Gambling, So You Don't Think Its A Big Deal? Don't Bet On It!

By Jaya Tirtha Charan dasa.

In the Bhagavad-gita, Tenth Chapter you will find that Lord Sri Krishna says,

dyutam chalayatam asmi: 'Amongst the all kinds of cheating professions, I am

gambling.' Krishna says that 'Amongst all kinds of cheating business, I am

gambling.' Gambling... There is in gambling... It requires some expert brain,

how to play gamble. So that expertness, that part of expert endeavour, is

Krishna. So we should not think, 'Oh, because Krishna is gambling also, so let

us engage and devote in gambling.' No. Krishna is everything. Krishna is

everything, but we have to select favourably, not unfavourably. Svalpam khalv

idam brahma. Without Brahman, without Krishna, nothing can exist. Everything

existing on His energy. The same example can be given that every department is

government department. Therefore, if a prisoner says, 'Yes, I am in government

department,' that sort of knowledge is not very good. 'Because prison

department is also criminal department, is also government department, so

instead of becoming in the university department, let me go to the criminal

department,' that is not congenial."(Prabhupada's Lectures, New York,

Caitanya-caritamrta 1967)

Gambling seems, to most people that I have spoken to, to be the least cause for

concern, and in some cases more a case of bewilderment as to why so much

emphasis is placed on this as being one of the four sinful propensities that are

known to be prevalent in this Kali Yuga.

In the essay that follows I will try to present as much as possible evidence

that one can appreciate from mine and others practical experience, problems that

can and do arise from such an activity as gambling.

The obvious and most common reaction to any presentation on gambling is, ".....I

hardly ever gamble, ........occasionally in social circles, ........but it's

completely under control, .......a flutter on Derby Day, Melbourne Cup etc.,

that's all."

But unfortunately because of lack of information of the purpose of life, lack

of realisation of this bodies temporary nature, and lack of the desire or

impetus for doing anything really constructive to solve these scenarios. People

go through their lives without any though for how, or why they are here, and

proper utilisation of their allotted life-span.

If we were even a little bit conscious of our precarious position, certainly I

suggest that we would do something to change the way that we act and live.

For example a friend of mine, his mother was diagnosed as having terminal

cancer. As a sober, thoughtful person, she began reading, listening to tapes in

regard to gaining a better understanding of the science of self realisation,

what happens at the time of death, eternality of the soul, and developing better

understandings of who she is, where she has come from, and how to again

re-establish that dormant relationship with God, and positively optimise her

future situation. Consequently, and as a direct result of her attitude she

passed from that present moral frame in a very good state of consciousness

(Indradyumna Swami's mother, reflection on his Vyasa Puja homage to Srila

Prabhupad 1995.).

"It is not the method that is important. The real important is how to develop

your love of Krsna. If somebody develops love of Krsna, or God, without those

methods, there is no objection. We are not limited by the methods or ritualistic

methods. But there are certain ritualistic method, which, if one follows, then

he can quickly learn the art of Krsna consciousness. Just like we restrict our

students in four principles: illicit sex life and intoxication, gambling, and

meat-eating. So it is not that a gambler or a meat-eater or a man addicted to

illicit sex life, he cannot love Krsna. It is not that. But that is very rare

case. If he follows these principles, then it will be easier for him. Because

Krsna, or God is pure, so long one is impure in his habits, it is not possible

for him. So these are the purificatory processes"(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami

Prabhupad, Interview, Seattle, September 24, 1968. IV.)

In actuality gambling is not restricted to these gross gaming activities;

shooting dice, playing 'one armed bandits', the 'GG's', cock fighting, bullock

charging (Malaysia - Thailand), card games, lotteries, competitions etc., etc.

Risk taking in general is a form of gambling, where the person gets a certain

sense of excitement from taking the risk, and even more so if the risk "pays

off."

Filling in one's allotted time in pursuit of competitive sporting activities is

another form of gambling, taking the opportunity or chance to try to beat

another individual or team. In fact the use of the synonyms for gamble/gambling

are unconsciously used in this association daily by some; challenge, to wager a

bet, stake a chance, make a venture, risk, hazard a bet, speculate on that

horse, play the game etc.....!

In days of yore when Kshatriya Kings ruled the Earth often one would call

another for a competition or gambling or gaming match to see who would be

victorious. The winner would then take the prize. This is very much liked by

those driven by the powerful mode of passion, the excitement gaining the prize

or even bride. they could not refuse a challenge. However sometimes they were

bitterly defeated as in the case of Maharaja Yudhisthira,

Prabhupada: "For a Kshatriya there are some obligations. If somebody challenges

that 'I want to fight with you,' a ksatriya cannot deny. If somebody challenges,

'Yes, I want to bet with you, gambling,' a Kshatriya cannot deny. And for that

reason, the Pandavas lost their kingdom. The other side, his cousins, offered

them, that 'All right, let us come to betting.' So betting, the bid was they

offered the kingdom. 'Now, if you, if you,' I mean to say, 'defeated, if you are

defeated, then you lose your kingdom.' So they lost their kingdom. Then the

next, next offer was that 'If you are defeated, you lost your wife.' So they

lost their wife. And similarly, they were put: 'Now, this time, if you are

defeated, you have to go to the forest..."(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's

Lectures, Bhagavad-gita 02nd March 1966, New York)

Gambling is sometimes listed in this vain as one of the victimless crimes, so

called because individuals more or less of their own free will engage in these

activities directly without harming others. Since whatever harm befalls such

individuals is mainly of their own doing, many argue that it is not the role of

the government to intervene in such activities (A. Giddens, 1993. Sociology,

page 151).

A Potent Addiction.

"Gambling has many of the penalties associated with chemical addictions such as;

loss of control over gambling when the urge intensifies; increase in gambling

over time to get the same degree of effect (tolerance); and withdrawal penalties

when gambling is unable to be accessed."

"This similarity with alcohol or drug dependence can be more readily seen when

gamblers talk of an adrenalin 'buzz' they experience when gambling."

"The need for excitement through risk-taking behaviour is one aspect of a

problem gambler's behaviour that assists in understanding why, instead of using

a win to solve pressing problems, a problem gambler will immediately re-wager

that money" (Sean Sullivan, Mental Heath News, 1994/95 page 19.)

It seems that we have jumped from gamblers to problem gamblers doesn't it? Well

we haven't, problem gambling is the progressive developmental stage that for

most unconsciously comes in due course of time.

"Over half the adults in New Zealand gamble weekly or more often and, of that

group, an increasing number are becoming problem gamblers. Better methods of

detecting the development of problem gambling could offer hope of nipping

problem gambling in the bud and reversing this growing trend."

"Part of the problem is the mindset of the problem gambler who believes that it

is the action of gambling that is all important, rather than actually winning.

One heavy gambler, in encapsulating the major difference in perspective between

a problem gambler and the social gambler, said 'the next best thing to gambling

and winning is gambling and losing'"(Sean Sullivan, July 1993. NZ Science

Monthly, page 6.)

This kind of mindset is not fully developed in most of the gamblers who are

still attached to the result of winning, when they graduate to actually gaining

a continuous taste from gambling, then their spontaneous addiction (attachment

or perverted asakti) becomes manifest.

".....it is an accepted pastime of nearly every adult New Zealander. Over 95% of

all New Zealand adults have participated in at least one form of gambling, and

more than 50% of them gamble weekly or more often"(Drs. Abbott & Volberg, 1993.

Department of Internal Affairs Commission, July 1993. NZ Science Monthly, page

6.)

"Over the past five years, along with the growth of the gambling industry in New

Zealand has come a growth in the areas of problem gambling and gambling addicts.

Problem gambling as a disorder in New Zealand now exceeds that of the United

States" (Sean Sullivan, July 1993. NZ Science Monthly, page 6.) (The article

continues.......below)

"New forms and opportunities have appeared - Lotto, Instant Kiwi, gaming

machines and recently, Sunday track racing, complete with it's own television

channel. One of the developments found with increased opportunity to gamble is

an observed increase in the numbers of people who lose control of their

gambling. To date in New Zealand, track racing accounts for most of the

pathology. In this form of gambling it takes, on average, ten years to develop

from an occasional 'flutter' to a pathological pastime. However, there is a

compounding factor in the equation - new forms of gambling have indicated much

shorter development periods for the pathology."

"With gambling machines, or 'one armed bandits', the progression from social to

problem, then to pathological gambling may take less than three years."

"The profile of the problem gambler has departed substantially from that

commonly held by the public. Commonly, the problem gambler is viewed as middle

class, white, middle aged, and from a stable family and employment prior to

losing control to their gambling. In New Zealand, the problem gambler is more

likely to be non-white, young, unmarried, unemployed, and a male."

"Recognition of the pathology of problem gambling is about where alcoholism was

40 years ago. Alcoholism is understood by the public as an addiction, disease

and the lack of control the alcohol addict has with their particular

psychoactive substance is accepted. There is no such substance with problem

gamblers, and the problem is often attributed to moral weakness, and viewed as a

self-inflicted weakness."

"Because of the public perception of problem gamblers as indulgent, and the

consequential stigma attached to their disorder, problem gambling has been

referred to as the 'secret disorder'. Problem gamblers will rarely seek

treatment for their disorder, and will do so only if forced by circumstances, or

they have reached a particular low point in their lives: this attempt to obtain

help will quickly be lost as the addiction regains control. More likely, the

gambler or their spouse will seek assistance from their general practitioner for

problems associated with the gambling disorder."(Sean Sullivan, July 1993. NZ

Science Monthly, page 6.)

For a country of only 4 million persons like New Zealand, compared with larger

countries like America or countries in Europe, like Britain, France and Germany

these statistics are dangerously reflective of the attitude of the people of the

world in general.

Associated Problems.

Along with the absorption in gambling activities certain side issues also become

prevalent in the lives of he participants. "Such associated problems include

depression, associated suicidal tendencies, stress, problems associated with

alcohol, and psychiatric disturbances. In the case of the spouse of the problem

gambler - 80% of the problem gamblers are male - treatment may be sought for

physical violence as a result of arguments over money, or stress or depression

due to dealing with the consequence of the problem gambler's addiction."

"Suicide is particularly elevated in the case of the problem gambler and,

indeed, their partners. A study of some 50 pathological gamblers hospitalised

for residential treatment of their gambling addiction showed that 24 % had

either made a lethal attempt with definite attempt to die, or had made

substantial preparations for suicide within 12 months of hospitalisation. this

same group, once in residential treatment, were found to have elevated

instances of hypomanic disorder (38 % of them) and major depressive disorder (76

%)."

"The Abbott & Volberg study indicated between 18,000 and 32,000 New Zealand

adults were pathological gamblers, with much larger numbers likely to be

diagnosed as problem gamblers or potential pathological gamblers. As such it is

highly likely that most general practitioners will have treated problem gamblers

or their partners for some matter other than gambling addiction, but directly

attributed to the disorder" (Sean Sullivan, July 1993. NZ Science Monthly, page

6-7.)

"World Health Organisation listed compulsive gambling in its International

Classification of Diseases. Shortly thereafter, the American Psychiatric

Association included it in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

Disorders (DSM III) as a disorder of impulse control, with a short list of

behaviour associated with the pathology" (Sean Sullivan, July 1993. NZ Science

Monthly, page 7.)

"A chronic and progressive impairment in the gambler's ability to resist

impulses to gamble, affecting family and work; reaction to stress being and

increased gambling urge; isolation from others, as well as from their own

feelings; personality changes whereby the gambler increasingly becomes

manipulative and isolated from others, becomes self centred, and readily lies;

anxiety and depression - suicide ideations and attempts are extremely high.

Successful attempts (complexion) attribute to pathological gambling remain

unknown but are likely to be high; a high correlation with personality disorders

- such as antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, and avoidant personality

disorders; a high correlation with alcohol addiction - up to 30% of pathological

gamblers may be alcoholics, and up to 15% of alcoholics may have a co-morbid

gambling addiction, often undiagnosed; Disruption of family life and/or

employment; behavioural changes such as those shown in table"(Sean Sullivan,

1994. Patient Management Magazine, Psychiatry Series, page 79.)

"And so far gambling is concerned, oh, sometimes we have to commit suicide.

There are history of gambling clubs that when a person loses everything he

commits suicide and he is thrown away. I have heard that in Europe there are

many clubs. They go for gambling, and they lose everything, whatever, and they

commit suicide. And the club proprietor throws him in the street. There is no

law. I have heard. Of course, I do not know. You may know better than me. So if

we want to control the mind, then we have to adopt these regulative principles

of life. Not that we have to give up, but we have to make regulated. Vairagya.

Then it will be possible to adopt. And the best thing is that engage your mind

always in Krsna consciousness"(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Lectures,

New York, Bhagavad-gita 14th Sept' 1966).

Some Pathological Behavioural Signs Connected With Gambling.

One Becomes Impulsive

Easily Bored

Has Labile Moods

Often Depressed and Anxious

Manipulative - Constantly and Trying to Control, and Lies Readily

Isolated from Others, Uncomfortable in Company, Avoids Small Talk

Problems With Creditors, Borrows From Friends / Family Constantly

Unexplained Absences From Home and Work

"Pursuit of their addiction often costs compulsive gamblers their jobs, health,

friends, family, homes, and liberty as well as thousands of dollars. Prevented

from gambling, they suffer physical withdrawal just like heroin addicts do"

(University of Auckland News, May 1994. page 9.)

Others are a preoccupation with the addiction, its sub-culture; disinterest in

other things; and an overriding irritability if unable to gamble (withdrawal).

It has been observed by us that the hoping against hope of some gamblers,

predominates their attitude to life, making them expectant of some 'wind fall',

and depressive and irritable when it doesn't come. The more the process goes on

for the more demoralised, short tempered, more dissatisfied they become.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita (2:62-63) philosophically identifies these symptoms very

methodically in the verses.

dhyayato visayan pumsah

sangas tesupajayate

sangat sanjayate kaamah

kaamaat kroddho 'bhijayate

"While contemplating the object of the senses, a person develops attachment for

them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises."

krodhaad bhavati sammohah

sammohaat smrti-vibhramah

smrti-bhramshaad buddhi-naso

buddhi-naashaat pranashyati

"From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory.

When memory is bewildered, the intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is

lost one falls down into the material pool."

All these symptoms are there in the progression of wondering either how to get

money, to satisfy the senses, in the neophyte stage; and full blown excitement

of the senses by desiring a flutter, in the progressive stage. Then knowing the

availability of some kind of 'game', attachment to it, and reliance develops.

Because lust or desire, of which attachment is like a shadow, when the lust is

not fulfilled by the required excitement, then frustration or anger arises.

Caught in the consuming motion of anger, either verbal or physical the 'user'

expresses their frustrations. Thinking that they are the doer, controller of the

situation, their system set in motion, all forms of delusion and bewilderment of

memory come about. In such a state it is quite obvious that intelligence has

been lost, allowing one to continually undergo this situation, and blatantly

deny addiction to it, time and time again.

When one is so caught in this vicious cycle of the gambling pool, in total

anxiety, frustration, continued symptoms are observed. "They often eat and sleep

poorly, get not exercise, and suffer depression and ill-health as a result of

cardiovascular problems, headache and gastro-intestinal illnesses are common"

(University of Auckland News, May 1994. page 9.)

"There is little of the adrenalin 'buzz', or even a raised heartbeat,

especially in those with severe gambling problems. What is significant in

experiments involving these problem gamblers is that their heart rates increase

after gambling has finished, indicating withdrawal effects" (Sean Sullivan,

Summer 1994 / 95. Mental Health News, A potent Addiction, page 19.)

A Powerful Conditioning Process

"What has been suspected is that these machine gamblers are able to access

their own B-endorphins, the body's own natural opiate and mood elevator. How

this occurs is yet to be determined. this warm, comforting effect accompanies a

learning or conditioning process that is well recognised by psychologists as

being the most effective means of producing a high, unpausing 'response rate'.

This process of learning is called variable ratio rein-forcement, which produces

a steady, high response, despite the rewards for the behaviour, (e.g. jackpots)

being often few and far between. This complex sounding term simply means that

everytime we bet, we don't necessarily win; but we have to bet to win, and wins

may occur at widely varying times."

"What problem gamblers believe. is that either because of luck or a system,

wins will turn up more often than pure chance for them. This self-attribution

explanation of wins by the problem gambler, assists the conditioning or

addiction process. One important aspect of this form of conditioning is that it

encourages a high rate of response and is very resistant to extinction. In other

words, once the gambling behaviour is learned, such as playing machines to win

money, the problem gambler will keep playing at a high rate, and will not easily

reduce even when the wins don't occur. The winning of the money becomes less

important than playing the machine" (Sean Sullivan, Summer 1994/95. Mental

Health News, A potent Addiction, page 19.)

The Ploy To Be The Controller Of Fate.

If one is satisfied with one's allotment by providence, and positively works

toward attaining one's developmental goals in life, one will gradually grow into

a sustainable healthy natural being. Problems arise when we try to by-pass the

karmic metre, 'hot-wire' the universal control panel, and try to set ourselves

up as the controller, enjoyer and proprietor of this world, without the

credentials to factually be so.

Gambling disrupts the natural allotment given to society and its members,

making them into desperate individuals, full with false hopes - grasping at

false promises, and cheap hopes, much like the impetus that the ass has being

moved by a carrot on a stick. If one wants to be bound by a habit and enticed by

the carrot of self deception, we can advise against it but ultimately is the

individuals choice. But bear this in mind at least. Either side of the addictive

road that you walk there is an abundance of green grass, hay and leaves

available when you want. The only condition is that you give up the bondage of

the re-occurring habit of following the confines and restrictions imposed by the

carrot on the gambling stick. This 'will-o-the-whisp' rarely, but mostly never

is the giver of it's promised reward. And even if it eventually does how much di

the carrot cost? I'm sure that there are cheaper and more sustainable ways of

getting your satisfaction, without the risk of so much depletion, and anxiety.

The tendency is to think that we have some control over our destiny, whereas in

the case of gambling, just as the funds gradually run out, so does ones stock

pile of pious activities until finally one is destitute in every sense of the

word. We all by now know that we are only designated our allotted 'lot'

according to our previous activities, after trying and trying and coming back

with nothing. While others inherit, or get give sums that set them up for life,

that is called karma. What you or I have is all predestined according to our

previous activities, some in this life some in former lives.

If one enjoys in excess of one's lot, then simply it means that one's stockpile

of pious credits is being depleted. The same is there for suffering, if one

suffers then it is to be understood that the results of one's previous 'bad

karma' is being depleted.

"O my enemy, consider this battle a gambling match in which our lives are the

stakes, the arrows are the dice, and the animals acting as carriers are the game

board. No one can understand who will be defeated and who will be victorious. It

all depends on providence" (Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 6: Chapter Twelve, Text 17

:Translation)

"Panca-dravida: What about...? What about gambling, Prabhupada? Somebody wins;

somebody loses. That's by chance.

Prabhupada: That is not chance.

Madhudvisa: They would say, "Everything is by chance." You say green, yellow

flower with green leaf. So.... But through evolution there has been so many

other combinations. Now we're just...

Prabhupada: But then evolution is the cause. Then evolution is the cause. How

you can say "chance"?

Madhudvisa: No, it's just many, many different combinations. Now you are seeing

the yellow and green...

Prabhupada: That's all right.

Madhudvisa: ...so you are appreciating.

Prabhupada: There is a process in the evolution. Therefore you find. You cannot

say it's chance.

Panca-dravida: Well the evolution happens by chance.

Prabhupada: No.

Trivikrama: Just like he said. All the trees are growing up, not one going this

way, not by chance one is...

Prabhupada: Yes. Yes. Nothing by chance. It is a wrong theory.

Satsvarupa: If you throw dice, they may come up in one...

Prabhupada: Then dice becomes cause? Chance?

Satsvarupa: Well, what causes it to be seven or eleven or another number?

Panca-dravida: Chance.

Prabhupada: Not chance. You do not know. Therefore you say.

Hrdayananda: Ah! Because they don't know, they say "chance."

Trivikrama: That's right, because I don't know, ignorant.

Prabhupada: Yes. They want to cover their ignorance by this theory, "chance."

They want to become very intelligent by chance. That is their.... That is not

the fact. For intelligence you have to learn from a superior person. It cannot

be done by chance. Who has become learned scholar by chance? There is none.

Pusta Krsna: Because that is shudra philosophy, this chance philosophy.

Prabhupada: Yes. Everyone has to work very hard, pass examination, and then he

becomes an educated man. Where is by chance one has become learned?

Panca-dravida: What about two people born in the same circumstance? Each has

equal education and equal background, but one becomes rich and one remains poor.

That's chance?

Prabhupada: Yes. That is the fate. Fate is the cause, destiny. Otherwise, so

many people are working hard. Why not everyone is becoming rich by

chance?"(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada & Disciples, Morning Walk, Mayapur,

March 17, 1976).

So with these 'games of chance', gambling it is a very risky business. One is

literally taking one's credits of life in one's hands and risking 'double or

nothing'. So if you get nothing how can you complain?

"For problem gamblers, wins are more effective because of their strong belief in

superstition and luck and a willingness to believe that their skill or system

affected the outcome" (Sean Sullivan, Summer 1994 / 95. Mental Health News, A

potent Addiction, page 19.) But in reality nothing could be further from the

truth. skill has little or nothing to do with it. Karma is guiding the hand of

providence that makes, poor men rich, rich men, and a child at birth beautiful,

deformed, or born dead. "First deserve, then desire....." (A.C. Bhaktivedanta

Swami Prabhupad, Class 30th Sept 68 Seatle; SB Lecture 03rd May 73 L.A.; Morning

Walk 11th Jan 74, L.A.; Morning Walk 02nd July 75 Denver; SB Class 01st Nov 75

Nairobi; SB Class 10th Nov 76 Vrndavana etc.).

Bewilderment Of Memory.

"This powerful effect focuses the problem gambler on the successful gambling,

while ignoring the unsuccessful occasions. This is part of minimisation of

unpleasant symptoms that is called 'denial' in other addictions. The gambler's

heightened ability to 'rationalise' for all occasions, reduces his or her

chances of clear perception when their favourite form of gambling is available."

"Their world can be unreal to others, who find it strange that such otherwise

intelligent people can fall prey to such faulty reasoning. It is easier to

believe that the problem gamblers are self centred individuals with little care

for others, who are seeking an easy life through the big win" (Sean Sullivan,

Summer 1994 / 95. Mental Health News, A potent Addiction, page 20.)

"All gambling is variable rate reinforcement, which can explain why this

behaviour is so hard to stop, and why it can often become an obsession, once

'learned'. The initial learning of the problematic behaviour often results from

receiving an initial large win or reward, but doesn't necessarily follow" (Sean

Sullivan, Summer 1994 / 95. Mental Health News, A potent Addiction, page 19-20.)

"The problem is often viewed that a losing streak that will be solved by a big

win. Faith in a system that continues despite continuing losses, underscores the

distancing from reality that the pathological gambler develops. Those addicted

to gambling machines do not usually hold out such a hope and are often very

depressed, with a feeling of shame that prevents their admitting the problem. In

all cases, as the disorder progresses, there will be a strong association of

anxiety and depression"(Sean Sullivan, August 1994. Patient Management, page

85.)

"Once a problem has become severe, where they have exhausted usual sources of

money and are committing criminal offences in order to gamble ('chasing'),

depression and anxiety will often override their strongly held perception that

gambling is both the cause of, and solution to, their problem; when they are

pressured into help-seeking by their family, or as a result of criminal

prosecution - skilled counsellors, especially experiential, can often' break

through' the denial of the problem that accompanies addicts; where specialised

treatment is available that is both understanding and non-criticising.

Specialist facilities may also inadvertently appeal to the narcissistic

personality and entitlement attitude that develops with the disorder; or after

an unsuccessful suicide attempt" (Sean Sullivan, August 1994 Patient Management,

page 82.)

The Position of the Government.

Some people propose that no activities that people engage in of their own free

will should be illegal (so long as they do not impinge on others' freedom or

cause them harm). Opponents claim that government has a role as moral guardian

of the population subject to its administration, and that therefore it is

justified to define at least some of these types of activity as criminal (A.

Giddens, 1993. Sociology, page 152).

What amazes me is that these persons saying that the government should look

after its dependants, which it is true it should do, but when we look closer at

what is really going on in the world, it is the governments that are making

millions of dollars yearly from gambling activities.

Addicts ignored: "Governments are encouraging gambling with national lotteries

and looser gaming laws but are not doing enough to help gambling addicts,

speakers at an international conference in Cambridge said today. A boom in

legalised gambling led by big lotteries and popular gaming halls where children

can play on 'slot machines' was creating more and more pathological gamblers,

casino operators and researchers agreed" (Bay of Plenty times, Friday 4th August

1995).

"......the state should categorically stop all sorts of gambling, drinking,

prostitution and falsity. The state which wants to eradicate corruption by

majority may introduce the principles of religion in the following manner:

Gambling of all description, even speculative business enterprise, is

considered to be degrading, and when gambling is encouraged in the state, there

is a complete disappearance of truthfulness"(Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 1: Chapter

Seventeen, Text 38 :Purport).

"Prabhupad: This is not encouragement. This is restriction. The same example can

be given. Just like when government opens liquor shop it is not encouragement.

It is restriction. You cannot have liquor manufactured by yourself anywhere,

everywhere. Otherwise it will increase more and more. So you have to pay heavy

tax and purchase. And there are so many other rules and regulations. So this is

restriction. When there is liquor shop licensed by the government, it does not

mean it is encouragement. At least that is the philosophy. It is restriction. So

all these facilities given sometimes in the shastras or by the government for

drinking or for intoxication or for sex or for gambling, that is restricted.

Gambling, khsatriyas, they can gamble. They must have the sporting spirit.

Otherwise when they are defeated they will succumb to death. So they have

to...The gambling, I lose one hundred thousand dollars. Never mind. It is

sporting. Otherwise I will succumb to death. I have been...

What? That is being done in gambling clubs. But if you do it in a sporting

habit, then never mind. I gain or lose, it is nothing. That's all. Kshatriyas

are allowed because when they fight they will have to gain or to lose. But if

they lose, if they become succumbed, then it will be very difficult for them.

They are allowed to hunt. If they cannot kill, then how can they rule over the

criminals? The Kshatriya king, 'Oh, he is a criminal?' Just like Pariksit

Maharaja. Such a Vaisnava king. As soon as he saw somebody is trying to kill a

cow, immediately took his sword. 'What nonsense you are doing? Immediately I

shall kill you.' A Kshatriya must be spirited. Immediately cut off. Even in

England. That was the practice. They used to practice dummy men cut head. The

king must be like there" (A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Lectures, Tokyo,

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1972).

If we were to compare the two systems of government, the qualities of the

rulers, as well as their personal habits, the differences are very pronounced.

Human life is in this way becoming further degraded. Even in the animal kingdom

what we see happening on the streets of every major (and minor) city in the

world does not go on, they live simply according to the laws of nature. But in

the name of advancement we are becoming less than animal.

"... inferior type of life, animals, birds, beasts, trees, it is not possible.

They are also living entities. But human life is developed consciousness. So

this is nature's gift, that 'Now you try to understand what is God. Now you try

to understand what is your relationship with God. Now you practice yourself, how

to go back home, back to home, back to..' This is the business of the human

society. So unless the king or government looks after it, how people will be

advanced? The government is advocating that 'You drink, you eat meat, you have

prostitution and gambling, and give me tax. Finished. My business is finished.'

So Pariksit Maharaja was not like that"(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's

Lectures, Srimad-Bhagavatam 1974).

"Prabhupada: "In this age, men are victims not only of different political

creeds and parties, but also of many different types of sense-gratificatory

diversions, such as cinemas, sports, gambling, clubs, mundane libraries, bad

association, smoking, drinking, cheating, pilfering, bickerings, and so on.

Their minds are always disturbed and full of anxieties due to so many different

engagements. In this age, many unscrupulous men manufacture their own religious

faiths which are not based on any revealed scriptures, and very often people who

are addicted to sense gratification are attracted by such institutions"

(Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 1: Chapter One, Text 10 :Purport)

"Prabhupada: Gambling religion. Now here also, they are advertising gambling,

this government. Deteriorating, the whole world is deteriorating and suffering.

Suffering is increasing. Still they are so rascal, they cannot understand that

what is the advancement. They have become so less intelligent. Pancadravida:

Usually, though, it is the children. They gamble for cookies and candy and

things like this. Prabhupada: No, children they learn it from their parents.

Otherwise they do not know."(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, Morning Walk,

Hyderabad, April 20, 1974).

"Prajapati: Yesterday, Srila Prabhupada, in class, you mentioned how the

churches, people could pay them for supposedly becoming very religious men. In

Las Vegas, the capital of the gambling and the illicit sex and the intoxication,

where all these things are very prominent, the churches there are very prominent

also. These big demons, they pay large money to the churches and therefore they

feel like they are very religious men even though they are committing all these

sinful activities.

Prabhupada: Yes. And by taking their sinful money, because they do not engage to

Krsna, they also become sinful. Affection. Infection. (break) They have

mentioned something like sinful?

Prajapati: Yes, sinful.

Prabhupada: What he has said, Karandhara?

Karandhara: He doesn't say specifically. He just said that generally the country

is degraded and people have become apathetic, and the morals have reduced. He

was referring to things like Watergate, political scandals, and the youth

degradation.

Prabhupada: But why they have degraded? That is to be understood... Not known to

them.

Karandhara: Yes. Actually they don't have the scientific analysis. They just

have some vague understanding that things are falling apart.

Prabhupada: Here are the causes. Sinful life. (A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami

Prabhupada, Morning Walk Los Angeles, December 20, 1973).

In a paper put out by the Compulsive Gambling Society (CGS) it has been noted

that casino licensing authorities have been handing out, ".....that licences

were unable to be restricted. this was despite the fact that such licenses were

granted for 25 years" (Sean Sullivan, Winter 1994. Mental Heath News, page 15.)

The government seem at present to be getting round their obligations on

restrictions by the, "....current emphasis of the Act being focused upon

employment and tourism, favouring the size of the proposed operation, rather

than social impact of casinos on New Zealand society. In addition is the

attraction of these revenue producing facilities for the government."(Sean

Sullivan, Winter 1994. Mental Heath News, page 17.)

In Vedic times in the Indus Valley Civilisation, the throwing of dice was used

by some lower class people as a form of recreation, and like today, but as a

restriction the government taxed it and regulated it, and took revenue from it

(B.P.Sinha, 1919, Readings in Kautilya's Arthashastra. page 146.).

"Prabhupada: Monte Carlo, yes. He said that there are gamblers, and one gambler

loses everything, he commits suicide, immediately, and he'll go on. That's all.

Nobody cares for him. He told me. It is a fact? So just see the gambling. They

bring all their fortunes to stake and they lose everything. And then, out of

frustration, takes revolver and shots himself, dies, and it is thrown on the

street or in somewhere. Nobody cares. Just like cats and dogs. So there is free

gambling in Monte Carlo?

Devotee: Very, very wealthy people, they there.

Devotee: There is free gambling in London.

Prabhupada: Oh, everywhere. Any big city. In Calcutta, Bombay, everyone

gambling. When you get money, then gambling. The horse race is also gambling.

Horse race. This gambling, drinking, meat-eating, these things were all unknown

in India. They did not know how not drink. These Britishers introduced. There is

still a lane, a street, Porterly Street. There was a woman of suspicious