Are Slots a Sin? What Does the Bible Say About Gambling?

If you're a religious person, then you've probably always considered how gambling plays into your faith.

You might love the fun of gambling, but unsure of whether the Bible tells its readers to partake or not.

One big factor in many directions that the Bible gives is the intent behind the actions that it warns against. It does so in an effort to protect God's children from conforming to evil acts.

As you'll see in this article, there are many different verses pertaining to it. So, what does the Bible say about gambling? Be sure to read below in order to find out.

1. Avoid the Love of Money

Whether you're religious or not, anyone reading this can benefit from the rule of avoiding the love of money. 

The love of money is what gets you into trouble. If you're not careful, it can cause you to make immature decisions (such as spending more than your predetermined bankroll) while gambling.

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

In other words, the Bible isn't necessarily against the pastime of gambling. It's against the love of money that can grow from those that aren't  guarding their hearts.

2. Be Grateful for What You Have

If you've never heard it before, there's a common term in the gambling world known as a "bankroll" (as previously mentioned). 

A bankroll is a certain amount of money, that a person sets aside for themselves in their budget to use for when they gamble. It's the same as setting aside money for going to the movies or buying a new TV.

The key to successfully using that bankroll is being grateful for the opportunity to gamble and not exceeding the predetermined amount. 

If your bankroll ever hits zero, then you're done for the night. It helps keep gambling in perspective and never lets it get out of hand.

Hebrews 13:5 says to "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."

That verse speaks to the usage that some people have for gambling as their main source of income. To reassess, gambling as a pastime is fine. Using gambling as your main way to make money is bad.

3. Don't Prioritize Gambling Over Your Faith

The Bible's main concern with those that gamble is how quickly one's heart can start to depend on gambling.

People don't just depend on gambling for money. They can also depend on it to give them a thrill they're searching for, give them a feeling of self-worth, and much more.

That dependency is what can quickly shift your focus off of your faith and onto worldly things. These worldly accomplishments might be making as much money as possible or winning more than anyone else.

The Bible states that as soon as you reach that level with your money, you lose your love of God.

Matthew 6:24 is a great reminder of this. It states that "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Money."

4. Work Hard, Then Play

Another huge concern that the Bible warns against is that gambling can send people down a slippery slope of not working for their money.

The Apostle Paul warns people of the faith that they are to work hard for their money in order to receive fulfillment from the Lord. It encourages you to follow in their example and work for every penny that you receive.

However, as long as you're gambling with money that you've earned from your career, it's okay to try and gain additional money from it.

It's sort of like placing your hard-earned money into a high-yield savings account or a Roth IRA. That money will gain compound interest over time. You didn't necessary work for that compound interest, but the money you earned added more to it.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says that "the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat". The combination of working hard to make an honest living and guarding your heart against turning gambling into an idol will help you abide by the Bible's rules on gambling.

5. Guard Yourself Against Envy

Gambling as a pastime is a great way to spend a Friday night hanging out with friends or getting out of the house. 

It's not meant to brew up envy in people's hearts, but some people tend to find themselves leaning in that direction. They start to covet someone else who is winning excessively in gambling.

Heck, you might even envy the life of a professional gambler. The Bible warns to not use money in an attempt to fill your heart's void.

Exodus 20:17 says "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife... his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

What Does the Bible Say About Gambling? Maintain Perspective

So, what does the Bible say about gambling? It warns against using gambling purely for the means of gaining more money.

If you wish to gamble, then do so as a pastime. Work hard for your money and don't fall victim to selfish ways. As long as you do that, you're keeping in with the laws of your faith!

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