Gambling is “the act of risking what is yours in order to get what belongs to another with nothing given in return.” Two men betting $10 on the outcome of a flipped coin illustrates what is meant by the word “gambling”–as does poker, slot-machines, horse-racing, lottery and hundreds of other activities (yes, even pitching pennies).
Gambling is not the Stock Market. In this, one purchases something of value. All buyers, as well as the company, stands to profit. This is economics—not gambling. Gambling is not farming. The farmer does not expect something for nothing. He does not profit at another’s expense. His success benefits everyone and harms no one. This is enterprise—not gambling. Life is not a gamble. The crossing of streets and the driving of cars are not “flips of the coin”—there is control and such is in the effort of work (driving to work/market). The Stock Market, farming, life and other such activities are often appealed to in attempt to “muddy the water,” confuse the unsuspecting and to soothe the conscience of those who want to justify gambling. But all such activities are not gambling—the act of risking what is yours in order to get what belongs to another with nothing given in return.
Others make the incredulous objection by stating: since the word “gamble” in not found in the Bible, then the Bible has nothing to say about it, and thus, gambling in not condemned. Those who make this objection are not aware of even the most simple and foremost principles of Biblical interpretation. Question for the objector: Since his name is not found in the Bible, does that mean that the Bible has nothing to say to him how he may be saved, and thus, he has no means of being saved?! This objection fails to understand that the Bible not only teaches by explicit statements (i.e., a word or sentence in the Bible), but the Bible also teaches by implicit statements (i.e., “whosoever” of John 3:16, “he” of Mark 16:16, etc. applies to everyone). What the Bible teaches implicitly about gambling is abundant and clear.
GAMBLING VIOLATES THE “GOLDEN RULE.” “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12). “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” But, in gambling you are doing something unto another that you do NOT want them to do unto you! Such is a direct contradiction to God’s over all rule of conduct for the Christian (as well as any human being). The gambler’s motto is: “I hope I can do it unto you before you do it unto me.” The gambler’s motto and the Golden Rule are directly opposed. One is of God; the other is of Satan. No Christian can gamble and obey the Golden Rule! The Bible is clear: gambling is sinful!
GAMBLING VIOLATES THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT (in relation to fellow man). “And the second (greatest commandment, v:38) is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matt. 22:39). In the Greatest Commandment (to fellow man) there are TWO loves: (1) yourself and (2) others. But, in gambling there is ONE love—yourself. The Greatest Commandment says “Love others as you love yourself,” but the gamble’s motto says “Love yourself—period.” These two are incompatible. One is of God; the other is of Satan. No human being can gamble and obey the Greatest Commandment! The Bible is abundantly clear: gambling is sinful!
GAMBLING VIOLATES ROMANS 13:10. “Love works no ill to his neighbor” means you do not do anything harmful to others; you do not do anything that is not in their best interest. But, the whole superstructure of gambling is working ill to others—you win at their expense; your good to their ill. No human being can gamble without transgressing Romans 13:10.
There is no question about it—gambling is an act of sin. And sin is that which separates you from God (Isa. 59:1,2) and condemns at Judgment Day.
Gary Henson