Question: What does the Bible teach about gambling? Time Magazine (2/25/91) reported on the rise of teenage gambling "...of the estimated 8 million compulsive gamblers in America, fully 1 million are teenagers." Researchers offer such explanations as state governments promoting lotteries; also "unstable families, low self-esteem and a societal obsession with money." 1. Gambling is defined as to play a game for money or other stake...hence: to stake money or any other thing of value upon an uncertain event; to hazard; wager. In gambling, a stake is involved whereby one stands to gain at the loss of others depending upon the outcome of some selected element of chance. People can bet on anything; that selected element of chance may range from a state lottery, to a presidential election, to a football game, to who is the winner of the prize from among those who have "bought a chance." 2. Gambling violates Biblical Principles. a. Some object that the word gambling does not appear in the Bible. b. Violates legitimate economy. It does not involve gain by reason of labor (Gen 2:15; 3:19; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:10); it does not involve exchange of equal values; it does not involve a gift (Luke 6:38; Matt. 2:11). Also, receiving interest (Matt. 25:27). c. The motivation of gambling is covetousness. It seeks the rewards of another's efforts. To covet is to long inordinately for something that is another's. This disposition of heart is condemned (1 Tim. 6;10; Col. 3:5). d. The attraction of gambling is this desire to gain without labor or fair exchange that which belongs to someone else. e. Obedience to the command to love our neighbor prevents us from gambling (Mt. 22:39; Rom. 13:9-10). 1) Mt. 7:12: Violates the golden rule. f. The Christian is concerned with his influence (Mt. 5:16). 1) These Scriptures are more than enough to show anyone who is honest and sincere that gambling is worldly and sinful in nature. It should be abhorred, despised and rejected. g. The fruit of gambling is corrupt (Mt. 7:16,18,20). 1) A gambler robs his family (1 Tim. 5:8) 2) The Senate Crime Investigating Committee (1950-51) as reported by Sen. Estes Kefauver in Crime In America stated "Gambling produces nothing and adds nothing to the economy or society of our nation. America will be in a bad way if we ever resort to taxing crimes and immorality for the purpose of raising revenue to operate our institutions." Crime has greatly increased in those cities that are known for their gambling casinos. The Reno police department says that 75% of the embezzlement cases are related to gambling. Suicides for gamblers are up 12-15% above the national average. Gambling is injurious to the morals and welfare of the people. It has wrecked homes and has ruined many lives. It is addictive. It is directly connected with drinking, theft, broken homes, neglected children and murder. George Washington said, "It is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, the father of mischief." Jimmy the Greek said, "When you put legalized gambling into a community, you ruin the community." 3. What if gambling is legalized by the state? a. Murdering babies (abortion) is legal; does this make it right? Divorce is legal, but God says it is wrong except in the case of fornication (Mt. 19:9). Anything that is condemned by God's word before it is legalized remains condemned after it is legalized. b. What if the gambling is just for small amounts of money? As gambling itself is wrong, the amount of the stake makes no difference. I.e., "I know it is wrong to steal a large amount; what about a small sum?" c. What if it is just for fun? A Christian does not find entertaining those things that are sinful before God. d. What if it is called a "donation"? This is just a euphemism, a word change to make what is in reality gambling more palatable. Thinking people can see that calling gambling a donation does not change the fact that it is still gambling. Because of the problems it breeds, gambling costs more to police than it can bring in as revenue for the state.