Q:   What is the Biblical reason for refraining from gambling?

A:   It is good that we are seeking Biblical truth on the question of gambling. Sometimes we merely seek the "opinion" of others on an issue. This approach allows us to easily dismiss the response because "one opinion is as good as another". However, if we can discover Biblical truth, then we can have confidence that God will be pleased with our response.

The word gamble is not found in the Bible, so there is no direct command against the practice. Therefore we need to define what we mean by the term. Gambling is defined by Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as "to play or game for money or other stake; to hazard; wager." By this definition, gambling involves some element of risk, stake or hazard, something to be gained or lost.

A typical argument in favor of gambling is that there are many risks we take in everyday life. It can be said, in a sense, that walking across the street is a gamble in which you risk getting hit by a car. Life insurance is another example. So is the stock market. An important part of the gambling issue is the "gaming." Games wherein you win money always require more than one player; you can't win money playing solitaire. Thus, in gambling, the winner always stands to gain by the losses of the loser. This is critical to answering the "risk" argument. Not everything in life that involves a risk is gambling in the sense being considered.

Gambling touches a larger issue of stewardship of the resources God has given us. God has provided us with gifts, talents and resources, which are to be used by us for the furtherance of his kingdom. If we place these gifts at risk for mere entertainment or for additional gain, we are not being good stewards.

I Corinthians 4:2 says: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." Luke 15:11 begins the story of the prodigal son who is condemned for wasting his living in righteous living.

The good steward of God labors for his wages. Paul states, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" Ephesians 4:28.

Gambling is often based on the evil desire to get money or goods which belong to someone else without giving fair value in exchange. The Bible calls this sin "covetousness" and makes it clear that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Romans 1:28-32).

For a more complete study on the subject, please refer to our tract, "What Does The Bible Say About Gambling?"

Thank you for this challenging question!