Gambling has become a prominent part of daily life in our nation. Polls show that between 31% to 37% of Americans play the lottery, up to 30% visit casinos, and about 22% hold active online sports betting accounts. Not all of them are winners. In 2025, casinos in the US reported a revenue of over $78 billion, while the sports betting industry hit a record revenue figure of $16.96 billion.

How should a disciple of Jesus view gambling, playing the lottery, or sports betting?

Gambling violates the Bible’s teaching on gaining wealth. According to the Scriptures, God allows us to increase our wealth through honest work (Luke 10:7; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:10), selling goods (Matt. 13:44; Acts 4:34-35; James 4:13), receiving a gift (Eph. 4:28; Matt. 2:11; Acts 30:35), or receiving an inheritance (Num. 27:1-11; Luke 15:12). God does not allow us to gain wealth by wagering on events or investing in get-rich-quick schemes.

Gambling violates the principle of brotherly love. The only way to win at gambling is if others lose their wager. It is a form of selfishness and mutual theft. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:39), and treat them as we want to be treated (7:12). Love does no harm to another (Rom. 13:10), but gambling does.

Gambling is motivated by sinful desires. Some defend their gambling as innocent entertainment. They know they stand to lose their money, and view it as the cost of having a good time. The appeal of gambling is covetousness - the desire to have more. Covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5), which makes the casino an idol’s temple. Take away the jackpot and the casinos, racetracks, and lotteries will all go broke. 

Gambling is destructive. The existence of Gamblers Anonymous is evidence of this sin’s addictive nature. The average debt incurred by a pathological gambler is between $55,000 to $90,000. Why does “what happens in Vegas” need to stay in Vegas? Sixty-five percent of problem gamblers commit crimes to support their addiction. The average divorce rate for problem gamblers is nearly double that of non-gamblers. The suicide rate for problem gamblers is 20-times higher than for non-gamblers.

Jesus will not lead His followers to the casino, nor will He turn a blind eye to our attempts to increase our wealth in unscriptural ways. He will not be impressed with our attempts to justify supporting the gambling industry as acceptable recreation. Our Savior calls us to deny ourselves of greed and covetousness and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Still think Jesus is ok with your gambling? Don’t bet on it!