Games and schemes of chance are not in themselves inherently wrong. The Church recognizes, however, that a variety of social ills can become associated with any form of gambling. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church “they become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others."
Experience indicates that a variety of social ills are associated with casino gambling. These include a tendency to promote addictive gambling, familial irresponsibility, alcohol and/or substance abuse, and organized crime.
While there are a variety of social ills which can also become associated with charitable bingo, bingo should be viewed as distinct from casino gambling. Bingo games in Ohio use 100% of the net proceeds for charitable purposes. These charities are churches, schools, fraternal groups, youth athletic programs, volunteer fire departments, senior citizen clubs, neighborhood organizations, and various service programs. Thousands of volunteers donate their time to staff such games. Communities have been generally supportive of this form of “lower stakes” charitable fundraising.
Bishops' Statements
Opposition to Issue 6, Clinton County Casino. October 2008
www.VoteNoCasinos.comBulletin Insert on Issues 5 & 6, October 2008
Opposition Statement to: Learn and Earn Gambling Amendment- October 3, 2006
Statement on Casino Gambling - March 14, 1989
Establishment of Riverboat Casino Gambling – Sept. 16, 1996
Other Faith-based Resources Against Issue 6: Casino Gambling in Ohio
Ohio Council of Churches/ Ohio United Methodist Power Point Presentation on Casino Gambling
West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church Resource Page on Casino Gambling
Need More Information
Contact Jim Tobin , 614-224-7147 or cell 614-560-0654.
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