Gambling - Is it a sin?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not explicitly label gambling as a sin, but it strongly warns against the love of money, idolatry, and irresponsible stewardship. Scripture encourages earning money through hard work, avoiding debt, and being generous rather than chasing quick wealth. Trusting in luck or fortune, as seen in Isaiah, is equated with idolatry and rebellion against God. Jesus and the apostles emphasize generosity, contentment, and reliance on God for our needs. Given the greed, recklessness, and harm often linked to gambling, it is wise to avoid it as a spiritually harmful practice.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Even though individuals work and earn money, God is the ultimate source of our income: "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18).
• The book of Proverbs has much to say on wise behavior concerning money. Proverbs 14:23 makes it clear that money is to be gained through work and labor: "In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty," and "Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty" (Proverbs 28:19).
• The Bible warns against debt and owing any creditor large amounts of money: "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender" (Proverbs 22:7) and instead encourages hard work: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8).
• The Bible also promotes generosity with one’s wealth: "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered" (Proverbs 11:25).
• In Isaiah 65:11-12, God condemns those who forsake Him and instead "set a table" for Fortune and fill cups for Destiny—meaning they worship idols of luck and fortune rather than trusting Him. This rebellion led to severe judgment because they ignored God’s call and chose what displeased Him.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Jesus’ parable about the sower, He warns how the desire for money can thwart the pursuit of true riches: "And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature" (Luke 8:14).
• Jesus simply said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
• Paul said, "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8). It is unwise to be indebted as a result of reckless gambling—our focus should not be on money, but on loving each other.
• In 1 Corinthians 4:7, Paul simply asks his readers: "What do you have that you did not receive?" We should not let our pride be puffed up because of our riches, including riches that were won as a result of gambling.
• The Bible says that we should ultimately trust in God to supply our needs (Philippians 4:19). We should do this as opposed to seeking get-rich-quick schemes that promise wealth, such as many forms of gambling.
• The love of money “is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Today, gambling takes a variety of forms: lotteries, casinos, sports betting, quick-stop gaming stands, and perhaps the most prevalent, online or internet gambling. Down through history, key figures in Christianity have held an unfavorable view of gambling. Martin Luther proclaimed, "Money won by gambling is not won without sin and self-seeking sin" and John Calvin outlawed gambling in the city of Geneva. It is easy to conclude that Christian leaders condemned gambling because of the greed, laziness, recklessness, and wrongdoing to others that is so often tied to gambling. gambling often entices people to place their hope in chance and luck rather than in God’s faithful provision, echoing the idolatry condemned in Scripture (Isaiah 65:11). Historically, Christian leaders rejected gambling not only because of the obvious greed and selfishness it promotes but also because it undermines the biblical ethic of work and responsible stewardship (Proverbs 6:6-8). Gambling can foster a false sense of entitlement and encourage reliance on quick, unearned wealth instead of cultivating patience, diligence, and generosity—virtues deeply rooted in the Christian faith. When we understand these spiritual dangers alongside the real-world consequences—such as addiction and exploitation—it becomes clear why gambling conflicts with a life shaped by Christ’s values. Therefore, avoiding gambling helps protect both our spiritual health and our witness to a world desperate for faithful, trustworthy examples. It would be far better for us to trust in God for our wealth, working hard and in godly ways that honor Him.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not explicitly call gambling a sin, but it warns strongly against greed, idolatry (trusting luck or fortune), and irresponsible handling of money.
• Scripture emphasizes earning money through hard work and trusting God to provide rather than relying on chance or quick wealth.
• Gambling is linked to harmful attitudes and behaviors such as greed, laziness, and recklessness, making it spiritually unwise.

REFLECT

• How would you describe your own attitudes toward money and wealth?
• How might gambling tempt you to rely on luck or chance rather than God’s provision and guidance in your life?
• How do you practice responsible stewardship of your finances, and what changes might you consider to honor God more in this area?

ENGAGE

• How do the biblical warnings about greed and idolatry apply to the modern practice of gambling?
• What does it look like practically to trust God for our needs instead of seeking quick wealth through risky or spiritually questionable means?
• How can the church support people who struggle with gambling addiction while upholding biblical principles about money and stewardship?