Investing is the act of committing capital to an asset like a stock, with the expectation of generating income or profit. Gambling, on the other hand, is wagering money on an uncertain outcome, that statistically is likely to be negative. A gambler owns nothing, while an investor owns a share of the underlying company.
Stock markets represent the rising value of businesses. They aren't perfect representative, and seem very much guided by emotion. But its not "glorified gambling" In general, you will lose money gambling. In contrast, in general if you invest in stock index funds for the long term, you will gain signifigant money.
There's a common misconception that options trading is like gambling. I would strongly push back on that. In fact, if you know how to trade options or can follow and learn from a trader like me, trading in options is not gambling, but in fact, a way to reduce your risk.
The Bible doesn't specifically state that we should invest, but also does not forbid it. Investing is mentioned in Proverbs 31:16 and used in Jesus's parables (ex. Parable of the Ten Minas found in Luke 19:11-27), implying that it is expected and normal.
What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:31 can be applied to the stock market. There Paul said, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Certainly, investing in the stock market falls under “or whatever you do.” If you can do it to the glory of God, then do it.
To be a stock trader and have superior trading skills, one does not have to be very qualified or educated. All you need to have is the desire to study and research your subject, the ability to make quick decisions suited to the situation and the ability to ride through tough times with a cool head.
Trading in the stock markets is not like a dice game, while gambling is a zero-sum game of playing the available odds. Trading involves examining past information and analyzing available data to trade or invest in stocks. Unlike gambling, trading has no ultimate win or loss.
It's not always easy for beginners to carry out basic strategies like cutting losses or letting profits run. What's more, it's difficult to stick to one's trading discipline in the face of challenges such as market volatility or significant losses.
Investing and gambling both come with risks, including the risk of loss. But there is one key difference between the two. When you invest your money, there's an equal chance that you'll either lose your money or earn a return. When you gamble, though, the odds are almost always against you.
Trading put options allows investors to bet against a stock by buying contracts that gain value as the stock's price falls. Other strategies like investing in inverse ETFs, contracts for difference (CFDs) and shorting futures indexes let investors bet against individual stocks or broad market segments.
The first similarity between trading and poker is the management of risk. Both require a detachment of money and monitoring risk to reward at all times. Effective traders/poker players are able to cut losses and hold onto winners, whilst maintaining protection of their total capital.
Make no mistake about it folks, trading is gambling!
Here's what Webster's Dictionary has to say about the definition of the word “gamble”: To risk losing (an amount of money) in a game or bet. To play a game in which you can win or lose money or possessions.
(1) Gambling directly appeals to covetousness and greed “which is idolatry” according to the Apostle Paul (Colossians 3:5). Gambling breaches the 1st, 2nd, 8th and 10th commandments. It enthrones personal desires in place of God. Jesus warned: “you cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24).
Day trading can become addictive due to the excitement and potential for quick profits. The thrill of making successful trades can lead to compulsive behavior, similar to gambling addiction. Day traders may find themselves constantly seeking the next trade, driven by the emotional highs and lows of the market.
The 3 5 7 rule is a risk management strategy in trading that emphasizes limiting risk on each individual trade to 3% of the trading capital, keeping overall exposure to 5% across all trades, and ensuring that winning trades yield at least 7% more profit than losing trades.
The estimated total pay for a Day Trader is $127,259 per year, with an average salary of $102,993 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
Swing trading is most suitable for beginners due to this low speed.
Disadvantages of trading
Stock markets are volatile and highly dynamic. We live in a technologically-driven world that is constantly shrinking. An event in any corner of the world may impact the price of the stock you are holding. Also, stock prices go up and down multiple times within a single trading day.
The current SEC Day Trading Rule allows the wealthy to Day Trade in the Stock Market on a daily basis while the smaller investor is not allowed to do so.
In the following chart, you can see that stocks have a long track record of providing higher returns than bonds or cash alternatives. In fact, large domestic stocks have provided an average annualized return of 9.7% over the past 20 years. But remember — you need to balance reward with risk.
Forex trading may make you rich if you are a hedge fund with deep pockets or an unusually skilled currency trader. But for the average retail trader, what is often promoted as an easy road to riches, can quickly become a rocky highway to enormous losses and potential penury.
There are plenty of traders who use intelligent, well-designed trading strategies and systems who still regularly lose money rather than make money. The few traders who do consistently win the game of trading are those who have developed the appropriate psychological mindset that enables them to be consistent winners.
Key Rules from Iconic Traders
Trade with the trend: Follow the market's direction. Do not trade every day: Only trade when the market conditions are favorable. Follow a trading plan: Stick to your strategy without deviating based on emotions. Never average down: Avoid adding to a losing position.