By Pastor R. Hammond, Long Hill Baptist Church, Trumbull, CT
Originally published 2017. Updated March 2025.

This article is offered with love and compassion toward those who are struggling with this issue. There is hope. Please contact us if you would like help.

Gambling is more than just a pastime—it is a destructive habit that traps many in financial ruin, emotional distress, and spiritual bondage. In 2024 alone, Americans legally wagered $147.91 billion on sports, with over 95% of these bets placed online. A staggering 68% of online sports bettors and 81% of online slot players exhibited at least one sign of problem gambling. (FDU Poll, 2024).

This article will outline:

Why gambling is a problem
How believers can escape the temptation of gambling

Why Gambling Is a Problem

1. The Odds Are Against You

Many who gamble believe they will eventually win, but the statistics prove otherwise. Consider the odds for just a few common forms of gambling:

Connecticut Lotto Jackpot – 1 in 7,059,052
Winning just $2,000 – 1 in 30,961
Winning $50 – 1 in 669
Winning only $2 – 1 in 42
Powerball Jackpot – 1 in 292,201,338

Clearly, gambling is a losing game. Yet many persist, hoping for a lucky break—often at great personal and financial cost.

2. The Social and Economic Costs of Gambling

Studies have linked problem gambling to increased crime rates, higher rates of domestic violence, child neglect, and financial distress.

Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the presence of casinos in a community is associated with an increase in bankruptcy rates, crime, and financial instability (NBER, 2022).
Additionally, gambling addiction is often associated with higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide, as individuals struggle to cope with mounting losses and debt (American Psychiatric Association, 2023).
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that for every pathological gambler, at least 8–10 other people, including family members and colleagues, suffer from financial and emotional distress (NCPG, 2024).
These issues underscore the reality that gambling is not a victimless activity but one that inflicts deep and lasting harm on society.

3. Gambling is Unbiblical. Some argue, “The Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid gambling.” But this reasoning is flawed—Scripture also doesn’t mention heroin or cocaine, yet we know abusing these substances violates biblical principles. Likewise, gambling contradicts several foundational biblical truths.

Here are nine biblical principles that reveal why gambling is wrong:

1. Gambling Is Addictive and Enslaving

Gambling often leads to addiction, directly contradicting the Bible’s command to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:12 – All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

2. Gambling Involves Poor Stewardship of God’s Provision

God entrusts us with resources, expecting us to use them wisely—not waste them on chance.

Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents teaches us to invest wisely, not squander God’s blessings.

3. Gambling Reflects a Lack of Trust in God

Gamblers put their faith in luck rather than God’s provision.

1 Timothy 6:17 – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God…
Matthew 6:25-33 – Jesus teaches us to trust in God, not wealth.

4. Gambling Is Often Driven by Discontentment

At its core, gambling often stems from dissatisfaction with what God has provided.

Hebrews 13:5 – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have…
Philippians 4:11 – I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

5. Gambling Can Become an Idol

If money and risk-taking consume our thoughts, they take the place of God in our lives.

Matthew 6:24 – Ye cannot serve God and mammon (wealth).

6. Gambling Reflects A Wrong Love

The Bible warns against loving money more than God.

1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all evil…

7. Gambling Is Rooted in Greed

The Bible warns of the misery greed brings.

Proverbs 15:27 – He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house…
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver…

8. Gambling Encourages Covetousness

Wanting what others have—or seeking easy wealth—violates God’s commands.

Exodus 20:17 – Thou shalt not covet…
Luke 12:15 – Beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

9. Gambling Is Associated with Other Sins

Casinos and gambling environments often promote immorality, drinking, and other sinful behavior.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 – Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

How to Overcome the Temptation to Gamble

God’s Word offers clear solutions for those struggling with gambling.

1. Trust Christ as Your Savior

True victory over sin begins with salvation. Learn more.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. Ask Christ for Strengh to Forsake Gambling and Choose Righteousness

John 8:11 – Go, and sin no more.
Romans 6:1-2 – Shall we continue in sin…? God forbid!

3. Avoid Temptation

Romans 13:14 – Make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

4. Seek Accountability

Hebrews 13:17 – Obey them that have the rule over you…
James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another…

5. Stay Active in Church

Hebrews 10:25 – Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…

6. Strengthen Your Walk with God

Daily prayer and Bible study keep us strong against temptation.

Psalm 55:17 – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray…
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God…

7. Replace Gambling with Godly Pursuits

Ephesians 4:22-24 – Put off…the old man…and put on the new man…

Final Thoughts

Gambling is not just a financial issue—it is a spiritual battle. But through Christ, victory is possible.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." – James 4:7

Would you like additional help in overcoming gambling? Contact us today!