Gambling And Spirituality

Would you consider gambling as being immoral? Some would argue that it all depends on one's perspective on life and spirituality in general. Others claim it is a thing of interpreting one way or the other. What do you think the Scriptures have to say about it? Let's find out!

The Bible Does Not Mention Gambling Directly

The Holy Book has no direct references to the gambling matter. Which only comes to shed more dark onto the subject, and leave room for more debate. There are those who are in favor of complete abstinence when it comes to wagering on a casino game, lottery, bingo, or horse racing. And there are those who accept in moderately and to a certain degree.  

There are some verses in the Bible that discuss the attitude a gambler has. Since the Bible speaks about the complete sovereignty of God on the things in our life, it would seem only natural to disregard any form of gambling. Why? Because gambling revolves around or the so-called notion of “luck”. We are also asked to work in a creative manner and do our best to help those around us. At the opposite end, gambling forces one to adopt a type of an attitude that requires them to do to something for no clear purpose. Moreover, materialism is also strongly condemned in the Holy Book, while casinos are all about advertising getting rich fast.

The apostle Paul expressed his views on the work ethic that any Christian should have. He talked about having to do all the work we do with all our heart, as we are working for God, and not for other people. The reward is the Lord's inheritance, and we should treat all of our activities with this thought in mind. The verse “If a man will not work, he shall not eat." is also to be considered in relation to this topic as well. Now some would argue that gambling does employ its fair share of work. After all, you need to put an effort into going to a land casino or joining an online venue, choosing the games you would like to play, and do your best to win. You will also need to wager real money if you plan on making a profit. You will also need to use all the skills, strategies, and inspiration you can gather and try to beat the house.

The Bible does talk about a few accepted means of making money or obtaining goods. One of them is labor for money and goods. Barter is also accepted, and the same goes for getting an inheritance or lifetime gifts. Nevertheless, the Bible strongly condemns a person trying to get any goods or money by deceiving means. And it also has strong views against one's desire to obtain something that belongs to someone else.

Is Gambling Bad Social Behavior?

There are some people who would argue that gambling is a negative form of special behavior, as well as a bad governmental policy. They are the ones who choose to solely focus on the risk of developing a gambling addiction, neglecting their friends and family, not going to Church sermons and staying home to play casino instead, and having debt. These are also arguments that could label gambling as being immoral. So what about those gamblers who do not ignore their family and loved ones or Christian duties, do not borrow money to gamble, or develop any gambling addiction problems? Those who like to play slots online at Australia casinos for fun, in practice mode, or for small wagers, or those who enjoy sitting behind poker or blackjack tables in land casinos.

Of course, there are also times when people who win huge jackpot prizes and donate some or all of their money for causes they support and believe in? Helping the less fortunate with the help of your casino passions can be considered a good act of generosity. So you might actually regard gambling as a positive activity instead of an abdication of the advice that the Scriptures provide us with, to love our neighbors and take care of the less fortunate around us. Think of it as some sort of “take from the rich and give to the poor” thing. Of course, supporting activities that will eventually make you poorer in the long run in order to succeed is not supported by the Bible.

All in all, money helps growth and supports good causes, helps you do charity work and prove your love for your neighbors and the poor. And gambling can earn you money, so you could choose to look at it as more greyish than black and white.