Here's what I found on the Disk.
Questions
From ReadersSince
Christians do not wager money, may they accept tickets or participate in drawings in which they may win prizes?This is a question that has arisen from time to time, so it has already been addressed in our publications. In some languages, we have made available indexes of our literature, such as the Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985 (and a similar one covering 1986-1990). If a Christian has such indexes in his language, these can prove very useful in locating satisfying answers quickly.
The question asked above is an example. Looking in the Index for 1930-1985 under the heading "Questions From Readers," one finds the subheading "?drawings,? may Christian accept ticket for?" The reader is referred to the section "Questions From Readers" in The Watchtower of February 15, 1973, page 127. Many Witnesses have the bound volume (or individual issues) of The Watchtower for 1973, or it may be consulted in the library of many Kingdom Halls.
The discussion published in 1973 pointed out that Christians rightly avoid any sweepstakes or drawings that involve buying chances (such as raffle tickets) or putting up money for a chance to win some prize. Simply put, we avoid gambling, which certainly is an expression of greediness.?1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Ephesians 4:19; 5:3, 5.
The
Bible?s ViewpointIs
Gambling for Christians? God?s ViewpointThe Bible does not discuss gambling in detail. Nevertheless, it does provide us with principles that help us determine how God views gambling.
Experience has shown that gambling reflects greed. The Bible strongly condemns greed, warning that ?no greedy person would have any inheritance in God?s kingdom.? (Ephesians 5:5) Greed is seen even when gamblers lose. According to one authority, the gambler "tries to win back what he has lost?looking for the ?big hit.? If he does win big, he bets bigger, and eventually loses his ?big hit.?" Yes, greed is certainly a part of gambling.
Gambling is used by some as a means of feeding their pride. One survey conducted with compulsive gamblers showed that 94 percent considered gambling to be an "ego building activity," and 92 percent said they felt like a "big shot" when they gambled. Yet, God says: "Self-exaltation and pride . . . I have hated." Thus, Christians are urged to cultivate modesty and humility.?Proverbs 8:13; 22:4; Micah 6:8.
Gambling may also induce laziness, since it seems like an easy way to make money without the effort involved in working. But God?s Word clearly incites Christians to diligent, hard work.?Ephesians 4:28.
Moreover, what they call luck is so important to some gamblers that they become obsessed with it, making it their god. This is similar to the Bible account about men who were "setting in order a table for the god of Good Luck." Because of their idolatrous action, they were destined "to the sword."?Isaiah 65:11, 12.
