On Gamblng
A behavior does not need a “Thou shalt not” to be a sin. The Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not use tobacco.” Yet tobacco is addictive, offensive, and linked to cancer and other diseases, even from second-hand smoke. (“Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke,” American Cancer Society, updated 11.19.2024)
The Bible also does not say, “Thou shalt not gamble.” It has been said the soldiers gambled for Jesus’ coat after He was crucified. In a way, no. The Bible does not say anyone bet anything, so we can assume no one did. They cast lots, and one soldier won it, but those who didn’t win also didn’t lose anything.
Gambling, however, involves betting money or a thing of value on a game of chance or event that you cannot control, like a sports event (unless the event is rigged). It is about hoping to get rich quickly, and it creates a risk of poverty, as our verse says. Even casual gamblers who just enjoy trying for a big win, and who keep a self-imposed spending limit, would not play if they knew they would lose every time.
Gambling is also addictive. Stories abound of lives damaged or destroyed by gambling. 19-year old Moe Pergament, distressed by gambling debt, filled out greeting cards for loved ones. He bought a toy gun and began to drive erratically. Police pulled him over. He exited the car and advanced toward them, gun pointed. They shot him fatally. A note found in his car was addressed “To the officer who shot me:”
“Officer, It was a plan. I’m sorry to get you involved. I just needed to die. Please send my letters and break the news slowly to my family and let them know I had to do this. And that I love them very much. I’m sorry for getting you involved. Please remember that this was all my doing. You had no way of knowing. Moe Pergament.” (“Man planned his killing by police, left apology”, Tampa Bay Times, Published Nov. 18, 1997|Updated Oct. 2, 2005)
Gambling is risky behavior, just like liquor is risky behavior. “Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27-28) No one plans to become a gambling addict, just as no one plans to become a drunkard or kill an innocent person while driving. Yet sin doesn’t just hurt those who engage in it. It hurts innocent people, too.
Some may feel they can control their gambling. If others cannot, shame on them. Yet would they feel the same if their loved ones were enslaved by this sinful behavior? Jesus said, “It is impossible but that offences will come; but woe unto him, through whom they come!” (Luke 17:1) Are you willing to be an agent the devil uses to introduce people to behavior that can damage and ruin them and their loved ones?
It’s one thing to gamble with money or property. Luke 12:19 tells of a rich man who gambled with his soul. His crops were plentiful. He planned to build bigger barns. Then he would say to his soul, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” (Luke 12:19) He was gambling he would live a long life, and any concerns about eternity could be dealt with at a later date.
“But God said unto him,” as Luke 12:20 says, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:” None of us knows when, where, or how we will go into eternity. God’s word tells how to have forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven through Jesus Christ. Please don’t gamble with your soul and put off the issue: “...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?” to learn more.
Brian Miller 8/22/2025