What does the Church teach about the acceptability of gambling?
The Catholic Church’s view on gambling is nuanced, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to this issue. Gambling, in itself, is not considered sinful. It is permissible as long as it’s done within certain boundaries. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states in paragraph 2413 that games of chance or gambling are not intrinsically immoral, provided that they do not deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for their needs and the needs of others.
The key factors determining the morality of gambling are moderation and intention. If gambling becomes a habit or addiction, leading to neglect of one’s responsibilities or significant financial harm, it can become morally problematic. Likewise, if gambling becomes a means of exploiting others or becomes an idol, taking precedence over one’s duties to God and family, it can be considered sinful.
For example, someone responsible for providing for the care of others would be committing a sin if their gambling habits caused their dependents to not have adequate food, shelter or clothing because money meant for these things instead went to gambling. We can also go deeper than just providing for material needs: If a person’s gambling habits cause neglect through lack of presence that is due to those under their care, that also is morally problematic.
Another example would be regarding sports betting, which has long been around behind the scenes but has recently moved more into the forefront. If a person begins to notice that their once great love for watching sports is now contingent upon if they are betting on the sport, that should raise a red flag in their conscience. Sports are a great form of recreation, whether we are spectators or participants, and we should seek to guard the joy that we experience when we partake in these kinds of events.
As with any addiction, it is important that we as a Church seek to walk with and guide those seeking freedom to the best places where they can receive help in overcoming their struggle. It is also important that we never let shame hold us back from seeking assistance if we ourselves are struggling. The Lord seeks to offer healing, but many times, others that have professional training in these fields can complement this greatly.
In essence, gambling is acceptable when done as a form of recreation and entertainment, in moderation and without causing harm. It becomes a moral issue when it undermines one’s moral responsibilities or the well-being of oneself or others.
Father Dan Kavanagh is director of the Catholic Deaf Ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
