The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is
opposed to gambling, including lotteries sponsored by governments.
Gambling is motivated by a desire to get something for
nothing. This desire is spiritually destructive. It leads participants
away from the Savior’s teachings of love and service
and toward the selfishness of the adversary. It undermines
the virtues of work and thrift and the desire to give honest
effort in all we do.
Those who participate in gambling soon discover the
deception in the idea that they can give little or nothing and
receive something of value in return. They find that they give
up large amounts of money, their own honor, and the respect
of family members and friends. Deceived and addicted, they
often gamble with funds they should use for other purposes,
such as meeting the basic needs of their families. Gamblers
sometimes become so enslaved and so desperate to pay gambling
debts that they turn to stealing, giving up their own
good name.
The First Presidency has encouraged us to join with others
in opposing the legalization and government sponsorship
of any form of gambling in our communities.
See also Temptation
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