Serious Christians want to ensure that their actions and behaviors align with the scriptures and that they are not unknowingly committing sins. This can get especially tricky for new Christians and difficult to navigate on topics our society generally accepts as harmless. One such topic is gambling. If you have questions concerning gambling, the Bible has answers. Let’s take a look at the topic of gambling to learn more.

Why Is This an Issue?

The topic of gambling is an issue among Christians because the Bible has a lot to say about money in general, and the basis of gambling is money. There are also very widely differing opinions among the Christian community concerning gambling, so it pays to look at the information to determine what you believe about this rather than listen to others.

The Root of The Problem

Gambling is often frowned upon among Christians because covetousness is at the very root of gambling. We are commanded in Exodus 20:17 not to covet anything, especially not material things. Gambling is, at its root, a desire to get more without properly earning it. This also uncovers another issue against Biblical teaching: “love of money.” We are told in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the “love of money is the root of all evil.” The root of all evil is a pretty hefty sin.

The root of the problem is that the initial desire to gamble is rooted in sin.

The Right Perspective on Money

Matthew 6 explains to us how we should view money. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth.” This is a simple, easy-to-understand instruction concerning earthly money and wealth. Matthew 6 says, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” God, in His wisdom, understands that all humans have a weakness when it comes to money. Dealing with money daily in the form of income, financial planning, paying bills, and purchasing necessities are already hard enough. Most of us struggle with these basic money behaviors on a daily basis. Suppose just the basic management of money is already a struggle because of our human nature. Why would we complicate the situation by bringing into our lives a practice like gambling that will further stir up these low passions?

Gambling does just this. It takes a point in our nature that is already weak and susceptible to falling and torments it with further temptation.

Gambling, Fundraising, and Innocent Games

Most Christians are not confused about hard-nosed gambling. It is a well-known scientific fact that hard-nosed gambling can be quite addictive for certain people. Families can be destroyed. Finances can be ruined. Most Christians understand that this type of gambling is a sin and should be avoided to please God and for the practical consequences, it can have on your life.

But what about gambling that seems to be more innocent? This is often where there is much debate among Christians.

For instance, by a strict definition, holding a raffle at your church fall festival to win a prize or throwing in a bingo pot in hopes of winning it at the end of the night are both technically gambling. So, where do we draw the line?

Here, Christians need to understand their own nature and personality very well. For instance, a person with a history of gambling addiction or someone with an addictive personality at all may have to avoid even the most innocent type of games that involve money. In contrast, someone else may be able to participate with no problem.

Most Christians believe that, in these instances, the motive behind the activity is crucial. A raffle for a fundraiser is just that, and you are only putting in money to help the fundraiser. You are not setting your heart on gaining wealth or more money through it.

An evening of church bingo is a social event, and the money pot is just a fun way for friends to compete with one another, not much different than softball teams competing for a trophy. The motive is important.

What’s The Right Choice?

Gambling for the sake of gambling results from covetousness, which is a sin. Christians should not participate in any activity that is rooted in sin.

Innocent games, raffles, and fundraisers with a motive of fun socializing or competition are usually acceptable for Christians who do not have gambling or addictive tendencies that might be twisted through these innocent events.

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