The Catholic Church does not hold that all gambling is immoral. There is no scriptural, traditional or magisterial basis for such a teaching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:

“Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming enslavement” (No. 2413).

In other words, while gambling itself is morally neutral, the circumstances surrounding it can render it immoral. These circumstances include: using excessive amounts of money, addiction to gambling, gambling that is unfair to the participants, gambling that leads to crime and corruption, gambling that causes collateral damage to individuals, families or communities.

Gambling is a very sensitive topic for Catholics. We realize that there are moral concerns about gambling, but still we play bingo, sell raffle tickets, have parish festivals with games of chance and organize trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Are sins being committed every time these activities take place? I don’t think so.

Gambling can have useful purposes. Gambling provides funds for nonprofit agencies such as churches, schools and fire departments. It can be relaxing and fun for a group of friends. It can entice people out of their homes and form local communities. Many of our senior citizens find their primary social support around bingo tables.

It strikes me that as Catholics our approach to gambling is very similar to our approach to alcohol. While drinking alcohol is not evil in itself, the morality is found in the circumstances of its use or abuse.

We should be very reluctant then to level a universal condemnation of gambling. There is no theology to support such a stance, and we can easily be accused of being hypocritical on the issue.

The fact that the culture of gambling is ensnaring many of our young people, including college and high school students, is a growing and serious problem.

Without a doubt, large-scale, corporate, professional gambling—such as that found in casinos—is in a league of its own. It’s essentially different that the gambling already mentioned, and it presents serious concerns. This form of gambling is far more dangerous to individuals, families and communities. More money is involved. It’s more addictive. It’s primary motive is profit, not charity.