Gambling: Nothing for Something

Gambling can be tempting. But is it just about “having fun?” As Christ’s disciples, where do we fit in the alluring world of gambling?

Do you remember Pete Rose? When I was a kid, I knew him as an exceptional major league baseball player and skilled manager. But I also remember when he was caught gambling on his own team. In 1989, he became a bigger legend after being banished from baseball for life. Gambling ruined Pete’s life.

When Pete passed away last month, it occurred to me how much the world of gambling has evolved. Once confined to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, gambling has proliferated. It is estimated that 43 million Americans bet a combined $23 billion on the 2024 Super Bowl! Casinos are everywhere. A myriad of lotteries are in every corner store. Mobile devices have made it so easy to gamble 24/7 from our bedroom, office, or sports arena.

Gambling can be tempting. But is it just about “having fun?” As Christ’s disciples, where do we fit in the alluring world of gambling?

Nothing for Something

What is gambling? Gambling is when people take the chance of losing money or belongings and when winning or losing is decided mostly by chance. There are many kinds of gambling, including lottery tickets, casino games, bets on sports or video games, and even playing bingo or cards. It can be done in person, online, and now through apps on mobile phones.

Gambling is designed so that the winner, on average, is always “the house”—the business that offers the gambling opportunity. Over an average of plays, the player is always the loser and inevitably wins “nothing for something.” The odds of winning are stacked against them. If this were not the case, the gambling industry would go bankrupt. Today, computers and algorithms are craftily utilized to ensure the sequence of wins and losses lures players to continue playing despite losing, and then the house makes greater profits.1

By the Numbers

You may have noticed the flood of ads for gambling companies like FanDuel or DraftKings. Canada, and most US states recently legalized sports betting. These ads have helped transform it from an industry with $400 million in revenue to over $11 billion in just five years (in the US alone).2 A recent Canadian study observed:

All of this is contributing to the normalization of gambling. Something that we conventionally think of as a very risky and a very dangerous practice [is framed] as something that’s actually just fun and harmless.3

A few statistics illustrate the staggering amount of money the world spends on gambling. It is hard not to reflect on what these gambles could be more profitably spent on:4

• The global gambling industry is projected to reach revenue of $531 billion by 2025 (that is, losses by gamblers!). It is estimated to hit $1 trillion by 2030.
• From 2017 through 2023, the market size of the global online gambling industry alone jumped from $30 billion to $86 billion.
• In March 2024, the global sports betting and lottery industry was valued at an additional $244 billion dollars.
• In Britain, over 8 billion British pounds worth of National Lottery tickets were sold between 2022 and 2023.
• Australians bet about $244 billion in 2023. In comparison, the Australian government spent just under $223 billion on social security and welfare in 2023.
• Americans like to gamble. A whopping 60% of adults say they have gambled in the past year. They wagered a record $120 billion on sports betting in 2023.
• In Canada, there are over 19 million active online gamblers among its 41 million population. On average, viewers now spend 20% of Canadian sports broadcasts watching sports betting ads.

Principles

What does God think about gambling? Is it just fun and harmless? The Bible does not specifically address gambling, but that does not mean God endorses it. The following six principles help us evaluate gambling from God’s perspective.

 1) The Love of Money

Although it can feel exciting, “strategic,” entertaining, or like an escape, the heart of gambling is a desire to get money. According to Paul, the pursuit and love of money brings heartache, ruin, and pain. He warns us not to be fooled: “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9 ).5 Furthermore, he observes, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs [griefs NIV].” (v. 10). 

If we are gambling to make more money, and it significantly impacts our time, money, and mood, then we need to ask ourselves honestly: is it because we love money or God? The love of money, whether through gambling, work or other, is not a happy end and does not bring us closer to God’s Kingdom. Even if we do become wealthy, riches can “surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky.” (Proverbs 23:5 NIV). Instead of pursuing money, Paul encourages us to “Flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11 ESV). If we love and invest in these qualities, our lives will be much happier regardless of our bank account.

2) Quick and Lucky Riches

Gambling entices us to “get rich quick” by testing our luck. Ironically, gambling is purposely designed to be unlucky. God encourages us not to rely on luck, chance, or quick gains for our daily living but to earn our living through honest, hard work. Proverbs counsels: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11). Likewise, Paul encouraged the believers in Thessalonica to “earn their own living,” and “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10, 12). In other words, God intends us to work for our daily provisions and not to simply rely on the “chance” of hasty gains through gambling.

In Isaiah’s day, Israel forsook the LORD for fraudulent gods of “Fortune” and “Destiny.” This behavior angered God: “But you who forsake the LORD,… who set a table for Fortune, and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you to the sword.” (Isaiah 65:11, 12). Israel set up tables of offerings and invested their resources to test their luck on them—exactly like gambling. But all of this was wasted. The implication is that “chance” or “luck” can become a god we worship. “Get rich quick” schemes push God out of our lives and replace him with something far less reliable. Later, God contrasts the joy and fullness of his own servants with those who worshipped the gods of chance and fortune—the latter were hungry and full of shame (v. 13).

3) Trust God

If we rely on gambling to make money, it is time to ask ourselves who we trust: God or money. Jesus asserts we “cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 NIV). Our trust and faith should be in God rather than in money and gambling. It is easy to forget that everything we have is from God. David trusted this when he declared, “For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours… both riches and honor come from you… in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12).

God has, therefore, promised that if we are in need, we can pray to Him, and he has the supreme ability to help us. If we are poor, out of a job, in debt, cannot pay our bills, and have no money for our family, then God wants us to trust Him for help. He delights to help us! The odds of “being taken care of” (winning) are much higher if we rely on God than if we turn to a casino or lottery ticket. Paul encouraged the first century believers to develop this trust and faith when he promised: “My God will supply every need of yours” (Philippians 4:19) and, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NIV).

4) Greed and Covetousness

Gambling is typically fueled by an intense and selfish desire for something we wish we had or something that someone else has. It enthrones our personal desires instead of God (Exodus 20:3, 17). It directly appeals to covetousness and greed, “which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5). Instead, Paul encourages us to be content with what God has given us—even if it’s different from what someone else has. Paul wrote:

We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:7-8 NKJV).

When we gamble, we are selfishly frittering away resources that God has blessed us with. We earn wages, “only to put them in a purse with holes in it” rather than investing them in God’s house (Haggai 1:6, 9 NIV). Instead, the Bible repeatedly shows that God wants us to be good stewards of his gifts and to share them selflessly with Him and His people. This attitude is the opposite of greed and covetousness—giving rather than getting. Peter reminds: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV).

5) Addiction

Sadly, gambling can progress from being a problem to becoming an addiction. “Problem gambling” involves more than losing money. It describes gambling when it gets in the way of work, school, or other activities; causes mental, physical, or financial harm; damages a person’s reputation; or causes problems with family, spouse, friends, finances, and even work.

Gambling addiction is a chronic (lifelong) condition that involves compulsive seeking for or performing gambling activities despite severely negative or harmful consequences. If we become addicted, we cannot control the impulse to gamble. So, telling someone not to gamble, shaming them, or giving up on someone is not helpful.

Today, the gambling experience is purposely engineered to take advantage of a chemical process that exists in all our brains and is associated with all addictions. The layout of casinos, design of phone apps, and additional feel-goods such as colors, lighting, sounds, or nearby food venues all encourage the gambler’s brain to keep playing.

The anticipation of winning, despite many losses, and the excitement of a realized win are also potent stimulants to our brains. They cause the chemical dopamine to be released into our brain nerves, which provides an additional intense feeling of pleasure and reward. This dopamine rush further reinforces the enjoyment we are already feeling and makes us want to play again… and again—even if we lose. Over time, this repeated pleasure pathway can cause our brains to become rewired and override their natural braking system. It is almost impossible to stop without intervention and help.6 7

Is gambling a “master” of our lives or a loved one? Paul exhorts the Corinthians by correcting some of their popular sayings: “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not be mastered by anything.”  (1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV). In other words, Paul recognized that not all pursuits were beneficial, and our pursuits were not to rule us. Rather, we are to rule and have mastery over our bodies. Since the gambling industry seeks to become a master over our brains for their profit, we are wise to avoid gambling altogether.

6) The Poor and Vulnerable

How should Christ’s disciples treat the poor and vulnerable? God exhorts us to look out for the poor and disadvantaged and issues strong warnings against those who try to take advantage of their plight. Proverbs pointedly warns:

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (Proverbs 14:31NIV)

One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty. (Proverbs 22:16 NIV).

Overall, gambling exploits and preys on the desperation of the poor. It is founded on the losses, pain and suffering of others. For one to win at gambling, many others must lose. In 1999, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that those with incomes of less than $10,000 spend more on lottery tickets than any other group, while high school dropouts spend four times as much as college graduates.8

More recent studies have determined that the majority of gambling revenue comes from lower and lower-middle-income households and that the rate of problem and addictive gambling is much higher among lower-income homes, the homeless, Indigenous peoples, jobless, those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and those with substance or mental health disorders. Relative to the rich, the poor gamble more of their income.9 10 In the world of gambling, the poor and vulnerable become poorer and more vulnerable. They are the financial backbone of the industry.

Even if we gamble for “fun” or “entertainment” and not for the love of money, it is difficult to justify these reasons against the predatory side of the gambling industry. If we gamble, we are participating in and benefiting an industry that knowingly treats the disadvantaged in ways that are clearly at odds with God’s values and commands.

I Need Help!

If we are struggling with gambling or know someone who is, this is not an easy battle. It is important we recognize when we have a problem and deliberately seek help. Firstly, by regular prayer to our Father. But also, through the help of trusted friends and even specialists who can assist us with support and proven treatment. Sheer willpower and good intentions are rarely the solution to any addiction. Here are some starting points—links are found in the sources:

Understand Problem Gambling and Gambling Addiction: The Science Behind Gambling11 is a great intro article with a helpful video. 

Therapist: A professional and qualified therapist who has skills with problem gambling is a very valuable resource. The website Psychology Today12 is a great tool for finding a therapist where you live.

Gamblers Anonymous: Find support and proven skills at a local meeting.13

Helplines: Talk to someone, find support and additional programs and resources:

USA—(800) GAMBLER from the National Problem Gambling Helpline. (Their website also has some great resources.)14

Canada—Provincial gambling helplines are listed on the Canada Safety Council website.15 The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is also a great resource:16 (416) 535-8501 ext. 2.

The Facade

The gambling industry is growing in leaps and bounds. It is “in our face” more than ever before. And it is tempting to have fun or solve our problems with a couple of quick bets. But gambling is a façade—its outward appearance conceals its disturbing inner reality.

Any way we roll the dice, gambling challenges God’s principles, which are meant to guide us toward his Kingdom. It does not bring happiness and frequently destroys the lives of those who are sucked in by its alluring offers. Instead of investing our money in “nothing for something” games, Jesus encourages us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20) and to trust and love him rather than riches or money. Rather than run the risk of addiction, we are wise to avoid gambling altogether. Gambling is simply a bet that is not worth playing.

Nathan Badger,
Cambridge Ecclesia, ON