Can good Christians still enjoy a bit of gambling?

Gambling is a controversial subject, and perhaps even more so these days during COVID-19 times. Report after report shows an increase in gambling while people are losing their jobs. Are humans bonkers and brainwashed, or is this a natural behaviour? An article debating whether gambling is an artificial or natural behaviour suggests that gambling dates all the way back to the ancient Romans and Egyptians. 

The bible does not specifically condemn gambling or betting. What the bible does talk about is to stay away from the love of money.

1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We can also mention Proverbs 13:11, Matthew 6:24, and Ecclesiastes 5:10.

No-where is gambling directly addressed, which fertilizes the soil for debate, discussion, and personal interpretations. So let’s take a closer look at the modern situation.

Some might think of a flashy casino open 24/7 in Las Vegas. Others might think about a game of Texas Hold´em on a Friday night with some friends. Yet others are into playing the lottery or betting on horses. One of the most popular methods of gambling is to spend a few minutes at an online casino playing video slots. You see, there are all sorts of games and it’s convenient.

You might have your kids' middle school arranging a fundraiser for some good cause. You’ll likely be invited to enter a prizes draw as a way of donation. You’re more than likely to open your wallet and buy a few tokens, and thus enter the prize draw while at the same time you’re donating to the cause. 

Is this gambling? Lotteries are considered gambling, but if it’s for the kids? And if you win the draw let's say a family dinner at a local restaurant, would you refuse to accept your prize? The restaurant is contributing, the school is in need, so I bet you’re not going to say “No” to a family meal at the price of some tokens.

The Christian Post debates the topic of “should Christians play the lottery?” where the author draws the following parallels:

“Consider Proverbs 24:3-4: By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

If we were to apply the philosophy of buying lottery tickets the passage would read:

By the lottery my house has been built, and through great luck it has been established. By random chance the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

The issues of gambling are not always black or white, it’s not good or bad.  Mankind has engaged in various forms of gambling throughout history as a form of entertainment.

Now the average person can try an online casino that offers a chance to win real money.  With free bonus spins without deposit very little is at risk except the temptation to play more.

Ultimately, this is a matter to be decided by individuals. The Bible doesn't specifically forbid gambling, but it does repeatedly warn us against the pursuit of materialism, and it also repeatedly warns us against putting the love of money above the love of God. 

Gambling probably shouldn't be classed as a sin - but that doesn't mean that it's an activity that a Christian should enter into without giving serious consideration to their motives for doing so.