Sunday, October 15, 2017

434 GAMES OF CHANCE

YOUCAT Lesson 434
YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

434  May a Christian make bets and play games of chance?

Betting and gambling are immoral and dangerous when the gambler risks his livelihood.  It becomes even worse if he risks the livelihood of other people, especially of those who are entrusted to his care.  [2413] 



Morally speaking, it is a highly dubious practice to wager large sums on a game of chance while others lack the bare necessities of life.  Betting and gambling, furthermore, can be addictive and enslave people.


Respect for the goods of others


2413 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 an enslavement. Unfair wagers and cheating at games constitute grave matter, unless the damage inflicted is so slight that the one who suffers it cannot reasonably consider it significant.

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