Border towns that provide a specialized service for residents of adjacent political units are a common geographic phenomena. Traditionally, Mormons have opposed gambling as acquiring "money from the person who may be possessed of it without giving value received in return. ABSTRACT. Gambling diverts the soul away from Christ's teachings of humility, faith, self-reliance, and service, and leads one away from honesty and. . Gambling is motivated by a desire to get something for nothing and leads participants away from the Savior's teachings of love and service. No the LDS church does not own casinos. A California casino owned by members of a Mormon fundamentalist sect has been operating under a provisional license for the last two decades. Nevada. In Mormon theology, gambling is not strictly forbidden, like smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol or beverages with caffeine; it is viewed as. " But that. It's our understanding that in Mormon theology, gambling isn't strictly forbidden, as are smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol and beverages with caffeine. In face want no tithing paid to the church from gambling winnings. [HOST] › question › mormons-gambling. California regulators are working to shut down a casino with ties to a Utah Mormon fundamentalist group known to practice polygamy.