Gambling and Its Impact on Individuals and Society

Gambling involves risking money or valuables on an uncertain outcome, hoping to gain at another's expense. It is fundamentally rooted in the desire to acquire possessions without honest labor, contradicting the biblical principle of "Doing to others as you would they do to you" (Lk 6:31).

Understanding Gambling

Gambling is theft because it represents a lust for possessions without working for them. For one to win, others must lose. The lottery winner comes to possess that which is neither an expression of love nor labour. Hoping to get something for nothing undermines the virtues of work and thrift and the desire to give honest effort in all we do. As the motive is to gain at the expense of another, it is robbing the one from whom they receive it, and is unethical to rejoice in the misfortune of others.

Don't gamble with your life or your resources

The Destructive Nature of Gambling

Gambling encourages laziness by developing a get-rich-quick attitude instead of steady achievement through hard work. It fosters greed through covetousness of this world's goods. The practice can lead to dishonesty or theft to cover losses, and discourages compassion and concern through selfish accumulation. It can easily develop into an addictive habit, with those who become 'hooked' squandering finances that should be used to purchase the essentials of life.

Don't let money be your master

Instead of relying on the Fatherhood of God and His loving care, gambling resorts to the fluctuations of chance. Instead of love seeking the best for others, it is hoping to benefit self at the expense of others. It denies our social responsibility as the average client goes home poorer. The drive is a selfish inward focus. As believers, we are accountable for our time, talents and money and should be other-focused, blessing people not stealing from them.

The negative outcomes of gambling are well-documented: increased child abuse, domestic violence and divorce. How can we participate in a corrupt system detrimental to family and community? If the principle is wrong, then it is also wrong in practice.

Biblical Perspective and Guidance

Throughout the Old Testament, people sometimes sought guidance by 'casting lots' or using the urim and thummim – stones kept in a pouch on the high priest's breastplate, used to determine God's decision in certain questions and issues (Ex 28:30; Num 26:55; Josh 14:1-2; 1 Sam 14:41-42; Neh 10:34). One of Jesus' garments was allocated by lot as the soldiers gambled to obtain for themselves while the disciples cast lots to determine God's will (Jn 19:23-24; Act 1:23-26).

Although Proverbs says the decision of the lot is from the Lord, God now wants to guide us by the Holy Spirit within, and for us to work hard and earn a living, not by taking advantage of another (Prov 14:23, 16:33; 2 Thes 3:10). Although living involves taking calculated risks based on wisdom and knowledge together with a commitment to do God's will, and group decision-making (voting on an issue), the outcome is not determined by the flip of a coin or dice that merely involves chance and luck.

Lust and greed are some of the vices that are to be 'put to death' as the Bible instructs. It also says to be content with what you have for "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" and dishonest money doesn't benefit in the long-term (Prov 13:11, 23:4-5; Eccl 5:10; Col 3:5; 1 Tim 6:6,10; Heb 13:5).

Rather than partake in a raffle for a 'good cause,' offer to give a donation, after all the raising of funds is what the objective is.

Reflection and Application:

Examine your attitude toward money—are you seeking it through honest work or hoping for quick gains?
Consider the impact of gambling on families and communities, and decide to support healthy alternatives.
Practice contentment with what you have, trusting in God's provision rather than chance.
Choose to bless others through generosity rather than seeking personal gain at their expense.