Why Take a Gamble?

I am often taken a back by so called Christians that approve of gambling. As Christ being our example of how we are to live daily and that we are to truly love our neighbors - then is gambling an act of love or an act of selfishness??

Yesterday the US House Judicaiary Committee heard statements as to why Internet Gambling should not be allowed in the US. As I read a statement made by the Family Research Councils, Vice President of Government Affairs, Tom McClusky it made me think again why we as followers of Christ should not participate in such a destructive activitiy such as gambling. Below is just a small excerpt from his speech. After reading his comments, I would challenge any "Christian" who defends gambling as to why this acitivity is deemed appropriate behavior for a child of God?? Again, does this fall into the category of selfishness or love? After reading Mr. McClusky's comments I would hope we could all agree that gambling is indeed an act of selfishness and thus is a sin.......

clipped from http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=TS07K01&f=WA07K30 The report continues that "many families of pathological gamblers suffer from a variety of financial, physical, and emotional problems, including divorce, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and a range of problems stemming from the severe financial hardship that commonly results from pathological gambling. Children of compulsive gamblers are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and using drugs, and have an increased risk of developing problem or pathological gambling themselves. As access to money becomes more limited, gamblers often resort to crime in order to pay debts, appease bookies, maintain appearances, and garner more money to gamble."