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Dear Garvin,
There is only one place in the Catechism of the Catholic Church where the Church addresses the question you have asked. Under the section on the Seventh commandment under the subtitle, Respect for the goods of others, in paragraph 2413, it states:
2413 Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement. Unfair wagers and cheating at games constitute grave matter unless the damage inflicted is so slight that the one who suffers it cannot reasonably consider it significant.
CCC paragraph 2413 |
So, for example, when online betting for sports, or for that matter online anything, becomes an obsession to the point where one excludes their obligations to:
- God, like blowing away Sunday Mass or regular Confession
- their wife and the kids
- their employer, or
- any other organization they have made a commitment to
it is a big problem one should deal with. Though the Catechism doesn't mention it, I am referring to the stealing of time, not money.
If this problem includes a misuse of one's finances, whether personal or family finances, the issue compounds the gravity of the situation and should be addressed by talking to a priest, rabbi, or minister — or getting help via a support organization, like Gamblers Anonymous:
As with playing video games, you have to learn how to prioritize your leisure time in such a way that you don't place something as more important when there are other life issues that take precedence.
I hope this helps,
Mike
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