Gambling with the Future?
‘In a bet there is a fool and a thief’ ~ Proverb
In the UK the average household has 7,563 of debt (excluding mortgages) with the UK nation owing over 1 trillion in total in all forms of debts and loans.
The Government has sought to reform and change the Gambling Laws in this country through the proposed new Gambling Bill. This bill will allow extensive gambling to take place with less restrictions, bigger prizes, more casino venues and more access to a wider range of gambling methods straight off the street.
But will these bigger prizes carry a bigger cost for society?
Gambling is an addiction that has no respect for status or background. From the richest to the poorest, it can become a problem that destroys families, homes and neighbourhoods.
Gambling offers quick fix results and rewards to risky investments that may not return any reward at all. We live in an instant society; instant coffee, instant loans, instant messages via email or text, instant meals. As a society we are reaping the rewards of not applying the timeless advice of Charles Dickens Character Mr.Micawber in David Copperfield:
He [Mr. Micawber] solemnly conjured me, I remember, to take warning by his fate; and to observe that if a man had twenty pounds a-year for his income, and spent nineteen pounds nineteen shillings and sixpence, he would be happy, but that if he spent twenty pounds one he would be miserable.
Gambling is like putting water into a bucket with holes in it. The immediate result may look good but the end result is empty pockets and misery in families and homes.
Also, as Christians we believe that the Bible has plenty to say that is relevant to us in 2005 about finance, money and our use of that commodity.
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has – Proverbs 21:20
Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? – Proverbs 17:16
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have – Hebrews 13:5
The wise provide for their family, for food on the table and a roof over their heads – Gambling devours what is intended for good stewardship, use and provision.
Surely, in a responsible society in the UK where we want to help families get out of debt, bring the 33% of children under 16 out of child poverty and help reduce the burden of addiction on families whether that be alcohol, drug misuse or gambling – The promotion of gambling and opening up of new ‘Las Vegas’ style casino’s cannot be encouraged.
A Question to ask your prospective candidate:
In the New Parliament will you vote and campaign for the proposed Gambling Bill to be revised or revoked at Committee Stage to reduce the impact of debt and gambling addiction in our society and community?
