The Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, lottery tickets, sports betting, or money games of chance, but several principles make it clear why it is considered wrong from a biblical perspective. Here are a few key reasons:
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV)
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils."
Gambling is often driven by a desire for quick wealth, which the Bible warns leads to destruction.
Exodus 20:17 (ESV)
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s."
Gambling encourages a mindset of wanting what others have, rather than trusting in God’s provision.
Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)
"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it."
The Bible encourages earning wealth through honest work, not through schemes of chance.
Luke 16:10-11 (ESV)
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"
Gambling is often associated with irresponsibility and unfaithfulness in managing money.
Proverbs 28:22 (ESV)
"A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him."
Gambling can lead to financial ruin, harming families and communities.
Many people who are compelled to gamble find they have wasted resources and relationships at the cost of their addiction.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV)
"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything."
Gambling can be addictive, leading to a loss of self-control, which the Bible warns against.
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV)
"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Instead of trusting in luck or chance, believers are called to trust in God’s provision.
While gambling may seem like harmless entertainment to some, the Bible warns against greed, poor stewardship, addiction, and misplaced trust—making it clear why gambling is not aligned with God’s principles.