Due to excessive television coverage and Internet avenues, gambling as sport, entertainment and addiction has become extremely accessible to a wide range of people in recent years. Because of the detrimental side effects of that lifestyle, the act of gambling, in any form, is prohibited by Biola’s contract.

The Biola Community Standards state, “For the purpose of character development and the creation of a healthy, vibrant Christian community, students at Biola commit to abstain from the use of tobacco products, the use of alcoholic beverages and the activity of gambling.”

The Standards go into further detail, explaining that “A person engages in gambling if he or she stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his or her control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that s/he or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.”

Biola faculty member, Rick Bee, professor of a faith and money course and Senior Drector of Alumni and Friend Development, explains the spiritual implications of this issue.

“We are called to be stewards or caretakers of what [God] has entrusted to us and because of that we will be held accountable for how we use His resources in this life,” Bee said.

Director of Resident Life Matthew Hooper recognizes the path gambling can lead down.

“Sure, it’s just hanging out with the guys, spending, like 10 bucks; it’s like going to watch a movie, but it’s a door into that world that could lead to an addiction,” Hooper said.

According to addictionrevoc.org, a gambling addiction can be a life-altering problem, one that thousands of Americans wrestle with daily.

“For most of the industry's patrons, gambling is fun and a form of harmless entertainment,” said the web site. “For the four to six percent of gamblers who become problem or pathological (compulsive) gamblers, however, it can be a devastating illness that negatively affects every aspect of their lives.”

The web site goes on to explain that studies have shown adolescents to be three times more likely to develop a pathological gambling addiction.

Gambling has become a much greater interest for younger generations in the past few years, with the rise of televised poker programs, most notably the yearly World Series of Poker broadcasted on ESPN. This coverage has turned high-stakes gambling into a sport, complete with professionals and analysts and minor and major leagues. Poker has become more accessible to wider audiences then ever before.

Bee sees a problem with this growing interest.

“Like most television, people watch poker tournaments for the entertainment, and maybe even a little blood lust. When we see televised poker and look at the dollars these people are risking, we go ‘Wow … look what they won.’ What we tend to forget is the ‘Wow … look what they lost!’”

Interest in the World Series of Poker and its game of choice Texas Hold ‘em, has inspired a lot of students to play more poker. Playing the game is a fun, social experience that inspires a form of community and camaraderie, typically in a casual and lighthearted format.

But Hooper is quick to recognize what casual gambling can lead to.

“Casual gambling is a door into an area where significant addiction could develop, one that can really hurt someone’s life.”

Hooper also expressed concern about the esoteric online world.

“It is very difficult to detect online poker play. Unless someone takes it up with us, we really have no way of telling,” Hooper said.

Bee fits the gambling requirements into a grander scheme of conduct that all Biola students should call themselves to.

“When you come to Biola, you come choosing to abide by the code of conduct,” said Bee. “You are not here forever, so I would hope that you can abide by the code for the four or five years that you are enrolled. If not, why did you come here?”

Bee also sees these regulations as a spiritual discipline.

“Whether you believe gambling is bad or not, or alcohol is bad or not, you signed the contract, and you knew it before you came.”

He also acknowledges the character building and life-forming attributes that the community standards uphold.

“It's important for all of us to abide by the agreements we make in life,” said Bee. “You will be faced with that the rest of your life — in marriage, in buying a house or a car. You sign the contract you are responsible to follow through on it!”