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Gambling is big business for some cities, and for a good reason: People spend lots of money trying to get rich quickly. Unfortunately, most people tend to get poorer instead of richer when gambling. But an interesting question can often arise in the minds of people trying to do God’s will: Is gambling sinful? Is it a sin to gamble or place bets?
Is It a Sin to Gamble or Place Bets? What Does the Bible Say?
First, the word “gambling” is not actually listed in the bible. This is because gambling wasn’t as big as it was today, and there certainly weren’t big casinos with neat machines and fancy playing cards (can you imagine someone playing poker with a stack of clay tablets?).
But just because something isn’t listed in the bible by a specific name (or because it didn’t exist as largely as it does today), doesn’t mean it is perfectly fine to do (hence, abortion would be a great example as it is obviously wrong but the bible never mentions “abortion” by name).
While the bible does not mention gambling, it does mention “casting lots,” which is somewhat similar to gambling (it is like drawing straws or flipping a coin). People in the bible are often recorded as “casting lots” in order to make a decision. This isn’t necessarily condemned in the bible (although it is associated with a few very bad events such as the crucifixion of Christ). Here are a few verses regarding casting lots:
Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.Jonah 1:7
And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.Luke 1:9
According to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.Matthew 27:35
And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.
So it is quite clear that this was used by many (even Godly men) to make decisions, much like you may flip a coin for a simple decision of what you want for lunch today. But again, this is somewhat different than going to a casino or waging huge bets.
Aside from the technical aspects of gambling, we should ask what we are trying to achieve, and all of the things surrounding the actual gambling. Then we can make a clear decision on whether or not it would be sinful.
So let us use biblical reasoning, and try to understand the “spirit” of scripture to see how God may feel about activities such as gambling, and if placing bets is a sin or not.
So Is Gambling or Placing Bets a Sin or Not?
My personal opinion based on the scriptures is “yes and no, but mostly yes, it can be a sin.” What I mean by that is just like all things (money, sex, etc.) it is fine in the proper context and in careful moderation. But when things go overboard, it can become sinful very fast.
Take something as simple as money. We all need it, right? There certainly is no sin in making an honest living. But when people go too far, we can become greedy and hoard millions while people starve, and that certainly is a sin. The same is true with gambling. When done at random times, in reasonable amounts, and for honest reasons, it is fine.
Placing a simple wager, flipping a coin, casting lots, or even playing a game for fun with the potential to make a small gain is not a sin in itself. These activities would be fine in a proper context.
To determine if gambling is a sin, let’s break down all of the possible variables that occur with gambling:
- The Motivation–What is your reasoning for wanting to gamble? Is it to get rich quick? Or is it just for fun? Being a compulsive gambler is certainly just as sinful as being a drunk, drug addict, or being greedy. If you gamble to get rich, you may be loving money more than God (a sin). However, if you just have a wager on occasion for fun, it may be okay. Again, moderation and motivation is key. Some churches even have raffles, contests, and other things which resemble gambling, but it is all done in fun and to help raise money for Godly purposes. This, in my mind, would be a perfectly good example of an appropriate form of gambling. The motivation or reasoning behind why you want to gamble can help you realize if it is appropriate or not.
- The Context–Where will you be gambling? In a casino filled with women in skimpy clothing with lots of alcohol, prostitution, smoking, swearing, and so forth? If so, I think we can all agree that this is no place for a Godly person to hang out. Or is this a simple wager with a few friends at home while playing cards or a game of chess (just to make it a little more fun). If that is the case, I don’t see anything wrong. Just as long as everyone does it for fun, and people really don’t care if they lose (and only a little money is wagered).
- The Amount–Are you gambling away your child’s college fund, your 401K savings account, your house, or other valuable items? If so, I would say that is a sin for sure. Instead, a very small amount should be used. If you buy a $2 lotto ticket on occasion for fun, that is fine. If you bet your kid $5 that they won’t make a basketball shot from across the court, that is fine too. But if you are mortgaging your house and buying lotto tickets or hitting up the casino in hopes of hitting the jackpot, you have a serious problem and it has become sinful.
- The Frequency–Do you find yourself wanting to place a wager daily, or even weekly? Do you make a trip to a casino every month, or bet on every big sports game? If so, you may be addicted to gambling (a very serious problem). In this case, you should avoid all gambling just like an alcoholic should avoid all alcohol. If you gamble too frequently, it can be sinful and addictive. But if you place a random wager every few months or so, and don’t really mind losing, then there is no sin in that. Again, you may never know ahead of time if you will become an addict, so it may be best to avoid it all-together.
- What if You Win?–What will you do if you win money or other valuables? What will you do? Is your goal to get rich and retire? To covet other people’s possessions so you don’t have to work? Do you just want to prove you are right about something, or that you are better at something than others (pride)? If so, this again can be a problem which is sinful. What would you do with any winnings? Would you manage them properly and do good, or evil? Would they be spent on Godly purposes? Or just excessive luxuries such as gold fountains in your house?
When you ask those questions above, it should make it clear what is appropriate and what is not. If you are ever in doubt, don’t do it at all. Always ask, if God came down right now, would I be doing this? Would God approve of this? What about Jesus? Would Jesus have enjoyed hanging in the casino with you?
Also, who will you be gambling with? A business (casino)? A bunch of Mafia thugs? Or a few friends or relatives? Again, this can be a factor as well as to whether or not it is appropriate.
Conclusion: Gambling Can Definitely Be Sinful In Many Cases, and All Should Use Caution
Do you know the best way to never be an alcoholic? Never take the first drink. Do you know the best way to avoid sinful gambling? Never gamble in the first place. That is the best way to ensure it isn’t a sin.
Again, I don’t think there is anything wrong with betting a family member on a game of checkers for a few bucks (or the loser has to do chores or something). There is nothing wrong with flipping a coin to decide what to eat for lunch. But when people gamble large amounts of money, it can be very sinful, and wrong. People have lost homes, been killed, and much more all over gambling.
Ask yourself your motivation, context, amount, frequency, and goals for gambling, and that should reveal whether or not it is Godly or sinful. If in doubt, don’t do it.
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Posted under bible questions, money, sin
