The Christian and Gambling

Mark Lindley

Did you realize that 2.9 percent of U.S adults are considered to be problem gamblers? The gambling casinos would like to persuade us that gambling is a good, wholesome form of recreation like fishing or golfing. What the casinos do not tell us is that the average debt incurred by a male problem gambler is between $55,000 and $90,000. Neither do the casinos want us to know that the suicide rate for problem gamblers is twenty times higher than for non-gamblers (one in five attempts suicide). No, the billboards advertising for the Tunica gaming business do not want us to know that 65 percent of problem gamblers commit crimes to support their gambling habit, and that the average rate of divorce for problem gamblers is nearly double that of non-gamblers.

Of course, some would respond by saying, “I’m not a problem gambler. I’m not addicted, and I view it as harmless recreation.” We might expect such statements from those who do not claim to be Christians, but it is alarming to hear Christians (?) defending gambling. Gambling is at odds with the Christian life for the following reasons: (1) It violates the principle of stewardship (1Corinthians 4:2; Psalm 50:10-12; Matthew 25:14-30). God expects us to use our money wisely! (2) Gambling is often motivated by covetousness and a love of money (Colossians 3:5; Luke 12:15; 1Timothy 6:9-10). (3) Gambling violates the golden rule (Matthew 7:12). In gambling, one must desire the misfortune of his opponent. One cannot honor the golden rule while desiring the misfortune of another; (4) Gambling is addictive and enslaving (cf. 1Corinthians 6:12). There can be no dispute about the addictive nature of gambling since 15 million people in America show signs of gambling addiction; (5) The known gambler will lose his ability to influence others for Christ (cf. 1Corinthians 9:12). Can a sincere child of God practice that which will hinder the cause of Christ? (6) Gambling violates the Bible’s work ethic (Genesis 3:19; 2Thessalonians 3:10; Ephesians 4:28).