Each year in the U.S., people gamble away over $300 billion, and only a small fraction of these people see any gain from it. Some see it as a harmless form of recreation and many do it simply because they are addicted to the activity.
Some say, "I know it's not good to gamble, but what about betting on ball games in the office pools at work? What about playing bingo or spend a few dollars on the state lottery? Are these things so bad?"
To answer the various question regarding the rightness or wrongness of gambling, we must define what gambling is. Some say that gambling is nothing more than "taking a chance." If this is what gambling is and nothing more, then we may justify the idea that gambling can be lumped in a group with many other things - these could include driving on a busy highway, starting a business, or buying stock.
This definition of gambling gets to the root of what the activity really is: "The act of risking what is yours in order to obtain what belongs to another, without giving up anything in return."
Buying stock, then, though is does involve risk, does not fall within the true essence of gambling. When stock is purchased in a company, and the business thrives, the one who owns stock gains money - but not at the loss of another. All parties turn a profit. Whereas, with gambling, someone must lose.
Gambling is sinful. Why? Because it violates several scriptural principles.
It violates the principle of giving a fair return for what you get (Ephesians 5:5)
It is the false hope found in gambling which draws a person into the activity. If you remove the appeal of turning a quick profit, there is nothing left to entice a person to gamble.It is gain without productivity (Romans 12:17; Ephesians 4:28)
Some ask, "What if it involves only a small amount of money?" To this question we must respond, "What is the difference between a man wagering $1000 and a young person wagering $1?" Does the amount gambled have anything to do with whether it is right or wrong? No, it does not.It violates the principle of condemning stealing (Ephesians 4:28)
One may justify gambling by saying, "If all the people involved are agreeing beforehand to surrender their money if they lose the bet, then nobody is really stealing. We all agree to the activity." And so we must ask - does mutual consent make it right? No it does not! Does mutual consent between two people to engage in illicit sexual activity suddenly make the activity right? No it does not. And so it is with gambling. It is stealing just the same.It violates Christian stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Some Christians lose more every year in gambling than they give back to the Lord. Gambling robs God of what rightfully belongs to Him.It violates the principle of treating others right.
The pleasure which one receives when he gambles and wins must be measured against the pain received by the one who loses! (1 John 4:20,21). How can we love another person and at the same time enjoy gaining at their loss?It creates a bad influence (2 Corinthians 6:17)
A bad reputation results when others know of our activity. A Christian is supposed to be an influence for good.Gambling is also wrong because of the way in which it affects society as a whole.
It distorts character in a person.
A man who blows his entire paycheck in gambling has lost his character. Too many in our society are doing just this, and weakening our society as a result. The addictive nature of gambling for so many people is becoming a burden on our society in an extreme way.It fuels the fire of social problems.
Where gambling goes, organized crime follows. Our society is continually plagued with this problem. "White collar" crimes occur to a large extent because of the need for so many people to pay off gambling debts. Practically everyone who gambles loses! The only real winners are the organizers.
Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
1 John 4:20,21
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
