In 2001, when South Carolinians were debating the hot topic of a state-sponsored lottery, those of us who opposed it wore buttons that read, "Don't Bet On It." Today, it looks like those words were more fitting than we realized. The SC Department of Education is reporting that grades K-12 will get $0 from the lottery in March due to a $5.5 million drop in lottery proceeds for the last quarter. On top of this loss, their revenue for the month of February was cut in half.This dramatic drop in revenue does not affect the basic needs of the school system. By law, lottery money may not fund things like teacher salaries, books, or buildings. Even still, the districts have become quite dependent upon lottery funding. Greenville County Schools employ 47 people with lottery money. Charleston County Schools usually receive about $287,000 a month/$3.5 million a year from lottery proceeds.
Education Department and SC Lottery spokespeople are saying that the money should be reimbursed in April. But this raises some important concerns about funding education with a lottery... especially as we try to think biblically.
Is Gambling a Sin?
Scripture never says that gambling, in and of itself, is sinful. When done occasionally and in moderation, it is much like other wasteful forms of entertainment. Gambling becomes sinful, however, when it is done out of a love for money (1 Timothy 6:10) or a desire to get rich quick (Proverbs 21:5 & 28:20). You can see why most gambling is sinful, and why all gambling is stupid.
Should the Government Sponsor Gambling?
Absolutely not. If gambling is a potentially dangerous addiction, a government should not deliberately tempt its citizens in such a way. Both studies and common sense show that the SC Education Lottery is a tax on the poorest of our citizens and encourages sinful, destructive addictions. While I understand that is an individual choice to gamble, I cannot understand why a community would desire to benefit from a neighbor's problem. It's like the state opening liquor stores to raise money for schools... "Sure, people are addicted and it's harming families, but it's for education!"
Should We Gamble with Education?
When gas prices soar, lottery proceeds drop. What if this continues for several quarters? How will this affect our schools? Those 47 teacher's aids in Greenville are not insignificant "extras." If their salaries cannot be paid next year, the district, teachers, and students will suffer as a result. We're not gambling with our money; we're gambling with our kids.
Now that is a sin.
