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SARATOGA RACING SEASON

Catholics flock to track, but what's Church teaching?

Finding the golden mean on gambling

This month, thousands in the area will make a trip to Saratoga Springs to gamble at the racetrack or the casino. Chances are that will include many Catholics, perhaps even you. Parishioners and priests alike find each other at the rail often in August. 

Indeed, gambling is one of the most popular activities in America. According to a 2007 Gallup poll, 65 percent of Americans report that they participated in one or more forms of gambling in the previous 12 months. And a 2006 report on wagering showed that Americans lost nearly $91 billion on all forms of gambling combined.

To some believers, this may be a problem. Many Protestants, notably Southern Baptists, consider gambling to be morally unacceptable. But what is the Catholic stance?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, gambling - referred to as "games of chance" - is not prohibited outright. The Catechism explains that games of chance "become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others."

Rev. Kenneth Doyle, chancellor for public information for the Albany Diocese and pastor of St. Catherine's parish in Albany, explained the stance. "The Church does not have an absolute prohibition on gambling. The Church urges people if they do gamble to gamble responsibly and not with money that is otherwise needed for essentials."

On a recent day at the Saratoga racetrack, a number of Catholics were spotted enjoying a sunny day and betting on horses. To them, there were no feelings of going against their faith.

"I don't think there is anything wrong with gambling as long as you're responsible," said Mike Fitzpatrick, a middle-aged man from Great Barrington, Mass. "To me, it's like alcohol or anything else you can get addicted to. It's alright to do, but if you get addicted then you need help."

Sara Agars, 25, of Troy had similar feelings.

"I don't think gambling is wrong," she said. "It's something people do [of] their own will, and as long as they do not get out of control, it's not a problem."

For others, however, gambling is a big problem.

To Debbie Armstrong, a Baptist who was at the track helping a disabled friend, betting is not the way to spend money.

"Your money should be spent on other things," she said. "The poor, your family, other essentials - you should focus your money on those things and not your own greed."

While some may view gambling as greedy or an easy way to make money, for others, like Ms. Agars, it can simply mean some fun.

"I don't gamble too often since I have extremely bad luck," she said; "but I do it because I like the excitement of it and just the possibility of winning, even if it's a small amount."

Similarly, Father Doyle said most Catholics who gamble do so as a harmless diversion. "If they're gambling within their means and for their entertainment, and it's not a compulsion for them, then that's a legitimate pleasure," he said.

There are those, of course, who may take gambling too far.

"It's a behavioral issue and there is actually a lot of research being done on it," said Rev. Thomas Konopka, a social worker for the Consultation Center of the Diocese of Albany.

According to the New York Council on Problem Gambling, 5 percent of adults 18 years or older have a gambling problem and 72 percent of students in grades 7-12 have engaged in at least one gambling activity throughout the year, with African-American and Hispanic males most at risk to develop a gambling problem.

For Father Doyle, this is the major concern.

"It's particularly in high-population urban settings where the Church would take a position against it," he said. "The Church has traditionally taken a position against legislative expansion of casino gambling because casino gambling targets, in particular, people who are poor and cannot afford it."

For gambling addicts who need help, there are many resources. New York State offers a toll-free telephone hotline (877-8-HOPENY) for those seeking information or help with alcoholism, drug abuse or problem gambling. The "hopeline" deals with nearly 2,000 calls a month from people or family members of someone with a gambling problem. Jerry McCleery, who works for the hopeline, feels help is needed more than ever.

"I do believe it's the case there has been an increase in problem gambling," he said, pointing to the number of options: "People who are inclined to have a problem now have easier access with new casinos all over the place and internet gambling."
Mr. McCleery said the service looks for other problems beyond gambling. The most common trait they look for is suicidal thinking.

"Particularly with severe problem gambling, one of the stages is near the end when they've reached the point of suicidal thoughts," he said.

Making people aware of problem gambling and being able to help is becoming more and more evident.

"I think it's a problem that needs to be talked about," said Mr. McCleery. "It doesn't get better through denial [and] it doesn't get better without any treatment in many cases."

Overall, while gambling may be a problem for some and frowned upon by others, for many Catholics, it is just an exciting pastime.

"We live in an area where we've kind of grown up with the presence of Saratoga and racing," Father Doyle said. "People look forward to it every summer as a period of recreation and celebrating with family and friends."

(08/13/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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