This week, a gambling scandal rocked the sports world, as college athletes were accused of fixing basketball games. It is one of many times recently in which gambling has made news. Online betting platforms, especially in sports and other gaming, are growing rapidly. But what is the biblical view of gambling?
Once viewed as somewhat taboo by modern society, the idea of gambling no longer carries the same negative connotations it did in generations past, and legal gambling activities are more readily available than ever.
With that, participation in gambling is increasing in the United States, both in total gamblers and total dollar amounts.
One of the most recent national stories involving gambling came in the world of sports. On Thursday, January 15th, more than 20 active or recently active college basketball players were charged in a point-shaving plot. Players from at least 17 schools accepted bribes to intentionally lose games, purposefully score fewer points during a half, and engage in other activities that destroyed the competitive integrity of the games played. Doing so provided "guaranteed" opportunities for bettors to make money, as they placed high-dollar wagers on the pre-planned outcomes.
There is not much debate, legally or morally, that gambling scandals like that one are wrong. However, there are some who argue that any and all gambling is unbiblical and sinful. Others fall on the complete opposite side of the argument, believing that there is no difference between gambling and participating in any extracurricular activity that costs money.
As always, the discussion holds a little more nuance than the obvious dichotomy. But what does the Bible actually have to say about gambling?
This article will include some facts and observations about gambling, will examine what the political Right and political Left in America think about the subject, and (most importantly) will observe what Scripture has to say in relation to the topic of gambling.
Facts and observations about gambling
- 48 of 50 US states allow some form of legalized gambling (Utah and Hawaii do not), and so do Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Louisiana and Nevada are the only states that have state-wide casino-style gambling, but 46 states allow it in smaller portions of their states. 18 states, plus DC, have legalized sports betting. 17 states allow online gambling.
- The American Psychological Association says that easy access to gambling is at an all-time high and, therefore, so is the number of people who develop gambling problems and/or addictions. The correlation between gambling and other issues (additional psychological/psychiatric ailments, addictions, etc.) is high, as an estimate of 97% of problem gamblers and/or gambling addicts have at least one other psychological/psychiatric disorder and/or addiction.
- According to a study published in the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, over 90% of college-aged young men and over 80% of college-aged young women admit to gambling, at least a little bit. A similar study from Dalhousie University said that over 40% of college students actively gamble. The previously mentioned study from the APA says that individuals in their early 20s are the most frequent gamblers in America, something that was once reserved for retirement-age folks.
- Independent research from Yale University and the University of California-Berkeley concluded that men are roughly twice as likely to develop gambling addictions as women.
- According to a Harvard study, approximately 81% of gambling addicts use online or app-based gambling as their primary means of placing wagers.
- Gambling as a form of gaming is the largest type of gambling in the Western world. Casino-style activities and slots, gambling on cards and other games like poker and blackjack, and sports gambling make up the vast majority of legalized gambling money exchanges in the United States.
- Gambling companies made nearly $72 billion in gross gaming revenue in the US in 2024.
What the Left says about gambling
The Left in America is split on the idea of legalized gambling. Some Democratic politicians completely support the betting industry, while others are leery of the effects that gambling can have on individuals who move beyond placing casual bets.
- Many liberal politicians in America support the legalized gambling industry, largely due to the economic effect on their representative communities and states. "Education lotteries" in many states have drawn large support, and several states have already or are trending toward legalizing additional forms of gambling.
- Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic House of Representatives member and candidate for governor in Georgia, loudly called for the legalization of sports betting and casino gambling in her state.
- Kentucky House member Al Gentry has been very vocal in his support for expanding legalized gambling beyond horse racing, saying, "We have just enough [votes], so hopefully we can sway a couple more and increase that appetite."
- Many others question the ethics of legalization because of the increased probability of addiction and all that comes with it.
- Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal argues that legalizing more forms of gambling can worsen one of the "most severe public health problems" in America.
- Paul Tonko, a New York Representative, frames gambling as a "known addictive product" and says that it should be restricted and regulated more like alcohol and tobacco. In contending against online and app-hosted gambling, Tonko argues that betting is too easily accessible and that the industry intentionally targets young people.
What the Right says about gambling
Republican politicians in America are also split on the topic of betting. Some raise moral concerns about the practice altogether. Others consider it a matter of liberty and an economic opportunity for states. This is a slight deviation from the classic conservative approach to the conversation.
- A classical conservative opinion on gambling is that it is wrong, and many right-leaning politicians from previous generations publicly called it a sin. Today, there is still some of that, but most of the opposition stems from potential negative effects of wagering, rather than direct morality.
- Former Wisconsin House member Jim Sensenbrenner challenged his Congressional colleagues to consider gambling dangerous and public advertising for gambling a targeted attack on the vulnerable, saying, "For Congress to do nothing is the worst possible alternative...I’m afraid if we don’t, there are going to be people who get hurt and get hurt badly."
- Virginia Representative Bob Goodlatte specifically opposed online and app-based gambling because of its ease of access and lack of regulations. He said, "I do not believe gambling is a victimless activity… online gambling, in particular, can be more destructive to families and communities of addictive gamblers than if a bricks-and-mortar casino were built next door."
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee opposed gambling, and when his state voted to allow some forms of online gambling, he refused to sign his name on the bill.
- Contrastingly, Texas Governor Greg Abbot says he "[doesn't] have a problem with" gambling and even expanding the allowable betting activity in the Lone Star State. Part of his argument is that people are going to gamble anyway, so the state should be involved.
What the Bible says
The Bible does not give an obvious and clear Christian position on gambling. However, there is significant scriptural teaching that can be applied to a nuanced conversation about Christian betting.
First, a note:
There is no consensus among Christians regarding the subject of gambling.
There is consensus that gambling addictions are wicked, that greed/covetousness is sinful, that trusting in bets rather than God's provision is faithless, and that partaking in large wagers is poor stewardship.
Some who hold hardline stances against making any bets argue that gambling is a version of theft because winning involves receiving monetary gain without doing honest work or receiving a gracious gift and because losing essentially "steals" potential funds from one's family, church, and/or community. Any stealing would be a violation of the Eighth Commandment (Exodus 20:15- "You shall not steal."). That would also be true of any ill-gotten gains that come from less-than-reputable betting activity.
Others who rebuke any and all wagers say that any desire to increase wealth is inherently covetous and, thus, a violation of the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17-"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.").
Some even bring the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7- "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.") into the conversation, arguing that gambling is a type of blasphemous faithlessness stemming from not trusting in Him fully for provision.
The majority of the below argumentation differs a bit and will stem from a viewpoint that gambling often is wrong and sinful but that it is, in and of itself, a matter of Christian liberty when handled wisely and with proper perspective.
The issue of "why" must be addressed.
If not abiding by the blanket assertion that all gambling is sin, the most important part of this discussion is identifying the "why" behind a person's gambling. As is true in almost any activity, motivation is key. Jesus said in Mark 7:21-23, "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Often, the motivation behind gambling is sinful or, at minimum, a temptation to sin. However, that is not necessarily always the case, as sin must be measured from the heart.
1 Timothy 6:10 states that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils." Is one's desire to gamble stemming from a desire to accumulate wealth for oneself? That is clearly sin. Is it because in desiring financial security, one believes gambling is a better option than trusting in God and using the gifts He has given to make sound decisions with money? Obviously, that would be sin, too. Even in morally neutral activities, "shortcuts" to wealth are rebuked in Scripture (Proverbs 13:11, Proverbs 20:21). So, if the motivation is to take a shortcut to making money, that is sin, as well.
Similarly, there is a possible issue with the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17- "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"). To covet something is to desire something that belongs to someone or something else or for a person to desire something that they simply do not possess. If the motivation behind bets is to be able to attain new wealth and, therefore, new possessions, status, etc. for the purpose of being like another person, then that motivation is sinful, too.
Stewardship is another key consideration. God commands His people to graciously, generously, and wisely steward the gifts He has given (1 Peter 4:10-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:11, etc.), and that includes financial blessing. Simply put, whatever money that Christians have belongs to the Lord. If spending money on any activity—gambling or otherwise—causes an individual to jeopardize or outright abandon their responsibilities to his/her family, to the Church, or to society, then it is poor stewardship, at minimum. In fact, any wasteful spending would qualify.
Some gamble for the "rush" that comes with doing something taboo or something that comes with major stakes. That feeling certainly could violate the principles of stewardship, the love of money, or the Tenth Commandment. It could also present another problem with selfishness (Philippians 2:3-4).
It seems likely that some gambling is problematic and some of it is sinful. But it might not be the case that all of it is either of those things.
Is it entertainment or something more?
Many who argue in favor of Christians having the liberty to gamble (within reason), say that it is allowable as a form of entertainment. And, again, within reason, entertainment is not a bad thing.
An argument from logic says something like, "What is the difference between spending $25 to go to a movie or sporting event and spending $25 on a friendly wager? What is the difference between buying an extra snack or dessert for $5 and paying a $5 buy-in to play poker with friends?"
Let's unpack that a bit.
Entering into a "gambling" situation in which one, in a self-controlled way, pays a pre-determined amount to participate in an activity could be classified as entertainment. If self-control is lost, or if other immoral activity gets involved, the equation changes. Entertainment is not bad, in and of itself. However, that comes with responsibility for the believer.
Scripture actually seems to validate entertainment as a good use of a person's time and resources, as long as it is done with God's glory and commands in mind (Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 10:31) and with an understanding of God's place as the provider of all good things (James 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:17).
While denial of self is a biblical mandate, it is not the only one. Entertainment and fun can allow a person to better appreciate God's own goodness. Verses like 1 Peter 3:10-12 indicate that loving life is a good thing that increases one's gratitude toward the Lord, as long as the person avoids evil in the process.
Entertainment and fun can serve as a means of rest, as well. Rest, whether Sabbath or otherwise, is a well-known command from Scripture (Exodus 20:8-11, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 23:1-2). However, the Bible also requires work as a prerequisite for rest (Exodus 23:12). Recreation and other restful enjoyment are good things, as long as they do not delve into the realm of sin or replace commanded work.
Within Christian liberty must be Christian wisdom.
If gambling is a matter of Christian liberty, then it must be handled with Christian wisdom. Virtually every activity can be sin or lead to sin if the heart behind the activity is compromised. But, for the most part, that has been covered already.
Within the pursuit of wisdom, one must assess the risks of his/her activity.
Make no mistake, gambling can be extremely dangerous. It is highly addictive, it can cause severe financial issues, and, in many instances, can lead to disregard for the legal and moral.
For some people, it will never be a wise decision to bet. Certain personalities and/or life circumstances make an individual much more vulnerable to falling into the snares that exist within this world.
For others, it could be a matter of conscience and prayerful wisdom.
Final verdict
The issue of gambling is a complex one biblically.
In many instances, perhaps even in most instances, gambling is sinful. Obviously, some gambling is outright illegal, and Romans 13:1 makes clear the Christian responsibility of following the laws of the land: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."
Other types of gambling involve clear examples of wasteful spending (poor stewardship), potential theft or ill-gotten gains, or unnecessary risk-taking.
Even in instances of potential liberty, gambling can easily demonstrate one's faithlessness, covetousness, or love of money. Addiction and the effects of it are real possibilities that must be considered.
Handled in moderation, financial wisdom, and with self-control, certain wagers likely fall under the umbrella of personal Christian liberty and wisdom.
