The subject of gambling is multi-faceted and something that can divide Christians. On one side of the fence, there are those who argue that it is only a game and, like anything else (eating, drinking, etc.), it is acceptable as long as it does not become controlling or addicting. On the other side are believers who argue that gambling on any level is morally wrong. Which side is correct?

1. Why Is Poker Not Considered A Sports
2. Why Is Poker Not A Sport
3. Why Is Poker Not Considered A Sport Trainer

Giving an adequate answer to the dilemma first requires a biblical review of money in general, after which gambling itself can be examined.

One myth that needs to be dispelled is that poker cannot be deemed a sport because of the luck factor. Poker is unique in that a complete novice can defeat a seasoned pro in a heads-up Sit n Go. A beginner defeating Roger Federer in a single set of tennis or an amateur knocking out Floyd Mayweather in a one-off boxing bout is inconceivable.

Today, gambling takes a variety of forms: lotteries, casinos, sports betting, quick-stop gaming stands (video poker, etc.), and perhaps the most prevalent type today, online or internet gambling. Gambling itself has been around for a very long time, and universally, the Church has taken a dim view of it. However, for the sake of argument I will suggest that sport should at least require a minimum amount of physical talent or skill. Poker is not exactly a grueling physical activity.

Where money is concerned, the Bible certainly is not silent. To begin with, Scripture makes it clear that everything belongs to God. Paul simply asks his readers, 'What do you have that you did not receive?' (1 Corinthians 4:7). Even though individuals work and earn money, the Bible says that it is God who is the ultimate source of their income: 'You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth' (Deuteronomy 8:18).
The Bible also says that we should ultimately trust in God and not get-rich-quick schemes that promise wealth: 'And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19).
Scripture also makes it clear that money is to be gained through work and labor: 'In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty' (Proverbs 14:23), and 'Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty' (Proverbs 28:19).
Further, the Bible warns against debt and owing any creditor large amounts of money: 'The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender' (Proverbs 22:7), and 'Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law' (Romans 13:8).
In fact, Scripture promotes the opposite of debt– saving money vs. becoming a debtor: 'Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest' (Proverbs 6:6-8).
Finally, the Bible promotes a generous and willing heart to share what financial resources a person has gained through his labor: 'Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered' (Proverbs 11:25). Jesus simply said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (Acts 20:35).
These principles explain the core truths in God's Word. Money itself is not evil, but the passion for it is, according to Paul: 'But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs' (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Like Paul, Jesus – in His parable about the sower – also warned how the desire for money can thwart the pursuit of true riches: 'And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature' (Luke 8:14).
Once we understand the above biblical truths on money , a position on gambling is much easier to reach. Today, gambling takes a variety of forms: lotteries, casinos, sports betting, quick-stop gaming stands (video poker, etc.), and perhaps the most prevalent type today, online or internet gambling.
Gambling itself has been around for a very long time, and universally, the Church has taken a dim view of it. For example, an early second century sermon preached in a North African church contained the following description of gambling: 'The game of dice is an obvious snare of the devil. He presides over the game in person, bringing to it the deadly venom of the serpent and even inducing ruin which when it is seen to be nothing, a great let down is brought about in the players.'
Down through history, key figures in Christianity have also held an unfavorable view of gambling. Augustine said, 'The devil invented gambling.' Martin Luther proclaimed, 'Money won by gambling is not won without sin and self-seeking sin.' John Calvin outlawed gambling in the city of Geneva.
But why did these men and others in the Church reject gambling – why did they believe gambling to be sinful? First, gambling betrays the following internal attitudes:
• Materialism
• Greed
• Discontent
• Reliance on chance vs. reliance on God's providence
• Exploitation
• Laziness vs. working
• Thwarting of charity
• Seeking to gain from the loss of others
Second, from a philosophical perspective, gambling shows itself to be devoid of value and worth. Philosophically speaking, the nature of any 'thing' can be known by the effects it produces. From an internal, personal standpoint, the attributes above show that gambling results in very poor personal effects. Externally, gambling shows itself to be no better, producing the following effects:
• Addiction
• Poverty
• Crime

Why Is Poker Not Considered A Sports

• Dishonesty
• Family strife and divorce
• Escape into alcoholism
• Exploitation of the poor
When both its external and internal effects are examined, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that gambling demonstrates itself to be spiritually bankrupt.
In the Old Testament, God specifically warned about the spirit behind gambling when He said, 'But you who forsake the LORD, who forget my holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in ' (Isaiah 65:11-12).
The phrase 'set a table' means 'to bring food to an idol.' The Hebrew word for 'Destiny' comes from the Hebrew word Meni, and it means 'luck.' Israel was literally worshipping the gods of luck and fortune and trusting them for their needs, rather than worshipping and trusting God.

Why Is Poker Not A Sport

This is what people do today who immerse themselves in gambling. And because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it is foolish thinking to believe His views on the matter have changed.

Why Is Poker Not Considered A Sport Trainer

I was reading this article a while back and have been meaning to write on this topic. So after arriving in Scottsdale, Arizona and venturing out to the infamous Casino Arizona to play there 3-5 $150 game. I over heard a bunch of young poker enthusiasts talking about “Why Isn’t Poker Considered A Sport”. This instantly shot ideas in my head and reminded me, that I had to write on this topic.

Why Isn’t Poker Considered A Sport; true there are many similarities in both, but lets be honest here I think poker should only be considered a game of skill.

Here are 10 reasons why poker should not be considered a sport!

1. No poker player has ever been sidelined from an injury or failing any sort of drug test. (This does not include Eskimo Clarks double heart attacks in the 2006 World Series Of Poker)
2. Excessive celebration in sports results in an unsportsmanlike penalty, rather in poker you are given TV time.
3. In sports most announcers were great players, rather in poker they are not.
4. In sports using the F-word is perfectly fine and trash talking is a part of the game. In poker you will be penalized for any of this.
5. Not one poker player has successfully executed the infamous “Lambeau Leap”
6. In sports you are cheered on by thousands of fans. In poker you are cheered on by investors/backers, people whom you owe money and people who want to borrow money from you.
7. In sports if you play poorly you are benched, sent to the minors, waived or traded. In poker if you play poorly they tell you, you can come back as often as you like. Especially in cash games.
8. There is no crying in sports, but in poker everyone seems to cry when they lose a hand.
9. In sports you endure physical stress on the body. In poker the only physical stress you endure is out sitting your opponents at the table.
10. In Sporting events the favorites usually win. In poker the favorites rarely do.

This is why poker will never be considered a sport and only a game of skill!