Is gambling a sin?
Sports betting apps are everywhere, the lottery is at every gas station, and it’s “just for fun.” Is it really a problem?
The Bible never says the word “gambling,” but it speaks clearly about what drives it: the love of money and the hope of getting rich quick. “Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:9–10). Our doctrine is that gambling is not God’s way to provide for you, and we teach believers to stay away from it. In plain words: gambling is built so the house wins and you lose. God’s way is work, wisdom, generosity and patience.
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They gambled at the foot of the cross
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes and divided them. His tunic was seamless, so they said, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it” (John 19:23–24). The Son of God was dying for the sins of the world a few feet away, and they were busy gambling for His clothes. Gambling has a way of making people miss what matters most.
Why we teach believers to stay away
It feeds the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). It promises wealth without work, when God’s pattern is work and steady growth (Proverbs 10:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). It usually takes the most from the people who have the least. It is built to be addictive, and “I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12). And every dollar belongs to God first; we are managers, not owners (Psalm 24:1).
What about the lottery or a friendly bet?
Ask honestly: Am I trusting God for my future, or a ticket? Would I be embarrassed to tell my pastor how much I’ve spent? Could this money have gone to my family, my savings or God’s work? If gambling has any hold on you, step away completely.
If gambling has a hold on you
You are not alone and you can stop. Delete the apps, block the sites, tell someone you trust, and call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. God is a God of second chances, and He can restore what was lost (Joel 2:25).
What the Bible says
- 01
The love of money.
“Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
1 Timothy 6:6–10 - 02
Wealth that lasts.
“Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.”
Proverbs 13:11 - 03
Be content.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.””
Hebrews 13:5 - 04
- 05
Not mastered.
““Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 - 06
Gambling at the cross.
“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.”
John 19:23–24
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Add up what you’ve spent on lottery tickets, bets or casinos in the last year. Then ask God what He’d have you do with that money instead.
Common questions
Is playing the lottery a sin?
It is a form of gambling driven by the hope of getting rich quick. We teach believers not to play.
Is investing in stocks gambling?
No. Investing puts money into real businesses over time. Gambling is a bet where the odds are set against you.
Is a raffle for charity gambling?
A small raffle where the goal is giving is different from betting to win. Keep your heart on the giving.
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