Senior pastor of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church, Dr Melvin A. Turnbull, adding his voice to the ongoing debate of gambling, says the acts amount to theft by permission and sometimes only God can help the gambler overcome his habits.

According to Dr Turnbull, in a press release today, June 15, 2020, gambling may be practised in many different ways. These include, but are not limited to the lottery, Ponzi schemes or pyramid schemes, and pari-mutuel betting.

He said some forms appear to be quite innocent, and sometimes percentages of the profits are used for a good cause. “God’s Word, however, indicates that gambling in any form is contrary to the Will of God for a Believer. First, gambling or betting puts faith in chance or luck rather than in the care and provision of God. Second, one who gambles seeks to profit from another’s loss. This practice borders on covetousness and stealing.”

Promoting ‘a greedy spirit’

Dr Turnbull continued that gambling promotes a greedy spirit and it emphasises getting rather than giving, selfish interest rather than self-sacrifice, and erodes the moral fibre of society.

“The Bible indicates that there are three ways by which to profit materially. First, work. “If any would not work, neither should he eat” (2Thessalonians 3:10, KJV). Second, by wise investments (refer to the parable of the talents in Luke 19:1-27). Third, gifts or inheritance. “Children ought not to lay up for the parents, but parents for the children” (2 Corinthians 12:14, KJV).”

Noting that one writer says, the appeal of gambling is somewhat understandable and that there is something alluring about getting something for nothing, Dr Turnbull pointed out that is where the sin lies.

“Gambling of any kind amounts to theft by permission. The coin is flipped, the dice are rolled, or the horses run, and somebody rakes in that which belongs to another. The Bible says, ‘In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread’ (Genesis 3:19, KJV). It doesn’t say, ‘By the flip of a coin shalt thou eat thy lunch.’ I realise that in most petty gambling no harm is intended, but the principle is the same as in big gambling. The difference is only in the amount of money involved.”

Similar to an alcoholic

The pastor, who is also the father of Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), the experience of the gambler is similar to that of the alcoholic.

“He deludes himself that he is master of his life which is actually out of control. He denies he has any problem, even though his family disintegrates. He ends up with enormous debts and even steals to cover his losses. The gambler may promise to quit, but rarely follows through unless he experiences a disaster which brings him face to face with the reality of his situation.”

According to Pastor Turnbull, an encounter with Jesus Christ is the only solution for many; and some experience immediate freedom from the addiction.

“Complete victory for others, however, is often a process. Many of the same emotional problems of the alcoholic are also present in the gambler, and the underlying causes must be dealt with in the light of the Word of God.”

Hot topic

Meanwhile, the issue of gambling being legalised in the Virgin Islands has always been a hot topic of debate and there have been mixed reactions on the subject.

There has long been a call, particularly from horse owners and horse racing fans to legalise pari-mutuel wagering in the Virgin Islands. There have also been calls for casinos to be permitted in the Territory. Opposing views; however, have come mainly from the Christian community.