What does the Bible say about gambling?
You’re planning your summer vacation out West and Las Vegas is on your route. Or perhaps Vegas is your destination. Is there anything wrong with dropping a few quarters into a slot machine? Can you sit down and try your hand at a game of poker? What does the Bible say? What would (or should) a Christian do? In light of the fact that there are casinos all around the country and lotteries in nearly every state, the issue of gambling is becoming a very pertinent one for many Christians. It must be admitted up front that the Bible does not deal directly with gambling or expressly state God’s will in regard to this matter. This puts gambling in the area of “adiaphora.” Yet God has given some firm principles which do relate, and on the basis of which we can discern how we might best conduct our lives in a God-pleasing manner relative to this subject. First of all, greed is bad (I Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5-6; Ephesians 5:5). Laziness is bad (Proverbs 6:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Getting som
Archaeological and historical evidence shows that dice playing and other forms of gambling were practiced in Biblical times. The only mention of gambling in the Bible, however, is when Roman soldiers cast lots to see who would get Jesus’ clothing after He was crucified (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, John 19:24). Casting lots was not primarily a gambling method, but a way of making a decision, similar to drawing straws (Leviticus 16:8, Numbers 34:13, Jonah 1:7, Acts 1:23-26). It was often assumed that God would make His will known in the outcome. The “lots” mentioned in the Bible may have been a form of dice, but that is not certain. The Bible does not give any direct guidance on whether gambling is right or wrong.
” Answer: Gambling can be defined as risking money in an attempt to multiply the money on something that is against the odds. The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. The Bible does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Whats wrong with gambling? Gambling is a difficult issue because if it is done in moderation and only on occasion, it is a waste of money, but it is not necessarily “evil.” People waste money on all sorts of activities. Gambling is no more or less of a waste of money than seeing a movie (in many cases), eating an unnecessarily expensive meal, or purchasing a worthless item. At the same time, the fact that money is wasted on other things does not
It all depends upon your perspective and interpretation. The Bible doesn’t directly address gambling and such silence provides the fertile ground for discussion and disagreement. Opinions on the propriety of gambling range from acceptance in moderation to total abstinence. J. Kerby Anderson, author, lecturer and adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, is in the latter camp and discerns guidance by contrasting the cornerstone principles of the Scriptures with those associated with gambling. According to Anderson, “The Bible emphasizes the sovereignty of God (Matt. 10:29-30), while gambling is based upon chance. The Bible admonishes us to work creatively and for the benefit of others (Eph. 4:28), while gambling fosters a “something for nothing” attitude. The Bible condemns materialism (Matt. 6:24 25), while gambling promotes it.”1 Anderson cites two particular passages from the writings of the apostle Paul that give instruction regarding the work ethic of a Christian. In Coloss
