Lotteries, casinos, race tracks—gambling is all the rage in the United States. Whether driven by the lure of quick wealth, the thrill of winning and losing, or obsessive behavior, it is widespread and sucking in more and more people.
So far as I recall, the Bible only mentions gambling once—the Roman soldiers casting lots for Christ’s garments—although lots were sometimes drawn to ensure a fair outcome, as when dividing land. Although the Bible does not directly address gambling, its principles would deter a Christian from the practice.
The most important of these is the warning against covetousness, which Paul flatly calls idolatry. The Bible’s formula is work hard, give much, save steadily and build wealth. Wealth gotten hastily or through fraud dissipates. Extra money isn’t given us to fritter, but to use for the Lord’s work or to save for a rainy day.
Scripture also teaches us to be thankful for what we have. Gambling has a greedy, addictive, disatisfied quality to it—trying to beat the odds and make a lot out of a little, which goes contrary to the Christian spirit: “…clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for gratifying your earthly cravings.” (Romans 13:14).
Studies vindicate the Christian position. The latest volume in the United States International Gambling Report Series is titled Gambling With National Security, Terrorism and Military Readiness. Casinos, say the authors, siphon money from the consumer economy (which supports the military) and directly undermine national security, as for instance when gambling is used to divert money to terrorists, or when military personnel become so hooked on the practice that they no longer have the edge of preparedness they need.
Not surprisingly, thousands of pages of studies show that gambling destabilizes and corrupts not only military but financial and governmental institutions. Once again the Biblical position is found to concur with reality.
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