Is Gambling Permitted?

Question

Is one allowed to gamble?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    There is no prohibition, per se, against gambling. However, it is clear that it is not recommended.

    Having said that the Sages rule that gamblers are invalid as witnesses in a Jewish court. However, there is a difference of opinion as to why gamblers are invalid witnesses. According to one opinion, someone who wins a bet is like a thief, because he collects prize money that he didn’t ‘earn’ and to which he has no true legal claim. According to another opinion, only a professional gamester who has no other source of income is invalid as a witness. His integrity is  suspect because he spends his day in pursuits which contribute nothing to society. According to this opinion, someone who gambles only part-time can be a valid witness, provided he is involved in some productive activity.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team