neighbor as yourself.
 
NKGB13 said:
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
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yes true, even if you are not, going there on its own is sinful because of sexual immorality thats happening there
 
jaymfc said:
we are not gambling. We don't take money from our fellow players, nor do we risk our
family's money that was meant for their support.
god already promised you eternal life when you believe.
You are already saved, regardless. Be your best self and let God judge the others.
Click to expand...
the best thing to do is to love everyone and doing good to them, as it is impossible to love the one you cannot see (God) while not doing good to your neighbour
1 John 4:7 states, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.". This verse emphasizes that love is a fundamental attribute of God and that those who love have been born of God and have a genuine relationship with Him.
 
king11682 said:
I agree with you. I can only add that there's a big difference between religion and being a Christian. There are tons of religions, and many are man-made doctrines, imposing things that aren't biblical. I believe in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and rose again, appearing later to his disciples. And everyone who believes in him will be saved.
Returning to the topic of poker, the problem is, as Jaym says: if you take the money meant to support you and your family and spend it on poker, that's where your problems will begin; and you could even end up stealing, and, saddest of all, committing suicide. On the other hand, if you make big profits in poker and your heart is set on money instead of helping your family, friends, and anyone else who needs it, you'll also be lost. Don't put poker or money as a priority in your heart. I'll conclude by citing the two greatest things a human being should do.
1st Love God above all things
2nd Love your neighbor as yourself.
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Agree, surprisingly we responded Jay with the similar message (by the time i responded to Jay I didnt see this one)
Im happy that you love God, and for this message.
As I said, if this game takes away the love you have for your fellow human being, its probably bad for you and should stop it
God bless you brother
 
If this answers your question: Barry Greenstein became known for donating much of his poker winnings to charity, earning him the nickname "The Robin Hood of poker."
 
dienesantosc said:
What do you think about this topic?
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I made my own opinion about this 😅
When I stopped playing poker, was because I wanted to concentrate on my studies, but also I started participating on a church. No one told me I can't play, is just something that I think it was correct.
I even was a missionary (for two years in Chile, a great experience btw).

If I want to follow my religion "rules" or advices, I shouldn't play. Religion recommend to stay away of games of chances.
I think is because of the possibility of develope addictive and obsessive behaviors.

Personally, I think that you can see poker as an entertainment. In that case is like paying for going to the movies, to a club, or whatever you like, al least if is under your control.

Also, is a very strategic game. There's truly a chance of study it and improve your game, not like playing roulette or slot machines. So in that case, is like a sport.
Is like paying to participate in a tennis or soccer event or something like that. No one would judge a soccer player if he wants to play a tournament with some friends for the chance of getting a prize or something. No one would judge tennis pro players if they pay the entry to a master event and win money if they reach the final.

So that perspective at least makes me feel ok with it, and don't feel that I'm a bad person or Christian if I play.
 
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Whether or not it's wrong for a Christian to play poker depends on the values and teachings they personally follow. Some denominations see gambling as morally questionable due to its association with greed, addiction, or poor stewardship of money. Others may view poker as a form of entertainment, especially when played responsibly and not for large financial risk. Ultimately, it comes down to personal conviction, the intention behind playing, and how it affects one’s spiritual life and responsibilities.
 
I am not religious, but I am kind of spiritual. I wonder too if playing poker hurts your soul or Karma in some way , as greed and money seem to be the root of evil in my eyes. I guess it depends on how much you obsess over it ? Is it more for fun or profit ?

I suppose it is an individual issue.
 
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