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Questions and Answers
Question
Is gambling a sin?
Answer
Many people believe that it is not a sin to gamble. When defending this behavior, you may hear examples of the gamble we take in everyday life. By driving our cars, crossing the street, or flying on an airplane, we risk bringing harm to ourselves and/or our family. When we pay to see a movie we take a chance that it will be either beneficial, or possibly damaging to the Christian conscience. These things could be considered a gamble, but when making the right choices, our odds of losing are extremely low. In fact, these behaviors are not gambling. They are examples of living life which is sometimes out of our control.
In addition, some may claim that gambling does not transgress the law because, “There is no thus says the LORD on this matter.” Therefore, few would consider playing a game of cards a transgression. If the players decided to pay a penny a point as a means of entertainment, would that make it a sin? Would the fact that the game was played for a few dollars make it evil and necessitate the death of Jesus Christ? Most would think not. To them it is just for amusement.
However, just because the Bible does not directly say we cannot engage in some activities, it does not mean that there are no moral principles found in the Scriptures to guide us in making a Godly decision on this subject. The Bible was written to answer every human question in its law, history, and by what its ethics imply.
For example, when it comes to gambling, a similar point can be made regarding drinking alcohol. While the Bible plainly demonstrates that drinking is not a sin, it makes it clear that drunkenness is wrong. The Scriptures do not say how many ounces we may consume, but it does set limits on alcohol consumption (Pro. 23:21, 1 Cor. 5:11, 1 Pet. 4:3, Eph. 5:18, 1 Tim. 3:3-8). By this we see that the Bible sets limits on various behaviors. This is also true for gambling.
For example, if our gambling offends someone we love, then we should not do it (Rom. 14:15-21). Thus, we see that there are guidelines regarding our activities, and the degree we do them. Although a particular act, such as gambling, may not be directly addressed in the Scriptures, God does show us that such behavior can still result in sin.
In some other examples, we can see additional principles that apply to gambling. Flipping a coin to see who is first to bat is certainly not a sin. However, when a person gambles to the point where it is habitual, it becomes wrong. If it is addictive, it is wrong. If it is spending money that others need, it is wrong. If the individual has the urge to do it continually, or cannot stop doing it, they are addicted and it is a sin. If they hope to win money in order to solve their problems rather than looking to Christ—it is wrong. These things become a type of idolatry. It is looking to be blessed by mammon and not God. This is unquestionably a sin! As Jesus stated:
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).
In addition to Christ’s statement regarding who we are to serve, God actually tells us how we are to make our money. We are to generate it by working toward accomplishing our goals.
Consider the example of Jesus Christ. We are to follow in His footsteps and be molded into His image. Would he gamble with God’s world, or the plan of salvation? Would he buy a lottery ticket in the hope of making money, play craps or roulette? Obviously the answer is no. He is the creator and sustainer. He works and His Father works.
Within that context, Paul makes it clear that we are to work in like manner. We are to generate our increase by working to produce something of value to our community:
…we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12)
In addition to this vital advice, there is another important point to consider. When it comes to gambling, we need to ask, “Whose money is it?” Although people may feel that the money they earn is entirely theirs, God makes it clear that this is not the case. He reminds us:
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts (Haggai 2:8).
Everything on earth belongs to God. The food, land, animals, plants, trees, and even the money we make—it is actually all His. We are only stewards of what He gives us. This principle is clearly stated by Peter who wrote:
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10).
When we consider that we are only pilgrims and strangers in a world that is not our own, we should thoughtfully consider what we do with that which God has given us. This includes how we spend His money.
When it comes to gambling, it is obvious that the odds are against the gambler. While people may be enticed by the hope of an easy money-making scheme, the house already has geared the odds in order for the player to lose. It is not much different than a modern ponzi scheme. Only a small percentage of the money put into the stratagem ever comes back. Very few ever win in the end. Further, if those who win continue to play, they will eventually lose everything they have gained and possibly more.
In that context, gambling is certainly wasting God’s money. It is not putting it to a good use as He intended. Thus, it is clear that gambling is throwing away what belongs to God—a gift that is not to be squandered. It is wrong. In Christ’s parable, the prodigal son came to understand this truth the hard way:
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living (Luke 15:13).
After losing everything, he came to his senses and said:
…Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee (Luke 15:18).
The gambler is following the example of the prodigal son. He is wasting what God has given him. Clearly, this becomes a sin against those individuals who love him and it is also a sin to Almighty God.