Gambling a sin

Is gambling a sin? The act of gambling, betting, or participating in lotteries is not explicitly condemned in the Bible. However, the Bible does caution against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). It also encourages individuals to avoid seeking quick and easy wealth (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10) and instead promotes hard work and earning a living (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 14:23). Gambling tends to focus on the love of money and entices people with the promise of swift and effortless riches.

Engaging in gambling, as long as it is done in moderation and infrequently, can be viewed as a frivolous expenditure rather than inherently evil. People often waste money on various activities, and gambling is no different from other forms of wasteful spending such as watching a movie, indulging in an expensive meal, or buying worthless items. However, just because money is wasted in other areas does not justify gambling, as money should not be squandered. By cutting down on wasteful expenses, individuals can save money for future needs or contribute more to charitable endeavors. Gambling only contributes to the problem of wastefulness.

Although the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does refer to events that involve luck or chance. For instance, casting lots was used by God to determine the sacrificial goat and scapegoat (Leviticus 16:8). Joshua cast lots to allocate land to the different tribes, and this outcome was considered as God’s will (Joshua 18:10). Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would reside within the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1), and the apostles cast lots to choose a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:26). However, none of these instances of casting lots in the Bible involve betting or the exchange of goods. The apostles’ casting of lots in Acts 1 cannot be used as justification for playing dice games in a casino. Gambling inherently takes advantage of the misfortune of others. For one person to win, others must lose, often multiple individuals. For a Christian to risk money in the hope of gaining more is foolish, but actively seeking financial gain through someone else’s loss is not only foolish but also unethical.

What about casinos and lotteries?

Casinos employ various marketing strategies to entice gamblers to risk as much money as possible. They often provide inexpensive or free alcohol, which encourages drunkenness and impairs judgment. Casinos are designed to extract large sums of money from gamblers while offering fleeting thrills and empty pleasures in return.

State and national lotteries are also forms of gambling. Lotteries entice individuals with the possibility of quick riches and are often marketed as a means to fund education or social programs. However, it appears that those who are supposed to benefit from the lottery are actually being harmed. A recent study revealed that households in the lowest income bracket spend 13% of their annual income on the lottery, while the highest earners spend only 1% of their income on it (Bankrate survey, October 2019). In other words, those who can least afford to spend money on lottery tickets are often the ones purchasing them. Considering the infinitesimally low odds of winning the lottery, the entire system preys upon the poor.

The wisdom provided in 1 Timothy 6:10 directly relates to gambling: “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.” Those who gamble cannot adhere to the instruction in Hebrews 13:5 to keep their lives free from the love of money and be content with what they have, for God promises to never leave or forsake them (Hebrews 13:6). Serving God and serving money are incompatible (Matthew 6:24).

In conclusion, gambling represents poor stewardship of the resources given by God. It attempts to bypass the value of honest work, promotes greed and covetousness, and finds pleasure in the misfortune of others. As a result, Christians should refrain from participating in gambling or any form of materialism. Instead, they should prioritize responsible financial management, contentment, and a focus on serving God rather than pursuing worldly riches.

Is Gambling a sin then? Yes, it is for it finds pleasure in the misfortune of others, promotes greed and is geared by the love of money which, as the Bible says, is the root of all evils.