Regarding your second question. If I may rephrase your question a little perhaps we could ask “would God accept me playing poker while performing an act of worship at the same time?” If you search the Bible, you find the answer to this question in the book of Leviticus chapter 10. In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron performed an act of worship by presenting incense before God (Leviticus 10:1). But while worshiping, they were also in an act of disobedience (offering profane fire). In Leviticus 10:2-3 God showed that He did not accept their act of worship because it was mixed with disobedience. Jesus loves us with an everlasting love, He is our example, and I’m sure if we ask the question “what would Jesus do?” we would agree that Jesus would never be found at a poker table. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:6) Let us therefore follow Jesus. May the Lord bless you as you choose to do so.

Therefore we must ask, where is the scripture which justifies gambling or bluffing (which is lying) in order to take another person’s money? My friend prayerfully consider this point, thus says the Lord “He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.” (Psalm 101:7-8). And again it is written “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16). Lastly it is written “there shall by no means enter it (heaven) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life”. (Revelation 21:27) Do not think that men will plead their excuses in the day of judgment. The actions of men who do not know God will never justify anyone in sin. Satan is whispering in your ear attempting to hold you fast in the ways of deceiving others at the poker table and hoping that you are still on the path to heaven. But Jesus in His mercy and love is speaking to you through the Bible, attempting to save you from sin. He loves you with an everlasting love, He died on a cruel cross to forgive you of all sin. His door of mercy is still open, but you must choose to follow Him and lay off this sin. If I can gain the victory over poker, so can you. I appeal to you my friend, follow Jesus not sinful erring man, your eternal destiny is at stake.

I hope that was of some help to your question, I have written a more detailed study on the topic of sports in which many of the same principles would apply to board games which would be found here entitled “Competitive Sports & Christian Character”. May the Lord continue to bless you and guide you.

“Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.
…
And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. (verse 23) Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. (verse 24) And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. ”

So verse 24 records New Testament gambling, it was done by those who crucified Jesus Christ. As followers of God we are called to “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). And “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (2 Corinthians 6:14, Epesians 5:8-11)

The apostle under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit continues to write…
” For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.” ” (Ephesians 5:12, 2 Corinthians 6:17)

Gambling in all forms is something we must completely abstain from.

Regarding alcohol I actually am in the process of writing an article in regards to this subject and will post the link here, however for a quick answer we saw in Mark 15:23 referenced above we saw that Jesus refused to drink alcoholic wine. The word wine in the Bible can refer both to alcoholic or non-alcoholic grape juice. This article goes into an in-depth study of New Testament Bible passages such as the one you mentioned. Regarding alcoholic wine the Bible is clear “Wine is a mocker,Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1) Jesus never partook of such a substance as the aforementioned link shows. I hope these verses are beneficial to your walk with Jesus and your additional comments or questions are welcome. Let us put away these actions and be transformed by His grace.

I read your article but I think you are assuming to much about the heart of the grambler. If I place a two dollar bit at the race track where I might win 5 bucks and no one is bluffing or lying is that a sin? I would have to say no. Also, I am sure that there was gambling during the NT era so why is it not mentioned in the bible. Lastly, in your last paragraph it seems that you would list drinking as a sin. I would say be drunk is a sin but not drinking. I am sure that the water Jesus turned to wine was alcoholic. I am think that gambling or drinking in excess is sinful. Moderation is the key as with so many things.