Is it a sin to put oneself intentionally into situations where one is more likely to sin, or is it just bad practice?

Answer

A near occasion of sin isn’t a sin but an occasion where one may be tempted. To put oneself in such a situation is imprudent without a sufficient cause, but not always sinful in itself. However, if one deliberately puts oneself in such a situation in the hope of sinning, one has already sinned by willing to sin. Sin begins with the will to sin.
Answered by: Fr. Vincent Serpa O.P.