Is it a Sin to Gamble?

We’re in our third installment of the “Is it a sin” series.  We’ve looked at drinking alcohol. We’ve looked at tobacco and marijuana use, and today, we’re looking at gambling.  Is it a sin to gamble?  What does the Bible say about it?  

It’s Not Black and White

There is no explicit command in the Bible that says gambling is a sin. That doesn’t, however, mean that it isn’t sinful. Sin is not always a matter of doing something we shouldn’t, it’s also not doing something we should. 

James 4:17 “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

• Sins of omission vs. sins of commission 
• Context of chapter 4 – jealous of what others have, not content with what we have, making business plans without considering God’s plan, friendship with the world makes us enemies of God 
• Core Value – We give up things we love for things we love more. 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

The Bible has much to say about trying to get rich quickly. Those who build wealth slowly and steadily are more likely to manage it well than those who come into money quickly. Proverbs 13:11, Proverbs 21:5 

Proverbs 13:11 “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.“

Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” 

• Nearly one-third of lottery winners eventually go bankrupt within three to five years, which is more likely than the average American, according to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.Jul 19, 2023
• 90% of retail options traders lose money, 5.4 billion dollars lost in 12 month period ending March 2022. 
• Network marketing – covetousness, lack of contentment, “dream building” 

Gambling is Addictive 

We’re commanded in scripture not to be controlled by anything. Gambling can be highly addictive.  

1 Corinthians 6:12 “You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.”

• Problem gamblers often lie about or hide their gambling, which can make it difficult for loved ones to recognize. The best prevalence research shows that somewhere between 1% and 2% of the U.S. adult population, or 2 to 4 million adults, will experience a gambling disorder in their lifetime.Feb 8, 2023
• Even when you’re losing while you’re gambling, your body is still producing adrenalin and endorphins,” he says.
• Casinos thrive on other addictive behaviors – alcoholism, lust.  Almost every place you see a lot of gambling activity, you’ll see prostitution, strip clubs, etc.  

Cause a Brother to Stumble 

It’s not just yourself you have to be concerned about.  If you’re playing cards or betting over a round of golf, you also have to be aware of the person you’re gambling against.  Is it a sin for them? 

Romans 14:13-14 “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”

• Even if it isn’t an issue for you, is it an issue for them? 
• The goal isn’t to see how close we can get to the line before sinning.  It is how we can glorify God and be a light in the world.