Archbishop's casino ban sparks debate after $30,000 win
Emmanuel Mutumwa, Archbishop of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Church from Zimbabwe, has been banned from participating in local casinos after winning $30,000. The clergyman was accused of receiving divine instructions on how to place his bets. Local media reported the case.
In an interview with Bulawayo's "B-Metro", Archbishop Mutumwa confirmed that he was banned but described it as "utterly immoral and predatory".
- This is the biggest win ever recorded at the casino. I broke the previous record by almost double, and it was the biggest jackpot won on the site this year. My celebrations were cut short, however, because I have been banned by other casinos for winning too much. They claim that since I am a prophet, I am receiving visions from God about the winning numbers. They fear they will go bankrupt because I will win too often. - stated Mutumwa.
No more casinos
The clergyman emphasized that he plays according to the casino's rules and does nothing wrong. - I played a game, was congratulated for winning, and I’m surprised other local casinos no longer welcome me. So, I’m shocked that these people seem to only want people’s money and avoid payouts. I even tried going to their branch all the way out of town, hoping for better luck but was told I wasn’t welcome. This isn’t just a loss for me but it affects everyone who comes to me for spiritual guidance on winning lottery games, at casinos, or placing bets - assessed the archbishop.
He admitted "as a prophet, Archbishop Mutumwa, the winning numbers were revealed to me in a vision".
This wasn’t just luck, but a divine message. I saw it as an opportunity to use these winnings as a blessing for my congregation - added Mutumwa.
The clergyman did not keep the winnings for himself; he allocated the money to pay for the tuition fees of some of his church members' children and helped others start businesses.
The Archbishop also has a defined opinion on gambling. He believes that if undertaken responsibly, it can be a source of happiness that can be shared with others.
