Salvation Army, Methodists help Christians Understand Gambling Act

A new resource has been released by The Salvation Army and Methodist Church to help Christians make sense of the Gambling Act 2005 and its implications when it comes into effect on Saturday.

'Against the odds...?' provides useful facts and statistics on gambling and its associated problems, as well as a Christian perspective on gambling and the approaches of various Christian organisations.

"This document is a Christian response to the issues and we hope it will be helpful to those wishing to know more about gambling legislation in the UK, the concerns that surround gambling addiction and the action Christians may wish to take in looking at the challenges that gambling brings," said the Methodist Church's Coordinating Secretary for Public Life and Social Justice, Anthea Cox.

The 30-page booklet reads, "Let's be clear - there is no commandment that reads 'Thou shalt not gamble'. However, it would be wrong to say that the Bible offers no insight into the issue."

The resource points readers to the more than 2000 verses in the Bible touching on the issue of poverty.

"These verses implore followers of God to oppose injustice and to stand up for the poor and oppressed," it states.

"While there are so many people in need in the world, each of us must consider our spending in every area of life very carefully.

"Spending money and time on gambling, just like all other forms of expenditure, must be considered in the light of the requirement of good stewardship of resources."

The Gambling Act 2005 is more relaxed than current gambling laws on opportunities to gamble and gambling advertising, meaning that gambling operators will be able to advertise on television for the first time on September 1.

"The social cost, to individuals, families and communities, of problem gambling is something that deeply concerns us and we fear that as opportunities to gamble increase, inevitably so will problem gambling," warned Cox.

Lieutenant-Colonel Royston Bartlett, Secretary for Communications for the Salvation Army UK and the Republic of Ireland, added: "Problem gambling affects not only the individual, but also their friends, family, colleagues and community."

He urged all Christians to support vulnerable members of society at an individual level.

"Against the odds....? is a reminder that we are not powerless in the face of these issues," he said. "It is not just a matter for policy makers - we can all do our part to support those with gambling problems and to campaign for greater protection for the vulnerable.

"The document also reminds us that we need to remain alert to the potential dangers and not to become complacent now that the Act is in place."