Gambling And Christianity: Sin Or Not?

Gambling is a risky wager on a game in order to win a prize. While some people find gambling rewarding and fun, it can be highly addictive and potentially ruinous. The Bible does not explicitly call gambling a sin, but it does warn against the love of money and get-rich-quick schemes.

The Bible also talks about sin as not just doing what you're told not to do, but also not doing what you know you should do. This means that, even in the absence of clear commands from God, something can be considered a sin for a particular person if they know they are doing something wrong.

Gambling is driven by greed, which God hates, and it arouses a destructive love of money. It relies on superstition or luck, which God views as a form of idolatry, and it can arouse an unhealthy competitive spirit.

The Bible doesn't call gambling a sin

The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. However, it does mention events of "luck" or "chance". For example, casting lots was God's prescribed method of choosing between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:8). Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes, and the results were accepted as God's will (Joshua 18:10). Nehemiah cast lots to decide who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1). The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas (Acts 1:26). Each of these occasions proved the truth of Proverbs 16:33, which says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."

Gambling has three basic components: First, there's a game that involves chance. Second, there's an amount wagered on the outcome of the game. Third, there's a prize that's hoped to be won with the wager. Although "gaming" is a related and sometimes synonymous term, gaming tends to involve more skill than chance.

Gambling has taken many forms throughout history, from ancient games of dice and cards to contemporary sports betting apps. It can be engaging for enjoyment (recreational gambling) or as part of one's career (professional gambling). Even gambling enthusiasts usually recognize that there are dangerous lines that can be crossed: problem gambling and gambling addiction.

While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does provide principles that can guide Christians in their understanding of the moral status of gambling. For example, Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). This principle is particularly relevant to gambling, as it can lead to addiction and financial debts, which can compromise a person's ability to serve God wholeheartedly.

The Bible also warns against the pursuit of wealth and get-rich-quick schemes (1 Timothy 6:9-10; Proverbs 13:11). Instead, it encourages hard work and contentment with what one has (Ecclesiastes 5:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly call gambling a sin, it provides principles that guide Christians in their understanding of the moral implications of gambling. These principles include warnings against the love of money, the pursuit of wealth, and the potential for addiction and financial loss. Christians are called to be wise stewards of their resources and to avoid anything that may compromise their devotion to God.

Gambling is driven by greed, which God hates

The Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, but it does include principles that Christians can use to guide their views on the activity. One such principle is that gambling is driven by greed, which God hates.

The Apostle Paul wrote that covetousness and greed "are idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). Greed is also listed by Paul as a sin in Ephesians 5:3,5. Gambling is driven by greed, as it involves the desire for financial gain through chance rather than honest work. This goes against the biblical work ethic, which links labour with reward. The Apostle Paul said: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need" (Ephesians 4:28).

Gambling also encourages a destructive love of money, which is warned against in the Bible. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 states: "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

The Bible encourages hard work and earning a living (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 14:23). It is also important for Christians to be content with what they have (Hebrews 13:5). Gambling goes against these principles, as it is driven by the desire for more money, rather than being satisfied with what one has.

In addition, gambling depends on others incurring financial loss. This is contrary to the principle of doing to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12). When gambling, the intention is to gain at the expense of others, which is incompatible with Jesus' teaching to "do good to all people" (Galatians 6:10).

Gambling can also arouse an unhealthy competitive spirit, which is disapproved of in the Bible (Galatians 5:26). It can lead to a focus on personal desires rather than God, with Jesus warning that "you cannot serve both God and Money" (Matthew 6:24).

Therefore, while the Bible does not specifically mention gambling, it can be argued that the activity goes against several biblical principles, including the warning against greed and the love of money.

Gambling is a form of escapism

For some, gambling is a fun and harmless activity. For others, it can become an addiction that controls their lives. It is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in gambling and to seek help if it becomes a problem.

The Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, but it does warn against the love of money and get-rich-quick schemes. It encourages hard work and contentment with what one has. These teachings can guide Christians in their decision-making about whether or not to gamble.

Gambling can be seen as a form of idolatry, putting personal desires above God. It also goes against the biblical work ethic, encouraging laziness instead of honest labour. It is a reckless use of resources and can lead to financial ruin.

Additionally, gambling relies on other people's financial loss. It is unethical and goes against the principle of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

In conclusion, while the Bible does not specifically call gambling a sin, it does provide principles that Christians can use to guide their decisions about whether or not to engage in gambling. For some, gambling may be a harmless pastime, but for others, it can become a destructive addiction that leads them away from God.

Gambling is inherently addictive

Gambling is driven by greed, which God hates. Gamblers hope to gain money through the losses of others, but the Bible condemns coveting other people’s possessions. Gambling, even for small amounts, can arouse a destructive love of money. The Bible warns us against the love of money and the compulsion to strike it rich. According to the Bible, the compulsion to strike it rich often leads to both spiritual and physical destruction.

Gambling is a reckless use of resources. It undermines the creation mandate to be stewards of creation and to work. The Bible teaches that all things belong to God and that man will have to give an account for his stewardship of all that he has been given. Gambling holds out the dream that it is possible to get something for nothing. It can encourage laziness rather than work.

Gambling is a form of escapism. The gambling industry trades on people’s vulnerability to temptation and relies on the fact that statistically, it is the industry that wins practically every time. Those who gamble often are not thinking rationally about risk. Instead, they are thinking about luck and superstition. Chance is glorified and God’s sovereignty is denied. Scripture makes clear that trust in God and trust in luck cannot co-exist.

Gambling is poor stewardship of one's resources

Gambling is poor stewardship of one's God-given resources.

The Bible teaches that all things belong to God, and that man will have to give an account for his stewardship of all that he has been given. God calls us to be intentional with our entire lives, and to ask not just the question, "Why am I doing this?" but also, "Is this good for me?"

Gambling is a reckless use of resources. It undermines the creation mandate to be stewards of creation and to work. The Apostle Paul said: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need." Gambling holds out the dream that it is possible to get something for nothing. It can encourage laziness rather than work. Laziness is condemned in Scripture.

Gambling is a waste of money. By cutting wasteful spending, one can save money for future needs or give more to the Lord's work. Gambling only adds to the waste.

Gambling is a form of escapism. It trades on people's vulnerability to temptation and relies on the fact that statistically, it is the industry that wins practically every time. Those who gamble often are not thinking rationally about risk. Instead, they are thinking about luck and superstition. Chance is glorified and God's sovereignty is denied. Scripture makes clear that trust in God and trust in luck cannot co-exist.

Gambling is inherently addictive. As with alcohol or drug addiction, compulsive gamblers lose control of their lives. This is plainly contrary to the teaching of the Bible, which teaches us to be self-controlled.

Gambling is the very opposite of contentment. Man's duty is to seek first God's Kingdom and trust that God will meet his needs.

Frequently asked questions