Gambling Policy
The Wheaton College Community Covenant is built on basic biblical standards for godly Christian character and behavior. We understand that our calling includes acknowledging the Lordship of Christ over all of life and thought. This involves a wholehearted obedience to Jesus and careful stewardship in all dimensions of life: our time, our possessions, our God-given capacities, and our opportunities (Deut. 6:5–6; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 1:18; 3:17).
We believe these biblical standards will show themselves in a distinctly Christian way of life, an approach to living we expect of ourselves and of one another. This lifestyle involves practicing those attitudes and actions the Bible portrays as virtues and avoiding those the Bible portrays as sinful, such as greed and materialism, which may manifest themselves in gambling. (1 Cor. 6:10; Rom. 13:9; James 2:1–13; 1 Tim. 2:8–10; Heb. 13:5–6).
Gambling is defined as the practice of risking money or other things of value in a game or bet and is based on random short-term outcomes resulting in winners and losers. Gambling is also known to be an addictive behavior that can negatively impact participants as well as a community. Examples of prohibited gambling activity include, but are not limited to casinos, sports betting (online and inperson), lotteries (including raffles), playing cards for money, or slots whether on-line or in person, where money is exchanged. Athletes found in violation of sports betting are immediately ineligible and will be reported to the NCAA; an NCAA reinstatement process must be successfully completed before becoming eligible again.
To invest, in comparison, is to commit money for another entity to use for purposes of producing goods and services which can improve standards of living and benefit society. Although money can be lost, most investors over time realize a return on their investment through meaningful work.
Alleged violations of the Gambling Policy will be addressed through the Student Conduct Policy.
Resources for students who struggle with gambling include: