What Does the Bible Say About Gambling?
Money, the love of it, and the wisdom of contentment.
The Bible never names gambling directly, but speaks strongly to what drives it: the love of money is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), get-rich-quick schemes end badly (Proverbs 13:11), and contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
The love of money
Scripture repeatedly warns not against money itself but against the love of it, which pierces people through with sorrows. Gambling often feeds on that craving — the hope of gain without labour, and the risk of ruin that follows.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The love of money is the root of all evil.
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Contentment and stewardship
The Bible commends contentment, honest labour, and faithful stewardship of what God provides. It warns against greed and against trusting uncertain riches, urging us instead to trust the God who supplies our needs.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have.
Quick answers
- Is gambling a sin?
- The Bible doesn't name it directly, but its warnings against greed, the love of money, poor stewardship, and quick-riches schemes lead many Christians to avoid it. Motives and consequences matter greatly.
- What's wrong with an occasional lottery ticket?
- Believers differ, but Scripture's cautions about coveting, trusting uncertain riches, and stewarding money faithfully apply. The heart behind it — discontent, greed, escapism — is what the Bible probes.
- What does the Bible say about money in general?
- Money is a tool and a test. The Bible warns against loving it, commends generosity and contentment, and calls us to trust God rather than wealth as our security.
