Gambling – A Social Evil

White Ribbon, Volume 27, Issue 4, 1 August 1955, Page 4

Gambling - A Social Evil

5. We must >ecure something positive to put in the place of gambling, some legitimate satisfaction t«.r the in-tincts that prompt it, e.g. pure sport, appeals to true chanty, healthy social reforms ami so on. 6. Be careful about our personal example, even in small bets, art unions, etc., and do our best to strengthen the moral and Spiritual life of the community

By Profoeaor S. F. Hunter, Dunedin

There are so many forms of gambling that one cannot name them all. Some people will bet on anything. A "general" defence holds that all life is a gamble, the Stock Exchange is a gambling den, ail insurance is a gamble—even "marriage is a lottery" (and some women draw poor prizes!). But by gambling we mean " a stake upon chance for gain without labour". A fuller definition says. "It is the habitual seeking of nersonal gain through another's loss, though with his consent without making any adequate return for what is received, or adding anything to the sum of their common WMlth"

In defence, folk say: (1) There is a thrill about chance. This is my particular pleasure. (2) There is no harm, if one does not bet beyond one's means. But many do so, even to embezzlement This also would confine gambling to the wealthy. (3) One might, by a big lottery win, gain possibilities for the family". So a boy goes to College, because father or mother has taken sufficient of other people's money. This also trains the youth in false ways of "getting on". (4) So much money is gained for charity by the large lotteries, e.g., The Irish Sweepstake, the Queensland Golden Casket—and many small Art Unions known to us. This is sheer humbug, as the tickets are not bought as contributions to Charity. Thcri, who will give five shillings to Charity, if the same money may win a thousand or more: true chanty

is murdered by the tottery. (5) "I can do what 1 like with my own,"—which will be liscussed. On the other hand, we hold that gambling is a Social Evil, wrong on moral, social and economic grounds. 1. It does not recognise "the stewardship" of money. Our money is simply not our own to be used as we desire. 2. It plays havoc witli the rights of property. Ownership is decided by chance, not by judgment in our commercial dealing—Luck is substituted for effort. 3. It degrades "sport", for interest is centred on "gain". What TAB. bettor cares a fig for the horses? 4. It threatens the well-being of Society. (a) There is no exchange of equivalents and is hostile to labour and business, forwarding no industry nor commerce. (b) It emphasises selfishness, being based on cupidity and breeds mutual distrust. (c) It promises no new wealth except a breed of horses, especially bred for gambling. But it does not produce a higher breed of human beings! (d) It discourages reverence for sober, persevering labour and honest business, tempting to methods of "easy money". (e) In every form, gambling is frequently accompanied by deception, bribery, dishonesty, many scandals. (f) There are continually arising cases of moral and spiritual ruin. It captures the soul more strongly than alcohol. What Can We Do? 1. Fundamentally, this is a roligious matter. Christians are to love God and their neighbours." Can we ask God's blessing on our gambling ? Train our children to become skilful gamblers, .extend to the fullest in our Dominion, every facility for this good (') thing? Therefore, the chief work is the Evangelistic. 2. We can state the moral fundamentals of the duty of labour, and the use of talents for the good of the Community

3. We can easily prove the folly of gambling. 4. We must secure the best regulations and restrictive legislation as we do for the Liquor problem