Faith is a bedrock of many peoples’ lives and Judaism is one of the oldest recognised religions in the world. Still, just because you follow the traditions of the past, that doesn’t mean you can’t have modern tastes. Lots of Jewish people like to gamble, something you’ll understand if you have ever been to the Dead Sea resort of Eilat in Israel.
Of course, gambling is a vice that is often perceived as wrong. As a result, you might not know whether it’s morally permissible to like the sport of placing a wager. Turning to the Torah can help. Here’s what it says.
There Is No Prohibition on Gambling
Nowhere in the Torah is it explicitly stated that gambling is wrong and should be avoided. Therefore, it’s right to assume that you aren’t going against the principles of your faith by placing bets. Still, if you have believed otherwise until now, you may have decided to swerve this particular form of entertainment.
As a result, you won’t know which platforms to use or which review sites to trust. The good news is that there is a wealth of information available for beginners. The website, casimaru.com, even has sections that are dedicated to helping those who require extra guidance. You can find it by clicking on their guides for beginners.
Is That the End of the Conversation?
Not entirely. Although there isn’t a definitive law in the Torah itself, there is talk surrounding the topic that dates back centuries. For instance, the rabbis of the Talmud didn’t view the practice positively, while the Mishnah says that anyone who plays with dice isn’t allowed to be a witness. As the BBC points out, the Talmud is very popular within Judaism.
Yet, it’s worth noting that the latter doesn’t necessarily refer to people who like to gamble, only those who gamble professionally. This is because they have no other profession and don’t add any value by testifying. Another, older opinion suggests that wagering is theft because you’re taking money from another party.
However, this isn’t in line with how gambling works. After all, bets are usually consensual and agreed upon, meaning you can’t steal anyone’s stake by being better than them at placing a wager.
What Does This Mean for You?
It depends on how you view gambling. Firstly, it’s not widely accepted that winning a bet is stealing. Therefore, you would be in the minority if you perceived it as a crime. Secondly, the views of the Talmud are subjective since they don’t state whether gamblers aren’t fit to bear witness because they like to bet or because they have no other pursuits, making them ignorant of the world. Lastly, it’s evident that the Torah itself has no ruling on the matter. So, if you take the holy book as the gospel of Judaism, you are right in assuming that you are doing nothing wrong.
Keep This in Mind
Remember that the Torah does state that you “shall be holy” and only affect society for good. Therefore, it’s essential to stop if you feel as if the hobby ever becomes problematic. The warning signs are easier to spot now thanks to heightened awareness, so keep your eyes peeled and ensure you participate as healthily as possible. Preventionlane.org has more info if you are unsure.
What is your opinion? Are you for gambling or against it? Does it mix with your religious beliefs or go against them completely?
