In Part 1, we examined how gambling harms our neighbors, exploits the poor, undermines work, and erodes contentment in God. In this final installment, we turn our attention to what Scripture says about the heart issues behind gambling—and why it stands in direct opposition to biblical stewardship, integrity, and trust in the Lord.

Gambling Is Rooted in Greed and Covetousness

The apostle Paul issues a sober warning:

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil.”
(1 Timothy 6:9–10, KJV)

Gambling is fueled by the desire to get rich quickly—to gain wealth without labor, service, or value creation. Closely tied to this is covetousness, a sin explicitly forbidden in the Tenth Commandment:

“Thou shalt not covet… any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
(Exodus 20:17, KJV)

At its core, gambling is the pursuit of what belongs to someone else, gained by chance rather than righteousness. Scripture consistently condemns this posture of the heart:

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.”
(Proverbs 15:27, KJV)

“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
(Luke 12:15, KJV)

“But… covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.”
(Ephesians 5:3, KJV)

What the world markets as excitement and opportunity, Scripture identifies as spiritual danger.

Gambling Is Antithetical to Biblical Stewardship

Christians are not owners of their resources—we are stewards. Jesus makes this unmistakably clear in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30). Each servant is entrusted with resources and held accountable for how wisely and faithfully those resources are used.

Money gambled is money risked recklessly, often money that should have been used to:

Provide for one’s family
Pay debts
Support the work of the church
Help those in need

Gambling is not an investment—it is an almost-certain loss. Even more troubling, it directly supports an industry built on exploitation, addiction, and deception.

Scripture reminds us:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad.”
(2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV)

God will hold us accountable for how we manage what He has entrusted to us (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Gambling Thrives on Deceit

The gambling industry does not survive on transparency. It survives on illusion.

Odds are buried or misrepresented
Slot machines are engineered for “near misses”
Casinos remove clocks and windows to disguise time
Online apps gamify loss to keep users betting

Scripture could not be clearer about God’s hatred of deceit:

“The Lord will abhor the… deceitful man.”
(Psalm 5:6, KJV)

“The folly of fools is deceit.”
(Proverbs 14:8, KJV)

“…full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity.”
(Romans 1:29, KJV)

A system built on manipulation and misinformation stands in direct opposition to the character of God.

Gambling Environments Corrupt Character

Paul’s warning is blunt:

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
(1 Corinthians 15:33, KJV)

Gambling establishments are commonly associated with other destructive vices—drunkenness, drug abuse, sexual immorality, and crime. Scripture repeatedly commands believers not merely to resist sin, but to flee from it:

“Flee fornication.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“Flee also youthful lusts.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

A Christian’s call is not to flirt with temptation, but to pursue holiness.

State-Sanctioned Gambling Opposes God’s Design for Government

According to Romans 13:1–5, government is ordained by God to:

Promote good
Restrain evil
Protect the welfare of citizens

Legalized gambling does the opposite. It preys upon the vulnerable, normalizes vice, and profits from addiction. Historically, gambling was restricted not because society was prudish, but because its destructive effects were undeniable.

When the state becomes dependent on gambling revenue, it has a financial incentive to encourage behavior that harms its own people—especially the poor.

God Calls His People to Trust and Contentment

Ultimately, gambling reflects a deeper issue: a lack of trust in God’s provision.

Jesus addressed this directly:

“Take no thought… what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink…
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
(Matthew 6:25–34, KJV)

The believer’s hope is not found in luck, odds, or chance—but in a faithful Father who knows our needs and supplies them according to His will.

Final Thoughts

Gambling may be socially acceptable, widely advertised, and legally protected—but Scripture calls us to a higher standard. When measured against God’s Word, gambling:

Feeds greed and covetousness
Violates biblical stewardship
Thrives on deceit
Corrupts character
Undermines trust in God

Christians are called not to follow cultural trends, but to walk in wisdom, integrity, and faith.

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