Can Christians gamble? This is a question the Christian community is seriously divided on. There are some who say it’s not a big deal as long as it’s done in moderation and doesn’t become an addiction. Then there are others who will tell you “THOU SHALT NOT GAMBLE, YOU SHOULD NOT DO SUCH THINGS, IT IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD!”
But what does the Bible say about this issue? Before we answer that, I want to remind us that we should not be overly legalistic or hypocritical on this.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
There are some people who will say gambling is wrong because it’s a waste of money, but those same people waste money on things for their kids they don’t need, eating out, extra, unworn clothes, ordering food or drinks you don’t finish, etc. So be careful about judging people on gambling when you’ve got some similarly wasteful habits in your own life.
With that said, here are some questions to think through.
Is greed motivating me to gamble?
Am I consumed with thoughts about getting more and more money? Is your motivation for gambling simply to get more?
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.
If you are eager and desperate for money, you have to be careful, you can be led away from the faith.
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
Solomon is saying in Ecclesiastes that greed only results in wanting more without ever being satisfied. This is the danger in gambling out of greed.
Let’s say I go out golfing, and we put $5 on a hole, or say the loser is buying lunch. I’m not going to be worried about that $5. I won’t be thinking about it later. It’s not going to consume me if I win or lose that. Greed wouldn’t be the motivation behind that bet. But you have to be honest with yourself in all situations.
Is this affecting my family in a negative way?
Does your spouse know you’re gambling, or do you keep it a secret? Keeping it a secret is a clear sign you shouldn’t be doing it.
If you are taking funds away from your family and jeopardizing their wellbeing, that is a sin. The same is true if you are putting your family in debt with your gambling — that is a sin.
Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
Only you know the answer to this, but if your family is being hurt by your gambling, then that’s not something God wants you to do.
Am I doing this out of desperation?
Are you gambling because you’re behind on your bills, and you’re desperate for more money? So instead of working, you’re turning to gambling hoping to get a big win quick?
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
We make poor decisions when we’re desperate, and those decisions can often affect others in negative ways.
So if there’s a friendly bet that is not out of greed or desperation, and is not a secret, and isn’t hurting your family, there’s not a clear scripture that prohibits gambling. But if you have greed, desperation, or secrecy involved with it, it’s more than likely something you should avoid.
For more helpful biblical Christian content from Allen Parr, visit his YouTube channel The BEAT or browse other topics on the Let’s Equip blog!