Architect Paul Steelman, designer of the Montreux hotel and casino set to open in 2009 in Las Vegas has turned the methods of separating the gambler from his money into a science. He has developed over 70 design rules to keep gamblers gambling, including things such as keeping the gambling area brightly lighted, “because darkness confuses the gambler.” Tables and slots should be generously spaced, “because cramped areas make gamblers feel cramped.” Exits should be plentiful and well-marked, so that gamblers will play longer. If you know how to get out quickly, you’ll probably play an extra five minutes. Walking distances among the Montreux’s areas will be kept short, to maximize the time the suckers (I mean guests) will spend spending (“Designing for Dough,” Forbes, June 5, 2006).

Gambling is big business. The Montreux will replace the New Frontier, which made “only” $18 million last year. “Another deal of the cards, another roll of the dice, another pull on the one-armed bandit. And this year, maybe the jackpot” (“365 Clean Pages,” New York Times editorial, January 1, 1991).

Temptations to gamble are everywhere. Neighboring states have the lottery. We have dog racing and raffles here. Internet gambling cafes, as well as home internet gambling is afflicting our society. And I’m even hearing of young people who are financing their college education by being professional gamblers.

What’s wrong with gambling? It is addictive, and many gamblers do not realize the depth of their problems until they have lost everything. Surely we understand that earning money is the biblical work ethic (Genesis 3:19; Exodus 20:9; Proverbs 12:11). Someone has to lose for you to win—and the house never loses. Gambling encourages the sins of greed, covetousness, selfishness and total materialism.