Gambling / Precepts

[jonaz108]

Namaste,
Gambling or luck games are against buddhist precepts?
(I am inclined to believe that they are, but I'd like to hear your opinion)
gratefully yours,
John

[Rakz]

Not against Buddhist precepts but Buddha did warn about it.

"There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in indulging in gambling:

(i) the winner begets hate,
(ii) the loser grieves for lost wealth,
(iii) loss of wealth,
(iv) his word is not relied upon in a court of law,
(v) he is despised by his friends and associates,
(vi) he is not sought after for matrimony; for people would say he is a gambler and is not fit to look after a wife.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .nara.html

[Nicholas Weeks]

Nagarjuna in Ratnavali advises against it:

Gambling causes avarice,
Unpleasantness, hatred, deception, cheating,
Wildness, lying, senseless talk, and harsh speech,
Therefore always avoid gambling.

Also in his Letter to a Friend he mentions it among idle pursuits. The gloss is by Kangyur Rinpoche:

Gambling, public spectacles and shows,
And indolence, bad company, strong drink,
And nightly prowls—these six will lead to lower realms
And damage your good name, so give them up. (33)

Playing dice and other gambling games, attending public spectacles, idling
around with no inclination to do positive actions, keeping the company of
evil friends, drinking, prowling around at night in order to steal—these six
lead to rebirth in the lower realms in your next life, and in this life are
causes for your reputation being spoilt. Therefore, Nagarjuna advises, give
up these six.

[jonaz108]

Grateful for your answers.

John