Does the Bible condemn gambling?

Answer

The Bible indicates that gambling is incompatible with Christianity. Some, for example, may feel that gambling simply fills an economic need. But Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our bread for this day.” How could a person greedily gamble for money and then pray this? Or how could he follow the exhortation: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things [material necessities] will be added to you”?—Matthew 6:11, 33.

The Bible further advises: “Let your manner of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.” (Hebrews 13:5) The gambler often is anything but content. In fact, he is greedy, and the Bible says that greedy persons “will not inherit God’s kingdom.”—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

True, some argue that they gamble not for money but for excitement. The Bible roundly condemns, however, those who sidestep godly principles and become “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:4, 5) Further, Jesus said: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) How can a person love his neighbor while trying to take away his neighbor’s money? How can gambling be harmonized with the fundamental principle, “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving”?—Acts 20:35.

Not to be overlooked is the fact that gamblers often invoke “the god of Good Luck,” something the Bible clearly condemns.—Isaiah 65:11.

Finally, consider the corrupting influence gambling has on a Christian’s “useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) The Christian way of life involves hard work and thrift. (Ephesians 4:28) Jesus himself showed he was not wasteful when, after the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and the fishes, he gave orders that the leftovers were not to be wasted. (John 6:12, 13) But rather than following in Jesus’ footsteps, the gambler is more akin to the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable, who “squandered his property by living a debauched life.”—Luke 15:13.

Verses on "casting lots"

Numbers 26:52-56 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying ... the land shall be divided by lot.

Joshua 14:2 By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Joshua 18:6 Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

Joshua 19:51 These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD.

Joshua 21:8 And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

1 Chr.26:13-14 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate. And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

Nehemiah 10:34 And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God.

Acts 1:23-26 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.... And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Note that all of the above passages deal with discerning God's will through random chance, not "gambling" in the sense of using chance or "luck" to win or lose money.

First answer by Wvafan. Last edit by Itchie.c2. Contributor trust: 575 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 23 [recommend question]