The world has witnessed many ‘’get rich quick ventures’’ which promised extremely high returns or gain, but leave participants broke and disappointed at the end. Many lives have been ruined by gambling! Yet, people are still asking, ''is gambling a sin?'' Despite the havoc gambling has caused in our society, it is clear that most people who still indulge in this act, don’t learn from history. Yes!  Among the types of gambling are the Ponzi scheme; MMM, NNN, lottery, flipping coins, sports betting; naijabet, bet365, and many others. Despite the monumental loss and disappointment caused by gambling, many youths in Nigeria presently are highly engrossed in it. To them, it is an avenue to escape the hardship and lack of unemployment in the land. What a false hope!

What is God's opinion about gambling? Is gambling a sin? These questions are begging for the answer. Gambling is borne out of the quest to get rich quickly at the grief of others who loose their valuables. This is similar to convetousness, which is the taking of your neighbor's properties. Exodus 20:17  ''17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's''.  While few celebrate their gain many are left hopeless with great losses.

In many cases gamblers are addicted to the act of gambling, they have developed a strong love for money! The bible said that the love of money is the root of all evil 1 Timothy 6:10.

Gambling is a get rich quick act, and Proverbs 14:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. As Christians, contentment is a virtue we should possess in other to be able to overcome the temptation of gambling.

   We have highlighted some of the devastating effects of gambling.

Loss of scarce resources. It is an easy way to lose one’s hard earned resources. Some people are deceived of multiplying their money overnight through these schemes but they end up losing everything. What a waste!
Gambling has contributed to the suicide rate in the society. Some who have lost their life savings or borrowed money through gambling commit suicide. During the era MMM failed in Nigeria, some participants killed themselves, thereby creating more problem and pain to their families and the society at large.
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How is MMM gambling?